Radiohead: Daydreaming (Piano Phase Remix)

Charles White

This artistic research project introduces a 14-minute album, Radiohead Daydreaming (Piano Phase Remix), a remix of an excerpt from Radiohead’s introspective track “Daydreaming.” Employing the minimalist technique of piano phase music—pioneered by composers like Steve Reich—the remix overlays two identical musical lines that gradually shift out of sync, generating intricate rhythmic and harmonic textures. This experimental approach reimagines Radiohead’s atmospheric soundscape, questioning the boundaries of remixing as a creative practice and questioning the integration of avant-garde methods into popular music genres. The work situates itself at the intersection of contemporary music and popular culture, challenging conventional notions of authorship, perception, and musical temporality. By applying phase music to a widely recognized song, the remix fosters a dialogue between experimental composition and mainstream accessibility, inviting listeners to engage with familiar material in a novel context. This process not only recontextualizes the original but also explores the potential of remix culture as a site for innovation and critical inquiry. As a case study in artistic research, Radiohead Daydreaming (Piano Phase Remix) underscores the artist’s role as a researcher, pushing the limits of genre fluidity and creative transformation. The project contributes to broader discussions on the democratization of experimental music and the capacity of remixing to bridge diverse musical traditions, offering new perspectives on the interplay between art, sound, and society.

Abstract

This artistic research project introduces a 14-minute album, Radiohead Daydreaming (Piano Phase Remix), a remix of an excerpt from Radiohead’s introspective track “Daydreaming.” Employing the minimalist technique of piano phase music—pioneered by composers like Steve Reich—the remix overlays two identical musical lines that gradually shift out of sync, generating intricate rhythmic and harmonic textures. This experimental approach reimagines Radiohead’s atmospheric soundscape, probing the boundaries of remixing as a creative practice and questioning the integration of avant-garde methods into popular music genres. The work situates itself at the intersection of contemporary concert and popular music, challenging conventional notions of authorship, perception, and musical temporality. By applying phasing techniques to a widely recognised song, the remix aims to foster a dialogue between experimental composition and mainstream culture, inviting listeners to engage with familiar material in a novel context. This process not only recontextualizes the original work but also explores the potential of remixing as a site for innovation and critical inquiry. The project aims to contribute to broader discussions on the democratization of experimental music and the capacity of remixing to bridge diverse musical traditions, offering new perspectives on the interplay between art, sound, and culture.

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