Synplant’s new PhenoType tech uses neural nets for more alien patches

It’s the absolute opposite of “AI” as you’ve seen it. There’s no online connection, no giant data set. And here, neural nets help you to escape generic presets and defaults — not lead you into them. The new PhenoType for Sonic Charge Synplant will help you precisely define the ear-bending alien sounds you want to create in words. CDM got an early look.

Let’s all watch Piaman cover songs with a joystick and voice synthesis

Piaman, aka half of RYOKO2000, formerly Pianoid (bio: “doesn’t play piano at all”) is turning himself into a human Vocaloid, with joysticks and fast reflexes. And this is what you need right now. Linkhole trail begins now:

Peter Kirn - May 25, 2026

From Éliane Radigue to West Coast, Homework is a patchable wonder

It’s a modular week, yes, but here are things you can never have too much of: great food, open beaches, modular environments, and Giorgio Sancristoforo sound playgrounds. So here’s Homework, a 4-track cassette recorder, retro effects including granular processor and tape echo, and modular synths inspired by Buchla and ARP. It’s all you need to recreate some Éliane Radigue-inspired drones and float away on a sea of noise.

Peter Kirn - May 4, 2026

Tim Exile built an experimental modular system, all about playability

Peter Kirn - April 28, 2026

Incline, “toposonic corpus explorer,” transforms granular synthesis

Peter Kirn - March 30, 2026

Breakcore and mouneh: High Hats music supports relief kitchens in Lebanon

Peter Kirn - March 29, 2026

Stillness and radical presence: Mercurial Cycles mix from Hüma Utku

Peter Kirn - March 20, 2026

Tour Ireland’s experimental music history, handmade instruments and all

Peter Kirn - March 17, 2026

From Tehran’s Bernisaun, dreams, cortisol reduction, and analog rituals

Peter Kirn - March 2, 2026