A collection of .aiff audio from digital sound designers around the globe.the structuring code for the future of synthetic environments.
.aiff is a brief look into the near future of 12k showcasing new artists and samplings of upcoming full-length releases. This compilation is also an important landmark in 12k’s evolution: it explores more experimental sounds and compositions alongside the minimal, synthetic post-techno for which the label is known.
Taylor Deupree (making his first full-length cd appearance since 1998’s tower of winds (with Savvas Ysatis)) and Richard Chartier (with releases on 12k, Meme, Microwave, and Intransitive) collaborate for the first time in creating the highly intricate and unique Spec.
With infinitesimal drops of synthetic sound woven in minimal, cell-like structures, Spec. delves into the molecular world of DSP programming combining Chartier’s signature quiet, glassy textures and Deupree’s synthetics in the granulation and recombination of software generated audio files. The sonic result is a highly rhythmic, transluscent sound; tiny fragments through high pass filters, edge-smoothing curves and other tone shaping algorithms.
The collaboration was started by Deupree and Chartier each generating basic sound files for source material, then exchanging the files allowing each to work on pieces based on the sounds and aesthetics of the others creations. After this stage the project moved to Deupree’s New York studio, where tracks and elements were compiled, remixed and additional compositions were created together and the album assembled and completed.
Specification . A Blueprint . A Speck.
Taylor Deupree’s main tool in creating Comma, was the use of repetition in a very conscious and controlled manner. The exploration of patterns that are always changing, in a very subtle way, over time, layered in nonstandard time signatures over minimal, 4/4 beats. This creates a very hypnotic and meditative sound.
“The first fruits of the collaboration between Taylor Deupree and Savvas Ysatis are captured here, predating the 12k label itself (although the title suggests it was something present in Deupree’s mind at least). The musical style on show here is geared towards the more minimal, experimental end of the techno spectrum, far removed from the more matured signature sounds Deupree would go on to pioneer via his solo work. Although 4/4 templates and conventional beat structures hold the album together, there’s a discerning, reductive ear at work here, removing all sonic surplus and leaving a taut, motorised core that’s ruthlessly efficient. There’s still plenty of intriguing sound design at work here though: ‘Car’ reveals a sparkling stripped-bare IDM sound, while ‘Eve’ basks in abstraction thanks to a dub-influenced echo chamber driving the piece forward. Hardly an enduring feast for the ears in the way that the timelessly brilliant Occur and Stil. have proven to be, but still a fascinating period piece for followers of the artists involved and the 12k sound.” – Boomkat
