"Cyberwinds" (instrumental single)
Background notes about the single "Cyberwinds" (instrumental single) by Franskaya
Summary
I composed 'Cyberwinds' during a personal family crisis that deeply affected me, influencing my creative process and leading to unique sonic choices. The integration of unusual sounds, such as one resembling a Star Wars vehicle, and experimentation with sound textures and lo-fi production techniques, reflect the disturbing impact of this news. Inspired by Kraftwerk but deviating significantly from their minimalist style, 'Cyberwinds' stands out for its innovative sound textures and the use of organic sounds creating a contrast with synthetic elements.
Title: Cyberwinds
Concept: Experiments with lo-fi and distortion on smooth sounds
Track Length: 3:28
Tempo: 127
Publication date: 28 février 2015
ISRC: uscgh1566775
Listen here: Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, Tidal, Deezer
Context and thoughts on production:
I composed "Cyberwinds" amidst a personal family crisis that deeply affected me. The emotional turbulence I experienced during this period significantly influenced the creative process, leading to unique sonic choices.
Upon receiving the distressing news, the track needed some added depth, and I channeled my anger and tears into the music. I began by experimenting with samples imported from another project, tweaking plugin settings to uncover intriguing textures. These textures, which I usually reserve for the background, were brought to the forefront in the stereo image, marking a clear deviation from my usual approach.
Another sound discovered during the exploratory phase of the composition evokes a Star Wars vehicle. This unusual addition established a contrast with the initially smooth and serene composition. In addition to these non-musical sounds, I intentionally distorted some elements, pushed a few plugins to their limits, and degraded the quality of other samples, similar to techniques used in hip-hop production.
Artists are often asked about their influences. My inspiration for "Cyberwinds" came from repeated listens to Kraftwerk's records in the weeks leading up to its creation (Autobahn, Computer World, Electric Cafe, The Man Machine, Tour de France, Trans Europa Express, and of course the incomparable "digital" remix of their hits "Analog": THE MIX). The prominent lead synth at the opening, which is then repeated in the chorus, is quite inspired by their synth leads.
Cyberwinds "is like the story of the Tardis or something! Eclectic, twisted and timetravellish!", said a fan about this synthpop-psy-breakbeat-experimental single.
Kraftwerk, a legendary group, served as a precursor and mentor to many electronic musicians. For me, Kraftwerk embodies innovation, experimentation, DIY sound, sound of the future, vanguard, and nu musik. While some aspects of Kraftwerk's sound have aged, their experimental and ethereal compositions, such as "Autobahn" airy mixes, continue to be exemplary. In 1974, Kraftwerk achieved global recognition with their album "Autobahn," marking a turning point in their career and the birth of their legend.
However, "Cyberwinds" distinguishes itself from the simplistic drum and minimalist style of the mentor, as well as the rest of the orchestration. Apart from the vocoded bass, a breathing sound is perceptible in the composition. Typically, heartbeat sounds can accompany kick drums, but here, the addition of breathing provides an organic contrast to the otherwise "robotic" music. Surprisingly, the breathing sound is not a recording of my own breath; rather, it's the result of manipulating finger snaps with various plugins in Logic Pro X. This accidental discovery embodies the spirit of experimentation and the pursuit of sonic innovation, often achieved through trial and error and pushing plugin boundaries.
When a sister falls gravely ill, the music of her little brother can evolve into something... profoundly different.
