Labels

Aphex Twin


Born: 1971
Location: Limerick, Ireland
Genre: IDM, Techno
Years Active: 1988 - Present
AKA: Caustic Window, Polygon Window, Power-Pill, The Tuss, Bradley Strider
Real Name: Richard James
Way of Working: Soloist

Essential Releases

Dummy

Selected Ambient
Works (1992)

Tonally rich ambience.

Album Title 2

Classics (1995)

Compilation of classic works.

Album Title 3

Come to Daddy
EP (1997)

Weird.

Album Title 3

Windowlicker
EP (1999)

Sexy weird.



Aphex Twin likes to break conventions. In the early-90s, it was an unwritten rule that techno musicians didn't use their faces to promote their music, so, in response, Aphex plastered a prominent, distorted version of his mug all over his marketing materials.

As the decade progressed, and hip hop was making headlines for sexism and profanity, Aphex decided to up the ante by releasing a video for 'Windowlicker' that included 127 swear words within the first four minutes. Amidst the pearl-clutching, it was as if he said "you think hip hop's bad, wait until you see what I can do." The result was a hilarious satire of the violent drug music that left many viewers perplexed when an extremely weird dance track played instead of a rap.

All of this, however, was merely scratching the surface of Aphex Twins' real area of experimentation: music. He pushed the limits to such an extent that people questioned how it was possible to even do what he did. The answer to why he would do it, was an altogether different mystery.

His eerie music, at its best, has a rich emotionality that moves from ambient to frantic and back again over the course of the same track. When it comes to playing with expectations, Aphex knows what he's doing; his shenanigans are delivered with a mischievous wink. But when it's time to deliver, he provides high-quality work that demands to be taken seriously.


Meaning of the Name


Aphex refers to a brand of audio equipment and Twin refers to Richard James' stillborn twin. There's a duality to the work of Aphex, which can be seen in his music videos and promotional materials.

There's the true-self, a geeky guy locked in a studio fiddling with knobs and dials, and there's the larger-than-life, distorted "twin", who takes to the spotlight in an absurdly long stretch limo in order to woo the ladies.

Skills

*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.

Emotional Impact

i Does it connect with the heart? What does it make you feel and how much of it?
40

Mental Impact

i Does it connect with the head? Social issues, interesting observations, clever lyrics, similies etc.
85

Originality

i Are they unique? Did they break new ground, use new techniques or create new genres.
100

Artistry

i Using creativity and imagination to present themselves in a unique way. Example, Wu-Tang Clan as Shaolin and Marvel characters etc.
80

Authenticity

i Do they really mean what they say? Is it autobiographical, personal?
15

Live

i Stage presence, working the crowd, performance. Miming, forgetting lyrics reduce this.
65

Production

i Studio techniques. More important for electronic music including hip hop.
100

Musicianship

i Their ability to play individually and as a group. Technical skills. DJing. Freestyling for hip hop.
65

Texture

i Technical attributes.
90

Songwriting

i Storytelling. Cohesive themes. Is the song about something? Stan by Eminem is an example of excellent songwriting.
35

Danceability

i Does it make you move? Do you tap your foot, nod your head or move your whole body?
70

Fun

i Is listening to it a good time? Are the lyrics funny? Depressing themes lowers value.
75

Consistency

i Have they put out good music across their careers. Two good albums and 5 band ones will reduce this value.
65

Range

i Fast, slow, ballads, party jams. Do they go beyond their own genre?
35

Cool

i Laid-back, icy detachment, unflustered.
70

Charisma

i Factors include appearance, force of personality. Elvis making people faint etc.
25

Commercial & Critical Success

Awards >>>

  • Grammy Award 2015 WINNER!: Syro - Best Dance Album

Certifications >>>

  • Silver: Come to Daddy EP (1997) - in the UK

Charts >>>

  • Album Charts: Selected Ambient Works Volume II (1994) - Number 5 in Belgium
  • Album Charts: Syro (2014) - Number 8 in UK

Critics >>>

  • NME: Selected Ambient Works Volume II (1994) - 500 Greatest Albums: 121st
  • Paste: Selected Ambient Works Volume II (1994) - Best Albums of the 90s: 32nd

CONTROVERSY

  • Aphex Twin deliberately gives bullshit answers in interviews to amuse himself and see what ridiculousness he can get in the press.


Similar Acts



Labels:

Popular Posts