Posts
Underground Dystopia Meets Analog With Alex Dolby
Experimentation is the main influence behindĀ Alex Dolby‘s sound, as he has become firmly settled with creating expressive techno with analogĀ sounds, rough textures, and tough rhythms ā all of which are accompanied by dystopian aesthetics. With over 15 years of releasing music, Alex has landed on labels such as John Digweedās Bedrock, Global Underground, Emmanuelās ARTS, Developerās Modularz, DJ Emersonās 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 alsoĀ cataloged the likes of PƤr Grindvik, Alex Bau, Mental Resonance, VSK, and MTD.Ā
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.
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.
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 myĀ life. My first instrument was the violin and then my focus shifted to playing the piano. I first heard dance music in the early 90ās and I was hooked! I grew up in theĀ midwest, and Chicago was a shortĀ 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 MadisonĀ 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.Ā 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!”
Youāre part of the newly launched WORK Residency Program and as part of it, youāll 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?
Ā
I think it’sĀ 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.Ā
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 inĀ 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
Ā Why do you think the WORK Residency program is an important initiative?
I think it’sĀ 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.Ā 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 inĀ 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! #modularcaliforniavibesĀ We will be producing, mixing and mastering a joint EP during the trip. This event will be capturedĀ by a cameraĀ crew and released as a short documentary. I’m really looking forward to the collaboration andĀ working in a studio onĀ 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
Lubelski Embraces Re-defining Modern House Music with “Found Sound,” Releases New Album
Jake Lubell, better known by his genre-bending house alias Lubelski, is a man on a mission. In a sea of digital DAWs, Lubelski knows how to strike a chord – or better yet, plug in a cable- to create sounds of what he calls “happy accidents.” Lubelski treats his music creation with modular synths as an experiment, exploring sounds and sonic landscapes of which he has no preconceived plans. On the release of his second album, the multi-talented producer, DJ, and Percomaniacs label head is clearly just getting started in developing his own unique sound within the current house music scene.
Trovarsi & C.K. Sample Team Up to Explore New Territories of Sound Design
A new collective born out of the boom of live online streaming performances in response to COVID drops today on the techno and house scene: Transduction Signal Collective. Transduction Signal Collective was formed by Trovarsi, founder of Southern California Synth Society,Ā andĀ C.K. Sample, co-founder of Club Eurorack and founder of Modules Discord. The pair formed the collective with the intention of encouraging artists to reach new heights by using a variety of electronic musical instruments in their productions and live sets.Ā Read more
A Look Into the Modular Creative Process With Charlie Thorstenson
Charlie Thorstenson is a creative soul from Malmƶ, 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.
Travel Your Path, Trovarsi Goes at Her Own Pace
Music has always been in ArtistMap memberĀ Trovarsi‘s life. Before diving into the world of electronic music,Ā jazz and blues along with classical instruments were present in her life. As “adulting” became a thing, music took a backseat, but she shows why it’s never too late to start something and the importance of creating your own opportunity. Read more
Premiere: RibeĢ Joins Boddikaās Nonplus Records With Debut Modular Techno Album, “Tested Signal LP”
RibeĢ joins Boddikaās Nonplus Records imprint with his debut modular techno album entitled Tested Signal LP.
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.
