Re: [microsound] eno: wired or tired?

[extra247@xxxxxxxxxxx]

I don't think Eno has ever been that interested in the composer - not in the conventional sense, and not since he started making Ambient music. This might make his comments more understandable ...

The early Ambient recordings are mostly based on loops (Ambient 1) or use early generative systems (Discreet music). Later stuff uses more advanced generative programs like Koan (especially his installation work, Kite Stories or the Quiet Club concept), plug and play music systems which operate without any need for human intervention. Also witness his involvement in the Long Now project and Jem Finer's Longplayer piece. 

You could argue from all of this that Eno's musical trajectory is one of eliminating the human element from sound generation altogether.

Eno's stated aim is to produce music that puts people in a creative state by modifying the background aural environment. He seems to intend his music as strictly functional sound tools - or to put it another way, music as perfume, tinting the air, a kind of aural aromatherapy. I think this is a metaphor Eno's used himself.

Given all of this, it's ironic that much of his output makes for some of the most intense listening music around; and that Eno himself has become so strongly identified as a composer and orginator of the genre. 

EXTRA Team
www.slowsound.net

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