This is the first semi-improvised piece I've made in a long time. Back in my first Masters, I made an improvisation environment with the idea of taking samples of my choosing and using rhythm and probability to weave between them. Something I love about going back to old programs is both seeing a new perspective on it and looking back at old thoughts.

This came out of an improvisation using samples from my own string quartet The Wanderer and guitar samples I recorded, while also being slightly edited on Reaper. I'm happy with how it came out, and I like how I can look back on what I programmed, and I can still get interesting sounds and textures out of it.

The name of the piece comes from the fact that I experience repetitive thoughts. With that, those thoughts can take on different characters based on other factors in my emotions and my environment. If you haven't already noticed, a big influence here is William Basinski.

How The Same Thought Changes Perspective And Disintegrates

I told you this was going to be a series! This time, I improvised in a 4 track environment I created on Max that involved EQ processing, reverb, pan, and moving through loops. This time, I wanted to create something much more ambient. It takes a little bit to pick up, but once it gets going, it gets good! I plan to come out with some more improvs from this system soon!

Reverb Improv

This improvisation was performed like at the 31st Bi-Annual International Electroacoustic Music Festival at Brooklyn College on March 29th, 2017. This was performed live on a four track environment I made on Max/MSP.

31st IEAMF Live Improvisation

That feeling when you work on a completely different piece entirely, and you get this. I think I'll flesh this out into an actual piece, but for now I just want to share this with you all. This is created using random number generators that choose what samples to play. These samples are arranged in a list that come in two parts. Each part is randomly chosen. With the addition of AM via panning and high quality guitar samples recorded by me and some mucking around, you get this!

Rave

That feeling when you work on a completely different piece entirely, and you get this. This is the fleshed out version of the little sample I showed you all last time. 

The first half is just some simple sample playback with time-stretching and some AM panning. I like having long, meditative starts. It always creates anticipation for the real fun later.

The second half is created using random number generators that choose what samples to play. These samples are arranged in a list that come in two parts. Each part is randomly chosen. With the addition of AM via panning and high quality guitar samples recorded by me and some mucking around, you get this!

This piece was stochastically generated by a patch I created in Max/MSP. High quality guitar samples were recorded and ordered based on pitch material and EQ mixing. The patch chose the files and pitches to play based on probabilities, random number generation. Pans were also randomly chosen based on assigned maximums and minimums that change throughout the entire piece. All of these parameters changed based on a "score" I gave the patch, which allows the music to change naturally and as organically as possible throughout the whole piece.

Procedure

This improv was made using a simple patch I built on my school's MakeNoise analog synth. I didn't record it directly from the synth unfortunately so the quality is a little lower than I would have liked, but it's still cool nonetheless and I wanted to share this with you all!

Noise Improv

I make a dime these days so I decided screw it. I have a laptop mic, Max, and my guitar. I'm gonna make music. Here's a track I improvised.

Make The Best Of What You Got

This improv was performed at Shapeshifter Lab in Gowanus on September 25th, 2017. This performance was dedicated to the people of Catalonia and their current struggle for independence that has reached explosive proportions, to the point where the right-wing Rajoy government for Spain is repressing any support for holding the democratic referendum for independence via censoring the internet, sending police, and arresting protesters. The Catalonian people, in spite of this, have shown tremendous bravery and willpower in the face of a government resorting to the tactics of fascist dictator Francisco Franco. For an independent, socialist Catalunya! For a socialist world! Let them vote! Volem votar!

If you would like to read more about the current struggle for independence, please read these articles: https://www.socialistalternative.org/2017/09/20/catalonia-million-demonstrate-barcelona-self-determination-referendum/

https://www.socialistalternative.org/2017/09/21/spaincatalonia-madrid-government-repression-catalonias-decide/

Improvisation For Catalonian Workers and Students

This was performed at Brooklyn College November 2nd, 2017. This improvisation was performed via live processing of piano and vocal samples on Max/MSP.

Life is beautiful (Improvisation on Max/MSP)

I'm a student composer formerly at Arizona State University. Now I currently go to Brooklyn College where I study Sonic Arts for my masters. I update this page with recordings and performances of my works. You can also see other works on my Facebook page! My website is coming soon so stick around for that!

Gabe Berry

Popular tracks