Showing all 9 results

Sale!
$22.90
Sale!
Sale!
$22.90
Sale!
$35.80
Sale!
$35.80
Sale!
$35.80
Sale!
$35.80
Sale!
$35.80

Boards of Canada: Pioneers of Electronic Music

Boards of Canada is a Scottish electronic music duo comprised of brothers Michael Sandison and Marcus Eoin. Since their formation in 1986, they have become known for their unique blend of ambient, electronica, and IDM (intelligent dance music), as well as their mysterious and enigmatic public persona.

The origins of Boards of Canada can be traced back to their childhood, when the brothers were introduced to electronic music by their father, an engineer and amateur musician. In their teenage years, they began experimenting with synthesizers and drum machines, and eventually formed the band Hellmen in 1986. The name was changed to Boards of Canada in 1987, a reference to the National Film Board of Canada and the American educational films that influenced their early sound.

Boards of Canada's first releases were a series of self-released cassette tapes in the early 1990s, which were distributed among friends and local record stores. These tapes, which included tracks such as "Aquarius" and "In a Beautiful Place Out in the Country," showcased the duo's unique blend of ambient and IDM, and gained them a small but dedicated following.

In 1996, Boards of Canada signed with the influential British label Warp Records, and released their debut full-length album, "Music Has the Right to Children." The album was a critical and commercial success, and solidified the duo's reputation as innovators in the electronic music scene. The album's distinctive sound, characterized by nostalgic melodies, samples of found sounds and nature recordings, and a hypnotic, dreamlike atmosphere, has been cited as a major influence on many contemporary electronic artists.

Boards of Canada's subsequent albums, "Geogaddi" (2002) and "The Campfire Headphase" (2005), continued to explore their signature sound, and received widespread critical acclaim. The duo has also released a number of EPs and singles, as well as a number of remixes for other artists.

Despite their success, Boards of Canada remains notoriously secretive and reclusive. The duo rarely gives interviews, and their live performances are infrequent and shrouded in mystery. Their album artwork and promotional materials often feature cryptic symbols and messages, adding to their enigmatic reputation.

Despite their enigmatic persona, the influence of Boards of Canada on the electronic music scene is undeniable. Their unique blend of ambient, electronica, and IDM has inspired countless artists, and their music continues to be a beloved and influential part of the electronic music canon.