RE: learn to use the gear I have.(going OT)

["Rainer Straschill" <rs@moinlabs.de>]

Chris,


> loop-based noise. However, I find myself almost overwhelmed
> by the possibilities that I know my gear is capable of.

Wait until you reach that point when you're overwhelmed by the 
possibilities
that you don't know your gear is capable of! And of course, a large setup, 
a
few devices you don't understand at all, an unmarked patchbay, a
"distributed set" of equipment (i.e. you have to take a few steps across 
the
performance stage to get from device A to device B and from both points,
can't see device C) all help in this part of the looping experience!

Joking aside, my first experiences with looping as a "passive looper"
(audient) came from "classical" music. Beethoven Symphony No.7, 3rd mov, or
better still J.S. Bach, Passacaglia in c-minor for Organ BWV 582 (actually,
I did a loop piece based on the passive theme of this composition contained
on my mp3.com location, but it's not a great example of loop showmanship).
First experiences with own looping: a composition of mine for big 
percussion
ensemble, piano, synth and winds based on the idea of repeating patterns of
different length (a concept which in various approaches can be found in the
music of Terry Riley btw).

The first idea to "do it yourself" using electronic means came from the 
King
Crimson internet newsletter via the work of Robert Fripp. Although I didn't
like his stuff, I started out with a few delays and a sequencer running in
loop (also found in the examples on my page from the "A Blessing of Beers"
album). "Real" looping started with the DL4, and since then, while sonic
quality, complexity and of course routine has grown, I did not really
progress into new (for me) uncharted territority. Perhaps this will happen
if and when I do better understand my gear and (next to my live band
project, a demanding job and my activities in sports) find time to simply
think more about making loop-based music.

Currently, my main rig (which I use for my weirdstuff music) incorporates
with regards to looping a Repeater, a Vortex, a D Two and a Headrush (you
Headrushers out there: have you ever tried plugging the different outs of
the headrush tape echo into different effect processors ?). My "normal" rig
contains loopwise a DL4 and a RDS2001 (both device are normally not used 
for
looping, though, this rig is used for my concerts with my improvised
contemporary dance crossover group "Eclectic Blah").

All the best wishes for your looping carreer - welcome to the club, and 
keep
us posted.

Rainer Straschill
Moinlabs GFX and Soundworks - www.moinlabs.de
digital penis expert group - www.dpeg.de
The MoinSound Archives - www.mp3.com/moinlabs