The 10 Best Articles of 2016 Every Musician Should Read
We faced the music in 2016—and it was incredible.
There was no shortage of mind-bending musical conversations in 2016.
Topics like Tehran Techno, King Size Bandits and the ‘Dark Art’ of mastering all wooshed in to stimulate some enriching music discussions (the best kind).
Wrap yourself up up in some very important words, sights and sound as we look back on 2016.
Here’s our favourite web tidbits that stimulated our eyes and ears in 2016.
The Dark Art of Mastering
This excellent Pitchfork piece details the changing role of mastering in 2016.
It’s an in depth look at how what was once a ‘dark art’ is becoming more democratized in a music industry that is moving towards more DIY modes.
As more incredible music emerges from “young artists on tight budgets,” it seems inevitable that mastering will continue to evolve well into the future.
“…Technology fits neatly into a trend of DIY record making that challenges whether big studio resources are required to making great-sounding art.”
Read the whole piece HERE.
The Man Who Broke The Music Business
Meet Lydell Glover: The man who arguably laid the foundation for music piracy.
Stephen Witt’s New Yorker piece looks back at the storied career of a CD pressing plant worker who used tactics—like hiding unreleased CDs behind his belt buckle—to smuggle out the latest albums before they hit stores.
It’s a story that caused waves in the music industry that we’re still feeling today—the de-materialization of music, the rise of streaming and proper compensation models for artists.
“Position your oversized belt buckle in front of the disk; cross your fingers as you shuffle toward the turnstile; and, if you get flagged, play it very cool when you set off the wand.”
Read the whole article HERE.
9 All-Female DJ Collectives You Need To Know Right Now
2016 has been a great year for diversity conversations in electronic music. It’s about time!
Lots of great projects have popped up all around to improve the visibility of female artists and DJs.
This FADER article showcases the best all-female DJ collectives making waves in the world right now.
Read this article to get inspired by the groups of badass women keeping the decks diverse.
“While we’re living in an unequal world, it remains crucial to support voices that may not always feel comfortable with the bro culture of clubs.”
Read the whole article HERE.
Meet the Female Producer Who Made Beats for Young Kanye West
Meet Melbeatz: A talented German artist that made her name with graffiti spray and an MPC.
This piece chronicles her beginnings in the hip-hop scene. A story that includes a notorious period in the graffiti crew KingSizedBandits— a no nonsense approach to being heard, and ‘letting’ Kanye West rap on her beats.
“With music it was just like it was with graffiti, and I’m a bit proud of that: Both times I didn’t know exactly what it was, but I had so much fun doing both, that I made a name for myself doing them.”
Read the whole article HERE.
Hors Scène, Avant-scène – A History of La Brique
Writer and DJ Bianca Giulione published this superb piece for Never Apart about an iconic Montreal DIY venue, La Brique.
In this vivid and well-crafted account, she speaks to pivotal figures in the Montreal scene like Marie Davidson, Xarah Dion and Mozart’s Sister.
“La Brique has remained a benchmark for what creative communities in Montreal are capable of, and nothing has been quite as avant-scène since its untimely closure.”
Read the whole article HERE.
Paula Temple: “I make powerful music, not violent music.”
Paula Temple is a DJ, producer and certified Ableton trainer. Her brand of techno is relentless, energetic and powerful. We’re HUGE fans.
In this fascinating interview with Dummy Mag, Temple speaks about her musical style, diversity in music, her recent manifesto and more.
“I make powerful music, not violent music. […] This music is also a middle finger to the increasing conservatism and controlling elements of society, which in itself is a type of non-violent resistance.”
Read the whole article HERE.
Underground Tehran: Techno & Experimental Electronic Music In Iran
This Quietus feature paints a fascinating portrait of the underground techno scene in an unexpected place: Tehran, the capital of Iran.
Artists like Ash Koosha, Sote, Hadi Bastani and Siavash Amini talk about what’s like to throw shows and build a music community in a difficult environment.
This goes to show that electronic music is a universal language that flourishes everywhere—thanks to the hard work of dedicated artists.
“Everyone sat in the dark, moving discreetly to the music and most people were listening quite seriously. It was kind of a brain rave.”
Read the whole article HERE.
Ambient House: The Story of Chill Out Music, 1988 – 95
Certain movements in music need maps to navigate. Without a cohesive and total picture of music movements it’s hard to grasp their impact on today’s sound.
Ambient House is one of those movements.
Fortunately, Red Bull Music Academy compiled an incredible in-depth look into one of electronic music most important genre’s
Complete with flow charts, oral histories and enough music to keep things chill for hours and hours.
“Ambient house is NOT dance music”
Read the whole article HERE.
Vancouver: Rhythms of the Canadian Riviera
Canada makes good music! A ton of it too!
We might be biased, but I think most music lovers would agree that something special is happening in electronic music on Canada’s West Coast right now.
Resident advisor’s Andrew Ryce breaks down all the in’s and out’s of Canada’s (maybe even the world’s) most interesting scenes.
“There’s a focus on melody and live instruments, and vocals are common. There’s a sense of wooziness that makes the records feel world-weary and timeless.”
Read the whole article HERE.
Daedulus: Against the Clock Episode 100
One of our favourite online video series—Fact Mag’s Against The Clock—hit its 100th episode this year.
And they did it in fine style by sharing a special 100th episode with LA beat maker and DJ Daedelus.
This video, and all the other 99 episodes, are proof that time limitations are a great way to make something quick, organic and amazing in the studio.
“I feel like I giggle too much in these situations.”
Watch the 100th episode HERE.
Beyond and On and On
Conversations around music showed no signs of slowing in 2016. Which is very healthy news.
I would encourage you to stay educated and think differently about your own process and sounds in 2017.
It’s vital for all of us…
So if you hear something, say something!
Rory Seydel is a musician, writer and father who takes pleasure in touring the world and making records. Creative Director at LANDR.
@Rory SeydelGear guides, tips, tutorials, inspiration and more—delivered weekly.
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