Arash Azadi’s music returns to primordial states of human existence

In whirling, abstract flights of noise and oscillations, composer Arash Azadi makes electronics that evolve as if in an electro-organic primordial ooze. And he has something to say about returning us all to a deeper state of existence.

Bastl Instruments Crust drum voice is free in VCV Rack, too

The free modules for VCV Rack are coming fast and furious. The latest is Bastl’s awesomely versatile Crust drum voice. Just in case you need something to, you know, distract yourself today/tonight/the rest of this week.

Peak 90s Opcode in a Vision training tape, NIN music video

Do you want to travel back to 1990s music production? Were you not born yet and want to experience it in a fully immersive way? Opcode’s Josh and Nine Inch Nails have you covered.

Quincy Jones in four essential interviews

The world lost legendary multi-disciplinary musical powerhouse Quincy Jones yesterday. He was 91. Here’s his vision in his own words at different stages of his life and career.

Free Soundtoys PhaseMistress: here’s a complete tour and extra presets

Soundtoys has made their exceptional phaser plug-in PhaseMistress free for a limited time. Here’s how to get it, plus some CDM-exclusive presets and a crash-course tour.

Okay, the “frog” bass stabs on MJ’s Thriller is a Casiotone MT-60

Never underestimate the power of simple synthesis tricks, least of all in the hands of vintage Casio designers. The distinctive “frog” bass croak in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” recorded in 1982, comes from a Casiotone MT-60. And it’s a sound you can patch up yourself.

Free SSL X-Orcism II plug-in will let you dial in sonic spookiness all year

Combining delay, pitch shifting, reverb, and noise generation, Solid State Logic’s Halloween giveaway is a surprising gem.

In Beirut and abroad, critical aid for Lebanon: music, events, interview

Music venues and artists in Lebanon continue to collect essential funds and supplies for forcibly displaced people. Here’s an update on how that’s going, a guide to fundraising events internationally, some music, and a conversation on community efforts at Nation Station.

Max 9: new coding and livecoding, new visuals, and Ableton’s sound tools

Max 9 is available today, bringing benefits for casual tinkerers and hardcore devs alike. There’s more code, more performance, more livecoding, more visual powers, and – one more thing: you get the building blocks Ableton uses for sound.

Baby Audio Transit 2 multi-effect: exclusive free presets, details

I’ve been working on exclusive free presets for you for the new Baby Audio x Andrew Huang Transit 2. The goal was to treat this like a multi-effect, not just a “transition” builder. Here’s that download, plus exact details of what’s new in this release and some answers to your questions.