Fishtail

Fishtail

by AMY NICOLA MCBRIDE

6 ratings
2 reviews
$14.99

Details

Released
August 5, 2026
Updated
October 10, 2026

Features

Fishtail screenshot #1 for iPhone
Fishtail screenshot #2 for iPhone
Fishtail screenshot #3 for iPhone
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About

This app generates complete musical forms using algorithmic composition based on music theory. Users can shape, perform, and rearrange these compositions, routing seven musical channels to their chosen instruments via MIDI. It offers extensive control over keys, modes, and expressive elements.

✓Algorithmic music generation
✓Multi-section compositions
✓Seven-channel MIDI output
✓Retain, reorder, and perform Takes
✓Multiple intonation systems
✓AUv3 MIDI plug-in support
✓Ableton Link integration
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What's New in Fishtail

1.1

October 10, 2026

Fishtail 1.1 introduces two new composers: Lumière, with evolving modal colour, and Ritual Engine, with rhythmic energy. Roll D7 for a shaped musical recipe, press Generate, then explore and edit the arrangement to make it your own. A new welcome introduces the composers and Vesper, our expressive companion synthesiser, with links to Vesper and the applicable Fishtail + Vesper bundle. Continue takes you straight into Fishtail; reopen the welcome from Settings → What’s new. Build arrangements with up to 128 sections, each up to 64 bars. Very long, dense combinations remain subject to generation capacity. This update also includes improvements to Take handling, project and host-session reliability, and clearer MIDI routing controls.

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User reviews

Not convinced

I consider myself a music professional and know a bit about different styles of music from counterpoint to serial music to pop and jazz… but I barely hear ANY recognizable structure in this app’s output, and I didn’t find a way to change that.
Moreover, any parameter tweaking results in a new “Take” for which there are only 32 slots without any possibility of deletion — this concept does need explanation.
The UI is clunky, the nomenclature is strange, the manual is pseudo-complete and exhaustingly over-structured with tables and glossary but without any meaningful personal description of the musical aesthetic or composition technique this app is aiming to achieve.
Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I suspect this to be a work of heavily AI supported coding without any prior experience in UX and App Development.
I do respect any newbie trying to contribute something meaningful — but why not start small, publish your first attempt free of charge, ask for support via tip jar and user feedback, collect some knowledge, build a reputation and THEN try your hands on a commercial product?
That said, the App Icon is pretty slick, the App runs stable and the multichannel output is a promising feature.
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Wow!

The only thing I’d like to see would be the ability to put this in AUM as a MIDI controller vs having to put it in as an instrument. Otherwise, BRAVO!

Developer apps

FAQ

What is Fishtail?

Fishtail is a generative MIDI instrument that composes complete musical forms algorithmically. It allows users to shape, perform, and rearrange these compositions, routing seven musical channels to their chosen instruments.

Does Fishtail use AI to generate music?

No, Fishtail does not use AI. Its musical output is created through algorhythmic generation grounded in musical theory, offering a different approach to composition.

What devices does Fishtail support?

Fishtail is available for iPhone and iPad, offering a versatile tool for mobile music creation.

How much does Fishtail cost?

Fishtail is a paid application, priced at $4.99. There are no in-app purchases or subscriptions required.

Can Fishtail be used as a plug-in?

Yes, Fishtail can be used standalone or as an AUv3 MIDI plug-in, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other compatible music applications.

Does Fishtail have ads?

No, Fishtail is ad-free. The app description explicitly states 'No account, advertising, analytics or tracking'.

How often is Fishtail updated?

Fishtail was last updated on August 9, 2026, with version 1.0.2. This indicates recent development and support for the application.

What kind of musical output does Fishtail produce?

Fishtail produces MIDI output rather than sound. This allows users to route its seven musical channels to any virtual instruments or hardware synthesizers they choose.