Production of Electronic Music - Essay Example

?Introduction Different genres of music create specific expressions and responses from the audience. The approach to creating the music is one that redefines the response that is given while allowing musicians to take a different perspective to the creation that is being developed. Electronic music is one of the genres that are used to develop a different response from the audience. The production of the music and the approach which is taken differs from any other type of music because of the specialized needs that it has. This relates to making the music, finding ways to relate it to the audience and building performance settings that fit with the audience. The electronic music genre is one that then establishes a different approach to the music and how it is perceived by the audience. As electronic music is explored as a genre, there is the ability to understand the different associations which it has that sets it apart from other forms of music. Production of Electronic Music The production of electronic music is one which differs from any other genre of music. In music such as pop, rock, hip hop, jazz or classical, musicians are required to practice and create the sounds in the study. For electronic music, the reliance on musicians and musical instruments changes to different needs. Instead of the established approach that is used with other forms of music, electronic musicians have to find the different sounds used. There is a creation of organized sound that comes from the instrumentation which is used and which establishes the different aspects of the music. This is inclusive of different loops and samples that are used with electronic makes. The production furthers with finding new sounds that grab the attention of the audience while mixing the different types of music into layers so it is easily understood by the audience. Doing this leads to a different type of aesthetic sound and feel when the mixture and production of the music is complete (Rodgers, 313). The production of the music is not only reliant on finding the right samples and sounds with the electronic ideas that are available. Musicians that are working within this genre are also required to look at different approaches to creating the music so it stands out with the electronics which are used. For instance, if there is a synthesizer voice from an electronic keyboard, then different processes need to be used to create responses. The attack of the synthesizer when it plays the notes and the release which is created is the beginning of this. There are also different ways to manage the voices of the synthesizer to create different effects and sound. Time shifts, delays, resonance and other specialized forms within the music create even more alternatives with the music, all which help to change the way in which the music sounds. The specialty of electronic music is based on the ability to add in the different sounds and special effects. If this is crafted in the right way, then it helps to create a specific reaction from the audience where they catch onto the sounds and accept these as the right approach to the electronic music (Puckette, 15). The challenge that is created with electronic music is to take the techniques and sounds that have been established with the genre and which have become popular among audiences. For a new sound to catch with the audience, the production has to use the same sounds or loops and create a different sound and feel. Many of the production artists focus on mixing the same sounds for a different way of making the expression or statement with the music. There are others which change this approach to create different sound production. Inventing new sounds, creating different loops and experimenting with different connections to the electronic music are some of the various ways in which this can be used to develop different sounds and ideologies which are related to the music. The result is the ability to establish a sound that audiences will respond to differently while creating some familiarity with the techniques that have already been established with the music (Emmerson, 157). Discovering Electronic Music The second difference with electronic music and other trends and genres is in how electronic music is discovered. Pop music, classical, jazz and other forms of well – known styles are easily advertised with performances and appearances by famous artists. This is followed by CD advertisements that take place through different settings. Usually, electronic musicians take a different approach than all other genre forms. This is based on the use of electronic mixtures, as opposed to linking to famous and well – known music styles. The approach which most electronic musicians take is to create settings that advertise the music without having to make appearances. Creating CDs, establishing an Internet presence or working with different innovative sounds that are then given to different musicians for advertising are some of the ways that this is used. Electronic musicians usually consider themselves as producers or composers, as opposed to performing artists. This distinction changes the way in which audiences discover the electronic music and respond to the sounds that are available (Holmes, 337). One of the approaches which have been used with the electronic music genre is the establishment of creative class and the underground social groups that are interested in the music. The social groups that most electronic musicians advertise to are those that are considered off – beat or which belong to social clubs that are out of the mainstream and popular ideas. The social identity that is in the mainstream is attracted more to the performances of genres such as popular music. Electronic musicians focus on those that remain outside of this and which are linked to a sense of creativity that is not mainstream. This is now known as the creative economy and is inclusive of those that reject the process with popular music and other genres that indicate this concept. Innovation, experimentation and finding new forms, such as through electronic music, then create the main appeal to those that are within the main structure. For electronic musicians, the outlet for creating and offering spaces to discover music then relies on finding the creative economy and outlets that have social groups which are interested in the electronic beats of the music (Arvidsson, 8). The approach which is taking over the way that electronic musicians create outlets for discovery is by using technology, such as formats with the Internet. Online channels, connections to social media and other formats with downloading techno and electronic music have become the main forms for the discovery of music that the musicians have taken. This has created new strategies and outlets for electronic music while developing and building new communication areas where audiences can find the music which is available by electronic musicians. This is followed by the ability to cross cultural borders and to connect to different social and cultural outlets interested in the music. The uses of the Internet and the specialized strategies that have been created with the music have established more opportunities for growing the creative economy and the other social groups which are interested in the music. The electronic formats are not only able to gain a broader audience but are also developing more personalization that was before limited because of the process and production that was used with the electronic music (Kretschmer, Klimis, Wallis, 417). Performance Settings The performances that are established with electronic music create another difference with how musicians approach the scene with music. When comparing popular formats of music, there is a specific setting that includes a stage and audience members that watch the individual who is on the stage. This is a standard and traditional format for all who are presenting the music which they have composed. However, for those looking at performance settings with electronic music, a different approach is needed. This is specific to the sounds that are created and the way that the production is developed with the music. While there are some instruments used with the electronic music, most of the approaches are based on mixing the different sounds with equipment while in a live setting. The most popular option that is developed with this is to create a DJ approach to dancing and with intervals that are a part of other entertainment arenas. Instead of the musician being the center of attraction, they are usually a compliment to the other concepts that are taking place on the stage and with the atmosphere that is created. Many consider electronic music to be based on building an atmosphere for dance or other performances because of the set-up that is required (Escrivan, 13). The development of different platforms for performance has created an understanding of electronic music into different concepts used within any setting. The concept of electronic music is now regarded as one that is based on live innovations, instead of being fixed music that is used. This is combined with a variety of performance systems that are being added into the experiments and which are drawing in different levels of innovation. Many musicians are combining the electronic music with live playing and instrumentation. Other forms of experimentation are also taking place to draw in crowds and to create different approaches to what is needed. This is dependent on the settings which are created and the approaches which have been developed to draw the attention of the crowd. Systems and new electronics that are specific to performance are combining with this to set apart different electronic musicians and to create alternative responses to the music. The concept of live and interpretive music are now becoming the main basis of the music while developing different applications with how the music is performed and the associations which are created with the idea of performing electronic music. The result is the development of interactive music that continues to change and transfer according to setting and the idea of being a part of a live performance (Juslin, 15). The concept of performance that is a part of electronic music, while creating a specific outlet with the ideologies created, is furthered with the newer approaches which are being taken. Today, there is a combination of the music that is a part of the electronic music that is combined with the expressiveness that is required for performance. Musical applications are now being expanded with different expressions that are a part of the performance and which are relating to needs within the marketplace. This is created with real – time techniques that are used with the electronic music. This is also combined with concepts such as beat boxing and live performance that is mixed in with the electronic mixes. There are many musicians that approach this with creating different types of expression by linking to different forms of music and developing applications that allow the electronic music loops to be shared among different performances. By doing this, there is a different sense of distribution and composition while allowing the electronic music to take on an element of experimentation and innovation while in the live performance. This particular concept is what is establishing the different changes with the musical applications that are developed (Canazza, 32). Social and Cultural Responses to Electronic Music The different applications that are a part of electronic music have begun to lead to different approaches and innovations that are offering experimentation in music. The scene of electronic music is one of the most important parts for the demand that is a part of the music. This is developed by creating scenes and social groups that are interested in the music and continuing to offer different formats that are related to the music that is published. This is furthered with creating a sense of social reality that comes through the events and recordings of the electronic music that can be used in different areas. This has developed alternative perceptions and developments to the music while establishing an alternative approach to listening and performing the music. As the social and cultural responses expand to a global market, electronic musicians are able to look at different developments in the sound and invitation to exploring the music and the way in which individuals respond to the listening materials and impact. The result is the ability to establish a relationship to identity and social behavior that is a part of the electronic music performed (Hansen, 47). Today, the concept of electronic music is one that has constructed a sense of cultural values that are a part of the performances and listening of the music. Musicians are now taking concepts that link to the music and establishing this as a part of the innovations and features to attract fans. The idea of conceptual music is one that is specific to electronic music and is not moving into other genres or formats because of the need to have different approaches to the music. Concepts such as electronic music that creates a link to being on a spaceship or in a remote area as well as ideologies that link to the attitudes and behaviors of social groups are some of the concepts that are currently being created. This is followed by the innovations that are being established with both recordings and with the performances that are linked to this. The concept music is furthering into creating an experience that is used with the electronic music as a main feature. Combining these together is beginning to lead to new types of innovation that are specific to the music style and which aren’t established in any other type of music (Walker, 62). Conclusion The concept of electronic music is one that has established a different concept from any other type of music. The genre is one that requires a different process from the production to the performance of the music. The result is the ability to pull in a different audience and to create alternative methods for listening. The concept of electronic music is established not only through the process of creating and experimenting with different sounds. There is also a relationship to moving into real experiences and innovations that audience members can look into. The distribution combines with this by finding different ways of creating the experiences and performances while establishing different methodologies which can be used to show the appreciation of music in different formats. Unlike other genres, electronic music has established a different sense of innovation and discovery that is leading to growth and popularity of the genre through different social and cultural groups. Works Cited Arviddson, Adam. “Creative Class or Administrative Class? On Advertising and the Underground.” Ephemera: Theory and Politics in Organization 7 (1), 2007. Canazza, S. “Modeling and Control of Expressiveness in Music Performance.” IEEE52 (3), 2004. Emmerson, Simon. Living Electronic Music. Ashgate Publishing: New York, 2007. Escrivan, J. “To Sing the Body Electric: Instruments and Effort in the Performance of Electronic Music.” Contemporary Music Review 13 (1), 2006. Hansen, CH. “Constructing Personality and Social Reality Through Music.” Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Music 61 (3), 1991. Holmes, Thom. Electronic and Experimental Music: Technology, Music, and Culture. Taylor and Francis: UK, 2008. Juslin, PN. “Communication of Emotions in Vocal Expression and Music Performance: Different Channels Same Code?” Psychological Bulletin 52 (3). Kretschmer, Martin, George Klimis, Roger Wallis. “Music in Electronic Markets: An Empirical Study.” New Media and Society 3 (4), 2001. Puckette, Miller. The Theory and Technique of Electronic Music. World Scientific Publishing: Singapore, 2007. Rodgers, Tara. “On the Process and Aesthetics of Sampling in Electronic Music Production.” Organized Sound (8), 2003. Walker, R. Music Education: Cultural Values, Social Change and Innovation. Routledge: New York, 2004. Read More