Minimalism done well is extremely difficult. Just because it's quite easy to create a so-so minimal techno track doesn't devalue the masterpieces of the genre in any way.
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Would Schrödinger's cat sound better OTB?
I liked, actually loved some of the records when fresh - but they have been dining out on that ever since - that Jeff Mills orchestra thing marked him for me.
That posted track though - sounds very old hat - surely everyone round here can do that now?
That posted track though - sounds very old hat - surely everyone round here can do that now?
I most definitely can't, and it's not just hero worship. I've been trying to make minimal techno for years, and still can't get it right. It's much more difficult than it sounds.
Its a formula - a good one that I liked very much and still do. But these guys sound exactly the same as they did in the 90s. Thats not a criticism just an observation. If that means your a genius then so be it.
Oh, and the difference between the US and Euro minimalist is the US guys do it with funk and soul. That's the trick to getting it right imo. Its very easy to be minimal and souless - imo.
I find him quite overrated to be honest. Perhaps one in ten of his tracks have some interesting sounding element. I think the word 'genius' is thrown about too much these days.
the nighttime world albums cover alot of ground from jazz to hip hop, acid ,ambient ,techno.
The guy is no one trick pony for sure.
His minimal productions are a masterclass in how to infuse funk and soul within a stripped down aesthetic, theyre pretty much a gold standard ,often emulated though rarely equalled.
Having said that , im much happier listening to kenny larkin, he doesnt get half as much recognition but definetly qualifies for the genius badge in my book.
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"It ain't rocket science, its just bongos!
" msl
I most definitely can't, and it's not just hero worship. I've been trying to make minimal techno for years, and still can't get it right. It's much more difficult than it sounds.
if u use reason i would be willing to pass on some RNS files for u to dissect or anyone for that matter just send me a pm
bad choice of words, i don't think he's a 'hack' at all. i should have written something like "genius or not?" i could see arguments that he's a bit over-rated though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark1353
Listen Minimal Nation album by Robert Hood. Very sophisticated music, if you dont get it, well, then you just don't get the vibe/point of minimalism.
been listening to that, along with 'Internal Empire' and 'The Protein Valve' over the past few days. i "get it" and certainly do enjoy it, though i don't think i'd go as far as calling it "sophisticated" (??). at least by definition, there's really nothing too complex about these early releases.
i ask this based on a comment in another thread a while back, where someone stated something like "toss a few random sequences over a 909" and someone shot back that it wasn't that simple. in general i'd agree, but listening more closely to him now i wonder if it almost is that simple sometimes.
[more on all this in a bit...]
Quote:
Originally Posted by networkacid
From the latest album...
wow, yeah, great track! i'll have to check out his more recent stuff as well.
been listening to that, along with 'Internal Empire' and 'The Protein Valve' over the past few days. i "get it" and certainly do enjoy it, though i don't think i'd go as far as calling it "sophisticated" (??). at least by definition, there's really nothing too complex about these early releases.
I don't think it's meant to be complex, quite the opposite. Simplicity and what italians call sprezzatura is the key.
bad choice of words, i don't think he's a 'hack' at all. i should have written something like "genius or not?" i could see arguments that he's a bit over-rated though.
been listening to that, along with 'Internal Empire' and 'The Protein Valve' over the past few days. i "get it" and certainly do enjoy it, though i don't think i'd go as far as calling it "sophisticated" (??). at least by definition, there's really nothing too complex about these early releases.
i ask this based on a comment in another thread a while back, where someone stated something like "toss a few random sequences over a 909" and someone shot back that it wasn't that simple. in general i'd agree, but listening more closely to him now i wonder if it almost is that simple sometimes.
[more on all this in a bit...]
wow, yeah, great track! i'll have to check out his more recent stuff as well.
I have tried the 909 approach. I don't think it's as simple as...just throw some sounds over top.
I think it takes some planning and thought. If one is using only a 909+ synth/ sampler then there are certain limitations imposed upon you.
Or maybe just experimentation until you have something that works....
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Whatupdoe?
Here is the secret: Write a dope hook, put it over a solid bass line, and make sure your drums stay funky.
If we take some tracks from his beginning they are very simple, but every sound fits perfectly where he puts it. At that time he did something original, maybe if he was born these days it would be more difficult. But I have to say that with the last album he didn't do granted things!
at least by definition, there's really nothing too complex about these early releases.
My favourite record ever is first (official) Suicide album. That record is moronically simple on paper. In practice, it's unreproducable by anyone in Universe except Alan Vega and Martin Rev. Hood is not on that level, there are some guys/gals who can pull that, but Hood has that it for me. One other thing, friends of mine that get nice money to play records drop Hood tracks, old and new, all the time. And that's non plus ultra indicator. It's like when I tried to reproduce Basic Channel / Maurizio stuff. Formula is simple, all the ingredients are there, but I just couldn't set it in motion on the same level. They have feel, I don't, end of story. Most of EDM doesn't rely on feel (what ever that could be), but some stuff here and there is pure feel, like this track for example.
hmmm... don't think I have any techno "heroes".
As a teen I was quite obsessed with Inigo Kennedy and the Space DJz crew tho...
my favorite Hood track
IMO - I think Juan Atkins and Derrick May are overrated. Anytime when they say they "started it" .. I always see a little hesitation in their expressions... notice that I didn't mention Kevin..
Isnt this thread a stupid insult in itself? just to bring that question up in a world of deff mousses, tiesticals, asswishis and baguettas? come on..you cant be serious
Isnt this thread a stupid insult in itself? just to bring that question up in a world of deff mousses, tiesticals, asswishis and baguettas? come on..you cant be serious
Isnt this thread a stupid insult in itself? just to bring that question up in a world of deff mousses, tiesticals, asswishis and baguettas? come on..you cant be serious
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