Doomscroll (Demo)

Ben Robinson

77 views

Orchestra

2023

9 min.

Bassoon

Cello

Clarinet

Double Bass

Flute

Horn

Oboe

Pitched Percussion

Trombone

Trumpet

Tuba

Unpitched Percussion

Viola

Violin

Program Notes: Doomscroll explores the stimulating and disorienting effects of mindless social media consumption. Drawing from personal experiences, the music reflects on the conflicting feelings of comfort and guilt that arise when scrolling into the early hours of the morning. The composition intertwines unexpected melodies with a driving rhythmic energy, capturing an insatiable desire for new information and the resulting emotional fluctuations. Moments of sudden textural surges and rhythmic stabs evoke fleeting instances of pleasure and unsustainable dopamine hits, all the while precious time is slipping away. Like many of my works, Doomscroll does not aim to preach change to the audience, but rather acknowledges and depicts my own internal conflict. Ultimately, the piece expresses hope for a healthy shift in my relationship with the digital world.