Re: [microsound] Cutting edge???

[Ian Andrews <i.andrews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>" Making music with laptops isn't different from making music from splicing
>tape,
>which isn't different from making music with radios, which isn't
>different from making music with phonographs, the theremin, the
>telharmonium."
>
>Does everyone on the list believe this to be true?
>I do agree that the method in which most individuals make works is no
>different.  However, I have come across individuals that are using computers
>in quite  non-authoritative ways that are not possible with the above
>mentioned methods.  Just want to see what others think/feel.

In regards to the context in which this statement was put, I would say that
I have to agree.  I think Bob's point was that innovation occurs when
technology is used in a way in which it was not intended, a non-authoritive
use if you like.  The technology of magnetic tape and splicing tape was
made to put together radio programs and edit interviews, etc.  It was not
made for the purpose of making music. Likewise phonogaphs were made to play
recorded music, not to make music with.  An example of the non-authoritive
use of the computer could be the use of a game engine to make music.

I don't really think that just because a artist uses the latest and coolest
music software that their work instantly qualifies as cutting edge
(however, I don't want to reignite the old coder versus user debate).  And
anyway, the term cutting-edge really refers to the marketing of
technologies. Eg. you can have cutting edge video equipment, or cutting
edge sports shoes.  But "the cutting edge of musical creation" really does
not make alot of sense. I prefer the term "innovation." Innovative music
creation is really about the carrying out of innovative ideas through
certain technologies, or sometimes in response to certain technologies. In
order to know that one's music is innovative, one must have a reasonably
good knowlege of innovative musics which preceded it. Ignorance is no
excuse.  The making of musique concrete now with a computer sound editing
program is hardly as innovative as the production of musique concrete on
phonographs in the early 20th century.  But that is not to say that a
completely new take on musique concrete, made on a computer, could not be
accomplished. But I would argue that, this new take, which may be quite
innovative,  would be less the result of the technology, and more to do
with a combination of new (non-technical) ideas.

Ian Andrews
Metro Screen
Sydney


Email: i.andrews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.metroscreen.com.au

Metro Screen
Sydney Film Centre
Paddington Town Hall
P.O. Box 299
Paddington NSW 2021
Ph : 612 9361 5318
Fax: 612 9361 5320