hanging out with audiophiles

Michael Zähl, former engineer and designer of the main custom made mixing console at the legendary Studio of Conny Plank and Mark Ernestus, long time producer known from projects like Basic Channel and Rhythm & Sound had a special encounter which led to the collaborative development of AM1 - the state-of-the-art pure analog mixing console. I speak to these two excellent individuals about how they came to meet and the 9 years journey to make a mixing desk the likes of which we’ve never seen before. _____ Kind sponsorship of this pod comes from a lesser known company called Ableton! Live 12.1 is out and it’s a beauty of an update. I put autoshift through its paces in a mini nitty to kick off the show Happy to offer a nice juicy discount to listeners  Use coupon code “HOWA20” at checkout, and get 20% off at Ableton.com. Valid until November 15, 2024

Taylor Deupree, a prolific electronic musician and founder of 12k, joins Joseph Branciforte, a Grammy-winning composer and engineer, to discuss their ambitious project transforming the 2002 album Stil. into a 100% acoustic version called Sti.ll. They examine the challenges and artistry behind this shift from digital to live instruments, evoking a deeper emotional resonance. The conversation also touches on collaboration with young musicians in Dhaka, innovative recording processes, and the balance between acoustic and digital sound, showcasing their passion for musical evolution.

Hauschka, also known as Volker Bertelmann, is a talented musician famed for his prepared piano techniques and a fascinating transition from rap to contemporary classical music. He discusses the unique texture of his latest album, philanthropy, emphasizing its detail-rich sound. The conversation also explores his journey in film scoring, including his acclaimed work on 'All Quiet on the Western Front.' Hauschka shares insights on collaboration, the impact of Düsseldorf's music scene, and the innovative blending of traditional and modern sounds in his creative process.

Kazim Rashid, an artist and creative director based in Berlin and London, discusses the intricate balance between creativity and commerce in the music industry. He shares insights on the challenges artists face in gaining recognition and support, especially amidst the streaming revolution. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and adaptability in navigating the evolving landscape. They also explore the emotional impact of social media on artists and emphasize the need for meaningful connections between performers and their audiences.

Andy Falconer, a member of The Orb, talks about their ambient album 'SETI' with Alex Paterson. They discuss the creation of cold yet welcoming soundscapes, blending old world samples with acoustic instruments. The podcast dives into mishaps in recording studios, the evolution of music technology, and influences like ketamine on creativity.

Renowned musician and producer Matthew Herbert discusses creating 1000 pieces of music annually, his unique organ filled with pigs blood, and collaborating on memorable music projects. The podcast explores his innovative sound recording techniques, using unconventional instruments like horse skeletons, and the challenges of balancing artistry with practicality in music production.

Jason Lim, Founder of Instruo, discusses building a successful company in the eurorack world. They explore team dynamics, collaboration, and the nature of design. The episode also touches on the music of the mushroom, parental support, and a journey from guitar to electronic music production.

Im joined by Matthew Allum (ALM/Busy Circuits) as we discuss the origins of one of the best loved and most popular eurorack modules of all time Pam’s New Workout (and subsequent PRO form) How does a person go from having a thought of an afternoon to running one of the worlds most beloved modular synth companies? All shall be revealed! For those sensitive to talk of whittling, I must warn you there is mention of carpentry but it’s short lived and most of the chips we linger on are of the silicon and not wooden variety. This is part of a 2 episode pre super booth special and I’ll be popping a few bit up on the patreon using an ALM based system to rinse it a little 🙂 Who’s coming to the booth!?!?! This episode is sponsored by the tremendous fabfilter They are celebrating 20 years in the game with a HUGE SALE yes you can get 30% off Fabfilter plugins until May 1st !!! Act now as these are some of the very best plugins on the planet. Here’s the link. Click on y’all https://www.fabfilter.com/shop

Interview with Robert Henke, co-developer of Ableton Live, exploring his real artist focus on current obsessions like working with the commodore PET platform, dislike of machine reverb, love for PPG wave and Synclavier, and his unique sound and light shows. Discusses collaborative record creation, Berlin excitement, sound generation techniques, childhood dreams of art and engineering, Sicavio synthesizer, vintage samplers, and the evolution of a musical friendship leading to software development. Delves into AI programming challenges, role in music creation, transitioning to art installations, and reflections on travel and art.

Jesse Harris, accomplished songwriter with songs sung by artists like Norah Jones & Willie Nelson, talks about songwriting wisdom, collaborations, and his mild-mannered nature in a reflective interview. They discuss Nashville life, Haitian music, musical obsessions, minimalism in music production, imperfections in mixing, the creative process, and the importance of support in sustaining creativity.