[Dancecult-l] Unlocking the Groove

[Mark J. Butler]

Dear Dance-Culters,

For a while I've been meaning to post a message to the list announcing the
publication of my book Unlocking the Groove. Unlocking is a study of the
temporal organization of electronic dance music, from the measure to the
complete DJ set. Methodologically, it draws upon a combination of musical
analysis, current theories of rhythm, and field research with musicians.

The full publication information is:
Butler, Mark J. Unlocking the Groove: Rhythm, Meter, and Musical Design in
Electronic Dance Music. Bloomington, Ind.: Indiana University Press, 2006.

It's available world-wide through Amazon and other online sites. The
paperback costs much less, as the hardback is being marketed toward
libraries. A full-length CD containing works discussed in the book is
included with both versions.

More generally, I have been remiss in failing to introduce myself to the
list. I'm an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where I
teach and conduct research in music theory and popular music. In terms of
the "EDMC" focus of the list, my own work emphasizes the sonic dimensions of
dance-music culture (the "M"). At the same time, I believe it is very
important to consider the ways in which the musical organization of EDM
develops in association with social and cultural processes.

At present, I am working on a new book project focusing on performance in
EDM, with particular attention to interrelationships between technology and
improvisation.

Honestly, I don't generally have the time to post to email lists frequently,
so you may not hear from me on-list too often. However, I'm glad to have
this resource, and I wanted to send this quick note to mention the book and
say hello.

All best,
Mark Butler

*********************
Mark J. Butler, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Music
University of Pennsylvania
201 S. 34th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Office: 215-898-4524
Email: mabutler at sas.upenn.edu