My name is Thomas Park. I represent AutoCad, a
My name is Thomas Park. I represent AutoCad, a 'leading-edge' electronica band. We are from St. Louis, Missouri. The band is ASCAP registered, and has a steady online audience of listeners who have given good reviews to AutoCad's music. Here is a copy of an interview featured by Live365.com, an excellent online source for groundbreaking online radio. It sheds some light on AutoCad's innovative composing techniques: Math, Music and Chaos Theory Thomas Park's music is not from a Star Trek Voyageur episode, but it could be. Our Skies Radio (56K Modem) PanMuse Global Radio (T1/DSL) Math, Music and Chaos Theory Thomas Park's music is not from a Star Trek Voyageur episode, but it could be. He's created music by mapping the complex patterns of nature to music by way of complex fractal mathematics and some tricked-out studio gear. Listen: Our Skies Radio (56K Modem) http://www.live365.com/cgi-bin/directory.cgi?autostart=ourskies Could be part of Brian Eno's Ambient series. PanMuse Global Radio (T1/DSL) http://www.live365.com/cgi-bin/directory.cgi?autostart=panmuse Could be John Zorn's evil twin. Park says he "composes" his music on the following gear: Algorithmic Arts Soft-Step Pro MIDI Sequencer Sonic Foundry Acid Rock 2.0 software and various loop libraries Cool Edit, shareware version Wingroove Midi to .wav conversion software Anvil MIDI studio (shareware) E-machine 400id PC We talked to Thomas Park about his methods, the math, and the music that results. Live365.com: Your profile reads, PanMuse Global Radio ... focuses on music created using data derived from simple mathematical ratios and natural phenomenae. How, exactly, does this work? Thomas Park: I look for sequences of numbers derived by man from nature or mathematics. Then, I try to apply these sequences to music-- usually, as directly as possible. My theory is that nature, math, and music have much in common, and we need merely to shed a light on these congruencies and they will surprise us. Live365.com: It's an incredible concept! Can you elaborate exactly how you go about creating these compositions, from start to finish? Thomas Park: I have 2 main methods. Research (usually online). Find a sequence of numbers referring to some natural or mathematical phenomenon. Try to find sequences that are actually series (referring to elements that move from simple to complex, small to large, East to West, etc). Input direct "snapshots" of these sequences into Mixing/Sequencing software (esp. Sonic Foundry 2.0)-- where, for example, the number "2" generates a note 2 up from the base of the selected scale. Try to build compatible sounds using, as much as possible, different views or snapshots of the same sequence. Find a sequence of numbers referring to some natural or mathematical phenomenon. Try to find sequences that are actually series (referring to elements that move from simple to complex, small to large, East to West, etc.) Input the numbers into "seed" switches in Algorithmic Arts SoftStep Pro software. Use a variety of fractal-generation and number-generation modules, together with quantization, to produce a sequence of pitches and duration's using the source data for seeds in as many cases as possible. "Mix down" the resulting MIDI file using Anvil Studio software, further quantizing, selecting instruments, and greatly reducing tempo. I tend to use the first method for "PanMuse Global Radio" pieces, and the second method for "Our Skies Radio" pieces. Live365.com: Do you assign certain sounds/frequencies/tones/timbres to certain intervals or mathematical functions? Thomas Park: The sounds are chosen at my discretion. The frequencies vary in scale but, in general, match the source data in degree. Live365.com: How much of this music is generated via the equations you're feeding it, and how much is your creative input? Is "equations" even the right word here? Thomas Park: "Equations" is fine! I try to find sequences of data that seem to illustrate one "equation" or another-- l…