Who is Aphex Twin?
Richard David James, aka ‘Aphex Twin’ is one of the most influential electronic music artists, but you knew that, that’s why you’re here! Born in 1971, Aphex Twin took his name from Aphex Systems Limited, home of the classic Aural Exciter. The Twin element is in memory of his older brother, who died before Aphex Twin was born.
Born in Ireland, and raised in Cornwall, he learnt his chops DJing at parties and clubs. His first release, Analogue Bubblebath was released via Mighty Force Records, before he went on to co-found the Rephlex label shortly afterwards, with Grant Wilson-Claridge.
His first album was Selected Ambient Works 85-92, an album that has truly stood the test of time, and was originally released on Apollo, a Belgian record label. His first appearance on Warp Records, whom he has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with was as part of the classic Artificial Intelligence compilation.
Essential Aphex Twin Releases
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Selected Ambient Works 85–92 is the first album release from Aphex Twin, and was released through Apollo Records, a subsiduary of R&S Records.
The music on Selected Ambient Works has a definite lo-fi quality recorded on homemade electronic equipment and drum machines. In spite of this, it’s become known as one of the greatest electronic music albums, a groundbreaking album that has gone on to inspire countless electronic musicians.
…I Care Because You Do
…I Care Because You Do contrasts with SAW 85-92, bringing some beats and breaks into the mix, alongside ambient and symphonic flavours. Recorded between 1990 and 1994 it offers a counter-balance to trip-hop offerings of the time, bringing intricate and eccentric beats alongside more harmonic elements.
Richard D. James Album
Richard D. James Album brings together influences from ambient to drum & bass, jungle and acid, with an intricacy that helped spawn the ‘drill and bass’ genre. Now it all fits neatly into an ‘IDM’ characterisation, although back in 96 was groundbreaking.
Come To Daddy
Come to Daddy was an EP released by Aphex Twin in 1997, and has heavy influences from drum & bass. The ‘Pappy mix’ which opens the track is probably one of his best-known tracks, along with Windowlicker, probably influenced by the fantastic video produced by Chris Cunningham.
Released in two halves, the second CD featured a track called ‘To Cure a Weakling Child’, which back in the late 90’s was featured in an Orange mobile phone commercial.
Windowlicker
Windowlicker was an single released by Aphex Twin in 1999, and continued Aphex Twin’s relationship with Chris Cunningham, creating a highly distinctive visual image and video to accompany the track. This no doubt contributed to helping Windowlicker become probably Aphex Twin’s best known track.
Drukqs
Drukqs was a double album released in 2001 and show two contrasting styles, which alternate throughout the album. Firstly, there’s meticulously programmed beats and rhythmic textures, and experimental sounds, as had now become a trademark of Aphex Twin’s sound. Contrasting this was a series of tracks created on the piano, utilising instruments such as Yamaha’s Disklavier, and exploring ideas influenced no doubt by the works of John Cage.
Syro
Released in 2014, Syro was the first album from Aphex Twin since Drukqs, released 12 years earlier. It contains 12 tracks recorded over the previous few years in six different studios, including Aphex Twin’s own studio in Scotland.
Musically it combines a range of styles, including techno, breakbeat and acid house, and features chopped and processed vocals, as had now become a trademark of the Aphex Twin style.
