Member-only story

Handmade Electronic Music: The Art of Hardware Hacking

Harrison Blair

·11.1k Followers· Follow

Published in Nicolas Collins

4 min read

522 View Claps

32 Respond

Save

Listen

Handmade electronic music is a form of music that is created using electronic instruments that are built by hand. These instruments can be anything from simple synthesizers to complex sequencers and drum machines. The art of hardware hacking involves modifying or creating electronic instruments to create new and unique sounds.

Handmade Electronic Music: The Art of Hardware Hacking

by Nicolas Collins

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16198 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	579 pages

The Origins of Handmade Electronic Music

The origins of handmade electronic music can be traced back to the early days of electronic music. In the 1950s and 1960s, pioneers such as Raymond Scott and Pierre Schaeffer began to experiment with electronic instruments. These instruments were often built from scratch using simple components such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors.

In the 1970s, the advent of the microprocessor made it possible to create more complex electronic instruments. This led to the development of new genres of electronic music, such as techno and house. Handmade electronic music continued to play a role in these genres, as artists such as Aphex Twin and Autechre used hardware hacking to create their unique sounds.

The Benefits of Handmade Electronic Music

There are many benefits to handmade electronic music. First, it allows artists to create unique and personal sounds. By building their own instruments, artists can explore new sonic possibilities that are not available with commercially available instruments.

Second, handmade electronic music can be more affordable than buying commercial instruments. This is especially true for complex instruments such as sequencers and drum machines. By building their own instruments, artists can save a significant amount of money.

Third, handmade electronic music can be a more sustainable way to make music. Commercial instruments are often made from non-renewable resources, such as plastic and metal. By building their own instruments, artists can reduce their environmental impact.

How to Get Started with Handmade Electronic Music

If you are interested in getting started with handmade electronic music, there are a few things you need to do.

Learn the basics of electronics. This will help you understand how electronic instruments work and how to build them.
Gather the necessary tools and materials. This will include things like soldering irons, wire, resistors, capacitors, and transistors.
Find a mentor or online community. This will help you learn from others and get feedback on your work.

Handmade electronic music is a rewarding and challenging way to make music. By building your own instruments, you can create unique and personal sounds, save money, and reduce your environmental impact. If you are interested in getting started with handmade electronic music, there are many resources available to help you.

Handmade Electronic Music: The Art of Hardware Hacking

by Nicolas Collins

4.9 out of 5