Historical Overview

    Musical/Cultural Analysis

    Historical Overview

    Musical/Cultural Analysis

 

Final Discussion and Implications

This paper described how technology has created musical genres and sub-cultures. The genres of Chiptunes and Circuit Bending were used to illustrate that point of view. A methodology was conducted involving Internet field research within these subcultures to also answer the question of their validity and accessibility. The two genres were then explained in detail and some elements of the field research discussed. With an informed knowledge of the two genres a discussion of each genres validity and general public acceptance was conducted. All this revealed many interesting points of view. Firstly that Chiptunes can be considered a valid art form due to the creative nature of composing with limitations and it is an accessible music due to its video game connotations. Circuit Bending is a valid experimental art form and is seen as accessible in terms of concept and performance.

    It is interesting to note that Lysloff although spending time studying Chiptunes in a study similar to this paper said the following in an interview "the relative low-tech angle ... wears thin very quickly. It just all sounds rather flaccid… I might even add that it isn't even very good.” (Null, para.11, 2005). I believe a key difference in our research methods was Lysloff was an impartial observer, whilst I actually took part and became part of the culture. Some areas of further research could look into the performance aspect of these lo-fi genres and how it is more accessible to the general public than laptop music. Overall it is clear that technology has influenced the musical world, from performance to composition. With new technology constantly being superseded, I feel it's a good thing that there are people willing to advance old technology themselves to create and control their own future.