Golden Ratio In Music And Other Maths

It is often said that music is a form of mathematics. That is, if start wanting to quantize it and intellectualize it. Programming rhythms comes to specific formulas and engineering is also using precise measures to go to precision. While we all agree that music comes from the heart, certain elements rely on numbers. For rhythms, especially in quirky and complex time signatures, drummers will count in their minds to follow a specific structure. You might have done music without thinking about numbers which is absolutely fine but sometimes, using the maths can unlock a whole aspect of exploration you haven’t thought of. Using maths is also a way of detaching yourself from a certain control and letting logic take over. What’s interesting is how in electronic dance music, these complex theories can even create some magic on a crowd.

Some DJs are interested in deciphering the structure of a beat to find a counter song to mix it with. Using maths to build song is also a way to use a vocabulary that reaches people, subconsciously or consciously, on a an intellectual level that balances the emotional ride.

Let’s explore a few theories that can evoke some inspiration as well as how they’re used in music.

 

Golden Ratio & Fibonacci Sequence

 

The golden ratio, often denoted by the Greek letter φ (phi) and approximately equal to 1.618, is a mathematical proportion that occurs when a line is divided into two parts such that the ratio of the whole length to the longer part is the same as the ratio of the longer part to the shorter one. This elegant ratio has fascinated mathematicians, artists, and architects for centuries due to its visually pleasing properties. It appears abundantly in nature—in the spirals of seashells, sunflower seeds, hurricanes, and even the branching of trees or the proportions of animal bodies. In art, the golden ratio has been intentionally applied to create balance and beauty, from the compositions of Leonardo da Vinci to modern graphic design. Architects have also used it to structure harmonious spaces, most famously in the Parthenon and other classical buildings. The golden ratio remains a valuable tool for creating natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing structures and compositions across various artistic and design fields.

Leonardo

In music, the golden ratio can manifest in both structure and timing, often contributing to a sense of natural flow and aesthetic balance. Composers have been known to divide musical pieces according to the golden ratio, placing climactic moments or transitions around the 61.8% mark of a composition’s total duration. This can be observed in works by Bartók and Debussy, as well as in modern film scores, where the golden point subtly guides emotional peaks. On a smaller scale, the ratio can influence phrase lengths, chord progressions, or rhythmic development, creating sections that feel intuitively satisfying without sounding formulaic. Some producers and sound designers also use Fibonacci-based sequences (which approximate the golden ratio) to build patterns or modulate effects, subtly echoing nature’s growth logic in sonic form.

If you’re curious to explore the golden ratio in your music-making, here’s a simple experiment you can try in Ableton Live, using both arrangement and sound design. For arrangement, start by setting a clear total length for your track—let’s say 5 minutes (300 seconds). Multiply that by 0.618 to find your golden point: around 3 minutes and 5 seconds. Place a major transition, breakdown, or drop at that moment. You’ll notice how naturally it sits in the overall flow of the song. For sound design, try using a Fibonacci-based delay by setting delay times to values like 3ms, 5ms, 8ms, 13ms, and so on, which approximates the golden ratio rhythmically. You can stack delays or modulate reverb decay and feedback using these numbers to create organically evolving textures that feel alive and non-linear. These small adjustments, when made with intention, can lead to surprisingly coherent and satisfying results.

The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, and so on. Named after the Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa (known as Fibonacci), this sequence appears naturally in countless places—such as the arrangement of leaves on a stem, the spirals of pinecones, shells, or galaxies. What makes the sequence particularly fascinating is that as the numbers increase, the ratio between consecutive terms approximates the golden ratio (≈1.618). This connection makes the Fibonacci sequence a practical tool for modeling natural growth and structure. In music, Fibonacci numbers can be applied to define note groupings, bar lengths, tempo changes, or rhythmic structures, helping to create compositions that feel balanced and organic while still escaping rigid, predictable patterns.

Using the Fibonacci sequence in a sequencer is a creative way to introduce natural, evolving patterns into your music. In a traditional step sequencer—whether in Ableton’s MIDI clips, a hardware device, or a modular environment like VCV Rack—you can set the number of steps in a sequence to Fibonacci values such as 5, 8, or 13. For example, using an 8-step melodic sequence alongside a 5-step rhythm loop creates polymetric interplay, where patterns phase in and out over time before looping back together. In VCV Rack, modules like SEQ-3, GridSeq, or Foundry can easily be configured to use these step lengths, and by using clock dividers or logic modules, you can modulate events based on Fibonacci triggers (e.g., send a signal every 13 pulses). Another approach is to apply Fibonacci values to parameter modulation, such as controlling envelope lengths (e.g., attack of 3ms, decay of 5ms, sustain level at 8, release at 13ms), which can result in dynamic shaping of sound that feels organic and nuanced.

 

Pi (π)

 

Pi (π) is an irrational number that represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14159. Its decimal form goes on infinitely without repeating, which has fascinated mathematicians, scientists, and artists for centuries. In art, Pi has been used as a symbol of infinity, chaos, and order—sometimes metaphorically, and at other times, literally. Visual artists such as Roman Opalka and M.C. Escher have explored the theme of infinite patterns and sequences, resonating with the nature of Pi. Some composers and digital artists have also mapped the digits of Pi to musical notes, pitches, or durations, creating generative compositions that are mathematically grounded yet aesthetically unpredictable. Because Pi is tied to circular motion and endless cycles, it becomes a poetic reference point in any creative process involving loops, spirals, or infinite variation.

Here’s a fun and mind-bending exercise to incorporate the mathematics of Pi into your music-making, especially using a step sequencer or MIDI programming environment. Start by mapping the digits of Pi (3.141592653…) to musical notes or rhythmic values. For pitch, assign each digit (0–9) to a note in a scale—for example, in C major: 0 = C, 1 = D, 2 = E, up to 9 = A#. Using the digits of Pi as your input, the first melody becomes: E (3), C (1), D (4), C (1), G (5), A (9), F (2), A# (6), F# (5), E (3). You can input this into Ableton’s MIDI clip editor or a step sequencer in VCV Rack (like Seq-3 or PhraseSeq) to generate a unique melodic line. For rhythm, use the digits to set note lengths or gate durations—for instance, 3 = 3/16, 1 = 1/16, 4 = 4/16, and so on. The irregularity of Pi ensures a non-repeating, organic structure that still retains a mathematical backbone, resulting in patterns that feel alive and unpredictably balanced. You can loop a phrase, then shift the starting point (circularity!) to explore endless variations, just like the number itself.

 

Fractals

 

Fractals are complex geometric shapes that exhibit self-similarity, meaning their structure looks similar at different scales—zoom in or out, and you’ll still see the same kind of pattern. Mathematically, they’re created through recursive formulas, where a simple rule is applied repeatedly to generate intricate forms. In art, fractals are frequently employed to create visually rich compositions that replicate natural forms, such as trees, coastlines, or clouds. Artists like Jackson Pollock unknowingly tapped into fractal aesthetics with his layered drip paintings, while digital artists use algorithms to create endlessly detailed fractal landscapes. In generative music, fractal principles are employed to control parameters such as melody, rhythm, or structure, where patterns evolve through iteration, yielding music that is both structured and unpredictable. Tools like Koan or modular environments like VCV Rack with recursive modulation chains allow artists to sculpt evolving soundscapes rooted in mathematical logic. In concrete art, fractals can be found in compositions based on geometric repetition and transformation, such as the work of Max Bill or Josef Albers, where abstract forms echo the recursive nature of fractals through minimalist visual language.

In music making, fractals can be applied by using recursive patterns, where a simple motif is transformed and layered at multiple scales to create evolving, self-similar structures. This is especially effective in generative or ambient music, where looping patterns slowly morph over time. One way to experiment with fractals in Ableton Live is to start with a short MIDI sequence—say 3 or 4 notes—and duplicate it while applying slight transformations to each copy (change pitch, rhythm, or velocity). Repeat this across several tracks, nesting variations within variations. You can use Follow Actions to trigger clips unpredictably, mimicking recursive behaviour. In VCV Rack, try patching a quantized sequencer into a clock divider and then feeding its output back into a modulator or a VC-controlled sequencer. Add layers with random or LFO-driven CV modulating delay times or filters at different rhythmic resolutions. The key is to think recursively—every layer should be a variation of the previous one, creating depth and movement while staying thematically connected.

 

Polyrhythms and Ratios

 

Polyrhythms are the simultaneous layering of two or more rhythmic patterns with different pulse groupings. A classic example is the 3:2 polyrhythm, where one rhythm cycles in three beats while the other completes two in the same period. This creates rhythmic tension and resolution as the patterns phase in and out of alignment. Polyrhythms are deeply rooted in African, Indian, and Afro-Cuban musical traditions, where complex rhythmic layering forms the foundation of percussion-heavy music. In electronic and experimental music, artists such as Aphex Twin and Squarepusher have explored extreme polyrhythmic density, utilizing it as a tool to push rhythmic boundaries. At its core, rhythm is inherently mathematical—each beat, subdivision, and repetition can be described as a ratio or time-based equation. These ratios can also be visualized as geometric shapes: a 4/4 rhythm can be represented as a square loop, while a 5:3 polyrhythm might resemble overlapping polygons cycling around a circle. This geometric interpretation, often employed in software such as Polyrhythm Generators or visual sequencers, reveals the spatial relationships between pulses and helps producers explore how rhythmic cycles intersect, repeat, and evolve over time.

To explore polyrhythms in Ableton Live, Max for Live provides several creative tools that enable intricate rhythmic layering while maintaining control and musicality. Some standout patches include:

🎛️Polyrandom by Encoder Audio

A powerful rhythm generator that lets you layer multiple sequencers with independent step lengths, clock divisions, and playback modes. You can easily build 3:2, 5:4, or even non-integer rhythm ratios by setting different loop lengths and triggers per voice.

🎛️ML-185 Sequencer

Originally based on the classic Roland 185 step sequencer, this Max patch allows for gate-driven sequencing with adjustable steps, lengths, and gate modes—ideal for creating looping rhythmic structures that subtly shift over time. You can get the Max equivalent here.

🎛️MOOR by K-Devices

This step sequencer allows for independent control of pitch, velocity, duration, and time division per step. You can create layered rhythmical parts that evolve at different rates while staying locked to a master tempo.

Dos for Using Polyrhythms Creatively

  • Set a common clock base: Anchor your sequences to a shared BPM so they interlock instead of drift.

  • Use clear contrast: Combine rhythms with distinct subdivisions (e.g., 3 against 4, or 5 against 2) to create recognizable interplays.

  • Visualize interactions: Use Ableton’s clip grid or tools like Note Grid to see when patterns align or diverge.

  • Assign voices to different instruments: Helps the ear distinguish overlapping patterns (e.g., kick in 4, hi-hats in 5, synth accents in 7).

Don’ts: Avoiding Rhythmic Chaos!

  • Don’t stack without intention: Random polyrhythms without contrast or hierarchy will feel disjointed and overwhelming.

  • Avoid unclocked loops: Unrelated loop lengths can create drift unless bounded by some sync or cycle logic.

  • Skip over Boolean logic unless needed: In VCV Rack or more advanced Max setups, Boolean gates (AND, OR, XOR) are used to determine whether notes should trigger when overlapping conditions occur. While powerful, this can quickly lead to erratic or hard-to-follow rhythms if not well-structured. Use logical gates to filter complexity, rather than increasing it.

If you want to go deeper, a good practice is to assign mute conditions or probabilities to layers. For instance, a rhythm might only play if both a 5-step and a 3-step cycle hit simultaneously, mimicking how logic modules work in VCV Rack. This creates a controlled complexity that sounds deliberate rather than chaotic.

 

Group Theory and Symmetry

 

Group theory is a branch of mathematics that studies symmetry, specifically, how objects can be transformed (rotated, reflected, shifted, etc.) without changing their essential structure. A group is a set of operations that can be performed on an object, where doing one operation after another still results in something within the same system. For example, if you rotate a square by 90 degrees or flip it over, it still looks like the same square. These transformations form a group because they can be combined and reversed while preserving the overall shape.

In art, group theory and symmetry are visible in patterns, tiling, and repeating forms. Consider Islamic geometric artM.C. Escher’s impossible shapes, or mandalas—all of which utilize reflections, rotations, and translations based on mathematical symmetry. Even color schemes or layouts can reflect symmetry operations. Artists may not always know they’re applying group theory, but when they repeat and transform visual elements in structured ways, they are often working within that mathematical framework. This same logic can be applied to music—especially in pitch, rhythm, and structure—which we’ll explore in the next section.

Activity: Musical Symmetry Using MIDI Transformations

Step 1 – Create a Simple Motif

  • Open a MIDI clip and write a short melodic pattern of 4–8 notes in your scale of choice (e.g., C minor).

  • Keep it rhythmically simple for now (e.g., 8th notes).

Step 2 – Apply Group Transformations

Now duplicate the clip a few times and apply one of these musical symmetry operations to each version:

Group Theory Term Musical Equivalent in Ableton
Translation Shift the whole phrase forward by a few steps (e.g., 2 beats later). Use clip offset.
Reflection (Retrograde) Reverse the MIDI notes (note order flips, rhythm preserved). Use the “Reverse” button in Clip view.
Rotation Rotate the note order (move the first note to the end, repeat). Do this manually in the MIDI grid.
Inversion Invert pitch intervals around a center note (e.g., C becomes G, D becomes F). Do this by hand or with a MIDI effect like “Pitch” or “Scale.”

Step 3 – Layer and Explore

  • Stack these clips on separate tracks with different sounds.

  • Use Follow Actions or Scene Launch to play different transformations in sequence or randomly.

  • Add delay or reverb to accentuate the spatial feel of symmetry.

 What You’re Learning

You’re essentially building a “group” of operations that preserve the core identity of your original idea while transforming its form. The fun part is noticing how the same melody can feel different when mirrored, rotated, or inverted—much like Escher’s visuals.

This exercise is ideal for loop-based music, minimalism, or generative setups, and it fosters a deeper understanding of how mathematical logic can influence musical variation.

 

Markov Chains

 

Markov Chains are mathematical models that describe systems which transition from one state to another, where the probability of each future state depends only on the current state, not the full history. In the context of music, this means that a set of probabilities can determine each note, chord, or rhythm based on what came right before it, allowing for controlled randomness that still feels coherent. Composer and Max developer Dillon Bastien has explored this concept extensively in his Max for Live patches, creating tools that generate melodies or rhythms based on Markov-based probability matrices. His patches let you define which notes follow which, and how likely they are to occur, resulting in sequences that evolve in an organic yet unpredictable way. The outcome isn’t pure randomness—it’s guided unpredictability, where musical ideas drift, return, and mutate without feeling disjointed. This technique is particularly effective for generative or ambient music, where subtle variations are key to maintaining interest without strict repetition.

 

Topology & Modularity

 

Topology is a branch of mathematics that studies the properties of space that remain unchanged under continuous deformation, like stretching, bending, or twisting, but not tearing or gluing. It’s less about exact measurements and more about relationships and connections between elements. In art, topology has inspired explorations of space and form, especially in modern sculpture and conceptual installations. Artists like Möbius-inspired M.C. Escher, or mathematically-informed sculptors such as Bathsheba Grossman, have used topological concepts to create visual works that challenge our sense of inside, outside, and continuity. In modular art, the concept of modularity—encompassing the assembly of complex systems from interchangeable parts—reflects a topological mindset: each module (or part) maintains a relationship with others through connection points rather than fixed placement. These ideas are not just visual; they inform how we think about structure, transformation, and spatial interaction—concepts that are especially useful when building music systems in environments like VCV Rack or Max/MSP.

 

Tuning Systems and Mathematical Temperament

 

Tuning systems and mathematical temperament refer to the ways in which musical pitches are organized and spaced. While most Western music today employs 12-tone equal temperament (12-TET), where the octave is divided into 12 equal parts, this is just one of many possible systems. In just intonation, pitches are tuned using whole-number frequency ratios (like 3:2 for a perfect fifth), which creates incredibly pure-sounding intervals, especially for drones and harmonic content. Pythagorean tuning, mean-tone temperament, and microtonality (which uses intervals smaller than a semitone) are all alternative approaches that shift the colour and emotional feel of music. Artists such as La Monte YoungWendy Carlos, and Aphex Twin have employed alternative tuning systems to depart from the uniform grid of equal temperament, creating music that feels otherworldly, ancient, or even unsettling, often with rich tonalities that are mathematically precise yet sonically unfamiliar to modern ears.

To experiment with this yourself, try this simple exercise in Ableton Live: load a synthesizer (like Operator or Wavetable) and insert the Max for Live “Microtuner” device. Import a Scala tuning file—many of which are based on just intonation or other temperaments (you can find free libraries online, like the Scala archive). Choose a tuning like “5-limit Just Intonation” and play a simple triad. You’ll immediately hear how the relationships between notes feel smoother, more resonant, or in some cases, completely alien. Try composing a loop using only this scale and observe how your harmonic instincts change. If you’re using a modular setup like VCV Rack, modules like TUNATHA or Scala Quantizer allow you to explore the same concept using control voltage, turning tuning into a creative decision rather than a fixed rule.

Cellular Automata

 

Cellular automata are mathematical systems where a grid of cells evolves based on a set of simple rules. Each cell’s future state depends on its current state and the states of its neighbours—yet from these fundamental interactions, complex and often beautiful patterns can emerge. One of the most famous examples is Conway’s Game of Life, where pixels appear, disappear, or move depending on how many neighbouring cells are “alive.” These systems have been referenced in digital art, generative design, and video game simulations, and have inspired everything from glitch aesthetics to visual music videos. The appeal lies in their unpredictability that’s still rule-based, like nature simulating itself through logic.

In VCV Rack, several modules harness cellular automata to control rhythm, pitch, or modulation. Modules like Voxglitch Glitch Sequencer, Caudal by Vult, or LIFE can act as evolving trigger sources or CV generators. For example, you can use a CA module to generate rhythmic gates that shift unpredictably but stay patterned, or to modulate parameters like filter cutoff, oscillator pitch, or delay feedback. This brings life and non-repeating behaviour into your patches, perfect for ambient, generative, or experimental music. You can patch a CA’s output to a sequencer clock input, letting the rhythm “breathe” over time, or assign it to modulate pitch quantizers for melodies that evolve based on logic rather than randomness. It’s a powerful way to introduce emergent complexity into your music, where chaos and order coexist in harmony.

 

Conclusion

 

Mathematics has long been a silent partner in the evolution of art, not just as a set of cold equations, but as a creative tool for solving problems, organizing ideas, and generating beauty. In music, math helps us go beyond instinct, offering frameworks for structure, coherence, and unpredictability. Whether it’s the balance of the golden ratio, the evolving logic of cellular automata, or the symmetry of group theory, these systems can be harnessed to break creative blocks, introduce fresh perspectives, and expand your sonic vocabulary. This blog post isn’t about making math academic or intimidating; it’s about offering unusual, inspiring entry points to spark the creation of new songs. By applying these ideas in small, playful ways—inside Ableton, VCV Rack, or any DAW—you invite deeper, more dimensional thinking into your workflow.

For listeners, these mathematical structures often translate into patterns and proportions that feel intuitive, even if they go unnoticed at first. But for those who pay attention, they offer codes to crack, hidden architecture beneath the surface of sound. This not only creates a deeper listening experience but also fosters a more intimate dialogue between the artist and the audience. Whether or not you’re a math enthusiast, embracing these concepts opens the door to a new kind of creativity—one that blends logic with emotion, structure with freedom, and chaos with control.

Studio Session Ice Breaker Activities

My workflow shifted dramatically in 2024 when I started scheduling my studio sessions like I would any other professional commitment. I now treat each session as a meeting with myself—complete with a start and end time, and a clear intention.

Why does this matter? Because when I honour my time in the studio, my creativity responds with the same level of seriousness. One of the most common patterns I see among artists is a reluctance to plan, combined with a desire for professional-grade results. That dissonance often stems from treating music-making as a hobby, which is perfectly valid, but if you’re looking for consistency, it helps to approach your practice with intention.

As composer Terry Riley once said:

“It’s okay to feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. It makes you open to new ideas and possibilities.”

In other words, you can remain playful in your approach, but still be rigorous in how you support that process. That’s where rituals come in.

Terry Riley

Let’s Talk Rituals (Without the Woo)

 

I want to be clear about my use of the word ritual. I’m not referring to anything religious, spiritual, or rooted in new-age psychology. My interest lies purely in creating a consistent transition—a healthy shift from the outside world into the focused state needed for music-making.

For many artists, this is a vulnerable moment. It’s also where habits like smoking or drinking often sneak in. By designing a simple, sensory-based ritual, you can anchor your body and mind while keeping the session fun and functional.

Think of it as tuning your internal instrument.

5 Playful Studio Icebreakers to Induce Flow

 

 1. The 5-Minute One-Sound Jam

A minimal constraint, maximum reward activity.

Challenge: Use only one sound (a sample, field recording, or synth patch). Modulate it in real-time with effects or automation to build a quick mini-composition.

Why it works: By limiting options, you reduce overwhelm and unlock depth in a single source. You’re not “finishing a track”—you’re discovering textures.

Tip: Use a defined root key if the sound has pitch, and include it in the file name for future use. You’ll thank yourself when browsing later.

 2. Draw Then Compose / Daydream Mapping

This abstract, right-brain exercise combines visual and narrative thinking.

Challenge: Take 3–5 minutes to doodle—lines, shapes, textures. Then interpret your drawing musically. Sharp lines could become percussive transients, curves might inspire long pads or legato melodies.

Why it works: It activates your imagination and creates an emotional blueprint before you even touch your DAW.

Twist: Write a short story or “scene” for the song you want to create. What does it evoke? Where is it happening? Who’s in the room?

 3. Find the Groove

A classic for finger drummers, but it works just as well with samples.

Challenge: Load a basic drum kit. Program a groove. Then find a single melodic or textural loop that “locks in” with the rhythm emotionally or rhythmically—no EQ or effects, just raw synergy.

Why it works: It sharpens your ear and intuitive feel for groove. Instead of overprocessing, you’re tuning into energy alignment.

Tip: Create a custom hybrid kit: mix a few 909 elements with quirky one-shots or foley sounds. Save it as your go-to warm-up kit.

 4. Song Roulette

This one injects randomness—and humility—into your session.

Challenge: Use a random song generator (or ask a friend to send something unexpected). Analyze it: tempo, mood, structure, key. Use it as a loose reference, or try to reimagine it in your voice.

Why it works: It disrupts your default tastes and forces new perspectives. Sometimes discomfort is a portal to innovation.

Tip: If the song annoys you, ask why. Then steal its structure and make it your own.

 5. Field Recording Flip

Turn your space into source material.

Challenge: Record a slice of life from your studio using your phone—ambient noise, gear hum, your footsteps, even your voice. Drop the raw audio into your DAW and play with it. Mangle it. Stretch it. Turn it into a pad, texture, or rhythm.

Why it works: It trains your ear to hear music in everything and adds a unique character to your sound palette.

Tip: Water-related sounds (boiling kettle, sink, etc.) make surprisingly rich textures once processed.

How to Design a Grounding Ritual That Works

A ritual doesn’t have to be grand. It just needs to signal: now we begin.

Here are a few grounded tips:

 1. Anchor in the Senses

Set the mood with one or two sensory cues:

  • Switch on a special lamp or light mode.

  • Burn a specific scent (coffee, essential oils, incense).

  • Play the same short track before every session.

 2. Move Your Body

Stretch. Shake out your limbs. Walk around the room. Movement helps reset your nervous system and clear lingering distractions.

 3. Drop the Pressure

This isn’t about creating your magnum opus. It’s about showing up and being curious. The less pressure, the more likely you are to enter flow.

4. Replace the Crutch

If you tend to lean on smoking, snacking, or substances:

  • Sip tea instead.

  • Tinker with a piece of gear or patch cables.

  • Doodle ideas in a notebook.
    It’s all about channelling the impulse into something tactile and healthy.

 5. Keep It Consistent, Not Rigid

Let your ritual evolve. Rotate through your five favourite icebreakers. Keep it fresh. The goal is to stay present, not to follow a script.

Final Thoughts

 

Creativity loves structure—not the rigid kind, but the type that supports play. Developing a personal ritual and keeping a few go-to studio warm-ups in your pocket can significantly improve the quality of your sessions.

Next time you walk into the studio and feel that weird tension between “life mode” and “music mode,” try one of these icebreakers. Over time, you’ll train your brain to shift into flow faster, without the need for unhealthy habits or magical thinking.

Your studio is a sacred space. Treat it like one. But more importantly—treat yourself like someone worth showing up for.

Music Making For Everyone

There’s no doubt that music has a significant impact on everyone’s lives, unless you don’t like music or are deaf. But even deaf people can feel music through vibration. Loving music is something many people think about, and it can be a passion that takes an essential part in people’s lives. Listening to music, attending concerts, or participating in festivals are some of the activities people engage in to feel that their lives are infused with music.

For much of history, music-making was a communal and accessible part of daily life—sung at home, shared at gatherings, and passed down through oral tradition. But during the classical era, particularly from the 17th to the 19th century, music began to shift into a more formalized and exclusive domain. As patronage systems flourished in the courts of Europe, composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven were commissioned by the elite—royalty, nobility, and the Church—positioning music as a symbol of status and cultural refinement. Public concerts became more common, but the ability to compose, perform, or even properly appreciate complex orchestral works often required wealth, literacy, and formal training.

This evolution created a cultural divide, where music was no longer seen as a tool for everyday expression, but rather as an art form to be consumed by a select few. Instruments became expensive, notation systems complex, and conservatories rigid in their teachings. As a result, the idea of music-making became intimidating to many, something for “geniuses” or “professionals,” rather than a fundamental human right or need. Yet, this historical detour doesn’t reflect the universal and ancient role music has played in shaping identity, bonding communities, and nurturing emotional well-being.

In the early 1900s, music found its way back into everyday life as a central part of the home. Before radios and records became widespread, many families owned a piano, and gathering around it was a typical evening ritual. People would sing together, play songs from sheet music, and take turns performing on stage. Music wasn’t just entertainment—it was a way to connect, unwind, and create shared memories. It was also seen as a valuable skill, especially for young women, who were often encouraged to learn piano as a sign of cultural refinement. This era marked a time when music was once again accessible and social, woven into the fabric of daily life in a way that brought people together through shared experience and expression.

By the 1980s and 1990s, music had taken on a new communal form through underground club culture, with DJs stepping into the spotlight, not as performers in the classical sense, but as curators of energy and emotion. Much like the piano in the living room a century earlier, the DJ booth became a social hearth, but this time in warehouses, basements, and illegal raves. DJs weren’t just playing songs—they were weaving journeys from obscure records, reading the crowd in real-time, and responding to the collective vibe of the room. These nights were deeply ephemeral; most sets weren’t recorded, tracklists were a mystery, and many of the records played were white labels or imports, making it nearly impossible to track them down afterwards. This gave the music a raw, sacred quality—what you heard in the moment might never be heard again. Just as families once gathered around a piano to connect through song, ravers gathered around sound systems to experience music in its most immediate, unrepeatable form.

It’s mostly that anxiety of not hearing music that I love that fueled my passion to create electronic music, but mostly, to create experiences where, as an audience, I’d be experimenting with sounds that would be new to me.

Desormais live at MUTEK

At the same time, MUTEK appeared in the landscape of Montreal, with the desire to host such events, so that was the perfect opportunity for me to join forces. One focus MUTEK had in mind was to bring influential artists together and build bridges between Montreal and other international scenes.

This is where Robert Henke appeared, participating multiple times to the festival. Befriending Robert, as well as many other musicians, made us realize that we all had the same passion for sounds and performances. He just started his own DAW, which became as of today, Ableton Live. In the summer of 2002, I travelled in Europe to build bridges, make contacts and perform a bit. Through some networking, I ended up at Native Instruments’ headquarters, where I met with several executives. Once again, there was this instant connection as we shared the same passion.

One thing that was also apparent to me was how both Ableton and Native Instruments had a side quest of wanting to democratize electronic music, making it easier to create and more accessible to a broader audience.

Sorry, not sorry for this lengthy introduction, but I thought you needed to understand where I come from as an artist. I feel that in the last few years, my position has become clearer, and I firmly believe that everyone should try to make electronic music.

Why Making Music

 

Anathol and Moox (Artist retreat 2023)

Starting with the known and studied benefits, there are several reasons why one should consider making music.

Making music has been shown to offer a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and social benefits across all stages of life. For children, learning an instrument or engaging in musical activities can enhance memory, language development, and motor coordination. It also fosters patience, focus, and emotional regulation. In older adults, making music has been linked to improved brain plasticity, delayed cognitive decline, and enhanced mood, sometimes even helping with conditions like Alzheimer’s and depression. For people of all ages, music-making serves as a powerful tool for stress relief, self-expression, and connection with others. Studies show that playing music in groups or singing together boosts oxytocin (the bonding hormone), strengthens social ties, and can even reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Put, engaging in music isn’t just about creativity—it’s a form of mental and emotional hygiene, much like exercise is for the body.

Over the last decade, the electronic music scene has witnessed the rise of numerous artists, including AVICII, who have brought emerging talent to the forefront. As people emerged from the early scene of electronic music, it was not something that was planned or wanted, but it happened nonetheless.

In a way, we can say that in the community of electronic music making, people were trying to find their individuality.

In some ways, the rise to stardom of AVICII was sort of the ultimate goal to make it out there. It had made all the other big shots of DJs that were touring a farce of what popularity could gain. But what can be done more or achieve such a success remained, to me, a dissociation from the original mission and value from what the rave movement started from.

It reinforced the idea/myth that anyone with a DAW can make a hit and be pushed to have a fandom. It also created the concept that if you’re talented enough, you can make it. The gold rush to music making that was predicted in the early 2000s had finally come, but there is also a cost to that.

Today’s electronic musicians are born individuals who struggle to find their communities.

The whole system of stardom has come to feel rigged:

  • Biased algorithms that push certain artists who have more money to the front.
  • AI and other software are simply creating material without any vision, taking on artists’ experience to cash in.
  • Any press an artist receives can be questioned as to whether the media genuinely had an interest or if they were paid off.
  • If you scratch the surface, you find out that a lot of what you see, music-related, is motivated by someone who had a monetary interest and not out of the passion you can have towards the music.

 

This is where I, as well as many musicians, feel frustrated: we come motivated and passionate, while some people are simply capitalizing on that force, taking away all the energy involved. It’s easy to get down the rabbit hole if you aspire for stardom, and as long as you have money, some people will offer you options and temporary attention to push you into the illusion that things are working for you.

Returning to my idea of inviting everyone to make music is a way of once again putting aside elitism to focus on community building. Creativity stems from effective communication, collaboration, challenging existing ideas, and being aware of external influences. It’s a dialogue between the one and the many. We think in conversation and create in context. Our creative voices gain meaning and power when they become part of something larger.

If many people make music, this is how the community’s feelings can be restored. It’s not about one person anymore; it’s about co-creating, being resources for others’ needs, and discovering the hidden personality behind everyone’s persona.

 

There are numerous reasons why I believe it’s essential, but I’ll share a few.

New language

Learning to make music is like discovering a new language: it opens up doors to express things you didn’t know you could with various levels of subtle possibilities. It is widely proven that learning and practicing music have a positive impact on cognitive abilities, stimulating the brain in ways that other activities cannot, while also teaching patience and resilience, and fostering a passion for music.

 

Listening Skills

Making music begins by developing your listening skills and curiosity. To understand a song, you need to take time to let it unfold. You can’t rush it and have to be in the moment to appreciate the multiple nuances that complex or straightforward songs might have. It requires concentration and listening abilities, which can improve communication, as well as being more mindful of space and layers.

Collaboration

When there was a boom of interest in electronic music, it was primarily because one could turn oneself into a one-man band, being able to achieve it all without help. That was a bit of an illusion. In a way, yes, it’s doable and one can certainly accomplish that, but on the other hand, no matter what material you have, you will require endless hours of practicing to get to an average level. If that same explorer can put their ego aside, they’ll discover the pleasure of collaboration and meeting with other musicians to share skills, ideas, inspiration and general tips. It becomes a side-quest to constantly be interested in the music of others, in the hope of finding the right people who share the same tastes or vision. But when you do, it can open up incredible connections where music becomes a shared vocabulary.

 

Appreciation for music

Understanding how something is made gives you appreciation for the quality. While music is treated more and more as a commodity, when you know how it is done, but also all the dramas that can come with the making of a song (ex., hard drive crashes, getting lost in the rabbit hole of revisions, etc), you treat it with more respect. It also shapes your tastes for things that aren’t just emotional. Still, you’ll be interested in details, nuances, and technicalities that you ignored before because you lacked the words to use.

 

Communities

 

So, where to start?

 

There are a vast world of possibilities and it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. It mostly depends of your time and budget. I’ve seen for example, some people who are retired who bought a piece of hardware like the Digitakt and then spend their time learning it, playing with it and that alone can do a long run. But if we think of the minimum basis, all you’d need is a device, which could be your smartphone or laptop and find some software. There are more and more free options out there which you can explore.

Testing with free options is a good way to see if you like and enjoy the process of making music that way. Some people prefer the tactile aspect and if you still want to remain within budget, you can invest in a MIDI interface which is still cheaper than a Digitakt, and with that, you can then control your software’s different parameters. But if you think you love making music in that way, using software, I’d recommend that you look into buying a DAW like Ableton, Logic, Bitwig or FLStudio. There’s also Reaper which is affordable but is a visually less seductive for some people. On the end, if you’ve been interested in modular synths and that you would like to explore that, I would refrain to do so until you’ve played with VCV Rack, which is free and lets you test some modules, test concepts and is an incredible tool for understanding synthesis.

You can learn for a while but I’d encourage to invest time and a budget matching your investements, into online classes or some education. One of the best way to learn is to make music with a friend or someone you know that makes music. Seeing someone making music is a great way to get familiar with the process. Turning to Youtube for tutorials and seeing people work is also an option but it can be a bit overwhelming as there are more options than one can imagine.

Basic activities to learn:

  • Edit a song you like.
  • Play with loops.
  • Goof around with a synth and see what comes out of it.

These will teach you the vocabulary and some of the essential parts to make music.