So I’ve been holding off on posting this for a while, partly out of embarrassment (not truly - one of the best things about hitting 40 is that it becomes impossible to give a shit about being self conscious :), and partly because I wanted to figure this out through my own research. But I’m not getting there and figured there are some really friendly, knowledgeable and helpful people that could point me in the right direction.
I need some help figuring out what kind of electronic music I even like.
I come from a rock background and I’m a guitar player and songwriter first and foremost. Mainstream point of reference would be lush, textural bands such as radiohead and the national. But I’ve long had the desire to create electronic music on my own and recently that led me to purchasing an AR and A4 (previous MD owner), and I’ve been diving in deep learning those machines. For some time I’ve held fast to the belief that my lack of any knowledge or exposure to electronic music could be an advantage, a way to ensure I came up with original ideas. I haven’t abandoned this entirely, but I’m also in a creative rut recently. And even though I still have plenty to do on my machines to learn, my head is beginning to spin with option overload when I even think about start to write. So I’ve concluded that I really need to do some listening to get inspired.
Plus, I’ve got a 3 week trip to the UK, France, and Spain coming up in a week!!! Perfect time to load up some playlists.
I am completely 100% ignorant at this point. I’ve watched a few youtube videos to try and figure out what some of these multitudes of genres even are to see if something inspires me. Most of these videos suck and I’ve heard nothing on them I even remotely liked.
In general, I’m into melodic music. Music that is pretty without being cheesy. The one electronic piece I’ve heard that in my opinion is the most gorgeous thing ever created is Aphex Twin’s “Flim”. I also think that Zillamatic’s science lab entry is seriously great and that kind of melodic motion and tension entice me. I’m also a fan of funky beats and rhythms. Some of the tunes on AT’s Syro do it for me as well. Although I’m interested in hearing ALL types of music, I’m reasonably sure I ultimately won’t be a big fan of techno, house, definitely not dubstep, or eurodance…
I know nothing - can you help? I just know there’s a world of strangely beautiful, subtle electronic music out there waiting for me to fall in love with it, and I know some of you are listening to it and have been for years. Help a brother out.
These are the most mainstream artists I regularly listen to… It’s hard to give you recs if you’re totally unaware and you probably won’t even like most things I listen to if you haven’t listened to the more entry level
excellent. Thanks for taking the time to reply. the way I see it, there’s no harm in any suggestion. So easy to quickly reference on itunes or youtube to see if I want to explore further.
I can already say for sure that I will purchase a Jon Hopkins record, so thanks again. I am a fan of Brian Eno for sure but he needs more exploring on my end.
Hoping for a vibrant thread. Glad for you to break the ice, bandersong. Come on in, no one will judge you for helping the beginner
You’ve already mentioned Aphex Twin, but some others you may like:
Tortoise
Stereolab
Mouse on Mars
When I was sort of getting heavier into electronic music, coming from a rock background, those three groups really inspired me and shaped my interests. Of them, Mouse on Mars are still my absolute favorite act ever. They are the most electronic of the three, but I’d say that they feel and sound more like a “band” than most electronic acts I’ve ever seen/heard. They are one of the few groups I know of (Aphex does it as well) that can do light and silly/playful sounds without it being cheesy, but they can also really tear it up (Varcharz is a particular favorite of mine for them at their grittiest and most rocking, released on Ipecac Records). I’d look at the albums Autoditacker, Niun Niggung (this one might appeal to you the most), and Idiology (my absolute favorite…the song “The Ilking” is still the most beautiful piece of music I’ve ever heard), and go from there if you like them.
Also, since they just did an Elektron talk, you really do owe it to yourself to check out Plaid’s last album, “Reachy Prints”. Beautiful album with lots of repeat listening value.
wow - the OP could be a kindred spirit!
Since I got an A4, MM and an OP-1 my output has decreased immensely because I spend time just playing around. Great but definitely a rut.
Occasionally I will go on a listening spree. It is good to get out of your comfort zone. Persist with something that you might initially think is really not for you…
Last time that happened to me was with Fatty Folders by Roman Flugel and I especially like his last album - Happiness is Happening.
Possible the most inspirational electronic music I’ve ever heard… Never fails to put me in a great head space:
I also ran across this guy when I was trawling forums to learn about MPCs -one of the most interesting cut & paste guys I’ve heard in a long while. Been listening to it nonstop.
I highly recommend track 6 (Revenge of the Cockroach)
Yup, start with Amber and work your way through chronologically; especially if you enjoy Radiohead’s electronic work.
I’d also recommend Cluster’s albums Sowiesoso and Zuckerzeit (and eventually, the other albums too) for lovely textural/psychedelic electronic music. If you like stuff like Boards of Canada then Cluster will kinda show you where that whole genre began.
Apparat, Modeselektor and their bastard baby = Moderat, especially the II album
They cleverly mix their rave roots with cinematic pop sensibility and their concerts are somewhat of a cathartic experience at least for me
Apparat, Modeselektor and their bastard baby = Moderat, especially the II album
They cleverly mix their rave roots with cinematic pop sensibility and their concerts are somewhat of a cathartic experience at least for me
Also be sure to check out Thom Yorke and friends latest stuff (anything starting from kid a, electronics wise)
Great topic! I don’t know much of electronic music and tend to listen to more guitar based stuff, so lots of suggestions here for me to check out too. A suggestion of my own from someone who listens to music while sitting still and never ever will attend a rave:
Some suggestions from a 40 year old. This thread should keep you busy for a while. Just keep looking. I found that looking for records to buy, you can find more.
Here are some electronic acts that i have found recently. DMX Krew isn’t too new but rarely mentioned.
