From inside Ukraine comes driving techno to give you new strength. We welcome Alex Glass for a guest mix, recorded just hours before the invasion began – and talk to him about techno and feeling in times of war.
Music
In Tbilisi, music is on pause because democracy is on the line
Music Stories October 25, 2024
In music video, Lebanese duo Rust captures emotions of “Diaspora”
Music October 11, 2024
Dart, a line of open source MIDI and DMX controllers, in wonderfully wacky variations
The Dart line of controllers is an Arduino-powered array of devices, either for DIYers in shield form and with open software and specs, or mutated into a cornucopia of peculiar-looking devices. DMX and MIDI support and full customizability. This is old news, but now feels like the right time to rediscover them. It’s impossible not […]
Goldbaby’s Layered Drum Machine Claps are a machine-y sound design wonderland
What is the sound of one drum machine clapping? Well… that’ll be the bland sound you hear way too often. It’s time to layer up, get your claps out of isolation, and layered on thick. And Goldbaby’s latest might have you fall for the clap all over again.
Beirut and Berlin exchange artists, workshops, and music – listen to mixes and releases
For all the crises, Beirut’s international connections continue to grow. Next up is an extensive residency-exchange project, starting in Berlin this week and returning to Beirut later this month. And that’s an excuse to give you some music to check out.
Videosync, AV tool for Ableton Live, adds more shaders and formats and expressive tools
Quick! Make visuals for that track! Uh… yeah, normally visual tools aren’t nearly as immediate and playable as music ones. And that’s where Videosync comes in – now with a vastly expanded feature set belied by today’s 1.1 release.
Sounds from the Iranian Ultraverse compiles “underbelly” music, supports Afghan people
People are starving; now is the time when dismantling imperialism and supporting family is vital. So let’s turn our ears again to the poignant sounds of the Iranian “underbelly” – and enter the ultraverse.
Bastl Instruments is teasing something about pizza
Meanwhile in Czechia – the zany minds of Bastl Instruments are teasing a new product, which is possibly a modular product but knowing them, could be a module and a pizzeria. Behold:
Ableton releases free Microtuner – but tuning is more than spaces between notes
Ableton has released another free Max for Live device. It’s cool, it can be useful, it’s free (if you have Live Suite or a Max for Live license). But it’s worth pausing to consider whether tuning solutions could be more.
Free Markov Variations elegantly morphs between Ableton Live settings with chance
Max for Live creator Dillon Bastan has created one of their best yet – automatically using controllable Markov Chains to shift settings via Ableton Live’s new Variations feature.
Through Friday, Kyiv’s 20ft Radio will soothe you with music and sound, resisting occupiers
Grains of Peace may be the essential addiction of this week. Wars are designed not only to produce physical harm but anxiety and hopelessness. From Kyiv comes a beacon of peace and calm – with a call to make a material difference for those fighting to end the war and protect Ukraine.