Part 1: Quadraphonic Master Class with Suzanne Ciani

Published on Aug 9, 2018 loopop

"Suzanne Ciani is an electronic music pioneer, composer, sound designer responsible for iconic sounds in commercials and video games, AND not only a pioneer but someone who is still leading the pack today with amazing modular performances.

But what you won't get to really know about Suzanne's performance until you attend one of her concerts is that all her shows are strictly quadraphonic, and the experience is amazing.

That experience can be recreated in the studio, so I set out to create series of videos about creating quadraphonic music and performance.

Here's Part 1 of that series - a master class with Suzanne Ciani. Suzanne's gear of choice for quadraphonic is a Buchla system, which is rare and expensive. In Part 2 I'll show how you can get similar results with any DAW, a few things that are unique to Ableton Live, and, if you're into Eurorack, a few ways to perform quadraphonically with standard and specialized modules."

RA Sessions: Suzanne Ciani - Improvisation on Four Sequences for RA

Published on Aug 1, 2018 Resident Advisor

"A special Session with a pioneer of modular synth performance.

Binaural audio: please put your headphones on for the full 3D experience.

Visit the RA feature page: https://www.residentadvisor.net/features/3307


Credits:
Director and Editor: Patrick Nation
Producer and Editor: Guy Clarke
Camera: Sophie Misrahi, Stephen Dunn, Patrick Nation, Guy Clarke
Sound: Flynn McBurney and Guy Clarke"

SoundMiT 2018 Announces First Exhibitors

The following is a list of the first exhibitors coming to SoundMiT - International Sound Summit. The second edition of SoundMiT will be held on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 November 2018, at the Teatro "Lavanderia a Vapore" - Corso Pastrengo 51 Collegno (Turin).
You can click through the links below for additional details on each.

"For the first time in Italy, Schmidt Synthesizers!

Soundmit exclusive, for the first time in Italy the famous no-compromise analog eight-voice polyphonic Schmidt-Synthesizer!

After selling more than 50 units of this exclusive instrument and just starting the production of the third batch of 25 new ones, german manufacturer e:m:c will show the Schmidt-Synthesizer for the first time at Soundmit - International Sound Summit in Torino, 3-4 November 2018.

"We are very excited to show the Schmidt at Soundmit in Italy" says Product Manager Axel Fischer. "Italy is one of the leading countries in electronic music and has a long history of very successful electronic instruments. We are looking forward in meeting the Italian synthesizer scene on location."

Schmidt, one of the most coveted modern analog synthesizers, comes to Italy with his eight-voice polyphony with unison and true multitimbrality mode.
Full MIDI implementation with a USB port and complete programmability. The signal path is fully analog with precise digital control. Schmidt´s sound generation engine features virtually everything that subtractive synthesis is endowed with – and even more: Schmidt gives you truly unique features that have never been implemented in an analog synthesizer before, not to speak of polyphonic units! Think of Multi-PWM and Multi-Ring Modulation.

Every single parameter – even for the most complex modulation routings you might envisage – can be accessed directly using dedicated front panel controls and switches. No more browsing through mind-boggling and confusing menus.

Thanks to programmable high-quality real-time controls (pitch and modulation wheel, stick controller, and aftertouch, as well as several inputs for footswitches and expression pedals), Schmidt has become a real performance synthesizer that feels as good as it sounds.

Schmidt is made to match the highest production standards – it has entirely been hand-crafted in Germany. The casing, made of metal and carefully selected wood, keeping a close eye on environmental sustainability, is as beautiful as it is sturdy and robust.

And we can admire it in November at the Soundmit 2018!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moogfest 2018 | Spatial Sound :. Live Stream

Last streamed live on May 1, 2017 Moogfest

Bookmark this page and check back for performances.

"Watch all the one-of-a-kind performances from Moogfest's flagship Spatial Sound programming, featuring the revolutionary A3 sound array by Meyer sound, with sets by Mouse on Mars, Jon Hopkins, Jenny Hval, Author & Punisher, Suzanne Ciani, and more."

Oberheim OB-X Analog Synthesizer (1979) "Oberfett"

Published on Apr 30, 2018 RetroSound

"(c) 2018 vintage synthesizer demo by RetroSound

Oberheim OB-X Analog Synthesizer from the year 1979

The demo video shows some self programmed uncommon synth sounds.

The Oberheim OB-X is one of the fattest analog poly-synths ever.

The sound character (based of the discrete circuits and the SEM design VCF) is different to the later curtis chip based OB-Xa and OB-8.

Used by: Rush (Subdivisions, Tom Sawyer), Nena (99 Luftballons, Nur Geträumt), J.-M. Jarre (Magnetic Fields), Killing Joke (Love Like Blood), Roxy Music (Avalon), Queen (Flash Gordon), Styx (Too much time on my hands), Japan, Supertramp, Suzanne Ciani, Tangerine Dream (Exit) and more

external fx: a bit delay"

PATCH & TWEAK - Exploring Modular Synthesis Book on Kickstarter

via Kickstarter:

"The new book about modular synths, their makers, and masters. Patching secrets, performance tips, history, modules, and techniques.

'Hello!

My name is Kim Bjørn – welcome to the PATCH & TWEAK Kickstarter campaign! Following our book PUSH TURN MOVE about electronic music instruments - we are now creating a book on modular synthesis.

We want PATCH & TWEAK to provide an opportunity for new and experienced users to become true masters of their modular systems. In the style of its predecessor, PATCH & TWEAK contains inspirational interviews with significant creators and major artists who all share their passion for modular. Explore their systems, philosophies, patching secrets, and performance tips.

Besides a comprehensive introduction to synthesis and its history, the book covers systematic sections on concepts, purpose and creative possibilities of specific modules. Enjoy colorful diagrams, presentations of both popular and rare modules, semi-modular and software, as well as techniques for patching and how to get started.

PATCH & TWEAK has a foreword by Suzanne Ciani, is written by Kim Bjørn and Chris Meyer, and edited by Paul Nagle.

So what exactly is PATCH & TWEAK? Watch the video, take the tour below, and please support the book by selecting a reward if you like the idea.'

Kim Bjørn, Copenhagen, May 2018

About the book

Meet the makers, and artists

Apart from systematic sections and general subjects PATCH & TWEAK features interviews with the passionate makers of modules and systems, and the artists who use them, and influence them. We have already started interviewing - and when more artists are confirmed, we will keep you updated!

CLICK FOR MORE »

Suzanne Ciani Live Performance at P2 Art's Birthday Party in Stockholm, Sweden

Published on Feb 15, 2017 Suzanne Ciani

"Performed 27 January 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. Originally in quadraphonic spatial sound."

ROLAND ELECTRONIC MUSIC SEMINAR 1980s MIDI Synthesizer Course Materials & Cassettes

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

via this auction

"In the mid-1980s, Roland sponsored the Electronic Music Seminar, an instructional course on MIDI, synthesizers and the use of computers in music.

The seminar featured professional musicians then at the forefront of the new technology, including:

Gary Wright - Singer / Songwriter ("Dream Weaver," "Love is Alive")
Suzanne Ciani - Electronic Music Pioneer / Sound Designer (and "Diva of the Diode")
Michael Boddicker - Film Composer ("Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai")

The seminar traveled on a multi-city tour at various venues across the country, and had a major impact on many young synthesists who attended.

This is the original seminar binder and materials that were distributed to attendees, including a 3-ring binder of printed course materials and the accompanying 4 audio cassettes of electronic music demonstrations (all tested and working.)

The binder consists of nine sections, corresponding to the topics presented at the all-day seminar:

1) Basic Performance System Design
2) Advanced System Design
3) Recording Applications
4) Advanced MIDI Techniques
5) Introduction to Computers and Music Software
6) Advanced Music Software
7) Audio / Visual Synchronization
8) MIDI Reference Materials
9) Glossaries

Aside from a little wear, the binder and materials are in excellent condition."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Dave Smith Instruments In The Spotlight With the OB-6 and Layne – Rachel Aiello

You can find the full interview on DSI's website here.

"Formally introduced to synthesis by Suzanne Ciani as her studio assistant, Layne (real name Rachel Aiello) composes field recordings, abstract auditory textures, and rhythmic concrète churns into a hypnotic aural terrain reminiscent of the inceptive work from her seminal female forebears in experimental electronics. Recently released on Karl O’Connor’s legendary Downwards Records, she displays her proficiency in creating a vast soundscape and spatial atmosphere. Most recently, she has performed a collaborative set with Suzanne Ciani for Always On, a Moogfest hosted streaming series.

We chatted with Rachel about how she’s using the OB-6."



---
You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Moogfest & Tom Tom Magazine Present 'Always On' a 50-Hour Livestream

Started streaming 1 hour ago Moogfest

You might want to bookmark this one.

"Performances include Suzanne Ciani with Layne live from her sea-side studio in northern California tonight at 8PM EST and two special performances will be streamed live from the Moog Factory: Stud1nt at 4PM EST this afternoon and Alissa DeRubeis at 8AM EST on Friday, December 8th."


"NOW PLAYING: UK experimentalist Fari B.

'Always On,' is a 50-hour livestream with continuous performances from female, transgender, and non-binary artists. Presented in partnership with Tom Tom Magazine, the livestream highlights the abundance of female, transgender, and non-binary artists actively creating and performing electronic music and beats around the world – from a home-studio in South Africa, to the Moog Factory in North Carolina.

The 'Always On' celebration will continue at the festival in May, with some of the artists participating in the livestream also participating at the festival including Goddess of 'electronic psychedelic soul' Sassy Black, Discwoman’s middle eastern dance experimentalist DJ Haram, percussive activist Madame Gandhi, avant pop sound sculptor Katie Gately, multi-instrumentalist provocateur Stud1nt, and former Au Revoir Simone hypnotic synth master Annie Hart. Many of these performances will be part of the free and open-to-the-public programming throughout the festival weekend.

Moogfest 2018 FutureThoughtFutureSound
Durham, NC. May 17 - 20, 2018"

Powwow Presents: Suzanne Ciani x Nick Verstand

Streamed live on Nov 2, 2017 POWWOW!

Also see Suzanne Ciani Live at Cafe Oto

"POW! We are excited to present to you a live-broadcast of a special audio-visual performance from 5 time grammy nominee Suzanne Ciani and contemporary artist Nick Verstand.
Live from REC. Festival, tune in the 2nd of November and witness an unique performance in a darkened Transport Rotterdam, where artists, installation and audience will occupy the space together!

---------------------------
SUZANNE CIANI
---------------------------

Suzanne Ciani is a true synthesizer pioneer. She was one of the early disciples of 70’s synth maker Don Buchla and uses his modular equipment ever since. She was responsible for a revolution in advertising sound design, by the creation of the famous Coca-Cola ‘plop’ sound. A distinctive sound, that is recognized all over the world. The real breakthrough came in the 80’s, with calming new age space-music, earning her 5 Grammy nominations.

---------------------------
DATE
---------------------------

THURSDAY 02/11

---------------------------
NICK VERSTAND
---------------------------

Nick Verstand is a contemporary artist researching human perception and consciousness. His large-scale immersive art installations - spatial compositions of visuals, light and sound - transform human behaviour into hypnotic environments. Nick Accompanies Ciani by composing with light corresponding with her music performance. Using control voltages from Ciani’s modular Buchla synthesizer, he transforms sound envelopes, rhythms and spatial dynamics into light parameters."

Suzanne Ciani Live at Cafe Oto

Published on Nov 27, 2017 NTS

"Legendary synth pioneer Suzanne Ciani graced us with an enigmatic performance for her London debut at Café Oto."

A LIFE IN WAVES - Documentary on Suzanne Ciani Now Available for Streaming

Published on Jul 2, 2017 FilmBuff Movies

"If you watched TV, went to the movies, or listened to the radio in the 80s and 90s, you probably heard Suzanne Ciani's work, whether you knew it or not. Suzanne is a five-time Grammy nominated composer, electronic music pioneer, and neo-classical recording artist whose work has been featured in countless commercials, video games, and feature films. "A Life in Waves" explores Suzanne's life and innovations through her own eyes, offering a feminine glimpse into the world of electronic music."

You can find streaming options at http://www.alifeinwaves.com.

Loop | Suzanne Ciani live

Published on Jul 20, 2017 Ableton

"A veteran master of the synthesizer puts her Buchla system through its paces in front of a live Loop summit audience.

Register for Loop 2017 tickets here:
https://loop.ableton.com/2017/register/

See more from Loop:
https://www.ableton.com/blog/categori..."

On the event:

"Who is Loop for?

Loop is for music makers: artists, technologists, educators, and creative thinkers of all kinds. It is a gathering of individuals interested in not just observing, but also in participating and joining the conversation around music, technology and creativity.

We believe a healthy music making community is one with a diversity of voices and perspectives. We embrace diversity of gender, genre, age and cultural identity.

We want everyone at Loop to feel safe and welcome at all times. You can read our Code of Conduct, but the short version is: treat everyone with respect."

SUBOTNICK: Suzanne Ciani on Morton Subotnick

Published on Jun 13, 2017 Waveshaper Media

"Electronic / New Age composer Suzanne Ciani talks about Morton Subotnick and their connection with the Buchla modular synthesizer. Excerpts from an interview for the film SUBOTNICK, now fundraising on Indiegogo:
http://igg.me/at/subotnickfilm
http://subotnickfilm.com"

Moogfest 2017 .: Day 4

Published on May 22, 2017 Moogfest

Featuring our synth godess Suzanne Ciani!

You can find all parts here.

Dave Smith Honored at Moogfest 2017

via @moogmusicinc

"Celebrating over 45 years of electronic innovations from Dave Smith with #tequilashots at #moogfest2017:"

And via @LindsayHogan88

"'It's great to be in an industry where your competitors are your friends' - Dave Smith being honored at @Moogfest"

That's Moog Music President Mike Adams with him. Below you'll find a shot of Dave Smith with Suzanne Ciani, known for her work on Buchla systems.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moogfest 2017 :. Live Streams

Moog Pop-up Factory :. live


"Enjoy the Moog Pop-up Factory" [posted earlier here]

Various feeds of Moogfest live. Be sure to check each.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Suzanne Ciani with Bob Moog

Great pic of Suzanne Ciani with Bob Moog via @moogmusicinc.

"We're pleased to announce that synth pioneer Suzanne Ciani @sevwave will receive the 2017 Moog Innovation Award"

Previously announced here.

Moogfest Announces Suzanne Ciani as the 2017 Moog Innovation Award Recipient

via Moog Music

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Ticket information:

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

Buy here

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

Buy here

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

Buy here

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