Beatsystem

by Sean CooperU.K. experimental ambient producer Derek Pierce records for the Nottingham-based Em:t label under the name Beatsystem. Although in the early 90s Pierce released a number of tracks on Em:ts long-running dance-oriented parent, T:me Recordings — even scoring a minor hit in 1990s Walk on the Wild Side (released by 4th & Bway) — his more recent work has strayed from the rhythmic origins of his chosen namesake. Beginning in 1995, Pierces music began to diverge into more esoteric territory, and subsequent work has integrated the more abstract elements of rhythmic electronica with thin digital drones, found sounds, and alternately lush and heavily treated samples (including acoustic guitar, voice, and binaural field recordings). Pierces full-length debut, 2297, was released by Em:t in 1997, and drew extensively from the areas of overlap of ambient and more academically minded electro-acoustic and minimalist post-classical, often including overt reference to the work of John Cage, Steve Reich, and INA-GRM mentors such as Pierre Schaeffer and Pierre Henry. 2297 is both Pierces most complete musical statement to date and among the finest releases in the Em:t catalog.