They’re smaller and cheaper than the Boutique series and first-gen AIRA, they’re battery-powered, and they pack a surprising amount of functionality and hands-on control. Roland has a new compact platform for the AIRA, and they look cute and fun.

Syntakt, launched today, promises to be something special – all the kinds of stuff you love about Elektron boxes, with new capabilities and a fresh approach.

Imagine a no-install, browser-based, free tool that lets you express musical ideas elegantly by typing simple code. Or for those in the know – It’s Tidal Cycles in the browser. Meet Strudel.

Sample Science has a tasty freebie for us – Retro Cazio models the 1983 Casio Casiotone MT-100, for a very, very 80s drum kit, keys, and other instruments. Let’s revisit that source instrument.

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.

Soundtoys has announced full support for its complete suite of effects on Apple Silicon. So let’s use that as an excuse to go over some favorite tools here, as I’ve been … just rinsing these things again on projects.

Feedback networks, unstable oscillators, shaky fat quivering filters, distorted mayhem, a bunch of labels in Japanese, a bunch of switches and knobs and a tape recorder – Bentō is a delight of software madness. It’s a delicious meal of noise.

Here’s another essential batch of projects against war, in support of Ukraine, many of them centering Ukrainian artists’ music and organization. All represent global outcry, and organizers are also reporting significant funds raised for direct support.

International Women’s Day is as usual bringing attention to people who are perpetually deserving of more. This particular lineup I think is especially vital and worth tuning in today, for the breadth it covers of impact worldwide. Meet Germaine Franco, Tania León, and Melinda Newman.

Music matters; music keeps us connected to our emotions and one another. So don’t give up on it. Here’s music for this moment, with an emphasis on Ukrainian voices. But I hope we also acknowledge that musical livelihood is on the edge everywhere, too. And wherever you are, I hope this gives you even a little peace.