The late 70's and early 80's saw the birth of electronic music rather than the traditional instruments of guitars, drums and piano. During this period an electronic sound style known as 'MIDI' was used to create music for the new electro style. A few well-known groups at the time used electronic MIDI to create their unique sound. Although MIDI was certainly not a new thing - some artists like had been using it for some years and the style was often termed 'synthesiser music' - but in the earlier days of MIDI many performing artists shunned it in favour of a more traditional approach; however by the 1980's most bands were using some type of MIDI interface to record music.
MIDI music was often recorded via an electronic keyboard, drum machine or some other electronic instrument connected to a recording device or even recorded within the internal memory of the keyboard or instrument itself. Technology was advancing rapidly and computers were beginning to make an appearance in society, and of course as another type of interface on which to work with MIDI files. With the new technology these recordings could be used on a computer or specialist expensive editing equipment to manipulate and change the properties of the recorded MIDI file until the desired sound was achieved.
Some electronic music of the era was actually produced or created on computer equipment itself rather than being inputted as an external recording.
The basic process of music creation through the use of MIDI files is still in use today and of course modern computer and electronic equipment makes editing a breeze.
So what is MIDI? MIDI is an abbreviated term for 'musical instrument digital interface' that is universally recognised. A global standard that uses the same data throughout the world, so effectively any MIDI compatible equipment can communicate with any other MIDI compatible equipment.
The best thing about MIDI is that files can be manipulated to your own desire. You can totally change the sound, tempo, pitch, just about anything you like to create your own unique take on the original music.
The only disadvantage is that MIDI files do not have any vocals - an advantage if you want to use as backing music or karaoke. Some have an instrumental version of the vocals, but this can easily be removed with the correct software to leave just the backing music.
There are several free MIDI editors and players available on the internet, however 'windows media player' will play MIDI files with no problem but they cannot be altered through 'media player', so an editor would be required to achieve this.
Using MIDI to create music is fairly easy once you have mastered the basic concept and understanding. Even people with no musical knowledge or talent whatsoever can create great tunes using MIDI. Admittedly those who have some knowledge or skill will find MIDI easy to use, even someone musically inept like me.
In summary, MIDI is a great and easy to use musical interface that anyone can master.
More information about MIDI and other related subjects can be found on my media blog at http://www.MediaTailor.wordpress.com/
Pete Etheridge
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