(I’ve had hundreds of ideas over the years and, due to finances or sheer laziness, have only attempted a few of them. As I dribble slowly towards quietus, it is time I quit holding so close to my chest the ones I am likely to never be able to attempt)
Sample sounds from at least five different and traditional, musical sources: guitar, bass, drum, vocal, and keys, for example.
Take over 100 samples from each source – runs, single notes, chords, noises, riffs, what have you, no more than 3 seconds long and preferably far shorter.
Burn each set of samples onto cds or dump into separate mp3 players (CD=gap of some length between samples, MP3 gap can be adjusted or completely removed).
Assemble the mp3 players (or cd players) into a group, set to random, and start simultaneously.
Instant avant garde music – just add ears.
That sort of reminds me of Zaireeka by the Flaming Lips. I’ve never heard it, but it’s a 4 CD set, with all four discs meant to be played simultaneously, and the results will generally have some randomness due to differences in CD players/speakers/etc.
(Simpsons did it!)
> Zaireeka by the Flaming Lips
Jah – I’ve heard of that but never heard it.
“A Chance Operation” – a two disc John Cage tribute and Witchy Poo’s “Everybody Looks Good In A Helmet” both come with the tracks sectioned off at indiscriminate intervals with the idea that the discs be played back on the random setting. Melvins may have done something like this as well.
I love crap like this and would really love to make this idea happen – but I’ve not the recording equipment doubt I ever will have.