Discovering a music tracker for the first time may feel unfamiliar, somewhat daunting, and seemingly impervious - yet it offers a fresh avenue for artists accustomed to DAWs like Ableton Live, opening up a realm of unexpected creativity.
In a digital realm that appears to be overrun with numbers and symbols careening upwards, akin to the story of 'The Matrix' in reverse, a whole new universe of music production has emerged. This parallel world, fueled by an unconventional tool called tracker software, has transformed the way music is produced and experienced.
The first ever tracker, Ultimate Soundtracker, materialized in 1987, gracing the Commodore Amiga with an impressive four channels of audio, derived from the computer's internal sound chip[1][2]. As technology advanced, so did trackers. In 1991, RBF Software's OctaMED entered the scene, expanding the number of audio channels to eight and even allowing producers to sequence external gear via MIDI[1][2].
OctaMED quickly became a favorite among hardcore and emerging jungle producers, offering the means to create intricate sequences of chopped breaks, either from hardware samplers like the Akai S-950 or directly from the Amiga itself[1][2]. Notable artists like DJ Zinc and Aphrodite have utilized OctaMED in their works, and modern jungle producer Pete Cannon still employs an Amiga for his productions, praising the nostalgia it evokes[1][3].
Tracker software has since migrated to personal computers, increasing track counts and evolving into fully-fledged digital audio workstations (DAWs)[1][2]. Impulse Tracker, released in 1995, boasted 64 channels[1]. Both Deadmau5 and Machinedrum honed their craft on Impulse Tracker, and in fact, Machinedrum rebooted his album 3FOR82 with the software[1][3].
Nowadays, trackers have branched out into the world of hardware with devices like Polyend's Tracker and Dirtywave's M8, providing a standalone tracker/sampler workflow[1][3]. Additionally, the unofficial Nintendo Gameboy sequencer LSDJ turned the portable gaming device into a tracker, significantly contributing to the formation of the chiptune genre[1][3].
Among the myriad of tracker software available today, Renoise stands out as a trailblazer. First released in 2002, Renoise has matured into a sophisticated DAW offering plugins, MIDI control, and even 'tools', which are user-programmable scripts that enhance the program's functionality[1][2].
The distinguishing feature of Renoise is its distinctive sequencer, a departure from the horizontal arrangement more commonly found in DAWs. Instead, Renoise's sequencer scrolls upwards, displaying music as lines of numbers, reminiscent of computer code with no graphical interface[2]. This unfamiliar layout can seem intimidating to producers who have grown accustomed to using DAWs like Logic and Live[2].
Embracing Renoise and, by extension, the tracker methodology, may initially feel challenging, even for experienced producers[2]. Renoise operates in a different linguistic universe, requiring a vertical workflow and rewiring the brain—metaphorically speaking—to connect with its unique world[2]. With some practice and acclimation, however, the unfamiliar can quickly become familiar, unlocking new realms of creativity for the brave and adventurous[2].
One might be tempted to question whether or not switching to a tracker is worth it. Although Renoise shines in chopping breaks and abrupt structural transitions, it does have its drawbacks, primarily its overly narrow focus on working with samples[2][4]. There may be benefits in blending the strengths of both trackers and traditional DAWs, such as creating breaks in Renoise and continuing in another DAW, or utilizing Rewire to link Renoise to your preferred DAW[4].
For those intrigued by the concept of a tracker or drawn to the nostalgic sounds of '90s computer sampling, there are options available to test the waters. Redux, the sampler plugin based on Renoise, and Amigo Sampler, an 8-bit sampler recreating the sound of the Amiga, both allow for a taste of the tracker experience without a full commitment[3]. In addition, there are freeware music trackers like Milky Tracker and Schism Tracker, an open-source reimplementation of Impulse Tracker[3][4].
In conclusion, tracker software has Left a lasting impact on the world of electronic music, especially in the early days of video games and digital audio creation[1][4]. By offering a unique approach to music production and fostering a vibrant, dedicated community, tracker software has continued to push boundaries and inspire creativity. Whether or not one decides to adopt the tracker methodology, it is undeniable that the culture and legacy it has created will endure for years to come.
References
[1] MusicRadar. (n.d.). Renoise: the tracker DAW [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/top-10-tracker-tools-for-all-budget-sum-music-production-651413[2] MusicRadar. (n.d.). Taking the red pill: Was 2022 the year of the tracker? [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/taking-the-red-pill-was-2022-the-year-of-the-tracker-1386888[3] MusicRadar. (n.d.). Get the MusicRadar Newsletter [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/get-the-musicradar-newsletter-4110264[4] Woodcraft, P. (2022, November 19). Taking the red pill: Was 2022 the year of the tracker? Retrieved from https://www.musictech.net/articles/features/taking-the-red-pill-was-2022-the-year-of-the-tracker/
Technology's evolution in music production has led to the use of tracker software, such as OctaMED and Renoise, for creating complex sequences in various genres, including jungle and electronic music. In the realm of entertainment, noteworthy artists like DJ Zinc and Aphrodite have utilized these tools, while modern producers continue to find nostalgic charm in the Amiga for music production.
