This Podcast Explores The Creativity Of Aphex Twin

Hear why Aphex Twin’s impact goes far beyond dance music.

Aphex Twin is a name steeped in mystique and rumor. From the fables of his earliest synth hacks to the debates surrounding the meaning behind his name, myths about Richard D. James’ most well-known alias abound, only adding to the saintly reverence he receives from fans and the electronic music community.

But then again, few other electronic composers have managed to draw on so many distinct styles without losing either their experimental cores or—in the case of Aphex Twin—catchiness. With Aphex Twin, ambient, techno, IDM, acid and jungle aren’t just stylistic decisions; they’re palettes fused with a fiercely progressive impulse for experimentalism and a contemporary edge.

In a new edition of his long-running Sound Portraits series, American artist and composer Doron Sadja looks back at the work of Richard D. James, tracing his evolution from his earliest albums to his most recent. Along the way, Sadja gives in-depth biographical details about James’ life—including the story behind his label Rephlex—and explains on a musical level what makes James’ output so important. If you consider yourself an Aphex Twin fan, this show is compulsory listening in understanding one of history’s most confounding musicians.

Listen above, and find out more about Sound Portraits radio here.

Read more: Watch all 2 hours of Aphex Twin’s mind-warping DJ set from Field Day