How to Make Music Like Oneohtrix Point Never: Tips and Tricks for Experimental Electronic Sounds

Are you a fan of Oneohtrix Point Never’s unique sound and want to learn how to make music like him? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with some tips and techniques on how to create music that captures the essence of Oneohtrix Point Never’s style.

Oneohtrix Point Never, also known as Daniel Lopatin, is a critically acclaimed electronic musician who has been praised for his experimental and avant-garde approach to music. His sound is characterized by the use of warped synths, glitchy beats, and ambient textures. To make music like Oneohtrix Point Never, you will need to experiment with different sounds and techniques to create a unique sonic landscape that captures the essence of his style.

Oneohtrix Point Never

Oneohtrix Point Never (OPN) is the pseudonym of Daniel Lopatin, an American electronic musician, composer, and producer. He is known for his unique sound that blends elements of ambient music, minimalism, hip-hop, and avant-pop. OPN has released numerous albums, including “Replica,” “R Plus Seven,” “Garden of Delete,” and “Age Of.”

Art

OPN’s music is heavily influenced by visual art, especially collage and assemblage. He often creates collages and visual art pieces that accompany his music. OPN has also collaborated with visual artists such as Nate Boyce, who created the visuals for his “Myriad” concert series.

Music

OPN’s music is characterized by its use of synthesizers, arpeggiators, and samples. He often uses vintage synthesizers, such as the Roland Juno-60, in his music. OPN’s sound is symmetrical and structured, with a focus on repetition and layering. His music is also heavily influenced by ambient music, minimalism, and ad jingles.

Collaboration

OPN has collaborated with a variety of artists, including FKA Twigs, The Weeknd, Iggy Pop, David Byrne, and Anohni. He has also composed music for films such as “Uncut Gems,” “Good Time,” and “The Bling Ring.” OPN has also remixed songs for artists such as Tool and Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd).

Memory

OPN’s music often deals with themes of memory and nostalgia. He has cited his own memories of listening to college radio and grunge bands as influences on his music. OPN’s music also features samples from a variety of sources, including old VHS tapes and cassette tapes.

OPN’s music is a unique blend of electronic music, collage, and avant-pop. His sound is heavily influenced by visual art, memory, and nostalgia. OPN’s collaborations with a variety of artists and his work on film soundtracks have cemented his status as one of the most innovative and influential artists in electronic music today.

Sound and Technology

Oneohtrix Point Never’s music is known for its unique sound and use of technology. In this section, we will explore some of the key elements that contribute to his signature sound.

Synths

Oneohtrix Point Never’s music heavily relies on the use of synthesizers. He uses a wide range of synths, both analog and digital, to create his unique sound. Some of the synths he has used include the Korg MS-20, Roland Juno-60, and the Yamaha DX7.

Midi

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate with each other. Oneohtrix Point Never makes extensive use of MIDI in his music production. MIDI allows him to control various parameters of his synths, such as pitch, volume, and modulation, using a MIDI controller or software.

Roland Juno-60

One of the synths that Oneohtrix Point Never is known for using is the Roland Juno-60. The Juno-60 is an analog synthesizer that was first released in 1982. It has a warm, rich sound that has become synonymous with the sound of 80s electronica. Oneohtrix Point Never has used the Juno-60 extensively in his music, and it has become a key element of his signature sound.

Oneohtrix Point Never’s music is characterized by its unique sound and use of technology. He makes extensive use of synthesizers, MIDI, and the Roland Juno-60 to create his signature sound. By understanding these elements, you can start to create your own music that is inspired by Oneohtrix Point Never’s sound.

Collaborations and Influences

Oneohtrix Point Never has collaborated with various artists and has been influenced by many others. Here are some of his most notable collaborations and influences:

FKA Twigs

Oneohtrix Point Never has worked with FKA Twigs on several occasions. He produced the majority of her 2019 album “Magdalene,” which was critically acclaimed for its experimental sound and emotional depth. The two artists’ styles complement each other well, with Oneohtrix Point Never’s glitchy, atmospheric production providing a perfect backdrop for FKA Twigs’ haunting vocals.

The Weeknd

Oneohtrix Point Never produced several tracks on The Weeknd’s 2022 album “Dawn FM.” The collaboration resulted in a unique sound that blends The Weeknd’s signature R&B style with Oneohtrix Point Never’s experimental electronic production. The album received widespread critical acclaim and was praised for its innovative sound.

Nine Inch Nails

Oneohtrix Point Never has cited Nine Inch Nails as one of his biggest influences. He has collaborated with Trent Reznor on several occasions, including providing production for the soundtrack of the 2017 film “Good Time,” which Reznor and Atticus Ross composed. The two artists share a love for dark, atmospheric soundscapes, and their collaborations have resulted in some of Oneohtrix Point Never’s most memorable work.

Iggy Pop

Oneohtrix Point Never produced Iggy Pop’s 2019 album “Free,” which was a departure from Pop’s traditional punk rock sound. The album features Oneohtrix Point Never’s signature glitchy production, which serves as a perfect complement to Pop’s introspective lyrics. The collaboration resulted in a unique sound that was praised by critics for its experimental nature.

David Byrne

Oneohtrix Point Never collaborated with David Byrne on the soundtrack for the 2019 theater production “The Institute Presents: Neurosociety.” The soundtrack features Oneohtrix Point Never’s signature glitchy production, which blends seamlessly with Byrne’s eclectic instrumentation. The collaboration resulted in a unique sound that perfectly captures the play’s futuristic themes.

Anohni

Oneohtrix Point Never produced Anohni’s 2016 album “Hopelessness,” which was a departure from her previous work as Antony and the Johnsons. The album features Oneohtrix Point Never’s glitchy production, which serves as a perfect complement to Anohni’s politically charged lyrics. The collaboration resulted in a unique sound that was praised by critics for its experimental nature and emotional depth.

Oneohtrix Point Never’s collaborations and influences have played a significant role in shaping his unique sound. His willingness to experiment and collaborate with other artists has resulted in some of his most memorable work.

Cultural and Personal Background

Oneohtrix Point Never, also known as Daniel Lopatin, is an American composer and producer whose music is known for its experimental and avant-garde qualities. To understand Lopatin’s unique sound, it is important to explore his cultural and personal background.

Boston

Lopatin was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1982. He grew up in a musical family, with both of his parents being professional musicians. His father was a Russian-Jewish émigré who played the piano and his mother was a flute player. Lopatin began playing the piano at a young age and later studied music at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts.

New York

After college, Lopatin moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He became involved in the city’s experimental music scene, performing at venues like The Kitchen and Issue Project Room. He also co-founded the record label Software Recording Company, which has released music by artists like James Ferraro and Huerco S.

Russian-Jewish

Lopatin’s Russian-Jewish heritage has had a significant influence on his music. He has cited Russian composers like Sergei Rachmaninoff and Dmitri Shostakovich as inspirations, as well as Jewish liturgical music. His music often incorporates elements of traditional Jewish melodies and scales.

Lopatin’s cultural and personal background has played a crucial role in shaping his unique musical style. By combining his classical training with his experiences in the experimental music scene, he has created a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

Legacy and Impact

Oneohtrix Point Never’s impact on music has been felt across a wide range of genres, from electronic music to pop to hip-hop. Here are some of the ways in which his music has influenced each of these genres.

Electronic Music

Oneohtrix Point Never’s work has been highly influential in the world of electronic music. His use of ambient textures and minimalist structures has inspired many other artists to explore similar sounds and techniques. In particular, his 2010 album “Returnal” is often cited as a landmark release in the world of ambient music.

Pop Music

While Oneohtrix Point Never’s music is not traditionally thought of as pop music, his influence can be heard in the work of many pop artists. In particular, his use of synthesizers and electronic textures has inspired a new generation of pop producers to experiment with these sounds. Artists like Grimes, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Charli XCX have all cited Oneohtrix Point Never as an influence on their work.

Hip-Hop

Oneohtrix Point Never’s music has also had an impact on the world of hip-hop. His use of chopped and screwed techniques, as well as his incorporation of ambient textures and minimalist structures, has influenced many hip-hop producers. Artists like Kanye West, Travis Scott, and A$AP Rocky have all sampled Oneohtrix Point Never’s music in their own work.

Oneohtrix Point Never’s legacy in the world of music is one of experimentation and innovation. His use of unconventional sounds and structures has inspired countless other artists to push the boundaries of what is possible in music.

Discography

Oneohtrix Point Never has released several critically acclaimed albums over the years, each with its own unique sound and style. Here’s a brief overview of some of his most notable releases:

Replica

Released in 2011, Replica is often considered to be Oneohtrix Point Never’s breakthrough album. It features a collection of sample-based compositions that draw from a wide range of sources, including old commercials, instructional videos, and other found sounds. The result is a haunting and immersive listening experience that blurs the line between nostalgia and unease.

Good Time

In 2017, Oneohtrix Point Never provided the soundtrack for the Safdie Brothers’ film Good Time. The score features a mix of pulsing electronic beats and dreamy ambient textures, creating a tense and atmospheric backdrop for the film’s frenetic action. The soundtrack was widely praised and even earned the artist a nomination for the Cannes Soundtrack Award.

Garden of Delete

Oneohtrix Point Never’s 2015 album Garden of Delete is a departure from his earlier work, featuring a more aggressive and experimental sound. The album is filled with distorted synths, glitchy percussion, and distorted vocals, creating a fractured and disorienting listening experience. Despite its challenging nature, the album was well-received by critics and helped cement Oneohtrix Point Never’s reputation as an innovator in electronic music.

Age Of

Released in 2018, Age Of is Oneohtrix Point Never’s most ambitious album to date. The record features a diverse range of styles and influences, from glitchy beats to lush orchestral arrangements. The album also features collaborations with several notable artists, including James Blake and Anohni. Despite its sprawling nature, the album is held together by a strong sense of thematic coherence, exploring themes of technology, memory, and identity.

Magic Oneohtrix Point Never

Oneohtrix Point Never’s latest album, Magic Oneohtrix Point Never, was released in 2020. The record is a nostalgic tribute to the artist’s childhood, featuring samples and references to ’90s pop culture. Despite its playful and lighthearted tone, the album still manages to explore deeper themes of memory and loss. With its catchy hooks and lush production, Magic Oneohtrix Point Never is a testament to the artist’s versatility and creativity.