Black MIDI: Prepare for Insanity

November 12, 2015November 12, 2015 Alan Cross 3 Comments

Back in the 80s, electronics music manufacturers decided on a standard language that would let synths, drum machines, sequencers and other devices speak to each other. This language, known as MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), allowed for unimagined complexity in composition and performance.

But what if you to take the capabilities of MIDI to the extreme? Welcome to the world of Black MIDI, programmed compositions of supernatural density. Imagine if you could play this yourself on a regular piano. Learn more at Boing Boing.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38033 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

3 thoughts on “Black MIDI: Prepare for Insanity”

markosaar

November 12, 2015 at 9:09 am
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I’m amazed MIDI has endured. I guess it’s just “good enough” despite its issues, and simple enough for not-technically-minded people to use it. Just introducing a new standard would complicate things immeasurably.
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Jeff Snider

November 12, 2015 at 3:34 pm
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Wow, what utter shit.
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- Alan Cross
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  November 12, 2015 at 3:45 pm
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  Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD do something.
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