I’ve been moving away from using computer-based compositions for a while, using it to largely just record the outputs from other instruments. As an experiment I thought I’d turn this on its head - and actually leverage the full abilities of the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) as a compositional tool.

Parallos 1 is a diversion from other work - an attempt at using generative music techniques. Generative music is a term coined by Brian Eno to describe evolving music created with a rules-based system.

In this case almost all the music on Parallos 1 is generated by a single repeated middle C midi note. This note is ingested by the DAW and processed according to different sets of rules that sit within a larger system. Basically, it’s like a computer programme in itself - a series of logic gates perform if this/then that instructions. The results are then run through a number of instruments (analogue and digital synthesisers) and digital effects and filters. Use of a "Scale" tool keeps everything within the Lydian mode in F (using the same notes as the C major scale but starting on F).

There is some human intervention - turning on or off effects and manipulating them in real time, e.g. turning on an arpeggiator and adjusting its rate or moving synth filters. The only other addition is the beat that brings some momentum in the latter half of the piece.

I was quite happy with the results and the randomness of the piece - with some happy and occasionally less happy accidents. As it’s ever evolving it’s hard to get a sense of “home” in it, so drift along with it and see where it takes you.