Synchronizing Music Technology at Slam Academy

Posted on November 1, 2012 by John C.S. Keston

I am teaching a class starting on November 29, 2012 at the Slam Academy in Minneapolis titled Synchronizing Music Technology. The first class class of the four session module is free to attend with no obligation. If you decide to take the module you are eligible to purchase a Korg Monotribe and Korg Monotron for $175. General admission and student pricing is available.

In this course we will examine ways to synchronize musical devices including vintage-to-modern MIDI compatible devices, as well as pre-MIDI analog instruments using CV (control voltage) and gate signals. We will also learn how to sequence and interface these devices with computer software making it possible to create studio and performance setups that integrate decades of music technology.

The Slam Academy is one of a handful of certified Ableton Live training centers worldwide. Most classes are around $200 or less for students and meet for three two hour sessions. I am very excited to be an adjunct instructor at this incredibly forward thinking school for electronic arts. If you’re in the area please stop in for the free intro class on November 29 or consider registering for a module or two.

DKO Recording Session and Performance at Bellows

Posted on October 23, 2012 by John C.S. Keston

Here’s a selection made by Jon Davis from our recent DKO performance and recording session at the lovely Bellows Studio in St. Paul, Minnesota. This rough segment was mixed and engineered by Adam Krinsky. The limited edition poster was designed and screen printed by Jasio Stefanski.

Fragile Gloss Featuring DSI Tempest

Posted on September 13, 2012 by John C.S. Keston

It has been a couple of months since I have shared an Ostraka track (Wayland’s Smithy back in July), so I thought I would let you have an advance listen to a very recent mix featuring the DSI Tempest. This particular track also includes sounds programmed on the Roland MKS-80, SCI Pro-One, and Korg Monotribe. Thanks for listening, and let me know what you think.

Excerpt from Ostraka Improvisation at NAMAC 2012

Posted on September 10, 2012 by John C.S. Keston

This excerpt is from my first live performance featuring the DSI Tempest last Thursday, September 6, 2012 at the Walker Art Center for the NAMAC opening night reception. My setup consisted of the Tempest synched up with a Korg Monotribe. The notes and some of the drums patterns were created in real-time with the GMS creating those signature, angular lines. I also played percussion patterns into the Tempest sequencer during the performance. The entire 75 minute set was improvised. LEDs fed into the video camera were projected on the wall behind me and used to generated the melodic and some of the rhythmic content.

DSI Tempest Analog Vibes

Posted on August 22, 2012 by John C.S. Keston

Less than one week ago I added a new instrument to my studio that will soon become the centerpiece of my solo performances and duets with Ostracon. As you can see from the photo, it is a Dave Smith Instruments Tempest Analog Drum Machine. I have been researching the Tempest since it was announced in early 2011, but recently I concluded that it would work well with the current direction of my music and decided to pick one up. This instrument is a one of kind sound sculpting tool that sounds amazing and is capable of so much more than just drums and percussive sounds. For example, as a challenge to learn the synthesis engine, I created this vibes patch exclusively using the two analog oscillators. I played a C minor blues scale over most of the width of a 76 key controller to give you an idea of how it sounds. I like how the envelopes get a little clicky in the low end. No processing was added to this recording, so the levels might be a bit low.

Tempest Analog Vibes