WORLDRHYTHM

Cross-Cultural Rhythm Generation System Based on Ethnomusicological Research

Four-Layer Role System

Timeline

Rhythmic reference framework. Analogous to bell pattern in West African music or Clave in Cuban music.

Foundation

Low-frequency skeleton. Sparse and stable. Corresponds to bass drum or low percussion.

Groove

Fills rhythmic space. Complementary relationship with Foundation layer.

Lead

Most flexible layer. Responsible for improvisation and ornamentation.

Interlocking Mechanisms

Avoidance

Layer avoids positions where another layer already has notes

Complement

Layer prioritizes filling gaps left by another layer

Strong: West African, Gamelan ・ None: Electronic

Style Preference Matrix

West African (12/8)
Afro-Cuban
Brazilian (Samba)
Balkan (Aksak)
Indian (Tala)
Gamelan
Jazz
Electronic
Breakbeat
Techno
Each style defines preference values (0.0-1.0) for 4 roles × 16 positions

Humanization

West African timing±22ms
Jazz timing±12ms
Electronic timing±5ms
Swing (slow BPM)~68%
Swing (fast BPM)~54%
Ghost Notes velocity25-32%
Accent boostStrong beats

Articulation Profile System

Style × Role Mapping

Each style's role has dedicated articulation settings based on ethnomusicological research

Ornament Techniques

Flam, Drag, Ruff, Buzz — selected automatically per style/role

Single knob controls probability; technique type determined by style and role

Specialized Engines

IramaEngine — Density Levels

Javanese 5-level: Lancar → Tanggung → Dados → Wiled → Rangkep

KotekanEngine — Interlocking

Balinese Polos-Sangsih strict alternation, two parts → one rapid melody

PolymeterEngine — Cycle Overlay

Simultaneous different-length cycles (e.g., 12 beats vs 16 beats)

CallResponseEngine — Dialogue

Traditional music dialogue structure with Call and Response types

AsymmetricGroupingEngine

Balkan Aksak rhythms (e.g., 7/8 = 2+2+3)

Theoretical Foundation

Simha Arom (1991)African polyrhythm & interlock
Gerhard Kubik (2010)Timeline theory
Fernando Benadon (2006)Jazz microtiming
Godfried Toussaint (2013)Euclidean rhythms
Michael Tenzer (2000)Balinese Kotekan