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Coldcut
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The
idea that electronic music is in itself revolutionnary or even of
exceptionnal character should be dismissed from the start.
Digital sound is no more outstanding than digital image or text. The
revolution is a technological one. So why should the character of electronic music be
approached any differently from acoustic sound ? Has there been any parallel
evolution in music as a whole and in the Industry which controls most of the music we have
access to ? |
Digital
sound |
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...a world
on-line. |
Sex, drugs
and Rock n’ Roll haven’t disappeared, but general acceptance of
these elements into modern western social behaviour may have diluted the force of such
concepts as social statements and commercial catalysts, particularly in relation to the
adolescent urge to rebel and to create an identity. They no longer truelly represent that
eternal struggle between individuals, belief systems and generations. Today, the most
revealing difference between father and son is perhaps the level of initiation into the
social rules and behaviours slowly crystallising out of the experiences of a world
on-line. Competence in Information technology is becoming an essential tool and a criteria
for entering into society’s structures. |
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corresponding technological evolution of the music Industry and in the way
music is created, presented and performed cannot be ignored. Although it may only be the
trained ear that picks out natural sounds
from those generated or altered by electronic means, many listeners easily detect the
differences between the human touch of a drummer and the rhythmic perfection and
artificial resonance of an electronic beat. But this phenomenon of newly discovered sonal
contrasts is not limited to modern high-technology – Jimi Hendrix
was one of many whose success was in part due to his innovative exploration of a new sonic
repertoire, fruit of the evolution of his particular instrument. Indeed, the sound
generated by the first instrument made by man found its force through the contrast with
the human voice. |
"innovative
exploration of
a new sonic repertoire" |
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follow ? |
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