when the sequencer starts, anything can happen | live improvisation

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"In this video, I set a few sequences in motion, followed them where they wanted to go, and improvised along with them in real time.

Using the Arturia Keystep Pro as the central sequencer, I built a foundation of evolving patterns and then improvised freely around them. The result is a fully spontaneous performance where composition and improvisation begin to blur together. When I perform this way, the sequencer becomes less of a tool and more of an improvisational collaborator.

This is a DAW-less performance. No computer was used in the creation of the performance itself, aside from recording and creating the final mix, including some additional processing for levels, compression, and overall balance.

Thanks for listening.

Instruments & Gear:

• Oberheim Two Voice Pro
• Vintage Vibe Electric Piano
• Minimoog
• Roland TR-8S
• Arturia Keystep Pro
• Assorted pedals and effects
• Analog Cases XTS Stands"

Bandcamp: https://j3po.bandcamp.com

He made an entire album with one synth

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"In this video, I share the story behind A Brief Odyssey: an ambient synth album I created entirely with a single synthesizer: the Sequential FOURM.

What started as a simple experiment in creative limitation quickly became one of the most rewarding musical projects I’ve ever completed. By removing almost every option from my studio and focusing on one instrument, I found myself working faster, trusting my instincts more, and spending less time chasing ideas and more time actually making music.

Along the way, I discuss the creative process, sound design, poly aftertouch, improvisation, ambient music production, and why limitations can sometimes be the key to unlocking creativity. I also demonstrate several of the patches used throughout the album, many of which became factory presets on the FOURM itself.

Stream the album here (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/album/2mHASY...
Stream the album here (Apple Music): / a-brief-odyssey
Buy the album here: https://j3po.bandcamp.com/album/a-bri...
Get the J3PO FOURM presets here: https://www.julianpollack.com/shop/p/...

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
00:52 Why I made an album with one synth
02:15 How the album was made
03:04 Poly aftertouch explained
04:37 Sound design examples
09:43 The story behind A Brief Odyssey
12:22 Final thoughts"

J3PO // All The Things You Are

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"Julian 'J3PO' Pollack performs an arrangement of the classic standard 'All The Things You Are' by Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II, from the musical Very Warm For May (1939). Everything was recorded live, in one take, with no overdubs.

Gear used: Arturia Keystep Pro (sequencing), Roland TR-8s, Minimoog, Sequential Prophet 6, Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M, Yamaha Acoustic Upright Piano."

Listen to Julian's new album: https://lnk.to/soulandcircuitry

Playing the Prophet through the most beautiful delay

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"I am borrowing the Knif Audio BBD and it's truly the holy grail of bucket brigade delay units. There are only a handful of them in existence, and I'm lucky to get to use it in my studio for a while. The Prophet 10 was an obvious choice to pair with the Knif BBD. I've been getting to know the Knif BBD and decided to record a 10-minute improvisation for you to be able to hear how beautiful these sounds are. Hope you enjoy. Endless inspiration with these two instruments. They are not only beautiful sounding, but beautiful looking and feeling as well."

Gear used in this video:
• Prophet 10
• Knif Audio BBD
• Analog Cases XTS keyboard stand

is the Prophet Rev 2 the GOAT?

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"In this video, we dive deep to answer the question: is the Prophet Rev 2 the greatest modern hardware poly synth? Please comment below with your own opinions and any other thoughts that come to mind (trolling comments will be deleted)."

00:00 Introduction
00:57 Brief History
01:46 What Makes a Synth Great?
02:24 Rev 2 Evaluation
06:07 Unique Simple Patches
06:49 Evolving Patches
09:15 Stacks & Splits
13:04 FX
15:04 Frustrations
17:06 Conclusion

J3PO // RESIST MFTPOM

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"'Resist' (Music for the people of Minneapolis) -- DAW-less cinematic composition/improvisation performed in one take by Julian "J3PO" Pollack.

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Please visit my website for the latest tour dates, music releases, and preset libraries: www.j3po.net

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Gear used: Arturia Keystep Pro (sequencing), Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8m (utilizing bitimbral mode), Oberheim OB-X8, Sequential Pro-3, Roland SP-404, Hologram Chroma Console, El Capistan, Red Panda Particle, Meris Mercury 7, Red Panda Tensor, Meris Ottobit.

///

Julian 'J3PO' Pollack is a Los Angeles-based keyboardist, producer, and sound designer, renowned for his blend of jazz and electronic music styles. He has toured and/or recorded with legends including Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Terence Blanchard, Chris Botti, Nate Smith, Santana, Talib Kweli, and many others. He has released several acclaimed solo albums, most recently SOUL & CIRCUITRY (Ropeadope, 2025). A former guest on NPR’s Piano Jazz at just 18, Julian is also a sought-after sound designer for top synth companies around the world like Nord, Sequential, Oberheim, and Spectrasonics.

Listen to Julian's new album: https://lnk.to/soulandcircuitry"

J3PO // "TUTU" // solo live DAW-less performance

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"Julian 'J3PO' Pollack performs 'TuTu' by Marcus Miller, from the album of the same name by Miles Davis.

This music was recorded live, in one take. No DAW was used in the process of making this music except to capture the audio. This first release is part of a new solo performance project. Stay tuned (and subscribe if you haven't already) for more.

Gear used: Arturia Keystep Pro (sequencing), Roland TR-8s, Prophet Rev2, Minimoog, Vintage Vibe Electric Piano. Pedals: Chroma Console, Meris Mercury 7, Mobius, Timeline, Big Sky, Tensor, Ottobit.
The computer in the background is only being used for the purpose of recording the performance. Everything you are hearing is being performed/triggered live from the hardware instruments."

Listen to Julian's new album: https://lnk.to/soulandcircuitry

Jamuary 24th 2026 - New Age, New Thangs ft. Julian Skar

video upload by Captain Credible

"New age vibes. They are arguably most vibey vibes of all time. How could we possibly amp up the vibes betond this? Beat Thang. That is how. Beat thang and airhorns, the dopest musical concepts in human history. Some would argue this totally ruins the vibe. Those people are wrong. This was a sound choice."

Jamuary 22nd 2026 - Faster Softer ft. Julian Skar

video upload by Captain Credible

"Looks like cooked up some kind of fever dream mashup of eclectic EDM and banging drum and bass. Double #OP1 and vintage virtual analog synthesis in the OG Acces Virus C Whatever it is i think you'll agree that its either not enough or way too much. #op1 #tracker #accessvirus"

The Water is Wide - J3PO (Julian Pollack) - solo studio performance

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"This is my rendition of the classic "The Water is Wide," performed and recorded in my studio in one take, with no overdubs.

This song has meant a lot to me over my life. I remember the first time I heard this song was in the third grade. We were learning it and singing in my after-school choir (Kairos, on offshoot of the Crowden School). It was the late 90s in Berkeley, California. It was one of the first moments in my life that I can remember being deeply touched by music. I am forever grateful for that experience, as it was one that propelled me into a life in music. I hope you enjoy my version of this timeless song. 💙

Filmed by Emily Hoerdemann https://www.emilyhoerdemann.com
*************************************************************************

For more information, please visit www.j3po.net"

Bach Prelude and Fugue in D (BWV 850) performed by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

video upload by Julian J3PO Pollack

"Julian 'J3PO' Pollack performs J.S. Bach's Prelude and Fugue in D (BWV 850) on the UDO Super 6 synthesizer.



Get Julian's Super 6 presets here: https://www.julianpollack.com/shop/p/...

Big thanks to UDO for sending me their ST49 upgrade kit. Having polyphonic aftertouch on the Super 6 is a game changer. 🙏

About the artist:


Julian 'J3PO' Pollack is a Los Angeles-based keyboardist, producer, and sound designer, renowned for his virtuosic yet soulful blend of jazz, fusion, hip-hop, and electronic music. He has toured and/or recorded with legends including Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Terence Blanchard, Chris Botti, Santana, and Talib Kweli, and has released several acclaimed solo albums, most recently SOUL & CIRCUITRY (Ropeadope, 2025). A former guest on NPR’s Piano Jazz at just 18, Julian is also a sought-after sound designer for top synth/keyboard companies like Nord, Sequential, Oberheim, and Spectrasonics."

"For more Bach played on synths performance, please check out this playlist:"

Bach on Synths

"How to Orchid" by Telepathic Instruments

video upload by Telepathic Instruments

Featuring Matt Berry and Jemaine Clement.

"Ever wondered how to Orchid? Neither had Matt.

Orchid ships worldwide October 10, 2025.

https://telepathicinstruments.com
@telepathic.instruments

STARRING
MATT BERRY 
JEMAINE CLEMENT

WITH
Porcelain Dog
Gloved Hand
Multiple Synths

DIRECTED BY
Thomas Dunphy

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Sophie Lawrence Parker

CLICK FOR MORE »

DUTCH MODULAR FEST 2025 Set for Next Weekend WORM ROTTERDAM

Highlights via https://worm.org/

WORM is delighted to welcome Dutch Modular Fest to Rotterdam! This hugely successful and forward-looking festival normally takes place in Utrecht. This will be a day full of surprises, showcasing the incredibly and enlightening world of modular synths!

Music
DMF have created a wide-ranging music programme to enjoy. Every artist is carefully selected and presents a certain genre, or aspect of modular synth music. And we are delighted to present: Julian Edwardes, Skander Jaïbi & Ines Kooli, Chebedahja, Maj Rachel, Cinematic Laboratory, and, returning to WORM, Animistic Beliefs. You can watch the gigs in WORM’s main concert space.

CLICK FOR MORE »

J3PO's "Funk & Fusion Classics" Prophet Rev 2 Library -- Official Sounds Demo

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"🔥 In this video, you can listen to all 28 patches 🎛️ included in the new J3PO 'Funk and Fusion Classics' patch library for the Prophet Rev2 🎹

I designed these patches for playing several shows with Herbie Hancock at the Hollywood Bowl. Sharing the stage with Herbie and the original Head Hunters was one of the most surreal and meaningful experiences of my life, a true full-circle moment as a lifelong fan.

These sounds were designed for tributes to Wayne Shorter and Weather Report, Herbie, Joe Zawinul, Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, and more. From 'Chameleon' to 'Black Market,' these are stage-tested patches built for funk and fusion. This is the third volume in my 3-part Rev2 series, completing User Bank 4 (001–128) across all three packs. If you already have Vols. 1 and 2, this finishes the set. And if you’re new, you can now grab the full bundle. Check the link below for more info.

🎛️ 28 patches
💽 Instant download
💵 $19
📍 https://www.julianpollack.com/store

I also have patches available for the Omnisphere, Prophet 6, OB-6, OB-X8, Prophet 5/10, Super 6, Softube Model 84, Model 72, Arturia OB-Xa, Arturia Stage-73 and many others. I have a sample pack, "J3PO x The Ox" (hip hop and soul keyboard and drum loops) available on Splice.

About the artist: Julian “J3PO” Pollack is a Los Angeles-based keyboardist, producer, and sound designer, renowned for his virtuosic yet soulful blend of jazz, fusion, hip-hop, and electronic music. He has toured and/or recorded with legends including Marcus Miller, Terence Blanchard, Chris Botti, Herbie Hancock, Santana, Talib Kweli, and many others. He has released several acclaimed solo albums, most recently SOUL & CIRCUITRY (Ropeadope, 2025). A former guest on NPR’s Piano Jazz at just 18, Julian is also a sought-after sound designer for top synth companies like Nord, Sequential, Oberheim, and Spectrasonics.

Listen to the new album: https://lnk.to/soulandcircuitry"

J3PO OB Tribute Patches for Omnisphere -- OFFICIAL SOUNDS DEMO

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"In this video, I demo all 50 patches from my new J3PO OB Tribute library for Spectrasonics' Omnisphere--a patch bank dedicated to the legendary Oberheim synthesizers.

This collection is inspired by the iconic Oberheim synths: OB-X, OB-Xa, OB-8, OB-6, Matrix-12, and the Two Voice Pro. Every patch was built inside Omnisphere using Oberheim-style oscillators and filters, with a few custom samples from my own Oberheim synths to bring even more analog character into the mix.

In this demo, I use the OB-6 strictly as a MIDI controller to play the sounds (and for some visual homage to the great OB synthesizers). All the sounds you are hearing are coming from within Omnisphere--including the FX.

The full library is available now for $24 at https://www.j3po.net/shop"

Dream/Vol a Calgary - Julian "J3PO" Pollack Trio

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"This is a live-in-studio video of two original tunes of mine from my latest album Soul & Circuitry (Ropeadope 2025), as a medley: 'Dream' and 'Vol à Calgary' -- we've been playing this live on the road and it's been really fun to explore it every night. The trio features me (Julian Pollack) on keyboards, FX, and sampler, Gianluca Pellerito on drums & SPD-SX, and Riccardo Oliva on bass. This music was recorded live with no overdubs, in one take.

Recorded by Luca Mezzadraat at Hukapan Studios, Milan, Italy.
Filming Director: Alessandro Puncuh / alepuncuh
Cinematography: Stefan Stechel / who.ssteph
A NoAnswer(s)Found production / noanswersfound.studio
Audio mixed by Julian Pollack https://www.instagram.com/iamj3po/?hl=en

About the artist:

Julian 'J3PO' Pollack is a Los Angeles-based keyboardist, producer, and sound designer, renowned for his virtuosic yet soulful blend of jazz, fusion, hip-hop, and electronic music. He has toured and/or recorded with legends including Marcus Miller, Terence Blanchard, Chris Botti, Herbie Hancock, Santana, Talib Kweli, and many others. He has released several acclaimed solo albums, most recently SOUL & CIRCUITRY (Ropeadope, 2025). A former guest on NPR’s Piano Jazz at just 18, Julian is also a sought-after sound designer for top synth companies like Nord, Sequential, Oberheim, and Spectrasonics.

Listen to the new album on your streaming service of choice: https://lnk.to/soulandcircuitry"

Why J3PO Keeps Coming Back to the Prophet 5/10

video upload by Julian J3PO Pollack

"The Prophet 5 and Prophet 10 (both the reissue and the vintage ones) are iconic synths—but are they still relevant today?

My name is Julian Pollack (AKA J3PO) and In this video, I share my honest thoughts after spending years with the Prophet 10 reissue: what makes it so inspiring, why I can get bored with it,, and why—despite its limitations—I keep coming back to it.

No FX. Very limited modulation. Mono output. No frills. Just that raw, three-dimensional sound that somehow cuts through everything and makes us want to come back for more.

🎛️ Get my Prophet 5/10 presets from my website: https://www.julianpollack.com/shop/p/...

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
01:40 Dry Examples (no FX)
04:03 Lead Patches with FX
04:59 Exp. & Sustain Pedal Tricks
07:10 Sawtooth Patch with Chorus & Reverb
08:36 Patch Demos with FX
11:39 Conclusion

If you're curious about the Prophet 5/10—or wondering why it was reissued and why people still talk about the original vintage ones decades later—this video is for you.

All the music you hear in this video (including the underscore) was created with ONLY my Prophet 10."

J3PO Prophet Rev 2 Patches *VOLUME 2* -- Official Sounds Demo

video upload by Julian J3PO Pollack

"This second volume features 50 brand new custom patches for the Sequential Prophet Rev2, designed to inspire and elevate your sound. From lush pads and cinematic textures to punchy basses, sparkling leads, and expressive keys—these patches blend analog warmth with modern edge.

Crafted with the same attention to detail as volume 1, these sounds are perfect for producers, composers, and live performers looking to expand the sonic palette of their Rev2.

🎛️ 50 original patches
💽 Instant download
💵 $35
📍 Available now at https://www.julianpollack.com/shop/p/...

Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, this pack is designed to bring out the best in your Rev2.

These presets will load to presets 51-100 on the U4 bank of your Prophet Rev 2."

Sequential/Oberheim synths love (J3PO improvisation)

video upload by Julian "J3PO" Pollack

"Sometimes it's fun to just turn on the sequencer and have everyone on the rack say a little sumpthin' 😉 ... love these Oberheim/Sequential synthesizers so much. Endless inspiration.

If you're interested in these sounds (all are original presets) check out my website for my preset packs! 🙂 https://www.julianpollack.com/store"

The Power Of CS1x - Ep2 - The X-Files, Resident Evil 2, The Shining, Deep Red, The Fog and Thriller

video upload by KOSmusic

"For this second episode dedicated to the Yamaha CS1x, we wanted to create a special episode entirely dedicated to horror (both songs and soundtracks).

When I was thinking about this episode, I thought it would be magnificent to have a presentation like Cryptkeeper in the 90s TV series 'Tales from the Crypt' or the wonderful voice of Vincent Price in the iconic monologue of 'Thriller'. Obviously I would not have been able to create a voice like that (especially in English), but thanks to my dear friend Julian Croot this wish came true!

Thanks to his cover of 'Thriller', in which he also recreated the voice of Vincent Price, I immediately thought of him for the voice of the character in this video!

His incredible work on this voice gave a soul to the character Mr. Shiver that you can hear in this video!"