Alien Harmonies - Pure Data Generative Microtonal Ambient Music

This is my first “song“ made in Pure Data. All the sounds are generated randomly in Pure Data (following certain rules). A few external VST Effects, including Valhalla Super Massive and ShaperBox 3, were applied afterwards. Each time this patch is run a new “song“ and harmonies emerge, but the same simple rules are followed. On each beat a new set of oscillators is triggered set at random frequencies based on simple ratios of the base frequency. For example, if the base frequency is currently at 200 Hz and the ratios randomly selected are 3/2, 2/1, and 5/3 then the frequencies of the newly triggered oscillators will be 200 * (3/2) = 300 Hz, 200 * (2/1) = 400 Hz, and 200 * (5/3) = Hz. The frequencies and volume of each oscillator changes on each beat and moves to their new values at random time lengths producing the eerie slide effect sound periodically. Since only a handful of oscillators are triggered based on simple ratios the “chords“ produced are likely to be relatively harmonious, but even when frequencies clash to produce some dissonance they will likely be resolved with more harmonious intervals produced by succeeding oscillators being triggered. The base frequency itself can also change or stay the same on each beat which makes the song gradually change with entirely new notes and harmonies over time. The notes produced are likely to be completely different than the notes we are accustomed to in 12 tone equal temperament that most western music is based on, and will also likely be completely unique each time the patch is run. In addition to the “harmonious“ oscillators, oscillators and noise with completely random frequencies, but much quicker attack and release times, are triggered to give the song a greater sense or rhythm and variety. This is what produces the random beeps and glitch sounds. I wasn’t completely satisfied with the results yet, but wanted to post my first attempt at using this software and technique, which I definitely plan on exploring a lot more in the future.