AFX Drums: Chaos in Order - how to GLITCH like Richard D. James | Aphex Twin Beats

[@Bezz_Jeens]

Wild...i was listening to Aphex on my way into work this morning and when I sat down at my desk, I looked up some Aphex glitch drum tutorials to listen to in the background. Went back and refreshed the search and bam, new upload from the best drum machine channel in the game, on that exact thing. Excited to watch.

[@CaptainPikant]

Haha thank you so much :) Seems like the universe desperately wants you to make some glitch beats...

[@Bezz_Jeens]

@@CaptainPikant I'm dogsitting this weekend and brought my Syntakt and Digitone, so I think I have my work cut out for me the next few days......

[@Bezz_Jeens]

@@CaptainPikant also, thank YOU. I'm a string player by training so melody and harmony feel very natural, but programming drums definitely does not, so I come to your channel religiously to study

[@SimonZerafa]

​@@CaptainPikantClearly an example of synchronicity 🙂🤷‍♂️

[@amhamper]

​@@Bezz_Jeens Don't forget the dogs!

[@roydean]

One of the most original and cool educational channels ever. Thank you!

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks so much Roy :) :)

[@ropesquid2085]

The 'Stop asking for Venetian Snares' got me wheezin

[@ecrylian]

13:01 Lets split the difference and ask for a Squarepusher one then! In all seriousness tho this is a really great video, been a fan of afx for a while and this is a fantastic insight into how he acheived those drum sounds, great watch!

[@Overcrox]

I second the request for Squarepusher!

[@voltagefiction7254]

Squarepusher please!

[@TyroneCLove]

Yes please !

[@diglet553]

A Squarepusher video would be very nice!

[@myousickoflife]

All you need to know about Venetian Snares is that he is from Winnipeg, Canada. There's not much else to do up there than become a mad beat making scientist. Love him.

[@kerbalis3298]

my biggest flex is that i have the snares man vinyl

[@physicschaosdev]

he also lives in a parallel universe where people use 7/4 instead of 4/4

[@pupai89]

DGOHN

[@Tryptich]

And that he shares some strange autistic telek connection with John Frusciante

[@gsuberland]

he has Opinions™ on Winnipeg, as you can tell from his track titles :P

[@S14M07]

I think this is how I found out about Aphex Twin. I’m a drummer myself, and I’ve always found glitchy drums super interesting!

[@patrickrainey305]

Bro, I’m just your average guy, but I Hella Hella appreciate your videos. They’re amazing. It’s people like you better make the Internet a better place and by extension the world a better place. we spend so much time on the Internet now a days around so much garbage contact I’m not being dramatic when I say your videos are actually really important. What people consume affects how they feel and when they consume content that’s thoughtfully made by somebody actually passionate about what they’re doing it’s really meaningful. Thank you.

[@CaptainPikant]

Thank you Patrick, that's really kind of you to say :) :)

[@PortervilleMusicSociety]

cannot agree more this is a haven of learning and doing rather than everything else

[@justinr5989]

You’ve put it perfectly! Far afield from music, Alec Steele is a metal forger who brings the same quality and passion (and gentility, even), so based on what you’ve said here I think you’d love him. (I’m not a shill, but he leapt to mind reading your comment)

[@neniv]

While bummed about not having a Venetian Snares video, I was pleasantly surprised to see his name be brought up in this video, as I found him branching out from Aphex Twin in the early stages of my experience listening to electronic music of this nature. When I was in high school I considered Aphex Twin, Venetian Snares, and Squarepusher the holy trinity of modern electronic music at the time.

[@scottymac3634]

Whoosh! Very impressive production with great information. It’s lovely to not have to listen to someone stumbling over their words and going off on pointless tangents. Being successful in media takes effort. Liked and subscribed. Thank you so much.

[@kaitlyn__L]

“Times has no meaning… Did I leave the stove on?” got a good chuckle out of me. I think the “broken metronome” method is exactly what some of my ambient tracks needed 😊☺️ I’ve got plenty of my own “found sounds” to make the metronome with, like I got a lot of little tinkling hits on wheel spokes lately which I really like.

[@stu9000]

My god it's as if you looked into my brain and asked what a wanted to know about my favourite producer's techniques and picked the perfect tracks. Gold. THANK YOU!

[@devalt1]

Yeah this video is a masterpiece and definitely your best video yet guys :D there's sooo much we can learn from Richard's work, so it's great to see some of his techniques compiled and explained in such an effective way!

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks so much, glad you liked it :)

[@glitch314]

Can't believe you did 1st 44... that track is just insane!

[@mrfish4572]

Brilliant video and one of the very few, if not only video that actually has corrected got to the heart of how Richard D. James makes his music. Its actually very simple but very effective.

[@RemoteViewr]

I LOVE the glossary at the end

[@dhonkeypunch]

Me too!

[@_amih]

"A gentlemans' glitch, if you will." Masterful. Keep it coming, Captain! Joined your Patreon today for the transcripts and goodies, and got hit with this gem a few hours later.

[@CaptainPikant]

Glad to have you on board :)

[@___xyz___]

12:54 get in the habit :-)

[@audeon_visual]

This is a great analysis of what makes Aphex Twin so hard to authentically imitate. Even though these are all pretty standard techniques, being restrained in ratchet flourishes, incorporating velocity, and trig conditions make his arrangements so compelling. I have to say however, that the main lesson for me is that I really need to invest in an OXI One. Incredible work captain!

[@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii]

No kidding- I was already planning what I could sell to fund (Oxi)one two minutes in.

[@OFOTCN]

What do you mean by trig conditions

[@cvio_]

cirklon is also great;)

[@crimsonfancy]

Wow! The technique explained is hugely appreciated.

[@soundisles]

Incredible presentation. The OXI One has my full attention once more.

[@Licherous]

thanks cap, been a fan of aphex twin for probably over 20 years now

[@CL-hq4cf]

I've just started getting into sample sequencers, and I've gotta say your vids are so damn educational. And entertaining! I lol'd at the JD Beck and Keyser Soze lines. Great stuff!

[@rudyrudy6882]

Thank you for your work!!you are really amazing, I can’t re- do that at home, but incredibly grateful! Thanks to Richard too 🙏🇧🇪 Pure perfection, but when I do my Beat it’s more intuitive than sound like a bit like, Richard… no one can he so much exploring mindfulness as him

[@trevormalcolm4328]

I always look forward and love this series, happy new year!

[@AndrezeiraUNO]

This was one of the best music production videos I've saw, absolutely nice!

[@alexgrunde6682]

No I will not stop going full Venetian Snares

[@morgan0]

the variable note length thing is something i stumbled into recently. i was writing a pattern for a single perc that was decently long (still short) with a fairly consistent volume over it's length but a changing timbre, and i used a long and short note to sound more interesting than just a single note length and single timbre

[@CaptainPikant]

That's true, it's also a great tool even if you're not aiming for obvious glitch effects!

[@PianoDanny]

Just stunning editing, and beautifully shot video - and that’s without any of the educational content!

[@willarnold3882]

The subtitles are priceless. Thank you.

[@woosix7735]

Damn that so funny, the cat walking over keyboard and the song pronociatian guide.

[@artvandelay3282]

The elektron boxes are really good for this. It wasnt until i got one for myself that i started programming my drums this way. When you add trig conditions and two lfos into the mix. You can have fun for ages, and multitrack record with overbridge. There really is no better way to write electronic music

[@scottadams7820]

RDJ is an Elektron fan. He's not easily impressed, so you know they're doing something right.

[@PortervilleMusicSociety]

Ive copied most of these videos into my mc101. would love a book and course here eventually ty so much for your clear instruction and terms. you always give me hope and tools and i love it

[@CaptainPikant]

That's so great to hear! We're actually writing a "Drum Machine 101" book www.patreon.com/posts/drum-machine-101-95208527 There are just a few chapters right now but we plan on adding more this year :)

[@missinforecordsltd]

this is the best video on afx drums so far but I've still yet to see someone breakdown the Richard d James album drums they are wild. like mainly the stuff on peek and yellow calx. but still this video is great

[@recordhigh]

definitely the best video on his drums - unlike all the videos that just talk about repeating and "glitchy" drums

[@LarsenEirikMiinea]

I was already watching the video with extreme interest, but the moment you mention the pocket calculator and the melody of kraftwerk (19:40) starts it was like instant. Little detail that was unimportant to the purpose of the video but that I enjoyed a lot.

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks!! That was actually one of The Intern's ideas and I was also very happy about it :)

[@ChristopherGun]

awesome video! Aphexs creative genius really is something else. You produced a banger at the end thats for sure!

[@GhostOfLorelei]

Love the end jam on this one…just, dang! ❤❤

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks Jae we're really happy you like it :) :)

[@Shin3y]

I’ve been waiting for you to do a video on Aphex Twin. Great video!

[@woosix7735]

Yes I have been. waiting for this!

[@flamesintheattic]

Cool tutorial. The Twin also frequently makes melody/pads that repeat rhythmically in a loop and then he the usual rhythm instruments (drums) carry the melody in a sneaky reversal. The bass is always the bass!

[@benjamink7105]

Richard you son of a...opening with the sample of a lip guitar? I'm crying. Great video, can't wait to watch the rest! That was crazy...

[@00I0I00I00III0I00I0I]

Love the addition of the chair, but I believe it was actually sampled from an old ammunition box he had

[@OIP_1]

incredible level of quality and information as always!

[@Kyle-xk4ke]

Your sense of humour is amazing 😂Congrats on almost 100k subscribers 👍

[@Mode-7]

Loved the JD Beck shout out

[@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii]

Dear Captain and Beat Bunny, this was MASTERFUL! I laughed, I cried. Most importantly I'm headed straight to the beat box. You never cease to inspire. Thank you.

[@CaptainPikant]

That's so great to hear :) :)

[@Digiphex]

Good use of your OXI!

[@oxiinstruments]

indeed!!

[@pazu2701]

Awesome video! I would be curious that you make a video about Lorn’s drum! What do you think about it? He has a very particular way of processing drums

[@juhaj7734]

Oh man, I love his work! Seconded!

[@pazu2701]

@@juhaj7734 Me too! He influenced me a lot in my latest project! I just love how he creates those sounds

[@besh303]

Lorn, yes please!

[@cheapgrooves5467]

Wow unbelievably cool video. Learned a lot. Outro sounded very good as well.

[@AmbiguousGoop]

I thought I had never come across your channel before, but when I went to subscribe, to my surprise I already was. 7/7 excellent content. Keep it up!

[@b-HAL9000]

I'm a patron and it's my best spent dollar - you're AMAZING dude !

[@CaptainPikant]

Thank you so much! :) :)

[@JoriDiculous]

Been listening to Aphex Twin and his alter egos (Polygon Window is well worth a dive) since the early 90's. One of the most innovative and influential artist since. Pretty cool that he built (and rebuilt) his instruments back then. Crazy.

[@gabrielsyme4550]

Every video of yours is a handful of new tricks, this is is amazing

[@CaptainPikant]

Thank you so much, we always try to put something new in :)

[@DeathMayBeYourSantaClausz]

"The universe demands balance" - came for the drums, stayed for the poetry

[@PeterPepper93]

Wow the level of work behind this is just plain... respect🎉

[@gsuberland]

At 18:21, is that the same synth sound used by The Stranglers in Just Like Nothing On Earth?

[@chadracine4372]

The Alberto balsam sample always reminded me of a school desk being dragged on linoleum floor

[@soundfx68]

That comment about JD Beck, nice to know I'm in good musical company - subbed.

[@nickoricko4564]

This video is really well done. Nice job!

[@nothin-yy4gn]

I laughed out loud for about 5 minutes when I learned what the "i" in IDM stood for.

[@Likelybiking]

I assumed it meant “Independant” 😂

[@FooziJr.1]

this video is fire ! thank you very much

[@Beardqt]

Hi, no musical education at all here so this might be insane, but I've also experimented with pushing the TR-6S through a subharmonic synth pedal and found it can generated some incredible glitchy/rumbling bass depending

[@CaptainPikant]

Oh yes pitchshifters can sound so tastefully glitchy when they lose the tracking :)

[@funkl0314]

Wow! This is excellent! I’ve been dreaming for this for ages. Thanks so much!

[@gasparpini]

This is a masterpiece

[@janwintraken]

The sudden trip at 17:30 definetily is something. This is what daydreaming feels like to me, because everything slows down and i suddenly sweep out of it really fast. Like diving into water and coming back up again.

[@emphatic001]

These videos are becoming funnier.

[@ottsch]

Perfect demonstration of the seaboard

[@bubanga]

What a video man!

[@Xerin]

Do a video on Venetian Snares!

[@Xerin]

Nvm😞

[@Akuminou]

You do an incredible, tremendous work !! Thank you so much for your hard work and sharing your knowledge. I guess you dont take requests, but still I hope one day you offer us an analysis on the work of Amon Tobin

[@matthewbrooks4024]

Tremendously insightful and entertaining vid!

[@elektronzer3809]

the choke method works great on the Analog Rytm with with 8 of the twelve voices being shared.

[@farlandu_wmv]

probably my fav video of yours so far, mainly because i get all the jokes lmao. but still, awesome work on this!

[@CaptainPikant]

Thank you :)

[@MalusMons]

Im of the opinion that RDJ is one of the greatest drummers of all time, regardless of where the drums are coming from Nothing is random, its all musical and supports the track

[@bontempo1271]

Don't forget it is composition not actual drumming ;)

[@hoidoei941]

Then you haven’t heard many other great artists in the genre

[@bontempo1271]

@@hoidoei941 name some

[@hoidoei941]

@@bontempo1271 Stuff like Ruby my Dear, Uziq, Woulg, Vaetxh, G Jones, Drumcorps, Xploding Plastix, Hrvatski, Ametsub, Ocoeur, Acces to Arasaka, kritical Audio, Altered Tensions, Thriftworks, Photek, Skalpel, Reso, Imanu, Alix Perez, Current Value, Bong Ra, Veelk/(Igorrr) and so many others with their very own unique twist.. “Music is Math” by Boards of Canada p.e. And off course 100% real drummers like Louis Cole, The drummer from Four Tet or even OG’s like Bernard Purdie etc. etc.

[@hoidoei941]

@@bontempo1271 Oh and don’t forget Tipper !!! One of the greatest of all time.. Especially his IDM tracks

[@stefan1024]

Fantastic video and great ressource, thanks.

[@inputmonitor]

One of the few "gear" channels that actually can play.

[@totalSLACK]

this is my first post as a new sub, and I hafta say, I can get down with getting a lil... "aphex twin-y" 💚

[@shikakuatama]

So fire. Thank you for all the effort and care you put into these.

[@WARDISWARD]

ON the cirklon it's a lot easier because we have 4 aux commands per step , ideal for ratcheting , polyrhytms , repeats etc ...and that's exactly why Richard used a cirklon

[@elcasho]

Well done!

[@manifatzigula]

I always wondered how to get that early 2000 idm cold glitch. I then bought a Machinedrum by Elektron and that thing does everything you explain in this video but on steroids.

[@CaptainPikant]

Oh yes, it's one of my few regrets that I didn't get one back then :)

[@Leon-yr3bu]

Pikant is the best 😎

[@alex11v3]

Hey, you heard my suggestion about a Aphex video! Thanks a lot, as always amazing content

[@Pastryarchy]

This is wild, thank you so much

[@melvinperalta6883]

I just joined your Patreon today as well! Quick question: How do I know what some of the abbreviations stand for? For the Aphex Twin Alberto Balsalm notation, I think I figured them out (e.g., CY = cymbal; RS = rim shot). I tried googling common abbreviations and found things like BD = bass drum. However, moving forward, would there be an easier way to figure out what goes with what?

[@CaptainPikant]

Hi Melvin, thanks so much for your support! We actually sent you a welcome message on Patreon yesterday. In there you will find a catalogue of all drum pattern transcriptions, which also has a guide on how to read them at the top :)

[@melvinperalta6883]

This is perfect, thank you!@@CaptainPikant

[@adamarmstrong9408]

Love this vid ,been an aphex fan since the mid ninties ,glad you covered his recent work 🤙

[@CaptainPikant]

Yes I think his new stuff is just as good as the "classics"! :)

[@chycor]

Great fun content for music nerds 👍 oh, and I learnt a lot

[@martinschissler9208]

such a good episode. thanks

[@casbahrockin]

Another awesome vid! Thanks ❤️

[@edgarsmakens]

Fantastic video.

[@unknownfilmmaker777]

Nice job. 13:00 Why not do the Venetian tutorial?

[@beetheimmortal]

I really hope you do a video about Amon Tobin someday. his drums are insanely complex sometimes.

[@SuperRingoffire1]

Thanks for some great inspiration and ideas 👌😁☮️

[@real_anxst]

Amazing work as always. Funny, inspiring, informative. Love the math homework/track name work, too perfect. Also, can we get a Venetian Snare's video that just explains why we can't get a Venetian Snares video? 😂

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks so much @real_anxst! The summary of that video would be: Venetian Snares goes brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt, Aphex Twin goes brrrrt, which is just the right amount of brrrrt for me ;)

[@leogallagher2736]

LOL​@@CaptainPikant

[@BR-pw9kv]

wonderful clue that sssomething was off, duly noted :)

[@federicobondi5393]

Great examples and always interesting :)

[@Sinnersainthuman]

always killin it Captain 💚

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks so much Jay :) :)

[@manuelsirotti9340]

Man, really a great video, thanks! One of the most helpful videos I've ever seen on rhythms. I'm a big fan of Aphex Twin too. I was noticing how you use the Oxi one and it seems to be great for beat production. I always see it, used with external hardware but on this Tal sampler drum, it seems to work really beautifully! I wanted to ask you, if the Tal drum then gives you separate rhythm channels on the Daw? So I could put effects in post and mix the drums as I want! PS every time you show the Oxi one in the video without external machines, are you using it with the sampler Tal drum in your Daw? Thank you very much dude !

[@CaptainPikant]

Hi Manuel, yes you can route each channel in TAL-Drum to a separate output so you can mix the instruments individually and put FX on them :) And yes it's always TAL-Drum except on Heliosphan where we used D16 Drumazon 2 for the 909 sounds.

[@manuelsirotti9340]

@@CaptainPikant Hi :)) Incredible how well the Oxi one works in production! Thank you !

[@manuelsirotti9340]

@@CaptainPikant Can I ask you for advice? I'm not interested in controlling external analog devices but in controlling samples. I was fascinated by how he managed the samples with the gate and in a simple way on velocity etc. and how the grid was clear and explicit but I was wondering since it costs so much is there a device that can do the same equally well that costs less?

[@CaptainPikant]

@@manuelsirotti9340Not that I know of. But you could always do this in the DAW.

[@manuelsirotti9340]

@@CaptainPikant Yes of course but going crazy with a lot of editing ;) With this Oxi it seems really very comfortable. Didn't I ask you what you think about Oxi one? Thanks for your beautiful video even if it will cost me some money hahaha

[@unknownmusicman]

How do you like the OXI compared to a beatstep pro? I've had a ton of fun getting glitchy with the beatstep pro, but this seems even more accessible

[@MrZensphere]

All the ratcheting techniques are super easy in a tracker using retrigger commands and the shortened drum bursts are easily done with cut commands

[@D-Rv8iv]

I’d love to see Richards reaction to seeing all the Aphex jokes on KZbin.

[@blacky9906]

Amazing, please more