Archives (Page 2 of 3)

Live Coding Software For Music

Posted on 24th September 2024 in Gigs, News, Studio & Production

In September 2024 we took part in a Live Coding Workshop and Showcase at the Festival of the Mind 2024 in Sheffield. Together with the School of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield, we spent the afternoon making bleeps with code, before heading out for a live demo at the Spiegeltent in the city centre.

And now, the software is publicly accessible and free to use, along with the tutorials and a set of music demos from us:
https://bleep.sheffield.ac.uk/artist/seclusion

It’s a web-based live coding environment, designed for generating noise and music, and it’s intended to introduce the basics of coding, while making some interesting noises. It’s not as scary as it sounds, the simplified code lets you jump straight in and make some noise with just a single line of code. The tutorials will guide you through the basics, so it shouldn’t matter whether or not you have any coding experience.

This system and the code used is based on Sam Aaron’s Sonic Pi project, only now, it’s entirely web-based. It’s very much a work-in-progress, so may be a little rough in places, but that shouldn’t stop you getting stuck in.

And as you might have noticed, we’ve avoided referring to the software by name, mainly because it hasn’t actually got one. All suggestions welcome!

The demos we produced for the festival are at:
https://bleep.sheffield.ac.uk/artist/seclusion

The tutorials created for the workshop can be accessed via:
https://bleep.sheffield.ac.uk/artist/tbd

Download the tutorial PDF:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1glIlPp00SJi_gMVX8bZ5fwLNumnrlVyy/view?usp=drive_link

Want to dig deeper? More information is available in the Wiki, although this too is a work-in-progress:
https://github.com/guyjbrown/bleepmanual/wiki

Want to start from a blank project?
https://bleep.sheffield.ac.uk/user

Let us know what you get up to!

Seclusion EP – Out Now

Posted on 20th September 2024 in Releases

Our new release, the “Seclusion EP”, is out now, and at a special price when bought from us:

DustStore.com
Bandcamp.com

Patreon Supporters
As always, our generous supporters on Patreon can get the downloads for free, right now. You can join for the price of a chippy dinner:
https://www.patreon.com/theblackdogma

Out In The Rest Of The World
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Boomkat
Bleep
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TIDAL

Techno Music Programming – Festival of the Mind 2024

Posted on 3rd September 2024 in Gigs, News, Studio & Production

On the 21st of September 2024, we’ll be joining with the School of Computer Science at Sheffield University for a couple of special music programming events, all as part of Festival of the Mind 2024.

Techno Music Programming Masterclass – The Diamond
This free 2-hour workshop will explore the basics of computer programming through the lens of techno music creation. Led by renowned musician and live coding expert Dr Sam Aaron, participants will use software specifically developed for this workshop, teaching the basics of coding and exploring music composition. We’ll be there to share our knowledge of techno music production, sharing our own code and examples to illustrate. Places are very limited and can be reserved at:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk

Techno Music Programming Showcase – Spiegeltent
At 5pm we’ll head down to the Spiegeltent in Barkers Pool where we’ll introduce the concepts of live music coding, demonstrate the unique software and perform some of the music that we’ve created, including pieces from our new Seclusion EP. The event is free but the Spiegeltent has limited space, so get down early to get yourself a place.

Full details for all of the events at this year’s Festival of the Mind can be found at:
https://festivalofthemind.sheffield.ac.uk/2024/

Seclusion EP – 20/9/2024

Posted on 3rd September 2024 in Releases

The “Seclusion EP” continues our work from the “Isolation EP” and the album “Other, Like Me”. The four tracks explore the concept of seclusion as a personal choice: freedom from environmental and social distractions to enhance our creative focus.

While beneficial, this practice is not without challenges. Finding the balance between isolation and engagement is difficult because it requires constant attention.

We are complex, not easily understood, and we often struggle to stop the inner dialogue and rumination.

Pre-order now and download from the 20th of September 2024:
DustStore.com
Bandcamp

The initial concepts for this EP were created using software developed by the Computer Science Department at Sheffield University, specifically designed to introduce the concepts of coding and creating music. We’re taking part in a techno music programming masterclass at The Diamond and then performing in Spiegeltent for Festival of the Mind 2024. Full details of the events can be found at:
https://www.theblackdogma.com/2024/09/techno-music-pro…of-the-mind-2024/

Isolation EP – Out Now

Posted on 5th July 2024 in Releases

Following on closely from “Other, Like Me”, the Isolation EP delivers four new cuts. It’s out now on all the big digital and streaming services, but of course, our Patreon supporters can download it for free right now.

Buy Direct
DustStore.com
Bandcamp.com

Patreon Supporters
https://www.patreon.com/theblackdogma

Out In The Rest Of The World
Kompakt
Juno Download
Boomkat
Bleep
Spotify
Apple Music
Beatport
Deezer
traxsource
TIDAL

Other, Like Me – Out Now

Posted on 6th June 2024 in Releases

Our new album “Other, Like Me” is live and shipping now! Available to stream, download and buy on CD and very limited double 12″ vinyl.

Supporter Downloads
The downloads for “Other, Like Me” and available now for our supporters at Patreon. Just login and follow the links. If you’d like to join, support us and get loads of free downloads, just visit https://www.patreon.com/theblackdogma and sign-up now for less than the cost of a chippy dinner.

Order Now:
DustStore.com
Bandcamp

Out In The Rest Of The World
Kompakt
Juno
Juno Download
Boomkat
Norman Records
Bleep
Spotify
Apple Music
Beatport
Deezer
traxsource
TIDAL
Amazon Music

Isolation EP – 5/7/24

Posted on 3rd May 2024 in Releases

Closely following the album “Other, Like Me”, we’ll be dropping a new 4-track release titled “Isolation EP”.

Order Now At:
DustStore.com
Bandcamp

Are we social beings? Isolation plays an important role in our music, as most of our pieces are built on our feelings and our attempts to communicate. Feeling disconnected, socially withdrawn, and physically distant can also have positive effects. We find it necessary to disconnect at times and build a world of our own, as the focus is on communication, reflection, and introspection.

This EP, like ‘Other, Like Me’, deals with understanding inner differences within our own culture – the common ground, if you will. Kinship is sometimes hard to find, and we all have different ways. Sometimes humanity is the devil, but sometimes the process is as it really is.

These four cuts aim to create that inner space, our invocation and prayer to share something that is often beyond words.

Other, Like Me – Arriving June 2024

Posted on 2nd May 2024 in Releases

Intense driving rhythms and eclectic electronics dominate our new album “Other, Like Me”, as we explore the reality of the creative and artistic process. It’ll be available on CD, digital download, streaming services, and limited edition, double 12″ vinyl, including a lovely deluxe version, exclusive to DustStore and our Bandcamp. Shipping on the 7th of June 2024.

Order Now:
DustStore.com
Bandcamp

About The Album
Experience the sonic journey that is The Black Dog’s latest album, “Other, Like Me,” as they delve into the intricacies of the artist’s psyche, questioning the very essence of individuality and creative worth. The album invites listeners to confront darker thoughts about self-identity, imposter syndrome, and the relentless pursuit of creative value, all while celebrating the joy found in the act of artistic creation.

In this introspective exploration, The Black Dog challenge both themselves and their audience, creating a musical experience that is profoundly personal and open to interpretation. The themes woven throughout the album are a poignant counterpoint between the shadows of self-doubt and the exuberance of creative expression. It’s an inward exploration, offering a place of solace for listeners to find comfort amid the chaos of external influences.

The album’s title, “Other, Like Me”, draws inspiration from an interview with Cosey Fanni Tutti in 1999, resonating deeply with The Black Dog’s outsider perspective. The phrase encapsulates the essence of the album, reflecting the band’s unique identity and shared experiences, while respecting each member’s individual passions and interests.

Navigating the waters of cognitive dissonance, The Black Dog bring an authenticity to their music that mirrors the internal and external conflicts of the contemporary music scene. With a commitment to stripping back layers and allowing the heart of each song to shine through, “Other, Like Me” offers a raw and unfiltered musical experience that speaks directly to the soul. It’s an invitation to introspection, a celebration of independence, and a testament to the power of authentic artistic expression.

Silenced (Remastered) – Out Now

Posted on 14th April 2024 in Releases

The remastered version of Silenced is out now and ready for immediate download. If you’re after a tasty real-world object, then the CD and a lovely, exclusive double orange vinyl edition, are shipping now. The first 400 orders of the vinyl or CD from us will get the bonus art poster and sticker set. There are a few left at the time of writing, so get in quick.

Order direct with exclusive bonus extras:
DustStore.com
Bandcamp

And of course, our lovely supporters at Patreon can get the downloads right now. You can join too and get all of the recent releases, just for the price of a nice beer:
https://www.patreon.com/theblackdogma

In The Rest Of The World
Kompakt
Boomkat
Juno Download
Norman Records
Bleep
Spotify
Apple Music
Beatport
Deezer
traxsource