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Buying Your First Synthesizer

In the world of music production there comes a time in a producers journey where you will want to branch out into the world of synthesizers and want to  get your hands on some knobs. Getting your first synth can be a little overwhelming and I would highly suggest educating yourself a little before you pull the trigger to ensure you’re getting something that will help your production process and keep everything fun. Lets get into some different options and questions you’ll want to think about when choosing your first synthesizer. Read more

techno dystopia

Underground Dystopia Meets Analog With Alex Dolby

Experimentation is the main influence behind Alex Dolby‘s sound, as he has become firmly settled with creating expressive techno with analog sounds, rough textures, and tough rhythms — all of which are accompanied by dystopian aesthetics. With over 15 years of releasing music, Alex has landed on labels such as John Digweed’s Bedrock, Global Underground, Emmanuel’s ARTS, Developer’s Modularz, DJ Emerson’s Micro.fon, as well as many others. In 2012, Alex found his label Affekt Recordings in his Italian hometown, Frosinone. The label reflects the ethos of underground culture and musical standards and has also cataloged the likes of PĂ€r Grindvik, Alex Bau, Mental Resonance, VSK, and MTD. 

As of recent, Alex released his 8-track album Transition Era on EVOD Music on September 5th. The album takes on an introspective modular sound with Alex’s own style of underground flare. On the album, listeners can expect more than just analog sounds, but a variety of esoteric, hypnotic, gritty, and dystopian soundscapes that create an abstract and experimental environment. His full album Transition Era is now available for full purchase.

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Trovarsi

WORK 2022 Resident Trovarsi Is Shifting the Paradigm

WORK is a premiere event collaboration between 6AM group and Synthetik minds, driven by the work-to-play mentality. Making its debut in 2022, WORK has launched its first-ever WORK Residency Program which will grow and feature talent within the local techno community. Newly inducted WORK resident Trovarsi has joined the talented roster of local artists that have put in their hours in the studio, behind the decks, and their presence in the community. She is known for her analog and modular style and will be able to give more to the Los Angeles warehouse scene with her residency at WORK.

The co-founder of the Southern California Synth Society, Trovarsi is a Los Angeles-based music composer and producer, live electronic artist, educator, and streaming YouTube host. With a hybrid blend of modular and analogue synthesizers, drum machines and Ableton, Trovarsi embraces Afrofuturistic electronic expression while remaining firmly planted by her musical roots.

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Hi Trovarsi! How did you become interested in the world of electronic music, particularly analog and modular synthesizers?

I started getting involved in music at a very young age, so it has always been always a major part of my life. My first instrument was the violin and then my focus shifted to playing the piano. I first heard dance music in the early 90’s and I was hooked! I grew up in the midwest, and Chicago was a short drive away, so I would drive down to pick up records and go out to the clubs and raves. I also worked at a record shop near the UW Madison campus. I was always following what was being released in all genres and I explored all types of music. Skipping ahead to when I got older, I started producing house and techno.  I love being able to play and perform with instruments. That raw sound, tactile feel, and connection with the machines and instruments and music made it an easy transition to hardware synths, drum machines and eurorack modular.

Our motto is: “Shifting the paradigm in electronic music from what is expected, to being accepted!”

Trovarsi, founder of the So Cal Synth Society, speaks about shifting the paradigm in electronic music to be more inclusive of women and non-binary folks


We love your initiative, Frequency Shift. Can you share more about your streaming festival?

I am immensely proud to be a founder of the So Cal Synth Society and the Frequency Shift Festival. It began with the goal of shifting the paradigm in electronic music away from a male dominated industry, to be more inclusive of women and non-binary people. We have connected with hundreds of female/non-binary musicians around the world. Through SoCal Synth Society’s platform, we are able to curate shows and events which feature these amazing artists. Through this community they have connected and built new relationships, supporting each other, and creating new projects. Our motto is: “Shifting the paradigm in electronic music from what is expected, to being accepted!”


You’re part of the newly launched WORK Residency Program and as part of it, you’ll be playing at selected events throughout the year. What does it mean to you to be invited to be a part of it and recognized as a standout talent?
 
I think it’s an honor and great opportunity to play in a scene I really connect with and love. It takes a lot of hard work and continuous dedication. I value all opportunities to share my music and I appreciate that people want to hear it and dance! Nothing beats connecting with others through the love of sound and working it out on the dancefloor. 

It’s nice to see a local promoter focus on local talent because it gives us an opportunity to support and build up our community in Los Angeles. Sometimes, all someone needs is a chance to showcase their talent.

Trovarsi on why WORK Residency program is important for Los Angeles’s community


 Why do you think the WORK Residency program is an important initiative?

I think it’s important because this is fun as hell BUT it is not easy! There are a lot of people out there putting everything they’ve got into their music and often they go unheard. There is so much amazing talent out there. Most clubs and events focus on the big names, the ones that sell tickets, but everyone has to start somewhere. It’s nice to see a local promoter focus on local talent because it gives us an opportunity to support and build up our community in Los Angeles. Sometimes, all someone needs is a chance to showcase their talent.


Are there any new projects or events on the horizon for you?

I am going on a five day journey through California deserts with three other producers in a solar powered RV! #modularcaliforniavibes We will be producing, mixing and mastering a joint EP during the trip. This event will be captured by a camera crew and released as a short documentary. I’m really looking forward to the collaboration and working in a studio on wheels! My other project, Transduction Signal Collective, is growing and we have some great shows coming up this year, The next one will be at the Analog Astronaut Conference at Biosphere 2, in Arizona. Check out our website for more details on upcoming performances.

Connect with Trovarsi: Website | SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp | Twitch

Lewis Fautzi Intense Mechanism

Lewis Fautzi Premieres ‘Intense Mechanism’

The Portuguese techno virtuoso is back again with his very own recipe about how the music of the future should sound like for his new project. Listen to the premiere of the spacey titular track from the Lewis Fautzi Intense Mechanism EP now.

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D/n Debuts First EP on New Label Spazio Magnetico

Longing for some classic analog and melodic techno vibes? Look no further than D/n’s latest track “Dipolar.” Daniele Serraino aka D/n is an eclectic Italian DJ and producer who has been nurturing his passion for electronic music since 2001, when he started his musical career first using vinyl and then studying analog sound synthesis. He recently launched his own label Spazio Magnetico.

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Charlie Thorstenson

A Look Into the Modular Creative Process With Charlie Thorstenson

Charlie Thorstenson is a creative soul from Malmö, Sweden. His sound can be described as warm and grainy acid soundscapes combined with a deep techno foundation. The fascination for finding unusual details and rhythms in long and unstable effect lines is a big part of Charlie’s signature sound. “Imperfection makes perfection” are the leading words in his creative process. He talks about his upcoming album on Carl Cox‘s and Christopher Coe’s Awesome Soundwave label and why it’s important to push boundaries as an artist. Listen to his single “Stream” off of his upcoming album.

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Q&A and Global Vibe Radio 187 Feat. Fabrizio Rat (Live Analog Mix)

This week’s Global Vibe Radio mix comes from Italian Live artist Fabrizio Rat, known for transforming grand pianos into synthesizers to produce hypnotic, powerful techno soundscapes.

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The Last Ever Emerson Moog Modular System Will Cost $150,000

The last ever Emerson Moog Modular system is currently being built at Moog headquarters, and will be shown off to the general public at the Sweetwater Gearfest on June 23rd before going on sale for $150,000.

The Emerson Moog Modular System was originally built by Dr. Robert Moog himself in collaboration with famed inventor and composer Keith Emerson. The original took many years to build, and was regarded by experts as the ultimate modular system ever produced. The Moog company worked on building more since, finishing one before this third and last one being worked on right now.

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Introducing: Music Hardware Art For Your Walls

 

Looking to spruce up your studio space or add color to your apartment? If you’re a producer, DJ or avid electronic music fan you surely appreciate the beauty of music hardware, the intricacies and original look of each individual model with its selectively chosen and unique series of lights, buttons, sliders and knobs.

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vintage synth m.e.s.s. featured

Melbourne’s Vintage Synth “Workshop” Opens

vintage synth modular banner

Vintage synth and gear enthusiasts will be especially delighted to hear Robin Fox, one of Australia’s leading experimental producers, has just opened a new business: a Melbourne-based vintage synth “workshop,” geared towards gear veterans and newbies alike. Operated by Fox and Byron Scullin, the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio (M.E.S.S.) is a non-profit group offering annual memberships ($220) that allow users to book hours at a time to use any of the gear.

vintage synth patchbay

 As Scullin explained to Broadsheet, “We want it to be like a museum, but one where you can use and touch everything… And also like a gym – come down and work out on a synth.” The M.E.S.S. collection features everything from classic synths and drum machines to outboard analog effects units from top brands like Roland, Yamaha, and Korg, alongside more obscure equipment such as the Chamberlin Rhythmate and the more recent modular systems made by Make Noise.

vintage synth stacks

For just $44, members can book four-hour timeslots, with up to 16 people participating in the session – users can even record what they play and take home the recordings. The full M.E.S.S. arsenal is so massive that they only have space to display about a third of the gear, which will be rotated every 22 weeks. Unfortunately, only the first 500 memberships will be processed, but Scullin and Fox have stated that at some point in the future, they would like to have school groups and touring artists come to visit. For more information, visit the official M.E.S.S. website.