Plaid on AI, Live Music, Physical Modeling Insights

Plaid: Navigating Music, AI, and Visual Worlds

Hey pals! So, gather around because I’ve got some cool stuff to share from an interview with the electronic music duo Plaid—yeah, those guys. They’re like time-traveling wizards in the world of electronic beats, and they’ve just been spilling the beans on everything from AI in music to weird-sounding track names. If you’re into music tech—or just curious about what wizardry goes into making trippy tunes—this one’s for you.

Creating Utopias and Mesmerizing Visuals

First off, Plaid has this knack for transporting us to different worlds—not literally, though wouldn’t that be cool? Their latest project, Feorm Falorx, is a whole utopian planet brought to life in collaboration with visual artist Emma Catnip. Imagine walking through an AI-augmented, animated universe while grooving to an entire album dedicated to this magical place. Mind blown. It’s like stepping into one of their concerts, which if you’ve never been, picture it as a wild mix of sounds and sight that just pulls you into their universe. Also, they’ve got a comic book to let you in on the Feorm Falorx vibes even more. Who needs reality when you have Plaid’s universe, right?

What’s in a Name?

Now, talking about their bizarre-sounding track titles—like “Crumax Rins”—it sounds like a tongue-twisted incantation from Harry Potter. According to Andy Turner, it’s about playing with words until they morph into something that feels just right. Sometimes, these names come from really practical origins, like “Crumax Rins,” which was named after a legendary synth, Crumar Spirit. They squeezed the last notes out of it before it took its final breath, so maximum rinse of the Crumar spirit. RIP, synth legend.

Behind the Melodies

Ever wonder how Plaid comes up with those lush, intricate melodies that stick with you like glue? It’s pretty raw and intuitive. Neither Andy nor Ed had serious classical training, which might be surprising given their refined soundscapes. They’re more about exploring and stumbling upon the right notes by ear. It’s like wandering in a dark room until you find what feels right. Technology like Scaler 2 has been a game-changer for them, too—a tool that helps them explore chords and progressions without having to dig deep into music theory. Handy, right?

AI and Psychedelic Journeys

Speaking of tech, Emma Catnip’s AI wizardry has taken their visuals to a whole new level. She’s one of the creative souls on the cutting edge, working with programs like Dall-E to transform ideas into trippy visuals. The AI tools keep evolving, and it’s been a rollercoaster ride from when they started the Feorm Falorx project to its release. So, whatever you’re imagining, it’s probably more psychedelic and out-of-this-world than you can guess.

Taking AI on Tour

Being on tour with such interactive visuals has got to bring the gig experience to a whole new plane. After collaborating with Bob Jaroc ages ago, Plaid’s now exploring new territories with Emma Catnip. The difference? We’re talking about fantastical journeys to another planet projected right in front of your eyes. They’re basically inviting us aboard their musical spaceship. Beam me up, Plaid!

Synths, Software, and the Joy of Discoveries

So many people ask whether Plaid’s process is all digital or analog, and the duo is all about mixing it up. They’ve been loving UVI Falcon and Newfangled Audio’s Generate for their unique sounds. Ed mentions playing around obsessively with software—guilty as charged if you’re digging nerdy oscillators and stuff. There’s no one-size-fits-all; it’s about finding what suits the vibe they’re crafting.

AI in Music: Threat or Treat?

A lot has been bubbling in the AI music scene, and Andy’s got an eye on it. He’s been toying with tools like MusicLM, even diving into Python to keep pace with AI advancements. Yet, they’re not sweating about AI stealing their thunder. With this technology, it’s the edges—those unexpected, quirky results—that really excite them. Think of it like a musical 303 turning an everyday tool into an iconic sound, that’s the side of AI they’re curious to explore.

Live Dynamics

Live shows are where Plaid’s music comes alive, and keeping things dynamic on stage is all about balancing music and visuals. Ableton Link lets them sync up and jam, deciding track leads with a sprinkle of live synth magic. It’s like a dance where both Ed and Andy are in constant communication, weaving their melodies into live mixing. A kind of orchestral conductor baton dance, minus the baton.

Music and Limitations

Speaking of history, Plaid looked back at their work with The Black Dog and how those limitations sparked creativity. With tech like the Amiga and early Egyptology influences shaping their art, it’s wild to see how yesterday’s constraints molded today’s masterpieces. Sometimes those glitches and hiccups are sparks of inspiration.

Feeling inspired yet? Whether it’s music-making, diving into AI, or generating epic visuals, Plaid’s journey shows there’s always a new frontier to explore. So go ahead, fire up your synths, doodle with AI, or just lose yourself in a track. Cheers to melodic adventures!