Roland Launches Stones Throw Limited Edition of SP-404MKII

video upload by Stones Throw

"We teamed up with Roland to launch the SP-404MKII Stones Throw Limited Edition.

Available now: https://sthrow.com/404
More details: https://sthrow.com/roland

J. Rocc joined us in The Dungeon to cook up something special using sounds that can only be found as part of the collaboration - and to unveil that custom metallic faceplate for the first time.

This one-of-a-kind Roland SP-404MKII comes equipped with pre-loaded music by Stones Throw artists J. Rocc, Sudan Archives, Mndsgn, Kiefer, and DJ Harrison - 16 patterns and 16 samples in each bank. A collectable 7-inch and cassette mixtape are also included."



Press release follows:

Special Collector’s Version of the SP-404MKII Sampler with Custom Panel Artwork, Exclusive Sample Banks, and New Music Created by the Stones Throw Records’ Roster

Los Angeles, CA, Oct. 19 — Roland announces the SP-404MKII Stones Throw Limited Edition, an exclusive version of the world’s favorite portable sampler. Co-curated with Stones Throw Records, this unique SP model collaboration is more than just a tool—it’s a work of art. Featuring a high-shine aluminum faceplate with custom artwork, new sound banks crafted by the label’s roster, and a collector’s package with a seven-inch vinyl record and mixtape, the SP-404MKII Stones Throw Limited Edition celebrates the creative spirit of independent music artists everywhere.

Founded by producer and DJ Peanut Butter Wolf in 1996, Stones Throw Records has built an indie music empire by supporting diverse, cutting-edge artists and spreading the word through vinyl, merch, and events. Touchstone releases include albums by Madvillain, J Dilla, Madlib, NxWorries, Knxwledge, Sudan Archives, Mayer Hawthorne, Dâm-Funk, and Aloe Blacc, all widely considered modern musical masterpieces.

Stones Throw and its artists helped create the blueprint for contemporary independent music culture, and the label’s massive influence was spotlighted in the 2014 feature-length documentary Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton. Roland SP instruments have been key creative catalysts for the label's roster and fans, who continue to unlock new musical frontiers using the portable samplers’ fluid workflow and go-everywhere design.

The SP-404MKII Stones Throw Limited Edition includes ten full banks of brand-new samples and patterns from Kiefer, Sudan Archives, Mndsgn, J.Rocc, and DJ Harrison. This special model also features a custom Stones Throw aluminum faceplate and special packaging designed by Jeff Jank, the legendary art director and illustrator behind the label’s most quintessential releases.

The SP-404MKII Stones Throw Limited Edition comes with additional collector’s content that’s not available anywhere else. There’s a seven-inch vinyl record with two certified burners from Kiefer and Mndsgn—constructed using their custom SP sound banks—plus a cassette mixtape by DJ icon J.Rocc with an exclusive 30-minute remix of music from the SP-404MKII x Stones Throw artists.

About the SP-404MKII
Roland SP samplers are the bona fide kings of performance-based beatmaking, with deep features and portable designs that fuel the engines of creators on the move. The SP-404MKII is the latest generation model in the long-running series, delivering ultimate performance with the latest tech advancements and updates inspired by the global SP community. Key features include a vivid OLED display, 17 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, extensive onboard effects, versatile power options, and more.

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MajorOSC Element 6 Full Bank Preview for Sequential's Prophet 6

Major OSC

Be sure to check out MajorOSC's other synth presets here as well.

"Out of leftfield, MajorOSC brings 100 fresh new patches to Sequential's Prophet 6! Available Now at http://MajorOSC.com/Element6

Element 6 presets sound organic and alive. Expect plenty of movement, rhythm, variety, and that unmistakable MajorOSC style; bold, musical, and addictive to play.

This is nothing short of a joy ride on one of the best VCO analog polysynths currently on the market.

No themes. No limits. Wait, no theme? Nope. So what is Element 6?

This is a collection of analog synth patches designed for electronic music. This should become exceedingly apparent once you hit the play button. Genres; Progressive House, Big Beat Techno / Industrial, Synth Pop, and Classic Rock. Expect a healthy dose of soft and sophisticated pads, grimey and far-out distorted epic leads, ultra smooth plucks and keys to throw down your latest chord progression ideas, and last but not least, some deep funky bass.
There's 2 main sections of Element 6, split evenly 50/50.

The first 50 presets are a variety of sounds that explore the prophet 6. They're designed to strike a balance between experimental and accessible. They're edgy, yet musical and fused onto familiar patch types that tend to work incredibly well on VCO synths. In other words, they'll be musical and expressive, as opposed to conceptual and useless.
The second half is relatively more organized, for your convenience. Expect to find 10 or so of each; Bass, Pads, Distortion/Leads, Arps. and classics. They're the ones I designed with the intention for you to use them as go-to starting points. They're purpose built to be ready for throwing down in a jam session, or new project/track. But they're made in a way that should allow easy tweaks without too much head scratching.

Inflences of this Patch Bank include the following artists:
Eric Prydz / Pryda *2005-2010 progressive house era*
Quincy Jones
Chemical Bros
Tycho / Ghostly Digital
The Rolling Stones
GrandMaster Flash & The Furious Five
Nine Inch Nails
Vangelis
Haywyre
Maceo Plex / CrossTown Rebels
DeadMau5
Knife Party
Crystal Method
Alice in Chains

(That'd be the most incredible and random lineup to have at a concert wouldn't it?)"

MOOGFEST REVEALS MUSIC LINEUP AND PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Details are in. Via MOOGFEST:

"Over 150 participating artists including Flying Lotus, Animal Collective, Gotye, Suzanne Ciani, Derrick May, 808 State, Jessy Lanza, Simian Mobile Disco, Moor Mother, Syrinx, Visible Cloaks, Princess Nokia, and Function added to growing list of Moogfest 2017 participants

Gotye Presenting a Tribute to Jean-Jacques Perrey, The Center for Deep Listening Honoring Pauline Oliveros, and Peanut Butter Wolf Honoring Bernie Worrell and Other Musicians We’ve Lost

Over forty performing artists also leading workshops and sessions in four-day conference program

The independent, annual, four-day festival will take place in
Durham, North Carolina from May 18-21, 2017. This year marks its 11th iteration honoring the spirit of inventor Bob Moog.

$249 for 3-Day General Admission and $499 for 3-Day VIP

All prices exclusive of applicable fees.

Durham, NC (March 7, 2017): Today, Moogfest reveals its lineup of musical performers, led by Flying Lotus, Animal Collective, Gotye, Suzanne Ciani, Derrick May, 808 State, Simian Mobile Disco, Syrinx, Jessy Lanza, and Function. Building on the experimental format of previous years, Moogfest continues to integrate Future Sound (performances) and Future Thought (conference) programming, with many of these artists also leading sessions during the daytime conference program.

Moogfest’s trademark mix of intimate venues and masterful collaborations creates an unforgettable experience festival-goers will not find anywhere else. Experimental electronic and avant-garde dance music is complemented by thematic programming like Black Quantum Futurism, Protest, and Techno-Shamanism that span day-into-night. This year returns with adventurous formats such as live film scores, an overnight live music sleep concert, prelude to sleep listening parties, long-form durational performances, and presentations by leading Instrument Designers.

Moogfest has also invited artists including Gotye and Peanut Butter Wolf to help honor some of the innovative musicians we lost in 2016, including Jean-Jacques Perrey, Pauline Oliveros, Bernie Worrell and Keith Emerson. This 2017 lineup reinforces Moogfest’s commitment to bold experimentation, with some of the most important musicians and thinkers of our day helping to blur the lines between audience and artist, conversation and collaboration, technology and creativity.

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Moogfest 2017: Program Themes & Lineup Announcement

Just a heads up, the lineup for Moogfest 2017 has been announced. As always, check out moogfest.com for full details on the event. The following is a small capture for the archives via the Moogfest newsletter.

"Hailed as 'the most adventurous and cutting edge' festival of 2016, Moogfest returns with a commitment to futurist conversations and performances that wrestle with our historic moment, and reflect on the festival’s home in North Carolina.

In celebration of its 11th iteration, Moogfest will unveil its lineup over the next 11 weeks through their weekly “Future Thought Future Sound” email newsletter, inviting the Moogfest community to explore program themes like Transhumanism, Techno-shamanism and Protest.

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DJ Hombre on the Dam Drum v3

Published on Nov 18, 2016 djhombre

"A brief but funky play with my old Dam Drum from Bleep Labs / Stones Throw / Dam Funk."

Quirky Beat on the Dam Drum 3.0 from Stones Throw & Bleep Labs

Published on Oct 20, 2015 djhombre

"A little late night mess about with the Dam Drum 3 while nothing was on TV.

I'd forgotten how tricky it was to get these patterns to line up, I have a feeling that a couple of the buttons start their sequences on different beats...adding to the random nature of whatever happens with the unit!

While I enjoy playing with the Dam Drum, it is very difficult to get a recording onto youtube that doesn't sound bad - I think Youtube compression gets a little over-eager with the 8bit grunginess of the unit."

http://www.bleeplabs.com/

Bleep Labs x Stones Throw Dam Drum 2.0 Very Rare/Discontinued Drum Machine Synth

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

via this auction

"Highly Limited Stones Throw x Bleep Labs collaboration Dam Funk drum machine/synth, used only a couple of times and in full working order

Comes with instructions and Stones Throw presentation box"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Announces New Modular Systems for 2015 with Back to the Future Sounds Documentary

Back to the Future Sounds Published on Jan 19, 2015

"On January 19, 2015 Moog Music Inc. announced their plans to recommence a limited run manufacturing of three of their most sought after 5U large format modular synthesizers: The System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15. These three modular synthesizer systems were originally created and manufactured by Moog in 1973.

To commemorate the announcement, Moog shot a short film at their factory about the inspiring and multifaceted relationship artists have with modular synthesizers. The video features electronic music pioneers such as Suzanne Ciani, Malcolm Cecil, David Borden, Dick Hyman and Herb Deutsch alongside performances on the new Moog modular systems by Holy Ghost! (DFA Records), Gavin Russom (ECSTATIC/Entropy Trax), Max Ravitz AKA Patricia (L.I.E.S./Opal Tapes/ Spectral Sound), Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith (Western Vinyl), Jacques Greene (Vase/LuckyMe) and M. Geddes Gengras (Stones Throw/Leaving). Each artist played a patch on one or more of the new Moog modular synthesizers recorded in one take with no overdubs."

Suzanne Ciani | System 55

Published on Jan 19, 2015

"In this video, electronic music and sound design pioneer Suzanne Ciani explores the Moog modular System 55 for the first time in decades. Ciani came to the Moog factory in Asheville, NC to play the first System 55 newly handcrafted by Moog in over thirty years. The patch, created and performed live, was shot in one take and features a sequence designed on the 960 Sequential Controller that's driving three 921B oscillators into a 904B High Pass filter whose cutoff is being modulated by a 921 oscillator. A second set of 921B oscillators is also being played manually into a 904A Low Pass filter whose cutoff knob is also being modulated by the 921 oscillator. The resulting sound of each is then sent through its own dedicated MF-104M analog delay for ambience. The audio has been captured directly with no eq, compression, or editing applied."

And the press release:

"ASHEVILLE, NC – January 19, 2015 — January 19, 2014 Asheville, NC: 50 years ago, at its first introduction, the Moog modular synthesizer represented as radical a transition as Kandinski’s abstracts or Kodak’s cameras – offering both a break from yesterday and a startling glimpse of tomorrow. And, as with all cultural explosions, the impact of Dr. Bob Moog’s invention was impossible to evaluate from the epicenter. It’s only now, 50 years down the line that we can get some measure of the importance, and the sheer untapped potentiality of the Moog Modular Synthesizer.

Today, it is with great excitement that Moog Music Inc. announces their plans to re-commence the limited run manufacturing of three of their most sought after 5U large format modular synthesizers: The System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15. These three modular synthesizer systems were originally created and manufactured by Moog in 1973.

To commemorate the announcement, Moog shot a short film at their factory about the inspiring and multifaceted relationship artists have with modular synthesizers. The video features electronic music pioneers such as Suzanne Ciani, Malcolm Cecil, David Borden, Dick Hyman and Herb Deutsch alongside performances by contemporary modular artists like Holy Ghost! (DFA), Gavin Russom (ECSTATIC/Entropy Trax), Max Ravitz AKA Patricia (L.I.E.S./Spectral Sound/Opal Tapes), Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith (Western Vinyl), Jacques Greene (Vase/LuckyMe) and M. Geddes Gengras (Stones Throw). Each artist played a patch live, in one take, with no overdubs on one or more of the new Moog Modular systems.

The foundation for this announcement was laid last year at Moogfest 2014, when Moog released the Emerson Moog Modular system – a faithful recreation of Keith Emerson’s legendary modular instrument, which was the culmination of three years worth of research and engineering. Now Moog will use the techniques learned recreating the EMMS manufacturing process to once again build these modular systems. Crucially, in deference to the unique character and appeal of the original instruments, these systems will be made entirely to their original product specifications and manufacturing techniques and processes.

Working from the 1970s schematics, the System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15 will be meticulously handcrafted, as a true recreation of the original. The modules are built from the original circuit board films - just as they were in 1973- by hand-stuffing and hand-soldering components to circuit boards, and using traditional wiring methods. The front panels are photo-etched aluminum, a classic process rarely still used in today’s synthesizer manufacturing, to maintain the classic and durable look of vintage Moog modules.

Upon their first release in 1973, the System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15 represented a high watermark for modular synthesis, and their inimitable tones can be heard shaping many much-loved albums. They were fundamental in the development of contemporary soul, RnB, and disco from giving Stevie Wonder’s classic run of 70s LPs their questing, innovative edge, to providing Giorgio Moroder with the pulsating machine melodies that ushered in electronic dance. At the same time, these were the instruments that inspired Brian Eno to push further out into seas of layered tranquillity on his pioneering ambient albums, or provoked bands like Yes and Tangerine Dream to blast their sonic freak outs into the cosmos.

However, the reintroduction of these instruments is not about reliving the past – while much incredible work has been done with the Moog Modular, there is so much further yet to be explored in this relatively young instrument. Artists had only begun to grasp the vast possibilities of these large format modular synthesizers when they went out of production over thirty years ago. Decades of electronic experimentation have enabled musicians to move on from viewing the Moog Modular as a replacement for traditional instrumentation. Now a new generation of artists, with a greater understanding and more complex tools, will have the opportunity to explore the power of these singular sonic machines. Today, the modular synthesizer is viewed in the manner Bob Moog originally intended: to “discover endless offbeat, unconventional, and even irrational ways of working.”

The dedicated nature of the Moog modular rebuilding process is such that the units will come in extremely limited quantities. There will be 55 units of the System 55, priced at $35,000 per instrument; 35 of units of the System 35, priced at $22,000 per instrument; and 150 units of the Model 15, priced at $10,000 per instrument.

Alongside these Moog Modular Systems will be the Sequencer Complement B Expansion Cabinet, a dual 960 Sequential Controller, an accompaniment to the System 35 and System 55, that has been out of production for over 30 years– as well as an optional 5-Octave duo phonic keyboard."

http://www.moogmusic.com/content/moog-modular-synthesizers

New DAM DRUM 3 From Bleep Labs Dam-Funk, & Stones Throw

"Version 3 of the hand-held drum machine & sequencer, a collaboration with Dam-Funk, Bleep Labs & Stones Throw. Hand made, limited edition | Ships Nov. 26

Dam-Drum is a handheld drum machine and sequencer with four unique sounds selected by Dam-Funk. Version 3 is available for pre-order, with expected ship date of November 26.

Version 3 has four new drum sounds, and is the first Dam Drum with MIDI input..."

via Stones Throw

CLICK FOR MORE »

Buchla gglplxx

Published on Feb 23, 2013 cray56·150 videos

"Throw a violin ,some glass and stones into a bucket. Throw it over your roof while its raining. Mic up the roof with PCM's and you get the same result."

Bleep Labs & Stones Throw Dam Drum 2.0

Dam Drum 2.0 | Dam-Funk, Bleep Laps & Stones Throw
Published on Jan 9, 2013 stonesthrow·173 videos

You might remember the original this video post back on August 23, 2012.

"http://stonesthrow.com/damdrum | Dam-Drum 2.0, handheld drum machine and sequencer with four unique sounds selected by Dam-Funk. 2.0 features four new drum sounds - three based on the Roland R70 and a pitchable bass tone modeled after a Juno 106 - with new buttons and a matte circuit board. This is a collaboration with Dam and Bleep Labs in Austin, TX."

via Bleep Labs

"Limited edition available now at Stones Throw.

Now with:
- New, higher quality samples!
- Improved recording quantization
- Better battery holder
- Port for future expand-ability."

CHROME CANYON Pluze

CHROME CANYON Pluze from Jennifer Juniper Stratford on Vimeo.
Pluze from Chrome Canyon's Elemental Themes (Stones Throw)
http://stonesthrow.com/chromecanyon

Directed by Jennifer Juniper Stratford
Director of Photography - Cynthia Webster
Synthesizer Assistant - Stephi Duckula
Electronics Technician - Roni Levi

Stones Throw Bleep Laps Dam Funk Drum Machine

YouTube Published on Aug 23, 2012 by djthomaswhite

"Before we begin... You can get it at http://www.stonesthrow.com and it's limited to 100 pieces (yes, one hundred only). And yes, Dam's name is pronounced like "Dame/Same/Game, etc." and I am not saying wrong just in case you are scratching your head while watching the video.

Now then, Hello! I make music and I review gear and love to teach what I discover so others can enjoy soothing repetitious beats and creative music making. Presented here is my explanation, demo and review of the NEW limited edition Dam Funk Drum Machine - yes, available for a limited time and via a limited production run from Stones Throw Records (read: Collectible!).

How did this project come to be? "Well I wanted to make something special for Dam and I reached out to Bleep Labs since I am a huge fan of their products. I told them what I would like the machine to do and they made it happen." says Scotty Coats from Stones Throw. Like he says it's a Bleep Labs design with 4 drum sounds, 4 patterns, play/record, reverse and pitch control over the bass drum and high tom. The tempo is fully adjustable with knob control or tap tempo. There is a very useful LED that changes color per pattern playing to help you keep track of where you are. Patterns are automatically quantized when played in. There is a 9V DC power source and no jack for a wall wart but a mod could easily be added if you dare. The open PCB construction should lend itself to other mods as time goes on and the masses get busy with this thing. I am sure a user-created enclosure will be around the corner as well. Only time will tell.

I love it. It's a fun time to play with for music geeks like me, so don't buy one thinking it is a MPC or Logic in a cute box. It's portable funk and very useful to get your mind out of the DAW world for a second... yes, put Ableton down and push some non-QWERTY buttons, you'll thank me later.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are solely my own and I do not represent the manufacturers of this product. I am merely super good friends with my man Scotty Coats who works at Stones Throw. Thanks to Stones Throw, Bleep Labs, Dam Funk and of course, Mr. Coats. All composed music patterns by Thomas White and used with full permission from myself. This unpaid product review has been uploaded with permission from Stones Throw Records.

Again, from what I've been told you can get it at www.Stonesthrow.com (http://stonesthrow.com) and its limited to 100 pieces (yes, one hundred only).

Oh yeah, thanks for stopping by and checking out another one of my videos."

ADSR - Jonti (Stones Throw Records)

Synth spotting with Jonti. Also see the companion post on MATRIXSYNTH-P here.

"For this episode of ADSR we were lucky enough to have Stone's Throw artist Jonti invite us over to talk about how he produced his debut album Twirligig. In ADSR fashion we run through his synths, his music writing process and his favourite software.

Jonti is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist and has been making music for years. He has already worked with the likes of Mark Ronson, Hodgy Beats, Santigold, Jon Wayne and more.

Its very hard to imagine just how Jonti composes. As Peanut Butter Wolf said "the arrangements blew me away. I couldnt figure out how the hell he did what he did". Luckily for us Jonti gives us an insight into how he does it and shows us his live MAX/MSP visual setup too.

For more on Jonti head to -
stonesthrow.com/jonti

Also download his latest album for FREE -
stonesthrow.com/news/2012/01/jonti-sine-and-moon-album-free-download

ADSR's next episode: Its a surprise... a really good one!"

Veronica Vasicka

via Mayor Sonny Bono

via VodPod:
"Veronica Vasicka is a photographer, musician, DJ and founder of the epic record label and on-line music resource Minimal Wave. As one of the founding members of East Village Radio, she managed the station during its pirate days and began collecting obscure and long forgotten gems that fell somewhere between the Cold Wave, Post Punk and Minimal Synth genres. Not knowing what to classify these bands as, she coined the genre Minimal Wave and set up the website Minimalwave.org as an online resource to share her finds with the rest of the world. The response to the website was huge and shortly after its launch, Veronica began tracking these artists down and re-issuing their work on the Minimal Wave label. Most of these bands recorded extremely limited copies of their work in their basements and shared their work with the world via John Peel's radio show and a handful of underground music mailings. The music released on the label is a stripped down, DIY and purer approach to mainstream synth pop. Never-the-less, fans of New Wave acts, and bands like Kraftwerk, New Order, and Joy Division who are seeking something a bit different or looking to expand upon the familiar genre, will not be disappointed. In addition to running Minimal Wave, Veronica launched the Cititrax label as way to expose newer synth-based act as well as obscure House and Italo classics. She DJs bi-monthly around New York City and every Sunday night on her East Village Radio show, Minimal Electronik Plus."

Veronica Vasicka | Minimal Wave - Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

http://www.minimal-wave.org/

"Minimal Wave: both a genre of underground DIY electronic music from North America and Europe in the late 1970s and 80s, and the name of the label devoted to unearthing these recordings. The Minimal Wave Tapes is the first official anthology (on CD, LP and digital) of Minimal Wave music from this label. Most of the songs were originally released on limited edition cassettes or vinyl by the artists themselves, and only a handful of people knew about them. They’ve been remastered from their analog source tapes and compiled here by Minimal Wave's Veronica Vasicka and Stones Throw's Peanut Butter Wolf. The double LP version is now exclusively available via Stones Throw and Minimal Wave. Purchase it here. Now available on CD. Release date world: January 26, 2010."