Tilde Town Free Jazz 2025

A musical collaboration happening across time and across the globe.

Sign ups are open! Request to join by posting to the free jazz thread on BBJ.

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What is this?

We are a group of townies making freely improvised music together. We call it 'free jazz' but it goes beyond jazz. It can sound like anything, and the only rule is to express yourself.

What does it sound like?

To get an idea, listen to the previous track we recorded. Of course, this year's track will sound different, because it's improvised. It won't came out the same way twice. And besides, it might have another musician playing on it (you).

Who can join?

You can join if you can make a sound. You can play any instrument you want, and no talent is required.

How do you improvise over the internet?

Since we can't be together in person, the improvisation is not done in real time. We take turns: One person records a track, then sends it to another, who records another track on top of it. The second person sends their recording to a third person, but without including the first. When everyone's had their turn, we mix down all the tracks, and the final product is revealed. It's like the surrealist game 'exquisite corpse' but for music.

Rules

1. All tracks must be improvised. No major planning or editing is allowed. (But feel free to do a few takes.)
2. You may only use one instrument per track. But any instrument is allowed to be used.
3. Each participant has two weeks of time to complete their track. If they can't complete it in time, they give their turn to the next person in line. Participants who miss their turn can make it up at the end.
4. When you're finished, your recording should be the same length as the previous track, so they can be synced. (So, for example, if you want to start playing only two minutes in, you should include the first two minutes of silence as well.)
5. Hand in a file (FLAC or WAV format) with only your completed track. Do not include the previous one. (That way, we can adjust the levels of each track separately when mixing.)

Tips for Improvising

• Don't worry if it's not perfect.
• Remember, it's an improvisation, so no overdubs!
• Try focusing on texture rather than melody.
• Leave space for other people.

Sign up today

Request to join by adding to the free jazz thread on BBJ. Then join #freejazz in the town chat. Malvarma will bug you when its your turn.