Aphex Twin

Aphex Twin

Aphex Twin is the recording name of Richard David James, a British electronic musician, composer and DJ born in 1971 in Limerick, with a London connection in his background. He is associated with a wide range of electronic styles, including acid breaks, acid techno, ambient, ambient techno, bleep techno, breakbeat, techno, jungle, acid and electronic music more broadly, and is frequently linked with IDM. His work is also recognised for its influence on contemporary electronic music.

Early life and beginnings

James grows up in Cornwall, England, after an early childhood that also includes time in Canada because of his father's mining work. He attends Redruth School and later studies engineering at Cornwall College between 1988 and 1990, gaining a National Diploma. As a child, he experiments with tape machines, instruments, electronic equipment and synthesisers, and says he also begins programming sound on a Sinclair ZX81 computer. By the late 1980s he is active in the Cornish free party scene, organising and DJing at events in rural and coastal locations. In 1989 he begins a regular DJ residency at the Bowgie nightclub in Crantock, where he meets Tom Middleton and Grant Wilson-Claridge.

Early releases and Rephlex Records

Middleton introduces James's recordings to promoter Mark Darby, leading to the release of his debut EP, Analogue Bubblebath, on Mighty Force Records in 1991. That same year he co-founds the independent label Rephlex Records with Wilson-Claridge. In 1991 and 1992 he releases several EPs under names including Aphex Twin, Caustic Window, Polygon Window and Power-Pill. His single Digeridoo enters the UK Singles Chart, and his work on Warp Records' Artificial Intelligence compilation helps establish the emerging IDM scene alongside artists such as Autechre and Richie Hawtin.

Albums and wider recognition

His debut album, Selected Ambient Works 85–92, appears in 1992 on Apollo Records and brings him a wider audience. In 1993 he releases Surfing on Sine Waves as Polygon Window and the EP On, which reaches the UK Top 40. He tours extensively in the early 1990s with artists including the Orb, Orbital, Moby and Vapourspace. In 1994 Warp releases Selected Ambient Works Volume II, an ambient album influenced by lucid dreaming and synaesthesia; it reaches number 11 on the UK Albums Chart.

Warp period and collaborations

After signing to Warp Records, James releases ...I Care Because You Do in 1995 and Richard D. James Album in 1996. The former includes a self-portrait on the cover that becomes associated with his visual identity. In 1995 he also issues the Hangable Auto Bulb EP as AFX, which becomes linked with drill 'n' bass. In 1996 he collaborates with Michael Paradinas as Mike & Rich on Expert Knob Twiddlers. Richard D. James Album makes extensive use of software synthesis and complex rhythmic structures.

Singles, videos and later releases

The Come to Daddy EP follows in 1997 and Windowlicker in 1999; both achieve chart success and have videos directed by Chris Cunningham, whose work contributes to James's international recognition. His 2001 double album Drukqs combines electronic programming with prepared and computer-controlled piano pieces. The track Avril 14th becomes one of his best-known recordings. James later says the album appears earlier than intended after he misplaces an MP3 player containing unreleased material.

Aliases, labels and later work

During the 2000s James continues releasing music under several aliases. In 2005 he issues the Analord series as AFX, using analogue equipment only; these recordings are later compiled as Chosen Lords in 2006. Under the alias the Tuss he releases Confederation Trough and Rushup Edge in 2007. Rephlex digitally reissues the Analord series with extra tracks in 2009 before the label later ceases operations. He also begins working with visual artist Weirdcore for live performance visuals in 2009.

SoundCloud, awards and recent activity

Since 2015 James periodically uploads demo recordings and unreleased material to SoundCloud, including a collection titled Modular Trax. In 2011 he performs works by Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki in a tribute concert. In 2014 he releases Syro, his first Aphex Twin album since Drukqs, and it wins the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album. The release is promoted through graffiti, a blimp over London and announcements on the Tor network. That year he also distributes a previously unreleased 1994 album made under the Caustic Window name after a fan-organised crowdfunding campaign.

2015 onwards

In 2015 he releases Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2, made with robotic and computer-controlled instruments. Cheetah follows in 2016 and Collapse in 2018. He also issues limited-edition vinyl at live performances and festivals. In 2023 he returns to live performance with appearances at festivals including Field Day and Sónar, and releases Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / In a Room7 F760, which receives a Grammy Award nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Recording. An augmented reality promotional application accompanies the release. In 2024 an expanded edition of Selected Ambient Works Volume II appears in physical and digital formats with previously unreleased material, and the compilation Music from the Merch Desk (2016-2023) collects tracks previously sold only at live events.