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Aphex Twin's first concert livestream includes online-only visuals
Aphex Twin (aka Richard D. James) may have a reputation as a tech-savvy artist, but he hasn't exactly embraced livestreaming. You've usually had to attend one of his concerts to see him venture beyond his album cuts. At last, though, you'll get to see him perform live... and then some. He's hosting his first-ever livestreamed concert at London's Field Day Festival at 8:55PM local time (3:55PM ET) on June 3rd, and this isn't just the usual feed that shows the stage performance and nothing else.
Aphex Twin is making music software based on mutation
Aphex Twin (aka Richard James) is known for creating original, complex sounds whenever he can, but his next creation might just take the cake. He tells Groove that he hired a programmer to develop music software based on mutation. Once you give the app an audio sample, it automatically generates six variants on that and asks you to pick your favorite before going on to create more variations -- think of it as natural selection for sweet beats. The software still "needs to be tweeked," and there's no mention of a public launch, but the early output reportedly sounds "totally awesome." Don't be shocked if one of James' post-Syro albums uses this software to create some truly one-of-a-kind tunes.
Aphex Twin's first album in 13 years unveiled through the secret web
Fans have been waiting for a new Aphex Twin (aka Richard James) album ever since 2001's Drukqs. Well, he finally put out the first details of this follow-up today -- and in a very modern (if characteristically cryptic) fashion. The electronic musician revealed both the title and track listing through a Tor web link, which requires the kind of privacy-minded "secret web" browsers used by NSA whistleblowers and black market dealers. In fact, trying to visit the public version of the site gives you seemingly everything but what you're looking for; all you'll see is your own internet connection details and James' signature "A" logo. It's almost an anti-publicity campaign, in that sense. You can look at the image below if you're willing to spoil the surprise, but be sure to check out Aphex Twin's excellent/disturbing "Windowlicker" video (the music starts around 3:50) while you're at it.
New phase-changing alloy turns waste heat into green energy, exhibits spontaneous magnetism (video)
Looks like harvesting waste heat is all the rage in 2011. Yet another team of researchers -- this time at the University of Minnesota -- has found a way to harness energy from our hot castoffs. The group has apparently created a brand spanking new alloy that spontaneously creates energy when its temperature is raised by a small amount. Future uses for the material, known as Ni45Co5Mn40Sn10, include charging a hybrid car's battery with the help of waste heat from its exhaust. So what's the trick? Well, this wonder material is a phase changer, meaning it can go from non-magnetic to magnetic in moments, when the temperature rises. When that happens, the alloy absorbs heat, and bam! You've got electricity. The team is also collaborating with chemical engineers to create a thin film version of the material that could be used to convert waste heat from computers. If phase changing gets you all hot and bothered, check out a video demonstration of the alloy's sudden magnetism after the break.
