Awesome synth video with Nerd Revolt
Really cool ambient synth blip video coming your way from Nerd Revolt
Download track here: http://soundcloud.com/nerd-revolt/wor…
Original version of “Working Title” can be found on our “Haze of introspection…and sh*t.” EP.
Available on Innerflight Music.
Exclusive interview with the Lightbringers – Covenant in the Studio
Last week I had the opportunity to spend some time with Eskil and Joakim from Covenant in their new refurbished studio. Covenant is definitely Sweden’s number one export in the electronic music scene, with numerous ground breaking synth/EBM albums behind them, i.e. Sequencer, Shyshaper, Northern Light to name but a few. However, although I was curious on their new EP coming out in a couple of weeks, titled Lightbringer, my main purpose were to explore their working methods and their gear.
My first impression when I entered the studio was overwhelming. The first thing that came to my mind is the old saying – “the one who has the most gear when you die, wins”. Look like the Covenant boys is aspiring for the final. Korgs, Prophets, Moogs, Viruses, Emus you name it, it´s all there stacked neatly on racks across the studio. Check out the pictures below to delve in to some pure synth porn.
The new album and the state of the Synth scene
Even before Lightbringer is released we know it will be something different, since collaborations with other artists is not something that we are not used to. Lightbringer actually came as an idea from Necro Facility, rather then from Covenant, with the intention to have Eskil to sing on it. However it turned out to be something more. Eskil tells me that we will experience a different melody build up, then we are used to and that it’s all about fear and loathing in Helsingborg, Sweden. I guess you cannot be more cryptic then that!
As Lightbringer will be released as a limited edition we came to discuss how vibrant the Synth scene is today and happily enough I can conclude that, although still a niche scene, Covenant has not slowed down on touring (note: Eskil just came back from a Gothic Cruise in the Caribbean). They say that the globalization that has come as a result from a better infrastructure (read Internet) in markets like South America and Eastern Europe really has resulted in that bands like Covenant continuously finds a new audience, and adds that they really find it exotic with synth music, creating a foundation for new sub cultures in those countries.
Speaking of sub cultures it was logical for me to ask about their various side projects like Cement (Eskil’s noise project) and Joakim’s joint venture with Ronan Harris (VNV Nation) exploring classical music from an electronic perspective. Eskil tells me that Cement actually came about, apart from the fact that he really enjoys noise music, as a wish of entering (and travel to) the Japanese music scene, where noise is big. But also to somewhat alter the common public image of himself, showing that there are more sides then just Covenant. Although Joakim’s classical endeavor didn’t continue I am pleased to inform you that Cement is alive and kicking. Major noise inspirations are Brighter than death, White house and Geometric, of course.
New stuff from Dupont this fall
Following their last album “Entering The Ice Age” the Stockholm-based duo Dupont (Rickard Svensson and Daniel Jonasson) return with a new EP called “Dope Of Love”. The EP will hold a totally re-recorded version of the titletrack as well as an exclusive B-side and remixes. A video for the track “Dope Of Love” has been directed by Le Monde de Leo who also did the video for the last Dupont video “New Dawn”.
Weekend synth music treats
Sparks from 1979
The Mobiles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTsTZSQhhqo
French cosmic disco
A friend on FB tipped on this great video, enjoy 
This weeks retro synth video
The worldwide number 1 hit “Magic Fly” as released in 1977 by Space. The band Space went on to record 4 albums which sold over 10 million albums before disbanding in 1981. They released a “Best Of” and “Remixes” in 2009 on NANG RECORDS. www.nangrecords.com.
This version is the official video, remastered with the new audio and presented in hi-res for the first time.
New stuff from Covenant – LIGHTBRINGER
COVENANT LIGHTBRINGER FEAT. NECRO FACILITY
Like Milton’s protagonist, Covenant refuses to yield and persistently continues to bring the light in spite of all odds. Another shade of pale, the Morning Star is rising once again. With the new EP “Lightbringer” Covenant takes one step back and two steps forward.
The title track is the fruit of an inspiring collaboration with fellow Swedish band Necro Facility and the result is undeniably Covenant but with a new flavor. A groovy, grinding and driven floor filler with a melody that can’t be exorcised once you’ve heard it. It comes in versions respectively designed by band members Eskil Simonsson, Daniel Myer and Joakim Montelius each using his own particular sonic foundry and magic and a stunning Radio Version by Oscar Holter of Necro Facility. Covenant never sounded this pure.
In addition the EP also contains the previously unreleased tracks “The Beauty and the Grace”, written by Daniel Myer, and “Never Seems to End” by Eskil Simonsson and Joakim Montelius.
The “Lightbringer EP” is undeniable evidence of the synergistic Covenant maxim “we are more than the sum of our parts”. The light is very bright indeed!
New single from Celluloide – “Coeur 8-bit”
‘Coeur 8-bit’, the first digital single of the upcoming album ‘Hexagonal’ will feature remixes by Page, The Rorschach Garden, and Said Fantasy (new project of Joy Electric’s Ronnie Martin) and second track “Faire Du Bruit” remixed by Foretaste.
YMO synth jam
A slowed-down ambient-ish cover of Rydeen (ライディーン) by Yellow Magic Orchestra, written by Yukihiro Takahashi. Played on a Roland Juno-6 with a Korg Microkorg providing the ‘percussion
Neon Judgements’ lost tapes
More news from Belgium and another dark electronic band that started in the 80:s: The Neon Judgement.
“TV Treated” and “Suffering”, the two first cassettes from the duo, have been remastered and released on vinyl LP. This product from Dark Entries is a limited edition (500 numbered copies), including lyrics and photos, called “Early Tapes”.
“Smack EP” is another new release: a digital EP with remixes which was released a week ago.
DATAMASKIN
