On 3/27/07, David Powers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Dude seriously, I don't know who you've seen using software, but it really is that easy with a computer. In fact, these days I've been experimenting with literally writing new patterns on the fly, DURING my live PA in Ableton ... Once you have a couple synths that you like then it's really easy to use them quick and dial in exactly what you want, often in under a minute, and making a new pattern in a piano roll is pretty quick too. A 5 year old could do it.
my 5 year old son can turn on a 101 and play notes on it. while he is now learning his way around a computer, i guarantee that he couldnt get even the most simple computer based music setup going without alot of help. thats what this is all about. it should be so easy a child could do it!
Ah, well you have a point there, this we can agree on. In fact I notice a distinct difference between my music and many of my friends on this point, because I'm a trained composer and have been a professional piano player.
im not surprised that there is a difference, even though even being trained is not really important. striving for something beyond "a cool synth sound" is what is important, and that doesnt seem to be entering a lot of producers' minds.....
Anyway, I don't think people are at fault exactly. The problem is a lack of knowledge. Lack of knowledge of rhythm, harmony, and how to put those things together in a techno context (it is NOT the same as writing a pop, rock, jazz, or classical song ...). However, I don't think the theory that is out there, is presented in a way that makes sense or appeals to techno musicians. So it's not surprising that people don't know how to create interesting "compositions".
i dont disagree with this, either. but the thing is, worrying too much about theory or anything like that can detract from the main idea as well! progressive rock is guilty of this, punk showed up to check that musical direction. disco is the same, it could go way overboard with the strings and whatnot, then house showed up and checked it back into something more useful. there's a line there that needs to be straddled, in some ways traditional music should be embraced but in others it should be shunned. and the same for modern ideas. im not even sure its possible to make a generalization about where that line lies. but i think it is easy to hear it.
This is why lately, I have seriously been considering writing a book called "Music Theory for Techno Artists" or something like that, that takes a new approach to theory. It would explain harmony, but it would not focus on typical pop progressions, but rather use a more mathematical approach to harmony, based more on what 20th century composers and jazz musicians do.
that is really an outstanding idea. you should do it. tom
