Introduction to Plunderphonics Music

Plunderphonics is an experimental music genre that emerged in the late 1980s, characterized by the manipulation and transformation of existing audio recordings to create new compositions. The term was coined by Canadian composer John Oswald in 1985, who defined it as a compositional technique that involves 'plundering' musical works and reassembling them into entirely new pieces. This innovative approach pushes the boundaries of traditional music production, turning sampling into an art form.

History and Evolution of Plunderphonics

While the concept of sampling has been around for decades, plunderphonics took it to a new level by incorporating multiple samples from various sources into a single composition. Early pioneers like Oswald and Negativland explored the possibilities of manipulating found sounds, speech, and music to create unique sonic collages. The genre gained popularity in the 1990s with artists like The Avalanches, DJ Shadow, and Kid Koala, who blended diverse samples to craft intricate and engaging soundscapes.

Characteristics of Plunderphonics Music

Plunderphonics is not confined to a specific musical style or genre; instead, it's defined by its creative use of sampling techniques. Common elements include:

• Heavy reliance on samples: Plunderphonics compositions are built primarily from existing audio material, often taken from disparate sources and genres.
• Manipulation and transformation: Plunderphonics artists use various techniques like chopping, looping, pitch-shifting, and time-stretching to alter the original samples, creating new textures and sounds.
• Collage and layering: Multiple samples are combined, juxtaposed, and layered to construct complex and intricate musical narratives.
• Challenging copyright norms: By appropriating pre-existing material, plunderphonics raises questions about intellectual property rights and the notion of originality in art.

Notable Plunderphonics Artists and Albums

Some influential artists and albums in the plunderphonics genre include:

• John Oswald: Known as the 'father of plunderphonics,' Oswald's album 'Plunderphonics 69/96' is a seminal work in the genre.
• Negativland: This experimental band has been pushing the boundaries of sound collage since the 1980s, with albums like 'Escape from Noise' and 'Dispepsi.'
• The Avalanches: Their debut album 'Since I Left You' is a masterpiece of sample-based music, featuring over 3,000 individual samples.
• DJ Shadow: His groundbreaking album 'Endtroducing.....' is widely regarded as a landmark in both plunderphonics and instrumental hip-hop.