Buddha Boxing

As a musician, It is always exciting to find new ways to manipulate and create sound. As a listener, It is always a joy to come across new ways to listen to music. Every now and then something comes along that satisfies both, and for me, the Buddha Machine did just that. Designed by Christiaan Virant and Zhang Jian of FM3, an experimental music act based in Beijing, China; the Buddha Machine is similar to an old FM radio tuner. Its design is simple, utilizing only a series of dials along with either a switch or a button. Every listening experience is unique, as 9 loops play in random order, with the duration for each loop's rotation in complete control by the listener.

Buddha Machine(left) and Buddha Machine II(right)

The loops meander in a realm between ambient and abiotic, with synthetic tones folding over organic wave forms, all creating an overall feeling of "Zen." The Buddha Machine has seen two incarnations, each in a variety of colors and new loops per edition. There are slight mechanical differences between the two editions. While the first Buddha Machine utilized a toggle switch to change loops, the Buddha Machine II favors a single button. A new dial was also added to the second edition, controlling the speed of the loop(s).

While the Buddha Machine is highly unlikely to spawn a new breed of virtuosos, DJs and experimental musicians have already found a place for it amongst their aural arsenals, utilizing the device's innovative approach and musical mantras to create experiences of their own.

fm3buddhamachine.com