Before we get started on how to make experimental music, I’d like to provide a little insight into what it is, why we make it, and whom we make it for.
One of the things I've learned about doing and being around "experimental" music, both live and recorded, is how many things "work better" in theory than in actual practice. What "better" is may vary, of course; but as musicians we can know if the techniques and tools we have can rise to the purpose we're trying to set for ourselves and them. That consciousness alone can render a fairly large part of our "failures" of experimentation unnecessary.
The first time I read the book the idea that it is more about the doing than the making really struck home with me. I'm pleased to see it stood the test of time and that it mattered to other people as well.
It sort of gave me permission to just sit and 'do' and experiment! Before that I very often wouldn't even start anything because I was too tied up with the 'whole' of the piece - how should the intro go; how should I finish it; etc.
One of the things I've learned about doing and being around "experimental" music, both live and recorded, is how many things "work better" in theory than in actual practice. What "better" is may vary, of course; but as musicians we can know if the techniques and tools we have can rise to the purpose we're trying to set for ourselves and them. That consciousness alone can render a fairly large part of our "failures" of experimentation unnecessary.
The first time I read the book the idea that it is more about the doing than the making really struck home with me. I'm pleased to see it stood the test of time and that it mattered to other people as well.
It sort of gave me permission to just sit and 'do' and experiment! Before that I very often wouldn't even start anything because I was too tied up with the 'whole' of the piece - how should the intro go; how should I finish it; etc.
I’m happy to hear that my book connected with you. It’s meaningful to know that I’ve somehow made a positive impact on another artist.