Patchwerks - Community Hub & Music Store Fundraiser

You can find the GoFundMe here.

Patchwerks is more than a synth shop. They host local synth events in the Seattle area, share performances online, publish tutorial videos, and help promote artists [many featured here on MATRIXSYNTH]. Now they need some help on their end. The following was sent my way via a friend, via Patchwerks's news letter. You'll of course find additional details on their GoFundMe.

"WE NEED YOUR HELP

We’ve proudly watched as the community that developed around Patchwerks has grown through a shared passion for the joy and magic of electronic instruments. All of our staff feel so much gratitude when people come to our store to play, learn, and connect with each other.

We’ve been so humbled by everyone who has come through our doors – whether you’ve been a first-time synth-curious explorer who trusted us to guide you, or whether you’ve been one of our own musical heroes who has consciously decided to purchase your instruments from an independently-owned and operated business.

Unfortunately, due to economic pressures beyond our control, the community we built at Patchwerks is at risk of losing its home… and we’re reaching out to ask for your help.

If you're willing to help us survive, a donation of as little as $25 can help Patchwerks continue our operations in a healthy way.

The years 2022 and 2023 made it difficult for us to operate, and now we're at the point where we need to ask for help or cease operations. We have a strong plan to get healthy, but we can't do it without you. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe campaign today."

Latest Showroom Sessions: Sherman and Limanjaya

video upload by Patchwerks

"Join us for Showroom Sessions, a monthly series of curated electronic music. Hear some of the region's boldest voices in ambient, experimental, dance music, and more. Proudly presented by Patchwerks with generous support from the community. This month, we host the talents of Portland-based Limanjaya and local head Sherman.

Sherman / Selector Records on Capitol Hill in Seattle.

Sherman’s been dabbling with gear since around 1997, and after many years of trying out different pieces has settled on a couple Critter & Guitari Organelles running custom patches, running through a Memory Man (w/ Hazarai, of course) delay pedal, building bizarre polyrhythms that on occasion sound good. On the spot beats intricately twist around each other, get manipulated, finagled, and fade into more intricate grooves.

Sherman has releases on Telomere Plastic, iLLikoi, Basement Sounds, and new local label Basement State.

Limanjaya:

Joshua Limanjaya Lim is a modular synthesist and producer residing in Portland, OR. He uses sample flips, glitchy beat repeats, and infectious melodies to craft his sound. Whether he is performing ambient, hiphop, or house music, the goal is always to get people moving. His latest album, UNTITLED 2023, is out now on all streaming platforms.

IG / _limanjaya
Bandcamp: https://limanjaya.bandcamp.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1W5Ff...

0:00 Sherman
32:24 Limanjaya"

Modular on the Spot - Aug. 19, 2023

video upload by Modular Seattle

"A recording of a Modular on the Spot event at Redmond Downtown Park."

Website - https://www.modularseattle.com​

0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Alurion
27:43 - Bike Monday
56:51 - Dale Parsons Project
01:26:21 - Tom Evans
1:55:53 - Monster Planet

Modular on the Spot - Jul. 29, 2023

video upload by Modular Seattle

Website - https://www.modularseattle.com
Cassettes - https://selfcenter.bandcamp.com
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/modularseattle

0:00 - Intro
1:16 - Balance.Spring
25:34 - Casual Decay
46:28 - Chris Barth
01:09:33 - Demetrius Patin
1:28:53 - Planar Drift
1:54:01 - Technoware Passager

Paul T Schreiber of Synthtech / MOTM Retires From The Synth Business

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paul T Schreiber (@synthesistechnology)

"After 27 years, I have retired from the synthesizer business. I still have a #day_job which will last until Dec 1st. The last set of 16 modules shipped to Patchwerks in Seattle, including the last E520 Hyperions.

Is there a chance someone will buy my IP and continue the product like? I keep hoping. Thanks to everyone who were friends and customers."

---

The man behind MOTM and Synthtech/Synthesis Technology retires. Paul Schrieber was making modular synths in the MOTM 5U format before eurorack took off. He essentiall started his own format, 5U in height like Moog's MU 5U but different. See this old post for a pic of different modular formats. He made his modules available in both DIY and finished form. You all should be familiar with MOTM and Synthech if you are regulars of the site. If not, see the MOTM and Synthech labels for posts over the years.

Since the launch of this version of MATRIXSYNTH back in 2005, there have been a total of 831 MOTM posts, and roughly 367 Synthtech posts, including this one. I say roughly as there was another Synthtech that made the Chroma Cult - Rhodes Chroma MIDI Interface, that shares the Synthtech label I used to get the count. The first post to mention MOTM dates back to This EAR post on July 30, 2005, the second to MOTM Madness - Featuring Yamaha GX1 Filter clone on August 4, 2005. Sadly the mp3 linked there is gone. People let their sites go unfortunately. The first post to mention Synthtech is the Epic Son video by John L Rice from back on August 2, 2011. His designs also made it into non modular synths like this Studio Electronics Omega 8 w/ MOTM CS80 & 440 Filters.

Live Hardware Electronic Music featuring SKYGAS and rocketmermaid

video upload by Patchwerks

"Showroom Sessions are a great chance to enjoy live music from our incredibly talented community and link up with friends old and new in a casual environment, connecting over a shared love of electronic music and all its devices.

𝙎𝙆𝙔𝙂𝘼𝙎 is the new moniker of Seattle's Ian Price, known as the figure behind the unhinged Bonkers parties of the Northwest and the Pleasure Boat Records label, after years spent building gear and changing direction. Under this new pseudonym, the debut SkyGas album is the sound of a seasoned musician walking away from modern production and back into primordial sound. The result is a perpetual horizon machine focused on themes of joy, solitude, and impermanence, described as “new age with abrasions.”
Link- http://SkyGas.net

Julia Davis (aka RocketMermaid) has been tinkering with musical oddities for 25 years, using everything from tracking programs from the demoscene to banging pipes against the walls of an Indiana basement. Since relocating to Seattle, she's fallen in love with modular synthesis and has incorporated it into her works, ranging from airy ambient to crushing industrial.

Bandcamp: https://rocketmermaid.bandcamp.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/rocketmermaid

https://www.patchwerks.com"

LARK Digitakt and Modular Synthesizer Performance // Track Breakdown

video upload by Patchwerks

"Seattle based artist Lark performs and breaks down a track made with an Elektron Digitakt and a Mutable Instruments themed modular synthesizer.

Check out the Digitakt here: http://bit.ly/ele_digitakt
Check out the some fresh Mutable Instruments remakes by After Later Audio here: https://bit.ly/pw-ala

https://www.patchwerks.com
Video by: Matthew Picora (@EZBOT_)"

Patchwerks Showroom Sessions: Jon Scheid and ybot

video upload by Patchwerks

"Patchwerks Showroom session featuring Jon Scheid and ybot.

Jon Scheid is a Portland/Seattle based experimental artist. Their music combines all sorts of unique textures that will take you on an ear candy filled atmospheric journey.

https://www.instagram.com/j.s_cheid/

Ybot is an electronic dance musician from Seattle. Utilizing Elektron boxes, vocoders, and modular synths, ybot composes a range of various styles from house to dub techno. Ybot is here to make you dance.

https://ybotmusic.bandcamp.com/

https://patchwerks.com/
Video by: Matthew Piecora ( EZBOT), Steven Ly (Project 32)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Recovery Effects - The Mystic | FM Synth Sound Explorations

video upload by Sound Isles

"The Mystic is a 2 OP FM synthesizer capable of creating complex tones, alien drones, FM sweeps, machine music, and SFX. With CV control over the carrier frequencies, modulation and delay settings the Mystic is capable of producing some otherworldly sounds.

0:00 Intro to Mysticism
0:51 description/robotic elephant
1:48 CV explorations
3:13 pressure
3:54 alien ship drone
4:37 modular + mystic
5:16 robot dance
5:49 otherworldly sounds
6:06 add reverb
7:00 into the nether

Essentially a drone machine with a dark delay circuit in a beautiful enclosure by Recovery Effects in Seattle."

Storytime with Gordon Raphael

video upload by Patchwerks

"In this video esteemed record producer and musician Gordon Raphael shares stories from his music career, his love for synthesizers, and his new book: The World Is Going To Love This: Up From The Basement With The Strokes. Filmed live at Patchwerks in Seattle, WA.

Gordon Raphael is an American record producer and musician from Seattle, Washington, and New York, currently living in Hebden Bridge, after a few years in Berlin. Raphael is most widely known for his work with The Strokes, whom he met while attending an early show at Luna Lounge on Ludlow Street, New York -Wikipedia

https://patchwerks.com/
Video by: Matthew Piecora ( EZBOT), Steven Ly (Project 32)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Update: and an impage of Red Martian's (Stephen Jones) Mattson Mini Modular system:

Prismatic Oscillations with XPO by Walker Farrell

video upload by Patchwerks

"In this video Walker Farrell shares an in-depth presentation on the new stereo oscillator XPO by Make Noise. Video was recorded live during Velocity at the Substation in Seattle, WA.

Video by Modular Seattle
Presentation by Walker Farrell of Make Noise
https://www.patchwerks.com"

Reminder: VELOCITY - Modular & Synth Focused Festival in Seattle This Coming Saturday

Follow-up to this post.

Trade Show, Seminars, Workshops, Performances

August 27, 2022 11am-2am
AT SUBSTATION
SEATTLE, WA

Note this is a paid event.

You'll find all the info you need at https://www.velocityseattle.com.

Ann Annie - Wildlife soundscapes, crusty tape, Eurorack Ambience & a big surprise // Velocity 2019

video upload by DivKidVideo

"Here we have Ann Annie’s performance at the event ‘Velocity’ from back in 2019. It was the first Velocity event held by Modular Seattle and Patchwerks and the new one is coming up, full info here - https://www.velocityseattle.com

Ann Annie brought us a blissful mix of wildlife soundscapes, crusty and noisy tape loops with live manipulations and widescreen Eurorack ambience before delving into an unexpected and uplifting section that definitely took the audience by surprise.

Earlier in the year I sat down to talk with Ann Annie and go through the set up and approaches to creating and performing. It was a wonderful conversation I was really glad to be able to capture and share, check that out here":

Ann Annie Eurorack modular synth performance interview #TSR19
"Here we have an interview, short performance and rig rundown with Ann Annie. Eli is the man behind elusive character behind some beautiful melodic ambient modular synth music and videos. Eli gives us a short performance on his 6U performance rig, talks about his musical background, getting into modular synths and we go through his set up for both recorded and performed modular music."

Ann Annie
Web // https://bit.ly/AnnAnnie
Bandcamp // https://bit.ly/AnnAnnieBandcamp
Instagram // https://bit.ly/AnnAnnieInsta

VELOCITY - Modular and Synth-Focused Festival in Seattle Set for August 27th

VELOCITY 2022 ANNOUNCEMENT TRAILER video upload by Modular Seattle

Tickets available on Eventbrite

VELOCITY returns! Modular Seattle and Patchwerks present an all-day event celebrating modular and hardware synthesizers and the community that surrounds them, featuring an all-day trade show and educational seminars during the day, and performances across three stages at night. Come visit your favorite gear manufacturers and the Patchwerks pop-up shop, learn tools and techniques from the artists themselves, and experience an incredible evening of light and sound alongside this amazing community.

Schedule (line-up left):

11 AM – 5 PM:
Trade Show where various modular / hardware synth manufacturers will show off their latest gear and interact with the community.

11 AM – 3 PM:
Educational Seminars where speakers will speak on various subjects relating to electronic music-making and related technology .

4 PM – 2 AM:
Performances from local and visiting artists, with genres varying from house / techno, ambient, noise, industrial, and beat-oriented music.

The trade show from 11am-5pm is free to attend and all ages are welcomed. The remainder of the event, including seminars, are 21+ and tickets are required.

Tickets $40 adv, $50 at the door.

Lineup, manufacturers, and general info can be found here:

https://www.velocityseattle.com/

Organizers:
http://www.modularseattle.com
http://www.patchwerks.com

Ambient Modular at 6000ft // DivKid live on Mt. Rainier

video upload by DivKidVideo

"Back in 2019 I was over in Seattle, Washington, USA for 'Velocity' an event by Modular Seattle & Patchwerks. They had a warm up show and last minute encouraged me to borrow some modules and a case, put a system together and play at the show. This was good as it led into my talk on zonal approaches to live modular systems for the main event Velocity. While travelling around and still with the system some days later we decided to take the rig up a snow capped mountain and perform up there. Freezing cold, shivering hands and a beautiful view!

An exclusive 15 page PDF is available for Patreon supporters that highlights all the patching, my zonal approach, modules used, the history of my approach to live minimal ambient modular and more. Head to https://bit.ly/DK-patreon if you'd like to gain access to a great community and exclusives.

A huge thanks to D B Pawlan who when we were driving around Tacoma and Seattle Washington said 'we should take the modular up there' and pointed to the huger Mt. Rainier that was always in the view. The clip at the end of this video is David driving back up to near where we were if you're curious.

This system was quickly put together in the days leading up to the surprise performance with modules, case and cables borrowed from Bradley Millington (Modular Seattle) and David Pawlan (Wabisabi). A huge thanks to them for facilitating and encouraging a performance on a new system and for being so awesome with me pulling modules out of their set ups to do this. I used the same system for my talk and presentation at Velocity 2019 as well as for another performance live at the Chapel."

MODULAR SUPER UTILTY (and a full voice) - After Later Audio QARV

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Nick Bigelow shares with us the new quad envelope generator and VCA by After Later Audio: QARV. Demo includes overview, ideas, and practical uses for the module.

QARV - Quad Attack, Release, & VCA

Four channels of function generator, oscillator, slew limiter, envelope, and VCAs. This module brings the ultimate in flexibility as it can be used as a standalone synth voice, a massive amount of modulation, or a four channel envelope generator w/ mixer. We believe this makes QARV a great first module and a great addition to the largest of systems.

Learn more about the After Later Audio QARV here: https://bit.ly/ala_qarv

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Nick Bigelow
Video by: Matthew Piecora
https://www.ezbot.live"

QARV - Quad Attack, Release, & VCA

Four channels of function generator, oscillator, slew limiter, envelope, and VCAs. This module brings the ultimate in flexibility as it can be used as a standalone synth voice, a massive amount of modulation, or a four channel envelope generator w/ mixer. We believe this makes QARV a great first module and a great addition to the largest of systems.

All four channels have the following features:

Uni-polar oscillator mode
Attack and release time control via potentiometer and via input jack
Shape control that controls shape for both attack and release
Output attenuverter
VCAs that normal to each subsequent channel (CH1 -> CH2, etc.). So you can get a mix of all four channels out of the CH4 VCA output (unless you patch a VCA output from an earlier channel)
Channels 1 & 4

Voltage source (CH1 - 5V & CH4 - 10V)
CH1 & CH4 can be switched between IN (slew mode) and TRIG (envelope) mode
RISE and FALL gates. You can use our G&T module to turn these gates into triggers.
Channels 2 & 3:

Bi-polar oscillator mode
Dedicated IN and TRIG jacks (helpful for adding offset to a triggered ENV)
BOTH input jack to simplify patching both the attack and release (also inverts the input to give more standard pitch tracking of higher voltage equals higher pitch)

Bastl Kastle Drum meets the Novation Circuit Rhythm

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Nick Bigelow from Patchwerks builds a track from scratch by sampling sounds from Bastl Kastle Drum with the Novation Circuit Rhythm.

The Kastle Drum is a special edition of Bastl’s classic mini modular synth focusing on algorithmic industrial glitchy drums. Drum sound synthesis with a unique dynamic acceleration charged envelope makes this rhythm box surprisingly versatile and extremely fun to play. The built-in VC clock generator with a stepped pattern sequencer can either run on its own or it can be synchronized to analog clock, while retaining the triangle LFO for parameter modulation. The Kastle Drum is a mini modular synthesizer with a headphone output, 2 in/out ports for interfacing other gear, and it runs on just 3 AA batteries. It is ideal for beginners in modular synthesis, but it will add some quite unique functionality to any modular synthesizer system. It delivers the fun of modular synthesis at a low price and fits into your pocket so you can play it anywhere!

Order the Bastl Kastle Drum here: https://bit.ly/kastle_drum

'Circuit Rhythm is a versatile sampler for making and performing beats. Record samples directly to the hardware, then slice, sculpt and resample your sounds effortlessly. Capture your groove quantised or off-grid into the sequencer, and layer up across eight sample tracks. Invigorate your live set with performance FX: embrace imperfection with lo-fi tape, stutter your mix with beat repeat, and more. Integrate Circuit Rhythm into your studio, or unplug and create anywhere utilising the built-in rechargeable battery.' -Novation

Order the Circuit Rhythm here: https://bit.ly/circuit_rhythm

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Nick Bigelow
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Acid Rain Technology Talks In-Depth About Maestro and Modular Synthesis

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Matthew Piecora of Patchwerks and Ryan Hume from Acid Rain Technology sit down to talk in-depth about their hit module Maestro and Modular Synthesis.

Maestro is a 6 channel clocked modulation controller inspired by the automation lanes found in digital audio workstation software, brought into eurorack and made playable and performable. Maestro will push and pull the parameters of your other modules with rapid or slowly evolving voltages, always in perfect sync with each other and the rest of your system.

Order the Maestro here: https://bit.ly/art_maestro

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Ryan Hume (Acid Rain Technology)
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Eurorack Performance and Patch Breakdown with Larch_Larix

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video Seattle based artist Larch_Larix visits the Patchwerks studio to share a high energy acid-squelching modular track and talk about modular synthesis.

Larch Larix SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/qrdhJTJ...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larch_larix/

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Matthew Piecora
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Patchwerks Seattle Staff Favorite: Erica Synths Black Sequencer

video upload by

"In this video resident expert Nick Bigelow demonstrates why he loves the Erica Synths Black sequencer.

The Black Sequencer features 4 channels with CV, gate and modulation outputs, up to 64 step sequences that can be chained into songs, independent track time divisions, multiplications and lengths. It includes a built-in quantizer, LFOs, envelope generators, parameter randomization, a MIDI in/out and many other features essential for composing and performing electronic and experimental music. Even though it provides many programmable parameters per step, it’s intuitive, easy and straightforward to use, and we believe that it will become a master controller for many modular setups.

Order the Erica Synths Black Sequencer here: https://bit.ly/ericasynths_black_sequ...

Order the Arturia Keystep 37 here: https://bit.ly/pw-ks37

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Nick Bigelow
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Your Modular Synthesizer's Best Friend: The Elektron Octatrack

video upload by Patchwerks Seattle

"In this video resident expert Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT) shares why he thinks the Elektron Octatrack is a great addition to your modular synthesizer.

Since its first appearance, over a decade ago, the Octatrack has been mangling its way into the hearts and minds of live performers and audiences across the globe. Its dynamic sampling powers have turned it into an industry standard across a wide variety of genres, changing the way gear setups look and giving artists the power to perform live in the truest sense of the word. More than ever, this is a machine to set your imagination free.

Learn more about the Elektron Octatrack here: https://bit.ly/octatrack_mk2_blk

https://patchwerks.com/ Demo by: Matthew Piecora
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka EZBOT)
https://www.ezbot.live"