Phonotaktisten

Phonotaktisten is a term used to describe a group of artists and musicians who create music by manipulating and rearranging existing audio recordings. The term is derived from the Greek words "phonos" meaning sound, and "taktos" meaning arranged or ordered. This practice is often associated with the electronic music scene, particularly within genres like glitch, IDM (Intelligent Dance Music), and experimental electronic music.

The core principle of phonotaktisten is the use of sampling, a technique where short segments of audio are extracted from existing recordings and rearranged to create new compositions. This can include anything from individual sounds to entire phrases or melodies. The process often involves the use of digital audio workstations (DAWs) and software tools that allow for precise manipulation of audio files.

Phonotaktisten often draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including music, film, and everyday sounds. They may also incorporate elements of chance and improvisation into their work, allowing for a degree of unpredictability and spontaneity. The resulting music can be highly abstract and experimental, often characterized by its use of unconventional timbres and rhythms.

Despite the potential for copyright issues, many phonotaktisten argue that their work falls under the fair use doctrine, which allows for the use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. However, this remains a contentious issue within the music community.