We’ve all been fascinated and held in thrall upon seeing a painting, mural, or photograph that captures our imaginations. Visual art like that piques our interest and makes us think “wow, that’s unusual.” Why can’t music do that for the angry breast?
Well, it does. On the other hand, what about sounds that make stunning music like wind chimes or the sound of the wind soughing through trees? The melodic song of birds, the sound of a happy dog barking, or even the sound of cars swishing very fast could be considered musical given the right context.
Okay, So Sounds Can Be Used In Music. How Will The Sounds Not Be Overpowered By Guitars, Drums, And Keyboards?
Ah, but that’s the secret of associative music. The happily barking dog becomes the guitar as it hits certain chords. Thundering big rigs hurrying to their destination become drums. Speaking of thunder, it sounds great used in the place of an electric guitar. Of course, these sounds are also used to enhance the real guitars, drums, and keyboards.
How many times have you heard the sweet strains of a harp, a flute, or perhaps a violin behind those overpowering drums and keyboards? The same can be accomplished with wind chimes made of various materials such as seashells, ceramics, bamboo, wood, or glass. Hot Sugar’s associative music is associating these everyday, ordinary things with making music.
Is Associative Music A Thing Now?
Almost since time began, people have become numb when they hear “elevator” music. On the other hand, everyone has to admit that the music highlights instruments we don’t hear every day. When was the last time you heard a song with a bass viol in it? How many songs use a ukulele? Do you hear a xylophone in your music very often?
Someone just took music, especially electronic music, and “associated” certain sounds with it. Could you listen to an electronic song and be able to distinguish the sound of a steel rod being hit with a baseball bat? Would you notice the sound of a child swinging on a squeaky swing? How about the squidge of wet sneakers on a hardwood floor?
Timing And Association
It’s about timing. When the thundering big rigs are rolling through the song, would you hear the squeaky swing? You might, however, hear it when the electronics are quieter. If, however, you’re highlighting certain electronic sounds, they could be augmented by the associative sounds of metal wind chimes or the clicking sound of a car as it cools off when it’s parked.
An excellent example of this association is “Beer Cans and Bubblegum.” You can hear the sounds of the bubbles being popped and the beer can tabs being popped. It’s even vaguely reminiscent of the popular ‘70s song “Popcorn.” Do you see the theme?
Hot Sugar is such an artist. Associative music is only about 15 years old, and he was the first to establish it. There are only seven artists (so far) following his lead.
