Riffs on Modular?? 10 Modern Classic Synth Lines Done on Eurorack

Extralife

Super Sixteen → https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
I had so much fun recreating that Daft Punk track last time I decided to come back for a second helping. Ten more in fact! I picked a decade of delicious synth treats from my music collection and spent a day recreating them on my homemade eurorack system. We modular nerds have a (perhaps deserved) reputation for being the noodly and undisciplined nomads of the synth world, so I wanted to show another side of the instrument!

And to all my wooly and wired synth comrades out there patching in the blinking darkness, I salute you. Onward to higher planes of sound.

Here is the tracklist:
0:00 Disclosure - "When a Fire Starts to Burn"
1:01 Riton & Kah-Lo - "Fake ID"
1:57 Fatboy Slim - "Acid 8000"
3:17 Simian Mobile Disco - "Cruel Intentions"
4:02 Booka Shade - "Friend for a Night"
5:20 Justice - "Waters of Nazareth"
7:07 Kavinsky - "Nightcall"
8:06 Roisin Murphy - "Overpowered"
9:36 Soulwax - "Krack"
10:42 Todd Terje - "Ragysh"

Moogfest 2017 :. Live Streams

Moog Pop-up Factory :. live


"Enjoy the Moog Pop-up Factory" [posted earlier here]

Various feeds of Moogfest live. Be sure to check each.

CLICK FOR MORE »

MOOGFEST REVEALS MUSIC LINEUP AND PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Details are in. Via MOOGFEST:

"Over 150 participating artists including Flying Lotus, Animal Collective, Gotye, Suzanne Ciani, Derrick May, 808 State, Jessy Lanza, Simian Mobile Disco, Moor Mother, Syrinx, Visible Cloaks, Princess Nokia, and Function added to growing list of Moogfest 2017 participants

Gotye Presenting a Tribute to Jean-Jacques Perrey, The Center for Deep Listening Honoring Pauline Oliveros, and Peanut Butter Wolf Honoring Bernie Worrell and Other Musicians We’ve Lost

Over forty performing artists also leading workshops and sessions in four-day conference program

The independent, annual, four-day festival will take place in
Durham, North Carolina from May 18-21, 2017. This year marks its 11th iteration honoring the spirit of inventor Bob Moog.

$249 for 3-Day General Admission and $499 for 3-Day VIP

All prices exclusive of applicable fees.

Durham, NC (March 7, 2017): Today, Moogfest reveals its lineup of musical performers, led by Flying Lotus, Animal Collective, Gotye, Suzanne Ciani, Derrick May, 808 State, Simian Mobile Disco, Syrinx, Jessy Lanza, and Function. Building on the experimental format of previous years, Moogfest continues to integrate Future Sound (performances) and Future Thought (conference) programming, with many of these artists also leading sessions during the daytime conference program.

Moogfest’s trademark mix of intimate venues and masterful collaborations creates an unforgettable experience festival-goers will not find anywhere else. Experimental electronic and avant-garde dance music is complemented by thematic programming like Black Quantum Futurism, Protest, and Techno-Shamanism that span day-into-night. This year returns with adventurous formats such as live film scores, an overnight live music sleep concert, prelude to sleep listening parties, long-form durational performances, and presentations by leading Instrument Designers.

Moogfest has also invited artists including Gotye and Peanut Butter Wolf to help honor some of the innovative musicians we lost in 2016, including Jean-Jacques Perrey, Pauline Oliveros, Bernie Worrell and Keith Emerson. This 2017 lineup reinforces Moogfest’s commitment to bold experimentation, with some of the most important musicians and thinkers of our day helping to blur the lines between audience and artist, conversation and collaboration, technology and creativity.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Polytik Synths Now On Kickstarter

Published on Jan 31, 2017 Polytik Synths

You might remember the previous posts on Polytik here and here. This is a project from Dirty Electronics/Mute Synth & Jack Featherstone. Below are some additional details captured for the archives, via the Kickstarter campaign here.

"Polytik is a collection of beautifully designed hand-held synth modules. Born out of a DIY ethos and the maker community, they have been crafted into something very different – a series of beautifully designed objects in their own right. We have used open-source hardware and software and encourage users to make new modules and hacks."

Playlist:
Polytik Synths
Polytik designers Jack Featherstone and John Richards in conversation
Polytik Synths x Jas Shaw

"The brainchild of John Richards and Jack Featherstone in collaboration with Artists & Engineers, these hybrid analogue/digital devices can produce a palette of sounds ranging from angular rhythmic sequences to abstract noise, pads and drones. The synths are designed to be tactile, to be held and touched when playing.

Polytik comprises four separate, colour-coded, battery powered modules. Every Polytik system needs a Core module and at least one sound module. The sound modules connect to the core with ribbon cables, these carry audio and control data to connect the system together giving you a single audio output for all modules. You can have up to three sound modules connected at one time.

The Starter Pack comprises a Core module and a Combi module, which we think is a really good way to start using Polytik.

POLYTIK MODULES:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moogfest 2017: Program Themes & Lineup Announcement

Just a heads up, the lineup for Moogfest 2017 has been announced. As always, check out moogfest.com for full details on the event. The following is a small capture for the archives via the Moogfest newsletter.

"Hailed as 'the most adventurous and cutting edge' festival of 2016, Moogfest returns with a commitment to futurist conversations and performances that wrestle with our historic moment, and reflect on the festival’s home in North Carolina.

In celebration of its 11th iteration, Moogfest will unveil its lineup over the next 11 weeks through their weekly “Future Thought Future Sound” email newsletter, inviting the Moogfest community to explore program themes like Transhumanism, Techno-shamanism and Protest.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Simian Mobile Disco - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

Published on Oct 30, 2014 KEXP

Eurorack & Sequentix Cirklon sequencers.

"http://KEXP.ORG presents Simian Mobile Disco performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded September 26, 2014.

Songs:
Dandelion Spheres
Nazard
Sun Dogs
Tangents
Calyx

Host: DJ Alex
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Scott Holpainen & Christopher Somerville
Editor: Scott Holpainen

http://simianmobiledisco.co.uk/
http://kexp.org"

Spotted this one on Synth Anatomy. You can find previous posts featuring Simian Mobile Disco here. The earliest post goes all the way back to 2007.

MOOGFEST 2016 Lineup & Details Announced

Moogfest 2016 Talent Announcement with Reggie Watts

Published on Dec 8, 2015 Moogfest

"Headlining performances include Gary Numan playing a three night residency of his trailblazing early albums, a two-night residency by GZA, ODESZA, Laurie Anderson, Oneohtrix Point Never, Suzanne Ciani, Blood Orange, and Sun Ra Arkestra; with keynote presentations by transhumanist activist and pharma tycoon Dr. Martine Rothblatt, and computer scientist Jaron Lanier, a pioneer in the field of virtual reality.

More than one hundred other acts are already confirmed to perform, while the conference program continues to develop in partnership with a range of esteemed universities, innovative businesses, and art/technology organizations. Program partners include MIT Media Lab, Google, Duke University, Georgia Institute of Technology, The New Museum’s New Inc., IDEO, Gray Area, and the EyeO Festival.

For the first time ever, Moogfest will take place in Durham, NC. Moogfest activates seventeen venues, throughout the walkable downtown core, from intimate galleries to grand theatres, including a free outdoor stage with participatory, all-ages programming. Durham promises to be an ideal setting for Moogfest: a city uniquely blending diversity, authenticity, world class innovation, and culture, with a long history of great music.

Program highlights:
Pioneers in Electronic Music
Electronic music pioneer Gary Numan will perform his first three albums (Replicas, The Pleasure Principle, and Telekon) over three consecutive nights in three different venues. Musical experimentalist Laurie Anderson weaves stories and song in her solo performance, “The Language of the Future” and then returns to the stage the next day to hosts a daytime conversation.

Future Pop
Headlining talent also charts a zig-zagging course across today’s synthesizer infused pop landscape, from the vibrant electronic duo ODESZA, to the future soul of Blood Orange (playing in North Carolina for the first time), a return of utopian rockers YACHT, and even the comic stylings of Reggie Watts.

Experimentalists
Immersive noise and minimalist sonic-scapes from some of today’s most progressive experimental artists, including sunn O))), Ben Frost, Tim Hecker, Silver Apples, Oneohtrix Point Never, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Olivia Block, Alessandro Cortini, and Lotic.

Ambient Music Innovators
A rich program of sustained tones and cascading moods led by Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno’s prolific Grammy winning protege, Suzanne Ciani, and the UK’s originators of ambient house The Orb.

Hip-Hop
GZA leads Moogfest’s strongest ever hip-hop and rap lineup, supported by a roster of emerging talent including Lunice, Tory Lanez, Denzel Curry, Dr. Dre protege King Mez, and Well$.

The Future of Creativity
Futurist philosophers set the tone for a mind-expanding conference. Keynotes by Dr. Martine Rothblatt, author, entrepreneur, transhumanist, inventor of satellite radio, and Jaron Lanier, a computer scientist and composer who has pioneered the field of virtual reality. Other visionaries include sound explorer Onyx Ashanti and his 'exo-voice' sonic prosthesis, Tod Machover from MIT Media LAB presenting his work in HyperInstruments, and Gil Weinberg and The Robotic Musicianship Group at Georgia Tech performing with Shimon, an improvising robotic marimba player that uses artificial intelligence.

Orchestral Ensembles
The intergalactic voyagers of Sun Ra Arkestra channel the cosmic philosopher himself. Arthur Russell’s Instrumentals ensemble, making their US debut. Floating Points’ live project veers fluidly from warm electronic to jazz to sonic space rhythms.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Yazoo - Situation (Live synth cover)

Published on May 6, 2015 Synt5

"This is our take on reconstructing the influential synthpop track Situation by Yazoo.

Every synth line was played live, with no computers involved and no syncing other than our ears :). The drums were reconstructed from scratch using Reaper, and then bounced to audio and imported to the Sp404. The only sample was the notorious Alison Moyet's laughter, as we were able to remake the "Move Out" choir with our own voices. The projection is Simian Mobile Disco's Put Your Hand Together video, we thought it would somehow match the song - and it really did.

Please forgive the grainy quality, the shaky cameras and the few mistakes, we were just having fun.

From left to right, gear list and synth players were:

Roland Juno Gi - João Marcos - Synth lead #1
Sequential Sixtrak, Sp404 - Guillermo Caceres - Bass
Korg Microkorg - Tchesco Oliveira - Rhythmic synth
Yamaha An1x - George Frederick - Main synth riffs
Clavia Nord Lead 2x - Raul Guimaraes - Synth lead #2
Vocals - Zeca Filho"

via Synthtopia

Tiptop Audio Modular Jam 5

Published on Feb 17, 2014 Tomio Ueda·12 videos

"Simian Mobile Disco's got nuthin' on this ;)"

SMDChords - John Tejada with Tiptop Audio Z8000 & Eurorack Drum Modules

Published on Apr 29, 2013

"Breaking Time with John Tejada and the Z8000

Techno legend John Tejada has provided Tiptop Audio exclusive insight into his latest remix! While crafting his remix of 'Breaking Time' for Simian Mobile Disco, John uses the Z8000 Matrix Sequencer and our 808/909 drum modules! He generously provided a video for a peek at the patch he created for this remix: he uses the Z8000 to modulate the chord filter sound by advancing to a new filter setting with each note all in sync with the drum modules!

As for the remix itself, it can be found on Simian Mobile Disco's Beatport page. http://www.beatport.com/release/break..."

http://www.tiptopaudio.com

Simian Mobile Disco's Live Setup

Published on Apr 16, 2013 TheCreatorsProject·217 videos

"Simian Mobile Disco explain their live performance setup and how they're able to program patterns on the fly. Check out their newest album, Live, out now.

Simian Mobile Disco's album 'Live' is now available.

Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/clnk94m
Amazon US: http://fb.me/1fxHnezS1

_______________________________
The Creators Project is a partnership between Intel and VICE:
http://thecreatorsproject.com/"

via Greg Cole on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge
"bit of synth-spotting, cool, compact and clever setup"

Simian Mobile Disco Video

see the second update in this post.

XLR8R TV Episode 29: Simian Mobile Disco

YouTube via XLR8RTV — October 09, 2007 —

"Simian Mobile Disco are best known for their studio work with bands like Justice, Klaxons, The Go! Team and The Rapture. Instead of leaving their studio behind for their first solo tour, SMD packed the whole thing up, brought it around the world and dissected it for us in this episode.

Download a full res version of this episode at:
http://www.revision3.com/xlr8rtv/disco
or subscribe to the video podcast at:
http://www.revision3.com/xlr8rtv"

via Dustin Sedlacek

Simian Mobile Disco's synth-loaded studio

More shots on Music Radar

"With two studio albums and a slew of remixes behind them, Simian Mobile Disco (AKA James ‘Jas’ Shaw – pictured left – and James Ford) are one of the most-talked-about production duos of the past few years (Ford has also produced for Arctic Monkeys and Klaxons). Future Music recently headed over to the rented London studio that spawned 2009’s Temporary Pleasure long-player, and discovered that SMD’s reputation as synth-heads is well-deserved."

Regarding the modular:
"The Wardrobe is the name given to Jas Shaw’s most recent eBay purchase, a unique modular synth built by Steve Urquhart. “He had a gig at T in the Park Scotland and as I live in Aberdeenshire, his guys picked it up for him,” says Steve."

via http://twitter.com/nsputnik

Update via Yusynth in the comments: "This modular is mainly based on Jurguen Haible's, Steve Thomas', Graham Hinton's, Derek Revell's and Yves Usson's designs as it is stated in the Future Music article. It is nice to see artists acknowledging the contribution of the SDIY community."

Update via Seppe in the comments: "It's a very late comment, but I just discovered a better look at the studio here" [video]

Studio Gear Videos via FM Magazine

Sharam Jey Synth collection from will seelig on Vimeo.

CLICK FOR MORE »

FM222 Promo Feat: Simian Mobile Disco

FM222 Promo Feat: Simian Mobile Disco from will seelig on Vimeo.

Simian Mobile Disco Goes Gear

via XLR8R TV, via Seppe.
Doepfer modular, Sequential Circuits Drumtraks, KORG MS20, Synare drum synth.