SUPERBOOTH24 Program Schedule

Press release follows:

The SUPERBOOTH BERLIN is excited to finally announce its performance and work- shop programming for this year’s SUPERBOOTH24.

After the record-breaking SUPERBOOTH23, the latest edition of the world’s largest trade fair and festival for electronic musical instruments is happening from the 16th to the 18th of May 2024 at FEZ-Berlin.

As a “trade fair with the spirit of a festival”, the Superbooth presents the latest products and technical developments in the realm of synthesizers and studio technology with over 250 exhibitors from all over the world, while also offering a comprehensive cultural program that celebrates the culture and joy of electronic music-making.

Over 30 international artists will be performing on three outdoor stages (including the new “Strandbar” stage) as well as two indoor stages for presen- tations and lectures. On the lineup for SUPERBOOTH24 are artists as varied as the Oscar award winning Hildur Guðnadóttir, the popular club performer Stimming, the Live-Techno artist and Lady Gaga collaborator Lady Starlight and the modular expert TamiX hailing from China.

The full performance program can be found over at www.superbooth.com under the rider “Events”.

Aside from these musical performances, there will also be workshops offe- ring an introduction to the world of modular synthesizers (including one specifically for women and nonbinary people), DIY Workshops, and numerous lecture concerts in which popular brands like Bitwig, UDO Audio und Korg Berlin will be personally demonstrating their latest products.

The SUPERBOOTH is always trying to create an open and welcoming space in which everyone that is interested can learn and experience. Part of that is the MINIBOOTH for children and teenagers, which offers adolescents a playful look into the world of electronic music-making and was already a fully sold-success last year. The MINIBOOTH will be happening as its own event on the weekend be- fore Superbooth, from the 9th to the 12th of May.

Those looking for a refreshment between this dense schedule will also be happy with the Superbooth’s comprehensive catering offering. New this year is a rooftop area located on the top of the FEZ-building with a bar, allowing visitors to end the evening in a relaxed atmosphere with a great view. And as always, there is also the idyllic „Bungalowdorf” located in the forest surrounding the FEZ.

As a mix between a trade fair, international scene meeting, conference and festival, the Superbooth is a forward-looking event that combines different aspects to create a unique space for musical encounters and experiences.

Pre-sale tickets are available over at www.superbooth.com under the rider “Tickets”. A three-day ticket is 98 euros (reduced: 79 euros), a one-day ticket is

39 euros (reduced: 29 euros). As always, there will also be a ticket box office at the event. We recommend arriving by public transport (S-Bahn station Wuhlheide), as parking opportunities near the event location are limited.

Kabuki - live at SUPERBOOTH23

video upload by Superbooth Berlin

"Kabuki already played at the Superbooth in 2019. In 2023 he plays the beach stage on Saturday with an ambient set fitting for the first drink of the day. His album „No Maps for these Territories“ already gave a foretaste to the sound of his performance: somewhere between minimal music, jazz and electronica.

https://linktr.ee/iamkabuki

SUPERBOOTH Berlin:
https://www.superbooth.com/en/"

Tunegirl - live at SUPERBOOTH23

video upload by Superbooth Berlin

"Tunegirl's musical journey began in the 70s as a devoted fan of Hard Rock icons like Status Quo and AC/DC. Starting as a guitarist in a school band, she rocked out to her idols' tunes, playing by ear and gaining local recognition.

In the 80s, funk and soul captivated her, leading her to explore DJing in local discos and immersing herself in the grooves of the era. It was during this time that she first encountered synthesizers, drawn in by the sounds of Depeche Mode and Human League.

The 90s brought a love for techno, inspired by artists like Jeff Mills and Richie Hawtin. Despite dabbling in software production, she longed for the tactile experience of hardware instruments.

Rediscovering her passion in 2009, she embraced software production but missed the spontaneity of jam sessions. Returning to hardware, she explored Elektrons, Volcas, and Roland Airas, yet still felt something was missing.

A turning point came when she discovered modular synthesis through a YouTube video. Intrigued, she embarked on a journey of discovery, diving into Eurorack with determination.

Despite the challenges, her dedication paid off, and she found her ideal instrument in the Eurorack system, unlocking a newfound freedom of expression and creativity. Tunegirl's journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the endless possibilities of artistic exploration.

https://www.instagram.com/the_tunegir..."

Nadia Struiwigh - live at SUPERBOOTH23

video upload by Superbooth Berlin

"Nadia Struiwigh is all about energy when she plays. Her own energy, the energy of the crowd, and the energy of any given space are what determine where she goes. She likes to get people into a bubble and to keep them there, to play to the weirdos in the dark corners of a room, and to thread together sounds that connect with people’s everyday emotions. Whether that’s with techno, ambient or experimental depends on what she feels at any given time.

When playing live, the Dutch artist feels detached from her consciousness and instead rides on her own inner flow. She shares stories that are based on her own memories and inspiration. Once translated into sound, they become narratives that take listeners deep into their own psyche. However, Nadia is also a technical nerd that deeply analyses everything she does, and so by now can truly convey herself through her synthesizers.

https://www.instagram.com/nadiastruiw...
https://soundcloud.com/nadiastruiwigh"

JuX - live at SUPERBOOTH23

video upload by Superbooth Berlin

"During their live performances, JuX channel a unique sound that captures the energy of the techno scene and brings it together with their own artistic vision. They create a modern form of techno that takes the audience on a sonic journey. By offering techno lovers a creative alternative to regular DJ sets, their musical concept is proof of musical innovation within the scene.

https://dj-joya.de/jux-the-patchbolds..."

Erica Synths Interview // Synthesizers with Passion

video upload by Sine Community

"The Sine Community had the opportunity to interview Girts Ozolins and the team at Erica Synths in Berlin, Germany. Get an inclusive insight and learn more about the people behind this Latvian Eurorack manufacturer based in Riga.

The Erica Synths team is made of visionaries, engineers, musicians and our most important employee – Tuna the cat. Over the last couple of years Erica Synths has been working hard to create Eurorack modules and desktop instruments that make a difference in your workflow, whether for production in the studio, live performances on stage or educational goals in the classroom. They strive to offer the highest possible quality, aesthetics, sound and function.

Directed by Sebastian Vidal Bustamante ( @sonoaudiovisual )
Production of the Sine Community ( @sinecommunity )
Supported by Synthesizer New Zealand ( @synthesizernz )
Music recorded live at SuperBooth ( @superboothberlin) performed by KODEK ( @KODEK4444 )
With our special thanks to the team at Erica Synths ( @EricaSynths )"

Introducing TEK2 Desktop Modular Rotary Controller by Intech Studio

Press release follows:

Introducing TEK2 by Intech Studio, the fully compact, modular rotary knob Grid controller

What is Grid by Intech Studio?

At Intech, we create diverse controlling solutions for enhancing the production workflow of sound designers, musicians and digital creatives. We see the future of innovative tactile control in a modular and compact form, upon which the Grid controller family was born.

Based on our approach towards functional design, we now decided to integrate a smooth, endless rotary potentiometer into Grid’s control element variety, while keeping the module’s clean and compact body structure. Welcome TEK2 Grid, the freshest Grid module equipped with double infinite rotation potentiometers and eight separate buttons. TEK2 is made for multimedia creatives boasting a distinguished audiovisual skillset, aiming to broaden their horizons through new ways of tactile control interactions. Preorders open on 25th of October for the first edition of TEK2.

TEK2 Features

The TEK2 adds to the fine-tuning experience with a pair of ergonomically designed knobs, equipped with a two-state switch (pressed & released) and a smooth endless rotation. In addition, both potentiometers are equipped with 5-point LED feedback, creating a brand new perspective among Grids. These full RGB multicolor programmable LED lights can be set to several animation modes configurable with the Grid Editor’s toolset. Such a ‘5-bit display’ indicator is perfect for giving feedback on centered or starting value positions and on highlighting parameter states.

The large knobs are accompanied by a set of 8 tactile buttons which can act like shift buttons, toggles or triggers – easing the way for quick mode switches, dynamic settings navigation and active function changes of the two massive knobs.

By all means, TEK2 preserves its compatibility with all pre-existing and future Grid modules, forming an ecosystem both in design and software-wise. While it remains a MIDI and HID compliant device, we plan to expand Grid’s controlling possibilities through new Adobe and DaVinci software integrations requested by our community.

Fun Fact about TEK2

As a startup coming from the heart of Budapesta, Intech Studio decided to name their new Grid piece with a bit of local spirit. The ‘TEK’ is derived from the word ‘TEKERŐ’, – meaning rotary knob in Hungarian – and the sound of the word ‘tech’. As TEK2 features two of these knobs the final name goes without saying. This release also marks the start of a new wave of Intech Studio Grid controllers, featuring an even more thoughtful and unique design.

About Intech Studio

Intech Studio is the first open-source Hungarian tech startup empowering digital creators through hardware and software solutions. Started from a prototype of a DIY modular controller made by two engineer friends in Budapest, Intech Studio’s Grid has made its way internationally, including Soundmit in Torino and Berlin’s Superbooth festival for several years in a row. A bunch of Grid module variations later and with a fine-tuned Editor software, Intech Studio has gone through a rebranding phase to finally become what the founders have dreamt of a home of innovative controlling possibilities not only for electronic musicians but to all audiovisual creatives.

TEK2 initial price: 199 $ Pre-order starts: 25 / 10 / 2023

https://intech.studio/news/new-product-launch-grid-tek2

Mark Verbos - live at SUPERBOOTH23

video upload by Superbooth Berlin

"For many years Mark Verbos has been making a range of synthesizer modules in Eurorack format. His modules are famous for their Buchla heritage and unparalleled look. On the other hand Mark is also a live performer, a music producer/engineer and music equipment technician with 20 years of experience. He is known to the synth community for his work with vintage Buchla systems as well as custom modules that work with them. His designs are focused on discrete transistor circuits, hardware CMOS logic and various vintage electronics design techniques, however they are presented with an understanding of how modular gear is used by this generation."

Blush Response - live at SUPERBOOTH23

video upload by Superbooth Berlin

"Blush Response is the vehicle for Cuban/American musician Joey Blush's research into the sonic dimension. Reports occur at sporadic intervals, usually in concurrence with the discovery of new planes of existence. Born in Miami, and now stationed in Berlin, Blush has brought his sound experiments to a worldwide audience. He has toured around the world as a solo artist, and as a member of groups such as Scar the Martyr and Front Line Assembly.

He is also a renowned sound designer, having done work for companies like Elektron, Yamaha, Arturia, and programming on records from Fear Factory, Cristian Castro, and many more. Blush expresses his sound through deep meditation with his electronic instruments, focusing on the interaction between human and machine. He seeks to both influence and harness the unpredictability of complex electronic instrumentation, in an effort to create a direct expression of his emotions. This sonic ritualism is exemplified in his prolific reporting of fractalized audio sculpture.

This concert was presented by Nord Keyboards.

Blush Response:
https://blushresponse.bandcamp.com"

SUPERBOOTH24 Set for May 16 - 18, 2024

Press Release follows:

Berlin, the 28th of August 2023

The SUPERBOOTH BERLIN is happy to announce the date for the next edition of Superbooth: SUPERBOOTH24 will be happening from the 16th to the 18th of May 2024 at FEZ-Berlin.

Pre-sale tickets for SB24 will be available from the first of November 2023. Brands and manufacturers that are interested in exhibiting at SB24 can already contact us. More information regarding SB24 will follow in the fall.

For the SUPERBOOTH BERLIN, even during the beginning of this year being able to securely plan for 2024 was not a given. Like many large-scale events and festivals, the Superbooth had faced substantial financial difficulties due to pandemic-related cancellations and restrictions. This year’s SB23 was the first Superbooth that could happen without restrictions since 2019, and its success was crucial in deciding the future of the event.

As such, the SUPERBOOTH BERLIN is belated to announce that SUPERBOOTH23 was a resounding success that was able to secure the continuation of the event. As the biggest and most successful Superbooth to date, SB23 trumped even the previous record year 2019 with over 250 exhibitors from all the world and over 9000 visitors and participants.

Even on social media, SUPERBOOTH23 was more present than ever, perhaps because of the event’s continued, but amplified focus on inclusivity and diversity in the electronic music technology industry, a direction that was welcomed enthusiastically by most of the Superbooth’s visitors and participants. With initiatives such as the “Minibooth” for children and adolescents, workshops for women and nonbinary people and a women’s quota in the performance booking, the SUPERBOOTH23 attempted to showcase a way towards a more open and inclusive future of electronic music-making.

The various musical performance stages gave the SB23 the character of a music festival, with a musical focus on special live performances that fall outside the reach of typical large-scale festival bookings. The new session stage brought new genres such as dub, reggae, and different forms of bass music to the event. In the evening hours, the ever-popular Strandbühne (beach stage) with its relaxed vibe and various catering offerings conjured an atmosphere that lived up to the energy of a proper music festival.

During SB23, attendees often remarked that there was a noticeable relaxed, perhaps even euphoric atmosphere that could be felt all across the event. The Superbooth’s unique concept of a “trade fair with the spirit of a festival” has once again proven itself as something unique within the world of electronic music.

For 2024, the SUPERBOOTH BERLIN will further build on the success of 2023 but of course also attempt to make the event even better, so that it can continue to live up to its status as the world’s biggest trade fair for electronic musical instruments. As such, the SUPERBOOTH BERLIN is open and thankful for feedback of any kind (e-mail: info@superbooth.com).

https://www.superbooth.com/en/

Designing Joy: an Interview with Korg.Berlin CEO Tatsuya Takahashi

via Perfect Circuit

"Tatsuya Takahashi, widely known as 'Tats', is a name that resonates loudly among sound synthesis enthusiasts and professionals. Over the last decade, his innovative mindset has been instrumental in resurrecting the popularity of analog synthesis, crafting a unique sonic landscape that blends tradition with novelty. Takahashi was been the creative engine behind some of Korg's most celebrated modern instruments, including the Monotron, the Volca series, and the Monologue and Minilogue synthesizers."

You can find the full interview at Perfect Circuit.

The following a few excerpts.

"I do have a guiding philosophy. I need to talk about the values that are present now, and how different they are from when I started. Obviously, I was naturally drawn to music tech, I have always loved circuits, instruments, and synthesizers. So initially, when I started working at Korg, which was my first "real" job after working in restaurants and bars, I was entirely focused on doing my job well.

As you mention, this period coincided with the revival of analog synthesizers, and I like to think that I played a role in that amongst other members of the industry. However, back then, it was more about doing well in my job and fulfilling my passion. The vision or the philosophy wasn't as defined then as it is today.

Now, at 40, I have a different perspective. I look back at the 23 products I worked on while in Tokyo and try to understand what made my job fulfilling. Apart from my affinity for design, art, music, and the very act of creating—of being and doing, I realized that there was also an important external element that stimulated me, and that was the joy that the users derived from my designs." "If you look at the MS-20, there were very few people involved in that project. The people responsible for the specs, the electrical design, the mechanical design, and the manual were probably the same two or three people. They just operated using general design principles.

Such an approach brings a certain consistency and purity to the product. Of course, if you are working on a complex product like a workstation keyboard, you need a large team to cover all the layers. However, I romanticize this early era of hardware design where everything was unified. If you look at an old Siemens mic pre, everything from the latch that takes it out of the rack to a three-dimensional puzzle of transformers and vacuum tubes to electrical, mechanical industrial design—all these considerations combined together. It is the same idea here, we try to break the boundaries between different disciplines and just see it as one thing."

"Korg.Berlin is nearly three years old, and we are a subsidiary of Korg Inc. Our function is to conduct R&D for new musical instruments. We diverge from the main office in that we have a different product planning procedure. We work directly with things, and we try in physical form what ideas might work. By the nature of that, we are a bit more explorative.

Our operation specifically aims to do things differently from the way it is currently done in Tokyo and Asia as a whole, including the manufacturing infrastructure. Having spent a wonderful decade building mainly analog synthesizers, it was important for me personally to do something different here. The team in Tokyo carry on with that work, and they are super good at it. So there is no point in us doing the same thing. That is why we need a different approach, a different technology, a different appeal, and consequently, we need a different branding. That is why we have our own logo, and we identify ourselves as Korg.Berlin. These are some of the things that make us different.

Looking into the future, we feel that some form of this acoustic synthesis that we unveiled at Superbooth this year will be at the core of our forthcoming products, or even multiple product lines."

Instruō Superbooth23: THE MOVIE

video upload by Instruō

WARNING: This video contains flashing lights which may not be suitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy (There's also a wee bit of swearing!)

This is a movie that follows the creative crew that is Instruō.
In 2023 the company travelled to Berlin to present at the Superbooth trade show/festival.
At the time of these captured events, the expanded team at Instruō numbers 20+ personnel.
Pretty much the entire crew goes to Berlin as we show off who we are and what we make.
This is a look behind the scenes of a Eurorack modular synthesiser manufacturer as they present at the world's best Synth-show!

Directed by Mathew Pieraccini
Edited by Jasōn H. J. Lim

"This 'documentary' is the beginning of a new form of content that I'm (Jasōn) working on in parallel to the endless stream of new instruments that we're developing.
It's a long time since it was just myself working solo back in the early days of Instruō
(~2016).
I now have the privilege of working with some of the most fun and creative people I've ever met.
We collaborate now as a creative coop. My hope is to showcase more who we are, what we're doing and how things work at the workshop here in Glasgow.
I've always been a fan of behind the scenes content so my plan is to open thing up a bit to showcase my collaborators and what they do inside and outside of roles at Instruō"
~Jasōn

00:00:00 prologue
00:01:22 Instruōduction
00:02:05 THE TEAM ASSEMBLES, Glasgow 2023-05-08
00:03:02 BUS
00:03:40 Road Trip (UK)

CLICK FOR MORE »

Instruō Superbooth23: THE MOVIE (TRAILER)

video upload by Instruō

"This is a movie that follows the creative crew that is Instruō.
In 2023 the company travelled to Berlin to present at the Superbooth trade show/festival.
At the time of these captured events, the expanded team at Instruō numbers 20+ personnel.
Pretty much the entire crew goes to Berlin as we show off who we are and what we make.
This is a look behind the scenes of a Eurorack modular synthesiser manufacturer as they present at the world's best Synth-show!

Directed by Mathew Pieraccini
Edited by Jasōn H. J. Lim

"This 'documentary' is the beginning of a new form of content that I'm working on in parallel to the endless stream of new instruments that we're developing.
It's a long time since it was just myself working solo back in the early days of Instruō
(~2016).
I now have the privilege of working with some of the most fun and creative people I've ever met.
We collaborate now as a creative coop. My hope is to showcase more who we are, what we're doing and how things work at the workshop here in Glasgow.
I've always been a fan of behind the scenes content so my plan is to open thing up a bit to showcase my collaborators and what they do inside and outside of roles at Instruō"
~Jasōn"

Waldorf Sounddesigner Talk - feat. Howard Scarr

video upload by WaldorfMusicChannel

"Howard Scarr is an internationally highly respected sound designer. He has worked with Hans Zimmer on various film scores and his sounds can be found in all major libraries such as Spectrasonics, UHE's Zebra and last but not least in the Waldorf Quantum/Iridium family.
Waldorf CTO Rolf Wöhrmann met him at Superbooth 2023 in Berlin."

The Wiggler II & The Truth about Super Booth 2023

video upload by AudioPilz

"Taken from the @AudioPilz @superboothberlin 2023 coverage:"

The Truth about Super Booth 2023

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to the AudioPilz SuperBooth 2023 special. Will it provide The Truth about Super Booth 2023 ??? Including Borat - like encounters with Tatsuya Takahashi of Korg Berlin, marketing-meetups in the Teenage Engineering bus, my failure of getting a Yamaha representative in front of the camera, my lost Elektron brother, we will find out about how Polyend deals with trolls, whether Arturia people actually like the Drumbrute, there's plenty of meme goodness and I will jam on all the synths that I'm otherwise not allowed to put on Bad Gear. Finally and most importantly: does Nick Batt of Sonic State know about all the memes about him?

@superboothberlin @sonicstate

00:00 Introduction
00:16 Bad Gear???
00:20 Teenage Engineering 1 (TE TP-7)
00:45 Nick Batt #1
01:01 Tatsuya Takahashi (Korg Berlin) #1
01:51 Nick Batt #2
01:57 Arturia #1
02:30 Nick Batt #3
02:36 Sinevibes x True Cuckoo, Bad Gear Intro Tune
02:54 Tatsuya Takahashi #2
03:01 Nord
03:16 Sorry for deleting the Elektron Footage 😔😔😔
03:25 The Teenage Engineering Bus Incident
04:00 Nick Batt #4
04:13 Arturia #2 (DrumBrute Discussion)
04:53 Polyend #1
05:01 Nick Batt #5
05:25 Sinevibes #2 (huh, huh, huh,...)
05:32 Waldorf Confessions
05:51 Wiggler V2 (Hainbach approves)
06:08 Tatsuya Takahashi #3
06:34 Novation
06:42 Polyend #2
06:49 Yamaha
06:55 Nick Batt #6
07:03 FL Studio
07:12 Jam Part 1 (Schmidt Synthesizer)
07:29 Jam Part 2 (UDO Super Gemini)
07:44 Jam Part 3 (Waldorf Quantum MK2)
07:59 Jam Part 4 (Oberheim OB-X8)
08:14 Jam Part 5 (Mayer EMI)
08:30 Nick Batt #7 (Outro)"

9 Odd Questions for Music Gear Makers SuperBooth 2023 Interviews

video uploads by Martin Yam Moller

Playlist:
Interview Tatsuya Takahashi CEO Korg Berlin SuperBooth 2023 / 9 Odd Questions for Music Gear Makers
Interview Marcus Söderberg Jansson Teenage Engineering SuperBooth 9Odd Questions 4 Music Gear Makers
SuperBooth Interview with Gur Milstein from TipTop Audio | 9 Odd Questions for Music Gear Makers
Polyend Interview Wojtek Jakobczyk || 9 Odd Questions for Music Gear Makers
Interview with Novation's Lead Hardware Designer Danny Nugent | 9 Odd Questions 4 Music Gear Makers

Superbooth 2023: Show Walkabout With Matths

video upload by sonicstate

"Ok we admit we left it a bit late, but we were mad busy, if you havent seen our reports from Superbooth 23 - held at the Fez in Berlin, we have 100 videos posted which was an amazing acheivement - so much to see this year. We think people have been holding off releases due to a variety of factors, so they all came at once!

Matt Hodson aka MATTHS, takes us around some of the exhibits, chatting on the way. A great way to get a sense of what was the best Superbooth yet."

Oberheim OBX8 Desktop & Sequential Trigon 6 - Gesprächskonzert SUPERBOOTH23

video upload by Superbooth Berlin

"Gerry Bassermann presents the Trigon 6 and OBX8 Desktop from Sequential and Oberheim during this Gesprächskonzert at SUPERBOOTH23."

https://oberheim.com/

https://www.sequential.com/

Retrokits RK-008 (and more) - Gesprächskonzert SUPERBOOTH23

video upload by Superbooth Berlin

"Retrokits present their RK-008: Real Time Multitrack MIDI Recorder and other MIDI tools during this Gesprächskonzert at SUPERBOOTH23."

Synthstrom Audible Deluge - Gesprächskonzert SUPERBOOTH23

video upload by Superbooth Berlin

"Synthstrom Audible present their Deluge sequencer during this Gesprächskonzert at SUPERBOOTH23."