Experimental Noise

(Get Yo' Groove On #13, 2007)

Thirteen weeks into this column, it’s time to start asking the big questions. What is the difference between music and ‘noise’? How do you define the word ‘music’? And why didn’t I just stick to drawing cartoons? These are tough questions that no one really has the answer to, least of all myself. Why then, you ask, do I bring up the topic of ‘noise’? Well, we have been through twelve different instruments thus far and you may not have come across a single one that you liked. However, you don’t actually need to play an instrument to make music. That’s right my friends – I am referring to the wonderful and exciting world of experimental noise.

You may not see many noise recordings at your local music store or hear noise being blasted on, say, More FM (although some may argue that you do), but it is out there if you know where to look. Of course, when I say ‘noise’ I’m referring to a wide spectrum of sounds, ranging from glacial sound-scapes to ear-shattering apocalyptic assaults, as well as many other styles that encourage equally ridiculous hyperbole. Some noise artists are incredibly prolific, such as Japanese noise-merchant Merzbow, who has produced over 300 noise releases since 1979 (I swear, for once I am not making this stuff up).*

Getting into the noise scene isn’t as hard as you might think. You don’t necessarily need a studio full of broken analog synthesizers and disintegrating tapes. One can find all kinds of interesting noise in daily life: the sound of a crackling fire; the slither of early morning traffic; a morbidly obese man falling down a flight of stairs. Whether anyone would actually want to listen to this stuff is beside the point. In fact, the less accessible your noise, the more prestigious it becomes. But hold on, doesn’t this mean that you can record any old crap and then claim that anyone who criticises it simply doesn’t ‘get it’? Why, yes it does! Such is the beauty of noise. (Seriously though, there is some great stuff out there.)

So is this experimental noise stuff actually ‘music’? Some would say no, and argue that music requires a clear beat and a melody you can sing along to. Don’t let this discourage you though. These are probably the same people who consider U2 to be the apex of 20^th Century music and close their eyes and sing loudly whenever ‘Why Does Love Do This To Me?’ comes on at their local boozer. Fuck ’em.

Now, if this noise thing doesn’t sound like your bag then fear not. There is still one instrument left that you will most likely find irresistible… Stay tuned.


* Merzbow has released 50 more albums since this column was written.