MATRIXSYNTH

Michael's Anthem (Kebu cover): Korg Radias, Arp Odyssey, Yamaha DX7, Moog Sub 37 & Nord Stage 2EX

Marcus Padrini

"In 2017, I recorded a video with a version of this great Kebu song. At the time, I did everything using only Korg Radias and a few other synths, without sequencing, playing just about everything live.

Recently, I had to move the synths to another space, think about a new dimension, position of each instrument, make all the audio, MIDI and electrical cables. After everything was ready, it was time to test the synth sequencing. The idea was to use that same structure as the version of Michael's Anthem (simply because I like it a lot), but now with new elements, sequenced synths to fill this humble version even more :)

This time, the lead was played with the DSI Tetra, great analog synth by Dave Smith. And the noise sweep filter effect was programmed on the Behringer MS-1. Sequencing on account, as always, of the Roland MC-808.

I'm still getting used to the position of the synths, suffering a little in the execution, with the lighting, etc. But soon, everything will be ready to start creating and recording again!'

Original version by Kebu posted back in 2012 here, followed by a live at PIUG performance here in 2016.

Moog Subsequent 25/Arabic: "Iram of the Pillars" (إرَم ذَات ٱلْعِمَاد)

Kris Lennox

"Different flavour of composition this time, with a piece after the famed lost city (currently I'm working on a lot of MENA music, hence something different). Great tone from the Moog (as always). Very interesting to hear synths used in this context (synth companies: take note. You're missing a trick...).

The MENA sector is growing at quite a rapid rate - not only in the world of music, but also in the world of business/finance.

This piece is a fusion of 'East meets West'. In terms of 'East', the non-standard scales should be obvious (still 12-TET here, of course. But that is part of the fusion). Less obvious will be the rhythm: the work is in 7/4, and the drumming sequences are three patterns:

1) Iqa' Nawakht
2) Iqa' Dawr Hindi
3) Iqa' Muhajjar.

With Iqa' Muhajjar, I'm treating it as a double-time 14/4 (i.e treating it as 7).

In terms of the above/if anyone is looking to study Arabic music: perhaps the best book/resource is 'Inside Arabic Music' by Johnny Farraj and Sami Abu Shumays. Released late last year, the book is a veritable tome of information. And very approachable. Good introduction - and far more.

There's potential for Arabic-styled synth music...

PS I'm reading from the score (score is sitting to the R), and playing along with the metronome for sync with parts in the DAW (added post).

PPS playing the bassline is no mean feat! Hugely offbeat/syncopated, only compounded by the time signature.

Enjoy/all best
Kris"