Good evening, hope this post finds you well and that you are keeping safe during these worrying times? That feels like the standard way to open every message right now one of many signs of the times. While the majority of the content I've been seeing produced has been vapid, trying to get a share of the hype with momentary fads and forgettable trends, it's undeniable that the blunt change in lifestyle has bred some authentic, isolated cultural and societal instances. Home video is everywhere, clapping for the NHS was a real heartfelt moment, but actually it's the nuances of things that seem to be happening naturally that I've found interesting. In general, people are friendlier and more polite outside when you do encounter each other on your run or whatever, for London at least, and WhatsApp voice messages, themselves spreading at viral speed. The giant lasagne being cooked underneath Wembley Stadium is like some sort of myth of the quarantine period, generating a myriad off-shoot stories from its sturdy core. The one that has struck me the most exciting, has been a version of Billie Eilish's 'ILOMO', supposedly '8D Music', in reality 3D binaural audio. [I have no good visuals this time, so enjoy some pictures of my dog]
Listen to the track here (with headphones). It's an absolutely incredible example of the technique used in post-production, essentially using a panner and reverb, but it's immaculately mixed so that the sound literally sounds like it's floating around inside your head. Of course, it's just something cool to pass along once you've listened, but I really think there's a larger comment on our current reality. Human beings aren't going to lose their interest in music, and a fundamental part of what makes it so brilliant to us is sharing a sonic experience with the people around you, hence why moments from live music stick so vividly in our minds for years and years. If we're unable to be with each other physically, this desire to share has to take a new form, and listening to a track like this for the first time evokes a unique reaction that can make us feel connected to each other in the novelty of this 'sonic experience'. It's a new connection, outside of the memories from normality, that still feels personal in the word-of-mouth method of passing from one to another on WhatsApp.
As I was writing up the points I wanted to cover for this yesterday, Max Cooper released a version of his track 'Synthesis' using the same 3D binaural processing technique, which is available here with great visuals from Kevin McGloughlin as usual. It's not quite as dramatic as the above, but still highlights the sheer amount of space there is within the sound environment that isn't usually utilised. He gives a much more in-depth explanation of the science behind 3D music in the description, and the timing of this release made me wonder if this is something we're going to see more of in the coming months. With live music essentially of the cards and everybody clambering to fill the void of potential exploration in the enjoyment of music, perhaps it is time to truly rethink the listening experience itself? How much beauty can you hide in the corners of the world that's being built between your ears?
As of yet, the effect is only achieved when you wear your earphones to separate the sound waves, but technology never ceases to advance. Should these effects be achievable or even elevated within a home sound system or exhibition space, I can imagine that the journeys you could be taken on artistically could be sensational. Yoga sessions could transcend into all-encompassing ambience. The illusion of VR could be taken further and further. Maybe it's not possible, but the current state of the world has made me realise that culture will constantly evolve and adapt to still bring the most incredible ideas to light, no matter how heavy the restrictions.
In terms of the electronic music industry's attempts to keep 'live' music continuing, there have been plenty of amazing streams going on. Resident Advisor had a whole virtual club, Club Quarantรคne, going on all weekend, although the sets were prerecorded. I really enjoyed Mall Grab's Boiler Room, but DJ EZ definitely took the cake with a 24 hour set. Shoutout to Bandcamp also for a 24 hour period of waiving revenue shares, meaning musicians made $4.3million for their own music.
On that note, there has been plenty of amazing great music to keep us going! Bicep finally released the first track from their upcoming project, 'Atlas', signalling hope that dance floors could be worth the wait when summer comes round. Maribou State released their 'fabric presents' instalment, blending some dance tunes in with soulful classic sounds, a real spread of genres and consistent movement between acoustic and digital, vintage and contemporary. Little Dragon delivered a new wave of mostly chilled vibes, with a couple tracks to get you moving mixed in, but the most exciting release for me has been Nicholas Jaar's 'Cenizas'. It's as off the wall as you'd expect, drawing sounds from a variety of classical areas, from solo piano to the celestial sounds of male choir. With moments of intense, industrial grit to balance the album out, the overall tone never loses the gentle grace of a single, snow-white feather while it floats above an endless, menacing chasm. Check it all out and some more great tracks in the playlist here, and as ever, stay safe during these worrying times. xx
