Controlling the Glitch

Ang Song Ming

Origin: Static Issue 07
Content: Text

Glitch: microcosm of the catastrophe; or a subgenre of computer music that is comprised mainly of static, noise, and the real or simulated recordings of mechanical or electronic malfunction. Deregulating the time-action axis depended on by science and art, from military technology to musical serialism, the random nature of the glitch demands the relinquishment of control.

In the case of experimental electronic musicians Autechre, intentional glitches flood the entire composition; style becomes content. Releasing their first full-length album in 1993, the English duo is generally considered one of the pioneers of glitch. Their music is marked by an oppressive quality, courtesy of claustrophobic rhythms and the use of dissonance and noise in their melodies.

On the one hand, this article serves as a primer into the music of glitch. On the other, it is a review of Autechre’s song “All Tomorrow’s Linoleum” (All Tomorrow’s Parties 1.0, ATP Recordings, 2001) and their video “Gantz Graf” (Gantz Graf EP, Warp Records, 2002), and their mission in controlling the glitch.

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Biography

ANG Song Ming is a sound artist and musician exploring various intersections between the avant garde and the popular. His practice aims towards simple ideas that yield intricate questions relating to music and aural culture. In recent years, his works have spanned audiovisual screenings, DJ sets, interactive installations, laptop improvisations, and listening parties.

His exhibitions and performances include: Art is Not Mute (Gothenburg 2008), Singapore Fringe Festival (2007), 100 Days = 100 Videos (Copenhagen 2007 & Heidelberg 2006), SAND Music Festival (Hong Kong 2006), Aqua Art Sound Broadcast (Miami 2005), and International Computer Music Conference (Singapore 2003). Ang has independently released two EPs of electronic music, Radial and Current, under the name Circadian.

Ang holds a BA (Hons) in English Literature from the National University of Singapore. He has written articles on music and aural culture for The Wire, The Substation Magazine, and Theatre Exchange.

www.circadiansongs.com