Episode 138

Episode 138: The Completely Perfect Sound of Asinine Nonsense

Published on: 16th January, 2025

In this opus of auditory semiotics and deliberate dissonance, N8 interrogates the very architecture of communication itself, constructing an ephemeral tableau wherein the absence of conventional meaning becomes a resonant presence. By recontextualizing the sonic gestures of conversation through an assemblage of symbolic "traffic signals," the episode functions as both a deconstruction of social ritual and an acoustic palimpsest, overwritten with intentional chaos and liminality.

At the heart of this composition lies an exploration of microtonal texture and polyrhythmic subversion, wherein IDM-inflected percussive motifs ebb and flow, refracting the listener’s temporal orientation. Harmonic progressions, unmoored from teleological resolution, oscillate between the familiar and the arcane, evoking an irresolvable tension that speaks to the postmodern condition of deferred meaning. Synthesis and sampling are deployed not as mere instruments but as meta-objects within the broader conversation of sound as cultural critique.

N8 invokes the ethos of abstract expressionism—specifically, the Pollockian dialectic of chaos and control—layering sonic detritus with stratified waves of text-to-speech articulations that simultaneously reference and disavow linguistic coherence. The resulting auditory bricolage invites an ontological reckoning with the liminal boundaries of music and noise, interrogating whether coherence is a construct or a consequence of perception.

Ultimately, "The Completely Perfect Sound of Ironic Nonsense" transcends the traditional constraints of the podcast format, posing an open-ended inquiry into the ways sound can inhabit and dissolve meaning. It is both an elegy for the expected and a manifesto for the untranslatable.

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About the Podcast

Living Room Music
I established this podcast as a personal writing challenge, aiming to continually push myself to explore the depths of music creation. To maintain this drive, I've set a self-imposed publishing deadline every Friday at 6 PM EST.
Rather than seeking fame or fortune, my main goal is to discover music that resonates with me, something I haven't experienced before. Throughout this journey, I immerse myself in a wide array of electronic music, drawing inspiration from various sources to infuse fresh ideas into my own compositions. I relish experimenting with novel techniques and tonalities, always on the lookout for unique sounds.
My work embraces the mathematical intricacies of music theory, exploring new ways to manipulate sounds and embracing the spirit of improvisation. Above all, my music is a celebration of joy and love for the creative process, capturing the essence of fun and passion in playing and crafting melodies.
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About your host

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Nathan Eckenrode

From the womb to the stage, N8K99's life has been a symphony of diverse musical experiences. His journey began with melodies echoing in his mother's womb during her piano recitals and evolved through debates over musical alphabets in kindergarten. N8K99's early classical training under his mother's tutelage seamlessly transitioned into a passion for the improvisational freedom of Free Jazz, idolizing legends like Maynard Ferguson, Miles Davis, and Chet Baker. His teenage curiosity led him to a pawn shop guitar, igniting a spark that would illuminate his path through various musical endeavors.
Post-Navy life found N8K99 in Jacksonville, Florida, where punk rock's raw energy collided with his burgeoning talent, resulting in a series of ephemeral bands. New York City called next, presenting a harsh reality of talent and competition. His days oscillated between roles as a PA, bike messenger, book mover, and the occasional subway busker, honing his skills in the city's vibrant music scene. A chance encounter with Wu Tang Clan during a jam session marked a turning point, embedding a sense of belonging within the industry's fabric.
N8K99's musical style defies categorization, a testament to his journey across genres and geographies. His sound is an eclectic blend, rooted in classical music theory, adorned with jazz improvisation, and electrified by electronic production. He finds solace and challenge in his podcast, "Living Room Music by N8K99," a weekly expedition into new musical territories, collaborating with local Hip Hop artists, exploring emotional tones, and experimenting with various modalities.
Despite his mastery, N8K99 remains the industry's "invisible man," focusing on the art rather than the fame. His elusive double album "Chromatic Depression" whispers of his presence in the digital music realm, but it's his dedication to the craft that truly defines him. N8K99's vision extends beyond personal acclaim; through Eckenrode Muziekopname, he aspires to elevate Jacksonville's local talent, creating a digital collective to champion and disseminate their artistry globally.
With his feet firmly planted in Jacksonville, N8K99 envisions a future of continued musical exploration with his band Radio Poets, his podcast, and EM. His ambition is not of glittering fame but of a sustainable, fulfilling musical journey, evolving as a Middle Class musician who navigates the industry's tides with a whimsical yet determined spirit.