Mark Fisher’s Application of IT to the Music of the Enigmatic Dubstep Producer

Mark Fisher’s exploration of how IT can be applied to the music of the enigmatic dubstep producer

Introduction

IT, or information technology, has transformed the music industry in recent years. For one thing, it has made it possible for music to be produced and distributed more cheaply and easily than ever before. But it has also changed the very nature of music itself, as producers increasingly use IT to create new and innovative sounds.

One producer who has embraced IT in his work is Mark Fisher, aka dubstep producer Burial. Fisher is known for his dark, atmospheric productions, which make use of a range of IT-based techniques. In this article, we’ll explore how Fisher uses IT in his music, and what effect this has on the overall sound.

Theoretical Framework

Mark Fisher’s approach to the music of the enigmatic dubstep producer, Burial, is informed by what he calls ‘accelerationism’. This is the idea that the only way to counter the present capitalist stasis is to ‘accelerate the process’ (Fisher, 2009, p.6). In other words, we need to intensify the contradictions of capitalism in order to bring about its downfall.

Fisher’s concepts of ‘flow’ and the ‘apparatus’

In his article “Applying Information Theory to the Music of the Enigmatic Dubstep Producer”, Mark Fisher discusses how he applies the concepts of information theory to the music of the enigmatic dubstep producer Burial. Specifically, Fisher looks at how Burial’s music creates a sense of ‘flow’ for the listener, and how the ‘apparatus’ of Burial’s music is used to create this flow.

In his discussion of ‘flow’, Fisher argues that Burial’s music is able to create a sense of continuous motion for the listener, even though the music is actually made up of discrete elements. This is achieved by giving each element a role to play in the overall structure of the piece, and by carefully balancing the changes between elements. This creates a feeling of forward momentum that keeps the listener engaged.

The ‘apparatus’ refers to the combination of sounds, textures and rhythms that make up Burial’s music. This combination is carefully designed to create an immersive and engaging experience for the listener. The apparatus is made up of two main elements: first, there are the atmospheric soundscapes that provide a backdrop for the piece; second, there are the more rhythmic and danceable elements that drive the forward momentum.

Fisher’s article provides an interesting perspective on how information theory can be applied to music. By looking at howBurial’s music creates flow and uses its apparatus to engage listeners, we can gain a better understanding of how information theory can be used to create effective and enjoyable musical experiences.

The ‘apparatus’ as a system of control

In his book ‘Capitalist Realism’, Mark Fisher discusses the way in which late capitalism has colonised our imaginations, such that it is now harder to imagine an alternative to capitalism than it was under earlier, more obviously oppressive regimes. A key part of this discussion is the way in which our very subjectivity is conditioned by the dominant ideology. We are, in a very real sense, constituted by capitalism.

Fisher applies this analysis to the music of the dubstep producer Burial, arguing that his music expresses a sense of mournful resignation to a world from which all transcendence has been drained. In doing so, he shows how even our most supposedly rebellious cultural practices are subject to the same forces of control and austerity that limit our everyday lives.

Application of IT to the Music of the Enigmatic Dubstep Producer

Mark Fisher’s application of IT to the music of the enigmatic dubstep producer, Burial, is an exemplary case of how IT can be used to produce and create new, innovative music. Through Burial’s use of found sounds, field recordings, and found footage, Fisher has created a sound that is both otherworldly and yet grounded in the reality of the city.

The ‘apparatus’ at work in the music of the Enigmatic Dubstep Producer

Fisher’s notion of the ‘apparatus’ is at work in the music of the Enigmatic Dubstep Producer in a number of ways. Firstly, the music is heavily produced, and makes use of a range of digital effects and processes. This is evident in the way that the producer’s signature ‘wobble’ bass sound is achieved, through the use of sidechain compression and other processes. Secondly, Fisher’s idea of the music as a ‘machine’ is also evident in the way that the producer often uses samples, loops and other preset sounds, which are then manipulated and rearranged into new forms. This is especially apparent in the track ‘Rinse Out’, which makes use of a number of samples from classic dubstep tracks. Thirdly, Fisher’s idea of the music as an extension of club culture is also evident in the way that many of the producer’s tracks are designed to be played in a DJ set, often featuring long build-ups and break-downs, and offering little in the way of traditional song structure.

The use of IT to create ‘flow’ in the music of the Enigmatic Dubstep Producer

Flow is a state of mind in which an individual is fully immersed in an activity and feels a sense of enjoyment and fulfilment. In recent years, the concept of flow has been garnering increasing attention in positive psychology and educational circles (Nakamura & Csikszentmihalyi, 2002). Flow theory has been applied to a wide range of domains, including music (Sloboda, 1991; Hargreaves & North, 1997; Sloboda & O’Neill, 2000), but to date there has been no systematic application of flow theory to the study of electronic dance music (EDM). The present study attempts to fill this gap by applying flow theory to the music of the enigmatic dubstep producer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mark Fisher’s application of IT to the music of the enigmatic dubstep producer is both innovative and effective. His use of technology allows him to create new sounds and textures that would otherwise be impossible to achieve with traditional musical instruments. This makes his music more interesting and exciting to listen to, and also allows him to create more intricate and detailed arrangements. In addition, Fisher’s use of IT also allows him to communicate his musical ideas more effectively to his audience. As a result, his music is able to reach a wider audience and have a greater impact on the listener.