Harold Budd and the Formation of Repetition Repetition

The Breakfast That Sparked a Collaboration

Harold Budd, the acclaimed minimalist composer, finally agreed to meet Ruben Garcia for breakfast after receiving persistent letters from him. Garcia, who was eager to introduce Budd to his band, Repetition Repetition, featuring local guitarist Steve Caton, believed that Budd would appreciate their music. The meeting at a Mexican restaurant proved fruitful, as the trio quickly connected and soon transitioned to Garcia’s home to jam together.

Collaborative Beginnings

Budd’s involvement with Repetition Repetition led to his contribution on several tracks of the duo’s self-titled album, released in 1985. His innovative approach to sound—plugging one reverb unit into another—enabled Garcia’s keyboard to achieve a hovering, gliding effect. Reflecting on the collaboration, Budd remarked in a lecture, “They decided at some point that they were interested in art music, rather than dirty club rock’n’roll. This is going to be difficult, but God help them, I think they’re great.”

Musical Backgrounds

Steve Caton, with a history in punk bands and a stint with Tori Amos’ early new-wave group Y Kant Tori Read, had a penchant for “dirty club rock’n’roll,” though he also explored jazz and classical. In contrast, Ruben Garcia was singularly devoted to minimalism, stating, “Minimalism is my life.” This divergence in musical backgrounds fostered a unique collaboration, drawing inspiration from the works of Philip Glass and Steve Reich.

Sound and Style of Repetition Repetition

From 1984 to 1987, Repetition Repetition produced an impressive discography, which includes three cassettes and two compilation tracks. A selection of these tracks is featured on their compilation album, Fit for Consequences, encapsulating their innovative evolution within a brief time frame.

Exploring Early Tracks

The compilation opens with “Over & Over, Pt. 1,” a track from a 1984 compilation on the obscure Trance Port Tapes. This song exemplifies Repetition Repetition’s signature style, blending Garcia’s hypnotic synthesizer ostinatos with Caton’s melancholic guitar tones. While the sound wasn’t groundbreaking in the mid-’80s, Garcia embraced the influence of pioneers like Terry Riley, yet Repetition Repetition infused their work with a lo-fi grit that set them apart from traditional Minimalism.

Evolution of Their Sound

Following their debut album, Repetition Repetition shifted their creative process. Instead of collaborating in real-time, Garcia began to improvise solo in his home studio, sending the resulting reels and 4-track recordings to Caton. This method allowed both musicians to craft their contributions independently. “Lakeland” exemplifies this new approach, showcasing Garcia’s Eno-inspired piano work, while Caton adopts a more passive role, allowing the serene piano figures to shine.

Contrasting Styles

In another track, “The Men Are Fighting,” Caton takes a more assertive stance with heavy-metal riffs, creating a stark contrast to the atmospheric keyboard background. Garcia’s lyrics, sung in Spanish, poignantly reflect the life of a machinist striving to balance work and art, encapsulated in the line “luchando por mi música”—fighting for my music.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Harold Budd, Ruben Garcia, and Steve Caton not only marked a significant moment in the evolution of Repetition Repetition but also exemplified the meeting of diverse musical philosophies. Their unique sound, characterized by minimalism infused with a raw, underground edge, continues to resonate with fans and serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in music.

FAQs

Who are the members of Repetition Repetition?

Repetition Repetition consists of Ruben Garcia and Steve Caton, with notable contributions from minimalist composer Harold Budd.

What genre of music does Repetition Repetition play?

Repetition Repetition is known for their minimalist sound, incorporating elements of art music along with influences from punk rock and jazz.

What is the significance of their debut album?

Their self-titled debut album, released in 1985, showcases their unique sound and marked the beginning of their musical journey, influencing future projects and collaborations.

How did their creative process change over time?

After their debut album, Garcia shifted to a more solo improvisational approach, allowing for individual contributions that were later combined, contrasting with their initial collaborative jamming sessions.