Is Retro Rebellion?

Certain corners of the music world have always seen electronic music as beneath them. Far removed from their world of notation and technical "chops", they imagine that synthesizer-users push a button and, as if by magic, the machines make music by themselves. (As a long-time Jazz pianist AND synthesizer witch, I'll let you argue amongst yourselves!)

We are now in an interesting (aka terrifying) era where the machines can, indeed, make music with little human input. So, ever the keen philosopher; I asked members of a popular Facebook group a question:

"In a world where music is easy (...too easy?) to make, do you think that using old equipment/techniques is a form of rebellion?"

Alongside the expected, knee-jerk online abuse, I got some insightful answers back! I've combined and rewritten these responses and kept them all anonymous to avoid headaches.

Those Against

Arguments against "retro as rebellion" centered on the fact that older producers were simply using the equipment that they were familiar and comfortable with. This simple explanation seemed feasible, though for me - the wrestling of obsolete media and un-intuitive 90's user interfaces is rarely about comfort. It feels more akin to exploration, risk, reward - taking new paths with old gear.

Other people pointed out that you can make dull, derivative music with any gear, even the old stuff! Whilst true, I'd argue that nostalgia can cover up a multitude of sins - so bad it's good, right?

Instead of rebellion - could we instead be attracted by the thrill of old gear? Akin to those who choose classic cars with manual gearboxes? It's certainly a compelling idea, and of course, sometimes the right tool for a job might be an old tool: "I'm not opposed to modern tools, but they often struggle to integrate with vintage samplers and SCSI equipment. By orbiting a vintage workflow, I was able to integrate things seamlessly."

Those For

Within the responses, I was happy to see that I wasn't the only joyfully solitary mad scientist:

"I said to myself, I don't need DAWs and soulless VST's! It became a rebellion from the new way of doing things. When I got older I realised that such things have their uses - but I never really focused on them; they didn't have the physical appeal of connecting MIDI items together in exciting ways! I have a love of exploring limits, struggling with obsolete screens and seeing how far I can push even the corniest gear."

Others argued that modern computers have too many distractions. Free of fancy graphics, one might end up relying on their ears once more, rather than the eyes - which is in itself, a rebellion against the workflow that DAWs tend to impose on us.

I also enjoyed this take on ethos vs genre: "There are few open air spaces for experimental electronic music. I think such groups should split bills with rock and punk groups!" I've certainly experienced shows where very different-sounding bands have really jived together - due to an alignment of worldviews, of spirit.

Of course, given the current climate, a thread of pessimism ran through many responses: "Pushing blocks of a stranger's audio around the screen is easy. Presets, plugins, and sample packs can make you a producer! Music has become far too easy, and will probably destroy itself; the money has certainly gone."

Is Retro Rebellion?

Ultimately, I have learned that many things may influence one's choice of workflow. Some folks enjoy pushing up against limitations, whereas others dislike that friction. I believe ultimately, that choosing retro can be a rebellious act if you're that way inclined. Myself? I'm definitely a rebel - I've been questioning our baffling society for 42 years and I'm not about to stop!

Let us know your thoughts on retro as a rebellious act. No one really touched upon the environmental aspects - refurbish, repair, reuse - lot's of "R" words, lol. Anyhow, see you next time!

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