Chaos Music

In 1963, mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz devised a fascinating set of differential equations. This app is an attempt to translate the Lorenz system into music.

Even though the equations involved represent a simplified mathematical model for atmospheric convection, it’s certainly not your typical atmospheric soundtrack. More like free-form jazz on midi bagpipes. Music for meteorologists? Musichaos? You name it. Or ask your neighbours. If you find any willing to speak with you after exposing them to these sounds for a few minutes. I made the sounds much quieter than they were originally but I still recommend that you turn the volume down before starting Chaos Music. Also, do NOT use the app with your earphones on!

When you start Chaos Music app, you will see the animated Lorenz attractor, accompanied by some synth sounds. Attractors are like the states to which the system settles over time. When that states are shown in so-called “phase space”, the resulting trajectory may look beautiful. The Lorenz attractor resembles a butterfly’s wings somewhat. Interestingly enough, the famous "butterfly effect" is closely related to Lorenz system. It is an underlying principle of Chaos and is used to describe sensitive dependence on initial conditions. Those naughty butterflies affect our weather with flap of their wings all the time, preventing the meteorologist from giving us an accurate weather forecast. Well…it’s not that simple. But sounds nice.

The sounds you hear correspond to the location of the attractor's points. Initially, the parameters’ values are the same ones that Lorenz used originally. The pattern the equations produce over time belongs to a group of “strange attractors”, which have a fractal structure. It is also chaotic. Chaos theory states that within the apparent randomness of chaotic complex systems (e.g. Earth's global climate, organisms, the human brain, electronic circuits, turbulent fluid flow, the stock market, etc.) there are underlying patterns, interconnection, constant feedback loops, repetition, self-similarity, fractals, and self-organization. Big words – I know. But, fortunately, Chaos Music is a simple app. And, once installed, it works completely offline and it's free. Also, it contains no ads, as usual.

You can randomize the parameters for more variety. Just touch the central part of the screen. Occasionally, you get some real gems. Patience pays off.

If you press the upper physical volume button, the default synth sound that corresponds to visuals will change a bit. The lower volume button will then get you back to default and, if you're feeling adventurous, another press takes you to a “total chaos” sound mode. It’s our favorite! But your dog might not appreciate it.

Despite occasionally using the first-person plural, I’m a solo developer. I am dedicated to creating some experimental graphical stuff. If you feel like buying me a coffee or even a donut, I won't say no. My Paypal: lordian12345@yahoo.com

After donating (donuting), as a humble thank you, I'll create (if you want me to) a unique digital piece of generative abstract art just for you (non-AI one, nothing’s wrong with AI but that would be too easy) and send it to your email address as a png picture file - with your explicit permission of course.

You could also use the email address above to send me a suggestion regarding the app.

Thanks for being a part of this journey, enjoy and God bless.