Acid House Innovator and Phuture Co-Founder DJ Spank-Spank has Passed Away

Uploaded on Sep 22, 2011 staxxaquila

Some sad news in via Aaron K.

DJ Spank-Spank passed away on September 21.

via exclaim.ca:

"Earl 'Spanky' Smith Jr., producer, DJ and founding member of Chicago house progenitors Phuture, has died.

A post from the group's management confirms that the electronic musician, also known as DJ Spank-Spank, passed away today (September 21). The eulogy calls Smith a 'legend,' and explains that Phuture will continue on and complete an album they had been working on prior to Smith's death"

Another great is gone. You can see how much influence he has had here on MATRIXSYNTH over the years.

He will be missed.

Update: Boiler Room Chicago LIVE Set added below. Also in via Aaron K.

Phuture Boiler Room Chicago LIVE Set Published on Mar 5, 2014

→ FOR AUDIO: *http://bit.ly/1l017c8*
→ SUBSCRIBE TO BOILER ROOM: *http://bit.ly/1bkrHWL*

"Phuture smacking seven shades out of our second major Chicago showcase in as many days. Sheer class."

Cover - Phuture's Acid Tracks (Readers Digest mix) & 303 Distortion Party

Published on Sep 19, 2016 retrosynthads

"First attempt at covering Phuture's Acid Tracks - Reader's Digest mix. Very raw. In attendance are the TB303s, as well as the TR707/727 drum machine combo also used in the original.

Yeah - I took a few liberties.

Notes for next time: more squelch required."

303 Distortion Party

Published on Sep 19, 2016 retrosynthads

"TB303 #1 going through a RAT distortion pedal. TB303 #2 going through Boss Overdrive and Delay pedals. Electribe 2 for drums. Everything going through too much reverb from a Strymon BlueSky pedal. Korg KMS-30 providing MIDI-DIN SYNC conversion. And the smallest mixer I could find at the moment. Compression during the quiet parts coming from video camera input."

TR-707 Classic House Tracks (vol 1) - Harlem Nights Music

YouTube Uploaded by harlemnightsmusic on May 28, 2011

"This time, tributing early house tracks of 1986-1987 era, based on the Roland TR707 drummachine.. As always, all tracks selected and recreated by ear. None of the original tracks were sampled.

All TR-707 & additional TR-727 and TR-808 beats were rebuilt on a Korg Electribe SX sampler (no stock sounds). Basses and some synth parts were loosely remade with my analog synths (see below).

Tracklist:
Rick Astley - Never gonna give you up (707, 727)
Michael McDonald - Sweet Freedom (707, 727)
Taylor Dayne - Tell it to my Heart (house mix) (707, 808)
Mr Fingers (Larry Heard) - Washing Machine
Rick & Lisa - When you gonna (707, 808)
Jungle Wonz - The Jungle
Wired - To the Beat of the Drum (707, 808)
Marshall Jefferson - Move your Body
Phuture - Your only Friend
Joe Smooth - Promised Land (707, 727)

Similar beats are for sale @ www.zenhiser.com/1980 series.

Synthesizers used:
Sequential Prophet VS (pads), Moog Source (most basses), Roland Juno 60 (Mr Fingers, Wired, Phuture), Roland S10 sampler (M1 piano), Korg Polysix (Promised Land), Yamaha DX200 (When you gonna), SCI Pro One (Wired bass)

Enjoy
HN"

Pre-Acid 303 - Early Roland TB-303 Tracks

The subject of a TB-303 revival came up on the Analog Heaven mailing list. The discussion lead to some sharing the first tracks featuring the 303, including of course pre-Acid tracks. The following are a few of them including a couple by Alexander Robotnick I tracked down. They are in order of release by year ending with Phuture's "Acid Tracks", credited as the first Acid track ever, for good measure. Wikipedia on Acid. If you know of any others pre 1987, feel free to comment or shoot me an email and I'll add it to the post. I know there was a track which used the 303 as a traditional bass guitar, but I forget what it was.

Update: Two from Heaven 17 via Pea in the comments added to the top:

Let Me Go (12" version) - Heaven 17 - 1982

YouTube via 4urlisteningpleasure — April 11, 2009 —

non embeddable 2006 digital remaster here

Update: new Crushed by The Wheels of Industry vid (old one here if interested)

CLICK FOR MORE »

MMTA SYNTH PETTING ZOO Featured in Roland Decibel Festival Video

AIRA - Decibel Festival Seattle 2014​ Published on Oct 11, 2014 Roland U.S.

Synth Petting Zoo at :59 followed by 1:46.

"The AIRA Crew hit Seattle for the Decibel International Festival of Electronic Music Performance, Visual Art and New Media. DJ Pierre and DJ Spank of PHUTURE participated with Roland on a panel discussing the origins of acid house, how the TB-303 was instrumental in defining the genre, and why they love the TB-3 and TR-8. PHUTURE played a historic live set that, along with other groundbreaking artists like KiNK and Black Asteroid, incorporated the latest AIRA gear into their dynamic live performances."

Megaloceros 101 Amp DIY Module Distortion Test

Published on Apr 17, 2014 heodesalciphron·206 videos

"basic build : http://www.dendrobate-magnetique.org/...
Make Noise DPO folder
SINUS
phuture acid from sansa clip+ mp3 player"

Googlish translation from the site: "This is a small module that amplifies a signal up to 101 times, in order to align the modular level. The architecture is simple, based on a TL072 for amplification and a second for the detection of saturation.

2 channels. To amplify 1,001 times just change the knobs 100 k by k 100"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland SBX-80 and TB-303

images via this auction

"The Roland TB-303 Bass Line is a synthesizer with built-in sequencer manufactured by the Roland corporation in 1982 and 1983 that had a defining role in the development of contemporary electronic music. The TB-303 (named for "Transistor Bass") was originally marketed to guitarists for bass accompaniment while practicing alone. Production lasted approximately 18 months, resulting in only 10,000 units. It was not until the mid- to late-1980s that DJs and electronic musicians in Chicago found a use for the machine in the context of the newly developing house music genre. At the time they were very cheap, which helped to contribute to their popularity. The TB-303 is considered a collector's item today, often valued at US $1000 to $3000. An example recently sold on eBay for US $2,275.00. Phuture's "Acid Tracks" is widely acknowledged to have been the first Acid House recording to incorporate prototypical TB-303 sounds. Earlier recordings featuring the TB-303 can be traced back as far as the early Electro scene, including artists such as Ice T, Newcleus, and Mantronix, as well as pop musicians such as Heaven 17 and Section 25. In the early 90's, as new Acid styles emerged, the 303 was often overdriven, producing a harsher sound. Examples of this technique include Hardfloor's 1992 EP "Acperience", and Interlect 3000's 1993 EP "Volcano". The well-known "acid" sound is typically produced by playing a repeating note pattern on the TB-303, while altering the filter's cutoff frequency, resonance, and envelope modulation. The TB-303's accent control modifies a note's volume, filter resonance, and envelope modulation, allowing further variations in timbre. A distortion effect, either by using a guitar effects pedal or overdriving the input of an audio mixer, is commonly used to give the TB-303 a denser, noisier timbre--as the resulting sound is much richer in harmonics. The head designer of the TB-303, Tadao Kikumoto, was also responsible for leading design of the TR-909 drum machine. " No details on the SBX-80. If you know more, feel free to comment. via ni hao in the comments of this post.

Update via burstgenerator in the comments: "the SBX-80 was good for syncing sequencing hardware to tape machines via SMPTE that it would then translate into midi-clock or roland sync, etc. link"

November Acid Pattern

via Dylan:

"this month the acid pattern group pays respect to the originators a transcription of phuture's acid tracks for you to put into your machines and rinse away.

Here is the pattern data [pictured]

And once you're done share your audio on the group's soundcloud page [embed below]

Myself and Shaggie have already had a go - now its your turn :)

look forward to hearing the results

Dylan aka dyLAB"
The Monthly Acid Pattern

AIRA - Miami Music Week 2015

Published on Apr 3, 2015 RolandChannel

Roland Airas on eBay

"Armed with the latest AIRA gear (and a lot of USB and patch cables), the AIRA Crew headed to the Gold Coast for Miami Music Week 2015. The AIRA House was hopping as usual, with the occasional living legend stopping by. We also went out to see AIRA in its natural habitat, rocking dance floors until dawn, with the likes of Phuture, KiNK, and Carl Craig."

Maschine Studio on Acid

Published on Feb 22, 2014 SuicideServer·24 videos

"This is my latest jam on the Maschine Studio. Since Roland surprised me with their launch of the new Aira line i thought it was about time to get my Acid back on. So this is my take on one of the best Acid Basslines ever, the legendary Acid Tracks by Phuture.

Enjoy as loud as possible ;)

Cheers"

acid!!!! (phuture,josh wink) cyclone tt-303, aira tr-8 (tb303,tr909 sounds)

Published on Jun 12, 2014 MINO VINILO·7 videos

acid house jam con cyclone tt-303, roland aira tr-8,pedal de distorsion boss mt-2

Roland Aira's on eBay | Bass Bot TT-303's on eBay

Strange Synthesizers of Japan by Hiromichi Oohashi - Synth Book w/ CD

Hiromichi Oohashi wrote in to let us know about his new synth book featuring rare and somewhat strange synthesizers from Japan. The book features synths from his collection along with a CD of audio/music. You can find the book via the publisher Rittor Music (Japan) (published Nov.2021), and on Amazon JP here.

You can find a list of the synths featured by chapter further below.

Details on the book from Hiromichi Oohashi follow.

"This art book introduces many of Japanese most rare and strange electronic musical instruments (1960s~1980s) from author's private collection for long years.

Contains over 130 synthesizers, rhythm machines, organs, toy instruments, speech synths, etc most of these rare instruments will be the first public release. All color pages, lot of beautiful photo of these unique instruments with simple and detailed text, all photos and book design by author himself.

Contribution from Mark Mothersbaugh (DEVO)

Foreword by Eric Schneider (author of TOY INSTRUMENTS/MBP)

Attached CD has original music using these strange instruments so you can hear what these synth sounds like.

CD's music made by author's band KINO-MODERNO (world-renowned electronic music duo)



Hiromichi Oohashi is an artist born in Tokyo 1961
after studied art & design at Kuwazawa Design School in Tokyo
works as an artist and producer for Art, Design and Music
also known as collector of rare electronic musical instruments
in 1990 released groundbreaking [ VIDEO DRUG2/Phuture ] and get noticed
member of electronic music duo KINO-MODERNO since 1984
president of DAT PLANET PRODUKT"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland Boutique Artist Interviews - Paul Hartnoll, A Guy Called Gerald, DJ Pierre

Published on Sep 30, 2016 RolandChannel

Playlist:
1. Roland Boutique Paul Hartnoll interview

"As one half of the legendary Orbital, Paul Hartnoll knows a thing or two about putting a killer tune together, and just as much about how to recreate that sound live in front of thousands of people.

We visited Paul’s studio to discuss the latest Roland Boutiques, and ended up finding out where Orbital got their first 303 from, and why they think their original TR-909 and TB-303 could be rather special."

2. Roland Boutique A Guy Called Gerald interview

"Making electronic music since the mid ‘80s gives A Guy called Gerald a certain perspective on the industry.
We spoke to the genre-busting producer on his first encounters with the original TR-909 and TB-303, how they helped him get started with his music, and what he thinks of the latest additions to Roland Boutique family, especially the TR-09 and TB-03.

You’ll also find out that 808 State’s ‘Pacific State’ was originally called something completely different…"

3. Roland Boutique DJ Pierre interview

"DJ Pierre is synonymous with the sound of acid house, and although the acclaimed producer has an enviable catalog of productions under his belt, it’s possibly his first release that has had the biggest impact on electronic music culture.

Phuture’s Acid Trax kick-started the acid house genre by subverting the sound of Roland’s TB-303 bassline synth, and we caught up with Pierre to talk about those early years with the TB-303, and what he thinks of the new TB-03 Roland Boutique."

Phuture's acid

http://m.matrixsynth.com/2011/11/november-acid-patter.html
TB303, TR909, TR808, Eurorack Modular, MS20, MXR Phase 90, Tascam DM4800"

Also see beth's night time acid by the passenger.

Roland TR-707 in da house

Published on Oct 13, 2013 grauoliv·24 videos

"Short vid with my latest good buy! I had no tripod in da house, so I filmed with my Canon EOS 600 D by hand.

The music is my cheeky attempt to recreate THE classic, ACID TRACKS by PHUTURE."

Phuture - Acid Tracks - TB 303 remix

Published on Feb 23, 2014 DJjondent·223 videos

Listen in stereo.

"Released way back in 1987, Acid Tracks (Trax) is credited as being the first track to
feature the "squelch" sound of the Roland TB 303.
Here is the original:
http://youtu.be/OKbLI8EufNo

This version is not meant to be an exact remake. The original was 11.17 mins long and is drenched in reverb. The track is very simple. Just 8 notes repeated over and over again.B,B,C,C',C,D#,D#,C'.

Mine is rather shorter .. 4 mins without any external processing.
Recorded in a single take with just a Roland TB 303 & TR 606 on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

The drums are on the right channel & the 303 on the left. So to hear it properly listen on some good speakers. Headphones might be a problem.

The Acid pattern (if you wanna mix this for yourself) for this track is on my blog:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2014..."

303 acid basslines: Liquid Slow by Charlotte De Witte/Chris Liebing & Acid Tracks by Phuture

video upload by Endorphin.es

"Drop acid not bombs!
In today's video we will teach you how to acid using the SHUTTLE SYSTEM with GROUND CONTROL combo. We will break down the baselines from tracks Liquid Slow by @Chris Liebing and @Charlotte de Witte"

Tracks Featuring the Roland TR-707

The following tracks feature the Roland TR-707. They were sent to the AH list by David Bulog.

Larry Heard (Mr. Fingers) - Washing Machine

YouTube via sneakytraxx2010 | October 31, 2009 | 4:35

http://www.discogs.com/Larr...

Phuture - Acid Tracks

YouTube via eisenvater1000 | January 29, 2009 | 10:00

"Trax Records"

Mr Fingers - Can You Feel It
Embedding disabled - click here

AFX Phonatacid TR-707
AFX Laricheard TR-707
AFX Bwoon Dub TR-707
http://www.rephlex.com/releases/view/76/AFX/Analord%2002/ANALORD%2002
"hmm possibly TR-909"


Update: two more via Todd Sines

Adonis - We' re Rockin Down the House

"pzar | October 26, 2007 | 7:54

Old Acid House tune

Visit my site for more stuff :

http://pzar.sitelive.co.cc"

DJ Pierre - Acid House Pioneer: Artist Feature

Published on Apr 19, 2017 Propellerhead

"Here’s a thought experiment… how many musicians can you name that invented an entire musical genre from a single song which the genre even takes its name from? Is there a song called Jazz? Did someone write a track called Blues? No. That unique honor is reserved for Phuture and their song Acid Tracks, from which the global cultural movement of Acid House was born.

DJ Pierre sat down to tell us the stories of his early days, show us around his latest work, and share some of the new talent and artistry he's nurturing in his creative incubator space at Afro Acid Digital in Atlanta."

Roland TB-303 with Original Packaging

images via this auction

"Overhauled by Roland JAPAN"

They still service old gear?

"The Roland TB-303 Bass Line is a synthesizer with built-in sequencer manufactured by the Roland corporation in 1982 and 1983 that had a defining role in the development of contemporary electronic music. The TB-303 (named for "Transistor Bass") was originally marketed to guitarists for bass accompaniment while practicing alone. Production lasted approximately 18 months, resulting in only 10,000 units. It was not until the mid- to late-1980s that DJs and electronic musicians in Chicago found a use for the machine in the context of the newly developing house music genre. At the time they were very cheap, which helped to contribute to their popularity. The TB-303 is considered a collector's item today, often valued at US $1000 to $3000. An example recently sold on eBay for US $2,275.00. Phuture's "Acid Tracks" is widely acknowledged to have been the first Acid House recording to incorporate prototypical TB-303 sounds. Earlier recordings featuring the TB-303 can be traced back as far as the early Electro scene, including artists such as Ice T, Newcleus, and Mantronix, as well as pop musicians such as Heaven 17 and Section 25. In the early 90's, as new Acid styles emerged, the 303 was often overdriven, producing a harsher sound. Examples of this technique include Hardfloor's 1992 EP "Acperience", and Interlect 3000's 1993 EP "Volcano". The well-known "acid" sound is typically produced by playing a repeating note pattern on the TB-303, while altering the filter's cutoff frequency, resonance, and envelope modulation. The TB-303's accent control modifies a note's volume, filter resonance, and envelope modulation, allowing further variations in timbre. A distortion effect, either by using a guitar effects pedal or overdriving the input of an audio mixer, is commonly used to give the TB-303 a denser, noisier timbre--as the resulting sound is much richer in harmonics. The head designer of the TB-303, Tadao Kikumoto, was also responsible for leading design of the TR-909 drum machine." Be sure to check out the seller's other items. Quite the list there.