Sample Glitching on the Dirtywave M8

Posted on March 10, 2023 by John C.S. Keston

The Dirtywave M8 has been consistently sneaking its way into my music workflow these days. One of the things I really enjoy doing with it is sample glitching. There are so many generative techniques possible when it comes to the tracker and how it is integrated with the sampling instrument. Things like chance, playback rate, direction, start position, randomization and anything else that makes the sample instrument get weird are really interesting and effective approaches to sample manipulation.

In this clip I have several rows of chains which include instruments, each with different samples and ways that the samples are being juggled and twisted. This involves chance and randomness applied to everything from delaying the note to reversing the playback direction. All the samples are sounds that I either recorded or made using synthesis or other sound design techniques. The range of possible textures is remarkable even without a wide range of samples to work with.

Performing with the Dirtywave M8, Numa X GT, and Prophet REV2

Posted on October 17, 2022 by John C.S. Keston

This month I will be playing a solo set at RÖK Eatery in St. Paul on Thursday, October 20th at 7pm. 7th St. W, Suite 12, St. Paul, MN 55102. This is an exciting opportunity for me to improvise with some amazing instruments that I have been working with recently. These include the Numa X Piano GT, a gorgeous sounding stage piano, my beloved Prophet REV2 polysynth from the late Dave Smith, and a handheld tracker/sampler/synth called the Dirtywave M8.

I am still surprised by my own decision to include the Dirtywave M8 in this setup given that I did not anticipate using it in a live setting, but with the collection of customized tools I’ve been crafting that aid with improvisation and experimentation I’m finding it to be a rewarding combination. More to come!

REV2 Degrader Update Introduces Preset Morphing and Gated Sequencer Editor

Posted on July 29, 2020 by John C.S. Keston

REV2 Degrader (R2DG) version 1.2.1 is available today and introduces three entirely new features along with a host of other improvements. Notibly the tool now includes a morphing editor for the gated sequencer. This feature allows users to graphically edit and “degrade” the steps and parameters for all four gated sequencer layers.

Secondly, a new preset morphing feature has been added to the interface. This allows users to morph between two R2DG presets. In combination with GET PATCH FROM REV2 users are able to morph between any two patches on Layer A. Use the drop downs to choose preset A and preset B, then update the number box between in increments of 0.01 to morph between the two presets. For example if you set the value to 0.75 then your REV2 will contain a new patch that is interpolated 75% of the way from preset A to preset B.

The R2DG interface can now be scaled based on screen resolution to maximum, default, or custom dimensions. All of these capabilities are also included in a Windows 10 version of the software which will be available soon. Checkout audiocookbook.org/rev2-patch-degrader for details.

Squarp’s Pyramid Sequencer Firmware v1.0

Posted on November 28, 2016 by John C.S. Keston

Squarp’s Pyramid sequencer just got a new firmware update with the prestigious versioning of 1.0. I’ve had mine now for almost a year and have seen a slew of software updates during that time. The new features in 1.0 include a new LFO MIDI effect. These LFOs can be chained together creating all sorts of possibilities.
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Interview: Graham’s O’Brien’s Drum Controller Video Series

Posted on June 2, 2016 by John C.S. Keston

Graham O’Brien is an exceptional and inventive drummer, composer, and producer. It has been my privilege to play with him at dozens shows and on at least five separate projects over the last eight years. His latest solo endeavor is a series of five videos titled Drum Controller. Graham had discussed his goals for the project with me, but when I saw/heard the videos I was immediately impressed. I wanted to know more about how he was able to trigger these beautiful and complex electro-acoustic arrangements without touching anything other than his minimal kit of kick, two snares, high hats, and a ride.

Note: Graham will be performing music with his Drum Controller setup and Thomas Nordlund on guitar at Honey in Minneapolis this Sunday, June 5, 2017. Read on for the interrview and a look at his video series. Continue reading →