Evan "Skytree" Snyder: Bridging Time Through Music and Crystals
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Chapter 1: The Fusion of Engineering and Music
Evan "Skytree" Snyder navigates the fascinating intersection of robotics engineering and electronic music production. By day, he tackles engineering challenges, while at night, he crafts immersive soundscapes that evoke both ancient histories and futuristic visions.
In a recent conversation, we delved into Snyder's 02020 album, Infraplanetary, and his intriguing work with piezoelectric musical synthesis. These projects center on the concept of deep time, encouraging listeners to reflect on resonating stones and messages meant for future civilizations.
We began by discussing the thought-provoking lyrics from "Atomic Priest," featured on Infraplanetary. Here's a snippet:
"This is for the humans living ten thousand years from now
With radioactive capsules, thousands of feet underground
Grabbin' the mic to warn you of these hazardous sites
For those who lack in the sight in the black of the night..."
Section 1.1: The Inspiration Behind "Atomic Priest"
Skytree shared, "I appreciate the chance to dive into this topic. The song 'Atomic Priest' draws from my enduring interest in deep time—particularly how it influences design and the challenges of communicating across cultures. I find comfort and inspiration in contemplating the long-term, especially amidst the chaos of the present."
His music production process mirrors this philosophy, as he spends months crafting compositions within his audio workstation. "The end product often feels timeless, as if it exists outside of conventional time."
Subsection 1.1.1: Collaboration and Context
When collaborating with hip-hop artist Jackson Whalan, Snyder provided an instrumental track along with an article detailing the challenges of the EPA's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), a facility designed to house nuclear waste for over 300,000 years. This collaboration resulted in a unique blend of contemporary hip-hop and profound themes of longevity and responsibility towards future generations.
Section 1.2: Deep Time and Futurism in Music
Snyder elaborated on his approach to futurism in his music. "While many artists may embrace a superficial futuristic aesthetic, I aimed to explore deeper implications. I pondered what might resonate with someone from a distant future, creating a musical 'message in a bottle' that could evoke surprise or connection."
The Voyager spacecraft exemplifies this potential, serving as a tangible link between civilizations separated by eons. Snyder hopes his album embodies a similar spirit of timeless communication.
Chapter 2: Innovating with Piezoelectric Synthesis
As we shifted topics, Snyder discussed his latest experiments involving piezoelectric sensors connected to crystals for controlling modular synthesizers. He recounted a childhood experience that ignited his passion for rocks—specifically, a daring taste of Moon dust when he was eight, a memory that still brings him joy.
"My grandfather was the chief of security at NASA during the Apollo missions, and he played a significant role in transporting Moon specimens to the public. This early exposure to the wonders of geology and space has deeply influenced my artistic journey."
Section 2.1: The Magic of Geosonification
Snyder's experiments in creating sounds from minerals have led to a process he calls "geosonification." By turning raw quartz into piezoelectric pickups, he discovered a remarkable way to blend ancient materials with modern technology. "Using a simple setup of copper tape and wire, I achieved a magical moment when vibrations from the crystal resonated through my headphones."
Subsection 2.1.1: The Future of Sound and Nature
His endeavors extend to using conductive materials, like meteorites, as theremin antennas for sending control voltage to synthesizers. Snyder emphasizes the beauty of incorporating natural elements in music creation, merging his scientific curiosity with artistic expression.
The conversation concluded with Snyder expressing gratitude for the long-term thinkers who inspire awe and curiosity about the future. His journey exemplifies the synergy between music, technology, and nature, paving the way for innovative artistic exploration.
Learn More:
- Listen to Skytree on Bandcamp & SoundCloud for science-inspired sounds.
- Check out his feature on the Future Fossils Podcast.
- Explore our series on Music, Time, and Long-term Thinking.