Can you tell me who the musician Aphex Twin was inspired by? Also, what were the general reactions when he first released his music? Was it considered innovative or was it sorted into the general electronic / drum and bass field?
Aphex Twin, whose real name is Richard D. James, was inspired by a variety of electronic musicians and genres. Some of his early influences included:

- **Kraftwerk** - pioneering German electronic band, influential on synthpop and electronic dance music.

- **Brian Eno** - influential ambient and electronic artist, popularized concepts like generative music.

- **Cabaret Voltaire** - early industrial and electronic band, influenced by punk and Dada art movements.

- Techno and acid house music emerging in the late 80s and early 90s.

When Aphex Twin first released music in the early 1990s, it was considered very innovative. His style blended techno, acid house, and ambient music with complex rhythms and sounds. The music was very intricate but also accessible. It inspired and influenced the evolution of electronic genres like IDM (intelligent dance music), ambient techno, and drum and bass. While it had roots in existing electronic styles, Aphex Twin's unique approach and sound was seen as fresh and cutting-edge at the time. His early '90s albums like Selected Ambient Works 85-92 and I Care Because You Do were particularly influential.