“Indirect Methods” is the third modern classical release from Chris Korda, following “Passion for Numbers” in 2022 and “Polymeter” in 2020. The album features seven algorithmic compositions for strings and piano. The compositions are in complex polymeter, meaning they use at least three relatively prime time signatures simultaneously, and were created within Korda’s unique composing software, the Polymeter MIDI Sequencer. Korda also makes use of method ringing, which is a way of generating continually changing permutations, and Gray code, which minimizes differences between successive states of a set to produce smooth, granular transitions.

The album is a type of phase music, derived from the shifting phase relationships between loops of different lengths. It’s also rules-based generative, which means that instead of writing music directly, Korda designs a system of rules that determine the music automatically. The album’s title references this indirect creative process, which Korda has compared to building a virtual kinetic sculpture that outputs music. Korda routinely collaborates with machines and considers them equals in creative work, because they possess superpowers that people lack, such as the ability to apply elaborate rules flawlessly and nearly instantaneously.

Much of the album is atonal in the sense that it doesn’t conform to the usual scales and cadences, and instead approaches harmony from the perspective of musical set theory. Tonalities are carefully ordered so that modulations that would otherwise be too jarring can be assimilated gradually, step by step. The album also solves what Korda terms the “cat walking on the piano” problem. Atonal composition methods often produce clusters of several semitones in a row, which can be grating, like a cat’s paw striking adjacent piano keys. Korda introduces methods that avoid chromatic clusters, as part of an overall effort to make atonal music more consonant, so that it can appeal to a wider audience.

The cover of “Indirect Methods” features Korda’s algorithmic art, in which geometric forms are enhanced with feedback and effects under the control of phase-shifting oscillators. Korda is inspired by pioneering artist Thomas Wilfred, and continues to explore new applications of phasing to music and art.

Indirect Methods

Facts in Dispute

Facts In Dispute

Audio of Chris Korda reciting "Apologize to the Future" and other lyrics at Trauma Bar und Kino in Berlin, on July 15, 2023.

Set list:
Singularity
A Thin Layer of Oily Rock
Apologize to the Future
Changing Climate
Overshoot
Exit Game
Planet Broke
Moonchego
More Than Four
Pleasant Mistake
Not My Problem, I’ll Be Dead
Awesome on Mars
Baby Batter Bingo
Have a Good One
Primitive Man
The Man of the Future
I Like to Watch
Save the Planet, Kill Yourself
Eight Billion Humans Can’t Be Wrong
Lunch Break

Apologize to the Future recitation at Trauma Bar

Passion For Numbers

Ninu Meta

Mo Bulu

Eight Billion Humans Can't Be Wrong

Buy More

Polymeter

Ona Lile

Oju Inu

I Just Can't Let Go

Save The Planet, Kill Yourself

Ilopo Ferese

Itumo

Irubo

Fleshdance

Ero Ayo

Steel Peas

Roro

Fun Ife

Six Billion Humans Can't Be Wrong

Ibaramu

Yipo

Victim Of Leisure

Sex Is Good

Zeal

Sex Is Good (With Marilyn)

Stencil

An experimental electro track created entirely from 24 spoken words, each spoken by a different person. The words were chosen from a famous speech by Krishanmurti, enclosed below. The harmony is not present in the original samples; it was created by processing the samples with a resonator effect.

Love - Val Nolen
World - Michael Bodock
Generosity - Jennifer Lyons
Care - Burt Urbanowski
Hurt - Lydia Eccles
Feel - Kevin Roche
Guilty - Scott Stanley
Courteous - Tom Moroney
Behave - Andy Baraf
Words - Sterling Bothroyd
Thoughts - Catherine Bodock
Compassion - Robert Kimberk
Society - Liz Garrett
Family - Dan Martinez
Parents - Iah House
Children - Vermin Supreme
Wars - Dennis Murphy
Governments - Raven Drake
Killed - Susan Johnson
Mother - Dinyee Boose
Father - Bobbi Colman
Kind - Jessie Towan
Live - Chris Korda
People - Sam Davis

Mixed by Chris Korda and Kevin Roche.

World Of Hurt

This is the music from the Church of Euthanasia's infamous "I Like To Watch" video. It was released along with four other tracks as a 12" EP on Null Records (Null 0.666) for the 1-year anniversary of 9-11.
Mixed by C. Korda, Kevin Roche.

I Like To Watch

Victor Young's standard, arranged by Chris Korda for acoustic guitar, piano, and upright bass, using Polymeter.

Stella By Starlight

Greetings. We are not of this planet. We do not understand your strange customs.

Chris Korda

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