> But there is method behind my generalization and persuit of this effect, as > I will state again, I feel that it is the entire premise and drive behind > percussive techno (NOT jazzy techno). The reason percussive techno exists > at such a powerful and popular level is that this effect is occuring with > most people, whether realized or not. And I would hate to see percussive > techno go down in the books as merely a interesting yet unimportant music > and be done. I am concerned with the "why" and "how" in this new music, and > the toneshift effect is, IMHO, the main reason behind it...
This all seems a bit suspect to me. Unless I've read you wrong this is an effect of which most of its producers aren't even aware. Yet you contend that this is the basic appeal of the music? I'm sceptical of attempts to reduce any music to one principal, and I'm especially wary of it with regards to techno. Such reductionism surely hastens on a music's death - in trying to justify a particular aesthetic formula you'll end up making formulaic music. Sure, the minimalism might appeal, or the politics might appeal, but take the *general* appeal as your starting point, not your theory. > And again, this is what Detroit was after in the beginning, a way to be free > and "away" while never leaving the city, the toneshift is what became of > that search... Bollocks. Detroit was after a great time with some great music. (And I reckon this should come before toneshifting, afro-futurism, neo tribalism or anything else.) This idea of there being an essential nature to the music you happen to like is always going to narrow your vision. Of course, the theory often does play a part in the appeal (witness Drexciya, Mills etc) and if that's what inspires you, fair enough. I just think it's important to remember it just plays a *part*, you shouldn't wear it as goggles to view the world with, if you catch my drift. Basically the music should be your starting point rather than any of its components. Listen before you think! IMO, of course ;) Jonny.
