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Now and Xen


Mar 31, 2022

In this colorful, rich episode, we take a look into the importance of visual and narrative elements in accompanying microtonal music and its ideas. Stephen James Taylor does this not only through writing music in film, but also through his own visual content, such as in “Surfing the Sonic Sky,” an important documentary about Erv Wilson. Among the topics discussed here are: how to approach microtonality in film composition (mixing that with 12-TET), dosage control, the emotions one can only get from microtonal music, and hearing different instruments played with cool effects! We’ll also spill the beans on how to get tons of Chinese gongs for a cheap price…  

Doing something new: for each Now&Xen episode made (often), I’m trying to create a cover or transcription. For this episode, I’m planning to transcribe Stephen James Taylor’s “Quantum 7” performance from YouTube (though I haven’t been able to complete this yet). Be sure to follow the Stephen Weigel YouTube channel if you don’t want to miss it!  

Music

Ancient Seers (Surfing the Sonic Sky) - Stephen James Taylor
Sivi - ILEVENS

Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celeste - Béla Bartók

Sonic Sorcerer (Surfing the Sonic Sky) - Stephen James Taylor

Music from “The Giving” [58-tone Hebdomekontany vs. 12-equal] - Stephen James Taylor

MOS Vamp (Surfing the Sonic Sky) - Stephen James Taylor

Music from “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” [7-limit] - Stephen James Taylor
Eddie Van Halen clip (Back to the Future)
Believe me, if all those endearing young charms - Thomas Moore (Bugs bunny clip)
Quantum 7 (Transcendent Tonality) - Stephen James Taylor

Remorphed Keyboard (Surfing the Sonic Sky) - Stephen James Taylor
Three-Part Invention - Stephen James Taylor
Dizzy Spell - Stephen James Taylor
Trouvaille - Stephen James Taylor
The Sugmad is Dreaming - Stephen James Taylor
Expressions - Stephen James Taylor
The Coprime Colors [7-limit JI] - Stephen James Taylor
Mood of Neptune [Fibonacci-based JI] - Stephen James Taylor
Rockin’ da Beat [17-tone MOS scale] - Stephen James Taylor
Topsy Turvy Town theme [from Mickey Mouse] - Stephen James Taylor
Rafiki’s Theme [from Timon & Pumbaa] - Stephen James Taylor
Black Panther [31-TET establishing shot] - Stephen James Taylor
Black Panther [53-TET dream sequence] - Stephen James Taylor
Sonic Sky Credits/31 for Spud (Surfing the Sonic Sky) - Stephen James Taylor

Check out Stephen James Taylor’s music:

https://www.stephenjamestaylor.com/sjt/home_page.html

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0853200/

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/stephen-james-taylor/6860557

https://www.youtube.com/user/SurfingTheSonicSky

https://vimeo.com/sonicsky

 

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Transcription of “Quantum 7” coming soon!