When Machines Rock: A Celebration of Robert Moog and Electronic Music Event at Cornell

via @Cornell_Library

"Mar 5-7, the hills of Ithaca, NY, will come alive with the sound of #Moog music. Guests at @Cornell include Gary Numan, Suzanne Ciani, ADULT, and Suzi Analogue. Learn more: rmc.library.cornell.edu/moog/ @numanofficial @sevwave @suziAnalog @MoogFoundation @moogmusicinc"

Additional details:

"Electrifying Music: The Life and Legacy of Robert Moog

March 6 to October 16, 2020

Hirshland Exhibition Gallery, Level 2B, Carl A. Kroch Library

Drawing from Cornell’s rich archive of materials that traces Moog’s lifelong fascination with electricity and its musical possibilities, this exhibition features instrument prototypes, design schematics, photographs, correspondence, and audio recordings. It also provides viewers with an opportunity to play a theremin and Minimoog supplied by Moog Music Inc.

[left: Wendy Carlos's studio, ca. 1968.]

Highlights include documents from Moog’s years studying at Cornell University, running his first synthesizer factory in Trumansburg, New York, and collaborating with composers and recording artists for whom he created personalized systems, including Wendy Carlos, who popularized the Moog synthesizer with the album Switched-On Bach; Keith Emerson of the progressive rock band Emerson, Lake, and Palmer; and jazz musician Eddie Harris.

Electrifying Music is a collaboration among Cornell University’s Department of Music, Department of Science and Technology Studies, and Cornell University Library’s Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections.

Exhibition curators: Judith Peraino (Music), Trevor Pinch (Science and Technology Studies), Roger Moseley (Music).

This exhibition is funded through the generous support of the Stephen E. ’58, MBA ’59 and Evalyn Edwards ’60 Milman Exhibition Fund, with additional contributions from Moog Music Inc.

Online exhibition coming in March.

PERFORMANCES AND TALKS
When Machines Rock: A Celebration of Robert Moog and Electronic Music
March 5 to 7, 2020
Various locations on and off campus
Join us for a three-day celebration of Robert Moog PhD ’65 and his pioneering invention of the Moog synthesizer, which electrified music and sparked a revolution in sound. When Machines Rock: A Celebration of Robert Moog and Electronic Music features panels and performances by a wide array of electronic music artists, including renowned synthpop and electro-industrial artist Gary Numan; singer-songwriter, beat-maker, and producer Suzi Analogue; and electronic music composers David Borden, Herb Deutsch, and Suzanne Ciani.

Other events include an opening reception for the Cornell University Library exhibition Electrifying Music: The Life and Legacy of Robert Moog, a DIY synth-building workshop, a concert by Cornell’s Electroacoustic Music Center, and shows at the Haunt by the punk-inspired electronic group ADULT and Suzi Analogue."

Momentous Moogmentum Recap; TWO WEEKS LEFT to Enter Memorymoog Plus Raffle

via The Bob Moog Foundation

"Moogmentum, our grand opening celebration of the Moogseum, was a resounding success. Featuring three days of music, discussions, and workshops by Herb Deutsch, Patrick Moraz, Larry Fast, and Lisa Bella Donna, the events attracted attendees from New York to New Orleans, and from Canada to Argentina. Read a detailed accounting with view the full photo gallery here.

Many thanks to all of you who participated and to all of you who helped make it possible. We were inspired to hear your rave reviews of your three days in Asheville celebrating Bob's legacy with us.

You helped make it a truly extraordinary event!"

And on the raffle:

"Counting Down! Less Than Two Weeks Left to Enter our Raffle for A Vintage Memorymoog Plus!

Our raffle for this beautiful, vintage Memorymoog Plus is in full swing. But remember, this isn't your ordinary Memorymoog Plus. This iconic synthesizer was owned, signed, and played by Dr. Fink of The Revolution on three different Prince tours, making it one-of-a-kind, and oh-so worthy of your studio or collection.

Enter to win the Memorymoog Plus here!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Prototype Arrives at the Moogseum August 14 for Moogmentum

via The Bob Moog Foundation

"The Moogseum is proud and honored to announce its exhibition of the iconic Moog synthesizer prototype, which will begin on August 14thas part of the Moogseum’s grand opening celebration Moogmentum: Synthesizing Innovation, Music, and Creativity. The historic prototype, originally belonging to pioneering synthesist and co-collaborator of the instrument, Herb Deutsch, will be on loan to the Moogseum from The Henry Ford, based in Detroit, Michigan."

Note the event (first posted here) takes place August 13 - 15.

Bob Moog Foundation Moogseum Grand Opening with Patrick Moraz, Herb Deutsch, Larry Fast, and Lisa Bella Donna

via The Bob Moog Foundation

"Sonic Alchemists Patrick Moraz, Herb Deutsch, Larry Fast, and Lisa Bella Donna Come Together to Honor Bob Moog’s Legacy and the Launch of the Moogseum

We are honored and thrilled to announce “Moogmentum: Synthesizing Innovation, Music, and Creativity“, a three day celebration of the grand opening of the Moogseum, taking place from August 13- 15, 2019.

Tickets to the events go one sale through Eventbrite at 10am on Wednesday, July 17, 2019.

Events are ticketed individually, and General Admission and VIP packages are offered. VIP packages, which include the two private events with Herb and Patrick, are limited to 25 people. Please read below for a full description of all events."

You'll find full details on The Bob Moog Foundation website here.

MiniTest

Published on Jun 30, 2019 Rafael Carrasquillo

Signed Minimoog. May 18, 2004 with Bob Moog, Herb Deutsch and others. If you recognize the others, let us know!

Martin Gore To Receive 2019 Moog Innovation Award

"Moog Music is proud to announce Martin Gore as the recipient of the 2019 Moog Innovation Award

Award Will Be Presented Following Martin Gore’s Keynote Conversation During Moogfest, Friday April 26, 2019

Gore joins past honorees Devo, Brian Eno, Suzanne Ciani, and Gary Numan.

Asheville, N.C. [April 23, 2019] - Musical pioneer Martin Gore’s masterful electronic meditations on the human condition have illuminated the connection between transformative sound and pure emotion for decades. A founding member of the band Depeche Mode, Gore’s sensual electronic compositions and introspective lyrics have resonated with faithful audiences around the world and impacted the direction of countless visionary artists from Trent Reznor to Johnny Cash.

Gore’s enduring ability to connect the rawest aspects of the human experience to the dance floor defined an era and perpetually reminds us what it means to be human through the emotional power of electronic sound. For his contributions we are honored to name Martin Gore as the recipient of the 2019 Moog Innovation Award.

Martin will be presented with the award during Moogfest on Friday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m. (ET) at the Carolina Theatre immediately following his keynote conversation with Mute Records founder Daniel Miller, which begins at 2:30 p.m. (ET).

The Moog Innovation Award recognizes artists who have contributed to the exploration of sound in popular music and beyond for the past 50 years, exemplifying the bold, innovative spirit of Bob Moog. Past recipients include visionary artists Gary Numan, Devo, Suzanne Ciani, Brian Eno, Bernie Worrell, synth designers like Herb Deutsch, last year’s recipient Bernie Krause, and Thomas Dolby, who will also be performing and presenting this year.

For more information on Moogfest, visit www.moogfest.com."

Happy Birthday Bob Moog from Moog Music & Herb Deutsch

"Today would have been Bob Moog's 84th birthday. We were lucky enough to share a moment with Bob's lifelong friend and collaborator, Herbert A. Deutsch, at Moogfest last weekend to celebrate.

Happy birthday Bob--

Love,
Your friends at Moog"

Moogfest Announces Suzanne Ciani as the 2017 Moog Innovation Award Recipient

via Moog Music

"The 2017 Moog Innovation Award will be presented to Suzanne Ciani at Moogfest 2017, the annual music, art and technology festival in Durham, North Carolina. This award recognizes her 45 plus years of genre-defying work that exemplifies the bold, innovative spirit of Bob Moog. Past recipients include visionary artists like Gary Numan, Devo, Brian Eno, Bernie Worrell, and Thomas Dolby, and synth designers like Herb Deutsch.

Ciani, the first woman to receive the award, superseded many of her male contemporaries as a synthesist, sound designer, and composer. Well known as an early protege and long-time devotee of Don Buchla, and a friend of Bob Moog, her use of synthesizers created entirely new sounds that opened minds around the globe to electronic music as a valid form of expression. She is a five-time Grammy nominated composer and the first woman to score a Hollywood film. Her work has been featured in countless commercials, video games, and feature films.

Today, Ciani continues to inspire generosity, curiosity, and experimentation for a resurgent, multi-generational community of synth-enthusiasts and electronic music fans. Ciani’s 4-hour durational performance at Moogfest 2016 modulated between a rolling quadraphonic soundscape, stories about her early days working in New York, and tips for operating rare Buchla synths while spatializing audio. Ciani returns to Moogfest 2017 to receive the Moog Innovation award, where she will perform and be celebrated in a workshop, featured conversation as well as host a screening of a recently released documentary about her innovative life in electronic music.

Additionally, we are pleased to have more voices added to the choir at Moogfest...

Comedians often are the reflexive lens of culture, giving uplifting commentary to our often complex world. With this spirit in mind, comedian and actor Hannibal Buress will be joining us as the comedic lens and moderator in two conversations: One with the wildly inventive hip-hop producer & lyricist Flying Lotus, and another with psych-pop trio Animal Collective and legendary 1970’s synth pioneers and psych outfit, Syrinx.

Chicago based experimental song stylists Circuit de Yeux will be added to this year’s line-up, bringing her conversely expressionate sense of abstract pop to the Moogfest stage.


About Moogfest
Moogfest is the synthesis of music, art, and technology. Since 2004, Moogfest has brought together artists, futurist thinkers, inventors, entrepreneurs, designers, engineers, scientists, and musicians. By day, Moogfest is a platform for conversation and experimentation. By night, Moogfest presents cutting-edge music in venues throughout the city. This mind-expanding conference attracts creative and technology enthusiasts for three days of participatory programming in Durham, North Carolina. Performing artists include early pioneers in electronic music, alongside pop and avant-garde experimentalists of today.

Ticket information:

Engineer Festival Pass (limited quantity) - $1500
This two-day synth-building workshop, led by Moog engineers, invites a select group of enthusiasts to build their very own unreleased Moog analog synthesizer and sequencer. The hands-on workshop is conducted in two three-hour sessions within the Pop-up Moog production facility. No experience is necessary, but basic soldering knowledge is recommended. Participants in the Engineering workshop also have VIP access for the duration of the event. Priority access to all festival venues for performances and conference programming: conversations, workshops, and installations. Access to exclusive VIP viewing areas and events and gift bag. Complimentary food and drink in select locations. Workshops are available via RSVP. Engineer Festival Pass holders will receive first priority on a limited basis. Pre-Sale Engineer Festival Passes available for a limited time, while supplies last.

Buy here

VIP Festival Pass - $499
VIP access for the duration of the event. Priority access to all festival venues for performances and conference programming: conversations, workshops, and installations. Access to exclusive VIP viewing areas and events and gift bag. Complimentary food and drink in select locations. Workshops are available via RSVP. VIP Festival Pass holders will receive first priority on a limited basis.

Buy here

Festival Pass - $249
General Admission for the duration of the event. Access to all festival venues for performances and conference programming: conversations, workshops, and installations. Workshops are available via RSVP. VIP Festival Pass holders will receive first priority on a limited basis.

Buy here

Payment plans are also available. Simply select 'Monthly Payments with Affirm' as your payment method during checkout. More details are available here."

Mexican Elvis Impersonator's Original 1974 Moog Minimoog Analog Synthesizer SN 4102

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Listed here for the serial number itself is the world's last 50 Dollar Minimoog, purchased from a Mexican Elvis impersonator in the late nineties, traded for a Moog Liberation, and gigged with and cared for by me since 2004. the co-inventor of the voltage controlled synthesiser, Herb Deutsch, played this Minimoog at Knobcon 3 (pictured).

work done: I upgraded the mod box with brand new glide and decay rocker swtiches, a usable glide footswitch input (the original switch inputs on the Minimoog use a nonstandard jack which uses a deprecated 3/16" plug size), and pushbutton momentary switch for glide. the tune knob is a larger knob the same size as VCO 2 and 3 frequency. in the mid-2000s we put new bushings in the keyboard. before i decided to sell it, it was serviced by someone with more experience with Minis than i do and some pots and both bulbs were replaced, switches cleaned, and everything calibrated."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Analog On Performance & Talk Tonight at Trinity College Dublin

This is on now. If you are in Dublin, you might want to drop by. Details follow via MATRIXSYNTH member, Caroline Swords

"Experimental electronic music ensemble 'Analog On', CD release tonight in TCD #Dublin: … #moog #synth @matrixsynth"

"A public performance followed by a short talk by Analog On, an experimental electronic music ensemble that composes and performs on vintage analogue electronics and modular synthesizers. The group consists of Shauna Caffrey on oscillator, saw and electronics, and Richard Duckworth from the School of Creative Arts at Trinity College Dublin on modular synthesizer and effects.

The Analog On made their debut at the Ideopreneurial Entrephonics II festival at the Freemasons’ Hall in April 2016, and has just finished recording this – their first release – on the iconic Moog System 55 in the cockpit of the Moog Sound Lab at the Tonmeister Studio in Surrey. The aesthetic is that of the time-warp cultist with retro and future aesthetics co-existing in the same cultural and temporal space.

This album is a musical homecoming for Richard Duckworth as he studied analog synthesis under Herb Deutsch at Hofstra University in the 1980s: this is where he was first introduced to the Moog modular system and he spent many hours in the electronic music studio experimenting with voltage-controlled systems. Shauna Louise Caffrey is a musicology major at Trinity College. Her life-long love of experimental soundtrack led her to join Analog On, and since then she has delighted in the creation of 'weird noise' and bizarre soundscapes through mixed media."

Synth History: 1963 Letter From Bob Moog to Herb Deutsch

via @moogmusicinc

"...and the rest was history. #throwbackthursday #bobmoog #herbdeutsch #musichistory"

Historian Thom Holmes Examines Early Moog Modular Performances

via The Bob Moog Foundation:

"Delving Deep into Moog History: Early Live Moog Modular Performances

Historian Thom Holmes returns this month with a fascinating examination of the earliest live performances on the Moog Modular synthesizer, and the musicians who brought them to life.

Replete with rare photos, vintage concert programs, and other archival material, the blog features artists such as Herb Deutsch [pictured], Gershon Kingsley, John Cage, John Mills-Cockell, Chris Swansen, Paul Bley, Annette Peacock, and many more.

Read the entire historical blog here."

Homemade Analog Synth by David Henderson

Published on Oct 13, 2012 David Henderson

"How I built an analog synth from old piano parts I found in a dumpster."

Herb Deutsch gets a mention.

And a follow-up video:

Analog Synth

Published on Feb 10, 2013 David Henderson

"Description of home-made analog synth, built from an old piano."

An Interview with Herb Deutsch at The Henry Ford

Note the first Moog ever in the background.

You'll find the full video interview at The Henry Ford here. Afterwards see the live performance here.

"In this interview, Herbert Deutsch recounts his life in music—including the genesis and collaborative process behind creating the first Moog synthesizer with Bob Moog. These two pioneers of synthesis worked together to create a portable electronic instrument with endless sound potential, thanks to the power of “voltage control.” The Moog prototype is an essential part of music history; its sound has continued to impact popular and experimental music alike since the 1960s. Today, Moog Music, Inc. continues to revolutionize synthesis—while paying homage to the root notes of its past."

via @drblankenstein, who interviewed Herb Deutsch at Queens Museum in 2014. You'll find an interview from 2012 by Astronauta Pinguim here.

Herb Deutsch - Electronic Voyager EXTENDED INTERVIEW #1

Herb Deutsch - Electronic Voyager EXTENDED INTERVIEW #1 from Electronic Voyager on Vimeo.

"Electronic Voyager: Retracing Bob Moog’s Sonic Journey…

Support us on Kickstarter April 25 to May 25, 2016

http://tinyurl.com/ElectronicVoyagerKickstarter

Michelle Moog-Koussa is on a journey to retrace her father’s footsteps, meeting some of the people who played a role in Bob Moog's story. Composer and educator HERB DEUTSCH was one of the most important. His pivotal meeting with Bob in the early 1960s lead directly to the development of the Moog modular synthesizer, which would form the template for the many synthesizers that followed."

Electronic Voyager: Discovering Bob Moog Documentary From the Makers of I Dream of Wires & the BMF

via The Bob Moog Foundation

"We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Waveshaper Media, the producers of the acclaimed modular documentary “I Dream of Wires”, on a new film about Bob Moog, Electronic Voyager.

A Kickstarter campaign in support of Electronic Voyager has begun.

In association with the Wave Shaper, we aim to create a definitive and personal documentary about the life of Bob Moog. Through the eyes of our Executive Director and Bob’s own daughter, Michelle Moog-Koussa – also a dedicated Moog archivist and historian – we will give viewers an insight into the man behind the iconic Moog brand.

Electronic Voyager takes us on a sonic journey into the often unpredictable life and stunning brilliance of Bob Moog, a man who ‘fell backwards on a banana peel’ into the music instrument business, as well as the psychedelic world of the 1960s music scene. Bob unwittingly revolutionized the face of music, and helped birth an enduring industry.

With Michelle Moog-Koussa as our guide, we are in a very unique position to tell Bob Moog’s story in a new and profound way – from the perspective of his own daughter, who has not only a deep personal connection to Bob Moog, but also a firm dedication to his work and legacy. Bob’s friends, associates and admirers open up when they speak to Michelle about her father, leading to uniquely candid, revealing and joyous stories and insights about Bob Moog.

Electronic Voyager documents a special personal journey for Michelle, to trace her father’s iconic story – visiting the places and meeting the people who were a part of Moog’s history. With exclusive access to unseen family photos and rare historical artifacts from the Bob Moog Foundation Archives, Electronic Voyager opens a window for the outside world to better understand the man behind the legendary Moog synthesizer.

Support the Kickstarter campaign here.

The recent, tragic passing of Bob Moog’s close friend and important collaborator, Keith Emerson – perhaps the most iconic Moog keyboardist – was just another reminder of how important it is to document Bob Moog’s crucial chapter in the history of electronic music, NOW. We are turning to Kickstarter – a direct link to Bob Moog’s friends, admirers and fans – to help us get to work on this important documentary as soon as possible.

Confirmed participants include:

Early electronic music pioneers: Herb Deutsch, Morton Subotnick, Bernie Krause (Beaver & Krause, Moog modular session musician – George Harrison, The Doors), Joel Chadabe, David Borden (Mother Mallard’s Portable Masterpiece Company).

Contemporary Moog musicians: Moby, Adrian Utley (Portishead, Moog Ensemble).

Friends and music industry contemporaries: Dave Smith (Sequential Circuits), Tom Oberheim, Roger Linn, Dave Rossum (E-mu), Mark Vail (Keyboard Magazine), David Mash (Berkelee College of Music), Dominic Milano (Keyboard Magazine), Wayne Kirby (University of North Carolina – Asheville).

Session musicians, composers, technicians: Patrick Gleeson (Herbie Hancock, film composer), Greg Phillenganes (Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson), Edd Kalehoff (tv/film composer), Michael Boddicker (Michael Jackson, film composer), Will Alexander (Keith Emerson’s synth tech).

Moog employees/collaborators: Bill Hemsath, David VanKoevering, Tom Rhea, Roger Luther, Greg Hockman, Tom Gullo, Dale Ong.

As with any great Kickstarter campaign, we are offering a host of exciting perks, many of which are limited to the campaign and are not available elsewhere. Read all about them and get more details about the project here:

http://tinyurl.com/ElectronicVoyagerKickstarter

Please join us on this incredible journey, the sonic journey of Bob Moog!"

Herb Deutsch interviewed by Dr Blankenstein @ Queens Museum 09-27-14

Published on Apr 4, 2016 DoctorBlankenstein

http://www.drBlankenstein.com

"A Conversation w/ Herb Deutsch - Dr Blankenstein Interviews Herb Deutsch @ The Queens Museum, New York on September 27th, 2014.

This is a 25 minutes chunk of what was a 1 hour and 30 minute interview with Moog synthesizer's musical genius, life long educator.... Herbert Deutsch. The conversation was moderated by myself, Drew Blanke (Dr. Blankenstein). Here is the original promotional link: http://www.queensmuseum.org/events/a-...

I am sorry in advance for the fact that the video cuts short so quickly. There was no one manning the camera and we assumed it would record a file longer than 30 minutes (THANKS SONY BLOGGIE!!!). We were sadly wrong. That being said, the first 1/3 of the interview gave some really new and exciting incite into the wonderful mind of Mr. Herbert Deutsch. We cover what got him into music, when he first started making stuff, and of course.. when he met Dr. Robert Moog.

It was amazing to have Herb come to the Queens Museum in Corona, Queens (a place he had mentioned has some very deep history with him, the forming location of the 64' NY World's Fair) and meet my circuitry class / see their wonderful circuitry projects. Thanks Herb! :)"

Moog Music Pays Tribute to Keith Emerson

Moog Music sent the following out to subscribers of their newsletter. I thought I'd share it with those that aren't subscribed, as well as capturing it in the archives. Keith was legendary.

"Thank you, Keith Emerson

'In general, everything we've ever done has always been in collaboration with musicians... there's constant experimentation. Keith Emerson was the first guy that really, in a professional way, took a large modular system on stage and made it work.' - Bob Moog

The sudden loss of Keith Emerson, a beloved member of the Moog Family, has profoundly impacted us. We were shocked and saddened to lose our hero, friend and collaborator so soon.
Keith discovered the Moog synthesizer with his band The Nice in 1969. Shortly thereafter, he reached out to Bob Moog and acquired one of the first Moog modular synthesizers, which was built for the Museum Of Modern Art's "Jazz In The Garden" public performance. From then on, the names Emerson and Moog were entwined forever. Keith became the most-visible proponent of the synthesizer revolution, using the Moog loyally onstage for almost every show of his career. Emerson became the brightest name in the world of progressive rock music, his influence and creativity rivaled only by Jimi Hendrix. He was a masterful musician in many styles, but also a renowned showman who understood that elaborate theatrics would elevate the experience of the audience to a fever pitch. Part of his "show" was to faithfully include the monstrous wall of modules and cables that his Moog had become over the years, as it had developed an instantly recognizable sound that no other instrument could duplicate.

In 2015, nearly 45 years after the beginning, Moog and Emerson worked to create newly-built exact duplicates of Keith's legendary modular instrument. Matching his original Moog to painstaking details, the new EMMS (Emerson Moog Modular System) was the first artist signature-series Moog synthesizer. It was an honor to recognize the great contribution Keith Emerson has made to the long Moog history, and to his enormous influence felt still today on the world of synthesis.

Through his enduring friendship with Bob Moog, his pioneering use of the Moog Modular and his lifetime of creative collaborations with Moog Music, Keith's fingerprints are on the very DNA of electronic synthesized sound. We can say for certain, that our company would not be where it is today without Keith's prophetic contributions. Our hearts are broken knowing our journey together has come to a close.

Thank you, Keith. Your spirit will live on forever in those electric moments when technical brilliance and unconstrained expression collide."

Bob Moog and Keith Emerson, 1974 (photo credit: Greg Hochman)

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A Tribute to Keith Emerson from The Bob Moog Foundation

A Tribute: Thank you, Keith Emerson

Published on Mar 15, 2016 moogfoundation

Be sure to read Michelle Moog-Koussa's tribute to Keith as well.

"Keith Noel Emerson (November 2, 1944 - March 10, 2016). Remembered with the highest respect and gratitude for his formidable musicianship and his unparalleled contributions to bringing modular synthesis to the fore of rock music, a combination that changed the sonic landscape.

Rare archival photos by Mark Hockman, courtesy of the Bob Moog Foundation Archives.

'Close to Home', written and performed by Keith Emerson, available on iTunes."

via Michelle's tribute:

"And herein lies the weight of writing about Keith Emerson’s passing. My connection to him, our connection, is multifaceted, rooted in his musical relationship to my father and in my personal and professional bond to my father and his powerful legacy. When asked on several occasions by interviewers if my father were a musician, he would firmly reply no, that he was a toolmaker, and “I make tools for musicians.” This was an inherent acknowledgement that his technological creations were but silent machines unless musicians released their vast capabilities to the listener. The best musicians, starting with experimental jazz composer Herb Deutsch, astonished him with their pioneering efforts to weave early modular synthesizers into their music. Although Wendy Carlos was the first to bring the vastly expressive but technically complex Moog modular synthesizer to the popular consciousness (thanks to her musical prowess and painstaking technical achievements), it was Keith Emerson who dared to not only perform live with the instrument in front of tens of thousands of people each night, but to do so while using it as a featured voice. Keith pioneered the use of the Moog modular in a live rock context while fearlessly bringing it and other electronic keyboards to the fore of the genre."

BRIGHT SPARKS: New Synth Documentary Ignites Funding for Bob Moog Foundation

Follow-up to the Something's Coming teaser.

"Help Bright Sparks Synth Documentary Ignite Funding for Bob Moog Foundation Projects

'An engrossing and fascinating documentary that pays tribute to the modest but amazing innovators who changed the face of electronic music' - Vince Clarke

Last week Bright Sparks, a film project which documents the stories of a number of iconic electronic music pioneers and companies, was released in conjunction with the I Monster album of the same name.

Featuring eight of the most influential companies, Moog, Buchla, ARP, Chamberlin, Mellotron, EMS, EDP, and Freeman, the feature length documentary includes interviews with many of the legendary personnel involved in the development of the instruments including Peter Zinovieff (EMS), Ken Freeman (Freeman), Herb Deutsch (Moog), Alan Robert Pearlman (ARP), John Bradley (Mellotron).

The film is available via download only.

The creators of Bright Sparks, recognizing Bob Moog's seminal contribution to modern synthesis, are generously supporting the Bob Moog Foundation with 100 downloads of their movie as a means of raising funding for our educational project, Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, and our Archive Preservation Initiative.

Make a $25 (or more) donation to the Bob Moog Foundation by December 31, 2015 and receive a download code for Bright Sparks as a thank you for your support!

Exploring the human stories of success and adversity behind these early companies and instruments, the film captures the passion of these engineers who were driven to design something in much the same way as any artist or musician is driven to create.

You can see a trailer to the movie here. [embed above]

Join Bright Sparks in supporting our important work and get rare insights into the world of synthesizer and keyboard innovators that won't get anywhere else. Donate $25 or more here. We will send you a download code with simple instructions when you make your donation.

Many thanks to Dave Spiers, Chris McLeod, and I Monster, the team behind the Bright Sparks project, for your wonderful support of our projects and for your excellent documentation of electronic music history.

'Electronic music has been around for long enough to deserve its own historians and archaeologists. Dave Spiers is right at the top of the list: this loving and exhaustive study sets a new standard in instrument research, unravelling the tangled webs that lead to innovations' - Brian Eno"