51–60 of 69 posts
> James likely also used the onboard sequencers on the Roland SH-101, while using CV and MIDI to keep different devices in sync. > These ambient pads were likely recorded with the Yamaha DX-100 or DX7, as these were the only polyphonic synths James mentioned owning at the time. He likely used the DX strings patches, as they have long attack and release times as well as mellow, sine-like oscillator sounds. > These wer…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
You cannot explain it though. I could say I'm drawn to Aphex Twin because it all sounds really diverse but someone else would say they disagree and prefer rock music because Aphex Twin sounds really samey. The problem with conversations about personal preference is it's not a rational decision. You either like something or you don't. Someone could try to intellectualize why they like something but ultimately that rea…
Then why talk about it at all? I disagree with this argument. It has observable qualities, and those qualities can be discussed. Preference is one thing, but there's more to discussions about art than what one prefers.
I found this and posted it to HN a little while ago, and it goes more in depth about it. "Techno Counterpoint - Tracking in the Music of Aphex Twin" https://disis.music.vt.edu/eric/LyonPapers/AphexTwin/
The thing about Aphex Twin is you have to try to reproduce it to appreciate what's involved I think. The sequence for Polynomial-C's main alternating loop is suprisingly subtle, and I haven't been able to get the rhythm quite right, and I think there's a deeper reason why it's not trivial. It's not just bleep-blooping on some modular gear. They're compositions. I found this and posted it to HN a little while ago, and…
Here's a fellow who smartly documented his work on doing Polynomial-C on an SH-101: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFkDH8t1Htg
One of my favorite songs.
A lot of Richard's stuff is surprisingly simple upon deconstruction. But it's his creativity in that simplicity that is key.
I remember the d'oh a few decades ago when I realized his snare rushes are just 1/64th notes.
This was one of my favorites in the early 90's, along with The Orb's Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld and their single Blue Room, Tango N'Vectif by µ-ziq, early Plastikman releases on Plus 8 Records, and Loveless by My Bloody Valentine :) Feeling pretty old, thought I just saw this same article just a couple years ago. Turns out several outlets did a similar article for the 25th anniversary of Selected Ambient Works,…
I dislike normal music but this game had a radio channel called "the journey". Still listen to it regularly at the gym.
The thing about Aphex Twin is you have to try to reproduce it to appreciate what's involved I think. The sequence for Polynomial-C's main alternating loop is suprisingly subtle, and I haven't been able to get the rhythm quite right, and I think there's a deeper reason why it's not trivial. It's not just bleep-blooping on some modular gear. They're compositions. I found this and posted it to HN a little while ago, and…
It's honestly not that difficult, speaking from experience. Here's a fellow who smartly documented his work on doing Polynomial-C on an SH-101: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFkDH8t1Htg One of my favorite songs. A lot of Richard's stuff is surprisingly simple upon deconstruction. But it's his creativity in that simplicity that is key. I remember the d'oh a few decades ago when I realized his snare rushes are just 1…
> James likely also used the onboard sequencers on the Roland SH-101, while using CV and MIDI to keep different devices in sync. > These ambient pads were likely recorded with the Yamaha DX-100 or DX7, as these were the only polyphonic synths James mentioned owning at the time. He likely used the DX strings patches, as they have long attack and release times as well as mellow, sine-like oscillator sounds. > These wer…
He typically doesn’t say what gear he uses for each track.
Anyone else find the music of Apex Twin not appealing? Like in comparison with for example, Daft Punk, what makes some people consider Aphex Twin as interesting music?
I felt the same way for years. I don’t recall which track changed my mind, but I started liking him when I had a realization that his music has a childlike element to it that I haven’t heard in any other artist. He often rebels against traditional electronic song structures, preferring instead to create sprawling expanses that finish in a very different place from where they start. I started loving his music after I…
aphex twin is probably my all time favorite artist but i don't really care for the usual suspects that people tend to lump together with him (autechre, venetian snares). the reason is that he is an artist with total mastery of rhythm and electronic music production, and he PLAYS with it and has FUN.
the only other artist i've heard that has a similar playful mastery is J-Lin, and it's no surprise that richard is a fan
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Why do some people prefer Daft Punk to Led Zepplin? Or Tchaikovsky, Frank Sinatra, Taylor Swift, Bolt Thrower, Sex Pistols, Tupac or any other artist? People like what they like and are interested in what they're interested in. A thousand people could post intellectual insights into their personal preferences but a thousand more could cite the exact same arguments as reasons why they don't like the same music. It's j…
People's individual preference is a thing, but it does not explain anything. But one can seek to understand the aesthetics of something none the less.