Obilque Strategies

[RicharD]

http://music.hyperreal.org/artists/brian_eno/oblique/oblique.html

Any Brian Eno fans?  Oblique Strategies are a method of problem solving during the creative process of building a song.  Basically they're a method for getting out of the box.  Sometimes problems can be solved by creating another problem.  Sometimes the solution is painfully obvious but you simply need to look at it from another direction.  I've started a new band.  I've got a whopping 21 hours of rehearsal under my belt.  We've been using oblique strategies with great success.  I am approaching this entirely differently than any band I've done before.  In recent years it's been, "here are the recording, learn the song."  Now we present ideas in abstracts along with defined notes and structures.  An example would be, "make this part sound like you're in a clock shop", or "the intro is grey and foggy, quickly clear the fog to reveal a beautiful sunrise."  This helps the group perform dynamically as a ...... well a group.  We also have a standing rule, "when in doubt, play less."  We are all having a blast.  It's amazing what we are teaching each other.  That link is worth clicking on if you are a song writer.  It's food for thought.  there's more to life than E, A, & G.

[EL34]

there's more to life than E, A, & G.

Don't say that to blues guys or the sister! 

[RicharD]

Right... but why is it when some guys play those 3 notes, I want to stick an ice pick in my ear and when others play em the hair stands up on my neck and I get chicken skin?

[EL34]

 

I don't know why, but you should run away from the former as fast as you can.

[zendragon63]

Interesting methodology--even the strategy of 'consulting the deck'. Thanks for sharing. Certainly an example that transcends the typical jungle mentality most of us have to deal with daily. I have not been fortunate enough to have had more than a few band mates that weren't preoccupied with their 3 notes (or drum patterns) but at least could attempt to chase ideas on occasion. Glad you having fun with your new band Buttery--make the honeymoon last as long as possible! Regards

dennis

[RicharD]

The Honeymoon.

[EL34]

Is there a still in that picture?

[zendragon63]

Hyperbole honeymoon. The audio track must be awesome. Rock on Buttery. Regards

dennis

[RicharD]

Those are actually old car springs.  They will have piezo pickups attached and be fed through a little DIY tube mixer.  They are very chimey.   The freon can makes a good clank.  The copper sheet has great attack and makes for a metallic snare drum.  The double percussion thang is working out great.  Believe it or not, we spend a lot more time playing softly than this picture would lead yo to believe.  The oblique strategy that prompted this was, "use non-standard instruments."