The HNW-Q No. 5: James Killick

(nature of minimalism, minimalism in nature)

Dear Readers,

this is the fifth installment of the HNW-Q. I am really proud and happy, that the british sound-artist James Killick decided to complete it. Especially because his version of the HNW-Q opens an admirably clear, honest and deeply personal and thoughtful perspective on HNW and Static Minimalism ! At first his incredible work as a label-owner should be mentioned. I think, that it is no exaggeration to say that most of "us" discovered HNW/ANW with the generous help of Killick's first and now famous label "Sweet Solitude" with all the now classical releases; for me mainly: Vargrwulf (the first in the "Infinity-series" ), A View from Nihil, Vomir, Angström, Lungwash, Static Mantra, the monumental Anonymous). 

Also James Killick's own versatile, important, masterly crafted and admirably multi-facetted main projects appeared here for the first time. His ultra-minimal project Pulse, the multi-farious, multi-thematic and micro-rhythmic project Small Hours or his now legendary approach to HNW/ANW under the Love Katy sign (eg. paradigmatically "You're no good for me"). Most of his works (if I may risk this abstraction here) are dedicated to the musical techniques of sonic over-paintings or over-coats and the four-folded technique of expansion-explosion-implosion-transformation of given or pre-existing sound-worlds and -works and micro-rhythmic reworkings of seemingly unformed and unmanageable minimal sonic matters and atmospheres (also at work in Cory Strand's work) -- having its starting point refreshingly in LIFE and not in DEATH. A good counter-point to all the immature death-and-negativity-driven projects - who have (mostly) not the slightest idea, how terrible death, violence, depression and insanity really "are".

"Vagary Records" in business since March 2012 is James Killick's new space for the precious, the extravagant, the experimental, the thoughtful, the unorthodox, the funny and the affirmative, the dark classical HNW - but also heavy and serious stuff dedicated to the memory of the Unforgivable in history. In short: a living and ever expanding rhizome totally in touch with new lines of flight of the genre  - but also deeply rooted and obliged to the short but deep history and heritage of HNW and the minimalism and minimalists of all times, ages and planets (- like me ! [SKG]).

To pick out a few artist's and project's names - for those who aren't already familiar with the wide-spanning aesthetics of this great label -: a lot from Clive Henry, KT , Small Hours (eg the 4-CD-set "A Love Like This Is Hard To Find " (2012) and other stuff related to and by Killick), to Cory Strand and Burial Ground. A lot of time and effort Killick invests for design and artwork (so take a closer look on Kermit, the Clangers Set and/or other really nice and personally crafted designs on the Vagary blog- especially the beautifully designed 4-Tape Small-Hours-Box thematically related to "Kingdom Hearts" - one of the real treasures of my small - but strictly quality-oriented HNW-collection.). Also a clever move to make "noise" more precious - to turn "noise" into sound-art (a term I prefer). I hope, that more multi-tape-sets will appear soon - if a little daydreaming is allowed here: AVFN, Angström, Bast, Lungwash, Zionist, Clive Henry, Vast Glory but also of course another Small-Hours-set ). Click here to visit Vagary Records.

As you can see - James Killick's impressive creativity and importance for the development and the working out of the originary bifurcation of sonic minimalism in "HNW" and Static Minimalism cannot be estimated high enough. I may not agree to all of his concepts and ideas, but Killick's works contain always something to think and argue about - a good starting point for breaking up HNW-complacency, -conventionality and -ignorance - to carve out new possible trajectories or identities for the genre. (Don't forget to visit and support his Vagary-bandcamp-site-here and/or to listen to his latest impressive, multi-textured work "Jerusalem" here.) More of this desire for novelty, innovation and emancipation from given institutions are more than desperately needed today - and here I am totally in line with Killick's general impulses !

My own strong aesthetic convictions and quality criteria go exactly in this direction - describe and formalize the very few interesting HNW-paradigms or idiolects - to open horizons for NOVELTY and block out the REPETITIONS. But to support also necessarily repetitive or serial approaches to HNW like Angström (cf. Grégory Henrion's HNW-Q No. 6, coming: 24. July 2013) or Vomir's. You find traces of this desire in my attempts to re-translate the acronym HNW always in the context the artists gives. But on my blog I can only try to filter the HNW-events through my own lenses, through affects and affections, personal dispositions and convictions, limitations and desires. In this sense it is only one blog about HNW - and not the blog about it. It is far less normative, than it might seem: I am really enjoying myself here - taking a daily bathe in affirmation, eternity, fun and joy ! Doing it for my own and unrepeatable LIFE-DEATH !  That's my life-style - feel invited to discover your own  L-D !. 

So it would be really great, if other courageous blogs with different aesthetical convictions, vocabularies and arguments would appear - to keep all the other important HNW-idiolects, that are currently not on my map (mostly because of my limited time and working capacities) in constant appreciation and loving and (!) critical support beyond fan-boy-attitudes, in order to keep HNW singular, multifarious and alive !

Critical reviews that are trying to interconnect form and content or to put in a Deleuzean way, to build up "un rapport direct matériau-forces" are needed and highly welcome ! Please stop focussing on - and fetishizing  the often dull and repetitive descriptions of the sounds alone ! Change your vocabulary at least once a week - otherwise the conceptual side of HNW would remain forever unnoticed ! This only helps the dilletantism to reach the frontrow !  But why should HNW alone remain the same in an otherwise ever changing and expanding universe ? What are you afraid of ? Decisive is only what YOU and your own fragile and unrepeatable LIFE-DEATH really desire - here and now - and maybe forever ? What else should count ...?

A general remark: Stay compassionate, empathetic, courteous and respectful towards the life-worlds of other persons ! There is enough violence and disrespect in our daily lives! In this sense - and only in this sense - my blog is directed to adults only: spinozistic and life-affirming creatures and creators, with a slight inclination to the Fine Arts, Minimalism, Zen, deconstruction(s), schizo-analysis and seynsgeschichtlichem Denken ! Thanks a lot for your interest - and for the support with solid and inventive sounds and interesting ideas of all ages and sound-worlds and pluriverses ! Keep music and this planet alive - by producing music for "body", "mind" and "soul" - if only one element is missing you have lost your orientation ! Always good vibrations - and please give your own singular LIFE-DEATH a try and a chance ! There is no reason for anything than optimism, like John Cage said ... In this sense all the best for all my readers ! [SKG]

All lines in green ink are written and copyright by James Killick. All lines in normal ink show you the HNW-Questionary written and copyright by me.

P.S. If you are interested in the main ideas of the HNW-Q please consult all earlier versions or the main page - here you find a more general descrition of it. It should be clear how it works - now - so the general text is not reproduced here again! - click here for further informations [SKG]

This is the fifth HNW-Questionary brilliantly 
completed by James Killick:

The HNW-Q No. 5:

[1]  I discovered and invented HNW for myself, when I purchased (on impulse), Vomir’s ‘Claustration’ boxset. I had read a lot of chatter on the internet about this new type of ‘noise’ that was more ‘extreme’ than all the rest. I will have to admit that my first impression was one of disappointment. I found the tracks to be boring, repetitive and not overly harsh.

Some time went by, and for no particular reason, I returned to the Vomir box. Prior to this I had been listening to a lot the work of the minimalist composers (Feldman, Young etc.), and it struck me how similar they all were e.g. often monolithic and repetitive. I was suddenly hooked, and wanted to find more!

I began to acquire a lot of HNW releases. I often really liked the sounds contained within, but did not like the imagery and thematic content that many artists use. They struck me as unoriginal, at times boring and perhaps worst of all no longer ‘shocking’. We have become so over-saturated with ‘horrific’ imagery that it is no longer shocking. It was in fact, boring. 

I decided that I wanted to create some noise of my own. I wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here; I just wanted to create a fair approximation of what I was hearing (which was not as easy as it first sounded!). However, I did wanted to challenge the notion that HNW has to be shocking and/or dark. As a consequence I created ‘Love Katy’. Please see question 3 for more on this.

As well as creating ‘LK’, I produce HNW / ANW under a number of different aliases. My other main project is ‘Small Hours’. This was named after a track by John Martyn. He was a fearless innovator who was not afraid to change his sound, and move forward. I found this ethos to be admirable, and felt that was the guiding light behind this project. 

Under this banner, I have experimented with ultra-minimal ANW (Pulse I and II), have released HNW informed by nostalgia for the past, have used historical themes and dedicated numerous release to people who have inspired me or struck me by their beauty. In short, anything goes; the only limit is my imagination. Hopefully I have inspired others to do the same.

[2] The initial radicality of HNW would should not be preserved, if , because imitation ultimately becomes parody, and we need to innovate and not simply rehash old ideas. The initial ‘Militant HNW’ agenda was radical because it was fresh and interesting. This got a lot of attention, and obviously people began to imitate (and sometimes copy) the original HNW practitioners. If this were to continue, the result would be stagnation and parody. Sadly, I think this is why a lot of people have since lost interest in HNW. For many it has simply run out of ideas, and this to me is a real shame, as there are a lot of new HNW artists out there who are trying new things, but are ignored due to the general feeling of apathy surrounding the scene.

[3] HNW is whatever you want it to be. I know that many people will disagree with this idea, but in order for the genre to survive and grow; people need to be a lot more open minded. This applies specifically to the themes and concepts that people use to frame/present their material. For a long time, the general consensus has been that HNW releases must be about one of the following; void worship, giallo, horror films etc. (e.g. the original concerns of the early HNW innovators – ‘The Rita’, ‘Richard Ramirez’ and ‘Vomir’). This is ok, but it became a bit of a ‘strait-jacket’ as if you chose to stray from this formula, you were often derided and ignored for not sticking to the unwritten ‘rules’

When I started my ‘Love Katy’ project, I received a lot of negative attention. I was attacked for mocking the scene and not taking it seriously enough. I will admit that my original intention with ‘LK’ was to parody the seriousness of the scene, but this has since changed to becoming something akin to idol worship (for me anyway). After all if you break it down HNW is just ‘static’noise, and ‘static’ noise can be whatever you want it to be. All I can say is don’t be constrained. If like me, a pretty girl with blue hair, inspires you to make noise, all I can say is, why not!

[4] HNW is not and will never be an ‘elitist’ club. Don’t feel constrained to follow any rules, and ignore the critics. Do what feels right for you!!!

[5] I believe that the acronym H.N.W. is a bit of a misnomer. The ‘H’ in HNW implies that the sounds contained within are overly ‘Harsh’. In my experience (and particularly with the ‘walls’ that I create) this is not the case. One of the defining characteristics of HNW is a lack of ‘movement’ in the sound (hence the ‘wall’). This ‘stasis’ creates a calming mood in the listener, which is far from the mood that the ‘Harsh’ tag will imply. I believe that there are better terms to describe ‘HNW’, but I shall discuss that later.

[6] HNW is pure mindless self-indulgence or the best thing since sliced bread (to some!).

[7] The sounds of machines are an image that many reviews use to describe the sounds of ‘HNW’.

[8] HNW helps you to be revealed, who has good taste in music or not!

[9] Monolithic Walls are one approach that can be taken when composing / crafting HNW. It is not the only way to make HNW though. I prefer dynamic walls. They help maintain interest, and over the course of a longer track provide much needed variety and change.

[10] The Future of HNW would be is unwritten. We should acknowledge our forebears, but at the same time be prepared to move forward.

[11] The Death of HNW would be if people involved lose the desire to reinvent themselves, and the scene were to dissolve because of the petty jealousies and feuds that seem to be rife at present.

[12] HNW should be related to the work of other minimalist artists to understand it better. I think that HNW follows in the grand tradition of artists such as Rothko and Feldman, who despite working with a different medium clearly shared similar ideas to those of many working in the field today.

[13] Singularity and Originality in HNW are should be actively encouraged. As previously mentioned, there has been a ‘Herd’ mentality in HNW for far too long. Individual voices should be heard!

[14] HNW should  could be called Static Minimalism, because it is a better descriptor for the sounds that are being created, and would also avoid any confusion created by the use of the word ‘Harsh’.

[15] HNW should not be called Static Minimalism, because – See my answer to question 14.

[16] The permanent repetition of the HNW-Mantra (No ideas, no change, no dynamics, no development etc. ) leads to should be avoided. I believe this term was coined by ‘Vomir’. It words for his approach to HNW, but others should find their own path.

[17] Volume in HNW is absolutely essential in a live setting, but something that can be experimented with when recording.

[18] Distortion in HNW is a useful tool that can be employed to add more depth to your sound.

[19] My Unconscious is mind always feels that my in HNW is not good enough, filling me with a constant desire to improve and better myself.

[20] Narratives, Analogies and Metaphors in HNW are essential tools which can be employed to make your HNW interesting and differentiate it from the rest.

[21] Time and Space in HNW are interesting concepts. I have noticed that I sometimes ‘lose’ time when listening to and creating HNW. I also find the phenomenon of ‘phantom’ sounds in HNW to be quite fascinating. When listening to tracks, you often perceive sounds/changes in the ‘wall’ that aren’t actually there. Vomir is the master of this, and this is something that I have tried to incorporate into my sound as well.

[22] HNW for many (but not me), represents the sound of absolute Nothingness.

[23] My HNW amplifies is a vehicle for sharing my interests and passions with a like-minded audience.

[24] Minimal Music and Cosmic Drones are alternative labels which can be used when describing of HNW.

[25] Conceptualism is one of the key components of HNW. Without a clear concept / rationale behind your sound, you are simply left with static.

[26] The main ingredients of brilliant HNW are very subjective and largely based on the perceptions and personal tastes of the listener. For me, good HNW is multi-layered, with plenty of shifts in tones and frequencies. My advice to people, who want to create HNW, is experiment with your source, and once you are familiar with your equipment / gear start mixing walls together.

[27] The purpose and the concept of my HNW are can be found in my response to question 1.

[28] The distinction between ANW / HNW is controversial and still open to debate. My first exposure to what would later become known as ‘ANW’ was on the ‘Wall Whores’ release from the sadly missed ‘HFFL’ label. When I listened to this release, I thought there was something different about it. The tracks retained ‘wall-like qualities’ e.g. minimal movement, repetition’, but the sounds were more quiet and restrained. I felt that this was something different and should be explored further. That is why I created the ‘Infinity Series’. It gave people the opportunity to experiment with the form. Somewhere along the way it was labeled ‘ANW’ and the label seems to have stuck. 

[29] The philosophy of HNW can change because at present there is no real ‘philosophy’ of HNW. It is constantly being shaped / altered by its creators and whatever ‘philosophy’ you choose to apply to it should be based on your ideas rather than those of others.

[30] My first words (after the initial underwhelming reaction and re-discovery) about HNW were ‘this looks fun, I want to try making that!’

[31] My final words about HNW would be ‘long may it continue!’

[32] The phrase I would like to add to this questionary is ‘It is easy to make HNW, but it is difficult to make good HNW’.

Cordial thanks to James Killick -

for his open, insightful and inspiring words and works ! -

I hope that they will set a lot in motion -

And don't forget to support "Vagary Records" !

Contact here and listen here

I am sure there will be an awesome new batch soon !

So watch out !

SKG:

MY READING TRACES #12



(Martin Heidegger- Gedachtes)

Photo / Traces by S.K.G.

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

MY READING TRACES #11

(Martin Heidegger- Beiträge zur Philosophie (Vom Ereignis))

Photo / Traces by S.K.G.

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

HNW and NATURE (44)

(How far apart are sky and ground ?)

Thoughts of the Day #10/2013: Elliot R. Wolfson (11)

Elliot R. Wolfson (*1956 - )

annunciation

attain
nothing
essential
beyond
three-prong
quadrangle
transfigured
open-ended

- Elliot R. Wolfson

(from his collection of poems

entitled "On one foot dancing")

(P.S. This photo is used with the very kind permission of Prof. Elliot R. Wolfson. Thank you very much)

Thoughts of the Day #9/2013: Elliot R. Wolfson (10)

Elliot R. Wolfson (*1956 - )

constellation

nearly
distant
death
project
death
of death
prior
to death
emerge
in image
of death
distantly
near
to where
forgiveness
is forgiven
in giving before
there is one to give
or one to receive
as love deceive
in taking leave
before it arrive

- Elliot R. Wolfson

(from his collection of poems

entitled "On one foot dancing")

(P.S. This photo is used with the very kind permission of Prof. Elliot R. Wolfson. Thank you very much)

HNW and NATURE (43)

(Light shines silently throughout infinity)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (42)

(It is understanding not grasping; it is realizing not grasping)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (41)

(The Great Doubt Block !)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (40)

(Motion existing in a state of rest !)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (39)

(Wherever I am, I am in ease and comfort)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (38)

(Under great Doubt lies great Awakening.)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (37)

(It is without beginning and without end.)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (36)

(From the non-abiding root, all the forms are build up.)

HNW and NATURE (35)

(Ordinary things are at once constant and inconstant,

existent and non-existent)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (34)

(Be not involved in thoughts, 
and so doing,

abandon body and mind. )

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (33)

( What is the way ? 
That which is outside the wall !)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (32)

(Nothing idle weighs heavily on the mind !)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (31)

(When your life-and-death comes to you,
what will you do ?)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

ICE and SNOW #42

Ice and Snow #42

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected

ICE and SNOW #41

Ice and Snow #41

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected

ICE and SNOW #40

Ice and Snow #40

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected

ICE and SNOW #39

Ice and Snow #39

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected

ICE and SNOW #38

Ice and Snow #38

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected

ICE and SNOW #37

Ice and Snow #37

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected

ICE and SNOW #36

Ice and Snow #36

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected

ICE and SNOW #34

Ice and Snow #34

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected

ICE and SNOW #32

Ice and Snow #32

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected

ICE and SNOW #31

Ice and Snow #31

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected

ICE and SNOW #27

Ice and Snow #27

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected

HNW and NATURE (30)

(There is only "direct pointing" !)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (29)

(Just stop and look back into the origin of this self of yours !)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (28)

(Originally there are no unenlightened people !)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (27)

(What an incalculable treasure your Buddha-mind is !)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (26)

(Zazen is another name for the primary mind !)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (25)

(The instant you said that, what illusion was there !)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (24)

(Don't let your time pass in vain !)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (23)

(Live in the unborn Buddha-mind !)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (22)

(Be just like a mirror reflecting things)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (21)

(Within the original mind, there isn't any trace of illusion)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (20)

( What loss is here ?

There's nothing lost.

You're just sleeping)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

HNW and NATURE (19)

(There is nothing but the Buddha-Mind)

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected !

Photos/Copyright by S.K.G.

The HNW-Q No.4: Ian McDonald

Dear Readers,

this is the fourth installment of the HNW-Q. I am really proud, that the canadian soundartist Ian McDonald decided to complete it, although he had not developed his highly differentiated soundworlds (main projects: Vast Glory, Anamneses, Ian McDonald) under the HNW-heading. My initial idea to include Ian McDonald  here was to lead the so called "HNW-paradigm" out of the desert of orthodoxy, complacency and lame repetitions towards real sonic singularity and artistical freedom. Music as a guide for the perplexed ! And "HNW" as a giant size pulsating rhizome or a complexio oppositorum !

The works of Ian McDonald are great examples for unorthodox sonic ideas, formulations and formalizations. I listen to his unique microscopic and micrologic soundworlds under his moniker Vast Glory since his release on Sam McKinlay's label as LAKE SHARK HARSH NOISE #05. His great 2012 2-tapes-release "Airequipt Circular Magazine" on Waterpower was one of my HNW-releases of the year (click here ) and McDonald one of my HNW-artists of the year (click here) . His latest release is "New Psychic" - you can listen to this one and other releases on soundcloud (click here to listen ).

Some of the unique soundworlds of Ian McDonald show firmly, that "HNW" was never and will never be an orthodox group-event, but a time-space to experience one's formless self. In the end "HNW" was not and never will be identical with itself. Consequently the observable self-dissolution of the "HNW-genre" into singular voices should be highly welcomed in any case, because singular expressions can only lead to the dissolving, disintegration or implosion of genre-boundaries.

In the end, the all too human desire to belong to a certain scene should not outsmart the mainspring and the primary desire of HNW and soundart in general to be a vehicle for singular sonic explorations. Good HNW will have been invented always incidentally, en passant, besides, a propos de nothing, without any intention ; grown out of  the necessity of a singular and unrepeatable artistic and musical situation. Consequently HNW should be seen as  a singular expression and not a given style. HNW could happen or not. Learn to perceive that while listening to Vast Glory. You can visit Ian McDonalds blog Modern Arrangements, get more informations about his available releases and support him here.

The HNW-Questionary consists of 32 phrases to be completed in a playful, insightful, poetic, prolific and philosophical manner. The featured artist decides, which phrases he wants to accomplish. It is the task for the reader to perceive the voids and to think about the subtle interactions between Being and Nothingness, which are also important ingredients of the HNW-Artform. But, it is always important to see and hear, what someone is saying and what he is not saying.

The idea of the whole feature is to help the few real HNW-Artists to show and establish themselves as leading artists and to give them an encyclopedic space for their aesthetic and artistic convictions, conceptions and beliefs. It is a space to publish serious, original and important thoughts and ideas for the future of HNW as an important artform.

It is first of all exclusively for leading musicians, but in the future painters, writers and philosophers could also be invited to contribute to the seriousness of HNW and to the interrelatedness of HNW with other artforms. Maybe one day I will fill out this Questionary myself. I have several completed versions of it in the upper drawer of my mind. This HNW-Questionary was only conceived for the best. Consequently, my deliberately very elitist motto for this Questionary is: Light for the Best, Darkness over the Rest !

All lines in green ink are written and copyright by Ian McDonald. All lines in normal ink show you the HNW-Questionary written and copyright by me. This is the fourth HNW-Questionary brilliantly completed by Ian McDonald:

The HNW-Q No. 4:

[1] I discovered and invented HNW for myself, when ......


[2] The initial radicality of HNW would be preserved, if the listener suffered memory loss and experienced HNW again for the "first time."

[3] HNW is a term that is defined and interpreted by the individual, if they feel the need.

[4] HNW is not universally understood.

[5] I do not personally use the acronym H.N.W. to describe Vast Glory. I haven't felt it necessary to classify the project as such. There are definitely some aspects of the material that line-up with my understanding of HNW, but there was never a moment when I said to myself 'I'm going to do HNW.' I've been creating work on my own for years (under different aliases) with just a synthesizer and a very simple process. It started out as quiet, discreet drones, and has naturally evolved into what it is now.

[6] HNW is pure impurity ?

[7] The sound of machines are dynamic in some instances, banal in others.

[8] HNW helps a distinction between enthusiasts and naysayers to be revealed.

[9] Monolithic walls are .................................

[10] The future of HNW would be ........................


[11] The death of HNW would be .........................

[12] HNW should be related to sound and the absence of sound to understand it better.

[13] Singularity and originality in HNW are as (un)important as they are in any other genre of sound/art/whatever. Being "original" should never be a driving force or point of pride, and originality alone does not make something effective. Everyone has a 'voice' in some form, the challenge to find your 'voice,' and explore it. Explore all aspects of it. All of the nuances and all of the layers. Continue to learn and grow.

[14] HNW should be called Static Minimalism, because ...............

[15] HNW should not be called Static Minimalism, because ........................

[16] The permanent repetition of the HNW-Mantra (No ideas, no change, no dynamics, no development etc.) leads to no ideas, no change, no dynamics, no development.

[17] Volume in HNW is sometimes given more importance than it requires.

[18] Distortion in HNW is not a required feature.

[19] My Unconscious is ....................................... in HNW.

[20]Narratives, Analogies and Metaphors in HNW are meaningless if the auditory experience is lackluster. For me, the sound should be the most important aspect. When I am listening to noise, I am listening to noise. If the sound doesn't speak to me, how can I possibly decipher a message from within it? When narratives, analogies and metaphors are the most important aspect, audio may not be the best medium to work with. Rather, a more straightforward medium may work better to achieve the aim. If you can't make a sound component that is as strong as your reason(s) for doing it, you may be doing a disservice to your narratives, analogies and metaphors.

[21] Time and Space in HNW represented by the time it takes to record, perform, or listen to a piece of sound; and the space that listeners, performers, equipment, media (cassette, record, etc.), or packaging/artwork occupy.

[22] HNWhas no connection to absolute Nothingness.

[23] My HNW amplifies my syntheziser.

[24] Minimal Music and Cosmic drones are ...................

[25] Conceptualism is  ..................... of HNW.

[26] The main ingredients of brilliant HNW is sonic intrigue.


[27] The purpose and the concept of my HNW are self-exploration. The Vast Glory project is not about anything beyond that. There are no overarching themes; I am not trying to say or represent anything material. Obviously I have my own opinions and interests that undoubtedly slip into the work, there is no avoiding that, but the guiding principle is simply self-exploration. I am trying to find out where I stand artistically, mentally, emotionally, philosophically, spiritually, sonically, etc. I am trying to find my 'voice.' The recordings that I create are personal documents. They are the product of my memories of experiences, will further shape, and be shaped by my future experiences and memories. Putting the recordings out there for others to hear has been a great way to connect and create new perspective. When I work on something, I don't go into it with anything in mind. I just record what seems "right" to me at the time; a notion that constantly changes as I change. I'm not even sure how suitable the HNW classification is for Vast Glory. I suppose it is a matter of interpretation/opinion. I think some of my stuff is downright soft in tone.

[28] The distinction between ANW/HNW is timbre.

[29] The philosophy of HNW can change each time someone interprets and explores it from their own unique, natural perspective.

[30] My first words about HNW were .......................

[31] My final words about HNW would be ...........................

[32] The phrase I would like to add to this Questionary is ..................

Many Thanks to Ian McDonald

for his version of the HNW-Q

and his unique and important soundworlds ! 

ICE and SNOW #26

  

Ice and Snow #26

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected

ICE and SNOW #25

Ice and Snow #25

Photo/Copyright by: SKG

 

Thanks for reading my blog !

Have a nice day !

Stay tuned and expect the unexpected