Shawn Bulen's Fractal Sequencer

Music Composition Based on Self-Similarity

"Supposing, for instance, that the fundamental relations of pitched sound in the signs of harmony and of musical composition were susceptible of such expression and adaptations, the engine might compose elaborate and scientific pieces of music of any degree of complexity or extent."
- Ada Lovelace, 1815-1852

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There is a promising development in music composition taking place today. The approach applies algorithms borrowed from the realm of fractal mathematics to music composition. Fractal music is still in its infancy - and this is part of what makes it so exciting. It promises to offer insights into music theory and to expand the toolset available to music composers. The lessons learned from fractal music may open whole new areas of discovery, to contemporary classical music composers and theorists and to techno/ambient DJs alike.

From June to September, 1999, once the family was off to sleep, I stayed up nights developing a computer program to implement a straightforward fractal algorithm based on the concept of self-similarity. My results are documented here. I hope you enjoy the music, theories, musings, and observations throughout this site!

MP3s of the Fractal Sequencer's Output Are not Available at this time!

I had been using MP3.com to share my music, however, MP3.com appears to be changing their offerings, & my music is not available online at this time. I should have a revised site available by the end of summer, 2004. Check back in a few weeks!!!!

Thanks

I would like to thank Corey Jackson for his valuable input. I would also like to thank Jakob Tittiger and Carmel Adams for helping me with the graphics throughout this site.