Autechre | |
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Rob Brown and Sean Booth performing live as Autechre in 2007
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Background information | |
Also known as | Lego Feet |
Origin | Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England |
Genres | IDM, electronic, techno, experimental |
Years active | 1987–present |
Labels | |
Associated acts | Gescom |
Website | autechre |
Members | Sean Booth Robert Brown |
Notable instruments | |
Elektron Machinedrum Monomachine |
Autechre are an English electronic music duo consisting of Rob Brown and Sean Booth, both from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England. Formed in 1987, they are one of the most popular acts signed to the Warp Records label, known for its pioneering electronic music and through which all of Autechre's albums have been released.
While heavily associated with IDM (intelligent dance music), Booth and Brown are ambivalent about relating their sound to established genres. Their music has exhibited a gradual shift in aesthetic throughout their career, from their earlier work with clear roots in UK techno, house and electro, to later albums that are often considered experimental in nature, featuring complex patterns of rhythm and subdued melodies.
Autechre have also recorded under various pseudonyms. One of the duo's earliest recordings was a 12" single released under the alias Lego Feet in 1991 by Skam Records. The majority of releases by the umbrella project Gescom have been attributed to Booth and Brown, among other artists. One recent critic stated that Autechre create "some of the most complicated music you could ever hope to drown in" and are "recognized as pioneers in experimental music".
Booth and Brown pronounce the name Autechre with a Rochdale accent (/ɔːˈtɛkər/ aw-TEK-ər). However, they have explained that the name can be pronounced in any way one sees fit. Booth explains: "The first two letters were intentional, because there was an 'au' sound in the track, and the rest of the letters were bashed randomly on the keyboard. We had this track title for ages, and we had written it on a cassette, with some graphics. It looked good, and we began using it as our name."