This video, via Bastl Instruments, captures a live performance by Prague-based composer Sara Vondraskova (Never Sol) for Eurorack modular, keyboards and vocals.
As Never Sol, Vondraskova creates melancholic compositions that are based on layered synth soundscapes, dark melodies shrouded in reverb and thick, yet delicate vocals.
In addition to the performance, Vondraskova discusses how she has arranged her studio to be an inspiring and powerful space for making music.
Synthesizer Sarah Belle Reid shared a new video, which offers an in-depth look at synth pioneer Don Buchla’s very first modular synthesizer system, the Buchla 100 Modular Synthesizer at Mills College.
This video offers a historical, technical, and musical deep dive into the Buchla 100 Series Modular System at the Mills College Center for Contemporary Music. This instrument was the first voltage controllable modular synthesizer built by Don Buchla.
In the Spring of 2024, Reid spent a week at the Center for Contemporary Music at Mills College, where she worked closely with their original Buchla 100 modular synthesizer system. This significance of this instrument would be hard to overstate. It was one of the very first modular synthesizers ever, and played a pivotal role in the development of so-called ‘West-Coast Synthesis’. It has been used by Pauline Oliveros, Morton Subotnick, Suzanne Ciani, Warner Jepson, and many others.
The video begins with a brief historical overview of the Buchla 100 Series Modular System and the San Francisco Tape Music Center. Then, Reid unpacks everything that’s inside the instrument module by module, with sound demos and examples. Finally, she shares some of the unique quirks of the Mills Buchla 100 instrument, and patch examples of how the instrument can be used to create a wide range of music and sounds.
“It’s a rare opportunity to be able to work with a historical instrument like this one,” notes Reid. “I have always been super inspired by Buchla’s work in general, but like many people have had few opportunities to work with his original instruments. Instead, much of my experience has been through newer instruments inspired by his designs. Being able to work closely with this instrument was an incredibly inspiring and clarifying experience that allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Buchla’s own creative and technical development, as well as the multitude of music, modern modules, and instruments that have been inspired by his work.”
Organizers of ContinuuCon 2024, scheduled for April 26–28 in the Pittsburgh suburb of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, let us know that tickets are now available.
ContinuuCon is an international conference that focuses on the Haken Continuum and instruments that share its EaganMatrix synth engine, including the Haken Continuum Fingerboard, ContinuuMini, EaganMatrix Eurorack module and Expressive E Osmose synthesizer.
The three-day event features an opening reception and two days of workshops, seminars and performances. Musicians from around the world attend and participate.
Organizers also announced a Call for Presentations. Presentations that incorporate some performance aspect are preferred. Presentations can be 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length. See the event website for details.
ContinuuCon 2024 tickets are available now for $280, through March 25 (normally $320). The ticket covers entry to all conference events, including the opening night reception and two full days of presentations, workshops, and demonstrations. Tickets also include two catered lunches.
