Briceton Bolton "Rolls Up" With Electronic Music
Dr. Alan J. Malnar
Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: Diversions
Not only does Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University lead the world in aviation education, it attracts a diverse student population with a wide range of personal interests. So when Briceton Bolton is not piloting a Cessna or studying for his aeronautical science degree here in Prescott to fulfill his dreams of commercial piloting, he sits at his personal computer composing electronic music.
Unlike old-school songwriters who employ a No. 2 pencil and a guitar, strumming chords while scribbling lyrics and musical ideas onto the back of the nearest available napkin, Bolton sits at his PC, translating his musical feelings onto a grid appearing over a computer screen. This process might baffle the less technically minded, but it comes as naturally for Bolton as flying a plane.
That's because 20-year-old sophomore Briceton Bolton, originally from Pittsburg, Texas, is a tech-savvy songwriter whose tools are all found in his digital audio workstation, including step-sequencers, beat generators, and special effects.
"I find it challenging to make machines sound human," he says.
Since 2003, armed with his FL Studio digital audio workstation, he's written over 200 songs.
Songwriting helps Bolton remain centered. It serves as a diversion from his daily studies and a relief from the difficulties of a rigorous academic schedule. The process of translating his musical ideas via sophisticated computer software technology can sometimes be painstaking, but Bolton loves the act of discovery.
"Songs never happen as planned," he says. "My favorite ones have a life of their own."
Bolton has always been passionate about aviation and music. As a child, he often played fighter plane video games, frequented the local airport, and attended the annual air show at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana.
At an early age, Bolton was offered the choice to play either the saxophone or the trombone. He chose to play the alto saxophone in 6th grade, then switched to the baritone saxophone, which he still
Unlike old-school songwriters who employ a No. 2 pencil and a guitar, strumming chords while scribbling lyrics and musical ideas onto the back of the nearest available napkin, Bolton sits at his PC, translating his musical feelings onto a grid appearing over a computer screen. This process might baffle the less technically minded, but it comes as naturally for Bolton as flying a plane.
That's because 20-year-old sophomore Briceton Bolton, originally from Pittsburg, Texas, is a tech-savvy songwriter whose tools are all found in his digital audio workstation, including step-sequencers, beat generators, and special effects.
"I find it challenging to make machines sound human," he says.
Since 2003, armed with his FL Studio digital audio workstation, he's written over 200 songs.
Songwriting helps Bolton remain centered. It serves as a diversion from his daily studies and a relief from the difficulties of a rigorous academic schedule. The process of translating his musical ideas via sophisticated computer software technology can sometimes be painstaking, but Bolton loves the act of discovery.
"Songs never happen as planned," he says. "My favorite ones have a life of their own."
Bolton has always been passionate about aviation and music. As a child, he often played fighter plane video games, frequented the local airport, and attended the annual air show at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana.
At an early age, Bolton was offered the choice to play either the saxophone or the trombone. He chose to play the alto saxophone in 6th grade, then switched to the baritone saxophone, which he still
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