In the late 1980s to the early 1990s, synthesizers and early computer software gave rise to MIDI arrangement. The vast majority of instrument sounds could be simulated by the computer. As electronic rhythms generated by effectors became popular, the traditional procedure of arranging instruments gave way to the latest MIDI arrangement technology.
As a serious lover of new technology and a master of the electronic synthesizer, when the MIDI arrangement era arrived, Chen Chih-Yuan dedicated himself to researching various technologies for electronically synthesizing sound effects and using computer software for arrangement. The work model of the past—where he composed music in his head, hand-wrote it into full scores, and entrusted musicians in each section to play and interpret the score together—was gradually replaced by digital tools such as the computer, synthesizer, and sound effects. One person could complete the arrangement and recording of an entire song alone.
Due to the changes in the work model, the fast pace of life in Taiwan, and the stress of being a master arranger, in 1994, Chen Chih-Yuan decided to emigrate to Canada with his family and to start a new life in Vancouver. Although he was separated from Taiwan by the Pacific Ocean, the software and hardware of the time allowed him to create a personal studio in Vancouver, and he worked remotely to continue his creative work while spending time with his family. This way, he regained the family time that had formerly been sacrificed to overworking.
Let’s use the various software and hardware Chen Chih-Yuan used when generating music to simulate his one-man studio in the past and to recreate the sight of him toiling away.
