Looking Outwards 04: Sound Art

Project Title: Music For Robots

Year of Creation: 2014

Artists: Squarepusher x Z-Machines

I admire how the robots in this project can together create such exciting and layered music because it’s wildly entertaining despite sounding admittedly quite choppy. I admire the rigid precision of the performances because although such precision is impossible for humans to obtain, it reminds me of what robots in this artwork can’t really obtain, portray or evoke: emotional response. I’m inspired by the innovation and attention to detail, but I must say that the music didn’t leave me feeling a certain way, which in my opinion, music should do. Of course, I don’t think the primary purpose of this endeavor was to make music specifically for people to enjoy. I know that the creators used “custom build mechanics” and Max MSP patches, which lets you connect software and objects with virtual patch cords. Squarepusher’s music interests include electronic, jazz and drum and bass. These artistic sensibilities manifested in the ASHURA (the robot drummer that plays over 20 drums). I could hear how the creator included some free jazz elements into the overall technical electronic experience.