Vikki Benally

Written by Vikki Benally

Published: 12 Aug 2024

30-facts-about-black-midi
Source: Wikipedia.org

Black Midi is a British band known for their complex and experimental sound. Formed in 2017, they quickly gained attention for their energetic live performances and unique musical style. Their name, inspired by a genre of music that uses MIDI files with an overwhelming number of notes, reflects their intricate compositions. The band consists of Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton, Morgan Simpson, and Seth Evans. They released their debut album, "Schlagenheim," in 2019, which received critical acclaim. Black Midi's music blends elements of rock, jazz, and electronic, creating a sound that's both challenging and captivating. Their innovative approach has earned them a dedicated following and a reputation as one of the most exciting bands in modern music.

Table of Contents

What is Black Midi?

Black Midi is a genre of music that pushes the boundaries of what is possible with MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology. It involves creating compositions with an incredibly high number of notes, often reaching into the millions. This genre is known for its complexity and the technical skill required to produce and perform it.

  1. Black Midi compositions can contain millions of notes, sometimes exceeding 10 million.
  2. The genre originated in Japan around 2009, gaining popularity on platforms like Nico Nico Douga.
  3. The name "Black Midi" comes from the appearance of the MIDI files, which look almost entirely black due to the density of notes.
  4. Black Midi music is often created using software like FL Studio, Synthesia, and MIDI sequencers.
  5. The genre is closely related to "Touhou Project" music, a popular series of Japanese bullet hell shooter games.

The Complexity of Black Midi

Creating and performing Black Midi music is no small feat. The sheer number of notes and the speed at which they are played make it a challenging genre for both composers and performers.

  1. Composers often use algorithms to generate the massive number of notes in Black Midi pieces.
  2. Performers of Black Midi music need exceptional technical skill and often use specialized software to aid in their performances.
  3. Some Black Midi pieces are so complex that they can crash standard MIDI players.
  4. The genre has a dedicated community of enthusiasts who share their compositions and techniques online.
  5. Black Midi compositions can take months to create due to their complexity.

Popular Black Midi Compositions

Several Black Midi compositions have gained notoriety for their complexity and the skill required to perform them. These pieces often serve as benchmarks for the genre.

  1. "U.N. Owen Was Her?" is one of the most famous Black Midi compositions, originally from the Touhou Project series.
  2. "Necrofantasia" is another popular piece, known for its intricate and fast-paced notes.
  3. "Bad Apple!!" is a well-known Black Midi arrangement that has been covered by many artists.
  4. "Night of Nights" is a challenging piece that has become a staple in the Black Midi community.
  5. "Death Waltz" is a notorious composition, often cited as one of the most difficult Black Midi pieces to perform.

The Community and Culture of Black Midi

The Black Midi community is a tight-knit group of enthusiasts who share a passion for pushing the limits of MIDI technology. They often collaborate and share their work online.

  1. The Black Midi community is active on platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and Discord.
  2. Many Black Midi composers use pseudonyms, adding an element of mystery to their work.
  3. The genre has inspired a range of fan art, memes, and other creative works.
  4. Black Midi competitions are held online, where composers and performers showcase their skills.
  5. The community often collaborates on large-scale projects, creating multi-composer Black Midi pieces.

The Future of Black Midi

As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for Black Midi music are expanding. New tools and techniques are being developed to push the genre even further.

  1. Advances in MIDI technology are allowing for even more complex compositions.
  2. Machine learning and AI are being used to generate Black Midi music.
  3. Virtual reality and augmented reality are being explored as new ways to experience Black Midi performances.
  4. The genre is gaining recognition in academic circles, with research being conducted on its technical and artistic aspects.
  5. Black Midi is influencing other genres, with elements being incorporated into electronic and experimental music.

Fun Facts About Black Midi

Beyond its technical aspects, Black Midi has a range of interesting and quirky facts that make it a unique genre.

  1. Some Black Midi compositions are created as jokes or challenges, pushing the limits of what is possible.
  2. The longest Black Midi piece on record lasts over an hour and contains more than 100 million notes.
  3. Black Midi has been featured in several video games, adding an extra layer of challenge for players.
  4. The genre has inspired a range of merchandise, including T-shirts, posters, and even custom MIDI controllers.
  5. Black Midi is sometimes used in educational settings to teach advanced music theory and composition techniques.

Final Notes on Black Midi

Black Midi, a genre-bending band, has carved a unique niche in the music world. Their experimental sound blends rock, jazz, and electronic elements, creating a truly distinctive auditory experience. Formed in London, the band quickly gained a following with their energetic live performances and complex compositions. Their debut album, "Schlagenheim," received critical acclaim, showcasing their innovative approach to music.

The band's members, Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton, and Morgan Simpson, bring diverse influences and exceptional talent to the table. Their willingness to push boundaries and explore new musical territories sets them apart from many contemporary acts.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their music, Black Midi offers something fresh and exciting. Their evolving sound and fearless creativity promise to keep listeners engaged and intrigued for years to come. Dive into their discography and experience the magic yourself.

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