Listen to the new Devo album for free, for one week
As I have blogged about already Devo are about to release their first new album in… forever, entitled “Something for Everyone”. Starting today, you can stream the album in its entirety on, of all places, ColbertNation.com. Just look for the ad on the right side of the page. The album will be available to stream for a week, to build up hype for the band’s appearance on the show on June 16th.
Tell me what you think, is it good enough – worth waiting for…..??
The analog FACTORY is out
ARTURIA has announced that Analog Experience THE FACTORY is now shipping. Here’s what they have to say…
Analog Experience THE FACTORY is the redesigned and enhanced version of “Analog Factory Experience”. By combining a native software application and a dedicated controller keyboard, it offers a simple, rich and exciting experience.
Musicians just need to plug the keyboard via USB and launch the software. From there they can put their mouse away; everything is easily controllable from the keyboard. As a matter of fact, the user experience is the same as on a traditional Hardware synthesizer, except that Analog Experience THE FACTORY brings many more sounds (3500 high quality synthesizer sounds), a better integration within DAW’s, and all this at a price that is hard to beat.
Analog Experience THE FACTORY includes a high quality 32-key keyboard controller, with premium key-action, channel aftertouch and an aluminum frame that is bristling with controls. Combined to the new MIDI Control Center application, THE FACTORY is child’s play to use with any third-party software or hardware instrument.
Main Features:
- Hybrid synthesizer based on advanced Software/Hardware combination:
- New Analog Factory 2.5 inside the box
- 32 Universal MIDI keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch
- Plug and play: the Hardware and Software instantly recognize each other and offer perfect integration.
- Analog Factory 2.5:
- 3500 synthesizer sounds that have shaped modern music production
- All presets are carefully selected from the Arturia Classic Synths: the Minimoog V, the Prophet V, the ARP 2600V, the Moog Modular V, the CS-80V and the new Jupiter-8V
- Smart preset manager: quickly filter the presets to your requirements, by instrument, type, characteristics.
- Straightforward editing: each preset’s key parameters are accessible to modify the sounds.
- Full compatibility with major formats and hosts on Mac OS X and Windows XP/ Vista/ 7 (VST, AU, RTAS)
- THE FACTORY keyboard:
- Ultra-thin aluminum and wooden case.
- 32 semi-weighted keys with velocity response and aftertouch.
- Works as a Universal 32-key MIDI keyboard.
- New MIDI control center to set up MIDI integration with any external software or device.
Pricing and Availability:
MSRP: $299 / 249€
More information:
Who needs Rockband 3 => I want Synthband 1
Are we not a little fed up with Rockband by now. Although a small step in the right direction they have now introduced a MIDI keytar, but why not take the full step and have a stylish MIDI keyboard that looks like some analog gear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5VpclLWsfM&feature=player_embedded
And what are you supposed to do with the “keyyytaaaarrr”, well you of course have to play those never ending rock songs again, check out the included songs:
- Dio – Rainbow in the Dark
- Huey Lewis and the News – The Power of Love
- Ida Maria – Oh My God
- Jane’s Addiction – Been Caught Stealing
- Jimi Hendrix – Crosstown Traffic
- Joan Jett – I Love Rock and Roll
- Juanes – Me Enamora
- Metric – Combat Baby
- Night Ranger – Sister Christian
- Ozzy Osbourne – Crazy Train
- Phoenix – Lasso
- Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
- Rilo Kiley – Portions of Foxes
- Smash Mouth – Walkin’ on the Sun
- Spacehog – In the Meantime
- Stone Temple Pilots – Plush
- The Cure – Just Like Heaven
- The Doors – Break On Through
- The Vines – Get Free
- The White Stripes – The Hardest Button to Button
- Them Crooked Vultures – Dead End Friends
- Whitesnake – Here I Go Again
Apart from The Cure there is nothing new hear
All you electro, synth fans out there which songs would you like to have on Synthband 1, list your favorites…..
How about:
The model
Never let me down again
You spin me
Don´t go
Etc etc
The true importance of good sound
This is the video submitted by Martin Schütze, winner of the recent sound design competition created by Blastwave FX and Avid. Martin will get the full package prize, which includes a full version of Avid Media Composer, an Mbox with Pro Tools LE, Blastwave FX Sonopedia Library The Sound Effects Bible and DV Toolkit 2 for Pro Tools LE.
Judge’s Comments:
What I enjoy so much about this spot is the sharply drawn visceral power of all the sounds used. It’s a sonic tour de force. Not only do the sound effects used each make an immediate impact but they flow in a way which provides an impressive connective tissue going from one image to the next.
It is a perfect example of how sound can add an internal dimension to the images on the screen, deepening their dramatic impact. I feel like I am inside each one of those athletes feeling the heart pounding urgency and adrenaline rush of the moment. It turns watching the images into a powerful emotional experience. My heart is still racing after each viewing. The partnership between sound and image is mutual, each giving the other a stronger meaning. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Well done! – Jacob Ribicoff
You can get more info and see the rest of the videos, on Blastwave FX.
For ambient and chill out composers…
Big Chill Bundle’ combines the 3 most popular Equinox Sounds Ambient & Chill Out collections into one big bundle making this an invaluable tool for all the Ambient, Chill Out, Downtempo producers and Soundtrack composers.
Big Chill Bundle features
- Ambient Chill, 1.9 GB of quality loops and samples suitable for ambient, chill, downtempo, dub, atmospheric avant garde, lounge, dark and whatever else you chill with. Includes ACID/WAV, Apple Loops and REX2 formats.
- Downtempo Chill, 20 laid-back construction kits for creating downtempo, trip-hop, smooth electronica, ambient and chill out music. You’ll get a total of 300 loops and phrases containing basslines, synthlines, pads, soundscapes plus drum loops and their isolated parts (snares, kicks, hi-hats, rides…). The kits are available in ACID/WAV and Apple Loops formats.
- Future Chill, euphoric ambient & chill out loops and phrases that you can use to create mellow ambient, chillout and downtempo music. There is an assortment of elements included and loads of “musical” inspiration to use as a starting point for the creation of new tracks. Includes 434 ACIDized WAV Loops and 300 REX2 Loops.
Price: USD 49.95
Visit: Equinox Sounds
Can 8-bit beat the original song?
Check out for yourself:
Here’s the original song by Kansas
And here’s the 8-bit version, although instrumental version
The Disco King – Carry On Wayward Son
Must say it is a pretty good attempt at least 
Electronic music in commercials
I can´t imagine why the US guys wouldn’t like this
In 1982, American-based 7-UP got in touch with a UK agency to get a 30 second tune made by someone who was “happening” at the time to advertise their drink. So the agency contacted Gary and offered a £10,000 deal so he recorded 3 pieces of music with lyrics supplied by them. When the recordings were sent to the Americans they had not heard any music like this, and they were expecting something in a punk style as that had just arrived over there so these recordings were never used.
Thanks to WFL for posting
Inside an ARP
For building Your own Comparison-scale on keyboard noises. Here are 3 Arp Odyssey´s (2811/2821/2823). It is recorded and played extra loud.
Controlling Ableton Live through an Ohm 64
Producer/DJ Eliot Lipp discusses and demonstrates how he uses his Livid Instruments OHM 64 MIDI controller to control Ableton Live.
Eliot explains the functionality and layout of his project and controller; as well as his custom effects and tools to add variation and complexity to his music.
After the tutorial there is a section of his live performance from a recent show in Austin, Texas.
The Ohm64 is an adaptable, programmable, and interactive MIDI control surface designed to give you hands-on control over your performance. High-quality sliders, knobs and buttons provide the interface for creative expression, whether you’re mixing samples and synths or DJ’ing a cutting-edge set. Constructed with an aluminum faceplate and a gorgeous body of hand-finished wood, the quality is felt down to your fingertips. All of our controllers are proudly hand crafted and assembled for artists by artists in our Austin, Texas shop.
The Ohm64 has bi-directional talkback communication allowing the controller to talk to your software, and software to your device. MIDI messages can be sent to the Ohm64 to light up the buttons for an interactive performance. Completely programable and mappable, the Ohm64 provides a flexible control surface that be used with any software or setup. Completely USB powered means you don’t have to worry about adapters and and power strips, and it is plug and play so no drivers are required.
Spice up your day with ice cold electro from Klinik
The Synth is a Casio CZ101 and EMS Synthi A with Microphone as Feedback if I remember correctly plus Octapad.
DATAMASKIN
