Samples
A study on UI and generative computer/hardware communication.
About the program
Drum machines have always fascinated me, partly because they have democratized music production but also because they defy the cold definition we have of machines. A good rhythm will reach into me and find the movement, it was designed to do so. But beyond the design of sequences and deep and full sounds, there is an intrinsic space for life.
Like any good electronic instrument it can be skillfully played and mastered but in what ways can we remove control, in what ways can the play become collaborative and organic?
Elektron Model:Samples.
The goal was malleability over random generation and a way to find the instantaneity of improvisation through technology. The result is a system that keeps me listening, keeps the movements clear and free. It is a very destructive process, you find a pattern that works then let randomness take it apart.
About the technology
Based around the Elektron Model:Samples (as seen above), I used Max MSP to communicate MIDI messages directed mainly at pitch, volume and sequencing but also affecting tempo, program changes and CC controls. This essentially renders the Samples sequencing engine as useless but brings out Elektron’s powerful sampling and sound processing programs instead.
While the melody and rhythmic sequence of each of the 6 voices can be randomly generated, there are still broad parameters such as density and scale which allow for a certain intention and structure to the randomness. Each melody is also based on a variety of scales in which notes can either be played in sequence or randomly through a weighted probability table.
Flucoma
The flucoma amplitude slicing patch is paired with the sequencing device and can either receive or send synchronization messages. There is always an element of surprise listening through Flucoma’s selection of loops which can sometimes bring about iregular rhythms or textures that overlap well with the drum machine. The samples themselves can then also be sequenced and played in a number of different ways that affect the drum machine engine.
Future plans
Music coming soon!
I am curious to explore the possibility of creating abstract parameters which have control over multiple aspects of the patch. For example complexity could lengthen the sequence and create odd-time signatures, density could create a dynamic range between granulation and sparse sounds with lots of silence in between, chaos could gradually put the program in the hands of the random generators. These are just a few examples but are quite useful for generating live content in a performance setting.
The patch is also not limited to the Elektron Model:Samples but usable with any MIDI aware instrument. I’d be curious to know how other people would use it and get suggestions to make the patch more functional/creative.
Access
This program is free to use and download and will be kept updated on GitHub
Please feel free to use this patch or its ideas to inspire your next endeavours! Send me an email to let me know if you do!
-Loic
Music which inspired this project
Marie Davidson’s - Workaholic Paranoid Bitch
Nixtrove - Broke
Dean Blunt, The Alchemist
The Fall - Grotesque
