Oneohtrix Point Never is the moniker of electronic musician Daniel Lopatin. Long before Pitchfork fame and scoring Uncut Gems, Lopatin became fascinated by synthesis. It started by discovering his father’s JUNO-60, which he affectionally named “Judy.” In fact, Judy would serve as the key to his musical output.
Rifts in Time
Starting in 2003, Lopatin released three albums on CD-R and cassette. Reissued as the 2009 compilation Rifts, these songs kickstarted his career. Beyond Rifts’ dizzying 27 tracks, Oneohtrix Point Never left material on the cutting room floor. Ultimately, this yielded the introspective The Fall into Time.
Taking its title from Emil Cioran’s work on suffering, The Fall into Time unfolds in pensive moments. Opener “Blue Drive,” outlines the theme. It speaks to the unknown in an earthly language. Here, the JUNO-60 takes center stage. Its chorus-soaked pads ripple like silk. In the distance, waves submerge the listener in envelope and filter tweaks.
"Unfettered by the constraints of synth-pop and new wave, the JUNO-60 creates a narrative as expressive as it is thoughtful."
A Synth Blooms
Lopatin steers us through ten minutes of flexing and furrowing. Throughout, he stretches the JUNO-60. “Blue Drive” moves without a calculated beginning or end. It rings gently, unbound by intention, joy, or pathos. By doing so, the track connects performer, instrument, and listener.
Ambient music has a rich history. “Blue Drive” definitely earned its seat in that canon. Oneohtrix Point Never manipulates sounds, allowing them to blossom. Unfettered by the constraints of synth-pop and new wave, the JUNO creates a narrative as expressive as it is thoughtful.
Music as Meditation
People have misconceptions about meditation. It’s not just sitting cross-legged, palms up, prying open your third eye. In fact, meditation is also being present in a moment or acting on a ritual. Anchoring our bodies and minds to time, even for an instant, reminds us we’re alive.
Years ago, I’d ride the bus 45 minutes every morning to work at a natural foods co-op in Seattle. Windows fogging from condensation, the bus bounced through the University District. Along the way, we picked up blurry-eyed students in oversized sweaters.
"'Blue Drive' outlines the collection's theme. It speaks to the unknown in an earthly language."
I’d listen to “Blue Drive” over and over. As I did, I caught eyes with strangers and invented imaginary lives. All the while, the JUNO was entering my psyche, unhinging my subconscious, and curbing my claustrophobia.
Making the Mundane Magical
It was a meditation on how complicated and beautiful human beings can be. In short, the ritual reminded me how mundane events have magic. Undoubtly, Oneohtrix Point Never and Judy create worlds we get to occupy for a brief time. Next time you steep some tea or wait for the train, give “Blue Drive” a spin. Every moment can be a monument when you fall into time.
