music - tm

"Odd Burbles" [mp3 removed -- a remixed version of this track appears on Bandcamp]

Continuing with this hardware-only series where I'm Octatracking modular synth blorts, MIDI-to-cv-triggering and recording them simultaneously. This is a "gritty" analog sound owing largely to the use of a couple of cv-controlled, low-res sample modules that are error-prone (in a good way to my ears).
Also minimal because I'm still taking baby steps with this fairly complicated method of building up sound.
I cheated once and used the computer -- ran out of tracks and had to mix down four tracks to one. Have since figured out how to do that within the sequencer. There's no real point to being a purist since this is the antithesis of "live" -- where you might want to highlight performative integrity. But not relying on Cubase is forcing me to learn my way around the machine. Some Elektron users (in YouTube comments?) noted that the trig (sequencer step key) method of recording is rather cumbersome for a machine that purports to "sample on the fly." Am not doing anything on the fly and it's still cumbersome.

Update, Aug. 2013: Bumped the volume and re-uploaded.

"Sonic Ute (Beatbox Version)" [mp3 removed -- a remixed version of this track appears on Bandcamp]

More metronomic than the previous assembly of these MIDI-triggered-then-sampled modular synth patterns. All done in the beatbox (i.e., no software FX or other post-production in Cubase).

"Polyphonic LFO Trio" [4.6 MB .mp3]

Four synth parts played polyphonically: sustained chords, then some permutational melodies. (Not using the modular, this is a conventional analog I was testing out before taking it to the shop for some knob repair - more info than you needed, sorry.) At the end, FM modulation adds grit, and I really like the tune at 1:15, which sounds sort of Canterburyish (Egg?), not sure why.
Bass lines and conventional jazz drums were added to make the "trio" with the imaginary synth player.

"Sonic Ute" [mp3 removed -- a remixed version of this track appears on Bandcamp]

Using the Octatrack sequencer as a midi controller for the modular synth and also as a sampler and multitrack mixer of the sounds thus produced. Still at a primitive stage here but was able to get three parts playing with some simple harmonies. Then, post-production: some of the synths were treated with an "amp simulator" so they sound like guitar distortion. Also some breakbeats underneath.

"Drippy Smooth" [mp3 removed -- a remixed version of this track is on Bandcamp]

Modular synth triggered by six channels of MIDI-to-cv signals, with some added drums. Approximately one minute. Hat tip to ben_dover for the title.