Futures EP
Embodying a next-generation record medium known as the open outcome record, Futures EP is a two-track music release created by Adam Jansch, designed to present a different sonic outcome every time it is played. It was the centrepiece submission for Jansch's PhD investigating the open outcome record.
The philosophy behind the open outcome record comes from the perspective that recorded music shouldn't be shackled by the fixity of the record medium; instead, the record artist should have the power to instil a degree of variety between renditions, through processes that operate within the record during playback.
The two tracks of Futures EP are called Tapes and Futures. In Tapes, the level of variance between renditions is relatively small, operating only on the vocals. The vocal parts in the verse and two choruses are made up of five subsections; each subsection has eight possible takes from which one is chosen at random each time the track is played. In all there are 35,184,372,088,832 possible outcomes with Tapes.
Futures features a wider array of variance processes, affecting not only the vocals, but also bass guitar, speech and piano parts. One particular process is notable: the selection of vocal parts for the two choruses is such that two different 'futures' are chosen from a pool of four - in the song's narrative this represents a change of mind as to a potential future to take. Futures has 1,418,633,882,621,706,240 possible outcomes.
Futures EP is available for Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch (iOS 9 and above) through Apple's iOS App Store. The video below shows two full play-throughs of Futures EP, highlighting some of the differences one might hear between listenings.
Updates [ 9 ]
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Minor Futures EP update for iOS 13
Fresh to the iOS App Store is Futures EP version 1.3.1, a minor update which confirms compabitility with the newly released iOS 13.
To download this new version head to the App Store on your iOS device.
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iPhone X optimisation comes to Futures EP
Futures EP version 1.3.0 has hit the Apple iOS store today. The update features a reworking of the UI to be compatible with all iPhone models, including the iPhone X. Improvements have also been made to the layouts of the info and extras pages.
The app is compatible with iOS 9 and above. Head to the iOS App Store for more information.
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Significant update for Futures EP app
Today, version 1.2 of Futures EP was made available on the iOS app store. The update includes a striking new visual look, as well as new media content and details regarding the open outcome record, explored by Adam Jansch in his PhD research.
Futures EP is free and is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices running iOS 7.
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Adam Jansch PhD thesis available digitally
Adam Jansch's PhD thesis has been made available digitally through the University of Huddersfield ePrints service.
As a practice-based project the main document is a commentary containing the thesis' theoretical underpinning, into which is weaved the significance of the works submitted. Jansch has more on his thesis at his PhD site.
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Futures EP explored on The Audio Podcast
Usually a presenter on The Audio Podcast, in yesterday's episode Adam Jansch also appeared as a special guest, discussing technical and creative aspects of his open outcome record, Futures EP.
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Lauren Laverne features Futures EP on BBC 6 Music
Following yesterday's mentions by The Guardian and Music Ally, Futures EP got a big mention on Lauren Laverne's BBC 6 Music show today, featuring in the Planet of the Apps section.
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The Guardian and MusicAlly mention Futures EP
Futures EP got a big boost today, getting mentions in both The Guardian's App Blog and Music Ally (we can thank writer of both articles, Stuart Dredge, for the double feature).
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Futures EP released for iPhone
Today, Adam Jansch's 2-track open outcome record, Futures EP, became available on the iOS app store. Designed for iPhone, the app features two pop songs which are presented differently on each playback. It is available to download for free.
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Jansch to present at FIMPaC 2011
Adam Jansch has been accepted to present at the Forum for Music Production and Composition (FIMPaC), hosted at Leeds College of Music over May 12-13.
Jansch's paper, 'Disrupting permanence, freeing from fixity: Tapes EP and the development of the open outcome record', will cover his research into the open outcome record, including the iOS app Futures EP (née Tapes EP). His presentation will take place on May 12th.