Torley Wong (aka Torley Linden in Second Life) is many things: a machinima filmmaker, a Linden Lab employee, a lover of watermelons. But most importantly, he’s a a kick ass techno artist. Or at least was until hyperacusis took out his ability to compose or even listen to music. Despondent for awhile, but generous to a fault, Torley decided to release his entire 230 track collection to the general public for free.
I’m no great fan of techno, but I’ve enjoyed several of his electronic ditties, from "NU SKOOL BREAKFAST," to "Bigger Breaks," and "Detroit Techno City." There’s lots of more mellow and even haunting music in his collection that’s worth checking out. Oh and I love that Torley, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, has a song entitled "Assburgers."
You can listen to Torley tell his own story on a recent edition of NPR’s "The Infinite Mind" radio show. Definitely worth a download.
Goodness goshness! Why thank you so much, Rik. *big happy smile*
I have to say on the whole, I didn’t like “techno” broadly that much either, but it was the exceptions to the rules that propelled, motivated, and had me driving forth more passionately than The Rocketeer on crack.
I enjoy infusing cold starkness with not only warm, not only humorous, but what I call “observant” composition — sonic elements which really haven’t gone noticed before and are kind of cheeky, but not outright parodic or unserious either. “Detroit Techno City” is that kind of homage, pointing at some of the fundamental machines used to make techno music, as well as close-to-incestual referencing of techno culture.
Thanks again.
P.S. The name “Assburgers” came to me when I just said “Asperger’s” a number of times and asked myself, “Now, what does this REALLY sound like?” and thus it was named with the spirit of the song. Notably, several people with AS who weren’t quite so humored didn’t find it funny. I of course apologized promptly.
P.P.S. Thank you thank you!
You are most welcome. Thanks for rockin my iPod!