generative etudes

Generative Etudes is a series of work devoted to the study and practice of generative composition using a modular synthesizer. The series will materialize as three unique volumes; each volume consisting of three EPs each. Each EP in a volume consists of the same five tracks in identical sequence, but different live takes of the generative systems running (e.g., Vol 1.0, Vol 1.1, Vol 1.2). The releases will exist in various formats across three different labels and self-releases.

For the uninitiated, generative music employs processes that allow the music to compose itself usually within a set of rules or limitations. It’s been an essential tool of electronic music since the earliest synthesizers.

The background: At the onset of 2022, I undertook a self-assigned project to record thirty generative studies over thirty days in hopes to learn and develop new approaches to composing with self-generating/rule-based systems. Limitations such as completing one track a day and requiring each etude to start and stop itself kept the focus strictly on the generative process. Each etude was for solo eurorack modular synthesizer, no software or additional gear was used.

A highly intriguing by-product of this process is the ease of recording numerous takes of a system running. Fascinated by the differences among takes, I made sure to record several per etude, which became integral to the final releases.

Later in the year, while revisiting the works, I narrowed them down to fifteen favorite etudes. One concern of mine was how could the nature of their release help communicate the generative nature of the studies themselves? And, would it be possible to discard the idea of the "original'' version or the "best" take? Eventually, I came to the idea of various releases that all come out in various versions.

I hope the short format of the EP encourages the listener to experience all the versions of each track and evaluate the processes that make each one unique.

For a more detailed rundown, the Bandcamp release pages will include lengthy liner notes that break down the project in detail.

recordings (will be continually updated closer to release dates)

Generative Etudes Vol 1.0 - dingn\dents 2023

Generative Etudes Vol 1.1 - Behind Glass 2023

Generative Etudes Vol 1.2 - Behind Glass 2023

Generative Etudes Vol 2.0 - SØVN 2023

Generative Etudes Vol 2.1 - Behind Glass 2024

Generative Etudes Vol 2.2 - Behind Glass 2024