podcast
details
.com
Print
Share
Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Search
Showing episodes and shows of
Now And Xen
Shows
Now and Xen
091 - Genoël von Lilienstern
Big thanks to Genoël for joining us on the Now and Xen podcast. This episode is a bit unconventional, as Genoël, in large part, is interviewing me for issue 144 of the “Positionen magazine” which was released in August. Go check it out online, as well as Genoël’s compositions! A lot of our discussion revolves around where xenharmonics and microtonality is headed, historical and social shifts, and thoughts on our works. [Music] Luigi Nono - A Carlo Scalpa (16th tones) FAST-FAST music - Sunshine (24-TET) Outro: Terroir - Genoël von Lilienster...
2025-09-30
1h 51
Now and Xen
090 - Maddie Ashman
Cellist, guitarist, vocalist, and compositional viral icon Maddie Ashman joins us on the Now and Xen podcast to discuss her work. Topics of choice include musical influences, feeling microtonal colors, hurdles when playing such music, and how to find your way. Instagram clip of “dark” (Maddie Ashman) from otherwordly Instagram clip of hocket type beat (Maddie Ashman) Instagram clip of cello notes from “Toffee” (Maddie Ashman) Carol of the Bells (microtonal cover by Maddie) Toffee (by Maddie Ashman) - Stephen Weigel and company 22-TET cover All other music from then on is from “To...
2025-07-31
25 min
Now and Xen
089 - Alyssa Aska
Composer Alyssa Aska stops by Now and Xen to talk about her microtonal compositions for fixed media and various combinations of electric and acoustic pianos and organs. She draws inspiration from video game music and early music, and often shifts the tuning system used over time for deliberate effects. We talk about software and setups. Exciting opportunity: Alyssa invites you to submit abstracts and/or pieces for the “Enharmonic interfaces and controllers for keyboard instruments.” Here is the link! https://zeitschleife-verlag.com/Verein/organon/symposium/calls/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLzeBRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFRaXlyTHNSNEhSQWQ3Rzc4AR4YBapTV6wEs3az4zbp...
2025-07-28
51 min
Now and Xen
088 - Kari Ikonen (Maqiano)
Finnish jazz legend Kari Ikonen joins us on Now and Xen to go over the specifics of his new invention, the “Maqiano,” a clamp system that allows pianists to retune individual piano keys microtonally, and quickly, without needing to call a piano technician. For a good idea of what it sounds like in practice, check out his latest album “Al-Bahr” with the jazz fusion ensemble “Wishamalii.” Music: La Eterna Paz [from “Al-Bahr”] Find Maqiano tuners here! https://www.maqiano.com/ New album and other works:https://nordicnotes.bandcamp.com/album/wishamalii-al-bahr https://m...
2025-06-30
37 min
Now and Xen
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: https://en.xen.wiki/w/Dave_Keenan_%26_Douglas_Blumeyer%27s_guide_to_RTT Other resources: https://se...
2023-02-28
1h 07
Gen Xen Frens
Gen Xen Frens Season 1 Trailer
Join Frens, Stephanie and Megan, every week as they dive into dating, friendships, and life overall from a xennial perspective. Also hear a sneak peek of Gen Xen Frens Season 1. Follow us on The Gram and the TickityTok @genxenfrens or connect with us at genxenfrens@gmail.com to share what you want to hear in future episodes.
2022-05-20
02 min
Now and Xen
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! For this episode, there’s a cover of The Ballad of Hearst and Herriman (10-edo)! It’s premieri...
2021-11-12
1h 08
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 63 – It’s About Time!
Welcome, welcome, welcome! Your favourite Xennial podcasters Adam and Matt are back on the mics so you know that can only mean one thing, The Happy Xen Podcast is on! Today we start by taking a look at our Netflix queues, and the oddball recommendations Netflix is making for us. We also dissect the recently announced voice cast for the Super Mario animated movie coming out next year. Plus we talk time management, and whether we’ve gotten better or worse with it over the years. As a bonus, Adam has plenty of tips and helpful advice on the to...
2021-09-27
1h 20
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 62 – The Return to the Studio!
Your favourite podcast has returned! Adam and Matt are finally back at the pub, to record their first in-person show in over a year. On this episode listen as the Covidiot talk ramps up, Matt lashes out at Adam for something done on another podcast, and both our hosts discuss what’s been getting them through the summer. Plus we revisit the topic of film releases in this pandemic environment, and see how things have changed since the start of COVID. So dust off that podcast player, make a strong cup of coffee (preferably 8-Bit Beans, or Deadly Grounds Co...
2021-09-06
1h 26
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 61 – Disney films: Animated vs. Live-action with Special Guest Katie Epp!
We are back! Today on The Happy Xen Podcast, we are taking a look at animated Disney films vs. their live-action counterparts with special guest, (and self-professed Disney super-fan), Katie Epp! Our homework was to watch 3 animated and 3 live action Disney films and talk about what we like, what we don’t and what just flat out doesn’t work. It’s an interesting discussion with each of us having differing opinions on each. Where do you stand on the debate? Break out those clam-shell VHS tapes, fire up Disney+, and buckle up for another Xennial nostalgia trip on The Ha...
2021-07-26
1h 35
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 60 – Top 5 Arcade Games with Special Guest Brad Mavin!
Welcome back Xennials! Today on The Happy Xen Podcast, we hit the arcade and count down our top 5 favourite arcade games. Joining us on this trip into gaming past is the founder of Deadly Grounds Coffee Canada, and 8-Bit Beans Coffee, friend of the show Brad Mavin! We not only count down our favourite arcade cabinets, but also talk about what makes a great arcade experience, the rise of Arcade 1Up and emulators, gaming documentaries, and much more. So pop in those quarters, challenge your mortal enemy, and hammer those buttons as we take another Xennial nostalgia trip on...
2021-05-10
1h 44
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 59 – Xennial Fancasting: ThunderCats!
ThunderCats Ho! On this episode of The Happy Xen Podcast, Adam and Matt are diving into the age old tradition of fancasting! We take a look at the recently announced ThunderCats movie, and try to justify our dream casting for each of the major roles. From Snarf to Lion-O, and Ratar-O to Mumm-Ra, none of the original lineup is spared! So strap in and buckle up for another Xennial nostalgia trip on The Happy Xen Podcast! Show Notes: What movie? Variety has the announcement of the ThunderCats movie here The ThunderCats Wiki was a...
2021-04-26
1h 28
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 58 – Pandemic Entertainment Survival Guide
Hello Hello! We have returned for another episode of The Happy Xen Podcast for your listening pleasure. On today’s episode, Adam and Matt catch-up and dive into what they have been doing to keep themselves entertained while enduring the pandemic. Listen as your hosts drop all kinds of recommendations for books, TV shows, films, games, and more to keep you going! So strap in and buckle up for another Xennial nostalgia trip on The Happy Xen Podcast! Show Notes: Check out our friend (and first guest of the pod!), Chris Johnston’s story on how he i...
2021-04-05
1h 21
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 57 – Top 5 SNES Games with Special Guest Jason Anarchy!
Hello Xennials! On this episode of The Happy Xen Podcast, we are returning to our video gaming roots. We are counting down our top 5 Super Nintendo Entertainment System games with special guest, Jason Anarchy! You know Jason as the genius mind behind such tabletop gaming gems as the Drinking Quest series, Millennial Manatees, and most recently, Your Friend is Sad. Join Jason, Adam and Matt as they dive back into the 16-bit glory days, and remember fondly the peak of 2D goodness. So slam in that cartridge, power-up your tube TV, and grab that 6 button controller, we’re going on...
2021-03-22
1h 47
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 56 – With Special Guest Jason Poland, creator of the hit web comic My Dad is Dracula!
Hello Xennials! We are back with a very special episode of the show! Today we have web comic legend Jason Poland, of My Dad is Dracula fame, joining Adam and Matt to discuss all things comics and creating. Jason was more then happy to share the ups and downs of the web comic world, and what it has taken to succeed. Besides excellent nuggets of wisdom, Jason shares some great stories while walking us through his comics career path. A fellow Xennial and fan of nostalgia, this was a true treat for us. So buckle in for...
2021-03-08
1h 24
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 55 – Top 5 NES Games with Special Guest Steve Jones
Hey gang! On this episode we are going back to the 80’s and early 90’s, looking at our top 5 Nintendo Entertainment System games with special guest Steve Jones! You might know Steve as the mad genius behind our intro and outro music. He’s also 1/2 of the musical duo Northern Hearts, and lately he has been releasing some amazing original music and video game covers on his YouTube channel swjonesmusic. Join us as we look at our favourites from a bygone era in video game history, as well as reminisce on the experience of trading games with friends, and rentin...
2021-02-22
1h 52
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 54 – Welcome Back Mando!
Hello all! In our first HUGE show of 2021, Adam and Matt head back to the Outer Rim for some more Star Wars action, with Disney+’s The Mandalorian season 2. Spoiler Alert! The discussion goes into all the major plot points of the show, so be warned. Our hosts break down each episode with what works, what doesn’t, and what surprised them. Plus an overall review of the season, and where things could go in the next one, and the various spin-off shows. So strap into your X-wing, and buckle up for another Xennial ride on The Happy Xen Podc...
2021-01-13
2h 12
Now and Xen
052 - Eric Ederer
We dissect makam scales with Dr. Eric Ederer, using his fantastic instruments and deep knowledge of theory & praxis. Makam music uses a lot of different parameters to identify itself to its listeners, such as direction (seyir) and where the melody starts. There is a lot of analysis work that can be done in this field, especially in describing historically accurate modulation, and/or listing melodic tropes that indicate certain makams. Part of Dr. Ederer’s research involved recording how experts think about their own playing. We also talk about Just Intonation, the history of the oud, and “improvisation” (or not...
2020-12-29
1h 30
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 50 – A Celebration!
The Happy Xen Podcast is back with the unbelievable episode 50! Not counting special episodes and such, we have hit show 50, so it’s time to celebrate. Before we dive in though, Adam and Matt talk Halloween in the time of COVID, AOC’s impressive debut on Twitch, and the baffling Snyder Cut shocker. Plus the return of our League Update segment. Then we look back at the history of our… The post Ep. 50 – A Celebration! appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2020-10-29
1h 43
Now and Xen
047 - Michael Harrison
Composer Michael Harrison and I talk about his deep interests in Indian classical music (solfege, tuning, raga, and practice) as well as Just Intonation (septimal intervals). His latest piece, “Just Constellations,” is an a cappella piece sung/commissioned by the iconic Roomful of Teeth ensemble. Topics include improvisation, commatic intervals in chords, minimalist composers (La Monte Young, Terry Riley), and the benefits of learning from a variety of styles. The harmonic piano, which we also discuss, is an extremely exciting DIY technique for getting a standard piano to play up to 24 notes per octave! Music Intro: Just...
2020-10-12
1h 45
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 49 – Second Wave
The Happy Xen Podcast is back for the start of Fall and what looks like the beginning of the COVID-19 second wave here in Canada. Adam and Matt discuss the latest developments, as well as what school looks like for kids returning during a pandemic. Plus a new segment called League Update, where Adam fills you in on his rise through the League of Legends ranks, and Matt details his… The post Ep. 49 – Second Wave appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2020-09-30
1h 32
Now and Xen
046 - Músico Nerd (Gustavo Silveira)
A stimulating conversation about content creation, electronics, and microtonal controllers! Gustavo is the original creator of the XT Synth, and his channel has classes on how to make DIY human-computer interfaces. We discuss how we would create a microtonal fretless controller type that no one has ever seen before, and compare it to other interfaces. Most of the episode is bonus content on our Patreon, so here is the second half! https://www.patreon.com/posts/046b-musico-nerd-41536053?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copy_to_clipboard&utm_campaign=postshare Music The void (an XT S...
2020-09-12
35 min
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 48 – Giving Reboots the Boot
Did you miss us? The Happy Xen Podcast returns after Summer break, diving head first into pop culture controversy with the dreaded REBOOT! In this episode we go over what is good, bad, and just plain unneeded with reboots. Plus we get into the differences (and which we prefer) between a reboot, a remake and the long after sequel. Will you agree with Adam or Matt? Or are they both… The post Ep. 48 – Giving Reboots the Boot appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2020-09-06
1h 41
Now and Xen
045 - Vivian Tylinska
Vivian and I chat about microtonal tuning systems, building instruments, playing guitar, and metal! Her Bandcamp name is Victory Over the Sun. You should be extremely excited about her upcoming microtonal metal album in 17-tone equal temperament! We go over a few of the demos for this album, and play intervals back and forth on keyboards and guitars. We also crack the code for going viral on Twitter on the side. Music Intro: The Enormous Cosmos (in the cavity of the mouth) - Victory Over the Sun Housewife plays microtonal metal! Longwayaway People...
2020-08-25
1h 31
Now and Xen
044 - Paul Dolden
Join esteemed Canadian composer Paul Dolden and I for a delightful romp through xenharmonic music that sounds alive and exciting. We rewrite the music curriculum, win the candy, gab about psychoacoustics and instrumental technique, and discuss compositional philosophy and craftsmanship. As of right now, nobody is writing with microtonality like Paul, who has spent 40 years writing microtonal compositions by mixing hundreds of recorded musical parts in dense, polished layers. Music Intro: The Untempered Orchestra (I) - Paul Dolden Shaynamic Sunshine - Paul Dolden Midnight to Morocco - Paul Dolden L’ivresse de la Vi...
2020-08-19
1h 56
Now and Xen
043 - Amelia Huff (Zhea Erose)
Voice expert Amelia Huff and I talk about the harmonic series in an in-depth way! Memes, witchcraft, acoustics, production, human-voice aesthetics, and novendecimal scales are just some of the many topics we cover in this exciting conversation! In her music, Amelia uses the harmonic series in macro-harmonic systems whose notes’ frequency ratios share denominators, instead of scales built from tonality diamonds as is usually the case. Our harmonic series talk is particularly revelatory because of Amelia’s unique methodology, our dissection of unfair assumptions (inversional similarity, the limit as a measure of overall sound) and how we relate the harm...
2020-08-01
25 min
Now and Xen
042 - Sintel
Sintel is a biologist, visual artist, game creator, and multi-instrumentalist who uses a variety of tuning systems in his work. Our stimulating conversation covers topics such as music theory, software friction/workflow, improvisation/self-teaching, psychoacoustics, and the human genome. Sintel is creating several useful kinds of software for creating microtonal music, most notably an editor using continuous pitch lines, and a script for rendering 12 tone equal temperament melodies in another tuning. Check out his newest album, “Outer Gardens,” and the aforementioned software, below! Music Chromosome 12 (from “Sonification of Human Genome Assembly”) - Sintel Chromosome 13 (from “Sonificati...
2020-07-12
41 min
Now and Xen
041 - Hidekazu Wakabayashi (微分音チャンネル)
Hidekazu Wakabayashi is a multi-instrumentalist who puts his works on YouTube with lots of incredible visual content! We talk about traditional music, cover songs, brown notes, recycling, the legendary “Iceface tuning” from his dreams, and other instruments. Among those discussed include Tolgahan Çoğulu’s microtonal guitar frets, the fluid piano, non-Western flutes, and fretless guitars. We also figure out who’s best between YouTube and Bandcamp! Music Intro: IceFace tuned piano (Microtonal Piano Lucid Fairytale) - H. Wakabayashi Horii Kojiro - Hi To Mi (solo shakuhacki) Inti Illimani - solo de quena Within You...
2020-06-30
53 min
Now and Xen
40edo - 🎧👂🔜🖤💗📛🎲🎰🎮🥇🚴🌫👂👂💘
Sevish and Jacob Barton interview Stephen Weigel about his new absurdist postmodern EDM album, one that pushes the envelope with regards to how complexity is perceived and how tuning systems are defined and used. Topics include speaking vs. writing, xenrhythm, the Bandcamp scene, imaginary divisions of the octave, dog vs. cat people, workflow, exploring new constraints on parameters, support, and how to piss off the right people. Music 71edo, 72edo, 105edo, 106edo, 204edo, 205edo (🎧👂🔜🖤💗📛🎲🎰🎮🥇🚴🌫👂👂💘)(π)ed(5ede) (🎧👂🔜🖤💗📛🎲🎰🎮🥇🚴🌫👂👂💘) Rank-15 tuning (🎧👂🔜🖤💗📛🎲🎰🎮🥇🚴🌫👂👂💘) 1200edo (🎧👂🔜🖤💗📛🎲🎰🎮🥇🚴🌫👂👂💘) 1,000,003-limit Just Intonation (🎧👂🔜🖤💗📛🎲🎰🎮🥇🚴🌫👂👂💘) 1200edo (🎧👂🔜🖤💗📛🎲🎰🎮🥇🚴🌫👂👂💘) Free Ticket to Hell (313edo) - Diamond Doll $$$ ONE BILLION $$$ (1,000,000,000edo) - Bazil Müzik Etudes pour piano (I) - György Ligeti 40edo (🎧👂🔜🖤💗📛🎲🎰🎮🥇🚴🌫👂👂💘) Fort Cindy-Poo! (20edo) - Stephen Weigel (√-703921)ed(e^τ) starting at 2000 Hz (🎧👂🔜🖤💗📛🎲🎰🎮🥇🚴🌫👂👂💘) All ed3’s 5-50 (🎧👂🔜🖤💗📛🎲...
2020-06-15
2h 42
Now and Xen
039 - Hitomi Shimizu (Syzygys)
We talk about the microtonal pop duo Syzygys and how they play with Harry Partch’s 43-tone Genesis scale. How do you make music sound interesting when your keyboard has less range than an ocarina? How do you tune a reed organ to 11-limit JI without a computer? Why did György Ligeti almost buy Syzygys’s microtonal keyboard? Find out in this episode! Music Intro: D.P.O. - Syzygys Bewitched - Harry Partch And on the Seventh Day Petals Fell in Petaluma - Harry Partch Syzygy Moon - Syzygys Classical dan b...
2020-05-30
48 min
Now and Xen
038 - Joe Monzo
Joe Monzo and I talk about lots of tuning theory and memories of events past. Comparisons are made between 37edo (alas! The episode is only 1 away!) and 22edo, as he recently completed a wildly chromatic score of a 37edo piece called “The Kog Sisters.” Joe Monzo came up with many important concepts and has gathered a lot of historical and mathematical information together on his website, initially hosted at sonic-arts, but now on tonalsoft. We talk jazz, Tonescape (lattice software), Musescore, workflow, his book (JustMusic), notation (especially of 37edo), LaMonte Young, the monzo (easy way to write primes which Joe...
2020-05-29
1h 45
Now and Xen
037 - Isaac Schankler
On this episode of Now&Xen, we talk with electronic guru Isaac Schankler about his relationship with microtonality as a composer, reasons to use just intonation or equal temperament, and creative ways to re-tune instruments during performance to mess with expectation. His piece “Alien Warp Etude,” performed by Aaron Kallay, creatively chunks out the 5 + 7 nature of the keyboard with scales a neutral third apart from each other. Be sure to check out the recent album he put out in March to help with the coronavirus, “Songs To Wash Your Hands To!” Music Intro: Alien Warp Etude - Isaac...
2020-04-29
1h 07
Now and Xen
036 - James Mulvale
With James Mulvale, we discuss what it’s like to be new to microtonality, working in a DAW and with instruments. We also talk about microtonality in pop music and in the media, creative ideas, and how recent music has been trending towards becoming more microtonal on a variety of levels. James has a new microtonal radio show - be sure to check it out at the link below! Music Lucky Numbers - James Mulvale [24edo] Plans - James Mulvale [19edo] Headcase - James Mulvale [24edo] Determined Outcome - Sufjan Stevens [~24edo] Tu...
2020-04-20
42 min
Now and Xen
035 - Kraig Grady
In this episode, we talk about the instruments of the Shadow Theatre, Anaphoria, and the mysterious Clocks & Clouds. Soar through the sonic sky with us through adventures of storytelling, shadow puppets, standing waves, meta-slendro, metal, wood, sequences, and visual corporeality. Music Intro: To Search For a Trace - Clocks and Clouds US Highball - Harry Partch Landscapes and Contours - Clocks and Clouds Wedding Song - Anaphoria Stolen Stars - Anaphoria Untitled Love Song - Anaphoria Drone 86 - Anaphoria Ceremony at Airports Edge - Anaphoria Banaphshu Remembers Her...
2020-04-12
1h 05
The Happy Xen Podcast
Ep. 42 – The New Normal?
It’s been a long few weeks right? There is no other way of saying this, things have changed….a lot! As the world braces and endures through the largest global pandemic of our lifetime, we have had to adjust. Most of us are working from home. self-isolating and social/physical distancing from one another. Anxiety is on high, and things are changing by the hour. We at The Happy Xen Podcast are… The post Ep. 42 – The New Normal? appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2020-03-27
55 min
Now and Xen
034 - Hunter Ewen
We talk with multimedia composer Hunter Ewen about what it’s like to be alive in the 21st century. Microtonality has lots of potential to be used as a temporal flag, to highlight a sense of off-ness, and to expand the sonic world which we inhabit. We also answer questions such as: how does the presentation of music, and/or extra-musical factors, affect the way we perceive it? And just how many times can we mention John Cage in a single episode? Music Intro: Venom, Consumption, and Saturation - Hunter Ewen Venom, Consumption, and Saturation...
2020-03-27
1h 33
Now and Xen
033 - Aaron Krister Johnson
Join us for an exciting episode with the founder of UnTwelve, Aaron Krister Johnson! We talk about why Facebook sucks, early music, methods of music composition, and computers/artificial intelligence. We also figure out Aaron’s secret identity in ambient music… Join the UnTwelve tuning list for great conversations about microtonality away from Facebook! http://lists.untwelve.org/listinfo.cgi/tuning-discuss-untwelve.org Music Intro: Lydian Dance/Phrygian Neutral Dance [17edo] Etude in neutral sixths - Aaron Johnson [17edo] Puhlops & Laugua - Aaron Johnson [17edo] Etude in neutral sixths - Aaro...
2020-03-22
1h 19
Now and Xen
032 - Robert Lopez-Hanshaw
Microtonal choral music is exciting and intense! Robert Lopez-Hanshaw premiered a piece in 72-tone equal temperament featuring the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, “vokas animo,” which we talk about here! We explore techniques to train the average choir in singing microtones, out of contexts that use guide-tracks or expert performers. Discover why we need more repertoire that accomplishes this feat. Music Intro: vokas animo - Robert Lopez-Hanshaw Alleluia - Aaron Kister Johnson Outro: vokas animo - Robert Lopez-Hanshaw Socials/Projects: Robert Lopez-Hanshaw: https://www.lopezhanshaw.com/ New Music Box articles: https...
2020-02-27
47 min
Now and Xen
031 - Paul Erlich
In this episode, we explore a brief history of regular temperament theory, and also talk about the basics of microtonal interval construction. Our Patreon bonus content for this episode features Paul and I going over audio examples of the Porcupine and Miracle examples in Paul’s paper “A Middle Path,” and getting more in-depth about the scales themselves and their different intonations. Music Intro: Decatonic Swing - Paul Erlich & Ari Sarkissian Blacklight - Joseph Pehrson (cellist: Dan Barrett) BlackandJill - Joseph Pehrson (udderbot: Jacob Barton) Outro: Herman Miller - Mizarian Porcupine Overtu...
2020-02-26
1h 05
Now and Xen
030 - Sevish, benyamind, Xotla
An in-depth look at the usability and selection of tunings in drum and bass music between these three giants! We talk a lot about the writing process and how microtonality has influenced that. What makes somebody want to use a microtonal tuning in their music in the first place, if not for weirdness? What do we think about listeners noticing tunings vs. what we notice as creators? What is so special about the “aura” and practicality of each particular tuning? Why use an EDO vs. JI? How do we go about the process of selecting tunings - is every tuni...
2020-02-11
2h 30
The Happy Xen Podcast
Episode 40 – PAX South & The Apocalypse
Welcome back, dear listeners! Episode 40 of The Happy Xen Podcast is here to fill your ear holes with audio entertainment! On this episode Matt reports back all the excitement from PAX South in San Antonio Texas. From legendary boardgames, to fantasy epics, hear the full rundown on a great trip. Plus, Adam contemplates going oldschool with his cell phone, by ditching his smart phone and going back to a… The post Episode 40 – PAX South & The Apocalypse appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2020-02-08
1h 18
Now and Xen
029 - Kite Giedraitis, Aaron Wolf, Spencer Hargraves
This episode is an invigorating, aurally demonstrative conversation that took place in Portland, Oregon between Kite, Aaron, and Spencer in September 2019. It’s about the guitar Kite invented that uses every other note of 41edo. Music theory nerds will greatly enjoy this episode! P.S. Be on the lookout for a Jacob Collier cameo... Music Intro: 12-Bar Blues on Kite guitar (played by Aaron Wolf) Friendship and Love to the End (barbershop tag); played by Aaron Wolf on Tonal Plexus and Kite guitar Outro: Modified Kite Guitar Take 1 (played by Jason Yerger)
2020-01-29
1h 11
Now and Xen
028 - Löis Lancaster
Löis Lancaster is a microtonal performer and composer from Brazil who writes things in Bohlen-Pierce (and other tuning systems) all the time using Bohlen-Pierce guitar, bass, singers, and synths! He joins us on Now and Xen to talk about his influences, writing techniques, aesthetic ideas, and image. Be sure to check out our bonus content on Patreon (coming in January!) featuring an additional Bohlen-Pierce chat with Elaine Walker, Löis Lancaster, and Stephen Weigel where we all play Bohlen-Pierce instruments: https://www.patreon.com/posts/no-2s-or-8s-lois-33573341 Music Intro: Maquiagem (BP) - Lö...
2020-01-18
1h 25
The Happy Xen Podcast
Episode 39 – New Year, Same Fools.
Happy New Year! The Happy Xen Podcast is back after a much needed break to bring you a Xennial view in 2020! First up we review the heavily anticipated Netflix fantasy epic, The Witcher. Both Adam and Matt have watched the entire first season and are ready to share their thoughts. Likewise, we couldn’t possibly go without talking about one of the biggest (and most controversial) film releases of 2019,… The post Episode 39 – New Year, Same Fools. appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2020-01-11
1h 37
Now and Xen
027 - Toby Twining (feat. Thomas Schuerich & Bill Alves)
Join us for a walk in the woods with renowned composer Toby Twining as we discuss his monumental choral work, the Chrysalid Requiem. Our topics include spiraling notation, Ben Johnston, the New York scene, pragmatic approaches for performance, Dies irae, juvenilia, guide tracks, technology, and accessibility. Our first conversation takes place with Toby Twining, Thomas Schuerich, and Jacob Barton, and then with Stephen Weigel and Toby Twining. We also have Patreon-only bonus content for this episode featuring Bill Alves (who analyzed the Requiem) and Stephen Weigel: https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-2-7-bonus-on-32885743 Announcement: Now and...
2019-12-31
2h 00
Now and Xen
026 - Christian Klinkenberg
Glacier 2.0 is opera for the future - a polysystemic array of multimedia influenced by jazz, improvisation, and shown on a visual score for all to see. For extra material, check out this episode on our YouTube channel, which shows the parts of the score lining up with excerpts that are played. What a brilliant gathering of musical forces! Announcement: Now and Xen has a Patreon! This podcast won’t be sustainable in the future without donations, so if you like the show and want it to continue, please consider pitching in a monthly donation! Your payments help us...
2019-12-30
1h 18
The Happy Xen Podcast
Episode 38 – Holiday Cheer!
Ho Ho Ho! Holy cow it’s almost Christmas! The Happy Xen Podcast is celebrating the only way they know how, by talking nerdy stuff and debating the ridiculous. On this episode Adam and Matt digest the brand new Black Widow trailer (Hint: One of us was NOT impressed). The end of the Skywalker Saga is here with Star Wars Episode 9: The Rise of Skywalker, and we have theories! We… The post Episode 38 – Holiday Cheer! appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2019-12-13
1h 29
The Happy Xen Podcast
Episode 37 – Birthday Shenanigans
Hey guys! The weather is getting colder and the year is just flying by! On this episode of The Happy Xen Podcast, we celebrate Adam’s 38th birthday with some fine Scotch and geeky ramblings. Listen as Matt discusses the launch of the latest streaming powerhouse Disney+, our hosts fall down the rabbit hole of a certain Hockey commentator’s comments, and Adam discusses his Facebook exodus, and how his daily life… The post Episode 37 – Birthday Shenanigans appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2019-11-21
1h 24
Now and Xen
025 - Amanda Cole
On this episode, Amanda Cole and Stephen Weigel discuss beating in sine tones, instrument design, harmonics, and wine glasses used for microtones among other topics! Music Intro: Microtallic - Amanda Cole Cirrus - Amanda Cole Vibraphone Theories (I) - Amanda Cole Music for Cello with One or More Amplified Vases - Alvin Lucier Node (II) - Amanda Cole Ecliptica - Amanda Cole Outro: Vibraphone Theories (III) - Amanda Cole Website: https://www.amandacolemusic.com/ Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nowandxen
2019-11-12
51 min
Now and Xen
024 - Reilly Spitzfaden
Reilly Spitzfaden (they/them) composes music for creatively designed acoustic instruments with a focus on timbre and tone color. In this episode, we discuss microtonality in three of their pieces, and an upcoming fourth piece in 14-tone equal temperament! We also discuss different viewpoints about what makes a tuning system xenharmonic, extended techniques, and more. Music Intro: Bones - Reilly Spitzfaden (24edo) Touch - Reilly Spitzfaden (11edo) Resonances - Reilly Spitzfaden (24edo) Each city, a tiny white flag - Reilly Spitzfaden (24edo) Outro: Resonances - Reilly Spitzfaden (24edo) Socials/Projects:
2019-11-12
57 min
Now and Xen
023 - Kyle Gann
Kyle Gann, avid minimalist and former student of Ben Johnston, discusses his new tuning textbook and two of his most influential compositions with Jacob Barton and Stephen Weigel. Music Intro: Galactic Jambouree (Hyperchromatica) – Kyle Gann Charing Cross – Kyle Gann The Insomnia of Lilacs – Kyle Gann New Aunts – Kyle Gann Mystic Chords – Kyle Gann Galactic Jambouree (Hyperchromatica) – Kyle Gann Barstow Bagatelle – Tom Flaherty Sun Dance/Battle of the Greasy Grass River (Custer and Sitting Bull) - Kyle Gann Different Trains (I) – Steve Reich “Do You Know Who I Am?” (Custer and S...
2019-10-31
2h 03
Now and Xen
22edo Room Talks
This episode is a tribute to 22-tone equal temperament, since it has been such a special tuning in the microtonal community for quite some time! Yes, “Room Talks” is a parody of the famous “Room Tapes!” Hear Brendan Brynes talk about how he writes, Gareth Hearne talk about theory, Sevish talk about workflow, and Stephen and Thomas talk about metatunal music. Music [all 22edo] Intro: Paul Erlich - TIBIA (additional parts added by Jacob Barton) Brendan Byrnes - IFS - Room Tapes William Lynch - Triadic Superpyth Study in 22edo Metaclown ♪♫ Xendustries - Follow the L...
2019-10-31
1h 52
Quantum Xen Audio
Fan Vote Update + Future Content Preview
Back after a long break. Spend some time updating the Rock Hall Fan Vote tallies and changes. Also, previewing some new content coming to the blog and audio feed! — Send in a voice message: https://ift.tt/2BlkPPK from Quantum Xen Moments … The post Fan Vote Update + Future Content Preview appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-10-29
41 min
The Happy Xen Podcast
Episode 35 – It’s Been A Minute!
Hey Guys! Well as the title says, (and Kevin Smith famously states), it’s been a minute since the guys have been back to the studio to record a brand new episode of The Happy Xen Podcast! We catch up on comic book movies (well duh), Film and TV ratings, NBC rebooting shows of our youth, Adam’s continued distaste for horror movies and Halloween(?), Matt’s new adventures on Twitch, Spider-man’s (quick)… The post Episode 35 – It’s Been A Minute! appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2019-10-16
1h 20
Quantum Xen Audio
Back from Retreat
Just a quick one to update you on being home. Also, sent out new friend invites so maybe some others will check out the Moments. More soon! from Quantum Xen Moments https://ift.tt/2o0qCXl via IFTTT… The post Back from Retreat appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-10-01
41 min
Now and Xen
021 - Warren Burt
Take a soak in the musical seas of Warren Burt, who has been an avid pioneer in microtonality and electronics for nearly half a century! Stories of his personal journey into a passionate curiosity for tuning; discussion of the use of algorithmic processes in composition; ruminations on technology; mysteries of lost gear; and more. Music All tracks and excerpts composed by Warren Burt except where otherwise indicated [0:00] Yellow Bill (2018) - Additive 11 tone MOS Canon [3:32] Twenty Dekanies (1998) - Dekany 15 [4:54] John Cage and Lejaren Hiller - HPSCHD (1969) [9:20] Explorations of 31 (1981-2) - D [15:32] Charlemagne...
2019-10-01
1h 21
Quantum Xen Audio
Grab Bag
Talking Video Games, Podcast apps and even some D&D today! from Quantum Xen Moments https://ift.tt/34PECEi via IFTTT… The post Grab Bag appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-09-18
41 min
Quantum Xen Audio
R.I.P. Ric Ocasek
This news is just hours old. No word on cause of death, just that he was found unresponsive. Ric was 75. Another great loss to Rock and Roll. from Quantum Xen Moments https://ift.tt/2IbgClj via IFTTT Related Article: Ric Ocasek, Cars … The post R.I.P. Ric Ocasek appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-09-16
41 min
Quantum Xen Audio
Scrub-A-Pup
Westin the Schnoodle gets groomed. AKA The One About Doggy Daddy Anxiety from Quantum Xen Moments https://ift.tt/2LNHJ76 via IFTTT… The post Scrub-A-Pup appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-09-12
41 min
Now and Xen
020 - Johnny Reinhard
Join us for an episode featuring Johnny Reinhard, legendary bassoonist and head of the American Festival of Microtonal Music. We shoot the breeze, discuss 128 tuning, and talk about microtonal performance and practice on the bassoon. Other topics include polymicrotonality, improvisation, and playing technique. His latest work in 128-note tuning, “String Theory,” will be coming out soon! Music Intro: Johnny Reinhard - Odysseus 13 and last [polymicrotonal] Kite Giedraitis - I Hear Numbers [JI] John C.L. Jansen - Harmonic Fields [JI] Charles Ives - Concord Sonata, mvts. III and IV (transcendentally performed at AFMM 2016) [25-not...
2019-09-10
1h 28
Quantum Xen Audio
Of Fall-like Mornings and Pocket Gimbals
Just sort of a miscellany post this morning. We have for cool air and fog over the mountain today. Also, looking for some Hyperlapse ideas in my local area. from Quantum Xen Moments https://ift.tt/2LqnYlT via IFTTT… The post Of Fall-like Mornings and Pocket Gimbals appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-09-05
41 min
Quantum Xen Audio
Call to Action
Asking for listeners, if you are so inclined, to head over to my Forums and leave a comment to show me if you are real. Go here: https://quantumxen.net/forums/topic/audio-listeners-feedback/ and thanks in advance! from Quantum Xen Moments https://ift.tt/2PCzkIH via IFTTT… The post Call to Action appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-09-02
41 min
Quantum Xen Audio
Hey! It’s Still Summer.
Call it irrational, but I have my reasons for griping about early holiday excitement. I try to explain my viewpoint. I’m not out to change anyone’s mind, just providing some personal perspective. from Quantum Xen Moments https://ift.tt/2MOvM3P via IFTTT… The post Hey! It’s Still Summer. appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-09-01
41 min
Now and Xen
UnTwelve '19
Which household cleaning supply secretly identifies as a Bohlen-Pierce instrument? Find out in this episode! The annual UnTwelve event brings together microtonal and xenharmonic composers from a variety of different backgrounds. Our discussion focused around theory and practice of each others’ pieces. We also perform an improvisation, and give an audio “tour” of some of the amazing microtonal instruments that campers brought with them to the Gesundheit! Institute. Music Intro: Couples Therapy - Jacob Barton (sing-along version, 15edo) Mirage - Nick Osborn (31edo) Nature’s First Green is Gold - Daniel Lessler (31edo)
2019-08-27
1h 46
The Happy Xen Podcast
Episode 33 – Shared Universes
Hello listeners! We all know and respect the power that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but what about other shared film universes? Which ones have come before and been successful? Which ones have been a failure? And which ones would we like to see? Listen now as The Happy Xen Podcast brings you our views and reviews of non-Marvel cinematic universes and their future! So click on, buckle up and… The post Episode 33 – Shared Universes appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2019-08-25
1h 24
Quantum Xen Audio
WTH, Disney+?!
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I was not going to bother with the Disney+ service. Until now . . . See the reason on my Facebook page, Quantum Xen. from Quantum Xen Moments https://ift.tt/2ZolxFkvia IFTTT… The post WTH, Disney+?! appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-08-23
41 min
Quantum Xen Audio
An apology to my MailChimp Subscribers
Oops! The campaign used to push my blog posts to email was accidentally suspended by yours truly. Fixed now, but is probably a mess this release. Should return to normal after this. Sorry! from Quantum Xen Moments https://ift.tt/2Nr3Imuvia IFTTT… The post An apology to my MailChimp Subscribers appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-08-20
41 min
Quantum Xen Audio
What happened to the ‘Pretty in Pink’ soundtrack album?
This morning I realized I can’t get soundtracks from my favorite John Hughes movies on any streaming services and it’s driving me nuts. Guess I’m going to have to make my own playlists. from Quantum Xen Moments https://ift.tt/31U6fdgvia IFTTT… The post What happened to the ‘Pretty in Pink’ soundtrack album? appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-08-20
41 min
Quantum Xen Audio
Technical Breakthrough
It’s a busy day on the feed as I figured out how to employ both of my podcast feeds with just one recording. I’m very excited! from Quantum Xen Moments https://ift.tt/2P4SzKH via IFTTT… The post Technical Breakthrough appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-08-19
41 min
Quantum Xen Audio
FOO 2
Not an important post, just a test to see if an IFTTT applet will crosspost from my Anchor Feed to my WordPress blog. Cross fingers! from Quantum Xen Moments https://ift.tt/2NjfQ94via IFTTT… The post FOO 2 appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2019-08-19
41 min
Now and Xen
18edo - Bill Sethares
Bill Sethares joins us for a conversation about the relationship between timbre and tuning. Research from Kevin Hobby and Bill Sethares shows us how to design strings with arbitrary inharmonic spectra. One use for this technique is to make inharmonic tunings sound consonant. An example of such an instrument is the Hyperpiano - tuned to the whole tone scale ("hyper-octave scale") but the dissonance curve of the instrument is stretched to double that of a regular harmonic string. The outcome - the octave sounds dissonant but the double-octave sounds consonant! Tune in to this episode for a lot more...
2019-08-12
1h 09
The Happy Xen Podcast
Episode 32 – With Special Guest Brad Mavin, Owner of 8-Bit Beans and Deadly Grounds Coffee Canada!
Hello listeners! On this episode of The Happy Xen Podcast, we have a very special sit-down interview with entrepreneur Brad Mavin, Owner of 8-Bit Beans, and Deadly Grounds Coffee Canada (as well as our new hero!). Listen as Brad lets us in on how he made his dreams of running his own coffee business come true, as well as injecting in his own passions of horror and gaming. It’s an… The post Episode 32 – With Special Guest Brad Mavin, Owner of 8-Bit Beans and Deadly Grounds Coffee Canada! appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2019-08-09
1h 31
Now and Xen
017 - Dolores Catherino
Dolores Catherino joins us with interesting conversation about keyboard technique, polychromatic notation, the limits of perception, and artificial intelligence. As a multi-instrumentalist and microtonal musician, she often works in the higher numbered equal tunings of 72 and 106-equal, and gave a TED talk about it 2016. We also talk about software and workflow with MIDI channels. NOTES At 13:31, Ms. Catherino meant to say "cents" instead of "Hertz." After speculating about Aaron Hunt's new keyboard, I have been told that Aaron's not changing his default tuning from 205edo to 260edo - the new TPX just had more keys for b...
2019-08-01
50 min
Now and Xen
016 - Jude Thomas
Jude Thomas hosts the only all microtonal-radio program (Xen Radio) on KPISS, so we sat down with him to talk about the challenges of having a multi-genre program and being a selective curator. As a barbershop singer in Voices of Gotham, he is keenly aware of how melody and harmony interact, the unique oral traditions of the genre, and the relationship between vowel shapes, timbre, and pitch. We additionally discuss the connections between melody and harmony in music theory, and what that means for today’s musicians. Music Intro: Jude Thomas - Bells The Way (Vo...
2019-07-11
1h 49
The Happy Xen Podcast
Episode 30 – A Xennial Guide to Podcasts
Hello listeners! Welcome back to the Xennial buffet for your ears, The Happy Xen Podcast! On this episode the guys celebrate 30 episodes (give or take), of being on the air. They answer the question “How easy is it to make your own podcast?”, and what makes them delete a podcast from their playlist. Then once the self high-fiving is out of the way, it’s a deep dive into what… The post Episode 30 – A Xennial Guide to Podcasts appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2019-07-05
1h 29
The Happy Xen Podcast
Episode 29 – Back to the Xen of It!
Hello, Hello! After what seems like an eternity, The Happy Xen Podcast is back, and we have a lot to get caught up on! We dive into the rabbit hole of Disney’s new found love of the live-action remake, discuss upcoming movies including the newly announced Robert Pattinson Batman flick, Matt details his epic adventure at the Manulife Ride for Heart, and so much more! So click on, buckle up… The post Episode 29 – Back to the Xen of It! appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2019-06-15
1h 20
Now and Xen
014 - PARTCH ensemble
How does one win a GRAMMY® award? Which never-before-heard recording of Partch himself will be featured on the group’s upcoming album? What does music for the Harry Partch instruments look like? How on earth do the players tune their instruments? Find out in this witty, riveting episode where we talk with John Schneider! Be sure to get “Sonata Dementia,” coming out June 28th and played by the Partch Ensemble. Music Intro: Harry Partch - Windsong Harry Partch - Barstow (I) Lou Harrison - Round [5-limit JI] Harry Partch - Barstow (II) Ben Joh...
2019-06-12
1h 59
Now and Xen
013 - The Mercury Tree
The Mercury Tree is an experimental prog band from Portland, Oregon, and we interviewed them in the middle of their Spidermilk tour across the U.S. Spidermilk is entirely in 17-tone equal temperament, though the band have also used microtones previously (Permutations, Cryptic Tree EP). Spidermilk is a particularly exciting album because the band went entirely microtonal on it. On this episode, we discuss the challenges of going microtonal as a successful band, what the future holds, the writing process for these songs, and, of course, the TRI-TAD. At the time of release, the band consists of Ben Spees...
2019-05-31
1h 35
Now and Xen
011 - Brendan Byrnes
Brendan Byrnes joins Sevish and Stephen Weigel for a chill chat about all things microtonal music. Brendan composes and performs both solo and with his band Ilevens. Important questions are answered, such as: Why do drummers prefer 12edo? What microtonalist almost moved in with Brendan? How might MIDI 2.0 make making microtonal music more manageable? Why is 22edo an excellent tuning for writing pop music? How did Ilevens get together? How do you make sure your band mates play the right microtones and not the wrong ones? How do you play trumpet over 7edo? For that matter how do you...
2019-05-11
1h 43
Now and Xen
Easley Blackwood[10]
Which piece of music is favored most by Easley Blackwood’s cat? And which one of his etudes caused people at the O’Hare airport to call him “crazy” when played over the speakers? Find out in this landmark episode! Here, we discuss both the Twelve and Six Etudes, analysis of them, various equal tunings, and chord structures in equal tunings. Music Intro: Easley Blackwood - Fanfare in 19edo Outro: Easley Blackwood - Suite for Guitar in 15edo (I) Easley Blackwood - Twelve Microtonal Etudes (16, 21, 23, 13, 17, 24, 14, 20, 19 are played) Alexander Scriabin - Sonata in F# minor
2019-05-11
1h 10
Now and Xen
009 - Ben Fuhrman
Stephen and Ben discuss interactive technology and the merits of microtonal composition. Within interactive technology comes a host of questions, both about acoustic instruments (will robots be taking over violin players’ jobs?) and synths. Microtonal accidentals, gear, MIDI 2.0, sound masses, and Baroque tunings are are big topics here. Music Intro: Ben Fuhrman - Hypnos (24edo) Outro: Organism Study - Ben Fuhrman (JI with de-tuning) Power Cycle - Ben Fuhrman (Bohlen-Pierce) Socials http://benfuhrman.com/ https://soundcloud.com/bfuhrman Concrete Oasis: https://benfuhrman.bandcamp.com/album/concrete-oasis Support us...
2019-04-16
1h 10
Now and Xen
008 - Tolgahan Çoğulu
Istanbul has a long history and a diverse set of musical cultures, which include Anatolian folk music and Ottoman Turkish urban music. With thousands of guitars in Turkey, it was only a matter of time until somebody found a way to play guitar music in the appropriate local tunings using frets. Tolgahan Çoğulu shares his experience playing microtonal guitar and curating a repertoire for this instrument. Listen to find out how to easily play microtonal music on a standard guitar using mini-frets, Tolgahan’s experience with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, how tablature is written, and...
2019-04-12
1h 31
Now and Xen
007 - Bruce Hamilton
Bruce Hamilton and Stephen Weigel discuss technology and social gatherings in microtonal music. Workflow with polysystemic tunings and DAW’s is a big topic here - find out what Dr. Hamilton’s favorite DAW is by listening! Other topics covered include university life, putting on events and drawing in listeners, polysystemic tunings, microtonal evangelism, microtones as extensions of 12-tone equal temperament, and improvisation. Listeners’ thoughts on microtonal music at the university (and non-university) levels and “what makes one a microtonalist” are at the heart of our discussion. Music Intro: Twenty-who - Bruce Hamilton (22edo) Outro: Chomp - Br...
2019-03-24
1h 23
Now and Xen
006 - Neil Haverstick
In this episode, Stephen and Sevish discuss performance, teaching, and tuning with Neil Haverstick. Neil Haverstick is an experienced country/blues guitarist and composer who has been performing both 12-equal and microtonal music for many years. Neil considers himself a lifelong student and necessary teacher in the musical community - a musician first! He knows many famous performing musicians from various genres, from jazz to rock to country to folk to symphony orchestras to microtonal math teachers (many of them Grammy winners)! We talk about microfest, logistics, how tuning affects form, listener impressions, certain notable microtonal guitars in the...
2019-03-12
1h 29
Now and Xen
005 - Jack Tickner
In this episode, Stephen and Sevish discuss microtonal guitar music with Jack Tickner, who is a part of many bands and projects and mods guitars into different frettings (Wollongong, Maybe Pile, and his self-titled music)! Topics include accessibility/production, ear training and perception, auditioning scales in the community, the ear as a subjective judge, beatings between tones/spatial variables, and the feelings that xenharmonics yield. Music Intro: The Practice Of - Jack Tickner Outro: Bug - Jack Tickner Jack Tickner - Let's Go Stephen Weigel - Nerdstick Walks (JI Tickner scale) Sevish...
2019-02-12
1h 43
The Happy Xen Podcast
Episode 25 -Get Deadly!
Hello listeners! Well it took a little over a year, but it would seem our hosts have finally lost their minds! In this very special episode of The Happy Xen Podcast, Adam and Matt decide it’s a good idea to taste test SIX different varieties of coffee from our friends at Deadly Grounds Coffee (as well as their 8-bit Beans brand), in the span of just under an hour. They… The post Episode 25 -Get Deadly! appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2019-02-01
1h 06
Now and Xen
004 - Chris Bailey and Jacob Barton
In this episode, Stephen discusses ear training and sliding-pitch techniques with two members of UnTwelve, Jacob and Chris. (Be sure to spread the word about UnTwelve 2019 camp, happening from August 4-13 at the Gesundheit Institute in West Virginia)! The three composers discuss performance techniques and music theory of compositions they have written and/or covered, so musical examples are abundant! Other important topics include paucitonality, rendering of equal tunings in just intonation, tuning “surveys,” electronic manipulation, and voice leading of isolated xenharmonic passages in 17-edo, 20-edo, and JI notated with Sagittal. (And 12-edo)! Making microtones easier is fun...
2019-01-31
1h 17
Now and Xen
003 - John Chalmers
Our guest today is Dr. John Chalmers, author of Divisions of the Tetrachord. He shares his experiences and interactions with Harry Partch, Erv Wilson, Ivor Darreg, and other folks working with microtonal and xenharmonic music. We had a good chat about various tuning systems such as tritriadic scales and the merits of 12, 19, 31, 41, and 53 equal.John also mentions Kathleen Schlesinger, Elsie Hamilton and ancient Greek scales. If anybody can find the missing musical scores of Elsie Hamilton, let us or John know! At 56:26 John talks about ‘The Sound of Feeling’, so here is a recording you can listen to:
2019-01-25
1h 15
The Happy Xen Podcast
Episode 24 – In The Year 2019!
Hey Everyone! We made it to 2019 with the latest episode of The Happy Xen Podcast! In this episode our hosts take us through the highlights of 2019 in film, TV, technology, gaming and more! Plus, Adam ponders if growing up in the digital age is actually allowing kids to form thicker skins (not literally!), and allowing them to deal with trolls and cyber-bullies better. All this and so much… The post Episode 24 – In The Year 2019! appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2019-01-16
1h 28
Now and Xen
002 - Elaine Walker
In this episode, Stephen and SEVISH talk with Elaine Walker (the brains behind “ZIA”) about her new EP (Four-Momentum) and various equal tunings. Recurring experiential topics include performance, hardware/software, compression/mastering/pop-music, and composing strategies. Elaine also has a lot to say about keyboards of all types, having designed many Halberstadt keyboards for equal tunings. Hexagonal keyboards, crowdfunding, and fostering interest in musicians are just a few of the many groundbreaking ideas discussed here. Why label songs with their corresponding microtonal tunings? Elaine gives the listener lots of reasons to do so! Music Intr...
2018-12-20
1h 21
Now and Xen
001 - Software
What instruments are good for playing microtonal music and why? Can synthesizers be a useful tool for exploring xenharmonics? And what microtonal scales would be good for beginners to start experimenting? Other topics include: collecting musical instruments, kalimbas and mavila temperament, how well instruments can keep their tuning, hammered dulcimer tuning, building your own instruments (Kraig Grady, Harry Partch etc.), the importance of microtonal guitars, fretless vs microtonal frets, fixed-pitch vs free-pitch, rearranging keyboard layouts, microtonal approaches to orchestral instruments, multiphonics, free synths that support microtuning, using multiple synths vs using only one powerhouse synth, tuning files, tuning software (S...
2018-11-30
1h 23
Now and Xen
Pilot
In this pilot episode of Now&Xen, Stephen Weigel and Sevish introduce the idea of microtonal and xenharmonic music, and discuss why musicians would want to use alternative tunings in their music. Other topics discussed include cultural learning, equal temperaments, traditional microtonal vs modern microtonal, gamelan and Ivor Darreg. We’d love to hear your feedback on this new podcast, so do send us a message via email (nowandxenharmonic@gmail.com) or via social media. Music Intro: Sevish - Droplet (53edo); Outro: Stephen Weigel - Console MPath (14edo) Support us on Pat...
2018-11-25
21 min
The Happy Xen Podcast
Episode 22 – The Future is Now!
Hey gang! Welcome back for another episode of The Happy Xen Podcast! This week we are back to our original home (Adam’s basement pub), and coming at you with some insight into the future tech we have today. The guys go through their average day 20 years ago, and compare it to today, highlighting the changes in technology that we would have thought was more SCI-FI, then common place back… The post Episode 22 – The Future is Now! appeared first on The Happy Xen Podcast.
2018-11-24
1h 24
Quantum Xen Audio
Mobile Journal – Evening Edition
I had such a good time doing the mobile journal earlier today that I decided to do another one. In this Edition, I go a little deeper into what I’m doing to update the Quantum Xen website and what I’m … The post Mobile Journal – Evening Edition appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2017-08-09
41 min
Quantum Xen Audio
Mobile Journal
I decided that I would record a quick audio journal and do all the uploading from my phone. In this short session, I talk about my future plans for the Quantum Xen website.… The post Mobile Journal appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2017-08-08
41 min
Xen Nightz
Introducing: Xen Nightz
Introducing: Xen Nightz by Xen Nightz
2016-08-13
02 min
Quantum Xen Audio
Fallout 4, New Hosting and Old Habits
Just a short update and where I am and what we are doing now with Quantum Xen. Not much has changed, but I feel like I’m getting this house in order to be able to make regular posts again! So, … The post Fallout 4, New Hosting and Old Habits appeared first on Quantum Xen.
2015-11-30
41 min
Xen Nightz
Fallen Kingdom (feat. Ghena & BJB)
[Xen Nightz] When I’m feeling all alone, I have no one to call my own I am sitting on my throne, I am a king with no queen so... [Ghena] Maybe the drugs can help you now [Xen Nightz] Turn off the lights, turn up the sound [Ghena] Get in ya zone when the music is loud [Xen Nightz] Write how my kingdom all fell down [Hook: Ghena] You don’t have to stop, you can lose control Let it loose and get gone, there’s no one at home So don’t have no fear, let me take you ther...
2013-08-12
03 min
Xen Nightz
Hate To See Her Go (feat. Paul Straun)
[Hook: Paul Straun] I hate to see her go, but I love to watch her leave I hate to see her go, but I love to watch her leave I hate to see her go, but I love to watch her leave I love to watch her leave Look at that inside them jeans Girl I know you know I like it when you push up on it I know you know I like it when you push up on it I know you know I like it when you push up on it, I know I love to watch...
2013-08-12
02 min
Xen Nightz
Calling Out For Me (feat. Kelsey Trust Me)
[Hook: Xen Nightz] I can feel your body screaming at night and calling out for me 'Cause I know what you wanna do When you told me it's over I had no choice but to pack and move Now you regret it's over [Verse 1: Xen Nightz] Every time I looked in her face I could see that she's in another place Her mouth is trying to lie But the truth's in her eyes Every day started coming home late But I didn't ask 'cause I wanted her to say What she's been busy doing So I'll just sit and wait ...
2013-07-15
04 min