8 Tracks: Of Appropriate Technology With Autumns

Music

Derry born Christian Donaghey releases under the name Autumns, and is fascinated by sonic explorations, concepts and limitations. With a new EP due (on a limited run of cassettes), he shares with us his interest in 'appropriate technology'. A phrase attributed to economist E.F. Scumacher, and although it has a wide scope for it's meaning, is generally described as 'the simplest level of technology that can achieve the intended purpose'.

Autumns – A Product of 30 Years of Violence is released this month on Clan Destine and can be found HERE. Check their Bandcamp for other releases.

LISTEN

Autumns | Posthumous Remorse [Clan Destine 2016]

With all the music I’ve ever recorded, I have had to use what’s available and what’s economical for me. It’s important for me to achieve sounds beyond the known capabilities of the equipment that I am using. With every release I aim to go beyond what I did last, I believe Posthumous Remorse does this. It was recorded, mixed and sent off to Clan Destine Records within an hour, just before my deadline for the cassette was up. I can only write music when there is a sense of urgency present, improvising and being spontaneous is the only way for me.

Autumns | Posthumous Remorse [Clan Destine 2016]

With all the music I’ve ever recorded, I have had to use what’s available and what’s economical for me. It’s important for me to achieve sounds beyond the known capabilities of the equipment that I am using. With every release I aim to go beyond what I did last, I believe Posthumous Remorse does this. It was recorded, mixed and sent off to Clan Destine Records within an hour, just before my deadline for the cassette was up. I can only write music when there is a sense of urgency present, improvising and being spontaneous is the only way for me.
Swell Maps - Helicopter Spies (Peel Session) (1980)

Swell Maps are the kings of doing it yourself, no matter what the situation or the equipment was on hand, they made magic music. Not only were they signed to one of the first great independent labels, they made the best Peel Sessions. I think this song in-particular demonstrates everything that is great about Swell Maps.
Beat Happening - Hey Day

One of the biggest influences on me, especially at the beginning of Autumns. I use to watch and read so many interviews with Calvin Johnson, his ideas and encouragement really spurred me on to not give a fuck about what anyone thinks.
Eric Random - Subliminal

Eric Random is a really great example of experimentation with equipment. This track really shows that experimentation.
Cocteau Twins - Cico Buff

I really love how Cocteau Twins would put a TR808 through fuzz pedals etc, and how they were able to record Garlands with just an 8 track and get phenomenal results. Very inspiring.
Shelleyan Orphan - Anatomy Of Love

A beautiful song by an incredible duo. Thankfully they were picked up by Rough Trade in the 80’s, bringing absolute class to the music scene at that time. They transcended all the abilities of what a duo can do.
Fire Engines - Big Gold Dream On Uktv

When talking about Appropriate Technology I had to include a band from the Postcard scene. The Fire Engines really sum up the DIY ethics up there.
Belong - I Never Lose. Never Really

One of the best projects around today. I think their mystery and sonic aesthetic, even though it isn’t generically Hi-Fi really helped me realise that it doesn’t matter about the sound quality of the music, as long as the song is great.