Re: [microsound] audio software environments

[Anthony Saunders <anthony@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Oct 11, 2004, at 10:20 PM, Michael Wright wrote:

> In my opinion many computer musicians that program their own software 
> environments seem to produce music that doesn't justify the time and 
> effort it takes to create such programs (i.e. why create a granular 
> tool in msp when run of the mill audio software or freeware can do 
> much the same only better sounding and in far less time?).
> Do you think computer musicians are trying to widen the gap between 
> the tools they use and that of the mainstream media?

Ha! That's going to encourage some flames!

But seriously, the reason to use max/msp etc to make your own music is 
twofold:

1) if you know exactly what you want, you can make it.

2) if you don't know exactly what you want, you might discover it or 
accidentally create it.

There is also the simple joy of becoming intimately involved in the 
creation of your musical tools. Many electronic musicians do this kind 
of thing, whether it be modifying amplifiers to create distortion, 
circuit bending toys or writing your own software. It can be an 
exceptionally satisfying experience.

I'd also take issue with the "sounding better in far less time", but 
I'll leave that to someone feeling more wound up about it.


Anthony
(who is soon going to be posting about a generative max/msp patch he's 
making available...)


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