Review: Zenhiser's 80s Drum Collection

A couple weeks ago, I got a copy of Zenhiser's recent sample multi-pack, The 80s Drum Collection. This set consists of 10 of Zenhiser's other sample selections, so not only am I reviewing this entire collection but the individual parts-- three sets of 80s Electro Beats, the Pure 80's Kick Drums, Hi Hats, and Snares & Claps, three sets of Ultra 80's Drum Beats, and the Ultra 80s Drum Kit. All this totals to 885 samples and it's just over a gig in size!

Choosing your first Synth

Korg MicroKorg

One of the questions I see most on the net about synthesizers is everyone asking what they should buy first as a beginner. After looking around, everyone pretty much turns up on one of two-- the MicroKorg and the Alesis Micron. More recently the Akai Miniak  has also become potential first synth, too, but it's supposedly the same sound engine as the Micron. After demoing the MicroKorg  and the Micron years ago to buy my first, I settled on the Micron because it had regular size keys, and I had liked the look of it. I used it for a few shows, using only the presets, and never managed to actually learn how to program it well. It now sits in my bedroom and I've hardly touched it, especially since moving on to bigger and better synths.

Chromeo's Master Synth Collection

I've been grooving to Chromeo lately, and after combing the web for information I've found a great deal of information on their studio.  If you don't know Chromeo, they fit the bill of a synth band and have a great retro feel to them.  They balance pop with old school electronic 80s funk, and it works perfectly.  Here's a list of some of their gear:

Jordan F - Definitely Miami

Jordan F - Definitely Miami by Jordan F

Unfortunately these days I've just started class again (surprise, I'm a college student) so I've recently been reacquainted with a lot of friends-- hopefully it won't detract too much from the post flow of the site, but you never know.  Jordan F's tracks add the perfect soundtrack the night rides in the car.

I've been getting an influx in reader submissions lately (thanks for sending your stuff in! I promise to respond to everything) and this one in particular caught my attention, and it definitely fits here considering I've got blue neon writing and you guys seem to love the 80s Nu Disco style.  Jordan F's new three song set is perfect for fans of the retro.  I actually immediately bought this EP as soon as I heard it I liked it so much, and you can even get it for free if you want over at his bandcamp, although I think you'll agree, it's better than free.  What better way then to kick off the end of summer and month of September with some great retro vibes?  Bonus: the artwork is straight vintage too.  Check out "Definitely Miami" above and "Cupido" below.

Jordan F - Cupido by Jordan F

Starsmith Interview: "Lesson One", Ellie Goulding's Next Record, and More

Starsmith - Lesson One EP by Vulture Music

STARSMITH is undoubtedly one of my favorite producers.  From his early collaborations with Frankmusik to his co-writing and production of more than half of the smash hit Lights with Ellie Goulding, he's the definition of a rising producer.  Not only has he worked with other artists like Kylie Minogue, Marina and the Diamonds, and Yes Giantess to name a few, but he's also released some of his own solo work too.

"Lesson One" is his newest track (released yesterday), a French-House laid back jam with layers of great pads and an awesome synth solo.  I absolutely love this track, and it stands so brilliantly as a single.  It's an incredibly warm piece of music with a great shuffling beat.  The vocal effects are also terrific.  The b-side "Champion" is also is another classic Starsmith groove, which reminds me more of his earlier work.

I chatted with Starsmith about his new single, his favorite producers, and a bit on Ellie Goulding's next record (which I so dearly hope he produces again).  Read on below to catch up with Starsmith.

Ben Lee Interview: Catching up and his new record, 'Deeper Into Dream'

Ben Lee is an old favorite of mine.  I first became enamored with his sound when he released the single "Catch My Disease" back in 2005, supporting his album Awake is the New Sleep.  Awake is a quintessential feel good pop album.  Prior to that, he had released a few other albums-- my favorite being Breathing Tornados, a record of odd samples beautifully strung together-- not something you hear typically from a singer/songwriter.  Since Awake came out, Ben has also put out two other great pop records-- Ripe and The Rebirth of Venus.  While he isn't the most synth-y artist to have on the site, I was sure to snatch up an opportunity to talk to him a bit about those old records, and chat about his upcoming release.  You can hear his new single over at Spinner.

AIMES Album Review

AIMES - Every Time When I See You by Aimes

I was given the album Your Floor Is Now a Tree a couple weeks ago by newcomer AIMES. I had been meaning to review this for a couple weeks now, but kept having to push it back-- I wanted to make sure I heard the record enough to know what I like, and I figured since this is the first album review on the site, I have to do it justice.

First and foremost, I'm not really sure how to categorize this music-- regardless if you like categorization or not, it helps explain what an artist sounds like to new comers. It's certainly not a house record, as there are far too many slower jams, but it's definitely synthy and out there. Perhaps this is the "chill-wave" I hear so much about?