Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book offers a more nuanced interpretation of Shannon and Weaver and points out recent developments in cybernetics. It presents theoretical perspectives on noise and noise music from different disciplines. The book traces the interpretation of noise in communication theories from Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver to the more recent activities of the Cybernetic Cultures Research Unit. It looks at ‘hyperstitional’ aspects in punk and industrial music. The book argues that this ‘noise of the new’ in popular music is neither a purely sonic phenomenon nor a mere transgression of a dominant musical regime. It retraces how noise gained importance in avant-garde music. The book focuses on the analysis of non-score-based music. It argues for an approach in which the musician’s and listener’s perspectives interact. The book analyses a recording of a solo improvisation by the contemporary American drummer Chris Corsano.