December, 2003 archive

Fractal Music Lab provides examples and explanations of fractal music, music composed using the same types of iterative or recursive processes that are used to create fractal images.
It includes discussions of algorithmic composition, random music, Voss music, chaotic attractor music, Mandelbrot music and more. Each section provides a short explanation of the idea behind the [...]

Electronic Music Interactive is a multimedia primer for electronic music. Developed by the New Media Center at the University of Oregon, the Shockwave/Flash site provides sounds, diagrams and animations that explain the elements of electronic music.
The site gives vistors an overview of the subject, and demonstrates concepts like the relationship between the shapes of waves [...]

This site charts the history of electronic music instruments from 1870 to 1990. It’s a fascinating site that covers the most important early instruments, including the Telharmonium, Electronic Telegraph, Theremin, Ondes Martenot, Moog and even the electronic sackbut.
The main focus is on instruments developed between 1900 and the 1960’s. This is one of the most [...]

Electronic Music Societies, Studios and Research Centers – Here you will find information on studios, organizations, and institutions concerned with the production, research, and teaching of electronic and electroacoustic music.

What happens when electronic music fanatics open up an online music store?
Synth Music Direct is one possible answer. This site specializes in selling synth music from the likes of Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, Edgar Froese, Michael Garrison, Peter Namlook, Robert Rich, Steve Roach and Synergy. Their selection leans towards European electronica artists.
The site features reviews [...]

Ohm – This site accompanies the three CD history of electronic music of the same name. The CD collects music of some of the most influential names in electronic music history, including Cage, Eno, Riley, Reich, Xenakis, Chowning, Dodge and Ussachevsky.
As part of writing the CD liner notes, many of the living composers were interviewed. [...]

For a lot of electronic music fans, the pioneers of electronic music would be Brian Eno, Kraftwerk, Klaus Schulze, or Vangelis. For younger fans, they might be Derrick May, Juan Atkins, or Jesse Saunders.
This CD really goes “back in the days” to the days when electronic music was in its first heyday in the academic [...]

Launch – Yahoo’s music portal features mainstream electronica & dance acts like Crystal Method, Paul Oakenfold, Paul Van Dyk, ATB and Ian Van Dahl. Their electronic/dance radio station cariies a good blend of popular electronic music, and is available 24/7.
The best features of Launch is that you can create a custom radio station.

In the late seventies and early eighties, Roland seemed specialize in electronic music instruments that were under appreciated while they were in production, but became quickly became classics.
The TR-808 was created originally as a tool for studio musicians to create demos. It was also used on some early R&B and hip-hop tunes. Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual [...]

American Mavericks is a 13-part series produced by Minnesota Public Radio that looks at innovation in music in the 20th century. It’s hosted by Suzanne Vega, and San Francisco Symphony Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas provides insight on the ideas behind the music.
The website provides web radio streams of minimilism, ambient, electroacoustic and other modern [...]