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April 23, 2008
A new audio episode, all about rhythm and meter
Our guest this week is Chris Horgan, the captain of Pandora's Dance Music Genome. He's a rhythmatist, and the subject this week is time changes -- specifically, abrupt changes in BPM that use a beat subdivision to pivot to the new tempo. That's called "Metric Modulation," and it can be a startlingly effective way for a full band to jump immediately into a new feel, without the potentially awkward process of speeding up or slowing down.
One-and-two-and-three-ee-and-a-four,
Kevin
p.s.: To subscribe to all of these free audio shows: Pandora.com/podcast.
Posted by Kevin Seal at April 23, 2008 10:07 AM
Comments
I just want you to know that Pandora and the Music Genome Project is one of my favorite things! I listen while I'm at work.
What can I do as an appreciative listner?
E-mail me back! I wish I could get it on my cell phone, but I would have wait until my contract is up to change to the phones it on with at&t.
Thank you so much! I can not believe you exist and operate the way you do. It is as if you get inside the mind of your listners!! Thank you so much!
Posted by: Jay at April 25, 2008 09:58 AM
Wow, thanks so much, Jay! I'll email you.
:) Lucia, from Pandora
Posted by: Lucia @ Pandora at April 28, 2008 01:23 PM
Hey Chris,
I'm glad you removed that comment of mine, that idea about the sixteenth note five-lets etc... was a daft idea anyway. More like an exercise in futility as the actual time change is not much. I don't know who I was trying to impress. I do like playing 16th note 5-lets and 7-lets and accenting every other note so that they feel like eighth notes but slightly faster than they should be. Just wanted to say I think you guys are doing a great job.
Posted by: Scott Bringe at April 29, 2008 06:16 AM
Thanks, Scott! 5-lets and 7-lets can be a wonderful spice, for sure. Thanks for listening, and we're pleased to hear that you enjoyed the episode(s).
Posted by: Kevin Seal at April 30, 2008 09:18 AM
One of Pandora's strongest components, for me, is the ability to look at a song and figure out why I like what I like! I have very eclectic tastes yet know what I enjoy hearing. Why do some songs by an artist flop, yet others are great? Why do I like various genres? Is there a common thread to all the tunes I enjoy? The breakdown by prfessionals teaches me and leads me to new places and understandings. That metacognition is critical.
I get the "don't need to rebuild a motor to drive a car"- but I value the insights provided jsut the same.
And thanks for adding classical, now my musical journey of self discovery is all the more complex!
Posted by: Marie at April 30, 2008 12:05 PM
i don't even know what i've found, as i've just found it, but i feel like it must be illegal, i am so happy. and people are quoting glen gould? i am freaking out for joy.
Posted by: beth tom at May 1, 2008 10:31 PM
Thanks so much, Marie and Beth! You guys are the best.
Cheers,
Lucia
Posted by: Lucia @ Pandora at May 2, 2008 01:21 PM
could you guys add a rating system? that way people can rate stations, and you can visit top rated stations.
Posted by: LSI27 at May 12, 2008 02:37 PM
Thanks for the suggestion!
:) Lucia
Posted by: Lucia @ Pandora at May 15, 2008 11:33 AM
