Electronic Music

Sound On Sound
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Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 39min

Tony Rolando - My Life in Modules

Tony Rolando, a self-taught musician and founder of Make Noise, shares his journey in the modular synth world. He reflects on the resilience of the Asheville community post-hurricane and the innovative strides made in electronic music during challenging times. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of modular synthesizers, from nostalgic sampling techniques to modern design. Tony showcases new modules and discusses the intricate blend of analog and digital technologies. His passion for music shines through as he reveals the emotional connections to synths that shape creative expression.
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Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 9min

Emulator II 40th Anniversary

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking E-mu Systems Emulator II sampler, Dave Rossum, Kevin Monahan and Paul Wiffen share inside stories of the development and manufacture of the instrument, their struggles to get around the technological limitations of the time and how the instrument was widely adopted by bands, artists and pop culture.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:50 - The Origins Of The Emulator03:59 - The E-mu Name 04:57 - Kevin's Background08:09 - Paul's Background11:19 - The Motivation For Creating Emulator II 16:26 - Specific Challenges25:19 - The Challenges Of Adding Hard Drives30:35 - How Did The Iconic Industrial Design Come About?35:11 - Having Two Disc Drives 38:22 - How Artists Responded To The Emulator II46:46 - Using Sampling To Create Novelty Sounds 56:08 - Kevin's Contribution To Ferris Bueller's Day Off 57:37 - The Legacy Of The Emulator II And Sampling #EmulatorII #Drumulator #SP12"This is all part of musical creativity, which is what I love about my job so much, is that I get to be at the forefront of inventing these tools that then the musicians can go figure out what to do with and blow my socks off" - Dave RossumDave Rossum BiogDave Rossum is a pioneering figure in the field of electronic music and audio technology, celebrated as the co-founder of E-mu Systems. Rossum’s early interest in engineering and music led him to study at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he developed a deep understanding of both electronic circuits and music theory.In 1971, Rossum co-founded E-mu Systems with Scott Wedge. Initially focusing on modular synthesizers, the company became a cornerstone of the burgeoning electronic music scene. Rossum’s technical brilliance was pivotal in designing groundbreaking instruments, including the E-mu Emulator, one of the first affordable digital samplers, and the E-mu SP-1200 drum machine, which played a critical role in the development of hip-hop and electronic music.Rossum’s work extended beyond instruments to innovations in sound synthesis and sampling technologies, many of which remain influential. After E-mu was acquired in the 1990s, Rossum continued to innovate. In 2016, he launched Rossum Electro-Music, a company dedicated to creating advanced modular synthesizer tools, such as the Morpheus filter and Assimil8or sampler, which appeal to contemporary electronic musicians.Renowned for his combination of scientific rigour and musical sensitivity, Dave Rossum is regarded as a visionary who helped shape the sound of modern music and remains an influential force in the industry.https://www.rossum-electro.com/ Kevin Monahan BiogKevin Monahan was a key figure at E-mu Systems, contributing to the company’s legacy of groundbreaking innovations in electronic music technology. Monahan played a pivotal role in the development and marketing of E-mu’s iconic products during the company’s peak in the 1980s and 1990s, helping bridge the gap between technical engineering and the creative needs of musicians.As a product specialist and public face for E-mu Systems, Monahan was instrumental in introducing instruments like the E-mu Emulator series, the SP-1200 sampler, and the Proteus sound module to musicians around the world. His deep understanding of the technology, combined with his ability to communicate its potential to artists and producers, made him a vital part of E-mu’s success in both the professional and consumer music markets.Beyond his technical expertise, Monahan’s passion for music and sound design made him a respected voice in the industry, helping to shape the culture and tools of electronic music during a transformative era. His contributions to E-mu’s success are remembered as an important chapter in the evolution of music technology.Paul Wiffen BiogPaul Wiffen is a renowned keyboard player, sound designer, and music technologist. With a career spanning decades, Wiffen has worked as both a musician and a consultant for leading synthesizer manufacturers, blending his technical expertise with a keen musical sensibility. At the height of the Emulator II's success, he was London's most prominent programmer of the instrument.As a keyboardist, Wiffen has collaborated with prominent artists like Paul McCartney and Peter Gabriel, as well as recording the bass line on the Band Aid single. As a sound designer he's been involved in several film scores, from Blade Runner with Vangelis to Jungle Fever with Stevie Wonder. His sound design work for manufacturers is equally notable —he played a significant role in programming and demonstrating groundbreaking synthesizers such as the Elka Synthex, OSCar and the Korg Z1, helping to shape the sound palettes of the 1980s and 1990s.Known for his engaging live demonstrations at trade shows and clinics, Wiffen has also been an advocate for electronic music technology, helping musicians unlock the potential of new instruments and old.Rob Puricelli BiogRob Puricelli is a Music Technologist and Instructional Designer who has a healthy obsession with classic synthesizers and their history. In conjunction with former Fairlight Studio Manager, Peter Wielk, he fixes and restores Fairlight CMI’s so that they can enjoy prolonged and productive lives with new owners. He also writes reviews and articles for Sound On Sound, his website Failed Muso, and other music-related publications, as well as hosting a weekly livestream on YouTube for the Pro Synth Network and guesting on numerous music technology podcasts and shows. He also works alongside a number of manufacturers, demonstrating their products and lecturing at various educational and vocational establishments about music technology.www.failedmuso.comTwitter: @failedmusoInstagram: @failedmusoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/failedmuso/Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts
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Nov 28, 2024 • 45min

Suzanne Ciani: Space, Time and Buchla

Electronic music pioneer and composer Suzanne Ciani discusses her career highlights in conversation with William Stokes, including early performance struggles due to her determination to present shows in quadraphonic, a career resurgence thanks to Moogfest and why she loves working with the Buchla interface.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:06 - The First Female To Score A Movie04:01 - Having More Than 20 Albums04:36 - Golden Apples Of The Sun07:55 - Live Performance Struggles11:57 - A Love Of Programming14:09 - Interacting With A Buchla17:14 - A New Way Of Performing Music22:32 - The Buchla 250 MARF25:36 - Making A Comeback At Moogfest29:36 - Creating Spatial Content38:40 - A Meeting Of Art And Science 41:36 - Future Plans"I didn't build the machines, I certainly didn't design them, but I could interact with them and use them, you know, and that's what I liked".#buchla #moogSuzanne Ciani BiogSuzanne is a five-time Grammy award-nominated composer, electronic music pioneer, and neo-classical recording artist who has released over 20 solo albums including "Seven Waves," and "The Velocity of Love," along with a landmark quad LP “LIVE Quadraphonic,” which restarted her Buchla modular performances. Her work has been featured in films, games, and countless commercials as well. She was inducted into the first class of Keyboard Magazine's Hall of Fame alongside other synth luminaries, including Bob Moog, Don Buchla and Dave Smith and received the Moog Innovation Award. Most recently, she is the recipient of the Independent Icon Award from A2IM, The Golden Ear Award and the SEAMUS Award.Suzanne has provided the voice and sounds for Bally's groundbreaking "Xenon" pinball machine, created Coca-Cola’s pop-and-pour sound, designed logos for Fortune 500 companies and carved out a niche as one of the most creatively successful female composers in the world. A Life in Waves, a documentary about Ciani’s life and work, debuted at SXSW in 2017 and is available to watch on all digital platforms. Ciani is a graduate of Wellesley College and holds a Masters in Music Composition from the University of California, Berkeley.http://sevwave.com/https://transversales.bandcamp.com/album/golden-apples-of-the-sun-3William Stokes BiogWilliam Stokes is a producer, writer and artist in three-piece avant-psych band Voka Gentle. As well as being a critic and columnist for Sound On Sound, conceiving the popular Talkback column and heading up the Modular column, he has also written on music and music technology for The Guardian, MOJO, The Financial Times, Electronic Sound and more. As an artist in Voka Gentle he has made records with producers from Gareth Jones (Depeche Mode, Grizzly Bear, Nick Cave) to Sam Petts-Davies (Radiohead, The Smile, Roger Waters), has had songs featured on franchises from FIFA Football to The Sims and has toured across the UK, Europe and the USA, playing festivals from Pitchfork Avant-Garde in Paris to SXSW in Austin, Texas. He has collaborated with artists including the Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne, Morcheeba, Panda Bear and Sonic Boom. Alongside being a guitarist and pianist, he is a synthesis enthusiast with a particular interest in sampling and explorative sound manipulation. As a producer and engineer, he has made albums with acclaimed avant-garde musicians from composer Tullis Rennie to Mute Records artist Louis Carnell. “I’m always seeking out the most ‘out-there’, experimental, risk-taking musicians I can find to work with,” he says, “to capture vibrant, detailed recordings and create three-dimensional mixes of music that might otherwise struggle to know where to begin in the studio environment.” Stokes currently lectures in Music Production at City, University of London.https://www.vokagentle.com/Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts
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Oct 31, 2024 • 51min

Krust - Drum & Bass Pioneer

Krust, also known as K or DJ Krust, chats about his early involvement in the Bristol music scene in the late 80s to early 90s, the development of the Drum & Bass sound and setting up the Full Cycle and Dope Dragon labels with Roni Size.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:28 - Early Influences And Getting Started07:28 - Getting Immersed In Rave08:45 - Launching A Label10:23 - Learning The Equipment12:12 - Jungle DJ / Producers16:11 - Creating A Sound Palette17:58 - Making Use Of Hardware19:52 - Preparing A Track23:23 - Dealing With Burnout28:20 - Helping Musicians31:06 - Crafting The New Album41:15 - The Current Jungle / DnB Scene48:36 - Current And Future ProjectsInterviewee BiogBristol-born b-boy Kirk Thompson is best known as DJ and producer Krust, an artist whose ideas and frequencies rumble and resonate deep within jungle’s DNA. With an indelible legacy as a key figurehead in the Bristol sound, he has never compromised since emerging in 1989 as a member of Fresh 4. As a founding member of Full Cycle, the first non-London label to truly mould and manipulate the jungle schematic, and Reprazents, one of the first D&B acts to infiltrate the popular psyche and win critical Mercury Music Prize acclaim, his designs continue to help shape our understanding of what drum & bass is.He is regarded as one of drum & bass and jungle's founders and pioneers noted for his unique musical style. Epic experimentalism of Krust’s  can be heard in his 1997 single ‘Soul In Motion’ and similarly ground-breaking ‘98 single ‘True Stories’ for Talkin Loud. An in-demand remixer, Krust has reworked tracks for Bjork, Korn, Moloko, Claude VonStroke, DJ Krush, Adam F, Shy FX, Alex Reece, DJ Ron, DJ Rap and many more. His recent album entitled Edge of Everything was released in 2020 on Crosstown Rebels and received critical acclaim. It was nominated for a album of the year with AIM Award and DjMag.In addition to making music Krust has helmed Adapt The Canvas, a lifestyle coaching consultancy that holds workshops and seminars giving advice on time management, overcoming personal challenges, creative thinking, wellness and the development of the working mindsets, which have taken place in music colleges, universities and The Barbican, London. His Weekly podcast Conversation for Creatives reaches a global audience of creatives and can be checked out on his Instagram and Spotify profiles.https://crosstownrebels.bandcamp.com/album/the-edge-of-everythinghttps://www.instagram.com/dj_krust/https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adaptthecanvasCaro C BiogCaro C is an artist, engineer and teacher specialising in electronic music. Her self-produced fourth album 'Electric Mountain' is out now. Described as a "one-woman electronic avalanche" (BBC), Caro started making music thanks to being laid up whilst living in a double decker bus and listening to the likes of Warp Records in the late 1990's. This 'sonic enchantress' (BBC Radio 3) has now played in most of the cultural hotspots of her current hometown of Manchester, UK. Caro is also the instigator and project manager of electronic music charity Delia Derbyshire Day.URL: http://carocsound.com/Twitter: @carocsoundInst: @carocsoundFB: https://www.facebook.com/carocsound/Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts
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Sep 26, 2024 • 19min

Using Effects Pedals With Synths

Pedals are not just for guitars. Here Paul White connects his extensive pedal collection to a modular synth system, effectively using the pedals as additional modules and suggesting some creative ways of setting up and combining them to create a range of sounds for different applications.(00:00) - Introduction (01:12) - Connecting Your Pedals (02:01) - Using A Delay Or Reverb (04:19) - Adding Some Overdrive (05:08) - Adding Effects With Pitch Shift (06:07) - Using Chorus To Thicken A Sound (06:58) - Tremolo And Vibrato (07:24) - Phasers And Flangers (08:40) - Adding An Envelope Filter (09:51) - Creating Textures With Granular Delay (10:56) - Ring Modulator Effects (12:22) - Combining Effects (15:03) - Adding In An Arpeggiator (15:53) - Creating A Softer Sound Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:42 - Connecting Your Pedals01:31 - Using A Delay Or Reverb03:49 - Adding Some Overdrive04:38 - Adding Effects With Pitch Shift05:37 - Using Chorus To Thicken A Sound06:28 - Tremolo And Vibrato06:54 - Phasers And Flangers08:10 - Adding An Envelope Filter09:21 - Creating Textures With Granular Delay10:26 - Ring Modulator Effects11:52 - Combining Effects 14:33 - Adding In An Arpeggiator15:23 - Creating A Softer Sound#StrymonCloudburstPaul White BiogPaul White initially trained in electronics at The Royal Radar Establishment in Malvern then went on to work with Malvern Instruments, a company specialising in laser analysis equipment, before moving into technical writing. He joined the Sound On Sound team in 1991 where he became Editor In Chief, a position he held for many years before recently becoming Executive Editor. Paul has written more than 20 recording and music technology textbooks, the latest being The Producer’s Manual.Having established his own multitrack home studio in the 1980s he’s worked with many notable names including Bert Jansch and Gordon Giltrap. He’s played in various bands over the years and currently collaborates with Malvern musician Mark Soden, under the name of Cydonia Collective. Paul still performs live claiming that as he has suffered for his music he doesn’t see why everyone else shouldn’t too!http://www.cydoniacollective.co.uk/Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts
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Aug 20, 2024 • 56min

Scanner - My Life In Modules

In this first part of an occasional series exploring modular synthesis and live performance. William Stokes talks to experimental electronic musician Scanner about his career, the choice of his favourite modules he'll showcase in his closing performance and the friendliness of the modular community. Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:13 - The Tate Modern Installation02:52 - Working With Laurie Anderson06:40 - The Origin Of The Name Scanner10:47 - Module 1: Morphagene14:30 - Module 2: Mimeophon18:52 - Module 3: Equation Composer24:08 - Module 4: QU-Bit Prism26:51 - Finding Your Sound With Modular29:22 - Module 5: QU-Bit Nano Rand31:16 - Module 6: Instruō øchd DivKid 33:12 - Modular Social Community 35:31 - Modular Aesthetics38:38 - Module 7: Bela Gliss42:37 - The PerformanceMorphagene - https://www.makenoisemusic.com/modules/morphagene/Mimeophon - https://www.makenoisemusic.com/modules/mimeophon/Equation Composer (discontinued) QU-Bit Prism - https://www.qubitelectronix.com/shop/p/prismQU-Bit Nano Rand - https://www.qubitelectronix.com/shop/p/nano-rand Instruō øchd - https://www.instruomodular.com/product/ochd/Bela Gliss - https://uk.shop.bela.io/products/glissRobin Rimbaud BiogScanner (British artist Robin Rimbaud) traverses the experimental terrain between sound and space connecting a bewilderingly diverse array of genres. Since 1991 he has been intensely active in sonic art, producing concerts, installations and recordings, the albums Mass Observation (1994), Delivery (1997), and The Garden is Full of Metal (1998) hailed by critics as innovative and inspirational works of contemporary electronic music. To date he has scored 65 dance productions, including the hit musical comedy Kirikou & Karaba Narnia, Qualia for the London Royal Ballet, and the world’s first Virtual Reality ballet, Nightfall, for Dutch National Ballet.More unusual projects have included designing sound for the Philips Wake-Up Light (2009), the re-opening of the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam in 2012 and the new Cisco telephone system used in many offices around the world. His work Salles des Departs is permanently installed in a working morgue in Paris whilst Vex, the residential house by Chance de Silva architects, featuring his permanent soundtrack, won the RIBA London Award 2018.Committed to working with cutting edge practitioners he collaborated with Bryan Ferry, Wayne MacGregor, Mike Kelley, Torres, Michael Nyman, Steve McQueen, Laurie Anderson and Hussein Chalayan, amongst many others.http://www.scannerdot.comWilliam Stokes BiogWilliam Stokes is a producer, writer and artist in three-piece avant-psych band Voka Gentle. As well as being a critic and columnist for Sound On Sound, conceiving the popular Talkback column and heading up the Modular column, he has also written on music and music technology for The Guardian, MOJO, The Financial Times, Electronic Sound and more. As an artist in Voka Gentle he has made records with producers from Gareth Jones (Depeche Mode, Grizzly Bear, Nick Cave) to Sam Petts-Davies (Radiohead, The Smile, Roger Waters), has had songs featured on franchises from FIFA Football to The Sims and has toured across the UK, Europe and the USA, playing festivals from Pitchfork Avant-Garde in Paris to SXSW in Austin, Texas. He has collaborated with artists including the Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne, Morcheeba, Panda Bear and Sonic Boom. Alongside being a guitarist and pianist, he is a synthesis enthusiast with a particular interest in sampling and explorative sound manipulation. As a producer and engineer, he has made albums with acclaimed avant-garde musicians from composer Tullis Rennie to Mute Records artist Louis Carnell. “I’m always seeking out the most ‘out-there’, experimental, risk-taking musicians I can find to work with,” he says, “to capture vibrant, detailed recordings and create three-dimensional mixes of music that might otherwise struggle to know where to begin in the studio environment.” Stokes currently lectures in Music Production at City, University of London.https://www.vokagentle.com/Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts
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Jul 25, 2024 • 45min

Jason Singh - Sounds Of Nature

Jason Singh is a sound artist, producer and performer. His creative output is an exploration of the natural world, voice and a wide range of music technologies. Works include live performance, immersive installations, studio recordings, broadcasts and sound walks. In this show he talks about how he makes music using the MIDI Sprout interface, a device that senses the electrical voltage of plants and converts it into MIDI information. He then uses the notes to control Ableton to produce the sounds he used in his recordings and immersive installations.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:48 - Getting Started in Audio06:17 - Collaborating With Other Creatives09:46 - Studio Toys12:48 - Custom Built Instruments And Interfaces14:08 - Live Performances19:41 - Collaborating With Nature Using Biofeedback25:07 - Using The MIDI Sprout and PlantWave29:47 - Experiencing Nature Sounds In Real-Time31:44 - Creating An Immersive Installation For Womad40:54 - Opening Your Ears To Everyday SoundsAudio Credits:Afternoon - a commission by National Trust to create an entirely vocal piece which mimics the sounds of a woodland area in Tatton Park in Cheshire.Passing Light - an Ambient Jazz piece featuring trumpet player Yazz Ahmed.Rhubarb  - is a biosonfication track from the latest release "The Hidden Music of Plants and Trees", created in collaboration with a Rhubarb plant.MIDI Sprout - https://www.midisprout.com/PlantWave - https://plantwave.com/en-gbJason Singh BiogJason Singh is sound artist, nature beatboxer, producer, dj, curator, facilitator and performer. Jason’s life and work is rooted in listening - he follows a multi-sensory and cross-species approach to sound and music. His creative output is an exploration of the natural world, voice and a wide range of music technologies. Works includes live performance, immersive installations, studio recordings, music for film and theatre, deep listening and well being experiences, sound walks, broadcasts, music workshops, podcasts, soundtapes and immersive DJ sets. Collaborations and commissions include a diverse range of organisations and artists including BBC, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, V&A Museum, Earthshot Prize, WOMAD, Kew Gardens, Chester Zoo, SONOS, Luke Jerram, BFI, Celtic Connections, RNLI, National Trust, Tate Britain, Nitin Sawhney, George Ezra, Big Narstie, Yazz Ahmed, Shabaka Hutchings, Sebastian Rochford, Leafcutter John, Graham Massey (808 State), Natacha Atlas, Sarathy Korwar, Talvin Singh and Rokia Traore to name just a few. Jason is an associate Soundscape artist with D&B audiotechnik.https://jasonsinghthing.com/Credits:Afternoon - was a commission by National Trust to create an entirely vocal piece which mimics the sounds of a woodland area in Tatton Park in Cheshire, England. Passing Light - Ambient Jazz piece featuring trumpet player Yazz Ahmed Rhubarb  - is a biosonfication track from the release "The Hidden Music of Plants and Trees" created in collaboration with a Rhubarb plant.Caro C BiogCaro C is an artist, engineer and teacher specialising in electronic music. Her self-produced fourth album 'Electric Mountain' is out now. Described as a "one-woman electronic avalanche" (BBC), Caro started making music thanks to being laid up whilst living in a double decker bus and listening to the likes of Warp Records in the late 1990's. This 'sonic enchantress' (BBC Radio 3) has now played in most of the cultural hotspots of her current hometown of Manchester, UK. Caro is also the instigator and project manager of electronic music charity Delia Derbyshire Day.URL: http://carocsound.com/Twitter: @carocsoundInst: @carocsoundFB: https://www.facebook.com/carocsound/Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts
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Jun 25, 2024 • 37min

Oberheim - 50 Years Of Synth Design

Tom Oberheim, an iconic engineer and founder of Oberheim, shares his journey from accidental inventor to synthesizer pioneer. He recalls the challenges of designing groundbreaking instruments like the SEM, OB-1, and OB-X amidst the digital revolution. Tom discusses the enduring allure of analog synths and the recent resurgence of classic sounds in modern music. He also unveils his latest creation, the TEO-5, emphasizing the balance of innovation and user accessibility. A captivating dive into the evolution of electronic music technology!
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May 21, 2024 • 32min

Jlin - Electronic Musician

Electronic Music artist Jlin talks about her processes for creating a new work, being ready to tour straight from the studio and staying grounded and focused when your work starts to gain recognition.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:27 - The Journey So Far03:09 - Using FL Studio03:50 - Live Performance With Ableton09:23 - Developing A Sound World10:51 - Focusing On The Detail12:12 - CPU: Clean, Precise And Unpredictable 14:55 - Favourite Plug-ins16:02 - Preparing For A New Project18:36 - Being Disciplined 21:33 - Staying Humble And Working Hard 23:55 - Preparing For A Tour26:13 - Stereo Vs Immersive29:14 - Going With The FlowJlin BiogJlin (Jerrilynn Patton) has quickly become one of the most distinctive composers in America and one of the most influential women in electronic music. Jlin’s thrilling, emotional and multidimensional compositions have earned her praise as “one of the most forward-thinking contemporary composers in any genre” (Pitchfork). She is a recipient of a 2023 US Artist award and a 2023 Pulitzer Prize nomination.Her mini-album Perspective was released to critical acclaim on Planet Mu 2023. Her much-lauded albums Dark Energy (2015) and Black Origami (2017) have appeared on “Best of” lists in The NY Times, The Wire, LA Times, Rolling Stone, The Guardian and Vogue. Jlin has been commissioned by the Kronos Quartet, Third Coast Percussion, the Pathos Quartet, choreographers Wayne McGregor and Kyle Abraham, fashion designer Rick Owens and the visual artists Nick Cave and Kevin Beasley.Her next release, Akoma (Planet Mu March 2024) features collaborations with Philip Glass, Bjork and Kronos Quartet.https://www.jlintheinnovator.com/Caro C BiogCaro C is an artist, engineer and teacher specialising in electronic music. Her self-produced fourth album 'Electric Mountain' is out now. Described as a "one-woman electronic avalanche" (BBC), Caro started making music thanks to being laid up whilst living in a double decker bus and listening to the likes of Warp Records in the late 1990's. This 'sonic enchantress' (BBC Radio 3) has now played in most of the cultural hotspots of her current hometown of Manchester, UK. Caro is also the instigator and project manager of electronic music charity Delia Derbyshire Day.URL: http://carocsound.com/Twitter: @carocsoundInst: @carocsoundFB: https://www.facebook.com/carocsound/Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts
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Apr 25, 2024 • 57min

Drum Machine History

The drum machine has progressed massively since the days of the home organ player. Here Oli Freke takes us through a brief history with lots of audio examples, highlighting the most iconic models to have been released during the last 40 years and the part that they have played in shaping musical trends.Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:51 - Early Rhythm Machines02:57 - The First Korg Rhythm Machine04:03 - The Invention Of The Transistor08:02 - Solid State Rhythm Machines13:48 - Using Drum Machines In Mainstream Hits17:05 - The First Programmable Drum Machines21:53 - The Introduction Of Drum Pads And Brains25:22 - The Arrival Of Digital Samples And The Linn Drum 30:53 - The Era Of Sampling Drum Machines 37:06 - The Impact Of The Roland TR-808 and TR-90942:49 - Other Notable 80s Drum Machines44:35 - The Introduction of MIDI46:45 - Standardised Layouts And Spec50:07 - Analogue Circuit Modelling And Software53:40 - Back To Hardware With Eurorack Modular54:47 - Drum Pattern Generation With AIOli Freke BiogOli Freke is a London based musician, artist and author who has had a life-long passion for electronic instruments, synthesizers and electronic music. Currently working for the BBC, he has previously enjoyed success with electro band Cassette Electrik supporting the Human League on tour, written music for television and produced dance music since the 1990s.His Synth Evolution range of posters, celebrating the synthesizer and electronic music culture, launched in 2017 and led to the definitive, hand-illustrated book, ‘Synth Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (and Back)’, featuring every commercial synth of the 20th century.www.synthevolution.netwww.linktr.ee/olifrekeCREDITS1. Chamberlin Rhythmate - audio.com (@Drum Machine)2. Wurlitzer Sideman - Internet Archive (archive.com)3. Korg Doncamatic - Korg (Germany)4. Korg Minipops 3 - Corsynth Modular (Corsynth.com)5. Ace Tone F-1 - @YouAreTheRobots6. Roland TR-77 - @vintageaudioinstitute7. Mattel Bee Gees Rhythm Machine - Thomas P. Heckmann (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn8mxHfY4vM&t=4s)8. Maestro MRK-2 - @organ61 9. Korg KR-55 - Steve Porter (synthmagic.co.uk)10. Roland CR-78 - AnalogAudio (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0CHoU24Dis&t=129s)11. Eko CompuRhythm - Hainbach (https://www.youtube.com/@Hainbach)12. Paia Programmable Drumset - Thomas P. Heckmann (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2afPnOpv4U)13. Boss DR-55 - Leonard de Leonard (https://www.sound-provider.eu/)14. Movement Computer System - @Theccrstudio15. Pollard Syndrum - recording: Joe Bataan, ‘Rap-O, Clap-O’16. Simmons SDS-V - Alain Levesque17. Linn LM-1 - John Diligio (@javd007)18. LinnDrum - @zibbybone19. Sequential Circuits DrumTraks - AnalogAudio (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxhRyEEZCYA)20. E-Mu Drumulator - @synthmania21. E-MU SP-12 - AnalogAudio (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDpvKBoJjug&t=287s)22. Oberheim DMX - @synthmania23. Roland TR-909 - @DoctorMix24. Roland 707 - AnalogAudio (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eRhSRHFkMA)25. Yamaha RX-11, Casio RZ-1 - @synthmaniaCatch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts

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