RIP Mark Bell of LFO

Some sad news in. It appears Mark Bell of LFO passed away this month due to complications after surgery.  Many of you will remember him from his classic acid house tracks back in the early days of warehouse raves. I remember their namesake track "LFO" as one of only a handful of stand out tracks you'd eagerly await to come on. He was part of the birth of a completely new genre of underground electronic music that would grow and influence nearly all genres of music; he influenced countless musicians both directly and indirectly.  Mark later worked with Bjork and produced Depeche Mode's Exciter.

Mark will be sorely missed.

Left: "Warp Records confirmed the passing of Mark Bell (Picture: Rex Features)" via METRO

Below: Gez Varley & Mark Bell in their studio back in the day via the Anafrog forum.  The image and excerpt appear to be from an interview that no longer appears to be online. Like many artists at the time he along with Gez of LFO embraced what gear was available and affordable and made pure magic with them.


"How did you and Gez Varley get together to form LFO, and what did you use in the way of equipment on your early recordings?

Gez and I met breakdancing in a shopping mall, then met again on a graphics and photography course, we had all the same records, same sense of humour...we used TR 808, TR 909, TR 727, Synthi, Casio FZ-10, System 100 and an Atari running Creator."

Below is TV spot on Warp records and the Sheffeild house scene starting with an interview with Gez and Mark Bell.  I'm curious what synth Gez holds up and calls out as their first.  I thought it might be a grey Yamaha CS01, but I'm not seeing knob section on the left.  The keyboard panned at the start of the video is an EMS Cricklewood.


LFO interview on TV and Warp Published on Aug 1, 2012 (previously featured here)

"Lfo Tv interview and a short story on Warp records and the northern Bleep scene . made at around the time of 1990 . feat gez varley and mark bell .."



Uploaded on Sep 29, 2008

"LFO - LFO
Released 26 Jul 1990"

LFO was on of the tracks the changed everything.  RIP Mark Bell.

Warp Records WXAXRXP 30th Anniversary Novation Bass Station II

via Novation

"Warp Records celebrate their 30th anniversary with three-day NTS Radio takeover, including exclusive mixes and giveaways.

For the past 30 years, UK based label Warp Records have been consistently setting the bar in the electronic music world, always pushing the boundaries of the genre and thrilling music fans worldwide.

Founded by Steve Beckett and Rob Mitchell in the back of a record store in Sheffield in 1989, Warp has become the pioneer of its genre with a unique yet reliable catalogue of electronic music. Responsible for bringing to the world the likes of Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, Squarepusher and Nightmares on Wax, plus loads more, Warp have also more recently ventured into film, art installations and their own online independent record store, Bleep.com.

This weekend, Warp are set to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Partnering with NTS, they’ll bring together their legendary roster with a packed out 100-hour schedule of music, including exclusive mixes, tributes and giveaways.

As part of the celebrations and in honour of the release of our recent Bass Station AFX update, listeners will have the chance to get their hands on a very limited edition Warp Records x Aphex Twin x Novation Bass Station II, 1 of only 5 made. For a chance to win, simply sign up for the WXAXRXP mailing list following the link below [bottom of page here].

LISTEN NOW

We’ve also compiled a selection of our favourite Warp releases spanning the past thirty years. With so many releases, we could have kept this list going on for ages, but here are ten particular highlights from the past three decades chosen by some of the team over at Novation HQ:

CLICK FOR MORE »

I Dream of Wires 4: Solvent - Modular Encounters

I Dream of Wires 4: Solvent - Modular Encounters from MUTEK on Vimeo.

Also on MUTEK

"Canadian electronic artist Solvent was commissioned to create an all-modular synthesizer based soundtrack for the forthcoming documentary I Dream of Wires; The challenge allowed him the opportunity to work with a vast array of modular synthesizers, both new and vintage.

Solvent, born Jason Amm in Zimbabwe, and currently residing in Toronto, Canada, has been releasing his unique brand of analogue synthesizer music since 1997, encompassing crunchy IDM, melodic electro, and vocoder synthpop. Best known for his releases on Morr Music and Ghostly International, Solvent is also co-founder of the obscure, yet influential electro(nica) label, Suction Records. All of the music heard in this video segment was created by Solvent during several on-camera album recording sessions. No drum machines, samples, or hardwired synthesizers were used; each and every sound was created from scratch on the following selection of modular synthesizer systems: Eurorack, Modcan, Synthesizers.com, and Moog 15.

In addition to creating the film's soundtrack, Amm has recently been serving as writer and producer for "I Dream Of Wires".

Solvent was scheduled to perform live on June 2nd, 10pm at the Satosphere as part of I Dream Of Wires' 2012 MUTEK showcase, but unfortunately his performance at the event has been cancelled.

For more info on Solvent:

http://solventcity.com
http://facebook.com/solvent
http://soundcloud.com/solvent

I DREAM OF WIRES is a forthcoming documentary film about the history and resurgence of modular synthesizers. The film is currently in production. This is the 6th in a series of extended interviews, which will be produced and released in various formats throughout the production, and following the release, of the film. I DREAM OF WIRES extended interview segments are sponsored by MATRIXSYNTH (m.matrixsynth.com).

Catch I DREAM OF WIRES' showcase at Mutek Montreal 2012: Saturday June 2 @ Satosphere, with live performances, all incorporating modular synthesizers, by Sealey/Greenspan/Lanza (Orphx/Junior Boys), Keith Fullerton Whitman (Kranky/Editions Mego), Clark (Warp Records), and Container (Spectrum Spools).

For info on the film: facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary

[French below]

CLICK FOR MORE »

I Dream of Wires: Carl Craig - Modular Pursuits

I Dream of Wires: Carl Craig - Modular Pursuits from MUTEK on Vimeo.

Also on MUTEK
"In April 2012, the I Dream of Wires team met with legendary Detroit techno producer Carl Craig, to discuss his electronic music influences and production experiences, including his recent interest in eurorack modular synthesis. Craig's experiments in modular synthesis are best heard on 2010's "Modular Pursuits" 12-inch, released under his No Boundaries alias.

For more info on Carl Craig: carlcraig.net

Music, used with permission from Planet E (planet-e.net):
"Desire" by 69
"Pursuit 1", "Pursuit 2", "Pursuit 3" by No Boundaries.

I DREAM OF WIRES is a forthcoming documentary film about the history and resurgence of modular synthesizers. The film is currently in production. This is the 4th in a series of extended interviews, which will be produced and released in various formats throughout the production, and following the release, of the film. I DREAM OF WIRES extended interview segments are sponsored by MATRIXSYNTH (m.matrixsynth.com).

Catch I DREAM OF WIRES' showcase at Mutek Montreal 2012: Saturday June 2 @ Satosphere, with live performances, all incorporating modular synthesizers, by Sealey/Greenspan/Lanza (Orphx/Junior Boys), Keith Fullerton Whitman (Kranky/Editions Mego), Solvent (Ghostly International/Suction Records), Clark (Warp Records), and Container (Spectrum Spools).

For info on the film: facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary
--------------

En avril 2012, l’équipe de I DREAM OF WIRES a fait escale au studio du légendaire producteur de Détroit Carl Graig, pour une longue discussion sur ses influences musicales, ses expériences en tant que producteur, et notamment sur son intérêt récent pour les synthétiseurs modulaires Eurorack. On peut retrouver ses expérimentations sur le maxi “Modular Pursuits” paru en 2010, sous son alias No Boundaries.
Plus d’infos sur Carl Craig : carlcraig.net

Musique, utilisée avec la permission de Planet E : planet-e.net
"Desire" by 69
"Pursuit 1", "Pursuit 2", "Pursuit 3" by No Boundaries.

En cours de production, I DREAM OF WIRES est un film documentaire sur l’histoire et le renouveau des synthétiseurs modulaires. Une série de cinq interviews long format seront aussi produites et diffusées pendant et après la réalisation de ce documentaire. Elles sont sponsorisées par MATRIXSYNTH (m.matrixsynth.com).

N’oubliez pas la soirée ‘I DREAM OF WIRES’ à MUTEK Montréal le samedi 2 Juin à la Satosphère ! Ode aux performances live intégrant des synthétiseurs modulaires, elle sera menée par Sealey/Greenspan/Lanza (Orphx/Junior Boys), Keith Fullerton Whitman (Kranky/Editions Mego), Solvent (Ghostly International/Suction Records), Clark (Warp Records), et Container (Spectrum Spools).

Plus d’infos sur le film : facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary"

I Dream of Wires: Made in Canada - Modcan & Intellijel

I Dream of Wires: Made in Canada - Modcan & Intellijel from MUTEK on Vimeo.

"Canada holds a significant place in the history of electronic instrument development: from the ground-breaking inventions of Hugh Le Caine in the 1940s to the innovations at the University of Toronto's Electronic Music Lab in the 1960s. Recently, Canada has again come to play a significant role with the modern day resurgence of modular synthesizers; it is home to two highly respected manufacturers: Modcan, founded by Toronto's Bruce Duncan, was the first company to reintroduce modular synthesizers to the post-MIDI marketplace, and Intellijel, founded by Vancouver's Danjel Van Tijn, is one of the fastest growing and most respected lines of Eurorack synthesizer modules.

For more info on Modcan, visit: modcan.com

For more info on Intellijel, visit: intellijel.com

Music/sound: Jason Amm (Solvent), Bruce Duncan (Modcan), Danjel Van Tijn (Intellijel), John Elliot (Emeralds)

Catch I DREAM OF WIRES' showcase at Mutek Montreal 2012: Saturday June 2 @ Satosphere, with live performances, all incorporating modular synthesizers, by Sealey/Greenspan/Lanza (Orphx/Junior Boys), Keith Fullerton Whitman (Kranky/Editions Mego), Solvent (Ghostly International/Suction Records), Clark (Warp Records), and Container (Spectrum Spools).

I DREAM OF WIRES is a forthcoming documentary film about the history and resurgence of modular synthesizers. The film is currently in production. This is the 5th in a series of extended interviews, which will be produced and released in various formats throughout the production, and following the release, of the film. I DREAM OF WIRES extended interview segments are sponsored by MATRIXSYNTH (m.matrixsynth.com).

For info on the film: facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary

---

Le Canada occupe une place importante dans l’histoire et le développement des instruments de musique électronique : en partant des premières inventions révolutionnaires de Hugh Le Caine dans les années 40, jusqu’aux innovations du Laboratoire de Musique Electronique de l’Universoté de Toronto dans les années 60. Plus récemment, le Canada a de nouveau joué un rôle significatif avec le renouveau actuel des synthétiseurs modulaires, en étant le pays de deux fabricants très reconnus : Modcan, fondé par le torontois Bruce Duncan, qui fut la première compagnie a réintroduire des synthétiseurs modulaires dans le marché actuel ; et Intellijel, créé par Danjel Van Tijn à Vancouver, qui produit une des meilleures gammes de modulaires Eurorack.

CLICK FOR MORE »

I Dream of Wires 3: Orphx & Modulars - The Physical Element

I Dream of Wires 3: Orphx & Modulars - The Physical Element from MUTEK on Vimeo.

Also on MUTEK
"Canadian duo Orphx have been releasing electronic music since 1993, and while they were best known in experimental/industrial music circles for many years, today they are regarded as pioneers in the fusion of techno and industrial music. Orphx's recent output on Sonic Groove has met with critical acclaim from many of techno's leading DJs. Having performed live with laptops for several years, Orphx's Christina Sealey made the decision to delve in modular synthesizers, hoping it would bring some spontaneity and excitement to Orphx's music, both on stage and in the studio.

Orphx's Christina Sealey will be performing live, as part of Sealey/Greenspan/Lanza, at I Dream Of Wires' 2012 MUTEK showcase.

For more info on Orphx: orphx.com

I DREAM OF WIRES is a forthcoming documentary film about the history and resurgence of modular synthesizers. The film is currently in production. This is the 6th in a series of extended interviews, which will be produced and released in various formats throughout the production, and following the release, of the film. I DREAM OF WIRES extended interview segments are sponsored by MATRIXSYNTH (m.matrixsynth.com).

Catch I DREAM OF WIRES' showcase at Mutek Montreal 2012: Saturday June 2 @ Satosphere, with live performances, all incorporating modular synthesizers, by Sealey/Greenspan/Lanza (Orphx/Junior Boys), Keith Fullerton Whitman (Kranky/Editions Mego), Solvent (Ghostly International/Suction Records), Clark (Warp Records), and Container (Spectrum Spools).

For info on the film: facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary

____

Le duo Orphx produit de la musique électronique depuis 1993, et, fort d'une belle réputation dans le milieu expérimental, il est aujourd'hui reconnu pionnier d'un genre hybride, fusionnant techno et musique industriel. Leur récente sortie sur Sonic Groove a rencontré un succès retentissant auprès des plus grandes figures de la techno. Produisant depuis plusieurs années sur ordinateurs, Christana Sealey, sa moitié féminine, a décidé de se lancer dans les synthétiseurs modulaires, cherchant plus de spontanéité et de surprises, en studio comme sur scène.

CLICK FOR MORE »

I Dream of Wires 5: Richard Devine - The Analog Voodoo Effect

I Dream of Wires 5: Richard Devine - The Analog Voodoo Effect from MUTEK on Vimeo.
Richard Devine is an Atlanta-based electronic musician and sound designer. He is recognized for producing a layered and heavily processed sound, combining influences from hip-hop, to old and modern electronic music. Richard Devine has released records through such esteemed labels as Schematic and Warp Records, and is the creative force behind his own sound design company, Devine Sound. Though he has contributed sound design to a number of hardware and software manufacturers, he recently released his first official sample library through Sony Creative Software. Devine has also scored commercials for the likes of Nike and Touchstone Pictures.

Since the late-90s, Richard Devine's sound has been synonymous with taking cutting-edge computer-based DSP (digital signal processing) to its limits. In recent years, however, Devine has also become a convert to the unlimited sonic capabilities and hands-on "analog voodoo effect" of the Eurorack modular format. I Dream of Wires spoke to Devine at NAMM 2012, which he attends annually. Judging by the studio footage on his Vimeo channel, and his wild enthusiasm on the subject, Devine is a bonafide Eurorack obsessive!

All music and sound in this video is by Richard Devine. Additional studio footage supplied by Richard Devine.

For more info on Richard Devine
http://richard-devine.com
http://devinesound.net
http://soundcloud.com/richarddevine
https://vimeo.com/channels/richarddevine

I DREAM OF WIRES is a forthcoming documentary film about the history and resurgence of modular synthesizers. The film is currently in production. This is the 6th in a series of extended interviews, which will be produced and released in various formats throughout the production, and following the release, of the film. I DREAM OF WIRES extended interview segments are sponsored by MATRIXSYNTH (m.matrixsynth.com).

Catch I DREAM OF WIRES' showcase at Mutek Montreal 2012: Saturday June 2 @ Satosphere, with live performances, all incorporating modular synthesizers, by Sealey/Greenspan/Lanza (Orphx/Junior Boys), Keith Fullerton Whitman (Kranky/Editions Mego), Clark (Warp Records), and Container (Spectrum Spools).

For info on the film:
http://facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary

Tobias Freund

" Tobias Freund has been making music for twenty five years. Besides earning his crust as a hired studio gun, Tobias has a long resume of techno records to his name. Often these have been collaborations, as Sieg Über Die Sonne with Dandy Jack, as Atom™ & Pink Elln with Uwe Schmidt, as nsi. with Max Loderbauer, or most recently as Odd Machine with Ricardo Villalobos. Tobias also records solo, under the name Pink Elln for techno — don’t say it out loud in German, it’s rude — and Tobias for house (remember ‘Street Knowledge’?). All in all, this is a man that has made a huge variety of music from techno to house to neo-acid to experimental/classical records."

Two links for this post. click here for and interview and podcast of the track list below. click here for more words on philip sherburne: Are Freunds Electric?


Note the Oberheim OB-Mx in the picture.

Track list:
01. Robert Fripp ‘Preface’ from Exposure [BGM, 1979]
02. Ryuichi Sakamoto ‘Milan 1909’ from Futurism [MIDI Inc., 1986]
03. Nash the Slash ‘Ylla’ from Dreams and Nightmares [Cut Throat Records, 1979]
04. WIR ‘Naked Whooping & Such Like’ from The First Letter [Mute, 1991]
05. Pyrolator ‘Nordatlantik’ from Inland [Ata Tak, 1979]
06. The Flying Lizards ‘Trouble’ [Virgin Records, 1980]
07. Andy Partridge ‘Shore Leave Ornithology (Another 1950)’ from Take Away [Virgin Records, 1980]
08. Les Vampyrettes ‘Biomutanten’ [EMI Electrola, 1985]
09. The Gadgets ‘Gevil's Dyke’ [Final Solution, 1980]
10. Baka Forest People ‘Heart of the Forest’ (A Capella) [Rykodisc, 1993]
11. Haruomi Hosono ‘Luminescent/Hotaru’ from Philharmony [Alfa Records, 1982]
12. Savant ‘The Neo-Realist’ [Pol Records, 1983]
13. Squarepusher ‘Vacuum Garden’ from Hello Everything [Warp, 2006]
14. Gary Newman ‘Cry the Clock Said’ from Dance [Beggars Banquet, 1981]
15. Dome ‘Keep It’ [Dome Records, 1980]

click here for and interview and podcast

I Dream of Wires showcase MUTEK Montreal

via Jason, aka Solvent of IDOW:

"I Dream of Wires showcase
MUTEK Montreal, 13th Edition
Saturday June 2, 2012

I'm very excited to announce that we will be presenting an I Dream of Wires showcase at this year's edition of MUTEK Montreal. For those who don't know, MUTEK is the most prestigious electronic music festival in North America, now in it's 13th year.

I worked with MUTEK to curate this event. All of the artists will be incorporating modular synthesizers into their performances, and the event will be filmed for inclusion in the documentary. The line-up:

Clark (Warp Records, UK)
http://warp.net/records/clark
https://www.facebook.com/throttleclark

Container (Spectrum Spools, USA)
http://www.ijustlivehere.org/container
http://boomkat.com/vinyl/437666-container-lp

Solvent (Ghostly International/Suction Records, Canada)
http://ghostly.com/artists/solvent
https://www.facebook.com/solvent

Keith Fullerton Whitman (Kranky/Editions Mego, USA)
https://vimeo.com/kfw
http://www.keithfullertonwhitman.com

Sealey/Greenspan/Lanza (Orphx/Junior Boys, Canada)
J.S. Bach two part inventions, for modular synthesizers.


The showcase will be held at the amazing new Satosphere venue, a planetarium-style dome. We will be projecting visuals from the film throughout the performances, for a truly immersive modular experience:



From MUTEK's website:

"American composer KEITH FULLERTON WHITMAN [is] considered by many to be one of his generation’s most critically acclaimed disciples of electronic music’s avant-garde classical roots.... Whitman will be joining Toronto synth-electro veteran SOLVENT (Jason Amm), who returns to the festival after a decade’s absence. Amm will be leading a showcase that includes Whitman, UK Warp act CLARK, American indie-techno producer CONTAINER, and more, to take place at Montreal’s new Satosphere, a truly original planetarium-style dome for digital-arts performance. This showcase will be filmed for the upcoming feature-length documentary “I Dream of Wires”, which explores the resurgence of the modular synthesizer. In the month of May, MUTEK TV will be featuring exclusive weekly excerpts from the film."

http://www.mutek.org/en/news/387-mutek-festival-announces-second-wave- of-performers

Hope to see some of you there... for the rest of you, we will be sure to post extended from the showcase on our Vimeo channel!

thanks,

Jason Amm,
Producer, "I Dream Of Wires"
http://idreamofwires.org
http://www.indiegogo.com/IDOW-round3
https://www.facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary"

Malekko Heavy Industry - Manther *Squarepusher / Warp Records Vibes*

Published on Jul 5, 2018 DivKidVideo

"You asked and I delivered ... I just can't remember who asked! :) ... I had a comment about the Manther from Malekko Heavy Industry asking about how it would sound with some Squarepusher and Warp Records "vibes". Specifically relating to the nice Roland SH-101 liquid melodic line that's drenched in reverb in 'Theme From Ernest Borgnine' from Squarepusher. So here's that melody. I changed a note or two at the end to hopefully avoid the potential take down but you can hear it does that resonant liquid filter style sound you hear in that track and others from Warp and that era/genre. The reverb is the Halls of Valhalla card in the TipTop Audio Z-DSP, which is also lovely."

Malekko Manther DivKidVideo

UNCUT GEMS - Synth Melody Tutorial (Moog Mother 32)

Published on Mar 12, 2020 RemixSample

"I only tried to recreate the arpeggio melody but I think it's pretty cool sounding and stand on it's own. This Moog Mother 32 synthesizer tutorial based and inspired by 'The Blade' by Daniel Lopatin for the movie 'Uncut Gems'."

The Blade

Published on Dec 12, 2019 Daniel Lopatin - Topic

Provided to YouTube by Warp Records

The Blade · Daniel Lopatin

Uncut Gems - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

℗ Warp Records

Released on: 2019-12-13

Producer: Daniel Lopatin

Korg Volca Drum Demo "73 Yips" Aphex Twin cover

Published on Jun 9, 2019 Mattelica

"Aphex Twin's '73 Yips' on the Korg Volca Drum to a Roland VS880 HDR to a Canon 6D + 50mm 1.4 lens."

And the original:


Published on Mar 27, 2019 Aphex Twin

"Provided to YouTube by Warp Records

73-Yips · Aphex Twin

On

℗ Warp Records

Released on: 1993-11-15

Auto-generated by YouTube."

PVT - Window (formerly Pivot)

PVT - Window (formerly Pivot) from Warp Records on Vimeo.

"Church With no Magic album coming soon on Warp Records.

PVT were formerly Pivot.

pvtpvt.net

Directed by Clemens Habicht"
What is the keyboard under the Novation Launchpad?

I Dream of Wires to Add Additional Extended Interview

via I Dream of Wires on Facebook:

"It looks like we'll be producing and releasing one more free I Dream Of Wires: Extended Interview piece in 2014. If you could choose just one person, out of all of the people we interviewed in IDOW, who would you like to see featured in a full Extended Interview? [leave your pick on Facebook here]

If you're not familiar with our Extended Interview series, we've released 9 of them so far. See the list below, and check out our Vimeo channel to watch.

I Dream of Wires - Extended Interview Series:"

9. Chris Carter:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Mego Muson Synthesizer toy art NEUTRA

via this auction

"Hi there. My name is Max Neutra. I am an artist in Los Angeles. Thanks for checking out the shop.

What we have here is a 10"x10" painting of a Mego Muson Synthesizer. In my opinion, this is the holy grail of vintage music toys. I was lucky enough to find one years ago before the ebay market seized up on these. You can physically rearrange the colored block in what I would call a sequencer, creating what the box says are "the strangest sounds in the galaxy".

This painting was originally created for a solo show / record release party in Hollywood. It sold, but in the end the buyer traded it back towards more expensive work. Now I offer it to you!

Before I started painting, I made electronic music for eight years. I was obsessed with obscure noise making devices and put together a hearty collection through ebay. Some of my pieces have even made it into the quintessential collection at miniorgan.com! I used these toys as well as other more professional devices to put together music that I considered funky electro ( Think Kraftwerk, Devo, Thomas Dolby, Yello, etc.). Suddenly painting took over about 5 years ago and the music making was put aside, but I recently made a final push and released my first album. Ten years in the making! The album is called Automation Addiction and can be purchased through itunes, amazon, beatport, etc.

Here is a list of equipment I used on the album:
Muson Synthesizer
Remco Sound fx machine
Bee Gees Rhythm Machine
General Electric Tote-a-tune
Texas Instruments Speak & Music
Mattel Electronic Connection
Panasonic r-1088
Tyco Hotkeyz
Waddingtons Compute-A-Tune
Science Fair Electronic Organ Kit
Synsonics drums

CLICK FOR MORE »

I Dream of Wires showcase - MUTEK 2012

I Dream of Wires showcase - MUTEK 2012: IDOW reporting for Wired.com from I Dream Of Wires on Vimeo.

As part of the annual MUTEK Festival in Montreal Canada, the I Dream of Wires team curated an evening of cutting-edge, modular synthesizer based performances. The event took place on Saturday June 2, 2012 at the Montreal Satosphere (part of the Society for Arts and Technology), a spectacular 360 degree multi-media performance space with live performances, all incorporating modular synthesizers, by Sealey/Greenspan/Lanza (Orphx/Junior Boys), Keith Fullerton Whitman (Kranky/Editions Mego), Clark (Warp Records), and Container (Spectrum Spools).

This video piece was originally posted as an exclusive feature at Wired.com. See the accompanying write-up + interview with IDOW director Robert Fantinatto, below.

http://orphx.com
http://juniorboys.net
http://www.keithfullertonwhitman.com
http://warp.net/records/clark
http://www.ijustlivehere.org/container

http://idreamofwires.org
http://www.facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary

http://mutek.org
https://www.facebook.com/MUTEK

http://www.sat.qc.ca
http://www.facebook.com/SATmontreal

New Doc I Dream of Wires Celebrates Modular Synths, Retro Gear
By Geeta Dayal
06.13.12

I Dream of Wires, an upcoming documentary about modular synthesizers, celebrates analog hardware in all its wild, messy glory. More than 100 prominent musicians, including Trent Reznor, cEvin Key, Gary Numan, Carl Craig and Morton Subotnick are in the process of being interviewed for the ambitious feature-length film, which is set to be finished in the fall.

Colorful masses of patch cables, rows of knobs and faders, and electronic sounds abound in the exclusive clip above, shot this month at the legendary MUTEK Festival in Montreal. In addition to interviews with several musicians, including Keith Fullerton Whitman, Container and Clark, the 15-minute clip shows intriguing glimpses of the synths in action, in a massive multimedia dome housing 157 speakers called the Satosphere.

The “dedicated and obsessive subculture” of modular synth fanatics across the world formed the inspiration for I Dream of Wires, said director Robert Fantinatto in an e-mail exchange with Wired. “Years ago, I made a small documentary film about the urban-exploration subculture called Echoes of Forgotten Places…. I felt that this whole world of modular synths could make an interesting little film.”

The project soon grew massively in size and ambition. Fantinatto joined forces with Jason Amm, better known as the electronic musician Solvent. With Amm as producer of the film, Fantinatto was able to reach a large number of well-known musicians.

“The trip to see Trent Reznor was probably the most nerve-wracking,” said Fantinatto. “He lives way up on the top of a mountain in Beverly Hills and it [was] quite intimidating leading up to the interview, but Trent was supercool and had us all at ease very quickly.”

But the most jaw-dropping array of modular synth gear that Fantinatto and Amm uncovered didn’t belong to Reznor or any of the other stars they profiled. The best collection, hands down, belonged to a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles.

“He had the most extensive collection of gear I’ve ever seen,” said Fantinatto. “A huge studio with every modular synth ever made, literally every single one ever!”

Fantinatto said he met many modular synth collectors who have “devoted a significant chunk of their lives [to] buying, building and collecting these machines that sometimes take over their homes and their lives.”

“The mystery behind what motivates this irrational obsession is at the heart of the film,” Fantinatto said. “In the end, it is a longing for something authentic — something that has been lost in a virtualized world.”

Richard H Kirk: A tribute to his music and legacy

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We pay tribute to the pioneering electronic musician Richard H Kirk, passed away on September 21, 2021. He was a member of the group Cabaret Voltaire, whose mix of experimental electronics and dada sensibilities was very influential in the 1970s, and work in the 1980s combining electronics and pop elements influenced industrial music. Kirk continued to record and perform as a solo artist from the 1990s onward. He reformed Cabaret Voltaire as a solo project in 2009.

We send our thoughts to his family, friends, and collaborators."

Cabaret Voltaire ‎– The Dada Man

video upload by svspls

"Cabaret Voltaire ‎– 1974-76 (1980 / 1992)"

Cabaret Voltaire - Voice Of America (Celebration)

video upload by jmj321

"From the Granada arts program 'Celebration', broadcast in 1980. Unfortunately the Cabs were at the end of the program and cut short somewhat."

Featuring the EMS SYNTHI Hi-Fli

CABARET VOLTAIRE - SENSORIA

video upload by vicoland

"Classic song from the pioners of the industrial rock."

Sweet Exorcist - Testone

video upload by Galgo23

"1990 promo directed by Jarvis Cocker"

"Sweet Exorcist Testone. 1990 single charting at #85 in the UK in February 1990. Official music video 90s 90's if everything's ready here on the dark side of the moon play the five tones house techno test one. ohnoitisnathan" w/ DJ Parrot

Featuring the EMS SYNTHI VCS 3 / The Putney

Richard H. Kirk - November X-Ray Mexico

video upload by Warp Records

"'November X-Ray Mexico' appears on 'Virtual State' (WARP19) by Richard H. Kirk, his first solo album for Warp released 31st January 1994."

Human Spirit

video upload by Sandoz - Topic

I Dream of Wires Extended Interviews 4 - 8

Carl Craig - Modular Pursuits: IDOW Extended Interview #4 from I Dream Of Wires on Vimeo.

In April 2012, the I Dream of Wires team met with legendary Detroit techno producer Carl Craig, to discuss his electronic music influences and production experiences, including his recent interest in eurorack modular synthesis. Craig's experiments in modular synthesis are best heard on 2010's "Modular Pursuits" 12-inch, released under his No Boundaries alias. For more info on Carl Craig: carlcraig.net Music, used with permission from Planet E: "Desire" by 69 "Pursuit 1", "Pursuit 2", "Pursuit 3" by No Boundaries.

http://www.carlcraig.net
http://soundcloud.com/carlcraiginc
http://planet-e.net

I DREAM OF WIRES is a forthcoming documentary film about the history and resurgence of modular synthesizers. The film is currently in production. This is the 4th in a series of extended interviews, which will be produced and released in various formats throughout the production, and following the release, of the film. I DREAM OF WIRES extended interview segments are sponsored by MATRIXSYNTH (m.matrixsynth.com).

http://idreamofwires.org
http://www.facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary


Made in Canada - Modcan & Intellijel: IDOW Extended Interview #5 from I Dream Of Wires on Vimeo.

Canada holds a significant place in the history of electronic instrument development: from the ground-breaking inventions of Hugh Le Caine in the 1940s to the innovations at the University of Toronto's Electronic Music Lab in the 1960s. Recently, Canada has again come to play a significant role with the modern day resurgence of modular synthesizers; it is home to two highly respected manufacturers: Modcan, founded by Toronto's Bruce Duncan, was the first company to reintroduce modular synthesizers to the post-MIDI marketplace, and Intellijel, founded by Vancouver's Danjel Van Tijn, is one of the fastest growing and most respected lines of Eurorack synthesizer modules. For more info on Modcan, visit: modcan.com For more info on Intellijel, visit: intellijel.com Music/sound: Jason Amm (Solvent), Bruce Duncan (Modcan), Danjel Van Tijn (Intellijel), John Elliot (Emeralds) I DREAM OF WIRES is a forthcoming documentary film about the history and resurgence of modular synthesizers. The film is currently in production. This is the 5th in a series of extended interviews, which will be produced and released in various formats throughout the production, and following the release, of the film. I DREAM OF WIRES extended interview segments are sponsored by MATRIXSYNTH (m.matrixsynth.com).

http://www.modcan.com
http://intellijel.com
http://idreamofwires.org
http://facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary


Orphx & Modulars - The Physical Element: IDOW Extended Interview #6 from I Dream Of Wires on Vimeo.

Canadian duo Orphx have been releasing electronic music since 1993, and while they were best known in experimental/industrial music circles for many years, today they are regarded as pioneers in the fusion of techno and industrial music. Orphx's recent output on Sonic Groove has met with critical acclaim from many of techno's leading DJs. Having performed live with laptops for several years, Orphx's Christina Sealey made the decision to delve in modular synthesizers, hoping it would bring some spontaneity and excitement to Orphx's music, both on stage and in the studio.

I DREAM OF WIRES is a forthcoming documentary film about the history and resurgence of modular synthesizers. The film is currently in production. This is the 6th in a series of extended interviews, which will be produced and released in various formats throughout the production, and following the release, of the film. I DREAM OF WIRES extended interview segments are sponsored by MATRIXSYNTH (m.matrixsynth.com).

http://www.orphx.com
http://orphx.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/orphx
http://www.soundcloud.com/orphx

http://idreamofwires.org
http://facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary


Solvent - Modular Encounters: IDOW Extended Interview #7 from I Dream Of Wires on Vimeo.

Canadian electronic artist Solvent was commissioned to create an all-modular synthesizer based soundtrack for the forthcoming documentary I Dream of Wires; The challenge allowed him the opportunity to work with a vast array of modular synthesizers, both new and vintage. Solvent, born Jason Amm in Zimbabwe, and currently residing in Toronto, Canada, has been releasing his unique brand of analogue synthesizer music since 1997, encompassing crunchy IDM, melodic electro, and vocoder synthpop. Best known for his releases on Morr Music and Ghostly International, Solvent is also co-founder of the obscure, yet influential electro(nica) label, Suction Records. All of the music heard in this video segment was created by Solvent during several on-camera album recording sessions. No drum machines, samples, or hardwired synthesizers were used; each and every sound was created from scratch on the following selection of modular synthesizer systems: Eurorack, Modcan, Synthesizers.com, and Moog 15. In addition to creating the film's soundtrack, Amm has recently been serving as writer and producer for "I Dream Of Wires".

I DREAM OF WIRES is a forthcoming documentary film about the history and resurgence of modular synthesizers. The film is currently in production. This is the 6th in a series of extended interviews, which will be produced and released in various formats throughout the production, and following the release, of the film. I DREAM OF WIRES extended interview segments are sponsored by MATRIXSYNTH (m.matrixsynth.com).

http://solventcity.com
http://facebook.com/solvent
http://soundcloud.com/solvent
http://suctionrecords.bandcamp.com

http://idreamofwires.org
http://www.facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary


Richard Devine's Analog Voodoo Effect: IDOW Extended Interview #8 from I Dream Of Wires on Vimeo.

Richard Devine is an Atlanta-based electronic musician and sound designer. He is recognized for producing a layered and heavily processed sound, combining influences from hip-hop, to old and modern electronic music. Richard Devine has released records through such esteemed labels as Schematic and Warp Records, and is the creative force behind his own sound design company, Devine Sound. Though he has contributed sound design to a number of hardware and software manufacturers, he recently released his first official sample library through Sony Creative Software. Devine has also scored commercials for the likes of Nike and Touchstone Pictures. Since the late-90s, Richard Devine's sound has been synonymous with taking cutting-edge computer-based DSP (digital signal processing) to its limits. In recent years, however, Devine has also become a convert to the unlimited sonic capabilities and hands-on "analog voodoo effect" of the Eurorack modular format. I Dream of Wires spoke to Devine at NAMM 2012, which he attends annually. Judging by the studio footage on his Vimeo channel, and his wild enthusiasm on the subject, Devine is a bonafide Eurorack obsessive! All music and sound in this video is by Richard Devine. Additional studio footage supplied by Richard Devine.

I DREAM OF WIRES is a forthcoming documentary film about the history and resurgence of modular synthesizers. The film is currently in production. This is the 6th in a series of extended interviews, which will be produced and released in various formats throughout the production, and following the release, of the film. I DREAM OF WIRES extended interview segments are sponsored by MATRIXSYNTH (m.matrixsynth.com).

http://richard-devine.com
http://devinesound.net
http://soundcloud.com/richarddevine
http://vimeo.com/channels/richarddevine

http://idreamofwires.org
http://facebook.com/idreamofwiresdocumentary

See the IDOW label below for more.

BOARDS OF CANADA - Kaini Industries (Roland SH-01A Synth Cover)

video upload by nicola neeco

"I've been playing this synth a lot lately, so I said to myself: why not do a version of kaini industries with it? Even though I already did a version with the Prophet REV2 [below]
Which one do you prefer between the two? 😉

(I made this patch from scratch)

Gear used:
Roland SH-01A
Valhalla Vintageverb"

BOARDS OF CANADA - Kaini Industries (Prophet REV2 Synth Cover)
video upload by nicola neeco

"I re-created one of my favorite BOC tunes, from the album Music Has the Right to Children (1998, Warp Records & Skam records)

gear used:
Sequential Prophet REV2 (8-voice version)
Valhalla VintageVerb
u-he Satin tape machine plugin"

Sort​\​Lave - New Release by Richard Devine

On BandCamp and on Spotify

The release is also available on CD and Limited Edition 3LP.

"After a break of 6 years, Atlanta based electronic musician, producer and sound designer Richard Devine returns with a new album ‘Sort\Lave’ on Venetian Snares‘ Timesig imprint. Recorded between 2016 and 2017 using Richard’s custom built Eurorack modular system and two Nord G2 Modular units, Sort\Lave features 12 tracks of intricate electronica that ranges from abrasive percussive experiments such as ‘Revsic‘ to ‘Astra’s dazzling juxtaposition of sounds and onto the radiant ambience of the album’s closer ‘Takara‘.

Talking about the album’s genesis Devine explains “I’ve been using modular synthesizers since I was 17, but have never written complete tracks using these newer systems. This was my first experiment to see if it would be possible and I probably spent about 5 years building up the systems that I used on this album.”

“I wanted the record to sound very different to my previous works which had been more cold, digital, clinical even, and had all been made using computers. The aim here was the complete opposite, to create something that felt very organic, detailed, spacious, big and warm and just as importantly, a record that you could put on and play all the way through that flowed in a seamless way.”

This new approach was to prove fruitful and enabled Devine to create music in an entirely new way. “I really wanted to break free from timeline-based music creation and do things with my hands on the fly,” he explains. “So the tracks are more like captured snapshot performances where I could experiment and play around with the idea of probability-based sequencing for every patch, string multiple sequencers together that would feed other sequencers to come up with interesting rhythms and melodies. It was really fun coming up with new sounds this way too, I felt like I created several I haven't heard before with this album. Some of the tracks on the album were complete accidents and evolved from something that happened spontaneously. In the end I feel this is one of the best records I have released to date, so I’m very excited to share it with the world.”

Making his debut in 1995, Devine’s releases for labels including Schematic, Warp Records and Detroit Underground have established him as one of the leading figures within the electronica community. In addition to his musical productions, Devine has enjoyed a lengthy and successful career in sound design, developing patches for many of the world’s leading music technology businesses and working with companies such as Google and Nike.

released November 2, 2018"