Modular enthusiasts, 2011: Oh wow, the thing just went bloop!
Modular enthusiasts, 2021: Oh wow, I just got the LFO to tempo sync!
Modular enthusiasts, 2031: I know we’re all living under alternating cycles of sub-zero and 120+ degree temperatures, but have you heard of this thing called “chord progressions”? I have, and
“Degrowing technology” (especially in relation to software) is one of the things that is getting my attention about virtual modular, as well as finding ways to extend or repurpose older music softwares. There’s a ton of cruft and hype surrounding this (read: enthusiasts), but it is workable in interesting and sometimes, humbling ways. For example, being able to add components (such as LFOs and envelopes) to a patch at will rather than relying on the good graces of a given developer.
Which makes me wonder if that approach is transferable to other situations. Specifically, I want to be part of normalizing the practice of duplicating a given piece of music hardware’s features in software before even thinking about buying something.
Which runs counter to much of what goes around the “modular scene”, which is sort of the ne plus ultra of synth nerd fandom, but it does seem to work, if you’re careful. This can be a game of patience and endurance, but it’s possible to figure out what the particular itch is for some expensive something, then get close enough to that, that the desire (read: object fetishizing) starts to dissolve. So then, there’s both a functional purpose and a well being one as well.
The benefits of doing this are several:
– Enhancing curiosity and exploration
– Increasing your skillsets and technical abilities
– Potentially saving a *lot* of money, as in hundreds or even thousands of dollars, literally.
Which then can go towards survival needs, as well as (in no particular order) promoting your own work, increasing your available options, and helping out others in need.
My hope is that this is enough on its own as a “degrowing” strategy that whatever problems arise will address themselves, if given attention and effort. Here’s to hoping for that!
