music

Inspiration

Inspiration: Sylvan Esso

I listen to a lot of music, a wide range of artists from many genres. From electronic dance music to rock and pop, I listen to most of it all. You can determine a hit song by just how the rhythm and melody can grab you. Every time you hear that one song it pulls you out of subconscious listening. There is a certain special element that makes a song, no matter how long it is, to pull you in and affect you. Even if the words were inaudible mouth sounds it still should have the same effect.

I recently heard a song come up on my Pandora playlist that was related because the song had electronic music coupled with a talented singer. This song is Die Young by Sylvan Esso. Lyrics aside the song has a grab that brings you in if you like electronic music and if you like pop singers.

What I found fascinating was the remake of the song, usually from non-electronic to electronic remix, with a heavy focus on string and brass instruments, backup vocalists instead of a voice loop. Its a great remix without losing the core melody that make the song what it is.

 
 


Inspiration

Inspiration: Wintergatan

When it comes to inspiration I need to look to other creators and designers.  Seeing what they create, how they create, and what makes up the core of their creations.   The core or what makes that creation 'work' or its uniqueness.  I look to how others achieve their greatness and their greatness can inspire you in many ways. 

Subject: Marble Music Machine

About 2 years ago I stumbled upon a video about a music machine created by a man in a band.  His creation is the Wintergatan Marble Machine.  This machine was created from wood and Legos (Technic) using a trial and error building technique.  It's a giant music box that uses gears and cranks that moves marbles that drop onto instruments to make music.  It was created by one person who had an idea and fell into the narrow eyed artist/creationist focus.

The original machine video: Wintergatan Marble Machine.  Blog continues below.

Get the audio track "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan: https://wintergatan.bandcamp.com/track/marble-machine Marble Machine built and composed by Martin Molin Video filmed and edited by Hannes Knutsson Costume designed by Angelique Nagtegaal See Sommarfågel music video by Wintergatan: https://youtu.be/SBK2AF-NdVA See Starmachine2000 music video by Wintergatan: https://youtu.be/rEeiRXOlWUE Swedish band Wintergatan will play live concerts starting from summer 2016.

2 years later Wintergatan is now creating a new and improved version called the Marble Machine X.  He is using CAD modeling with 3D printers and CNC machining to improve his machine to the next level.  Trial and Error has been replaced with prototyping and cooperation with experts from around the world has polished the original design. 

Seeing the process of how this creator is completing his work gives a glimpse of what thought he is putting in this next version of his creation.

https://www.youtube.com/user/wintergatan2000