Patchwerks - Community Hub & Music Store Fundraiser Reminder

In case you missed the original post, Seattle's Patchwerks is having fundraiser on GoFundMe.

Click here for details.

Patchwerks - Community Hub & Music Store Fundraiser

You can find the GoFundMe here.

Patchwerks is more than a synth shop. They host local synth events in the Seattle area, share performances online, publish tutorial videos, and help promote artists [many featured here on MATRIXSYNTH]. Now they need some help on their end. The following was sent my way via a friend, via Patchwerks's news letter. You'll of course find additional details on their GoFundMe.

"WE NEED YOUR HELP

We’ve proudly watched as the community that developed around Patchwerks has grown through a shared passion for the joy and magic of electronic instruments. All of our staff feel so much gratitude when people come to our store to play, learn, and connect with each other.

We’ve been so humbled by everyone who has come through our doors – whether you’ve been a first-time synth-curious explorer who trusted us to guide you, or whether you’ve been one of our own musical heroes who has consciously decided to purchase your instruments from an independently-owned and operated business.

Unfortunately, due to economic pressures beyond our control, the community we built at Patchwerks is at risk of losing its home… and we’re reaching out to ask for your help.

If you're willing to help us survive, a donation of as little as $25 can help Patchwerks continue our operations in a healthy way.

The years 2022 and 2023 made it difficult for us to operate, and now we're at the point where we need to ask for help or cease operations. We have a strong plan to get healthy, but we can't do it without you. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe campaign today."

Latest Showroom Sessions: Sherman and Limanjaya

video upload by Patchwerks

"Join us for Showroom Sessions, a monthly series of curated electronic music. Hear some of the region's boldest voices in ambient, experimental, dance music, and more. Proudly presented by Patchwerks with generous support from the community. This month, we host the talents of Portland-based Limanjaya and local head Sherman.

Sherman / Selector Records on Capitol Hill in Seattle.

Sherman’s been dabbling with gear since around 1997, and after many years of trying out different pieces has settled on a couple Critter & Guitari Organelles running custom patches, running through a Memory Man (w/ Hazarai, of course) delay pedal, building bizarre polyrhythms that on occasion sound good. On the spot beats intricately twist around each other, get manipulated, finagled, and fade into more intricate grooves.

Sherman has releases on Telomere Plastic, iLLikoi, Basement Sounds, and new local label Basement State.

Limanjaya:

Joshua Limanjaya Lim is a modular synthesist and producer residing in Portland, OR. He uses sample flips, glitchy beat repeats, and infectious melodies to craft his sound. Whether he is performing ambient, hiphop, or house music, the goal is always to get people moving. His latest album, UNTITLED 2023, is out now on all streaming platforms.

IG / _limanjaya
Bandcamp: https://limanjaya.bandcamp.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1W5Ff...

0:00 Sherman
32:24 Limanjaya"

Sampling Session with the Octatrack MK2, MicroFreak, and PO-133 Street Fighter

video upload by Patchwerks

"In today's stream we are going to do some sampling with the trusty Octatrack MK2. We will be sampling the Arturiaa MicroFreak and the PO-133 Street Fighter Pocket Operator. Let's make a retro banger.

Get the Octatrack MK2 here: https://bit.ly/octatrack_mk2
Get the Arturia MicroFreak Hyrbid Synthesizer here: https://bit.ly/microfreak_arturia
Get yourself a Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator here: https://bit.ly/pocket_operators

https://www.patchwerks.com
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka @EZBOT_ )"

Don't Sleep On This Incredibly Affordable Analog Oscillator

video upload by Patchwerks

"In today's stream we are going to take a brief look at the Capt'n BIG-O, an all analog oscillator from Cre8audio.

Capt'n BIG-O is a meticulously crafted module designed for those with a deep appreciation for the raw beauty of analog waveforms. This module offers a pure analog signal path, eschewing chip-based oscillators to deliver a pristine and warm sonic experience.

In a collaborative effort with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, we embarked on a mission to encapsulate the essence of massive analog sound within a voltage-controlled oscillator module. This endeavor was met with initial skepticism, but Pittsburgh Modular eventually recognized the value of our vision.

Key Features of Capt'n BIG-O:
- Pure Analog, Original Design: This module boasts a fully analog signal path, ensuring the authenticity and warmth of your sound.
-Diverse Waveforms: Capt'n BIG-O offers a selection of essential waveforms, including sine, triangle, saw, and square, allowing for versatile sound sculpting.
- Flexible Wave Folding: The wave folder/waveshaper is thoughtfully designed to default to sine but can be patched to any waveform or external source, granting you creative control.
- High-Intensity Drive Circuit: Experience a robust 75x overdriven VCA with a potent 5V output, providing dynamic sonic possibilities.
- Linear and Exponential Frequency Modulation (FM): Explore a range of modulation options with both linear and exponential FM capabilities.
- Hard Sync: Achieve precise synchronization of your waveforms for tight and controlled audio synthesis.
- Pulsewidth Modulation: Fine-tune your wave's pulsewidth to attain nuanced tonal variations.

Capt'n BIG-O is your gateway to the world of analog audio exploration. Immerse yourself in the pure, unadulterated world of analog waveforms and elevate your sound to new heights. It's analog synthesis, redefined.

Get yourself a Capt'n BIG-O here: https://bit.ly/captn_bigo_osc

Erica Synths Black Low Pass VCF: https://www.patchwerks.com/collection...

https://www.patchwerks.com
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka @EZBOT_ )"

Live Hardware Electronic Music: Nolfo and Mike Perkowitz

video upload by Patchwerks

"Patchwerks is proud to present a monthly showcase of local artists working with a dizzying array of music tech. This month we're happy to host the musical talents of Nolfo and Mike Perkowitz.

Showroom Sessions are a great chance to enjoy live music from our incredibly talented community and link up with friends old and new in a casual environment, connecting over a shared love of electronic music and all its devices.

Nolfo

exploring vague memories through sound

Check out Nolfo’s music: https://on.soundcloud.com/CZCimSdAdsy...

Mike Perkowitz

Mike Perkowitz is Seattle-based techno and synthpop artist who has long been a part of the city's music scene as a member of Heatsync, Rotor, and Signal Corps and working with the label 1200 Music. While minimalist techno and synthpop dominate his repertoire, he also ventures into pop remixes and obscure piano compositions. Always seeking the perfect jam session, he has created software and firmware sequencers for live work, which are shared on GitHub. Discover Perkowitz's music at Bandcamp and Soundcloud.

https://soundcloud.com/perkowitz

https://www.patchwerks.com"

One-Stop Roland Shop: The SH-4D First Look

video upload by Patchwerks

"In today's stream we have a look at the Roland SH-4D. The SH-4D is a desktop powerhouse with hands-on workflow and deep synthesis tools for designing the sounds of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Create spontaneous musical moments with 11 OSC Models, a multitimbral pattern sequencer, extensive effects, and plenty of polyphony. And with the loaded panel, dynamic controls, motion recording, and more, you can craft evolving sounds and compositions as fast as the ideas come. Equally suited for studio, stage, and traveling, the SH-4d is an incredibly versatile synth that unleashes inspiration from the moment you power on.

Get yourself a Roland SH-4D here: https://bit.ly/roland_sh4d

https://www.patchwerks.com
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka @EZBOT_ )"

Staff Pick: WMD Metron and Voltera // Favorite Features

video upload by Patchwerks

"In today's stream Matthew from Patchwerks (aka EZBOT) talks about some of their favorite features from the WMD Metron and Voltera.

Get yourself a Metron from Patchwerks here: https://bit.ly/wmd_metron

https://www.patchwerks.com
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka @EZBOT_ )"

Roland S-1 Tweak Synth with the Polyend Play, Instant Beat-making

video upload by Patchwerks

"In today's stream we pair the Roland Aira Compact S-1 Tweak Synth with the Polyend Play groovebox to make great sounding music at faster than light speed."

THIS.IS.NOISE Wireless MIDI Controller Is A Lot of Fun

video upload by Patchwerks

"In today's stream we are going to check out the this.is.NOISE inc NMSVE Bluetooth MIDI Controller with Ableton Note, Koala Sampler and Fractal Bits music apps.

Get yourself a THIS.IS.NOISE Bluetooth MIDI controller here: https://bit.ly/thisisnoise_MIDI_contr...

https://www.patchwerks.com
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka @EZBOT_ )"

Octatrack MK2 Sampling the Arturia MicroFreak

video upload by Patchwerks

"In today's live stream we have some fun sampling the amazing Arturia MicroFreak into the Elektron Octatrack MK2.
Octatrack MKII's are on sale now: https://bit.ly/octatrack_mk2
Learn more about the Arturia MicroFreak here: https://bit.ly/microfreak_arturia https://www.patchwerks.com
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka @EZBOT_ )"

Paul T Schreiber of Synthtech / MOTM Retires From The Synth Business

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paul T Schreiber (@synthesistechnology)

"After 27 years, I have retired from the synthesizer business. I still have a #day_job which will last until Dec 1st. The last set of 16 modules shipped to Patchwerks in Seattle, including the last E520 Hyperions.

Is there a chance someone will buy my IP and continue the product like? I keep hoping. Thanks to everyone who were friends and customers."

---

The man behind MOTM and Synthtech/Synthesis Technology retires. Paul Schrieber was making modular synths in the MOTM 5U format before eurorack took off. He essentiall started his own format, 5U in height like Moog's MU 5U but different. See this old post for a pic of different modular formats. He made his modules available in both DIY and finished form. You all should be familiar with MOTM and Synthech if you are regulars of the site. If not, see the MOTM and Synthech labels for posts over the years.

Since the launch of this version of MATRIXSYNTH back in 2005, there have been a total of 831 MOTM posts, and roughly 367 Synthtech posts, including this one. I say roughly as there was another Synthtech that made the Chroma Cult - Rhodes Chroma MIDI Interface, that shares the Synthtech label I used to get the count. The first post to mention MOTM dates back to This EAR post on July 30, 2005, the second to MOTM Madness - Featuring Yamaha GX1 Filter clone on August 4, 2005. Sadly the mp3 linked there is gone. People let their sites go unfortunately. The first post to mention Synthtech is the Epic Son video by John L Rice from back on August 2, 2011. His designs also made it into non modular synths like this Studio Electronics Omega 8 w/ MOTM CS80 & 440 Filters.

Live Hardware Electronic Music: Balance.Spring and Marc Barecca

video upload by Patchwerks

"This month we're happy to host the musical talents of Marc Barreca and Balance.Spring for our monthly Showroom Sessions.

As always, Showroom Sessions are a great chance to enjoy live music from our incredibly talented community and link up with friends old and new in a casual environment, connecting over a shared love of electronic music and all its devices.

Balance.Spring is the performance project of Seattle-based Brian Krall. Growing up on the iconic Casio SK-1, Brian has always been intrigued by the art of sound design and experimentation. In 2016 Brian started Balance.Spring, with an emphasis on live improvised hardware performance and experimentation. Brian is fascinated and motivated by finding where the path of technology and engineering cross with music and sound design. Brian is currently studying for a Master of Music Technology with a Game Audio Technology emphasis, where his capstone project is focused on spatial audio and developing an immersive sound and music experience in VR.

Instagram: @‌\ _balancespring _

Marc Barreca has been creating and performing electronic music since the mid-1970s. His 1980 album, Twilight, reissued on vinyl in 2018, was one of the earliest releases on Palace of Lights. His most recent releases include the solo CDs Recordings of Failing Light, The Empty Bridge, From the Gray and the Green, Shadow Aesthetics, a double CD with K. Leimer, Drowning Guides, two CDs with Steve Peters and K. Leimer as "Three Point Circle", and a vinyl collaboration with K. Leimer, Chains of Being, on the Spanish label, Abstrakce Records. Reissues include solo work and 1970's recordings with Young Scientist on the acclaimed VOD box set American Cassette Culture and the Cherry Red compilation of seminal U.S. electronic music. Additionally, a vinyl version of the 1983 cassette, Music Works for Industry, was reissued on the Freedom to Spend label and a vinyl version of the 1986 cassette, The Sleeper Wakes, on Scissortail Records. His work is also included in the collection of The British Library.

Links: https://www.textura.org/archives/b/ba...
http://www.palaceoflights.com/
https://www.thestranger.com/music/201...
http://youngscientist.bandcamp.com/al...

0:00 Balance.Spring
34:01 Marc Barecca"

LARGE EURORACK ARE AMAZING

video upload by Patchwerks

"Here are some of our favorite large eurorack modules we play with all the time at Patchwerks. Make Noise Maths, Make Noise Spectraphon, 4ms Ensemble Oscillator, and the Endorphines Ghost.

www.patchwerks.com"

Live Hardware Electronic Music featuring SKYGAS and rocketmermaid

video upload by Patchwerks

"Showroom Sessions are a great chance to enjoy live music from our incredibly talented community and link up with friends old and new in a casual environment, connecting over a shared love of electronic music and all its devices.

𝙎𝙆𝙔𝙂𝘼𝙎 is the new moniker of Seattle's Ian Price, known as the figure behind the unhinged Bonkers parties of the Northwest and the Pleasure Boat Records label, after years spent building gear and changing direction. Under this new pseudonym, the debut SkyGas album is the sound of a seasoned musician walking away from modern production and back into primordial sound. The result is a perpetual horizon machine focused on themes of joy, solitude, and impermanence, described as “new age with abrasions.”
Link- http://SkyGas.net

Julia Davis (aka RocketMermaid) has been tinkering with musical oddities for 25 years, using everything from tracking programs from the demoscene to banging pipes against the walls of an Indiana basement. Since relocating to Seattle, she's fallen in love with modular synthesis and has incorporated it into her works, ranging from airy ambient to crushing industrial.

Bandcamp: https://rocketmermaid.bandcamp.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/rocketmermaid

https://www.patchwerks.com"

Live Hardware Electronic Music Featuring Rascal Rae and Ea5e95

video upload by Patchwerks

"Live electronic music featuring Seattle artists Rascal Rae and Ea5e95.

Rascal Rae likes pushing buttons and musical boundaries within the world of electronic music. They enjoy playing live with an ever-evolving cast of hardware devices to deliver joy on the dance floor through their whimsical approach to music production and performance. Known for their Digitakt chops, Rae's love of sampling shines through no matter what musical styles they're playing.
soundcloud.com/thatonerae
Instagram: @‌rascal_rae

Ea5e95, member of an international art collective from the 2000's called OKIZOO. Japan based under music and creative expression expression crew. Emcee, Dj and now producer/artist. Art, love and life is way. Influences include Jazz, triphop, underground hiphop, and many others soundcloud.com/jQWnCA3CFSr1Y5oY8

/ @robertbrowniejr .
Instagram @‌ea5e95

https://www.patchwerks.com
Video by: Steven Ly and Matthew Piecora"

The Soma LYRA-8 Experience

video upload by Patchwerks

"In this video Matthew (aka @EZBOT_ ) demonstrates the Soma Lyra 8. LYRA-8 is based on eight generators, which will be referred to as voices. Their design is not like a traditional subtractive synthesis VCO. Instead of having a linear or logarithmic dependency on control voltage, they resemble the tone generators in old electric organs. Hence the use of the term “voices” instead of “VCOs”. Lyra uses non-linearity a lot, and the voices are constructed in such a way that allows for non-linearity to express itself.

Get yourself a Soma Lyra 8 here: https://bit.ly/soma_lyra_8

www.patchwerks.com

Video by: Matthew Piecora"

Korg ARP 2600 M Workshop & Sale at Patchwerks Seattle - 6PM This Evening April 13

via @patchwerks_

"Today from 6-7PM in our Seattle Showroom Tom Butcher will be giving a special workshop on the iconic Korg ARP 2600 M

AND

We will be selling these synths for an insane incredible price for tonight only! If you've ever wanted one this will be a workshop you do not want to miss!!"

https://patchwerks.com/

Korg ARP 2600 M Sequenced and Accompanied by the Polyend Tracker

video upload by Patchwerks

"In this video we use the Polyend Tracker, an 8 track standalone audio workstation, to sequence and accompany the Korg ARP 2600 M, a semi-modular powerhouse classic."

Video by: Matthew Piecora (@EZBOT_ )"

Showroom Sessions: SNOWDN and orqid

video upload by Patchwerks

"Live electronic music from Seattle artist SNOWDN and Seattle artist orqid.

Check out SNOWDN on their Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/snowdnsound/

Listen to orqid's most recent album: https://orqid.co/

https://www.patchwerks.com
Video by: Steven Ly and Matthew Piecora

0:00 SNOWDN
16:25 orqid"

Korg ARP 2600 M and the Polyend Tracker

video upload by Patchwerks

"In this live stream we use the Polyend Tracker to sequence the Korg ARP 2600M.

Learn more about the Polyend Tracker here: https://bit.ly/polyend_tracker
Learn more about the Korg Arp 2600 M here: https://bit.ly/arp_2600_pw

https://www.patchwerks.com
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka @EZBOT_ )"