About Music for Drowning
Hi, my name is Qid Love (they/she pronouns) and I make experimental improvised music with my guitar and iPads. It’s not the only thing I do, but it’s one of the more interesting ones. I’ve released 148 albums so far on Bandcamp. This is my latest:
I’ve also written a couple of books, directed some short films, and headed a record label called Apptronica. I’m trans-femme / non-binary and autistic, which might come up from time to time.
I have an artist-initiated residency at Seattle’s Recreational Psychoacoustics Lab where I work on process-oriented harmonic exploration and contemplative improvisation with an ever-evolving ensemble of musicians under the banner of Cryptid Soup. There’s an on-going feature length documentary being filmed about my work there and the system of harmony that I developed.
What this is all about
Here at Music for Drowning, I write primarily about my experimental improvised music, doing weird stuff with iPads, and existing as a human artist in the world today.
One-on-One Coaching
I’m also a trained creativity and existential wellness coach. Check out One-on-One Coaching with Qid!
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My quick and easy bio
Seattle neuroqueer prophetex Qid Love (they/she) crafts deeply personal sonic sanctuaries at the intersection of spiritual practice and experimental music. Through a distinctive blend of guitar and electronics, they create meditative improvisations that challenge conventional approaches to harmony and structure. Their prolific output of nearly 150 albums recorded over a span of just 17 years showcases a fearless commitment to musical exploration and experimentation.
My longer-winded official-ish artist bio
Qid Love is a trailblazing artist, pushing the boundaries of experimental improvised music with their unique blend of guitar mastery and iPad wizardry. As a trans/non-binary autistic individual embracing their authentic self, Qid Love's artistic practice is deeply intertwined with their personal journey of self-discovery and resistance against societal norms.
At the core of Qid Love's musical philosophy lies the fusion of improvisation, drone, glitch, and noise. Their practice embraces the meditative qualities of improvisation, creating an environment for emotional and spiritual exploration. By incorporating unconventional apps and their own system of harmonic studies, Qid Love crafts innovative sounds and structures that defy genre limitations and challenge traditional narratives.
Beginning with classical violin and transitioning to keyboards, Qid’s journey with music ultimately led them to the guitar, which became their primary instrument. In the early 90s, they honed their craft while performing in clubs across Germany, and later found their voice as a singer-songwriter in Washington. Embracing the studio as an instrument concept in the mid-2000s, Qid Love released a number of instrumental guitar albums under the moniker Echo Root.
A pivotal moment occurred when they discovered iOS/iPad music production in 2012, propelling them into the world of electronic and experimental music. Despite facing physical challenges due to nerve inflammation, Qid Love's resilience and artistic passion drove them to release a staggering 118 albums as Mood481 between 2013 and 2020. They also authored books on iOS music making and founded the Apptronica music label, cementing their influence in the digital music realm.
Through their music, Qid Love aims to create a sanctuary for themselves and others who feel alienated in a neurotypical and cisheteropatriarchal world.
Press
No Transmission Review of The World is Full of Suffering
Seattle resident Qid Love creates an immersive world with the single "The World is Full of Suffering." With a title like that, one might expect a tortured noise cut; however, Qid Love ruminates on the bleak with peculiar warmth. Using both ominous and gentle tones, Love mutates signals and tones with glitchy dexterity, juxtaposing roaming dreamy ambiences with frantic rhythmic expressions, unpredictable splutters of hard-to-pinpoint instrumentation, and broody electric guitar work throughout the track's twenty-minute playing time. Having amassed a substantial back catalogue under Mood481, Love has developed their own highly idiosyncratic language, spoken with conviction on "The World is Full of Suffering".
Honk Magazine Review of The World is Full of Suffering
Qid Love’s latest single, “The World is Full of Suffering,” is a breathtaking composition that effortlessly blends classic electronic and jazz influences into a mesmerizing sonic experience. With their unparalleled guitar mastery and innovative use of iPad wizardry, Qid Love showcases their trailblazing artistry and pushes the boundaries of experimental improvised music.
From the first note, the song envelops the listener in a captivating atmosphere, taking them on a profound journey of emotions. The fusion of electronic elements and jazz improvisation creates a unique sonic landscape that is both soothing and thought-provoking. Qid Love’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the composition, from the intricate melodies to the rich textures that permeate the track.
“The World is Full of Suffering” is a testament to Qid Love’s artistic vision and ability to defy genre limitations, challenging traditional narratives that resonate with the soul. With this single, Qid Love creates a sanctuary for many, inviting all to embrace our authentic selves and find solace in a world that can be filled with pain and turmoil.
https://honkmagazine.com/qid-loves-the-world-is-full-of-suffering-stirs-with-electronic-and-jazz/
Thanks for checking out Music for Drowning!
