How Aphex Twin Made Selected Ambient Works 85-92(musicradar.com)
musicradar.com
How Aphex Twin Made Selected Ambient Works 85-92
https://www.musicradar.com/news/how-aphex-twin-made-saw-85-92
17 comments
> directly sourced based on what RDJ himself said?
RDJ is well known for bullshitting interviews on purpose.
RDJ is well known for bullshitting interviews on purpose.
Sounds like speculation, but the sh-101 (which was re released as a fun little $300 battery powered toy, great gift idea) was at the time one of the most accessible synths at the time. Knowing that, they are probably just extrapolating that he would have had access to it because it was so cheap and widespread.
He typically doesn’t say what gear he uses for each track.
maybe not in the past, but at least his last full length had an entire page of all the gear in the liner notes. also the song titles are pretty much just a list of the gear used on the track (probably so he can easily recall which recording is which)
Notably the Cirklon. "Tighter than a gnat's ass."
https://www.sequentix.com/shop/cirklon-hardware-sequencer
https://www.sequentix.com/shop/cirklon-hardware-sequencer
It's very very very expensive and does less than my QY. But it's pretty neat.
This is one of my top 10 albums. "Tha" is one of my favorites.
Also of note, Selected Ambient Works Volume II. I used to mix ambient tapes from a variety of sources in the mid-90s, and this was always features somewhere. One good mix was Autechre's _VLetrmx21_ over Aphex's _Blur_. None of it is in sync, some of it's dissonant, but it works.
I miss 90s Ambient and IDM. Em:t label of was a top one. There was a sound to all of it, and it probably had to do with 99% being produced with outboard gear straight to tape. Everything now seems to be so over-produced and "perfect".
Also of note, Selected Ambient Works Volume II. I used to mix ambient tapes from a variety of sources in the mid-90s, and this was always features somewhere. One good mix was Autechre's _VLetrmx21_ over Aphex's _Blur_. None of it is in sync, some of it's dissonant, but it works.
I miss 90s Ambient and IDM. Em:t label of was a top one. There was a sound to all of it, and it probably had to do with 99% being produced with outboard gear straight to tape. Everything now seems to be so over-produced and "perfect".
SAW2 was the first aphex twin album I ever listened to, thank you for bringing it up. It was definitely a transition when I listened to his other stuff afterwards, but that also helped paint the picture for me of how broad electronic music can be even from a single musician. A lifelong love of electronic music grew from that experience.
[edit: listening to AT stuff today, I recall MTV included an Aphex Twin song on their MTV Amp album, and there was one on the Pi soundtrack. That's where I learned that he did more stuff.]
Even if it was about SAW and not SAW2, I love that this article was posted on HN today.
[edit: listening to AT stuff today, I recall MTV included an Aphex Twin song on their MTV Amp album, and there was one on the Pi soundtrack. That's where I learned that he did more stuff.]
Even if it was about SAW and not SAW2, I love that this article was posted on HN today.
SAW2 is one of my desert island albums for sure.
SAW has some great tunes, but it's basically just a compilation of some of his better early tunes. SAW2 is a properly cohesive album, a milestone ambient album. Peaceful and spooky, just enough sourness and dissonance to keep coming back to since it was brand new in the mid 90s.
(omg _VLetrmx21_ is such a nostalgic tune.. thanks for the reminder)
SAW has some great tunes, but it's basically just a compilation of some of his better early tunes. SAW2 is a properly cohesive album, a milestone ambient album. Peaceful and spooky, just enough sourness and dissonance to keep coming back to since it was brand new in the mid 90s.
(omg _VLetrmx21_ is such a nostalgic tune.. thanks for the reminder)
Xtal is one of the very few songs that I could not possibly imagine getting sick of, no matter how many times I hear it. It always seems to sound new, letting you notice different dimensions of it every time.
He used pretty standard pieces of gear, (Kroger MS-20, DX7) the difference is the obsessive amount of time he spent making music, and what he managed to get out of that gear. Weird, detuned moans, crazy skittering beats, all kinds of odd filter modulation and crazy stuff, and it all works well together.
Then he bought himself a Mac and made the Richard D James album, that was 1996(!)
Then he bought himself a Mac and made the Richard D James album, that was 1996(!)
(with tongue firmly in cheek) From here on out I'm referring to MS-20 mini as the 7/11 MS-20, to distinguish. The kit is obviously the Ikea MS-20.
This is funny and I'm not sure why its getting downvoted.
Korg - Ikea, whatever.
Korg - Ikea, whatever.
I've been considering buying a Korg SQFC64 for a while... :D
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 goes more in depth about it. "Techno Counterpoint - Tracking in the Music of Aphex Twin" https://disis.music.vt.edu/eric/LyonPapers/AphexTwin/
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/
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 1/64th notes.
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.
I remember that video and couldn't find it, thank you. The sequence isn't just the 5 step 3-note motif shifting back and forth, it's the 5 steps, 5 again, 3, 5, 3. So 21 steps that are hard to hear it through the reverb. What makes it so good is the listeners ability to lose where we are in it so it never seems repetitive. Bach's work is simple on deconstruction too. :)
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, so that was actually 5 years ago:
https://www.factmag.com/2017/02/12/paul-white-aphex-twin-sel...
https://www.thestudentplaylist.com/aphex-twin-selected-ambie...
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, so that was actually 5 years ago:
https://www.factmag.com/2017/02/12/paul-white-aphex-twin-sel...
https://www.thestudentplaylist.com/aphex-twin-selected-ambie...
Oh yeah, Plastikman's Sheet One was an amazing example of minimal Acid. _Glob_ still feels fresh today. Everything you mention I probably have a copy floating around somewhere. Bunch of Orb, Orbital, Future Sound of London, etc.
Aphex Twin has been a large influence for tons of well-known artists today. There is just something special in how his songs convey different moods and feelings, with one of my favorites being Avril 14th, which reminds me of playing Minecraft as a young lad, although I think 180db_ [130] is my all-time favorite.
Funny how Avril 14th is one of his most popular and recognizable songs while... not being anything like most of his works. It's a straight and fairly straightforward piano song.
This cover sounds almost more like the rest of Drukqs with a prepared piano https://twitter.com/kellymoran/status/1250132140290977800
I agree, I think it is at least in part because the song has been used in movies and such, but there's no doubt that song is an 'easier' listen than some of his more experimental work.
It’s never an album I like to listen to on repeat (compare with flavour of the day hyperpop album) but I come back to it every year or so and it blows me away.
Last time was recently, on a long transit ride through Toronto and it set the scene perfectly. I hesitate to say it’s a timeless piece of music (like a symphony) but it really does move me in the same ways.
Last time was recently, on a long transit ride through Toronto and it set the scene perfectly. I hesitate to say it’s a timeless piece of music (like a symphony) but it really does move me in the same ways.
If you like that selection of music, there's a nice 1hr mix from 1994, from Hearts of Space: https://v4.hos.com/programs/details/356 (track list info)
You can also listen to it here through your browser if you don't have an account: https://www.mixcloud.com/deepspace5/aphex-twin-hearts-of-spa...
It really is timeless, relaxing music.
You can also listen to it here through your browser if you don't have an account: https://www.mixcloud.com/deepspace5/aphex-twin-hearts-of-spa...
It really is timeless, relaxing music.
Christ, this an impressive album... I revisit it every few years and it continues to blow me away.
Shottkey 7th Path. Holy smokes.
The first time I heard this album was in a videogame called grand theft auto 4.
I dislike normal music but this game had a radio channel called "the journey". Still listen to it regularly at the gym.
https://youtu.be/CkqFGYr0hC4
I dislike normal music but this game had a radio channel called "the journey". Still listen to it regularly at the gym.
https://youtu.be/CkqFGYr0hC4
This is awesome. It reminds me of what they do on the podcast "Song Exploder." In that podcast, the host rarely talks, and instead all you're left with is the artist, and their explanations of where the stems for their songs came from, along with clips of those stems.
Everyone seemed to be influenced by AFX in the 90s? Or at least it was the in thing Todo, make ambient techno. Digging through the back catalog of techno artist you seem to find LOTS of 90s ambient / IDMish techno that are beautiful pieces of music. Speedy J's ginger and gspot albums and Luke Slater's the 7th plain albums come to mind for 90s ambient but now they are playing mind bending techno.
If you like that style of early warp IDM :)
Cassilda and Carcosa - https://open.spotify.com/album/5k8cHnULoBPJ7hlKWYchZG
RX-101 - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1nxxFDcQjl85Vn3PSZs651
Cassilda and Carcosa - https://open.spotify.com/album/5k8cHnULoBPJ7hlKWYchZG
RX-101 - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1nxxFDcQjl85Vn3PSZs651
Warp just re-release Artificial Intelligence 30th Anniversary on vinyl if you are so predisposed.
See https://warp.net/us/artificial-intelligence
See https://warp.net/us/artificial-intelligence
On [µ-Ziq Mix] was always one of my favorites. Girl Boy (£18 Snarerush Mix) is also pretty quintessential Aphex, IMO.
not to say i am anywhere on the same level as aphex twin, but all you really need to capture the SAW85-92 sound is some cheap analog gear and a cheap multi track recorder, ive recorded tons of stuff that way that has the same vibe
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 can't speak for anyone else, but the sheer span of sounds he wrung out of his gear is impressive, and to make them hang together in interesting ways is why I like it so much. It has real movement and dynamics, he's a songwriting wizard. One of my favorite tracks, "Vordhosbn" gets me so fucking amped, the beat is so bizarre and nervous and energetic. It's textured in a way some other electronic music isn't, it has character. Like "Yellow Calx" off Richard D. James Album, it has this percussive sound like a ball bearing ricocheting off the side of a warehouse near the beginning (which is a sound he uses in other songs I think) that I can't explain, but I love that sound so much. It doesn't happen again in the rest of the track, it's this singular spike of sound in an otherwise mellow and contemplative song, and it's really effective imo.
Sorry if this is annoying, I just really like Aphex Twin.
Daft Punk is doing something very different. It would be weird to drop "Bucephalus Bouncing Ball" at a wedding. This is not a knock on Daft Punk--I think they're great. But occupy a different space altogether and happen to also make electronic music.
Sorry if this is annoying, I just really like Aphex Twin.
Daft Punk is doing something very different. It would be weird to drop "Bucephalus Bouncing Ball" at a wedding. This is not a knock on Daft Punk--I think they're great. But occupy a different space altogether and happen to also make electronic music.
Daft Punk is fine, it's fun pop music extremely well executed, but it doesn't transport me anywhere. Listening to Aphex Twin always felt like I'm taking a journey somewhere.
It requires some focus, but doesn't need a massive cultural decoder ring like many kinds of contemporary Western art music. (I mean the post-WWII music by classically trained composers.)
It requires some focus, but doesn't need a massive cultural decoder ring like many kinds of contemporary Western art music. (I mean the post-WWII music by classically trained composers.)
Philip Glass is one of the post WW2 composers whose music does not need a cultural decoder ring. His music is distinctively Glass-ian, I think very few musicians have carved out such a distinctive musical identity.
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I have loved Daft Punk for a long time, but one day I wanted to learn more about Aphex Twin and IDM in general and I must say it's an acquired taste. It's like getting into whiskeys.
There are still some tracks that are impenetrable, but I've been enjoy this album and the works of Squarepusher a lot. Squarepusher has such a wide range of sounds it might be a better gateway drug. I love the unapologetic electronic, artificial, synthetic feel of these two artists.
These were my ways into the genre:
- Aphex Twin - T69 Collapse (https://youtu.be/SqayDnQ2wmw) (as someone said "it's like jacking into cyberspace, but the RAR is corrupted")
- This album
- Squarepusher - Terminal Slam (https://youtu.be/GlhV-OKHecI)
- Squarepusher - Hello Everything (album)
In general many genres outside of pop are an acquired taste. If they were easy to get into, they would be called pop. You just need to find a way in, even if you decide it's not for you.
There are still some tracks that are impenetrable, but I've been enjoy this album and the works of Squarepusher a lot. Squarepusher has such a wide range of sounds it might be a better gateway drug. I love the unapologetic electronic, artificial, synthetic feel of these two artists.
These were my ways into the genre:
- Aphex Twin - T69 Collapse (https://youtu.be/SqayDnQ2wmw) (as someone said "it's like jacking into cyberspace, but the RAR is corrupted")
- This album
- Squarepusher - Terminal Slam (https://youtu.be/GlhV-OKHecI)
- Squarepusher - Hello Everything (album)
In general many genres outside of pop are an acquired taste. If they were easy to get into, they would be called pop. You just need to find a way in, even if you decide it's not for you.
Like for example Daft Punk has a crystal clear sound that seems to have a certain warmth to it, and their seeming high production values, their good diversity of sounds in their work.
Daft Punks first two albums weren't like that. They were a little darker and had a rawer production value with very simplistic (read: not very diverse) sounds running through them.
To be clear, this isn't a dig at Daft Punk. I love their early stuff. I'm just making a point that you cannot distill an artist or genre down to a single sentence and use that as an explanation for why you like something.
To be clear, this isn't a dig at Daft Punk. I love their early stuff. I'm just making a point that you cannot distill an artist or genre down to a single sentence and use that as an explanation for why you like something.
Being trained to appreciate it.
Ambient music in harmonics or patterns is a lot more abstract and different then pop, so to the untrained ear it looks more generally like "static noise" and boring. Trained ears you can for example take notice of evolving patterns (albeit their usually slow evolution, seemingly repetitive). And it's not only about the stuff you're hearing but also about what could be and what I call the negative space in-between (sorta like the counterpoint in classical music).
It's the same phenomenon as to why you'd like more songs on a particular genre you're accustomed to like Pop, then to something different in patterns like Metal.
Ambient music in harmonics or patterns is a lot more abstract and different then pop, so to the untrained ear it looks more generally like "static noise" and boring. Trained ears you can for example take notice of evolving patterns (albeit their usually slow evolution, seemingly repetitive). And it's not only about the stuff you're hearing but also about what could be and what I call the negative space in-between (sorta like the counterpoint in classical music).
It's the same phenomenon as to why you'd like more songs on a particular genre you're accustomed to like Pop, then to something different in patterns like Metal.
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 noticed how much care goes into each track, and the wide array of technique he employs.
Xtal, Ziggomatic 17, Fenix Funk 5, Mookid, 4, T69 Collapse… these tracks sonically have little in common with each other, except that they all sound vaguely “Aphexy” as a result of his trademark playfulness and high quality of polish.
I started loving his music after I noticed how much care goes into each track, and the wide array of technique he employs.
Xtal, Ziggomatic 17, Fenix Funk 5, Mookid, 4, T69 Collapse… these tracks sonically have little in common with each other, except that they all sound vaguely “Aphexy” as a result of his trademark playfulness and high quality of polish.
> his music has a childlike element to it that I haven’t heard in any other artist
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
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
When and where do you usually listen to music? For me it's either while driving or while coding. In the former scenario, Daft Punk is great while Aphex Twin is too boring. In the latter, Aphex Twin is amazing while the melodies of Daft Punk are far too distracting. Perhaps that means Daft Punk is "better" since it is more likely to capture your attention.
But really, as others have pointed out, Daft Punk and Aphex Twin are different genres. It's like trying to compare Metallica with The Ramones. To an extremely untrained ear they might seem similar but they really aren't.
But really, as others have pointed out, Daft Punk and Aphex Twin are different genres. It's like trying to compare Metallica with The Ramones. To an extremely untrained ear they might seem similar but they really aren't.
I mean I could list reasons, but in the end, it just comes down to taste really. Different people like different things.
Aphex Twin: musical genius
Daft Punk: bangers
They're both great, but for totally different reasons.
Daft Punk: bangers
They're both great, but for totally different reasons.
Even though I love Daft Punk, Aphex Twin has way more bangers than them, probably in his back catalog only.
He's on another world, imo.
He's on another world, imo.
> He's on another world, imo.
Completely agree. I'm a fan of both, but to me Daft Punk made some very fun dance tunes, whereas Aphex Twin's music is broad, creative, inspiring, emotional.
RDJ made music that made other people want to make music, something about his tunes are simultaneously out there and approachable and genius and make you think "I could to this too"
Completely agree. I'm a fan of both, but to me Daft Punk made some very fun dance tunes, whereas Aphex Twin's music is broad, creative, inspiring, emotional.
RDJ made music that made other people want to make music, something about his tunes are simultaneously out there and approachable and genius and make you think "I could to this too"
I like his music a lot, but I do get tired of nerds constantly fawning all over him.
Drukqs was great because it was something different. He has been kind of hit or miss since then.
I really liked Syro personally, as a long time fan.
Same here.
I find I need to listen to most of his albums a couple of times before I fall for them whereas Syro clicked first time.
I find I need to listen to most of his albums a couple of times before I fall for them whereas Syro clicked first time.
Drukqs is a popular album to get stoned to. Although some songs on it are depressing as fuck and give me bad vibes. I love all the drill-and-bass songs though.
You can enjoy music with your mind, body, or heart. People are resonant against these in different strengths. Certain types of complicated or glitchy electronic music appeal more to mind/body types.
Just stopping in to say I found this very insightful -- thank you.
Why do people buy red cars when blue cars exist?
Although I don't understand the comparison - from my point of view comparing Aphex Twin to Daft Punk is like comparing Aphex Twin to George Strait.
Although I don't understand the comparison - from my point of view comparing Aphex Twin to Daft Punk is like comparing Aphex Twin to George Strait.
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 just part of the colourful tapestry of human culture.
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 just part of the colourful tapestry of human culture.
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.
But one can seek to understand the aesthetics of something none the less.
try to think of it as an artist with complete and total mastery of rhythm and electronic music production at play. play being the key word here-- he's having fun
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 reasoning only applies to them.
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 reasoning only applies to them.
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 agree however the question asked was specifically about preference.
1) I love Daft Punk.
2) His discography is so vast compared to Daft Punk, everything from prepared piano, ambient, acid techno, drill core, IDM/Braindance.
lots of different niche genres, but they all sound like him. you hear an AFX some and you're like, yep, that's RDJ."
lots of different niche genres, but they all sound like him. you hear an AFX some and you're like, yep, that's RDJ."
I feel the same way but about Daft Punk.
I guess different strokes for different folks…
I guess different strokes for different folks…
> 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 were likely recorded on the Roland SH-101, a revered analog monophonic synth from 1982.
So is this all speculation of RDJ's production methods or was this directly sourced based on what RDJ himself said?