Monday, February 13, 2017


A descent into the void. Recognizable beats are layered and repeated until the song loses all focus, it is taken elsewhere, the beats are lost and the result is only sound. All the sounds used in the video are preset GarageBand sounds that are meant to be catchy, easy to use and easily layered. The song begins like a real song, with beats synching up. It becomes clear that this is not a real song, and the dissolve of the beats result in a consuming sound which one cannot interpret. Not only does this project aim at challenging one's expectations of music, but also the ownership of sound. By using preexisting sounds, I aim at questioning the notion of authorship presented by McLuhan, who claims that "people are less and less convinced of the importance of self expression" (123) because of new technologies. By using pre-existing music, I am taking part in the new technologies that change what it means for something to be custom-made. I am the creator, but I am also not the creator. Does this mean that the music is void of self expression? I don't believe that is the case. It seems as though claiming authorship is a form of self expression, and one must change their views on originality to adhere to the new standards set forth by technology.

4 comments:

  1. I think that your ending is a lot better then what was presented earlier, it seems more resolved. Overall your work has an interesting tone. I like how it started out in a way that could be a start of a song, and it isn't until later that it "dissolves", I think that makes it a more complex piece then if you started it with a more layered beats.

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  2. there's something about a bunch of inharmonious sounds wildly blasting at once thats really satisfying. maybe it's cathartic, hearing a well-organized recognizable song dissolve into complete disarray and chaos, but i find it really pleasing. i especially appreciate how you used already-composed beats and loops, things that are likely designed for users to put together some kind of clean boppy pop song. it makes the chaotic bit feel even more satisfying and significant.

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    1. *i also appreciate the emotional impact, a transition from like "oh yea this is a cool beat" that kind of typical music consumer satisfaction, to "oh god what am i listening to pls turn it off" (except i dont want it to be turned off) that kinda uncertainty and discomfort. i luv it

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  3. "A descent into the void"? A little dramatic don't you think? "By using pre-existing music, I am taking part in the new technologies that change what it means for something to be custom-made. I am the creator, but I am also not the creator. Does this mean that the music is void of self expression?" Devoid*
    And of course not! Theres a discussion to be had here about these specific musics because theyre made to be reproduced and used on a mass scale, but ...
    I'm gonna stop typing now

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