About two weeks ago, on a whim, I created a track for a friend with only cowbell loops (my friend hates cowbell so we often use it as a joke with him). The track came out rather interesting, and it got me thinking: what about a series of short musical pieces where I put constraints in myself.
One constraint would be that each track would have only one single instrument featured (like only grand piano sounds, or only flute, etc.) and the other constraint would be that no track would be longer than about 90 seconds.
Then I got to work, in my own manic music making way, gathering loops and making mixes, and loving the compositional practice of creating these little instrument sound landscapes.
I published an album on Bandcamp of the fifteen small pieces. I invite you to listen, if you are curious.
Peace (and sound),
Kevin
What a fun concept. How challenging was it? Have you any thoughts or experiments with combining loops?
I have to admit the cowbell is a favorite.
Lastly congrats on getting the blog moved your own domain!
#CogDogPbzzragOybttvat2025
Hey Dog
I find my work making loop instrumentals (sometimes adding in live instruments, too) is another extension of my view of myself as a music maker. There are many decision to be made when making tracks like these: what loops layer best onto others? Where does an edit enhance the overall track? What effects might give more resonance? Etc.
It requires a lot of experimentation on my part, and that is what I love most of all.
Kevin