Talk:Aphex Twin/Archive 1

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Archive This is an archive of past discussions. Do not edit the contents of this page. If you wish to start a new discussion or revive an old one, please do so on the current talk page.

Contents

Quoth

(Quoth) should redirect to the "Singles" section of the "(Surfing On Sine Waves)" article, unless anyone thinks there's enough info available about it to warrant a full article.

Confidence

I am confident that, with a little more work (especially in the area of RDJ's biography), this could be a potential Featured Article. I encourage all editors to do their best to make this article outstanding. Anyone else ready to accept this challange? - --Insomniak 21:19, 11 May 2005 (UTC)
Too many fanboys fucking up the facts and accuracy of this article, unfortunately. Ideally, it needs someone who isn't a complete fucking retard to keep an eye on it. Magic Window 23:19, August 9, 2005 (UTC)
Insomniak takes good care of this page. He's really good. Don't worry, it'll be sorted eventually. Be patient.
This article demands a re-write with a full reference list. There's a fella called James who is the webmaster of forum.watmm.com . He has one of the largest collections of Aphex Twin interviews and articles around (audio and video interviews too). We should ask him for it.
If the Biography was rewritten to be conjoined with Aphex Twin's major record releases, it would make more sense. Because this is an Aphex Twin article rather than a Richard D. James article, shouldn't we concentrate on Aphex Twin the musical career? I believe some things are difficult to prove, even if they have an internet source (like Aphex's parents living in Cornwall, Canada before moving to Cornwall, England) Some details are trivial towards Aphex Twin's musical career, and are difficult to prove. Some of these minor things should be left out of this article unless they have print sources.
The press release lies, half-truths, and everything else related to Aphex Twin's press campaigns should be given their own 'Creative press campaigns' heading, so they are placed apart from the biography.
Seperating the biographical and musical information from the dishonest press campaigns is the key to writing an excellent Aphex Twin article. What do you fellas think? LukeAcidwalker 19:13, 11 August 2005 (UTC)
Thank you for your kind remark, Luke. I think that eventually this article should change from "Aphex Twin" to "Richard D. James" for a number of obvious reasons. Secondly, I will not have much more time to work on this article due to personal issues (moving, college, etc.), so whatever happens to the article is fine by me, provided the information is correct, sources are linked, and the article maintains a plesent aesthetic. --Insomniak 02:55, 16 August 2005 (UTC)

"Close friends" are not valid sources. He shouldn't be referred to as "Richard", it's not encyclopedic. Either by surname (James) or moniker (Aphex). Very nice read, but it's more a fan piece than a FA candidate at the moment. --kingboyk 06:19, 13 March 2006 (UTC)

Close friends is a bit confusing. Joyrex from www.watmm.com interviewed Mike P, who had his music released by Aphex Twin, and has released music by Aphex Twin, and whose label has been praised by Aphex Twin in public. Mike P was there with Aphex Twin back in the day according to the interview, and he was there when James invented a fake sampler box to show Future Music magazine. James didn't make his own equipment, Mike P confirmed that Aphex Twin used perfectly normal keyboards and samplers, perhaps a few ever so slightly modified. I don't know how close a friend Mike P is to Richard James, but I know that he is a valid source. It's a shame we don't have the interview to add as a source to the article. I'm looking for it.User:Simminizian

Gotto love this guy. - Sigg3.net 12:50, 15 Jan 2004 (UTC)

I'm not sure if he realy did put out a self titled album ("The Aphex Twin" 1992). The Didgeridoo album had "The Aphex Twin" printed in large Chicago font, but didn't say Didgeridoo. A little help?

I've added the Aphex Twin logo to this page; if anyone has any objections, post them here. Insomniak

did aphex twin do a remix of the mario theme?

there is a remix of the mario theme floating around the internet credited to aphex twin, does anyone know if this is true?

There are many fakes credited to Aphex Twin floating around on the internet. The Super Mario theme remix is one of them. 62.252.32.12 21:06, 12 August 2005 (UTC) LukeAcidwalker.

RDJ = Global Goon?

Richard D. James is Global Goon!? Can anyone confirm or deny this, with some sort of evidence? Matthew McVickar 02:16, May 27, 2004 (UTC)

Global Goon is Johnny Hawk, not RDJ. It's pretty obvious that Johnny Hawk is not RDJ, judging by pictures from Global Goon live performances.

Confirmation received from rephlex that global goon is aphex twin. Gig photos are just one of his mates posing behind a laptop. Used same trick with bradley strider et al. Want evidence, contact rich@globalgoon.com.

What "confirmation?" I cannot find this rumor elsewhere on the internet; what evidence do we have? I have contacted rich@globalgoon.com twice. No reply. What's the deal? Matthew McVickar 19:30, Oct 18, 2004 (UTC)

REPLY(Robbie): I agree with the above. Some Aphex twin fans have the tendincy to be a little gullible. I was shocked to find "melodies from mars" listed as an official album. Boy internet rumours do spread fast. Just because aphex twin made a joke in an interview or unofficial websites claim something is true does NOT make it true. The problem is how does Wikipedia deal with an entry about a real person who lies all the time in interviews? They do not have any special circumstance for dealing with this. So we should be careful about what non-provable information we put in.

Richard is definately not Global Goon. I know the guy. The only "frontman" Aphex has ever used was Bradley Strider.

REPLY:(Robbie) : what guy do you know Global Goon or RDJ? If you RDJ, please ask him to clear up some of his lies and or wild claims in this wikipedia discussion.

Notable photographer

I think this line should be removed. Taking photos for his own album covers doesnt make him a notable photographer. Maybe he should be called a notable soldier for owning a tank, or a notable painter because of the ICBYD cover.

I disagree. The photograpsh taken for SAW2 and drukqs display both an eye for texture and unusual objects.
Two examples? read theis definition of the word notable: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=notable
Still, it says "notable _amateur_ photographer". - Sigg3.net 13:52, 23 Jun 2004 (UTC)
 Are you sure Richard did the drukqs cover? I'm pretty sure that this credit should go to Manuel Sepulveda - Schika
Suggest replacing "notable amateur" with "talented". - Guyincog 19:41, 23 Jun 2004 (UTC)
i suggest not mentioning it at all. Its definitly POV. His photography is only notable to you because you probably like his music.
Richard didnt take the photos on SAW2 - they were by his then girlfriend Sam Robinson (who also took the Polygon Window Cornwall shots).
Oh realy? The liner notes to SAW2 seem to disagree with you. Source

When I heared that Richard is a talented photographer I wanted to see his work. I was disappointed... We know about 2 or 3 photos made by him and we call him a photographer? I`m sorry to say it, 2, 3 or even 10 photos do not make him a photographer. Maybe he is. Maybe the photography is one of his hobbies, but do we have some proofs?


the claim is POV fanboy drivel. It should be changed simply to note that he has provided much of his own photography for his own record sleeves.--feline1 14:44, 11 January 2006 (UTC)
done. 62.251.111.252 16:33, 10 March 2006 (UTC)

Interview information

(robbie)It seems like alot of this aphex twin article is filled with information Aphex twin has claimed in his interviews. Him having a dead twin brother, and having 100 hours of unreleased music are very hard to believe statements he has made. Does anyone have any proof to back these up besides what RDJ himself has said? (Remeber: this is the guy who made an Album called "Selected ambient works 85-92", acid techno was first made by Dj Pierre around 1987. How likely is it that RDJ invented acid techno on his own at age 14, 2 years before DJ pierre?)

What's odd about 100 hours of unreleased music? 100/24 = 4 days worth. If you spend well over a decade making music during most of your free time, you're likely going to have that much music onhand. --I run like a Welshman 18:53, 6 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I'm pretty sure that the rumor about him living in a converted bank is true. i've read interviews (sorry no links) where he said he bought it for it's acoustics (RDJ Album era interveiw). Also, the runout groove on "2 remixes by AFX" has 'Squidged out of the bank by Aphex' etched in it. I doubt he'd keep up a lie like that for this long...but then again...he IS Aphex Twin.


REPLY (Robbie): I consider myself an acoustic expert. And the fact that he would say that he chose a bank or even a vault as a preferred studio proves to me he is either joking/lying. "...but then again...he IS Aphex Twin." exactly

Also, Acid Techno is different from Ambient. SAW85-92 has very little, if any, Roland TB-303's on it, THE sound of Acid Techno.

REPLY(Robbie): actually the acid techno sound does not have to be only using a TB-303. In fact i think most musicians would argue with you that an SH-101, mc-303, or any newer Roland synths can produce "acid techno". Most acid techno enthusiasts or musicians will say the 303 is the best acid sound, but it can be easily recreated with any similar Low pass filter and saw tooth wave osciallator. I can think of at least 3 songs from memory ( on the album of reference) that use an definite acid techno sound (resonance turned all the way up while a cutoff envelope is being used or cutoff knob)

Insomniak 00:09, 18 Oct 2004

The Girl/Boy EP has an old photo of a grave with the name "Richard James". Plus, he didn't claim to have a real twin, just an older brother with the same name. I'd put my money on this claim being true. --Guyincog 17:15, 22 Oct 2004 (UTC)

REPLY(robbie): doesnt matter if you put your money wherever. Wikipedia calls this a POV. Which is not allowed. The problem is this is grey area, since Aphex Twin is known for compulsively lying. I dont know how we'd prove it either way. The photo in RDJ album could have been easily doctored, or not related to him in any way.

Sign comments, please, so that we know who said what. I personally believe this claim to be true. This is opinion. However, it's not opinion to say "James claimed in an interview..." because he did in fact say that. - Guyincog 19:02, 25 Oct 2004 (UTC)

REPLY(Robbie): yes i agreee with the above. IT is fine to put "he claimed in an interview" and that he put a photo of it in RDJ album. However didnt he only start talking about this when RDJ album came out? I dont remember him making this claim about this band name being related to a dead brother he had before RDJ came out.

tank = true, submarine = false, synths = mostly false, 13 acid = depends on your interpretation of acid, bank = true, brother = true (shame on you for doubting it). incidentally i agree that acid house is not just the preserve of the 303. and there was plenty of acid music before 1987.

REPLY(robbie) : how do you know the tank is true? I've seen a very low quality photo of Aphex standing next to a tank, but knowing aphex he probably just took a picture of himself next to a tank at an old war exhibit in England 13 acid - i honestly dont believe he made any of the music on that CD at age 14, if he did he was more creative than any of the worlds electronic music artists, because he made several genres of music on that album that didnt exsist yet in the year "84". Bank is most definitly not true, it has now been proven to me that he is lying because he claims he did it for "acoustics". If you go into a bank vault or even just a bank lobby, you will see the amount of sound reflection and comb filtering/phas cancellation would be very bad for acoustics. The surfaces are just too hard and reflective. I could see him liking this type of sound if he also happened to like the acoustics of a public bathroom with tiled floors. Brother= shame on me? Im sorry for not believing everything the man says.

he has lied about more things - 1- "if i use a sample once in a song, i never use it again" = prove lie, just listen to his music 2- "I use Csound to make my new music" = if he does how come it sounds nothing like he used Csound, but that he used mostly other recognizable software and or hardware such as Metasynth and other String sampling libraries. 3- "I played the cello you hear on RDJ" = if he did, why does it sound so much like a sampling library? if he played it, he sure did a bad job of sampling himself into his songs while maintaing the realism and escaping form the "cheesy string" preset sound 4- "All my fans are wankers and im going to bury myself with 100 hours of unreleased music and my fans will have to dig me up to get it" = We know now that the man doesnt have this music unreleased music. IF so why isnt he trying to capitalize on it and just release all of it? We already know he likes making money. (end of reply by Robbie)

But does he like making money? As far as I can tell he's making music because that is what he loves to do. Whether his fans hear his creations or they get sold is of no consequence, it seems. Matthew McVickar 16:47, Nov 2, 2004 (UTC)

It's not unbelievable to own a tank. I saw the pictures in the paper. It wasn't a modern tank, it was an old WWII tank. You can buy them on the net for a reasonable price, just search google. As for submarines, you can buy them on ebay. Although I can't confirm the submarine.

The bank is real. A journalist wrote an article about visiting Aphex's bank house. Aphex lives on one floor, and Mammoth and Cylob have a floor each. Something like that, but the bank is real. Stop hovering on this "for acoustics" rubbish. It doesn't matter, because Aphex really lives in a bank. Also, fans from watmm.com have been outside the bank and visited Aphex twin for a cup of tea and a joint.

Mainly the bank is used for recording purporses now, however it was slept in tobegin with - however it was too cold for richard. Its used for recording as it provides good acoustics for "real -reverb", which rich mentions in his many posts under the monika "analord" on the planet-mu foreunm.

Sumary of this whole argument ^

You can go back and forth as to what exactly is true and what isn't, but essentially we must be ever vigilant as to what is inserted in the article at any point because Richard James is a known liar in interviews and has so many fans who believe what he says at face value. Its the same with Genesis P-Orridge. Different fans are always going to be comming on wikipedia and putting on dubious stuff

Melodies from mars - ??????

I can't find any information on the internet, except fan webpages that are absolutely sure that Melodies from mars is actually aphex twin.

There is absolutely no proof of this. IS there a richard d james interview or statement that exsists about this "unreleaseD" album?

If there isnt, i think its definitly POV that it is indeed an "aphex twin album" and should not be listed under his other official albums.

Mmm, Melodies From Mars. Is it a unused video game soundtrack? A special release just for friends? The prelude to Richard D. James Album? It doesn't really matter. This should not be listed as an official release because: a) there is more than enough conflicting information elsewhere on the internet, and b) we'll never get a straight answer from Rich. I second removing this from the "official albums" section. Matthew McVickar 05:08, Oct 26, 2004 (UTC)
melodies from mars - only test pressings of this were made, and in very limited quantities, it was delayed and subsequently never released. in other words, it is an officially unreleased album.
Okay... prove it. We can't claim things that aren't completely confirmed. Also, who are you? tilde tilde tilde tilde Matthew McVickar 16:34, Oct 27, 2004 (UTC)
Websites watmm.com and xltronic.com, both notable IDM fan communities, had copies of Melodies From Mars available for download at one point. It didn't take long for Rephlex to send both sites a cease and desist notice for copyright infringement forcing those sites to take down the tracks; while this doesn't prove it is Aphex Twin, it at least supports some kind of loose connection to Rephlex Records's ownership of the material. If not Richard himself, it's at least someone in his circle. The Rephlex label, of course, was started by Richard D James and one of his other colleagues. --I run like a Welshman 18:46, 6 Dec 2004 (UTC)

out of curiosity... is the re-release of "surfing on sine waves" under the name aphex twin or polygon window?

Polygon Window, (Surfing on Sine Waves). No refrences to aphex twin anywhere. The credits on the back SHOULD say Richard D. James, but since it is overlaid on a picture of dark cliffs, all you can see with the naked eye is "James". There is also a picture of him desending a staircase in the booklet (and on the Quoth single). --Insomniak 04:45, 30 Oct 2004 (UTC)


Hold up, ive got that "melodys from mars" album, and quite a few of the song are on the RDJ album. i dont understand why you ask if its actually him or not. Course its him! im guessing he didont want to release it because 1, the sound quality was terrible (well from my copy it is) and maybe he just wanted to improve them? note, they are heavily improved on the RDJ album.

Umm. Threat of legal action = proof of Rephlex. An extended version of Fingerbib on Melodies from Mars = proof of Aphex. The similarity of aesthetic between the songs to Fingerbib = extra hints at Aphex. Leave it there. Oh by the way, Melodies from Mars mp3s are from a CASSETTE given to Warp/Rephlex bods.

whiterabbitwhiterabbit at gmail dot com -- From what I remember from years and years ago Melodies from Mars was the follow up to "I Care Because You Do..." Un relased. Loops of it are located here. Also, three of the tracks on Melodies from Mars are also on the RDJ album. Gotta be legit.

Link suggestions

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RDJ = DJ Olive?

A quick Google Image Search for DJ Olive reveals pictures of a man who vaguely resembles Richard D. James, but I don't beleive they are the same person. Could we possible get a comfirmation on this before billing RDJ as DJ Olive under the Misc. section? Thanks. --Insomniak 22:10, 1 Jan 2005 (UTC)

whiterabbitwhiterabbit at gmail dot com -- I believe he is confirmed at warp's website.

Oh dear, what happened here? I believe DJ Olive is a renowned turntablist, who worked for instance with Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth and Ikue Mori.

I talked with DJ Olive aka Gregor Asch and he said that they are not the same person. But he makes cool stuff too.

RDJ = Conan O'Brien?

There have been various rumors online that suggest that RDJ/Aphex Twin and Conan O'Brien, are infact the very same person. Much of this theory is based on the idea that neither man has ever been photographed or sighted together, although this premise has never been proven one way or the other, the possibility that it is so is very, very likely!

How stupid is this? I've never been sighted or photographed with George W. Bush, so maybe we're the same person! Who can prove otherwise? It's obviously fact. Do the people watching this page have nothing better to do with their time than not improving it?
I think it was a light hearted joke on how there are tons of bogus claims of RDJ being someone else. take it easy

HIS middle Name

I've read in a whole slew of places that his middle name is David. So where did Dick come from? If it's just speculatory, then fine. --65.50.87.223 00:27, 23 Jan 2005 (UTC)

Dick is a nickname of the name Richard.

born in ireland?

is this true? if so,where? i thought he was born in cornwall

Born in Limerick. To Welsh parents, IIRC. Raised in Cornwall. --Kiand 16:50, 1 Jun 2005 (UTC)

The details on this have always been sketchy. Some sources say Limrick, while others say Truro, Ireland. I've never heard of any town in Ireland named Truro (mind you, I don't know my Irish geography as well as some of you :P), but I think that might be a mistake, mixing up a location neer or where he grew up. The inside of the Caustic Window Compilation booklet says "Richard made in Ireland", and that's about as much as I know. --Insomniak 02:36, 2 Jun 2005 (UTC)

Truro is in Cornwall

I guess the Welsh parents seems likely, given his mother's voice is on Drukqs... She's got a Welsh accent. Though... Maybe she's putting it on! MetalMickey 17:42, 18 August 2005 (UTC)

new album in 2005

i hear that there is a new album of aphex coming out in July 2005. some group called Alarm Will Sound is playing arrangements tracks off drukqs and richard d james album. i hear it's going to be great!

I purchased "Acoustica" by Alarm Will Sound last week and can testify to its greatness. It's superbly done; the arrangements are so close to originals.

Accuracy dispute

What is the current accuracy dispute about? Hyacinth 17:59, 14 July 2005 (UTC)

well, his birthplace has come up a few times, might be that... Kiand 18:02, 14 July 2005 (UTC)
As mentioned above, Richard has been known to lie in interveiws. --Insomniak 06:23, 15 July 2005 (UTC)
Aphex Twin grew up in Cornwall in the United Kingdom, and it's referenced in many of his records (Redruth school, Portreath Harbour, picture on SOSW, random info on cornish pasties on early Rephlex releases, etc, etc. Some of you are confused or unsure? Aphex went to London for college when he was much older. Please don't add false informationd (Aphex lived in Canada my ass!). LukeAcidwalker 08:41, 15 July 2005 (UTC)
His family lived in Cornwall, Canada before going back to Limrick, Cornwall UK, etc.
As is well known by now, his middle initial distinguishes him from his older brother, Richard James, who died at birth in Canada, and to whom he also pays homage in his most frequently-used recording title, Aphex Twin, as well as on the cover of his Girl/Boy EP, which features his brother's gravestone. Source: e2, although that takes from other sources (refrences available on the e2 page linked) Please be more open-minded and do your research before shooting down other comments. --Insomniak 20:52, 15 July 2005 (UTC)

Canada is utter bollocks. You can research all you like. It's still bollocks. LukeAcidwalker 07:46, 16 July 2005 (UTC)

I provided a source for the information, and unless you can provide me with some sort of counter-surce or valid counterarguement, I'm going to dismiss your statement of "bollocks" (Please keep in mind this is Wikipedia, we want to keep it respectable.) The information has been re-added to the article. --Insomniak 01:09, 17 July 2005 (UTC)
Apologies sir! You were talking about Aphex Twin's family before Aphex Twin was born. My silly mistake! Many apologies! LukeAcidwalker 06:19, 17 July 2005 (UTC)

IDM label contention

The IDM label and its Wikipedia article are both contentious and unclear. It's best to leave out any mention of this article until the IDM wikipedia article is factually correct and clear. It's quite trivial, and unrelated to Aphex Twin himself. Although IDM does belong in any mention of Aphex Twin's fan culture, this Aphex Twin article is more about the man himself and his work. Third party inventions, third party art, and third party remixes, should not be allowed into this article, for fear of any Dick, Tom, or Harry inventing some new idea, remix, or cartoon, to claim publicity from Aphex Twin's famous name.

An old source for information about Aphex Twin's early years:

http://groups-beta.google.com/group/alt.rave/browse_thread/thread/bd94e30720889cc4/7958a9d0de1c453d?q=&rnum=75#7958a9d0de1c453d As more people work on this Aphex Twin article until it is at the highest standard, someone can surely add some of the factual information from this source (Benjamin Middleton, who was a close friend of Aphex Twin in his early career.)

Please do not advertise third party work on the Aphex Twin page.

Advertising for David Firth's work should not be included in this Aphex Twin article. It is a third party work, removed from Aphex Twin, and not commisioned by Aphex Twin. Although fans of the music may enjoy it, it is irrelevent to Aphex Twin the man and his records.


Sinclair ZX81

"winning a competition to make a Sinclair ZX Spectrum play a tune by setting the connected television's volume to full and alternating the colours on the screen, producing different pitches of noise."? If my memory is correct the computer in question was the instead the Sinclair ZX81, not the ZX Spectrum. The ZX81 has no sound producing capabilities, while the ZX Spectrum has. // Liftarn

I gather that the sound was produced by the television due to interference caused by the colour alternation, rather than produced by the computer itself.--Thedangerouskitchen 11:47, 17 Aug 2004 (UTC)
Actually that's the point - the ZX81 has no sound by default, so he made some from it. // Gargaj 01:28, 2004 Dec 20 (UTC)

Er, but the ZX81 has no colour either, so it would be impossible for it to modulate a TV's noise in this way!--feline1 21:18, 30 July 2005 (UTC) It was probably a Sinclair ZX-81, (called Timex Sinclair 1000 in US). I had one back in the early 80's. There was no sound, other than a beep. It's output was a standard television in black and white only. Outputting a value at one of its ports would cause interference with the television signal. Different values created different frequencies. Those frequencies were mapped out to near-musical notes. There was some software out there that used these notes to create a "piano" or music editor. Music note data could be saved to audio tape drive.

it was a ZX81, there was actually a similar program in a book of projects for that machine which i had a long, long time ago - possibly the same one richard submitted to the competition? -- Dave

that's pretty interesting. Can't remember the name of the book at all? I think he won some kind of competition with his program so who knows?

The "Aphex Twin" Name and its Legality

If I remember correctly, Aphex Systems made a product called the Aphex Twin, which was some sort of stereo compressor/gate. Would that really be the source of his name? -Two Halves, inherently not logged in

Maybe you're thinking about the Aphex Aural Exciter. --65.50.87.223 00:28, 23 Jan 2005 (UTC)
Well, on the Analord 10 binder release, it specifically notes that "Aphex is a registered trademark of Aphex Systems Limited and is used by permission." on Side A (fenixfunk5) of the record. --BDae 00:40, 28 Jan 2005 (UTC)
It says that on alot of his releases (drukqs, RDJ album, analord), probably a legal obligation.

RDJ Making Edits?

Is it possible that RDJ himself has been adding to/editing this page? A traceroute run on some of the IPs behind the anonymous edits have all ended up in England. This, of course, is nowhere near conclusive evidence, just speculation. There have been rumors of him joining and posting to websites, though, such as the xltronic.com forums. Hmm... Does anyone know where does he currently lives? Matthew McVickar 14:26, July 22, 2005 (UTC)

It would be totally unreasonable to believe that, considering how many people live in England... Americans aren't the only ones who use the internet. --Muugokszhiion 19:47, 22 July 2005 (UTC)
You never know...Those earlier edits with the MEN catalogue #'s looked suspicious to me, but were disregarded as vandalism. It's not any of our business to ask where he's living, what his IP is, or if it was him. If he were editing the page, I would like to hope that he'd edit it with a low profile, and try not to be malicious. --Insomniak 12:06, 23 July 2005 (UTC)
Want to paste the list into this discussion? Most likely it's a total windup from one of the Aphex forum jokers. Silly speculation yeah, I bet a reference to this discussion ends up in an Aphex Twin review or interview. --LukeAcidwalker
Christ, Aphex fans are ridiculous. If he has been editing this page, so fucking what? He's only flesh and blood, like you and me. He isn't the Buddha or anything. And presumably he eats, shits, pisses, vomits, wanks and occasionally fannies around on the internet like the rest of us. Instead of jizzing over the fact that (gasp) a 30-odd year old nerd who happens to make some pretty decent electronic music might have come onto this site and made some changes, why don't you go out and meet people? As for the person who thought it might have been him because the IPs are in England, Jesus wept..... how can you be so stupid? For fuck's sake, over 50 million people live in England. Does that brain of yours actually function?
Come on! There are only 35 million in England! I think that about seals it. He's definitely editing this page. 82.41.212.98 14:57, 14 August 2005 (UTC)
OK - time to finally break the news - there's not actually any such person as Richard D James. It's just all a big hoax perpetrated on gullible Americans by us 17 people who live here in England. We all thought the initial mix-up with all those different artist names would be a bit of a give-away! but still you guys fell for it. That guy we keep taking the photos of is actually just a student from Milton Keynes, real name Kevin Bimble. He currently works for Direct Line insurance.--feline1 18:22, 14 August 2005 (UTC)
Ssh! Don't tell him! We've got a few more records to shift yet! --kingboyk 06:21, 13 March 2006 (UTC)

A Proposition

I am suggesting adding a paragraph of information to each of the RDJ Alias discographies. This would allow us to have detailed info on the different aspects of his sounds, without clogging the Biography section.

Example:

"The Caustic Window EP's, some of the first material released by Richard's label, Rephlex, was a departure from the more ambient side of material released a year earlier on Warp and R&S Records. Described as "Hardcore" by the label, the harsh, abrasive songs were released in very limited pressings of 1000 or less. They were later re-released by Rephlex in 1998 as a single CD and triple vinyl"

Thought I should get other editors consensus before beginning this series of edits.

Record buying geek detail about the releases rather than the artist. You should write a review of the record, and link it into the article or something. Link it on the record names. It shouldn't be on the article about Ahex and his art. If this is gonna be a feature article, less people gonna care about 1000 records pressed or not 13 yeasr ago.62.252.32.13 11:05, 27 July 2005 (UTC)LukeAcid

Universal Indicator

Some of these records are actually by the Kosmik Komnmando Mike Dred. Other ones said to be made by Martin Tresseder. Aphex did some stuff, but only on 2 records. Anyone have the facts? At least on one kosmik kommando record it says he made 2 of the UI records, then years later he did a purple version. 2 records have martin tresseder and aphex twin. 1 of them is defeinitaly aphex (red one i think), the evidence is one song is on the aphex twin interview cd, and all the other music on there is by aphex twin. Anyone know more? Or good facts? I will just say this in discussion and someone else can edit the article in better english than me.... Aphex crazy fans might buy a rare 12" off ebay after reading this, then find out later it's not really Richard James 62.252.32.13 11:13, 27 July 2005 (UTC)Luke Acid
According to discogs, RDJ composed Red and Green, and Mike Dred composed Blue and Yellow. Apparently Red has indications printed on the groove that it's definitely by Richard, so I'm gonna edit out the rest... there should be a section that discusses the discrepancies or an addendum to the universal indicator article. --Easterlingman 16:28, 27 July 2005 (UTC)


The Diceman

I got hold of a copy of a 12" by The Diceman in the early 90's having being told by the NME that this was another RDJ psedonym. It was released on the Vivatonal label in 1993 (VTT008), and features tracks'Le blanc', 'Gris' and 'Le noir'. Songs are credited to James/Jamieson. I've no idea as to the authenticity of the RDJ connection--Outbak 15:57, 31 July 2005 (UTC)


The Warp Records "Artificial Intelligence" Album (Warp 6) has a track called Polygon Window by "The Dice Man". The Warprecords.com site states that, "AI marked the Warp debut for Aphex (as the Diceman)"--Jon, Manchester

Jon is correct, "The Diceman" was Richard's first psudonym on Warp, followed by Polygon Window, then bringing over his Aphex Twin psudonym from R&S. As for your 12", I've never heard of any of those tracks by RDJ, however I did read once in the Unofficial AFX FAQ that there was another group called Diceman or Dicemen, and that both of them read the same book with a character named The Diceman or something. I'm looking right now for that refrence. --Insomniak 19:24, 1 August 2005 (UTC)

RDJ only released on track under the alias "The Diceman". This alias has also been used by several other artists including Colin James formerly of Meat Beat Manifesto.

who cares...?

seriously, when i first got into aphex (the time ctd was released) i just thought that was part of the mystique to him as an artist. the fact that he is so elusive with interviews and in the press. nothing else matters about him besides the music he releases. i've never believed a single rumor i've heard about him. the only thing that upsets me is the fact that he releases music under alias', which is understandable considering the fact that he may not want people to be biased when listening to his new shit. other than that i really don't care about anything said because i can choose to ignore what i don't like, i highly recomend you try it for yourself.

Hey, please lessen the negativity of your posts. I assume you are the same fella as magicwindow and that anonymous rant about Aphex Twin fans. This article still needs work, sure, and gradually it will improve. Calm down. 62.252.32.13 09:15, 12 August 2005 (UTC)LukeAcidwalker

Doubtful.. about the poster's identity, I mean --Easterlingman 12:16, 12 August 2005 (UTC)

Ah ok, apologies to magicwindow. I still hope whoever it is lessens the negativity and calms down. Cheers. 62.252.32.12 21:10, 12 August 2005 (UTC)LukeAcidwalker

Long post by Aphex Twin from www.planet-mu.com

Posted by user Analord, confirmed as Richard D. James by Jess (the admin, and co-owner of planet-mu)

Date: 02-07-05 03:14

some people bought the analogue equipment when it was unfashionable and very cheap though. some of us are over 30 you know! anyone remember when 303`s were £50? and coke was 16p a tin? crisps 5p

also you have overlooked A LOT of other points because its not all about the overall frequency response of the recording system its how the sound gets there in the first place. here are some things which you can`t get from a plugin,they are often emulated but due to their hugely complex nature are always pretty crass aproximations..

the sound of analogue equpiment including EQ, changes very noticably over even a few hours due to temperature changes within a circuit. Anyone who has tried to make tracs on a few analogue synths and make them stay in tune can tell you this,you leave a trac running for a few hours come back and think Im sure I didnt fucking write that,I must be going mental!

this affects all the components in a synth/EQ in an almost infinte amount of tiny ways. and the amount differs from circuit to circuit depending on the design.

the interaction of different channels and their respective signals with an analogue mixer are very complex,EQ,dynamics.... any fx, analogue or digital that are plugged into it all have their own special complex characteristics and all interact with each other differently and change depending on their routing. Nobody that ive heard of has even begun to start emulating analogue mixer circuitry in software,just the aesthetics,it will come but im sure it will be a crap half hearted effort like most pretend synth plugins are. they should be called PST synths, P for pretend not virtual.

Every piece of outboard gear has its own sound ,reverbs,modulation effects etc real room reverb, this in itself companies have spent decades trying to emulate and not even got close in my opinion, even the best attempts like Quantec and EMT only scratch the surface.

analogue EQ is currently impossible in theory to be emulated digitally,quite intense maths shit involed in this if youre really that interested,you could look it up...good luck.

your soundcard will always make things sound like its come from THAT soundcard..they ALL impose their different sound characteristics onto whatever comes out of them they are far from being totally neutral devices.

all the components of a circuit like resistors and capacitors subtley differ from each other depending on their quality but even the most high quality milatary spec ones are never EXACTLY the same.

no two analogue synths can ever be built exactly the same,there are tiny human/automated errors in building the circuits,tweaking the trimpots for example which is usually done manually in a lot of analogue shit. just compare the sound of 2 808 drum machines next to each other and you will see what I mean,you always thought an 808 was an 808 right? same goes for 303`s they all sound subltey different,different voltage scaling of the oscillator is usually quite noticable.

VST plugins are restricted by a finite number of calculations per second these factors are WAY beyond their CURRENT capability.

Then there is the question of the physicallity of the instrument this affects the way a human will emotionally interact with it and therfore affect what they will actually do with it! often overlooked from the maths heads,this is probably the biggest factor I think. for example the smell of analogue stuff as well as the look of it puts you in a certain mental state which is very different from looking at a computer screen.

then there is analogue tape...ah this really could go on forever....

im quite drunk cant be bothered to type anymore... so yeah,whatever, you obviously dont have to have analogue equipment to make `good` music in case thats the impression im giving,EVERYTHING has its uses .And not all anlaogue equipment is expensive you can still get bargains like old high end military audio devices,tape machines fx etc just go for the unfashionable stuff.

Richard.

http://www.planet-mu.com/phorum/read.php?f=1&i=165244&t=165057

Even I know better than to work on wikipedia, or even comment on an article, while inebriated. Sober up, come back, and revise your comment --Insomniak 02:49, 16 August 2005 (UTC)
This was crossposted from a post on the planet-mu message board from a long time ago, supposedly posted by richard d james --Easterlingman 12:31, 24 August 2005 (UTC)
Added a heading. Any ideas how to edit some of this to the main article? As the leader of modern electronic music, his opinions are notable, right? But anything more than a couple of short quotes could ruin the article. Joyrex 21:40, 1 September 2005 (UTC)

Vandalism by 67.186.99.227

I've already fixed this once, and yet whoever it is, they don't seem to get the clue. These edits are deconstructive, and while i'm sure he has the best intentions, something must be done. --Insomniak 09:42, 25 August 2005 (UTC)

Richard David James

Does "born Richard David James" mean that that used to be his name, but he now legally changed it to Aphex Twin? That's what it implies to me. It would need to be reworded if that's not the case, or either way, to make it more clear.--Sonjaaa 18:54, September 1, 2005 (UTC)

Could you reword it? Ta. Joyrex 21:40, 1 September 2005 (UTC)

Many people believe...

"Richard D. James has also released a large amount of material under various aliases. Many believe that some of these works, such as Melodies from Mars and Power Pill, are not the work of Aphex Twin at all, but rather hoaxes propagated via filesharing networks."

Who believes Power Pill is a fake? Not the Aphex Twin fan sites, as they have images in their discographies of the artwork. Here's a quote from Benjamin Middleton about Power Pill: "The original Pacman (never released) was recorded off an arcade machine in Newquay The original is 100x better than the choci remix on yellow vinyl." Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.rave/browse_thread/thread/bd94e30720889cc4/7958a9d0de1c453d?q=&rnum=75 from 1992! Deleted.

What's next? Ooh, Melodies from Mars. A cassette given to workers at Warp Records. A cassette of Native Instruments songs from when hardly anyone used Native Instruments, in the style of Aphex Twin's melodies, and hey look, one song from Melodies from Mars was on the Richard D. James album. Damn right, this album was deleted to save promotion costs by marketing the Richard D. James album instead. And what about those high quality mp3 samples that Richard gave to Joyrex (not me, different Joyrex) )of www.watmm.com? Hmm. Deleted.Joyrex 21:33, 1 September 2005 (UTC)

Well, if you like. I had been under the impression for years that nobody really took those seriously, but I guess now that exemplary hard evidence has surfaced confirming beyond any doubt their genuine origins, I am satisfied with this being stated as unopposed fact in the article. Junjk 22:53, 1 September 2005 (UTC)


Aphex Twin logo??

Does the logo have any special meaning or history? Is it simply the shape of an A? I'd love more information on its symbolism or development.--Sonjaaa 21:59, September 9, 2005 (UTC)

In one of his many interviews he stated it was just an interesting symbol he came up with as a kid.. I don't think that's pointed enough to add a section about unless someone can come up with more info.--Easterlingman 01:20, 10 September 2005 (UTC)
can you show us where you heard he made it up himself? cos i read that the dancer he had for live shows back in the day, paul i think his name was maybe, designed the logo
Paul Nicholson (www.p21.co.uk) was a friend of Richard and dancer for Richard's live performances. He was the one who designed the Aphex Twin logo and font that was used on Xylem Tube and later SAW 2. He also took Richard's photography and created the concepts behind SAW 2's tracksystem. --Schika 7\

In volume 7 of the Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex 1st Gig DVD there's an interview with the man behind Terretag (Paul Nicholson, I believe). He's am English designer who was comissioned to do a logo for this japanese series. In the interview he talked about his past work, where he talked about his bold design style. The Aphex Twin logo was mentioned and shown as a past example of his work. Name fits with earlier ideas.

Article title?

As a wiki newbie I don't know how to do this, but it seems to me like this article should be called "Richard D. James" with all of his pseudonyms, including "Aphex Twin," redirecting to it...

I agree. This has been mentioned multiple times. It probably should be changed, but I'm too afraid of the 'admins' of this article to do it myself... --Redxela Sinnak 15:01, 6 October 2005 (UTC)
I'm pretty sure that this is covered under Wikipedia's article naming conventions, in that the most commonly known name of an actor, performer, whatever, is the one to use. Richard D. James might be his real name, but the article belongs at Aphex Twin. Mark Twain is a good example of this policy in practice. Junjk 00:04, 7 October 2005 (UTC)
Nah, cos Mark Twain didn't have 20 million DIFFERENT aliases. He is pretty commonly known as Richard D James as well as "Aphex Twin" (since the record sleeves usually print one alias name AND Richard D James in the credits - also this is how he is always referred to in interviews and articles). It is more *logical* to have the article name as Richard D James, with all the aliases redirecting to it. --feline1 09:03, 7 October 2005 (UTC)
Well, a Google search for Aphex Twin turns up 2,280,000 results, while Richard D. James gets you 152,000. I'll go along with the majority decision, but it seems to me that the name which is used fifteen times as often ought to be where the article is. Junjk 14:09, 7 October 2005 (UTC)
Richard's friend Luke Vibert calls Richard by the name of "Aphex". On the song "Cock Ver. X", Richard refers to himself by saying "Come on you cunts, let's have some Aphex acid!". Joyrex
except its not that it's "come on you cunt" and its squarepusher saying into his answerphone. he said an interview somewhere i think

Analord Cancer?

Did anyone notice that Analord's 11 image shows 'Marrie Curie CANCER CARE', while the track on this side is called W32.MYDOOM.AU@mm?! MYDOOM as for My Doom, what's going on there? is AFX ill? - billy

Sorry to break the news, but Richard D James died in 1999. His mum just keeps sending his old tapes off every now and again to get released.--feline1 09:59, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
Is that why he performed live in my country in 2003? cun 11:34, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
I'm not saying that richard has cancer, I'm saying it's weird the artwork matches the song title in a creepy way, also, all songs has a virus format such as W32, Trojan, etc, you can't blame me for rising a thought. there you go - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lord11a.jpg
Everybody knows that Richard D. James loves to play pranks. No big deal. But interesting none-the-less! :) cun 14:30, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
It's "weird" the way the artwork matches the theme of the song? My god! what a novel concept! This is gonna revolutionize album cover art. Richard is such a pioneer. No-one has ever thought of this before! What a breakthru! --feline1 14:37, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
this picture on analord 11 is of a big shiny memorial thingie in the middle of a big roundabout in elephant + castle in london ... I believe Afx has said in interviews that he bought this building, it also seems to be a bit of a rumour around the area, i think it's probably bullshit but who knows ? It kind of explains the label photos i think

there is info about it here: http://www.crapmatchreports.blogspot.com/pictemps/faraday.html

When Analord came out I read a review which said "the names of the songs sound like viruses, perhaps this is to stop people downloading them from p2p sites" or words to that effect. MyDoom is a known virus. Gohst 11:32, 23 December 2005 (UTC)

Aphex Twin fans, help me out

Hey all. I heard a jazz remaking of two different aphex twin songs for a few seconds between stories on NPR. I've looked around online and can't find anything about them. Anyone know what album this is? I think the article could possibly mention it too. --Quasipalm 15:27, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

P.s., one of the songs I heard was, I think, Film, the second track on Come To Daddy. --Quasipalm 15:30, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
Check out "Acoustica: Alarm Will Sound Performs Aphex Twin"

For that jazz rendition of Flim, they term it "deconstrution", check The Bad Plus, These are the Vistas, track 8. -RM [1]

Thanks! --Quasipalm 23:43, 17 November 2005 (UTC)

In desperate need of sources

If anyone has contact with either Joyrex the webmaster of www.watmm.com or the webmaster of www.xltronic.com, please get in touch with either or both of them and politely request that they let us have access to their vast collection of Aphex Twin interviews and articles. I think the lack of sources lets this article down. It seems like we've all read these articles in the past, and that's what the article is based on, but wouldn't it be better to base our Aphex Twin page on the articles themselves rather than on our memories of those articles from years ago. I am particularly interested in any interviews of Mike P, Grant, Luke Vibert and other friends of Rephlex that were hosted on the mentioned websites. They are a hive of information about Aphex Twin. With these sources, I think we could make the best Aphex Twin article ever. Joyrex


JAMROLYPOLY

"Rubber Johnny (incidentally, the name of a short film by Chris Cunningham featuring some of Aphex Twin's music)

  • JamRolyPoly (1997 unreleased)"

I took this out because, Rubber Johnny is apparently Jason Buckle of All Seeing I, who has released stuff on Rephlex Also this release is not unreleased because it came out on Warp records. It does sound a bit like AFX to me but I don't think it's actually him?

I am fairly sure the music is accredited to Aphex Twin at the end of the Rubber Johnny film. Kernow 15:41, 12 March 2006 (UTC)
It also says so on the Official Site. Kernow 16:09, 12 March 2006 (UTC)
I'm talking about the release Jamrolypoly by Rubber Johnny on WARP records, not the Chris Cunningham film.
this one:
http://www.discogs.com/release/13416
by this person:
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Rubber+Johnny
Apologies. Kernow 18:47, 12 March 2006 (UTC)

Acid Effects and Richard's Brother

I was under the impression that AFX stands for Acid Effects and that this preceded the name Aphex Twin. I read somewhere that the change was made because of problems with a record label. I have also heard that Richard's mother's first son (who was to be named Richard) died at birth. She then gave her second son the same name and hence the 'Twin' in Aphex Twin. I currently have no evidence for any of this so I will get searching. Kernow 15:41, 12 March 2006 (UTC)

The Girl/Boy EP cover features what could be his brother's gave. Kernow 15:51, 12 March 2006 (UTC)

According to this Richard's parents lived in the town of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada when they gave birth to the first Richard (before moving to Cornall, UK). And that is where the grave is located according to this. Anyone from there feel like a trip to the graveyard? Kernow 16:06, 12 March 2006 (UTC)

Canada looks suss. It was never mentioned before. Even though that is a source, compared with most other Aphex Twin articles, it looks suss. I think it would have been mentioned before 2003. I think it would have been mentioned when Aphex Twin was hyping up Venetian Snares. User:Joyrex

As for where (the alive) Richard was born, it says Cornwall here. On one of his album covers (Caustic Window I think) it says "Richard made in Ireland", but this could refer to his conception rather than birth. Kernow 16:09, 12 March 2006 (UTC)


Here is an MTV interview that conferms the rumor about his brother.Interview

Album and Singles info boxes

Firstly, great job on all the hard work everyone has put into this page. It's definitely taught me alot about an artist who is notorious for being so mysterious and confusing.

My point anyway. The infoboxes in the album and singles sections are beginning to get a bit confusing, I was editing the Girl/Boy single when I realised that some of the singles have links to albums, whilst others seem to crossover, it's all a bit of a mess, but nothing serious.

Anyway is the general opinion that albums and singles should be in different series, or to you all feel (as I do) that each single is as important as an album. E.g. The Girl/Boy EP should have a link to The Richard D. James Album and vice versa. I mean many of Aphex Twin's best songs end up on singles and EPs. I know it's petty but what do you guys think? Ajplmr 21:40, 14 March 2006 (UTC)


hmm

"James was one of the first to use spectral imaging in music, and has been imitated by various artists including Plaid (as seen in "3recurring") and" i took this out because "not for threes" which 3recuring if off was out a good 2 years before windowlicker wasnt it? so he imitated them by this type of logic

3recuring is on rest proof clockwork, released in 1999 --Dave

Pretty sure the recurring threes pattern shows up on both "not for threes" and "rest proof" albums, although i cant be bothered to download a spectral analyser and scour through the albums to find out the tracks. A.Grace

Philip Glass and Richard D. James

I previously added Philip Glass to the "Influences" section, but notice it has been removed. I re-added him, along with supporting examples. I also added a link to the article "Philip Glass and Richard D. James" in the External Links section, with goes into the connections between these two musicians in more detail. (I also reorganized the "Influences" section to be in correct alphabetical order.) --Funks 22:10, 11 May 2006 (UTC)

How is Phillip Glass an influence? he just did some stuff with him You removed Marvellous cain, painjerk, and Bernard Parmagiani, why? he's said himself that these people have influenced him but never said that of Phillip Glass

    • The article I linked about the two indicates that RDJ specifically approached Glass to work on the Icct Hedral orchestration together. This certainly indicates he is an admirer. As far as influence, you can hear this in many RDJ tracks, but the most blatant example is probably "Polynomial-C" as heard on the album Classics. I apologize for removing the other 3.... they were all broken links, there was no supporting explanation, and a web search didn't find any connection between them and RDJ either... I shouldn't have done that without asking here first. Still figuring out this Wiki stuff... I will insert them in alpha order, if that's appropriate (I assume M. Cain would go under the C's...) cheers -- Funks 15:26, 13 May 2006 (UTC)

no stress. i havent got a clue about wiki really :) all this text formatting :/ i found an interview for 2 of those, http://www.playlouder.com/news/+news2455/ i know its a bit weird but i read another one of a scan of an email interview in a japanese mag and he says marvellous cain. I guess Karlheinz Stockhausen and Iannis Xenakis should go in maybe? but then again who know's what his influences are


RDJ's birthday - 13th, 18th or 23rd of August, 1971?

So come on then, I'm compiling a presentation on RDJ for one part of one module of my Uni degree course at the moment, and a cursory Google for 'Aphex Twin born August' reveals that various sites report his birthday as any one of the three above dates (with most of them seeming to indicate the 18th, but a blogcritics article (written by someone who's actually interviewed RDJ in person... And I know he lies and all in interviews sometimes, but with various sites proffering various dates, which one's regarded to be his real birthdate by general concensus?

FWIW, Blogcritics article: http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/09/29/132156.php

Christopher 02:29, 23 May 2006 (UTC)

Opinion or fact?

Did people really complain about Drukqs because it was "more about detailed beautiful and personal musical art", or because they found it to be bad? rolling stone magazine called it pointlessly beautiful, let's put that quote in there instead, because u care so much, u can go find the quote and source it :-)