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writing a paper about trance music....
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| holycow24 |
hey guys,
i am working on this paper (due tomorrow! eek!) about terry riley, the minimalist composer & how his music can be related to the trance music we all listen to today. i have this set of questions that i've been sending to friends, and I was wondering if any of you would respond to them? any or all, it doesn't matter, but the more quotations I can draw upon for the paper, the better. The questions are below & if you could give me a name to use if i quote you, that'd be cool too.
thanks!!!
<3 Rachel
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For the creators of electronic music:
1. What type of music do you create (i.e. trance, house, trip-hop, ambient, etc.)?
2. What attracts you to creating that specific type of music?
3. How much music theory/training do you know/have?
4. Where do you acquire your samples? (i.e. do you record your own? buy them? download them?)
5. Do you ever use real instruments in the music you create?
6. Do you consider the creation of electronic music composition, production, both, or neither? Why?
For the listeners of electronic music:
1. Why do you enjoy listening to electronic music?
2. How well can you differentiate between genres of electronic music? (i.e. trance, goa, house, trip-hop, ambient, hardcore, etc.)
3. How does electronic music affect you (your mood, your emotions, etc.)?
4. How does the repetition in electronic music affect you? (i.e. does it bore you? excite you? etc.)
5. Where do you usually listen to electronic music?
6. What other styles of music do you prefer? How do they affect you?
For everyone:
1. Have you ever heard of the minimalist composer, Terry Riley?
2. If yes, would you associate him with the trance music of today in any way?
3. Whether you've heard of him or not, please answer this question. Terry Riley once said, "You can get high by getting in one groove. You can get high by staying on one note, there's different ways but that's definitely a way to ecstasy . . . It's a real need to experience music in a deeper, more continuous way, rather than as wallpaper, or a very quick hit." How does this quotation relate to the way you hear electronic music, especially trance music? Do you agree with him about getting high off of one note?
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| LuNaSeA |
hi rachel!! :D
For the listeners of electronic music:
1. Why do you enjoy listening to electronic music?
Because it makes my life feel a lil fuller, much happier, a lot crazier and much more fun and upbeat! :D
2. How well can you differentiate between genres of electronic music? (i.e. trance, goa, house, trip-hop, ambient, hardcore, etc.)
Extremely well :disbelief
3. How does electronic music affect you (your mood, your emotions, etc.)?
The type of elecronic music I listen to is pretty much all very emotional and usually it's uplifting and puts a smile on my face. It's also very stimulating and sometimes the music is my therapy-- helps me to expunge my emotions :crazy: when i'm in a bad mood, it helps me out of the hole i'm in; when i'm in a good mood, it enhances my natural high...
4. How does the repetition in electronic music affect you? (i.e. does it bore you? excite you? etc.)
Sometimes it does put me in a "trance" but i think that helps to get me in the zone, to focus more... today's trance is much less repetitive than say, older, 'rave' trance from 6-8 years ago.. it has much more drive/energy
5. Where do you usually listen to electronic music?
Everywhere possible- mostly on my laptop, but secondly in my cd player (which goes almost everywhere with me!)
6. What other styles of music do you prefer? How do they affect you?
I like modern rock such as Nine Inch Nails, Filter, Rage Against The Machine, Foo Fighters and also downtempo music such as Olive, St. Germain, Radiohead, Fila Brazillia, Moby, Zero 7.. and The Cure :toothless They're usually when i'm in a calmer mood or want to be calm (say, before bedtime) but usually they focus on 1 emotion whereas electronic music runs the entire realm of emotions, for me personally..
For everyone:
1. Have you ever heard of the minimalist composer, Terry Riley?
Unfortunately, no :(
2. If yes, would you associate him with the trance music of today
in any way?
n/a
3. Whether you've heard of him or not, please answer this question. Terry Riley once said, "You can get high by getting in one groove. You can get high by staying on one note, there's different ways but that's definitely a way to ecstasy . . . It's a real need to experience music in a deeper, more continuous way, rather than as wallpaper, or a very quick hit." How does this quotation relate to the way you hear electronic music, especially trance music? Do you agree with him about getting high off of one note?
Oh hell yea. Amen.. this is so true.. Me, coming from a completely drug-free background, i still go on the craziest highs when i hear music that i like, especially live (say, at Roxy for PvD, my fave DJ) It comes alive, all around you and sometimes you're in your own little world, grooving to one element of the sounds or sometimes you're jumping in unison with the crowd and feeding off their energy and the music.. it's like a cycle...
this was really interesting to answer... guys, do it! :crazy: |
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| KLINGKLANG77 |
| quote: | Originally posted by holycow24
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For the listeners of electronic music:
1. Why do you enjoy listening to electronic music?
i like it, the music sounds quite composed. the sounds play with my emotions.
2. How well can you differentiate between genres of electronic music? (i.e. trance, goa, house, trip-hop, ambient, hardcore, etc.)
i cannot. i am really really bad. i can tell somewhat a difference, but i cannot pinpoint exactly. i like what i like.
3. How does electronic music affect you (your mood, your emotions, etc.)?
it makes me feel happy. there is not too many words to think about only sounds to listen to. i first got into trance b/c i went thru a few problems in my life and i found myself wantiing to listen to music w/o a lot of words and more beat, so i listened to trance, b/c it made me happy. i have figuered things out from there..;)
4. How does the repetition in electronic music affect you? (i.e. does it bore you? excite you? etc.) i makes me feel happy, my mood is always great when i listen to this music, it clear my head.
5. Where do you usually listen to electronic music?
always while cleaning, some times while i drive, mainly on a highway.
6. What other styles of music do you prefer? How do they affect you?
i like new wave, alternative, synth-pop, goth, classical. they affect me differently. depends on the mood i am in, but the other music touches differnt sides to my emotions.
1. Have you ever heard of the minimalist composer, Terry Riley?no
2. If yes, would you associate him with the trance music of today in any way? N/A
3. Whether you've heard of him or not, please answer this question. Terry Riley once said, "You can get high by getting in one groove. You can get high by staying on one note, there's different ways but that's definitely a way to ecstasy . . . It's a real need to experience music in a deeper, more continuous way, rather than as wallpaper, or a very quick hit." How does this quotation relate to the way you hear electronic music, especially trance music? Do you agree with him about getting high off of one note?
yup, i like to just listen to the music, i do not like drugs with the music. maybe a beer or 2 but that is it. |
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| Starfox |
For the listeners of electronic music:
1. Why do you enjoy listening to electronic music?
-I enjoy listening to electronic music because first, I like it; second, most songs are pretty composed/produced based on emotional feelings. I think this is the best reason why I enjoy trance music, because it is filled with emotions that can definitely change the way you feel at that moment.-
2. How well can you differentiate between genres of electronic music? (i.e. trance, goa, house, trip-hop, ambient, hardcore, etc.)
-Trance is in my opinion the most listened genre in EDM. Trance consists of synthetizers, basslines, and so on. It is usually produced on a rage of about ~135 to ~146 beats per minute (bpm.) Some examples are Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten.
Goa is dreamier and also it is faster, about ~150+ bpms. It also consists of lots of synthetizers. Goa is usually produced by Israeli producers aka Astral Projection, Yahel.
Ambient is more chilled, calm down, slow paced.
House is horrible, and really slow… boring! Sorry.
Hardcore is horrible too. I cannot stand it, sorry.-
3. How does electronic music affect you (your mood, your emotions, etc.)?
-Some songs are happy, some are sad. It all depends the way your perceive it. Some can have vocals which try to bring a message across the listener. I think this pretty cool and it’s a reason why I love trance. It can totally play with your emotional feelings.-
4. How does the repetition in electronic music affect you? (i.e. does it bore you? excite you? etc.)
-It makes me a happy person. Every single day, more and more!-
5. Where do you usually listen to electronic music?
-at home most of the time, in the car while driving around too, also at the clubs on weekends when I go out with friends. Lets just say, everywhere where I am able to, I would definitely listen.-
6. What other styles of music do you prefer? How do they affect you?
-classical music is really complex and perfect. I used to listen to it before trance and it just gives you a peaceful feeling in your inside. Pop music is too commercial and cheesy. It is also boring and too repetitive. Everyone can sing these days with the help of ProTools ;)
For everyone:
1. Have you ever heard of the minimalist composer, Terry Riley?
-no.-
2. If yes, would you associate him with the trance music of today in any way?
-not applicable.-
3. Whether you've heard of him or not, please answer this question. Terry Riley once said, "You can get high by getting in one groove. You can get high by staying on one note, there's different ways but that's definitely a way to ecstasy . . . It's a real need to experience music in a deeper, more continuous way, rather than as wallpaper, or a very quick hit." How does this quotation relate to the way you hear electronic music, especially trance music? Do you agree with him about getting high off of one note?
-It totally resembles with the way I personally experience and enjoy electronic dance music, especially in the trance genre. I, for example, can enjoy EDM/Trance without the need of substances and other stimulants, just to not say other words.-
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all the best,
arturo |
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| Stassi |
For the creators of electronic music:
1. What type of music do you create (i.e. trance, house, trip-hop, ambient, etc.)?
I try to create uplifting trance, I should take time and do it again.
2. What attracts you to creating that specific type of music?
It allows me to create music portraying ones emotions without use of vocals, but those can help.
3. How much music theory/training do you know/have?
been playing piano since I was 5, been playing guitar since i was 14, been in a few bands.
4. Where do you acquire your samples? (i.e. do you record your own? buy them? download them?)
all of the above
5. Do you ever use real instruments in the music you create?
I really think i should.
6. Do you consider the creation of electronic music composition, production, both, or neither? Why?
Both, a good song is a composition of productions :-D
For the listeners of electronic music:
1. Why do you enjoy listening to electronic music?
I can write a book about this...
2. How well can you differentiate between genres of electronic music? (i.e. trance, goa, house, trip-hop, ambient, hardcore, etc.)
its really not that hard when you listen to them for years :)
3. How does electronic music affect you (your mood, your emotions, etc.)?
EDM (electronic dance music) simply creates this feeling which no other music style can compare
4. How does the repetition in electronic music affect you? (i.e. does it bore you? excite you? etc.)
ITS NOT REPETITIVE! it just takes time for a song to blossom!
5. Where do you usually listen to electronic music?
in my car, in my house, in da club
6. What other styles of music do you prefer? How do they affect you?
Punk rock
Emo
Old school Rap
For everyone:
1. Have you ever heard of the minimalist composer, Terry Riley?
yes
2. If yes, would you associate him with the trance music of today in any way?
nope, he's a minimalist :)
3. Whether you've heard of him or not, please answer this question. Terry Riley once said, "You can get high by getting in one groove. You can get high by staying on one note, there's different ways but that's definitely a way to ecstasy . . . It's a real need to experience music in a deeper, more continuous way, rather than as wallpaper, or a very quick hit." How does this quotation relate to the way you hear electronic music, especially trance music? Do you agree with him about getting high off of one note?
Someone should make a song with one note so we can find out.
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| Scottaculous |
For the creators of electronic music:
1. What type of music do you create (i.e. trance, house, trip-hop, ambient, etc.)?
Electronic dance is the best I can do. When I produce there isn’t a certain genre I want to produce music for. I just make the track and other people label it. If it’s techno, breaks, or trance so be it. My latest few serious tracks are trance - progressive trance to be exact.
2. What attracts you to creating that specific type of music?
What I find fascinating about electronic music, that is not as directly apparent in other genres of music, is it’s direct relationship with technology. As technology progresses so does this genre of music. A producer is able to create new sounds never before possible. I have more control over the sound I want to create with each piece of new technology. If you think about it, I can’t really see a limit to this type of music.
3. How much music theory/training do you know/have?
I’m a recently converted music major. Don’t know how to play any instruments except perhaps the recorder in elementary school. What I have learned that has helped me is music theory and structure because electronic dance music is so rigid in structure. Music composition classes help too.
4. Where do you acquire your samples? (i.e. do you record your own? buy them? download them?)
I think the beauty of electronic music is being able to create new sounds, sounds people have never heard before, and then turn that sound into music. I record my own samples with a microphone and then manipulate that sound through effects and filters. I also download them and then alter them. I never use sounds I didn’t alter.
5. Do you ever use real instruments in the music you create?
I’ve used digital pianos and synthesizers that create sounds like a real instrument but I’ve never recorded sounds produced by an instrument.
6. Do you consider the creation of electronic music composition, production, both, or neither? Why?
I think composition and production are essentially the same words in most cases. However as a composer I don’t exactly create the music like a producer does. I write the blueprint and someone else follows the steps and produces/creates the music. Composers don't apply to electronic music because there are many sounds you can't notate. True composers are the classical ones because they can't phyiscally perform their piece.
For the listeners of electronic music:
1. Why do you enjoy listening to electronic music?
I think the sound is new and fresh. I can dance to it.
2. How well can you differentiate between genres of electronic music? (i.e. trance, goa, house, trip-hop, ambient, hardcore, etc.)
I can tell the difference between the major genres like trance, techno, house, breaks, etc… Any deeper, like labeling something tech-trance or progressive trance is the hairy area.
3. How does electronic music affect you (your mood, your emotions, etc.)?
I use electronic music, and any other music for that matter, to amplify my current mood. If I want to be happy, I will listen to some uplifting trance or a happy The Cure song. If I’m down, I’ll throw in Depeche Mode or a dark progressive house set.
4. How does the repetition in electronic music affect you? (i.e. does it bore you? excite you? etc.)
The repetition is vital in electronic dance music. DJs would have a hard time mixing tracks if they weren’t. Having said that… I think repetition can be good or bad. If it’s a sound I like, the repetition is awesome. If I hate it when obvious it would be dull or even irritating.
5. Where do you usually listen to electronic music?
Everywhere I go. Car, club, work, school.
6. What other styles of music do you prefer? How do they affect you?
I love all types of music. Classical to rock to electronic. In electronic dance, I tend to prefer a good balance between beat and melody. The track has to develop and progress as well. Often producers get a good idea but they never develop it.
-Scott |
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| EnigmaT |
For the listeners of electronic music:
1. Why do you enjoy listening to electronic music?
Electronic music has the power to control the emotional senses of human beings. The main reason I enjoy this genre so much is because of the inner rush of happiness that can be triggered by the right melody or just the feeling of being emotionaly relaxed un-obtainable by just pure silence. Reaching any of these states can cause the mind to drift off and make even your greatest worries go away.
2. How well can you differentiate between genres of electronic music? (i.e. trance, goa, house, trip-hop, ambient, hardcore, etc.)
Almost all genres of electonic music are composed of repetative beats over some some sort of melody. Trance can be broken down into the subcatagories of melodic trance, epic trance, hard trance, and hardstyle. Melodic trance is made up of slower BPMs with less instruments being used at one time (Three Drives, Thrillseekers, Armin Van Buuren). Epic trance is composed more like a symphony. The song usually progresses with slower BPMs but builds up with very hard synths (Push, Fire & Ice, Airwave) Hard trance is usually made up of fast BPMs with a progression of some sort of loud melodic instument entering in the middle. Usually more that one instrument is used to make a hard trance song complete (Ferry Corsten, Nu Nrg, G&M Project) Hardstyle comes closest to Hard Trance focusing equaly on the intensity of the drums and the melody (SHOKK, Flutlicht, Derb)
Goa uses faster BPMs than most trance, and the baseline is usually composed of some sort of keyboard created drumbeat. The best way to describe a goa drum is a drum without the echo/reverb. Most goa melodies are made up of sounds you would find on an electronic keyboard (Astral Projection, Yahel)
Techno is a more drum focused form of ECM without the melody. Usually the drum patterns start with very fast BPMs and become more complex within the song. The melody is usually composed of some loud repetive electronic sound or just nothing at all (Mauro Picotto, Umek)
House can be closely compared to Progressive, where the BPMs are very slow and not much melody is used. Most House songs have the melody replaced with vocals and the beat is steady with very little change. (Danny Tenaglia, Danny Howells) Progressive is house music with more depth. Starting with just a few drums and building it up using many different instruments combining everything to create a sound but still keeping the original drums you started with. (Deep Dish, Sander K, Humate)
Ambient is a form of trance slowed down to something like 60 BPMs. Hardcore is a form of trance sped up to something like 175BPM.
3. How does electronic music affect you (your mood, your emotions, etc.)?
Electronic music effects my emotions the same way a good scene in a movie effects a person's emotions. Picture seeing really good action movie without a musical score in the background. In the movie the action scene is moving with the music and causes an addrenline rush. Listening to electronic music causes the same type of rush, with the drumbeat and melody taking the place of the action causing the body to react in a similar way. The listener records and remembers the repeative drumbeat, and trys to re-create that drumbeat with his feet (Defining what causes a person to dance). The satifaction grows with more sounds being created around that drumbeat. When just listening, the listener records the repetative beat in there mind. You can get the same satisfiacation with the same addrenline rush but will be unable to release it.
IF ALL THIS IS TOO COMPLEX --> Music makes me happy :)
4. How does the repetition in electronic music affect you? (i.e. does it bore you? excite you? etc.)
People say alot of the ECM music being created today all sounds the same. I disagree. What makes a song good is when it uses something that hasn't been used before. Alot of today's music has something that has not been used. Wheather it's a catchy vocal or a new instrument, I haven't noticed much repetition.
5. Where do you usually listen to electronic music?
At home, in the car, at work and in the clubs.
6. What other styles of music do you prefer? How do they affect you?
I am too involved in EMC and really have no time to experment with other types of music.
For everyone:
1. Have you ever heard of the minimalist composer, Terry Riley?
No
2. If yes, would you associate him with the trance music of today in any way?
NA
3. Whether you've heard of him or not, please answer this question. Terry Riley once said, "You can get high by getting in one groove. You can get high by staying on one note, there's different ways but that's definitely a way to ecstasy . . . It's a real need to experience music in a deeper, more continuous way, rather than as wallpaper, or a very quick hit." How does this quotation relate to the way you hear electronic music, especially trance music? Do you agree with him about getting high off of one note?
Without being under the influence I am able to enjoy ECM, but being under the influence can take that enjoyment and multiply it by 100, to a point that impossible to reach under normal circumstances, if done properly. Many people disagree with this but have never opened their mind due to fear of the unknown. Getting high off one note is simple but with many limitations that are unknown to many.
Why couldn't I ever get to write a paper like this in college :conf: |
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| holycow24 |
the paper's FINISHED. a few days late, but totally worth it.
I put it online so people can see it:
http://members.aol.com/Infrnlchic/riley.html
Let me know what you think. :thepirate
Thanks sooo much for all of your help!!! I didn't get to quote everybody (tho I did manage to get 2 TAs in there), but the answers from everyone really helped out a lot. They were really fascinating too. :) |
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| Aya Brea |
the paper is awesome, i wanted to answer some of those questions for you, but when i checked up on this thread again you already had finished your paper :p
good job :) i wish i could write that well. |
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| holycow24 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Aya Brea
the paper is awesome, i wanted to answer some of those questions for you, but when i checked up on this thread again you already had finished your paper :p
good job :) i wish i could write that well. |
thanks so much! :D
hey, if you still want to answer the questions, I'd love to hear your answers... it was so fascinating to read what everyone had to say.
hehe... and now I may have convinced a friend of mine to write his 20 page research paper on music cognition about electronica... since I offered him the use of my research, he just might do it. ;) |
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| Scottaculous |
:toocool:
That's a well written paper. You *must* be a music major. |
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| holycow24 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Scottaculous
:toocool:
That's a well written paper. You *must* be a music major. |
heehee, thank you! :toothless not sure how to take that last bit :rolleyes: :crazy: |
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