2 posts tagged “electronic music”
This past Monday (Bastille Day) we went to Chicago to see & hear one of my early influences (Yazoo) perform. The team of Alison Moyet and Vince Clarke have embarked on a "Reconnected" tour after disbanding 25 years ago (bloody hell). It was quite an historic event given Yazoo's short career of 2 years and the major influence on many bands that followed. Vince Clarke, of course, went on to form the hugely successful duo of Erasure. Although Erasure also had a large influence, in my opinion, their songs have never had the depth of Yazoo's material.
To make the concert even more special, my brother was there with me. He (David) and I had a synthpop duo (Studio II) during the late 80s/early 90s and it's fair to say that without Yazoo, we probably never would have existed. I think we covered nearly every Vince Clarke penned song at some point. So, it was major groovy to be sitting next to him as Yazoo took to the stage after all these years. Goosebumps-a-plenty! It has inspired me to seek out and digitize all of the Studio II material and get it online. History is too important to simply sit in boxes in the basement! Watch for synthpop goodness soon.
The concert was excellent and featured many "true to the original" versions of classic Yazoo tracks as well as a few updated (and up-tempo) versions. Alison's voice has never sounded better and she genuinely seemed to be having a great time. Vince Clarke was, well... Vince Clarke. I think I saw him smile once, but he's not the most animated of fellows! The packed house at the Chicago Theatre was extremely enthusiastic, prompting me to ask David, "Where were all these people when we were playing?". In his usual witty way, he responded, "Chicago". :)
Anyway, a fun time was had by all and a much needed boost to the creative juices followed. That is all.
Along with many who produce music, my studio has become little more that a PC/Mac, speakers, and a keyboard. This sleek, refined setup allows so much control and infinite possibilities. What more could one ask for?
How about less freedom...more rules?
The process of composing electronic music (for me) used to be a lot more about solving problems and coming up with workarounds... a hackers paradise! Now, the computer sits at the ready, asking for instructions, which it will readily execute and wait patiently for more. I supposed the idea is that technology is transparent. It will do what you need, so you can get on with the creative process. For me, though, that series of challenges and solutions was a huge part of the creative process (and why I ended up a programmer I expect). Without those obstacles, it's become too easy for me. Where's the fun in that?
The New Freedom.
Around my studio, as well as various other parts of the house, sit useless pieces of electronic music equipment. Now I have my super efficient computer-based setup...they are of no use to me. Starting after the holidays (when time is a little more available) it all comes back out. I've started planning an elaborate system of cable routing so I can have quick and easy access to all these old gadgets...but not too easy. My hope is that throwing a little old-school technology (and complexity) into the mix will spark some new(old) ideas.
