In this engaging conversation, Tyler Gilmore, the electronic artist known as BlankFor.ms, reveals how the trumpet shaped his musical journey from childhood to electronic soundscapes. He explores the emotional and physical connection to the instrument, emphasizing breath control and body awareness. The discussion also touches on the intersection of traditional trumpet sounds with modern electronic production. Along the way, they delve into the experiences of reconnecting with various instruments and the personal growth that accompanies music creation.
Tyler Gilmore discusses his deep-rooted connection to the trumpet, highlighting its role in his evolving musical journey.
The hosts explore the interplay between traditional sounds and modern electronic music, emphasizing the richness of blending these distinct elements.
Tyler reflects on the empowering transition from collaborative acoustic music to creative independence in electronic compositions, personalized to his identity.
The conversation touches on gear acquisition syndrome, illustrating the tension between exploring new equipment and mastering existing tools in music creation.
Deep dives
Introduction to Object Worship
The podcast introduces its hosts, Dan Pichacek and Andy Offling, as they explore the relationship between tangible and intangible aspects of music creation. They discuss their experiences in music and their roles within the community, with Dan working on circuit design and pedal production while playing music in his spare time, and Andy being a multi-talented musician actively engaged in sound. The introduction emphasizes the collective nature of their musical endeavors and sets the stage for an exploration of sound design and creativity. Their light-hearted banter also features discussions of theme music, creative processes, and excitement about returning to podcasting after a break.
Discovery of Unique Musical Accounts
Dan shares his fascination with discovering obscure YouTube accounts that showcase unconventional guitar players and performances. He details finding a Vietnamese keyboard player whose videos included unique instruments and playing styles, sparking curiosity about the origins and construction of these instruments. Dan's inquiry extends to historical context, including the production of knockoff Fender guitars by Vietnamese artisans during the Vietnam War, indicating a wealth of creativity and craftsmanship that often goes unnoticed. This discovery fuels a desire to explore and learn more, demonstrating the importance of curiosity in the creative process.
The Role of Noise and Airiness in Sound
The conversation shifts to the significance of noise and airiness as inherent qualities in both trumpet playing and electronic music. Tyler shares his appreciation for trumpet players who produce soft, airy tones, likening the sound to the types of textures he seeks in electronic compositions. This highlights a connection between traditional and modern soundscapes, where both approaches emphasize the subtleties of sound. The hosts discuss how blending these qualities leads to richer musical experiences and emphasizes the expressive potential of noise in their work.
The Journey of Musical Identity
Tyler discusses his transition from traditional acoustic music into the realm of electronic music, emphasizing the desire for creative independence. He contrasts the challenges of coordinating with multiple musicians to produce acoustic compositions with the freedom of working solo in electronic music. Through this shift, he finds that he can express his musical ideas directly without needing to rely on others, which is particularly liberating for an introverted artist. This transformation represents a broader commentary on how individual artists navigate their creative journeys, choosing paths that resonate with their personal identities.
The Love-Hate Relationship with Gear
The hosts delve into the complexities of gear acquisition syndrome, debating the balance between exploring new equipment and mastering existing tools. There is a recognition that while acquiring new gear can invigorate one’s creativity, it runs the risk of leading to distraction or shallow exploration of sound. Tyler reflects on how understanding a device fully can sometimes diminish its appeal, suggesting a need for constant challenges in the creative process. This offers insight into the tension artists face between familiarity and innovation in their music-making practices.
Integrating New and Old Musical Elements
Tyler reflects on his recent collaboration with jazz musicians, merging his electronic sound with classical elements. This project serves as a bridge between his past experiences and present approach, bringing together diverse musical backgrounds to create something unique. He highlights the harmonizing effect of blending traditional structures with contemporary techniques, offering personal fulfillment and artistic growth. This synergy emphasizes how artists can evolve while remaining connected to their roots, enriching their sound and music narratives.
The Therapeutic Aspect of Music
Amidst insightful discussions, music is recognized as a powerful therapeutic tool for the hosts, illustrating its ability to foster introspection and healing. Tyler shares his journey of rediscovering the trumpet, reflecting on the emotional and physical connection musicians have with their instruments. This connection reveals how music can evoke memories, emotions, and a sense of identity. Through the act of playing, the musicians confront their pasts and find renewed inspiration, underscoring the therapeutic nature of sound.
We return from our holiday break with Tyler Gilmore, who you may know as BlankFor.ms! Tyler is most known as an electronic artist, using tape loops, pedals, synths, and other textural elements to create evocative slow-moving songs. It may surprise the listener, then, that his object is the trumpet! It's the instrument that started it all for him, and we all learn about his journey with it, then away from it, and perhaps back to it? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we talk about the bodily experience of instruments, some different things our listeners bought over the holidays, Andy's rabbithole of servicemen strats, and a lot of other things along the way. Enough reading start listening!
