Starship Kiji

Starship Kiji is the first full experimental generative album release of Nervous Plaything. By using combination of generative techniques, with classic synth wave timbres and structures, the album explores the human psyche as it goes on a journey through the far reaches of space. The sonification of this voyage is emotive through its timbres and tonality; and experimental in its distance, process and space. This work was recorded with a variety of synthesizers and held together with analogue effects. The timbres range from warm piano and harpsichord style instruments, clean sine tones and harsh distorted bass textures. Percussion and rhythmic elements common to synth wave music is found in the second track. Both tracks were recorded “live” with a single generative expression set out by the rules curated by the composer. As for technical aspects, generative techniques used on the album include a percentage chance of when notes will play in time duration, in a long form grid format; percentage chances of pitch and rhythmic length of each note; some percussive elements have a percentage chance on if notes will not play, all governed by the sequencer.

VOYAGE

There is a loud and deep bass sound that reverberates through out the starship. The sounds of passing stars are higher, random and bright. The drone of the engine meets the fields of stars it passes. More sounds move through the vessel. It is an ominous and moving journey. The space and distance creates a feeling of unease to the passengers. The sounds of the soft, warm keys and more analog instruments; remind them of home. The distance and reverberation of these sounds, keeps the passenger’s minds firmly locked in the reality that their journey has not ended. They seek resolution, but simultaneously want to keep exploring. The tones become more frequent, the sound of the engine louder, and longer. The distance between the silence shortens, giving the listener less time to ponder. The emotions of the voyage grow and overwhelm, while still keeping cool. A final star is passed.

STAR FIELD

Faster than the initial voyage, Starship Kiji passes through a dangerous field of stars that has more tension, but more certainty of the outcome. The burst is overwhelming, but slightly more pleasurable. The kick of the engine is felt more strongly as it works into overtime. More rhythmic and more energising with each new heavenly body that is passed. They get more frequent in these fields. The clash of the metals in the machine pull the passengers in, The washed out percussion reminds them they are still in distance space. It is rough to start, but the generation becomes smoother and more guided. It is settling.