Someone posts a sound. Any sound, it doesn't matter. This is the root.
After a "root" file is made active, it can be modified by any user on the (semi-?) anonymous service. As long as the person modifying provides some form of documentation as to what was done with the sound (a clip of the sound(s) added must be posted alongside the changed version?) they can post their modifications. Users vote on these modifications in order to draw attention to the changes judged "best." The process repeats, as the modified sound can now be used as a root file in its own right.
In this way, largely software-development based principles such as "beta testing" and "open-source" are applied to the creation of music. It is harnessing the hyperconnected, Internet-saturated life of the modern individual into the act of creation. Anyone can do what they want with what is given to them, as well as bring their own toys to the sandbox. In theory, the highest rated files will be the democratically elected best pieces of music, leading to talented users receiving attention/opportunities/etc. It is both on the cutting edge of technology and a pure distillation of the D.I.Y. "punk" ethos.
Obstacles/opportunities: coding, "ownership" concepts (aka where $$ comes in), unlimited vs. only original changes b/c of licensing, etc. Naturally, I vote for unlimited freedom, but also realize that it is an unsustainable utopia. These things basically aren't even worth worrying about until I see if the experiment bears fruit in a previously established environment.
Basically, this is what it comes down to: I'm going to post some "root" sounds/beats/what have you on this blog. If you are interested in being involved in a project somewhat like what I described above, please mess around with them in any way shape or form that you want to. Just please post the results, and as much info/additional sound material that you can concerning how you reached those results. If people are interested, the project will proceed accordingly.
Thank you very much (in advance) for taking part in this experiment. <3
Just curious how we would go from a sound (I'm imagining a 3-5 second sample) to a full fledged song? What happens next once the highest-rated sound modification is selected?
ReplyDeleteIf nothing else, the sound could be looped i suppose...its very open for interpretation and experimentation (as I see it).
ReplyDeleteI figured the rating system would be more of a guide than a "competition," so to speak. Higher rated mods = more prominent placement, etc...but lower rated mods are still there, and can be adjusted in their own right.
Now that I think about it, there are no limits at the moment to what we can do. If someone wants to post a song to remix communally, that would work too.
ReplyDelete