Exploring Plain Music: Accessibility, Creativity, and Simplicity

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Notes on the classification Plain Music

　

This is an analog oscillator that produces a square wave and can be made for about 2 to 300 yen. If you search for “square wave circuit,” you’ll find similar projects. While it only produces a single beep sound, when layered with a resonator, octaver, or reverb, it transforms into a drone sound with a pleasing effect. It’s an extremely simple sound source—if it can even be called a sound source. Nonetheless, I find a certain charm in this simplicity.

It’s not just about these simple devices; the allure might lie in the simplicity of the production methods and tools rather than the simplicity of the sound itself. Collecting and categorizing such techniques and methods could be quite interesting.

  I am considering a classification called Plain Music (the name might change). Plain Music refers to a type of music characterized by simplicity, modest production methods, ease of reproduction, plainness, simplicity, and accessibility in a positive sense.

Perhaps if you strip away the philosophical elements from ambient music and simply play pads with reverb, it becomes Plain Music. For now, creating something noise-like with whatever is at hand feels like Plain Music. Copy-pasting chord progressions—Plain Music. Using only a Volca—Plain Music. A noise box—Plain Music. Sound play—Plain Music.

Sometimes, it might be music created with minimal tools, like a simple meal of one soup and one dish, or it might be the functional limitations of the tools that create Plain Music. It could be the kind of music created as a passing point in the early stages of learning DAW. It might also be the state where you have just started experimenting with a tool or software and managed to produce some sound.

While it might be a transitional phase, I want to classify and positively focus on the attitude of embracing what emerges from such processes under the category of Plain Music.

A noise box, as an instrument and an effect device, is a representative example of Plain Music. Firstly, the DIY hurdle is lower compared to other instruments, and it can be created at a low cost. I made one using a wooden box from Daiso. The sound it produces is interesting, and since it is an electronic instrument, it easily integrates with effects devices.

I wrote down notes on chatgpt about plain music, and during our exchanges, I made notes about parts that I thought were similar in terms of nuance and parts that I thought were important points.

The idea of using the word “Plain” is very effective due to its simplicity and clarity. This word means “easy,” “simple,” and “unadorned,” indicating that the music has a direct and unadorned nature. Such naming succinctly expresses the simple yet attractive characteristics of the music and clearly conveys the essence of the music to the listener.

Moreover, “Plain” can also suggest the accessibility and universality of the music, making it potentially appealing to a wide range of listeners. In this way, a simple and intuitive name is a good method for effectively conveying the characteristics of the music. The category of “Plain Music” focuses on simple and accessible music, making it particularly appealing to listeners who are new to music or who prefer an intuitive and relaxed experience over complex music. Such a classification could effectively function as a means to broaden the diversity and accessibility of music. The concept of “Plain Music” centers on the idea of aiming for simple, modest production methods to create accessible and universal music. This approach is considered effective, especially in music education and for beginners in music production. Using the term “Plain Music” would be an interesting way to define a new movement or style that aims for simplification and popularization of music. This approach has the potential to open music to more people and lower the barriers to entry for music production. The classification of “Plain Music” is a very interesting approach that emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of music. This concept can be understood as affirming the value of music production at the introductory stage and music created using basic tools and methods.

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The characteristics of Plain Music can be summarized as follows:

• Simplicity and Modesty: The production process is intuitive and does not require complex technology or equipment.

• Ease of Reproduction and Plainness: It can be easily replicated or imitated by others.

• Modesty: It excludes extravagance and complexity, staying true to the basics of music.

• Accessibility: Listeners can easily understand and become familiar with the music.

Such music can take various forms, from simple pad sounds with reverb in genres like ambient to basic music created by beginners using DTM (desktop music) software.

The concept of Plain Music can serve as an entry point into the world of music for beginners and casual music enthusiasts. It also emphasizes the beauty of music born out of the functional limitations of tools and values the "transitional phases" in the music production process. This approach offers a new perspective on the process and outcomes of music production, supporting the idea that all music has its own value.

Plain Music encourages exploring the basics of music and finding enjoyment through the process. This classification is attractive not only to beginners in music production but also to those who wish to enjoy music more casually. In this way, Plain Music is a concept that brings new perspectives and possibilities to the world of music.

Relationship with minimalism

Plain Music aims for accessibility, simple production methods, and ease of reproduction. It refers to music that makes the production process as simple as possible, allowing anyone to create music easily. It is accessible to beginners and casual music enthusiasts.

Minimalism, on the other hand, simplifies the fundamental elements of music (rhythm, melody, harmony) to an extreme degree, offering listeners a new auditory experience through the repetition and subtle variation of these elements. Minimalism employs specific philosophies and techniques for artistic expression.

Plain Music prioritizes simplicity and accessibility, whereas Minimalism focuses on expression and unique auditory experiences.

uniqueness

The concept of Plain Music does not regard the pursuit of novelty or uniqueness in music as an absolute value. However, this approach does not deny creativity; rather, it is an attempt to reconsider the nature of creativity. Plain Music has the following characteristics:

Recognition of Creative Diversity: Plain Music considers that creating new styles or ideas is not the only valuable creative act. Instead, it places value on the act of making music itself. For example, beginners creating music in a workshop using imitative expressions is meaningful, even if there is no novelty. In this case, the act of expression itself is respected, and whether the expression is new or not is secondary. Reinterpreting, reconfiguring existing elements, and even imitation or reproduction are equally valuable activities in music production.

Respect for the Act of Expression: In Plain Music, uniqueness or novelty is not the absolute criterion for determining the significance of expression. Rather, the value lies in everyone being able to freely participate in music production and express themselves. Plain Music aims to lower the barriers to musical expression, allowing more people to experience the joy of creation.

Coexistence of Creativity and Non-creativity: Plain Music does not view creativity and non-creativity as binary opposites but considers them to coexist and interact with each other. Acts such as imitation and reproduction, which may seem non-creative, are positively accepted as forms of music production. These acts may not necessarily lead to new creativity but play an important role in enriching the diversity of expression. At the same time, the pursuit of uniqueness and novelty is also valued as an endeavor to expand the possibilities of music.

Thus, Plain Music recognizes the flexible relationship between creativity and non-creativity and proposes a way of music production that encompasses diverse acts of expression.

Promoting Accessibility and Participation:

This approach makes music production more accessible to a broader audience, allowing beginners and non-professionals to enjoy music easily. The entry barriers to music production are lowered, enabling a wider range of people to participate in music creation.

Emphasis on the Creative Process:

Plain Music places more importance on enjoying the process of music production itself rather than the originality of the final work.

This approach of Plain Music can open up new possibilities in music production and promote creativity and diversity of expression. It is particularly attractive to those who want to enjoy music easily without challenging the technical aspects or theoretical background of music production.

format, meta

The fact that the approach of “Plain Music” emphasizes the discovery of the style and process of music production is an important feature that distinguishes this concept from other music styles. This approach includes the following aspects:

Exploration of the Production Process:

Plain Music places more emphasis on the discovery and exploration of the process of making music itself, rather than on complex compositional techniques or theories. This includes experimenting with the means and tools of music production.

Exploration of Simple and Effective Methods:

For example, it explores simple and intuitive production methods, such as enriching the sound using drum machines and effects. Such methods make the music production process more accessible and enjoyable.

Promotion of Creativity over Technical Mastery:

Plain Music emphasizes creative discoveries and experiments with ideas rather than technical mastery or specialized knowledge in music production. This makes the production process more open and provides opportunities for a diverse range of people to participate.

Discovery of New Uses for Tools and Equipment:

It focuses on developing new styles of music production using existing tools and equipment. This includes using equipment in ways that differ from traditional methods.

Plain Music opens up music production to more people and provides opportunities to explore the process. This approach emphasizes the enjoyment and creativity of the production process and reduces the pressure to achieve technical perfection or originality. As a way to explore new possibilities in music production, Plain Music is a very interesting approach.

The idea that the approach of “Plain Music” focuses on the creation of formats, especially the design of formats at a meta-level, offers a very interesting perspective. This means exploring aspects of music production such as:

At an event organized by the label Tokinogake Night, a live performance was conducted using only a Volca Beats and effects. The focus was on discovering the style or format rather than specific expressions. Some people tried to imitate and experiment with this. In this context, it is about presenting a style that uses a drum machine and effects.

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Creation and Definition of Formats:

In Plain Music, new formats and frameworks for making music are created. This means not just specific methodologies for making music, but designing the entire process and approach to music production.

Meta-level Creativity:

Emphasis is placed on thinking about music production methods and styles at a higher level of abstraction. This allows for the reconstruction of the fundamental concepts and philosophies of music production, establishing a new foundation for creativity.

Redefinition of Production Identity and Context:

Plain Music redefines the identity and context of music production beyond the boundaries of existing music genres and styles. This fosters new perspectives and values in music production.

Emphasis on Experimentation and Exploration:

By exploring and experimenting with new formats, it becomes possible to investigate various aspects of music production.

Such an approach promotes creativity that transcends existing frameworks and concepts in the realm of music production. This aspect of Plain Music offers new standards for the creation and evaluation of music and provides opportunities to perceive music from a broader perspective.

Derivative genre

As the concept of “Plain Music” expands, the possibility of new genres and subgenres emerging is very real. When considering the development of such new genres, the following elements are important:

Potential for New Genres:

For example, a genre called “Accessible Experimental” could be considered. This is an attempt to make experimental music production more accessible and, while incorporating the approach of Plain Music, promotes new musical explorations.

Differences Between Genres:

The differences between existing and new genres arise from the techniques used, the production process, and the purpose or intention of the music. For instance, DIY music emphasizes individual creativity and technical skills. Plain Music focuses on accessibility in production and the enjoyment of the process.

Exploration of Contradictions and Harmonies:

When considering the contradictions between Plain Music and DIY music, it is important to understand that both offer different values in music production. DIY emphasizes technical self-expression, while Plain Music emphasizes simplicity and accessibility in production.

Inclusive Approach:

In the development of new genres, recognizing these differences and combining the strengths of each style can explore broader possibilities in music production.

The development of new musical genres and subgenres always arises from reevaluating existing concepts and approaches and incorporating new perspectives.

The concept of “Accessible Experimental” is a musical style aimed at making experimental music more accessible to more people. Compared to traditional experimental music, it has the following features:

Accessibility:

Accessible Experimental emphasizes accessibility in both music production and listening. This includes avoiding technical complexity and adopting more intuitive production methods and easy-to-listen music styles.

Musical Experimentation:

While incorporating experimental sounds and approaches is central to this genre, they are presented in a way that is easier for a broader audience to understand. This makes the exploration of experimental music more approachable for many listeners.

Utilization of Creative Methods:

It adopts new methods of music production, such as creating unique instruments, applying non-traditional music theories, and experimenting with digital sound processing, while presenting these in an easy-to-use and understandable manner.

Selection of Alternative Sounds:

By experimentally using alternative sounds and textures, it provides new auditory experiences. However, these sounds are explored creatively while maintaining a sense of familiarity.

The main goal of Accessible Experimental music is to broaden the possibilities of experimental music while conveying its appeal to more people. This approach seeks to explore new possibilities in music production while bringing the enjoyment of music to a wider audience.

Accessible Experimental music and traditional experimental music share a common experimental foundation but differ in several key aspects. These differences are primarily seen in how the music is made, its accessibility, and its approach to the audience.

How the Music is Made (Production Methods):

Traditional Experimental Music: Highly experimental, often using avant-garde techniques and theories. This may include non-standard instruments, complex electronic sound processing, or non-traditional music structures.

Accessible Experimental Music: Incorporates experimental elements while being produced in a more accessible form. This means using simpler instruments or software, intuitive production processes, and compositional methods aimed at a broader audience.

Accessibility of Music:

Traditional Experimental Music: Often aimed at specialized listeners or musicians, making it difficult for the general audience to understand.

Accessible Experimental Music: Designed to be enjoyed by a wider audience, presenting elements of experimental music in a more approachable form.

Musical Characteristics:

While both share many commonalities in sound characteristics, Accessible Experimental music tends to adopt more familiar rhythms, melodies, and harmonies. This makes the unique textures and appeal of experimental music more accessible to more people.

In essence, Accessible Experimental music aims to express the exploratory aspects of experimental music in a form that is more accessible to a wider audience. The differences in the approach to music production are the main features of these styles.

Accessibility conflict

The existence of conflicting demands regarding accessibility between prosumers (producer-consumers) and general consumers (listeners) is indeed a common issue in music production. Balancing this in Accessible Experimental music is an important challenge.

Accessibility for Prosumers:

Prosumers, deeply involved in the music production process, seek high accessibility in production. This includes reducing technical barriers and adopting intuitive production methods.

Accessible Experimental music can offer an approach that allows prosumers to easily engage in production while maintaining experimental elements.

Accessibility for Consumers (Listeners):

Consumers prioritize ease of listening and understanding. For them, accessibility depends on how approachable and enjoyable the music is.

Accessible Experimental music provides music that can approach general listeners by presenting experimental elements in a familiar form.

Balancing Conflicting Demands:

The goal of Accessible Experimental music is to meet both the ease of production for prosumers and the ease of listening for general consumers. To achieve this, it is necessary to maintain experimental elements while devising creative ways of expression.

Understanding the differences in accessibility between prosumers and consumers and creating music that satisfies both is a significant challenge for Accessible Experimental music. This genre aims to balance creative expression with broad receptivity.

There are indeed some interesting relationships and differences between Plain Music and Experimental Music. When comparing these genres, the following points emerge:

Degree of Experimentation:

Plain Music may pursue experimental methods and approaches in production, such as using non-traditional instruments, developing unique music production processes, or reinterpreting existing music theories.

Experimental Music focuses on the experimentation of the sound itself, which can include non-standard sound textures, dissonance, and non-traditional music structures.

Accessibility and Receptivity:

Plain Music emphasizes accessibility, aiming to make music production enjoyable for more people. This includes making the music production process simple and approachable.

Experimental Music may offer more challenging auditory experiences to the audience, which can be less accessible to general listeners.

Creative Challenge:

Plain Music emphasizes the creative process itself, promoting experiments with new production methods and ideas.

Experimental Music aims for innovative exploration in the expression of music itself.

In essence, Plain Music and Experimental Music adopt experimental approaches in different aspects. While Plain Music focuses on the production process and accessibility, Experimental Music emphasizes musical innovation and expressive challenges. Both can complement each other and open up new possibilities in music production.

The concept of Plain Music having a perspective oriented towards prosumers (producer-consumers) is a very interesting consideration. This approach emphasizes the accessibility and creativity of music production, reflecting the perspectives of both consumers and creators.

Accessibility in Production:

Plain Music focuses on opening up music production to more people. This includes lowering technical barriers and providing simple and intuitive production methods.

Simplicity of Expression:

Simplicity of expression is a key feature of Plain Music. This means promoting intuitive and personal expression through music production.

Prosumers’ Perspective:

Plain Music takes into account not just the listeners but also the perspective of music creators. This approach encourages those who make music to explore and express their own creativity.

Expansion of Plain Music:

Expanding the concept of Plain Music could lead to the emergence of new styles and genres of accessible music in both production and consumption. This might include new production methods and musical approaches.

The concept of Plain Music centers on the music production process, providing significant value to both creators and listeners. This approach aims to find a balance between creativity and accessibility in music production, extending the enjoyment of music to more people.

How to make ~ tutorial

How-to videos and tutorials provided on platforms like YouTube indeed offer accessibility similar to the concept of Plain Music. These educational resources make music production easier and more understandable, reflecting the spirit of Plain Music in the following ways:

Clarification of Steps:

Tutorial videos specifically demonstrate the steps of music production, making it easy for beginners to create music. This aligns with the characteristics of Plain Music, which are simplicity and an intuitive approach.

Reduction of Technical Barriers:

These videos explain the necessary technical knowledge in an easily understandable manner, lowering the hurdles of music production. This allows more people to participate in music creation.

Access to Creativity:

Through tutorials, users are exposed to new music production methods and ideas, allowing them to develop their own creativity.

Connection with the Community:

Platforms like YouTube provide a place to connect with a community interested in music production.

DIY

In the concept of Plain Music, the use of existing low-cost drum machines and effects pedals can certainly be included. Plain Music focuses on the accessibility and ease of music production, which does not necessarily require homemade equipment or advanced DIY skills. The following points support this idea:

Utilization of Existing Equipment:

Using existing equipment like drum machines and effects pedals provides a simple and accessible approach to music production. By effectively using these devices, high-quality music can be created easily.

Creative Use:

A creative approach to using existing equipment also aligns with the spirit of Plain Music. For instance, combining devices with limited functions can produce unique musical expressions.

Relationship with DIY:

Plain Music is closely related to DIY culture, but it is not limited to the physical construction of equipment. The DIY spirit is also reflected in making the most of available resources.

Inclusivity as a Genre:

The genre of Plain Music should encompass various approaches and styles. Music production using existing equipment, due to its accessibility and creative potential, can be considered part of this genre.

In this way, Plain Music should be understood as a broad approach to music production, and the use of existing equipment should be recognized as part of it. This concept aims to acknowledge diverse methods of music production and respect the unique value of each approach.

circuit bending

Circuit bending possesses elements that align with the spirit of Plain Music. Circuit bending involves modifying existing electronic devices (such as children’s toys, small keyboards, etc.) to create new sounds through a DIY experimental approach. This process connects with the concept of Plain Music in the following ways:

Creativity and Experimental Spirit:

Circuit bending involves disassembling and modifying existing devices to produce unexpected sounds and effects. This matches the creative and experimental approach of Plain Music.

Accessibility:

Using inexpensive existing electronic devices and not requiring special technical skills or expensive equipment makes circuit bending accessible. This aligns with the spirit of Plain Music, which emphasizes ease and accessibility.

DIY Culture:

Circuit bending is a part of the DIY music culture, emphasizing personal creativity and technical curiosity. This matches the freedom of self-expression promoted by Plain Music.

Circuit bending is likely to be included in the broad definition of Plain Music. This experimental approach promotes accessible and creative music production, aiming to maximize individual creativity.

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Plain Music: Exploring Methods and Concepts