"Cloud Deck" new electronica from Seen From Space

Two new "Berlin School" tracks from Seen From Space

Both recorded in one take using the Elektron boxes. Some loops recorded in Logic with sounds from Virus C, Supernova II, various soft synths etc.

Elektron Analog 4 tutorial #4 - how to do Berlin School sounds

My new tutorial shows how to programme typical "Berlin School" sounds on the Analog 4. Especially useful for those new to the A4 and/or new to synthesis.



Berlin School as defined by Wikipedia: "...a style of electronic music that emerged in the 1970s. Berlin School was so named because most of its early practitioners were based in West Berlin. It was shaped by artists such as Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, and Manuel Gottsching. Innovative Berlin School recordings were a precursor of ambient music."

56 degrees north - winter slideshow with dubtronica

Recorded in one take on Elektron Octatrack and Analog Four. Loops created in Logic Pro 8 with sounds from Supernova II, Access Virus C and the synths in Logic.

Photos taken in and around Edinburgh, not all this winter.

Octatrack + Analog 4 tutorial: How to make them work together

My latest tutorial shows how to set one machine to follow pattern changes on the other. Plus physically connecting them up.

This is something that took me quite a long time to get right, thanks to the sheer complexity of Elektron machines, and some (AHEM!) gaps in the documentation.

"Berlin School" jam

From the Wikipedia entry: "The Berlin School was a style of electronic music that emerged in the 1970s. An offshoot of Krautrock, Berlin School was so named because most of its early practitioners were based in West Berlin, Germany. It was shaped by artists such as Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, and Manuel Gottsching. Innovative Berlin School recordings were a precursor of ambient music."

I'm using sounds from: Access Virus C, Supernova II, Omnisphere, Korg MS2000BR, and remixed on the Octatrack. The Analog 4 comes into its own in part 2!

Elektron Octatrack tutorial 1 - How to work with Scenes

The basics of setting up Scenes in the Octatrack, and then into more creative territory. Of interest to the advanced Elektron person as well as the beginner I hope.

Elektron Analog 4 tutorial 3 - How to make a drone

Number 3 in my series of tutorials: how to create a space drone using the Elektron Analog 4. (Spot the rank exploitation of an innocent cat in the shameless pursuit of Likes.)

Elektron Analog 4 tutorial 2 - Effects

My new tutorial: a quick tour of how effects are used in the Analog 4, and how to make best use of the effects in a mix.

Elektron Analog 4 tutorial - performance controls

This is my new tutorial video on how to programme the performance controls on the Elektron Analog 4.

Emilienstraße (Dub Techno) by Phelios

Phelios says: "My old Atari ST is back! All sounds are triggered by Notator SL using the Log-3 Midi interface. I created a nice pattern chain and did a 1-take recording."

In the Seen From Space studio

Just updated my website with a montage of the studio hardware; of interest perhaps only to hardware geeks like me! See a larger image and more info on the website.

"Silent" concert at Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art, St Petersburg

From Nicholas Lem.

This concert is silent in that the live audience wear wireless headphones. Lemnik is one of the recognised masters of these very complex Elektron instruments (from Sweden) and one of the top exponents of "dark ambient".

Two fathoms below deep: dual Monomachine demo

From MIDERA. Far better than just a 'demo' I'd say.

I'm a fan of these Elektron boxes too; their complexity is bewildering sometimes, but they're wonderful creative tools when you get the hang of them.

"Human at Last" - title track of forthcoming multimedia show

The title is a quote by Kim Stanley Robinson, from "2312", one of his near-future novels. Humans (at least the majority) are finally are able to enjoy an existence free of scarcity and violence, replete with whatever cerebral or sensual pursuits that attract them.

Sounds a bit utopian doesn't it? And maybe it could only be fully realised for those able to populate the solar system in the way he imagines in the book. The phrase stuck in my head as a nice shorthand for an optimistic take on our future as a species.

Live at the Atomic Institute 08.06.2014

"Circuit Shaker - Number 8". From Zeropage.

Octatrack meets Roland Aira and Korg Volcas.

Ambient dub techno

Pheliopolis gets sparse and expansive.

The Fall of the House of Usher, 1928 (Seen From Space soundtrack)

I first came across this film on Super 8 about 30 years ago. For its day it was highly innovative, and pioneered many in-camera special effects. It remains a powerful piece of expressionist cinema, although some of the acting is very much of-its-day.

Was intending to do this soundtrack live, but totally failed to get hold of a projection-quality copy! Licensing is a bit complicated. This is the public domain lo-res version.

Deep house atmospheres from Lemnic

Nicholas Lem has bought the new Elektron machine! This is cause for rejoicing among those who don't get out much. i.e. us who share his enthusiasm for these great creative tools.

Best to enjoy this in stereo. Headphones recommended - especially for the deep reverbs. The bass needs better than average computer squawkers too.

A night time improvisation

"More or Less" 

From millolab.

Millolab says "Headphones highly recommended. Gear used: Waldorf Blofeld, Arturia Microbrute, Elektron Machinedrum, Akai mpc500 as main sequencer, Korg Ms2000, Clavia Nord Modular G2 and DSI Tetr4. Hardwire DL7 and RV8 were used on the Tetra."

I particularly like the gentle percussive sounds from the Machinedrum.