Sweater Beats - I Got U

We're a big fan of mixing styles and trying out a new jam. This one is definitely an interesting blend of bass and hip-hop (some great claps too!). If you really like the track you can get it for free!

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Full Elektron Analog Four Announcement, Features are here!

Finally, the full details of the Analog Four are officially out.  I've copied and pasted the tech specs, but you can get a full rundown of the new beast here,.  There's also a variety of sound demos on Elektron's official Soundcloud (heard above).  In case you're wondering, the price is $1149.  They will start shipping on December 3rd.

Early impressions: The control voltage and sequencer are the real winners here.  As I mentioned in the previous post, Elektron have become experts with sequencing through hardware with their other devices, so there are some really exciting possibilities with 4 analog voice tracks and an effects track.  Above, the sequences sound pretty awesome.  Lots of squelchiness and warmth.  The control voltage will please the modular lovers, and those of you who've recently picked up the MiniBrute will be able to interface it with the A4 quite easily.  The effects will be a nice touch and make this stand out to live performers.

Time will tell how this stands up against the other products on the market-- the closest in functionality to it is the Tetra, but the Analog Four seems to have it beat on sequencing.  The additional $300 dollars might put it at a disadvantage, but I'm guessing the Analog Four won't appeal to your standard synth fan-- it seems like a tool for those of you who are really into mastering one piece of gear.

Tech Specs:

Poolside - Take Me Home - FREE DOWNLOAD!

Poolside, the calming daytime-disco group from L.A., announced yesterday that they are giving out their song "Take Me Home" for free! We've been following Poolside from their first few jams - this one is an oldie but a goodie. This song can also be found on Aeroplane's "In Flight Entertainment" compilation ~

Also - Check out their Fall/Winter mixtape that they posted a few days ago!

New Elektron Analog Four Information, Release Date, and Picture

via Matrixsynth, Filter Env
You can finally get a good look at the new Elektron Analog Four.  Below are some early (unofficial, but very likely) specs for the new beast, which is said to start shipping on December 3rd.  While some of you may initially say this looks similar to the DSI Tetra, it certainly seems to have its own set of extra features (which also makes me think it will hover right around the other Elektron price points at $1100-$1200).  Some of Four's unique features include 2 filters per voice, "hi-quality" effects, and an easy to use sequencer.

Looking at the image closely, we can see knobs that are lettered (my guess is these can be mapped), the step sequencer across the bottom, 303-key like buttons on the right side, with synth parameters above them (Osc 1 and 2, LFO, etc).  Below the screen seems to be 4 directional buttons for navigating the software, with Stop, Play, and Record below that.

From what I can tell so far, the Analog Four seems to fit perfectly with what we expect from Elektron-- the black box, buttons, screen, and colors all remind me of the Octatrack.  Elektron products are known to have complex software abilities under the hood, so be on the lookout for that as well.  I'm really hoping that the software controls on this synth make it an instant classic.  It's fallen nicely into my "analog renaissance" prediction, too!

Keep updated by checking Tradition and Future Website, or Elektron's website.  Also, check back here for non-official information, previews, and more.

"Specifications:

4 synth voices. 
2 Analog oscillators per voice. 
2 Analog filters per voice. 
1 Analog overdrive circuit per voice. 
Multiple LFOs and envelopes per voice. 
Elektron step sequencer with parameter locks. 
Kit and Sound storage. 
All new hi-quality effects. 
2x dual CV/Gate outputs. 
Dedicated CV/Gate and FX sequencer tracks. 
2x External inputs. 
2x Main outputs. 
1x Headphones output.
Analog Four

Estimated shipping date: December 3"

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Lifelike & A-Trak - Don't Stop (Club Mix)

After hearing some of the amazing french touch producer Lifelike has been making recently (or making always), I thought a collaboration with A-Trak would be something to play out!

Check out Lifelike for more!

Frankmusik - Fast As I Can Music Video

Frankmusik's been hiding out quite a bit from the spotlight since the release of Do It In The AM, producing for others instead, but he's finally stepped out to the spotlight again with his new track "Fast As I Can", which he released a couple weeks back.  Yesterday, he premiered his new video for the track.  I think this song is a true return to form for FM, and it reminds me of the Complete Me days a bit-- and that's my favorite Frankmusik.  The video features FM running around to meet a woman on a beach, and in true American fashion, he grabs what seems to be a Big Mac out of her hand.  Not kidding here, folks.  Check out the awesome video, and be sure to grab the track on iTunes.

Let Em Riot - SlashWave EP

Let Em Riot's new EP via Electronic Rumors is pretty dang cool-- tons of 80s influence here (those 80s bells!  always a favorite), and maybe some pop action from the past 10 years slipping in via the vocals.  Really nicely produced to top it off.  Dig it.