Background
From summer 2014 – winter 2015, I used an ad hoc collection of synthesizers and percussion instruments to produce a three-volume series of electronic music from my bedroom. This was my first foray into making my own music. Having played drums in bands and ensembles for years, I yearned to explore the textures bouncing around in my head. The title Elementary Foreign Languages is a direct homage to the experimental and informative nature of this project. There’s lots to explore here for fans of ambient music, movie soundtracks and 90’s experimental dance music.
Elementary Foreign Languages Vol. III
This volume is the final statement of this project and I am still very proud of where I got with it. In addition to using more heavy-hitting samples, I also started bringing in additional musicians and vocalists. Trip-hop, techno, drum and bass, and ambient music all make their influences heard.
Elementary Foreign Languages Vol. II
Volume II is the most digital sounding of the entire series. I had acquired a very cheap and dated 80’s Yamaha synthesizer and a similarly dated 90’s Roland synthesizer and they both feature heavily. I think videogame heads will get a kick out of this installment.
Vol. I
Produced over the course of a lonely summer spent at a boring job, this is the EP that got it all started. This was at a time when I was trying to reconcile my love of West African percussion with my newfound interest in electronic music. Enjoy this postcard from the past