MoRPHEME by 310

In 1994, Joseph Dierker and Tim Donovan were beginning to find the sound that would soon become 310. Their evolving palette was influenced by Brian Eno’s ambient work and Steve Reich’s drifting loops, as well as darker sounds like Zoviet France and Nocturnal Emissions.

Back in 1991, Tim was immersed in the recording studio of James Madison University’s music department in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He recorded an album with a trio called Malacoda from Richmond which used Ensoniq EPS samplers. That sampler work and experimentation with 1/4” tape loops to create ambient pieces were the origins for Tim’s 310 input. (Some of the tape loop experimentation appears on MoRPHEME.)

Later, in New York recording studios, Tim started using the AMS DMX delay with a six second sampler. While waiting on recording clients to show up for sessions, he began making quick loops from various sources, usually from the TV. The AMS would continually record the TV until a six second sample could be locked in after hearing something good to use. His DAT tapes with a wide assortment of loops started piling up, and once sifted through, would become the layers of a new 310 piece.

At the same time, Joe was experimenting in his home studio in Richmond, Virginia. Using a Tascam four-track and Digitech two-second delay pedal, he feverishly layered interlocking field recordings and media samples into odd, compelling sonic tapestries. 

These experimental recordings were saved onto DAT tapes and cassettes, then mailed between cities. Joe and Tim built on each other’s work, and MoRPHEME became 310’s first full-length production. It's a wash of ambient soundscapes and beats creating what would become the signature 310 sound. Some of the tracks later made it on to 310’s first self-released CD, Aug 56, three years later. (The preferred DIY format at the time was cassette tape.)

With a beautiful photograph for the cover by Laura Hanifin (laurahanifin.com), 310 churned out 100 copies and got them around with help from Mike Gangloff of Pelt in Richmond.

The recording represented here was culled from the original DAT master and digitally remastered.

© 1994

310's Joseph Dierker and Tim Donovan have been developing their unique blend of hip-hop, art-rock beats, ethnic percussion, ambient drones, vocal samples, and live instrumentation since 1997. With four albums released on the UK's prestigious Leaf Label, their signature sound has developed beyond its beginnings as tapes sent back and forth across the country. Joseph Dierker obituary link is below

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