Behind the creation of Scape.Radio. Originally posted on Medium on Jul. 19th.

When I first discovered Scapes, I was captivated by the depth of meaning that was conveyed by so few pixels. The more I explored the collection, the deeper I wanted to go- it was like discovering a common language between thousands of different worlds.

I wanted to describe those worlds with music, and create a common sonic identity they could share. I also wanted to honor the on-chain assembly of all the traits, and give up a sense of creative control. Instead of composing full pieces I created 108 individual loops that represented each visual trait of Scapes. Using the magic of code, Jalil assembled those traits into 10,000 SoundScapes which mirror the original collection. Each visual Scape has a corresponding SoundScape.

Stylistically, I wanted to draw a bit from the canon of chip-tune music, while incorporating other electronic music styles. Scapes are pixelated, but they also communicate an optimistic vision of the future that feels ambitious. I made sure the SoundScapes retained an optimistic ‘human’ quality- using samples from recorded music and field recordings.

ScapeRadio is the continuous experience of SoundScapes. Listeners can turn it on and use it to meditate, study, work- or they can become a participant in the collection by listening for specific traits. The music and visual elements are in conversation with one another, and they each serve to make the experience of Scapes more dynamic.

My hope is that the music is fun as a listening experience first and foremost. I also hope listeners feel more connected to the visual collection, and become awake to the harmony of their algorithmic assembly. Some sound better than others and the same is true for the NFT collection. Jalil did not construct each Scape by hand, nor did I create any of the specific SoundScapes, but they live together as a full collection.

Ben Cronin* is a multidisciplinary artist living in Brooklyn. He currently makes electronic music as Gilligan Moss and has played all over the world toured with Glass Animals, Odesza, Elderbrook, The Knocks and Toro Y Moi. He also recently created the soundtrack for Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time: Distant Lands. This summer he is going on a nationwide tour with Odesza and Sylvan Esso. You can check the tour schedule here (LINK).*