Echoes of a Decade
COMING NOV 2024
A Two-Part Series Celebrating Ten Years of Sonic Exploration. Echoes of a Decade is a commemorative album encapsulating a decade of electronic innovation, collaboration, and boundary-exploring sounds.
This series, led by Phraktal (Christian Boshell), reflects his craft's evolution and honour's the collaborators and friendships that shaped the journey.
This release carries a deeper meaning, paying special tribute to Jamez, a long-time friend and collaborator who passed away last year. His influence reverberates through Fameless (Phraktal and Jamez Rework) and That's Bass Music (Davo Mix), ensuring his legacy lives on in the pulse of the listeners and the dance floor.
The album spans a sound spectrum, from atmospheric, melodic house productions like The Phantom (Phraktal Remodel) to hard-hitting, bass-driven tracks like Limit Your Contact. Across both parts, the series delivers the vibrant energy of the past decade’s journey while looking toward the future of electronic music.
Whether you're revisiting the memories of a golden era of IDM/techno or discovering Phraktal's sound for the first time, "Echoes of a Decade" celebrates art, sound, and the profound connections that unite us through music.
Design: Ed Bergmann - Morphosis Studio
PHRAKTAL . SEPT 11 . 2 min read
Music Industry Embraces Responsible Creation with Endorsement of AI Principles
In a move safeguarding musicians' rights in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), a significant coalition of over fifty music industry leaders has endorsed the "Principles for Music Creation with AI."
These principles, developed by Roland Corporation and Universal Music Group (UMG), aim to ensure the responsible use of AI in composing and producing music. They include guidelines for transparency, equity, and proactive leadership, with a core focus on protecting the human essence of this art form.
Roland and UMG are joined in this united front by prominent names like NAMM, Sydney University, BandLab Technologies, Splice, and many more.
This collective endorsement marks a crucial step towards maintaining ethical standards while embracing AI's transformative power, making us all part of this significant movement.
The coalition emphasizes a commitment to ethical practices that uphold human creativity while exploring how AI can empower and support artists, instilling a sense of optimism about the future. The alignment on the 'Principles for Music Creation with AI' highlights a shared vision for transparency, equity, and proactive leadership in safeguarding the rights of music creators worldwide.
The burgeoning world of AI-powered music creation tools offers exciting possibilities but carries significant risks.
In my forthcoming book, AI Horizons: From Apps to Cosmic Explorations, I explore multiple AI-powered music creation tools' exciting opportunities and potential pitfalls. As the industry grapples with AI's transformative potential, the urgent need for responsible management of its impact is paramount. The 'Principles for Music Creation with AI,' endorsed by a coalition of industry leaders, offer a valuable framework for navigating these challenges.
These principles emphasize the need for robust internal governance and broad industry support to safeguard artistic integrity while harnessing AI's transformative potential. By adhering to these guidelines, the music industry can ensure that AI is a tool for creative expression rather than a threat to human creativity.
An Invitation to Join the Movement
Roland, UMG, and their fellow signatories encourage additional music industry organizations worldwide - manufacturers, educators, labels, and others - to endorse these principles. This united front of music industry leaders plays an invaluable role in shaping a responsible future for AI in music creation.
Industry leaders across the spectrum have voiced their support for the initiative. Meng Ru Kuok, CEO of BandLab Technologies, highlights AI's pivotal role in music creation's evolution, emphasizing the responsibility to ensure that AI empowers artists and respects their creative integrity. Similar sentiments are echoed by Kakul Srivastava (Splice CEO), Tim Carroll (Focusrite PLC CEO), Gil Weinberg (Founding Director of Georgia Tech's Center for Music Technology), John Mlynczak (NAMM President and CEO), Paul McCabe (VP of R&D and Strategic Partnerships at Roland), and Chris Horton (SVP, Strategic Technology at UMG).
They all emphasize the importance of human-centric AI, ethical development, and leveraging AI as a tool for artistic expression.
The Core Principles
Music is central to humanity.
Humanity and music are inseparable.
Technology has a long history of supporting artistic expression, and when used responsibly, AI can further amplify human creativity.
Human-created works deserve respect and protection.
Transparency is essential for responsible and trustworthy AI.
The perspectives of music artists, songwriters, and creators must be valued and respected.
The music industry is dedicated to fostering the creation of music.
For more information on the "Principles for Music Creation with AI" and how to voice your support, visit www.aiformusic.info
Introduction to Music Production for Aspiring Producers – Part 1
Phraktal . July 24 . 4 min read
Embark on a transformative journey into the art of music production guided by Phraktal, a seasoned artist with three decades of experience in the electronic music landscape. This insight piece is your passport to the inner workings of music production, curated by a Berklee mentor d4edicated to sharing the craft.
Course Overview:
Explore the intricacies of music production, drawing upon Phraktal’s wealth of experience. Aspiring producers will delve into fundamental principles, unlock the secrets of industry-standard digital audio workstations (DAWs), and grasp the nuances of creating expressive, vibrant music.
Course Highlights:
Foundational Principles: Lay a solid foundation by understanding music production’s core principles and techniques, setting the stage for a creative journey.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Under the guidance of Phraktal, navigate through industry-leading DAWs and virtual instruments, gaining proficiency in sound manipulation.
Music Theory Integration: Elevate your compositions by practically applying music theory concepts and infusing melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions with artistic intent.
Recording and Editing Mastery: Acquire skills to effectively record vocals and instruments, with insights into proper microphone techniques and equipment usage. Dive into the art of editing, mastering cutting-edge methods.
Audio Mixing Expertise: Master the intricate art of mixing, balancing levels, employing EQ, compression, and other processing techniques to create professional-quality music.
Advanced Techniques and Sound Design: Explore advanced mixing techniques, including automation, sidechain compression, and inventive use of effects. Delve into the principles of sound design and synthesis for creating unique sounds.
Song Arrangement and Structure: Learn to arrange and structure songs effectively, considering genre-specific conventions and making creative choices that resonate with listeners.
Sampling Techniques: Discover innovative sampling techniques and harness the power of samples to enhance musical compositions.
Efficient Workflow: Develop a workflow for efficient mixing and mastering, incorporating reference tracks and preparing compositions for distribution.
Real-world Application: Apply acquired knowledge and skills to complete a music production project, showcasing proficiency in every aspect of the production process.
Words: Christian Boshell. Design: Morphosis Studio
Genre-Bending Music: A Guide to Experimentation
Aug 26 . 3 min read
"In the ever-evolving landscape of music production, artists have shattered traditional genre boundaries, liberating themselves to explore uncharted sonic territories. Armed with a toolkit of cutting-edge technology, musicians are now free to blend genres, create unique soundscapes, and push the limits of musical expression. But how has this newfound freedom been achieved? And what challenges do artists face as they navigate this brave new genre-bending world?
The Role of Samplers
Samplers have been instrumental in genre-bending music. By capturing and manipulating audio samples from various sources, artists can seamlessly combine elements from different genres. For instance, a hip-hop producer might incorporate a classical piano sample into a beat, or an electronic musician could use a field recording to create an ambient soundscape.
Virtual Instruments and Their Versatility
Virtual instruments offer a vast palette of sounds, sparking excitement and intrigue among artists as they experiment with various genres. From synthesizers capable of producing electronic textures to virtual pianos and guitars, these tools provide endless possibilities for sonic exploration. By combining sounds from different genres within a single composition, artists can create truly unique and innovative musical experiences.
The Power of DAWs
DAWs have revolutionized music production, providing artists comprehensive tools for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering music. Their flexibility and versatility, a testament to technological advancements, allow musicians to seamlessly integrate elements from various genres, experiment with different production techniques, and create complex arrangements.
Examples of Genre-Bending Artists
To illustrate the impact of technology on genre-bending music, let's consider some notable artists who have successfully blended genres. These include The Gorillaz, Bonobo, Phraktal, and many others, who have used technology to create unique and innovative musical experiences.
The Gorillaz: This virtual band has incorporated elements of animation, hip-hop, rock, electronic, and other genres into its music, creating a distinctive and eclectic sound. Their use of technology, particularly virtual instruments and DAWs, has allowed them to seamlessly blend these diverse elements into their music.
Bonobo: Known for his blend of electronic, jazz, and world music, Bonobo uses technology to create intricate and atmospheric compositions.
Phraktal: This Dublin-born electronic music producer has experimented with over 20 genres, including house, techno, trance, deep house, indie dance, and breaks. He has also incorporated film dialogue foley edits, and environmental mishaps, each element crafting his unique sound.
Challenges and Limitations
While technology has played a crucial role in enabling artists to break down genre barriers and explore new sonic territories, it also comes with challenges and limitations. Overreliance on technology can sometimes overshadow the artistic vision, and the learning curve for mastering these tools can be steep. However, with the right balance and understanding, samplers, virtual instruments, and DAWs provide the tools and flexibility to create innovative and genre-defying music.
Technology has empowered artists to break free from traditional genre constraints and explore the vast possibilities of sonic experimentation. Musicians can blend elements from different genres by skillfully utilizing samplers, virtual instruments, and DAWs, creating unique and innovative musical experiences. While challenges and limitations exist, the potential for artistic expression and genre-bending is boundless.
Words: Christian Boshell.
Design: Emotional Alchemy
Testimonials
Christian runs Omnis recordings and now Bakroom.
He has a keen eye for detail and quality, and his professionalism makes it easy and pleasant to work with him.
Phraktal has received notable praise within the electronic music community, his work has been supported by industry heavyweights like John Digweed, Maceo Plex, and Kolsch, showcasing a style that transcends traditional genre boundaries.
Tracks like “Forbidden” have been described as "epic" and a "labour of love," combining multiple production techniques and collaborations to achieve a timeless, genre-defying sound.
Phraktal’s attention to detail in production and his ability to evoke deep emotions through his music has cemented his reputation as an inspiring force in the electronic music scene.
Phraktal's Kruschonk is a hard-edged progressive house track full of eastern-sounding vocal snatches and ominous basslines, as well as a rumble of pads and electronic sounds. Synth lines echo and bleed into each other as they weave in and out of the beats, occasionally seeing them off completely before huge electro sounds tower over you. It’s brilliant stuff.
