The interesting thing about web browers such as Internet Explorer 6 or Firefox is that you can embed a number of sound files in the HTML to automatically play. Because all the sound files will play independently, over the top of each other, you can create some interesting generative music pieces. I’ve done this before years ago when this site looked very different. I’ve had this domain for about six years and a web presence since around 1997.
Anyway, back to (de)generative music. The idea is simple – you create a number of fairly loose short loops of different lengths. You upload these to a webspace and then put the code into an HTML file such as this. You set each embedded music file to play automatically and to loop indefinately. As the loops move out of synch, they create new patterns and new music – hence the term generative music. Before this was done with multiple tape recorders or looping devices. Now you can do it with a web browser. As the loops are fairly short and small in size, most people, even those on a narrowband connection, will hear the music. Normally, I’d create longer loops or loops with more spaces so that they fell out of synch more – but in this instance it is meant to be a piss-take of a technique called “Soundscaping” – you google it, my friend.
An example of this can be heard at the moment at www.projekction.net – a music fansite I foolishly setup three years ago. I’m doing a fund drive to raise the rent and I thought I’d keep my punters entertained with some generative music. It’s called “Turkeys” and features the vocal talents of Robert Fripp. It becomes quite hypnotic after a while and you’ll soon be reaching for the razor blades.
Amazing what you can do in 10 minutes, ain’t it? 😉

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