Now and Xen
The podcast about contemporary microtonal and xenharmonic music, launched by Sevish and led by Stephen Weigel.
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086 - Phillip Golub and Joseph Branciforte
03/31/2025
086 - Phillip Golub and Joseph Branciforte
Come check out Phillip’s new composed album with us, “Loop 7,” featuring his characteristic style but infused with 22-tone equal temperament. Grammy-award-winner Joseph Branciforte joins us as well to share how the acoustic pianos were recorded and treated as “one instrument” in the process. Find “Loop 7” here: Sites for Phillip and Joseph (label “greyfade”): Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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085 - Julian Woods
03/17/2025
085 - Julian Woods
Microtonal jazz extraordinaire Julian Woods shares with us his methodology for re-tuning classic standards into JI and what it’s like playing in a live band. Topics include playing songs, composition directives, microtonal setups, and guitarists’ advantages for frets, fretlets, and fretless, Philipp Gerschlauer has collaborated with Julian on his own work “Every swing has a silver roundabout” and on microtonal “Angel Eyes,” reharmonized in 13-limit JI (with mostly 5 and 7 limit vertical relationships in the triads). Some notes about our analysis: when Julian is showing the sheet music to Angel Eyes, it’s in a different key than the one in which we hear the demo and final song (G minor). Also, at one point Julian mentions G half sharp major, but means A half flat major (I believe). Also, check out a sneak peek of a secret new piece at the end inspired by Ligeti! [video-only shot of guitar] Every swing has a silver roundabout [Just Intonation] - Julian Woods Angel Eyes (sung by Frank Sinatra) Angel Eyes (Julian Woods and Philipp Gerschlauer) [Just Intonation] [snippet] Every swing has a silver roundabout [Just Intonation] - Julian Woods [blues section] Every swing has a silver roundabout [Just Intonation] - Julian Woods String Quartet No. 2 - Ligeti [sung theme] Every swing has a silver roundabout [Just Intonation] - Julian Woods [held notes] Every swing has a silver roundabout [Just Intonation] - Julian Woods [chords in blues] Every swing has a silver roundabout [Just Intonation] - Julian Woods [sung microtones] Angel Eyes (Julian Woods and Philipp Gerschlauer) [Just Intonation] [demo version] Angel Eyes (Julian Woods and Philipp Gerschlauer) [Just Intonation] [demo version with 128/125 between E-flat and D-sharp] Angel Eyes (Julian Woods and Philipp Gerschlauer) [Just Intonation] [snippet 1] Eels “One for Ligeti” - Julian Woods [snippet 2] Eels “One for Ligeti” - Julian Woods Outro - Night & Day (Julian Woods and Philipp Gerschlauer) [Just Intonation] Julian’s music: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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084 - Subhraag Singh and Infinitone 2
02/28/2025
084 - Subhraag Singh and Infinitone 2
Subhraag Singh, creator of the Infinitone, graciously agreed to discuss the updated software with me! The update uses many new features such as dynamic re-tuning, visuals, LFO control, key triggers, and more. We go on a magical quest to discover Stephen’s xenharmonic tomato, and dissect the ethics of advertising radical new microtonal morphing software using the intellectual property omnipotence of Santa. SANTA CLAUS IS BRINGING MICROTONES TO TOWN (14-TET, 37-TET spectrum using Infinitone 2) In the Bleak Midwinter - Jacob Collier arr, played by Stephen Weigel (piano) Jacob Collier plays the Lumatone (from Instagram) Christmas Song (Jacob Collier version) SANTA CLAUS IS BRINGING MICROTONES TO TOWN (14-TET, 37-TET spectrum using Infinitone 2) Aquatic Ambience (Stephen Weigel arr. 15-TET using vocals tuned by Infinitone 2) Check out Infinitone 2 software (free trial!) Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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083 - Richie Greene
02/25/2025
083 - Richie Greene
Richie and I discuss phonorealism (pioneered by Peter Ablinger), 41-tone equal temperament, and his collection of instruments and live performances, such as “Six Monologues.” Sam Reflecting on the First Time He Heard Her Sing (2017) - phonorealism ludus vocalis (Burp) - Felipe Tovar-Hevao Dream Hangover - !mindparade Six Monologues (mvt. 3 - Tragedy Begins at Home) - Long Drive Theatre (41-TET) Six Monologues (mvt. 6 - This space looks like any other) - Long Drive Theatre (41-TET) isoharmonic etude (41-TET) without difference tone - Richie Greene isoharmonic etude (41-TET) with difference tone - Richie Greene If Ye Love Me - Thomas Tallis (tag) in 41-TET - rising in pitch by 1\41 of an octave each time. Richie’s xenachord projects and Long Drive Theatre are online - check them out! Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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082 - Microtonal Guitar Method (Tolgahan Çoğulu)
10/30/2024
082 - Microtonal Guitar Method (Tolgahan Çoğulu)
We have regular guest Tolgahan Çoğulu back to discuss upcoming projects such as collaboration with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (including their secret new microtonal guitar, sheet music transcription), classical/flamenco guitar ideas, the new fretlet guitar design, microtonal bends on electric guitar, and the Anatonlian rock scale. King Gizzard uses four scales, one of them being F sharp Husayni. The prize for the upcoming 9th International Microtonal Guitar Competition is… an adjustable microtonal guitar! Be sure to check out the Microtonal Guitar Method book, the competition, and any more of Tolgahan’s latest projects! As far I’m aware deadlines for the 9th competition aren’t online yet. Marcin cover - Carmen Habanera on One Guitar Ichika Nito - Awakening Boğaz Havasi on ukulele - Tolgahan cover Virtual Insanity - Tolgahan cover The Perc U Lator (Eric Roche) - Tolgahan cover Uşşak makam’s scale - Tolgahan video Winners of the 7th International Microtonal Guitar competition (short) Chorale - Charles Ives arr. Julian Woods Kind Folk - Kenny Wheeler arr. Naren Ratan Outro - Anatolian Moon (composed/performed by Tolgahan Çoğulu) Check out Tolgahan’s projects and YouTube: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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081 - Dave Fiuczynski
10/17/2024
081 - Dave Fiuczynski
Check out our episode with iconoclastic guitar legend Dave Fiuczynski. He wields a double neck fretless guitar, and plays a bunch of cool microtonal riffage for us! We talked about two tracks from “Flam! Bam! Pan-Asian Microjam!” and two from “Mikrojazz.” In “Flam,” there are a variety of compositional methods used, and the vocabulary is almost entirely derived from motivic bird calls. The uirapuru call in particular has an extremely distinctive contour. Many of these works express a desire for exploring continuums and representing sophisticated Eastern articulations. We also discuss microtonal diminished scales, the joy of smashing genres together, blue notes and sliding, pitch inflection as a player signature, quarter tones as a teaching concept, and much more! The music from Flam! could be described as being from a 72edo framework. Dave Fiuczynski - Oiseaux JDillique (from “Flam!”) Dave Fiuczynski - Dance of the Uirapuru A (from “Flam!”) Dave Fiuczynski - Loon-Y Tunes (from “Flam!”) various motivic examples Dave Fiuczynski - Dance of the Uirapuru A (from “Flam!”) Dave Fiuczynski - Dance of the Uirapuru B (from “Flam!”) with uirapuru scale Dave Fiuczynski - Dance of the Uirapuru C (from “Flam!”) with gamelan scale and neutral thirds Dave Fiuczynski - Dance of the Uirapuru B (from “Flam!”) Dave Fiuczynski - Flam (from “Flam!”) pointing out northern nightingale motives Dave Fiuczynski - Loon-Y Tunes (from “Flam!”) solo section Dave Fiuczynski - Flam (from “Flam!”) uirapuru bass line Dave Fiuczynski - Loon-Y Tunes (from “Flam!”) slidey call Dave Fiuczynski - Oiseaux JDillique (from “Flam!”) Dave Fiuczynski - Flam (from “Flam!”) Dave Fiuczynski - Flam (from “Flam!”) Dave Fiuczynski - Flam, then Oisaeux (from “Flam!”) pointing out northern nightingale motive at half speed Dave Fiuczynski - Oiseaux JDillique (from “Flam!”) bird fight using hijaz flat 7 Olivier Messiaen - Oiseaux Exotiques (part that echoes Dave’s work) Dave Fiuczynski - Oiseaux JDillique (from “Flam!”) ethereal ring E-half flat major chord Dave Fiuczynski - Loon-Ly Solitaire (from “Flam!”) Dave Fiuczynski - MiCroY Tyner (from “Mikrojazz”) using “Fuze-ayni” mode instead of Husayni Dave Fiuczynski - MiCroY Tyner (from “Mikrojazz”) piano in microtonal “B” key over F minor Miles Davis - So What (in B half-flat in 31-TET) Phillip Gerschlauer - Hangover (from “Mikrojazz”) Phillip Gerschlauer - November (from “Mikrojazz”) Mononeon - jungle juice & laffy taffy (microtonal) Outro: Phillip Gerschlauer - Umarmung (from “Mikrojazz”) Check out some of Dave’s amazing body of work: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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080 - Music Discord May
06/03/2024
080 - Music Discord May
This huge episode features three vastly different conversations, each with prominent members of a respective microtonal music discord. (1) Xenharmonic Alliance (ground, anomaly, xenoindex, Frédéric Gagné, HEHEHE I AM A SUPAHSTAR SAGA) Hyperspace Odyssey [21edo] - from Adxenture EP Serendipitous Arrival [26edo] - from Adxenture EP Liminal City Escalators [17edo and/or 18edo] - from Gone Too Deep EP Six Macrotonal Etudes for Electronic Music Media (8 NOTES) Outro/Transition: Into the Spoogalaxy [15edo, 17-tone tempered 2.3.7.29 ternary scale] (2) Xendergarten (ground, Userminusone, tristan bay) Orangerion [7edo] - Userminusone Pitchblende [27edo] - tristan bay Outro: Ashes of the Journey [37edo] - from Adxenture EP (3) Staffcirc (nikshalark, SoapDrip) Miasmania [0edo] - Promatsik Cute microtonal piano piece [17edo arr. Hesangasong] Shimmering Shapes [15edo] - doctorn0gloff Outro: no rest so sure ft. Nickshalark [13edo + 12edo???] - Soapdrip Links to discord servers, people, and music! Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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079 - Melopœia
04/10/2024
079 - Melopœia
Xenharmonic black metal project Melopœia consists of Brian Leong, Jon Lervold, and Dave Tremblay. Their albums are inspired by J.R.R. Tolkein, and features his direct text both sung, and by mapping the letters of the text to different notes of 26-tone equal temperament. Their latest album utilizing this is “Valaquenta,” be sure to catch the latest track “Varda” which we discuss and play in the episode! Their earlier album, “Ainulindalë,” used the same method of starting the album and then uploading tracks one at a time as completed. Intro: Melopœia - Varda [Valaquenta] 26-TET Melopœia - Varda [Valaquenta] 26-TET Melopœia - But an Instrument [Ainulindalë] 26-TET Melopœia - But an Instrument [Ainulindalë] 26-TET Melopœia - Varda [Valaquenta] 26-TET Melopœia - Varda [Valaquenta] 26-TET Melopœia - Varda [Valaquenta] 26-TET Melopœia - Ilúvatar’s Chord [Ainulindalë] 26-TET Outro: Melopœia - Varda [Valaquenta] 26-TET Melopœia’s Bandcamp: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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078 - Christopher Otto (JACK quartet)
02/26/2024
078 - Christopher Otto (JACK quartet)
Chat about contemporary music, composition, and just intonation with us in this theoretically adventurous and wide ranging episode. Christopher Otto, composer and violinist, works with the JACK quartet, a group that has played the music of such individuals as John Zorn, Tristan Perich, Cenk Ergün, Tyshawn Sorey, Catherine Lamb, Georg Frederich Haas, Dan Trueman, and many, many, more. Intro: Christopher Otto (jack quartet) rag’sma Catherine Lamb - divisio spiralis (mvt. II) Beethoven - Symphony No. 6 (storm section low notes) Vicente Atria - Seasons Will Pass You By Christopher Otto (jack quartet) rag’sma Christopher Otto - 3x5x7 (loadbang) Christopher Otto - violin octet (d1) LaMonte Young - Trio for Strings (Part 4 out of 8) LaMonte Young - Trio for Strings (Part 4 out of 8) - demo of 17 “equalizing” 9/8 Vicentino - Madonna il poco dolce (31edo) Stephen Weigel cover Christopher Otto - 3x4x5 (Weslos) Outro: Christopher Otto (jack quartet) rag’sma Rag’sma: Christopher and JACK’s links: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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077 - Noah Jordan
02/12/2024
077 - Noah Jordan
Take a magical tour with us through some of Noah Dean Jordan’s microtonal instruments (including the requinto), including improvised performances! Be sure to check out the “Noah Dean Jordan” account on Bandcamp as well as the “Nueva Armonica” account! Intro: I Was Once a River (Rock Creek II) Outro: I Was Once a River (Te Quiero Verde) Check out Noah’s work on the requinto: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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076 - Matthew Sheeran
01/22/2024
076 - Matthew Sheeran
Today’s episode celebrates the culmination of a years-long project with Matthew Sheeran, widely celebrated composer, orchestrator, and arranger. The album we’ve been working on is called “Acoustic Microtonal,” and it is a recording of Easley Blackwood’s Twelve Microtonal Etudes using acoustic instruments, playing monophonic lines in isolation and then being re-tuned using Melodyne. Matthew commissioned the Budapest Scoring Orchestra to achieve this huge compositional feat. Check out our episode here for the largest dive into the notes and chords behind the music, and be sure to check out the full album in all its glory! The album: Episode music: Intro: Blackwood – 23 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Blackwood – 16 notes (Stephen Weigel version) Blackwood – 16 notes (Hesangasang score) Blackwood – 16 notes (original) Blackwood – 16 notes (Stephen Weigel version) Blackwood – 17 notes (12-TET scordatura) Blackwood – 16 notes (Stephen Weigel version) Vicentino – Madonna il poco dolce (Jonathan Wilde version) Blackwood – 13 notes (original) Blackwood – 13 notes (12-TET version with diminished 3rd) Blackwood – 14 notes (original) Poulenc – Sextet for piano and winds Blackwood – 14 notes (original) Blackwood – 14 notes (12-TET version) Blackwood – 14 notes (original) Blackwood – 14 notes (Stephen Malinowski video clip) Blackwood – 14 notes (12-TET version) Blackwood – 15 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Blackwood – Suite for 15 tone guitar Stephen Weigel – open guitar chords in 15 video clip Blackwood – 15 notes (Stephen Weigel version) Stephen Weigel – What if we played EB’s 15 note etude in 12 video clip Blackwood – 16 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Blackwood – 16 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Blackwood – 17 notes (original) Blackwood – 18 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Blackwood – 18 notes (isolated flute in Matthew Sheeran version) Stravinsky – The Firebird Suite (Dance of King Kaschei) Blackwood – 18 notes (original) Blackwood – 19 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Blackwood – 19 notes (original) Blackwood – 20 notes (original) Henri Duparc – La vie antérieure Blackwood – 20 notes (original) Blackwood – 21 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Blackwood – 21 notes (12-TET version with Hendrix chord) Blackwood – 21 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Blackwood – 22 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Blackwood – 23 notes (original) Blackwood – 23 notes (Matthew Sheeran Kontakt arrangement – different orchestration) Blackwood – 23 notes (isolated harp in Matthew Sheeran version) Blackwood – 14 notes (12-TET version) Blackwood – 14 notes (Matthew Sheeran version – comparing 12 and 14) Blackwood – 23 notes (12-TET version) Blackwood – 23 notes (Matthew Sheeran version – comparing 12 and 23) Blackwood – 19 notes (Matthew Sheeran version cello ending) Blackwood – 24 notes (original) Blackwood – 24 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Stephen Weigel – 11 notes (original) Stephen Weigel – 11 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Stephen Weigel – 7 notes (Matthew Sheeran Kontakt arrangement) Blackwood – 15 notes (Stephen Weigel version) Stephen Weigel – keyboard fingering for 11-TET Stephen Weigel – 11 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Stephen Weigel – 7 notes (original) Stephen Weigel – 7 notes (Matthew Sheeran Kontakt arrangement) Blackwood – 18 notes (original) Stephen Weigel – Zones of Lasting Novelty (9-TET) Ben Johnston – String quartet No. 7 (guide tracks only) Blackwood – Gulliver’s Travels (23-TET) Matthew Sheeran – Lyres of Ur (7-TET) Outro: Blackwood – 17 notes (Matthew Sheeran version) Matthew’s stuff: Microtonal Etudes and Macrotonal Etudes: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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075 - Saad Haddad
01/12/2024
075 - Saad Haddad
In this episode, we discuss composition and performance with composer Saad Haddad. One prominent topic - the challenges involved working with orchestras and large ensembles playing microtonal music, and logistics of the industry. We also discuss ideas of east vs. west, style infiltration, using minimal sets of pitches, and maqam. Music: Vortex Temporum - Gérard Grisey Vignettes - Saad Haddad Aysheen (demo) - Saad Haddad Outro: Aysheen (demo) - Saad Haddad Saad has his own podcast! (check it out): Other links: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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074 - Sevish and benyamind (Big Sway)
12/18/2023
074 - Sevish and benyamind (Big Sway)
After this episode, be sure to check out the new Sevish album, “Big Sway!” Myself, Sevish, and benyamind have a classic microtonal chat about all things fun and intervallic, covering topics such as intuitive tunings, voice manipulation (vocoding, autotuning, etc.), perfectionism, going gridless, expectations, and communication and accessibility within the microtonal community. Several instruments get the spotlight, such as Sevish’s new microtonal keyboards, the Lumatone, melodica, and saxophone! We also stretch some tunings out for 22-edo Lambda, and frolic about in JI with harmonic series segments. Check out the new Sevish album: Our stuff: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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073 - Brock Benzel
06/30/2023
073 - Brock Benzel
In this brief but informative chat with Brock Benzel, we explore uncharted territory, with a firm commitment to being true to the self, taking on challenges, putting the music first, and breaking rules just the right way. Enjoy the comfort of alien intervals that Brock brings using the Lumatone keyboard instrument (our big topic). Music [Intro] Paranola (31-TET) - performed by Brock Benzel Something found (31-TET) - facebook excerpt (Brock Benzel) stay hydrated (53-TET) - facebook excerpt (Brock Benzel) [Outro] happy pride from me n my pride keyboard to u (31-TET) - facebook excerpt (Brock Benzel) Brock’s stuff: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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072 - Steve Mueske
06/29/2023
072 - Steve Mueske
An episode about synth and drums among other tidbits. Topics include names, aliases, Sevish himself, reverberance, randomness, evil, disguising tuning, non-octave tuning, flaws, beauty, the joy of doing creative work yourself, AI, picking your genres, the microtonal community, and art. Be sure to check out Steve’s work as “Pentachrist” on Bandcamp, releasing new music periodically! Music The Road After [Four] - Pentachrist (15-TET) Machine Love [Look - A Living Retrospective] - müesk (9-TET) Emancipate Pitch! - Stephen Weigel (22-TET) I’ve Been Thinking [Look - A Living Retrospective] - müesk (11 out of 19 McLaren) [Outro] Entropy’s Song [Four] - Pentachrist (23-TET) Check out Steve’s music both old (Müesk) and new (Pentachrist): Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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071 - Denny Genovese
06/28/2023
071 - Denny Genovese
In this episode, Denny Genovese recalls his history of creating and studying microtonal music, and his experience creating and performing in the impressive Exotic Music Ensemble. Join us as we become inspired through the brown note, Ivor Darreg’s secret math codes, the origins of Fractal Tune Smithy, the Moody Blues, FM synthesis, JI scales, and numerous other topics. Denny also explains his discography, and each individual instrument of the ensemble. Music [Intro] Five in Five [JI] - Denny Genovese [Outro] Reggae [JI] - Denny Genovese Some resources: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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070 - Danny Playamaqui
05/31/2023
070 - Danny Playamaqui
Check out Danny Playamaqui’s electronic music, a hugely expansive discography using a staggering variety of techniques. Danny conducts by-ear-tuning editing, strategic de-tuning, varispeed tricks, and poly-systemic techniques in addition to starting out with xenharmonic tunings as templates. Luckily, 4 bars a day keeps the doctor away (or is it an apple? Perhaps a lemon, or some paprika). We take inspiration and feedback from what is around us, trying to counterbalance that with boredom, motives, gimmicks, and alter egos. Animals and food, the ultimate kid-friendly songwriting subjects, here ironically take a bitingly sans-vocal formation. Tunings may or may not include Wendy Carlos scales, meantone tunings, 9-TET, 11-TET, 16-TET, 17-TET, 22-TET, and/or 31-TET. Music[Intro] Ichi-go ichi-e [New album!] - Danny PlayamaquiCorrecaminos [479^2] - Danny PlayamaquiWe Can’t Be Blamed [Harmony Hacker] - Sevish (22-TET)Lemongrass [VEG ༼༼༼༼ ◕◕◕ ༽༽༽༽] - Danny PlayamaquiTigre [479^2] - Danny PlayamaquiNuggets [479] - Danny PlayamaquiTruffles [479] - Danny PlayamaquiUna Tortuga de Patas Amarillas [479^2] - Danny Playamaqui Bears [479^2] - Danny Playamaqui Octopus XX [New album!] - Danny Playamaqui Chocolate [479] - Danny Playamaqui Silver Bells [cover, xenharmonic chocolate] - arr. Stephen Weigel (21-TET) ♥ ◕ ༽つ ♥ [VEG ༼༼༼༼ ◕◕◕ ༽༽༽༽] - Danny Playamaqui (31-TET?) Bitter Melon [VEG ༼༼༼༼ ◕◕◕ ༽༽༽༽] - Danny Playamaqui Turmeric [VA] - Danny Playamaqui Little Fox [479] - Danny Playamaqui [Outro] Lynx [New album!] - Danny Playamaqui Danny’s music: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow SubscribeRSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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069 - Bryan Deister
05/19/2023
069 - Bryan Deister
Come join us for a pleasant studio chat with Bryan Deister, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and jazz pianist extraordinaire. Recently he has been exploring microtonal covers on the Lumatone, with massive success on TikTok. He has also written many albums featuring microtonal music in various tuning systems, generally equal divisions, the most recent fully microtonal one being “In Your Hands.” Our conversation covers many topics relating to context switching, genre, surveys, paucitonality, and unusual instruments. Technical points include discussion of Lumatone layouts and pseudo-octave tropes, the too-perfect ring of JI soiling holy counterpoint, adolescent hatred of microtonality, translating between different tunings (transfer), and Scriabin. Music [Intro] The Call [In Your Hands] - Bryan Deister Apprehension [In Your Hands] - Bryan Deister Go Away [In Your Hands] - Bryan Deister Gasoline [In Your Hands] - Bryan Deister (5-ED(5/4)) Uneven Halves [In Your Hands] - Bryan Deister Lavender Town (Pokemon) - Bryan Deister Lumatone cover (13-TET) 32edo - Bryan Deister 33edo - Bryan Deister 34edo - Bryan Deister 35edo - Bryan Deister 36edo - Bryan Deister 37edo - Bryan Deister 38edo - Bryan Deister 39edo - Bryan Deister 40edo - Bryan Deister 41edo - Bryan Deister 42edo - Bryan Deister Microtonal improvisation in 43edo - Bryan Deister Zinnia Riplet - Stephen Weigel (32-TET) Minimal Progress - John Moriarty (~32-TET) In the Dark [The Dying Savior] - Bryan Deister (24-TET, 23-TET, 22-TET, 21-TET, 20-TET, 19-TET, 18-TET) In Your Hands [In Your Hands] - Bryan Deister (8-TET, 9-TET, 10-TET, 11-TET, 24-TET) Come [Spines of the Heart] - Bryan Deister (19-TET) Sunrise - HEHEHE I AM A SUPAHSTAR SAGA (19-TET) Fair [In Your Hands] - Bryan Deister Liquid Smooth (Mitski) - Bryan Deister Lumatone cover (17-TET) True Love Waits (Radiohead) - collab Stephen, Levi McClain, Braelen Addison (31-TET) Shadow Play [Supernova] - Bryan Deister [Outro] The Window [In Your Hands] - Bryan Deister Check out Bryan’s incredible music on Bandcamp! Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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068 - Chris Bandy
02/28/2023
068 - Chris Bandy
Chris Bandy, a cappella maestro and creative polymath, joins us to discuss the microtonality of his spectacular arrangements on YouTube. He works in Logic Pro using FlexPitch. Most of his microtonal strategies involve tuning standard adjustments and drifts, or moving microtonal distances. His most xenharmonic sounding arrangement is likely “Where is Love,” and his latest video, “Silent Night,” gets really in-depth and has pioneered several extremities of his style (vocal agility, subtle and long tuning drift, range, complex slide editing, etc). Check out his videos on YouTube, and his Patreon! Music Silent Night - arr. Chris Bandy [tuning standard adjustment] Silent Night - arr. Chris Bandy [tuning standard adjustment] America the Beautiful - arr. Chris Bandy [tuning standard adjustment] Where is Love - arr. Chris Bandy [144-TET] - m. 92 Where is Love - arr. Chris Bandy [144-TET] - mm. 3-4 Where is Love - arr. Chris Bandy [144-TET] - mm. 99-100 Where is Love - arr. Chris Bandy [144-TET] - mm. 73-75 Where is Love - arr. Chris Bandy [144-TET] - mm. 83-84 Where is Love - arr. Chris Bandy [144-TET] - m. 89 (phase 1) Where is Love - arr. Chris Bandy [144-TET] - mm. 90-91 (phase 2) Where is Love - arr. Chris Bandy [144-TET] - mm. 91-92 (phase 3) [Outro] Silent Night - arr. Chris Bandy [tuning standard adjustment] Chris’s stuff: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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067 - D&D's guide
02/28/2023
067 - D&D's guide
Dave Keenan and Douglas Blumeyer have written an in-depth, specific guide about the mathematical principles of regular temperament theory that are groundbreaking in their consistency and explanatory power. We have them on to discuss how the exchanges evolved, de-mystify some theory concepts, and get spicy with terminology. Music [Intro] Dave Keenan - Tumbling Dekany four six five seven nine [JI] [Outro] Douglas Blumeyer - Blumeyer Comma JI Unpump [JI] D&D’s guide: Other resources: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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066 - Mat Muntz
02/24/2023
066 - Mat Muntz
Experimental bagpipe and bass legend Mat Muntz brings his Croatian folk music expertise to the table… a topic most would say he has matsered in depth. Check out his latest album “Phantom Island” on Bandcamp, which freely combines folk music and jazz idioms into a grand polysystemic masterpiece. A lot of our conversation revolves around the intriguing differences between instruments such as bagpipes and double reeds, folk music/other influences, and tuning systems existing together in the same piece. The process of solving microtonal “issues” in an ensemble setting is one we describe as constantly bringing weird findings that cause learning, and joy. Also, keep your ears ready for connections between geography and tuning, and the latest conspiracy about Tartini! Music [Intro] Mat Muntz - Phantom Islands (track 3) Vex Collection - Fugue Beethoven - Ode to Joy (in Istrian scale) Mat Muntz - Cembalo Brutto (track 5) Mat Muntz - Phantom Islands (track 1) Mat Muntz - Cembalo Brutto (track 3) Agustín Castilla Ávila - Gemiden Stephen Weigel - Tenacious Chorale Mat Muntz - Phantom Islands (track 1) Mat Muntz - Phantom Islands (track 4) Mat Muntz - Phantom Islands (track 3) Mat Muntz - Phantom Islands (track 4) Traditional - clip of Croatian women singing [Outro] Mat Muntz - Phantom Islands (track 3) Mat Muntz’s music on Bandcamp: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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065 - Aaron Myers-Brooks
11/28/2022
065 - Aaron Myers-Brooks
Check out this conversation with Aaron Myers-Brooks, Pittsburgh prog guitarist/composer extraordinaire. His latest album, “Oblique,” is a microtonal odyssey exploring various quirky polyrhythms, applications of 17-tone equal temperament, electronic sounds, and distortion flavors. We get an inside exclusive look at the scores to “Energy Shapes”, figure out why one might use up and down arrows instead of Gould accidentals, and talk about “drawing” microtones in the highC program. Music[Intro] Aaron Myers-Brooks - Energy Shapes (V - Emerge)Aaron Myers-Brooks - Eight HighC Miniatures (VII - Chitter)Aaron Myers-Brooks - Sonata for 17-tone Guitar (I - Wistful and Halting)Aaron Myers-Brooks - Prelude and EntityAaron Myers-Brooks - The 11th and 6th CavesAaron Myers-Brooks - Energy Shapes (II - Oblique)Aaron Myers-Brooks - Sonata for 17-tone Guitar (I - Wistful and Halting)Aaron Myers-Brooks - Sonata for 17-tone Guitar (II - Angular and Aggressive)Aaron Myers-Brooks - Chasm [from album “Energetic Bursts”]Aaron Myers-Brooks - Energy Shapes (I - Wisp)Aaron Myers-Brooks - Energy Shapes (II - Oblique)Aaron Myers-Brooks - Energy Shapes (III - Chop)Aaron Myers-Brooks - Triads and Arpeggios Aaron Myers-Brooks - Energy Shapes (IV - De-Sync)Aaron Myers-Brooks - Energy Shapes (V - Emerge)[Outro] Aaron Myers-Brooks - Sonata for 17-tone Guitar (III - Somber and Deliberate)Aaron Myers-Brooks’ music (on all streaming sites): Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow SubscribeRSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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064 - The One Footed Bride
11/15/2022
064 - The One Footed Bride
“One-Footed” is a piece written by Taylor Brook named after Harry Partch’s “The One-Footed Bride'' Just-Intonation diagram. We discuss the aforementioned piece with Taylor Brook and John Schneider, diving into the ins and outs of writing idiomatically for the Partch ensemble, using Partch as inspiration, notation, and extended techniques on these instruments. The Del Sol quartet played the string parts! Come join us in exploring this vast sound world inside this justly tuned alternative orchestra! Music [Intro] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (III - Approach) Harry Partch - Delusion of the Fury (I - Exordium) [7/5 to 11/8] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (VII - Power) [naming foot parts] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (V - Power) Taylor Brook - One-Footed (II - Suspense) Taylor Brook - One-Footed (VI - Emotion) Taylor Brook - One-Footed (III - Approach) [opening 9/8 tonality] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (I - Approach) [large 5/4 tonality section] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (III - Approach) Ben Johnston - String Quartet n. 10 Ben Johnston - String Quartet n. 4 [bowl matching section] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (VII - Power) [opening 9/8 tonality] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (I - Approach) [bass line] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (I - Approach) [bowl matching section] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (VII - Power) [singing canon section] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (VII - Power) [low drone section] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (VII - Power) [7/5 to 11/8] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (VII - Power) Ben Johnston - String Quartet n. 7 Bob Dylan - Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door [I V IV progression on 1/1] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (VII - Power) [large 5/4 tonality section] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (III - Approach) [bass line John sings] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (I - Approach) [bass line] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (I - Approach) [I V IV progression on 9/8] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (I - Approach) [Outro] Taylor Brook - One-Footed (VII - Power) The piece, written by Taylor Brook: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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063 - acreil
08/29/2022
063 - acreil
Check out acreil’s music! Algorithmic albums appended with “a.” Keeper of obscure words in lists. Hardware enthusiast and certified synth geek. We have a delightful episode discussing how acreil works in Pure Data among other curiosities, such as how one navigates form to prevent boredom. Not only do we mess it up (or whatever), but we solve the paradox of influence and extremity, by making one chord at a time in chord networks. Musicacropora antozone [acheiropoietic ansätze] - acreil🎧👂🔜🖤💗📛🎲🎰🎮🥇🚴🌫👂👂💘 (track 8) - Stephen Weigelnewdrum7 [Luna Octava] - acreilacridine abeyance [aleatoric aubades] - acreilautochthonous acidification [aleatoric aubades] - acreilDance - Bernard ParmegianiValley Flow - Denis SmalleyContinuous microtonal glissando for 8 oscillators - acreil Check out acreil’s music, YouTube, blog: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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062 - Skueue
08/22/2022
062 - Skueue
Algorithmic August kicks off with Skueue, builder of the unnamed machine in Pure Data. This is an abstract, idea-filled episode packed to the brim with insights about the process. Our points of focus include a discussion of how writing affects software, uncommon disagreement about common practice, VST’s in PD, programming cadences, rootful resolutions, clowntone heptatonica, and SAMPLING. Eventually, we decide that algorithmic music written to sound as its author intended is a success. Music Bisphen [Anagnorisis] - SkueueKaneda [from Akira] - Geinoh Yamashirogumi Bedroom micro - Aphex TwinEquivalence [Anagnorisis] - SkueueGiant Steps - John ColtraneMantle [Andesite] - SkueueTx [Andesite] - SkueueBenthi [Anagnorisis] - Skueue Check out Skueue’s music and YouTube: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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061 - Nicholas Denton Protsack
04/30/2022
061 - Nicholas Denton Protsack
Nicholas Denton Protsack’s music abounds with spectral delights of various kinds. Our talk today has a particular focus on notation, delving into the strategy behind its presentation. As we study tuning more and more, becoming less rigid with its implementation, it becomes helpful to focus on not just approximating some tunings with others, but also to focus on the broader conceptual ideas behind the tuning labels. In particular, polysystemic tunings tend to hint at the methodology of their compositions. “Firebird” (Sounds Like Things) blends aspects of biological study and music, explores the rich timbre of found objects, relies on reference points, and uses freedom to generate complex music. Music Into this Fracturing Land [31-EDO] - Nicholas ProtsackRunaway (from Firebird) - Sounds Like Things🎧👂🔜🖤💗📛🎲🎰🎮🥇🚴🌫👂👂💘 (track 3) - Stephen Weigel Runaway (from Firebird) - Sounds Like Things Into the Refuge of a Cave (Daniel Gelman) - Nicholas Protsack Into the Refuge of a Cave (Darren Williams) - Nicholas Protsack Into the Refuge of a Cave (Andrew Friedman) - Nicholas ProtsackInto this Fracturing Land [31-EDO] - Nicholas Protsack Check out Nicholas’s music: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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060 - Aaron Breeze
04/12/2022
060 - Aaron Breeze
How on earth does one create a 1200-tone tone row? Or even a 372-tone row in Sibelius? Find out in this wacky episode featuring Aaron Breeze, the swingin’ licc master himself! The broader topics in this thrilling, conversational episode include silliness and perceived complexity, the connection between playing and speaking, red dress methodology, repetition and intent, presentation in music, high-effort memes, mixing contexts and genres, and the social state of online spaces. We’re psyched that global icon Sarah Brand brought microtonality back Music Intro - Groovy Serialism in 372-TET (Aaron Breeze)Captain Holt screaming (arr. Aaron Breeze)Troy and Abed off to Dreamland (arr. Aaron Breeze)Red Dress (Sarah Brand) - reharmonized by Aaron BreezeRed Dress (Sarah Brand) - reharmonized by Stephen WeigelCPAC Anthem Video A CAPPELLA HARMONY! (QW4RTZ)this is the greatest piano concerto of all time (Aaron Breeze)3 Slapstick Piano Etudes (Aaron Breeze)Red Dress (Sarah Brand) - reharmonized by FAST-FAST musicFriday Night (Tim Robinson) - from I Think You Should LeaveBeethoven Symphony No. 5 but it’s in 5/8 and 5-EDO (arr. Aaron Breeze)Outro - Red Dress (Sarah Brand) - reharmonized by Aaron Breeze Check out Aaron’s YouTube channel! Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube:
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059 - Stephen James Taylor
03/31/2022
059 - Stephen James Taylor
In this colorful, rich episode, we take a look into the importance of visual and narrative elements in accompanying microtonal music and its ideas. Stephen James Taylor does this not only through writing music in film, but also through his own visual content, such as in “Surfing the Sonic Sky,” an important documentary about Erv Wilson. Among the topics discussed here are: how to approach microtonality in film composition (mixing that with 12-TET), dosage control, the emotions one can only get from microtonal music, and hearing different instruments played with cool effects! We’ll also spill the beans on how to get tons of Chinese gongs for a cheap price… Doing something new: for each Now&Xen episode made (often), I’m trying to create a cover or transcription. For this episode, I’m planning to transcribe Stephen James Taylor’s “Quantum 7” performance from YouTube (though I haven’t been able to complete this yet). Be sure to follow the Stephen Weigel YouTube channel if you don’t want to miss it! Music Ancient Seers (Surfing the Sonic Sky) - Stephen James TaylorSivi - ILEVENS Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celeste - Béla Bartók Sonic Sorcerer (Surfing the Sonic Sky) - Stephen James Taylor Music from “The Giving” [58-tone Hebdomekontany vs. 12-equal] - Stephen James Taylor MOS Vamp (Surfing the Sonic Sky) - Stephen James Taylor Music from “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” [7-limit] - Stephen James TaylorEddie Van Halen clip (Back to the Future)Believe me, if all those endearing young charms - Thomas Moore (Bugs bunny clip)Quantum 7 (Transcendent Tonality) - Stephen James Taylor Remorphed Keyboard (Surfing the Sonic Sky) - Stephen James TaylorThree-Part Invention - Stephen James TaylorDizzy Spell - Stephen James TaylorTrouvaille - Stephen James TaylorThe Sugmad is Dreaming - Stephen James TaylorExpressions - Stephen James TaylorThe Coprime Colors [7-limit JI] - Stephen James TaylorMood of Neptune [Fibonacci-based JI] - Stephen James TaylorRockin’ da Beat [17-tone MOS scale] - Stephen James TaylorTopsy Turvy Town theme [from Mickey Mouse] - Stephen James TaylorRafiki’s Theme [from Timon & Pumbaa] - Stephen James TaylorBlack Panther [31-TET establishing shot] - Stephen James TaylorBlack Panther [53-TET dream sequence] - Stephen James TaylorSonic Sky Credits/31 for Spud (Surfing the Sonic Sky) - Stephen James Taylor Check out Stephen James Taylor’s music: Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube: Transcription of “Quantum 7” coming soon!
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058 - Anna-Maria Hefele
03/12/2022
058 - Anna-Maria Hefele
Anna-Maria Hefele, overtone singing sensation, has kindly graced us with her presence! Witness conversation about the tuning and construction of the intricate and aesthetically majestic Lambdoma project (built by Josef Baier). We also discuss how overtone singing intertwines with various musical ideas (production, style, classical technique, analytically hearing sound, the clash between overtones and 12-TET, glissando and vibrato). Be sure to check out her overtone singing class!Doing something new: for each Now&Xen episode made, I’m trying to create a cover or transcription. For this episode, I transcribed the first Lambdoma performance excerpt on YouTube! (Stephen Weigel channel). Be sure to check out the Patreon-exclusive episode about the specific notes of the tuning as well! Music OVERTONE SINGING & LAMBDOMA - Improvisation by Anna-Maria Hefele Check out Anna’s overtone singing class and projects: Bonus episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/63529215 Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube: Transcription of Overtone Singing & Lambdoma 1:
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057 - Ventifacts
11/12/2021
057 - Ventifacts
A fascinating collaboration between Ben Spees, of The Mercury Tree, and Damon Waitkus, of Jack O’ the Clock. We take a look at the acoustic instruments used to create it (including non-Western ones), swap files, and talk about the challenges and inspirations behind the project. We also affirm quarter tones as part of the xenharmonic canon, nerd out about the regularity of scales, and hint at the secret “Migraine” project. Check out Ventifacts on Bandcamp, it is WELL worth the listen!Doing something new: for each Now&Xen episode made, I’m trying to release a cover of one of the songs on my YouTube channel, if it’s relevant and I can do it. For this episode, there’s a cover of The Ballad of Hearst and Herriman (10-edo)! It’s premiering the day of episode release (the 12th, since we love 12 so much here at Now&Xen). Music Intro - Rest [Ventifacts] (24edo)Anxiety - Damon WaitkusDog Day Music [Ventifacts] (24edo)Pacific [Ventifacts] (24edo)Azimuth of Sunrise [Ventifacts] (24edo)Pacific [Ventifacts] (24edo)Weeping Wall - David BowieBonneville [Ventifacts] (24edo)Dog Days [Ventifacts] (24edo)Mravalzhamier (Benia, Georgian polyphonic tuning) - performed by trio kavkasiaAzimuth of Sunrise [Ventifacts] (24edo)Hidden Well [Ventifacts] (20edo)Outro -The Ballad of Hearst & Herriman [Ventifacts] (10edo) Check out the album on Bandcamp (and Ben and Damon’s projects): Support us on Patreon! (If we get 60 patrons, episodes will be released regularly instead of sporadically) Follow Subscribe RSS: iTunes: … Spotify: … Stitcher: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube: Cover of Hearst & Herriman:
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