We’re in a world of three-minute hits, which prompted for me a friendly exchange recently about how subversive anything longer is today.

Make no mistake that this an era dominated by short, catchy hits and the pursuit of commercial success. How Stuff Works is among the many websites to deconstruct the “perfect” pop song. But who really wants perfection?

For me, longform music remains an act of rebellion. Blowing past three minutes, and even going into the six-, 10- and even 20-minute boundary feels refreshing, even when brevity could make a tune stronger. Nonetheless, I like how a long song prioritizes artistic freedom over eschews marketability. Additionally, longform creates music that speaks to individual and collective experiences, often in ways mainstream music cannot.

This episode contains a dash of formless music. I also aimed to provide listeners with a sense of immersion. A few of the more unconventional structures invite you to a different type of listening experience. In particular, the music surrounds you and longer notes become an active participant in the listener's experience.

Expect a future Ghost Frequency series highlighting single one-hour songs. I’m going to offer you an extended duration of longform works that allow you a more profound exploration of mood and memory. Such motifs may trigger emotional responses over time or just spark a cumulative intensity that can only be appreciated over extended periods. Ambient Merzbow, anyone?

Playlist

I Think I Just Died a Lil Bit
Violeta García,Hora Lunga
I Think I Just Died a Lil Bit
#NAME?

Change - DIPUC Ver.
cacophony
DIPUC
Enchanter

Proyección Bilateral
Alyosha Barreiro
Atemporal
Ajenjo Music

Blue Eraser
Gryphon Rue
Blue Eraser
No Label

III
Max Alper,Peretsky
Pianovoz Electroacústica
Fat Beats Records

祈り
Pekka Tuppurainen,Magnus Broo
Röd / Blå
Aeon

The Double
Carla Kihlstedt,Rafael Osés
Necessary Monsters
Carla Kihlstedt

Abdulmajid
Pekka Tuppurainen
Röd / Blå
Aeon

하루 / Day
SOMA
환포(幻泡)의 소녀 / Illusory girl
Blu Tongue

Linguistica Virale Multipla (Ruptured Words Version)
Paolo L. Bandera
Cut Up. Deconstructing W. S. Burroughs
Unexplained Sounds Group

The Rain Gambler
Hugh Marsh
Violinvocations
Western Vinyl

Moon Song (Waxing)
Sun Blood Stories
Twilight Midnight Morning
Sun Blood Stories

Piece For Tape Recorder
Vladimir Ussachevsky
Pioneers Of Electronic Music
New World Records