Peace Pieces
Robert Willey
by Robert Willey (1993).
Hardware:
Macintosh SE computer
Roland Sound Canvas module
Yamaha KX76 keyboard controller
Korg Wavestation synthesizer
Mackie 1602 mixer
Lexicon LXP-1 reverb
Panasonic SV-3700 DAT recorder
Software:
Studio Vision (Opcode)
Intelligent Music UpBeat (David Zicarelli)
Programmable Instruments (Robert Willey)
The sounds and processes had a big effect on the musical ideas, textures, and forms. UpBeat was a cool program that was used on half the album's songs. It allowed the user to set boundaries on random events that varied the notes you played, creating variations in drum pitch patterns. I think the fun of working in this environment comes through in the recordings. The era ended when my Macintosh SE's screen finally gave out, since UpBeat was not compatible with new versions of Apple's operating systems. The other important