Synths, baby! Or as I like to call ‘em: THE INSTRUMENTS OF THE FUTURE.
I’ve played a bunch of instruments in my day, from the blowing-air-into-tubes kind, to the hitting-simulated-animal-skins-with-sticks kind, to the “plucking” “strings” kind — but woweee, the world of synthesis remains unknown, confusing, and scary territory for this fella.
If only there were an informative series of web videos in which a prominent user of synthesizers explained how they magically produce those sick-ass bleeps, bloops, weeble-wobbles, and other post-human sounds!…But what kind mysteriously tasteful and adventurously curatorial corporate benefactor would sponsor such a craaaazyyy idea?!
Enter Red Bull, or as I like to call it: THE MILK OF THE FUTURE.
That’s right: Red Bull Music Academy is partnering with former KORG chief engineer Tatsuya Takahashi for a series of sub-five-minute videos in which Takahashi explains how to make sweet sweet bleeps with legendary synths like the TR-808 and the ARP Odyssey.
The video series is called “First Patch,” and it debuts today! Or as I like to call it: THE PRESENT MOMENT OF THE FUTURE.
Get PUMPED. I, for one, have already dropped 10 grand on an old Jupiter 8 in preparation for my incoming knowledge of synthesis. Episodes will be released all week through August 17. There are 19 episodes in total, and the series is being released in advance of the 20th Red Bull Music Academy in Berlin from September 8 to October 12.
Check out the complete schedule and episode guide — and watch the first episode, covering the Roland TR-808, below:
First Patch Episode Schedule:
08.08.18 - Roland TR-808
08.13.18 - Roland Jupiter 6, Moog Voyager, Moog Minimoog, Roland SH-3a
08.14.18 - Sequential Circuits Prophet 10, ARP Odyssey, ARP 2600, EMS VCS 3
08.15.18 - Korg Monologue, Korg Mono/Poly, Korg MS-10, Korg MS-20
08.16.18 - Roland TR-909, Roland TR-303, Roland TR-606
08.17.18 - Yamaha CS-30, Oberheim Matrix 12, LinnDrumm LM-1
First Patch Episode Guide:
• Roland Jupiter 6: How to get started making music on the Jupiter 6, an instrument by Roland used by the likes of Moby, ZZ Top and Vangelis.
• ARP Odyssey: How to get started making music on the ARP Odyssey, an instrument by ARP used by the likes of Elton John, Kraftwerk and Herbie Hancock.
• Korg Monologue: How to get started making music on the Monologue, an instrument by Korg used by the likes of Aphex Twin.
• Korg Mono/Poly: How to get started making music on the Mono/Poly, an instrument by Korg used by the likes of Depeche Mode, the Chemical Brothers and MGMT
• Korg MS-10: How to get started making music on the MS10, an instrument by Korg used by the likes of Autechre, Juan Atkins and The Orb.
• Korg MS-20: How to get started making music on the MS20, an instrument by Korg used by the likes of Mount Kimbie, Portishead and the Gorillaz.
• LinnDrumm LM-1: How to get started making music on the LinnDrumm, an instrument by Linn Electronics used by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Prince and Madonna.
• Moog miniMoog: How to get started making music on the miniMoog, an instrument by Moog used by the likes of Sun Ra, Giorgio Moroder and Gary Numan.
• Moog Voyager: How to get started making music on the Voyager, an instrument by Moog used by the likes of Trent Reznor and J Dilla.
• EMS VCS 3: How to get started making music on the VCS3 (Putney), an instrument by EMS (Electronic Music Studios) used by the likes of Brian Eno, Pink Floyd and Jean-Michel Jarre.
• Roland TR-808: How to get started making music on the TR 808, an instrument by Roland used by the likes of Kanye West, Marvin Gaye and Drexciya.
• Roland TR-909: How to get started making music on the TR 909, an instrument by Roland used by the likes of Derrick May, Bjork and Daft Punk.
• ARP 2600: How to get started making music on the ARP 2600, an instrument by ARP used by the likes of Joy Division and 808 State.
• Oberheim Matrix 12: How to get started making music on the Matrix 12, an instrument by Oberheim used by the likes of Technotronic.
• Sequential Circuits Prophet 10: How to get started making music on the Prophet 10, an instrument by Sequential Circuits used by the likes of the Pet Shop Boys, Tangerine Dream and The Who.
• Roland SH-3a: How to get started making music on the SH3A, an instrument by Roland used by the likes of the Human League.
• Roland TB-303: How to get started making music on the TB 303, an instrument by Roland that was essential to the development of acid house.
• Roland TR-606: How to get started making music on the TR 606, an instrument by Roland used by the likes of Mr. Oizo, Aphex Twin and Autechre.
• Yamaha CS-30: How to get started making music on the CS-30, an instrument by Yamaha used by the likes of 808 State.