Studio Sessions for DJ Mag 2020

I mostly use Max/MSP for making patterns, sort of like midi data that I then send to synths and samplers. I make bespoke devices like drum machines, sequencers, chord generators, modulation devices or more algorithmic processes. My main interest is in designing systems to explore extended rhythmic techniques and tools to enable spontaneous and impulsive pattern modulation in live performances. These can be simple processes, or modules that do one specific thing, or they can be linked together to create more complex systems.

Here are a few tools that I use in various combinations and some bits that I used in my new LP - File Under UK Metaplasm on Planet Mu 2020.

1 - EuDIV SEQ

I make so many different types of step sequencers. They are a pretty fundamental starting point in electronic dance music so I've got to include one here.

This one is based on Euclidean patterns which are commonly used in all sorts of music. Its basic principle is to evenly distribute events (beats) within a cycle and can be used to create amazing interlocking polyrhythms. But one thing I find is that because they are based around evenly distributed events they tend to be really straight and are sort of rigid. At least when it's not being played by hand anyway. I am way more interested in asymmetrical patterns. This device uses the Euclidean algorithm but disrupts it a bit.

It basically divides a cycle into equal sections, then it evenly distributes a specified amount of beats into each section using the Euclidean algorithm. Each section is then offset randomly and one extra beat is added to every other section. It comes out with some interesting Clave type patterns like 2 then 3 type rhythms, when you use three channels together it has a great asymmetry to it. To be honest the Euclidean element is a bit redundant in it now but it comes out with nice patterns. I guess it's a nice balance between randomness within a very determinate structure.

2 - EuNOTE

This is another device that uses the Euclidean algorithm but it's for distributing notes over a specified range. You can use it to make some really unusual scales and chord structures. I can kind of get it to make all sorts of modes and major / minor scales. It's really versatile. I use it in loads of tracks, it was the main pitch component to the track Mirror Instant off my new LP. I use it in a lot of improvised and collaborative music too, I think I developed it for a gig I did with Karl D'Silva in Sheffield for a Mutualism event in 2018.

I've not really seen this process used like this before but I guess Euclidean patterns are related to the harmonic series, I dunno exactly. You can use a similar principle but with floating points to do interesting microtonal stuff. It's essentially really simple though, it only really uses 3 variables - you specify a range, then how many notes to be evenly distributed within that range and specify the root note which just transposes it all up or down.

Then using that slider that's labelled 'inversion' you can change the transposition to invert each note in the scale and get it to generate variations and chord progressions. The buttons at the bottom are for storing presets and can be used like keys to trigger different chords, I've got them set to my number keys on my laptop so I can play them in by hand. It works really nice.

3 - Clock ALGO

This is a bit more complex but something I use loads, it's a semi-modular system that links together 3 algorithmic processes to modulate 'clock' data. It's sort of like the Bastl Little Nerd Euro Rack module in a way. It's incredibly flexible, I use it to do all sorts of weird things like modulate timings, make arpeggiators and do erratic fills but you can also use it as a straight sequencer too.

Technically speaking the clock input is processed by algorithm 1, then it goes into algorithm 2 and then algorithm 3. Using the menu below each slider you can select the various algorithms, these are relatively simple on their own but together you can get really detailed with it. These are the processes that it includes: Divide, Multiply, Modulo, Accumulate, Subdivide, Repeater, Random output, Euclidean, Probability, Groove, LFO, Sequencer, Tala.

For example it can get really interesting when using the Tala (a rhythmic process used in Indian Classical music), then going into a Subdivider, then into Probability or something. If you then shift to using a different set of algorithms it completely changes it up but it feels like one continuous thing. It's an insanely versatile little tool, you can sort of get it to do anything you want really.

4 - Pattern Modulation

I make loads of devices for pattern modulation, I wouldn't say any of them are totally new or anything but they are so much fun to play with. I do basic things like multiply or divide a pattern, or using multiple patterns and adding them together or subtracting, or doing more interesting stuff like interpolating or using weighted mixing of patterns, so using a percentage of pattern A B C etc. One thing I'm really into is wave shaping but with melodies.

5 - Remote Participation

Over the past few years I've been doing more workshops with young kids, older people and non musicians. I'm really interested in designing musical devices that anyone can pick up and play, basic interfaces that are simple to use so you don't need any training to have a go.

I started to focus on this more over lock down, some recent projects include workshops with a group of 10-11 year olds at No Bounds Festival in Sheffield, a commission by Les Siestes Electroniques with a group of 80+ year olds at a retirement home in Paris. I'm currently working with the students at a school in Croydon to develop a new remote live set that will be presented at the AGM event at Somerset House on the 12th Nov.

This work came out of a new collaboration with the artist Mark Fell where we are developing a new system that enables remote participation in various forms. The basic principle is that people can download a standalone app and play together in real time over a network. We are working on a number of different outcomes, including workshops, live performances, installations and critical discussions that we are calling Inter-symmetric works.

The main focus is to create participatory new works that explore ideas around networked interaction. Where people can take part in actively making something together, instead of just going to a venue to be an observer of something, it's like saying to the audience 'there you go, there's a drum machine and PA, go for it'.

The creative thing is how to design something that enables a sort of meaningful form of communication or connection. Using rule based systems or algorithmic processes like in a game, so it's not just a complete free for all and total chaos. I'm interested in exploring ideas around networks, like how can the actions of one player effect the actions of all other players - so if person A does this, person B & C can do that.

We are thinking of it as an alternative to streaming, and for me it's way more interesting than just turning up at a venue and performing solo on a stage.