Fishtail: Generative MIDI Instrument for iPhone, iPad & Mac

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Amy Nicola McBride has released Fishtail, a generative MIDI instrument and composition system for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Unlike many current tools, the app does not rely on artificial intelligence. Instead, its musical output is produced by algorithmic rules grounded in music theory. As a result, Fishtail can create complete, repeatable multi-section pieces that users can compose, arrange and perform.

Music Theory Instead of AI

Fishtail generates MIDI only. Therefore, users choose their own instruments to receive the data, such as synthesizers, samplers or software instruments. The system builds whole musical forms with independent sections, keys, modes, meters and cadences. Moreover, each section offers controls for musical role, treatment, expression and Bloom parameters. Retained Takes can be compared, reordered and handed over at whole-piece boundaries, which makes it easy to keep exact generations for further arrangement.

AUv3 and CoreMIDI Integration

On iPhone and iPad, Fishtail runs standalone or as an AUv3 MIDI plug-in and has been tested in AUM. On Mac, the app works as a Universal standalone application or as an AUv3 instrument inside Logic Pro and compatible hosts. In addition, the standalone Mac app publishes one combined and seven separate CoreMIDI sources with an optional 24 PPQN clock and Link-aware transport. Ableton Link synchronises tempo, beat, phase and optional transport with other music apps. Furthermore, seven intonation systems are available with normal MIDI, pitch bend and MPE output.

Projects can be saved as .fishtail files, and users can export Standard MIDI files. For experimental setups, the app also offers analogue CV file packages. Privacy is handled locally by design, since the app collects no data and includes no accounts, advertising, analytics or tracking.

Features

  • Multi-section forms with independent key, mode, meter, cadence and compositional character
  • Retained Takes for comparing, reordering and handing off exact generations
  • Seven musical voices with combined or separate MIDI routing
  • Seven intonation systems with MIDI, pitch bend and MPE output
  • AUv3 and standalone operation on iOS, iPadOS and macOS
  • CoreMIDI routing with optional 24 PPQN clock on Mac
  • Ableton Link tempo, beat, phase and transport synchronisation
  • .fishtail project save/recall, Standard MIDI export and analogue CV file packages

Pricing and Availability

Fishtail is available now on the App Store. Version 1.0.2 runs on iPhone and iPad, while version 1.0.1 is available for Mac. The apps require iOS or iPadOS 17 or later, or macOS 14 or later. The Mac version is Universal for Apple silicon and Intel processors.

Price
Intro (iPhone/iPad): 4.99 USD
Intro (Mac): 14.99 USD
Regular (iPhone/iPad): 14.99 USD
Regular (Mac): 29.99 USD

Pros

  • Algorithmic generation based on music theory instead of AI, producing repeatable results
  • Flexible integration with AUv3, standalone CoreMIDI routing and Ableton Link
  • Seven tuning systems with MIDI, pitch bend and MPE output support

Cons

  • Generates MIDI only and requires a separate synthesizer or instrument for sound
  • Separate apps and purchases are needed for the iOS and Mac versions

More info: Amy Nicola McBride | Fishtail