More Apple issues. The Synthi is back. Peckham gets a new venue.
iProblems. Kush Audio are the latest to issue warnings regarding Apple’s MacOS Catalina update. In a press release, they’ve alarmed users of their plugins stating that, if updated, the software could cease to work. Kush advise Mac users to turn off automatic updates in system preferences until the company meets Apple’s new standards for 3rd party software. The same applies for other plugin companies so if in doubt wait before updating.
Rolling out the raves. Printworks kick off their #PRINTWORKSAW19 (August/Winter) series tonight with a line-up of goodies and an extended set from Rush Hour’s Hunee and Antal. Coming events include takeovers of the former printing factory from Metalheadz featuring Goldie, The Hydra with Bonobo, Michael Bibi, Topping’s new Trick label, Together, Peggy Gou’s Gou Talk, Elrow, EDM legend Zedd, Sulta Selects, Bugged Out!, Floating Points (live), Afterlife, Glitterbox and more. Kano also brings his ‘Hoodies All Summer’ tour to the venue in February. Don’t miss out on these events. More here.
Two weeks left. The clock is ticking to take part in Sonarworks free giveaway. All entrants need to do is answer a few questions for a chance to win a pair of headphones including the classic Sennheiser HD650. Check it out.
Synthi is back. The ‘spirit of Synthi’ returns. The legendary standalone Synthi AKS by EMS has been given a respectful re-design by Riga Technical University – who insist it’s not a ‘clone’. Now dubbed the Erica SYNTRX, it is its own instrument built around the signature analog matrix from 1972 that inspired Pink Floyd and Jean Michel Jarre. Now updated in a slick design that nods to the original, it’s an all in one unit with three oscillators, over eight octaves and a noise generator. Also, there’s no need for patch cords. It’s a nifty bit of kit and comes at around £2,500 + VAT. See it for yourself on their site or below:
Aye aye Captain! Mixed In Key has released the latest installation in the Captain plugin series – the Captain Melody 3.0. A tool which helps writer’s block in the studio, the Melody 3.0 has six new tools that help with writing melodies, with the most significant add-on being the new Idea Box, useful with plucks, pianos, analog and VST synths, guitars etc. Other features include the Tension Editor, Pencil and Paintbrush for MIDI, First Note and Lanes, the Random “Dice” Button and more. It’s free for Captain Plugin users, or can be purchased with the rest of the plugins for $79. Can’t think of that next key? Don’t be washed ashore, get on board with the Captain!
It’s Strata forward. In what they describe as a ‘bold move’ – Envision Sounds has launched their first product; the ‘Strata’. It’s a launchpad for Ableton Live 9 & 10, now sitting in the same small pond as the huge and ever-successful Novation and Akai products. Envision Sound however claim ‘Strata’s unique approach improves the fluidity and possibilities of music creation and performance in ways otherwise not currently available’. Check out the launchpad here.
Back in the Berlin booth. Early bird tickets for Superbooth20, the ‘first little anniversary’ of the Berlin-based electronic musical instruments trade fair, are now on sale. Taking place 23rd-25th April next year in the FEZ Berlin, 2020’s edition will integrate the outdoor area more into the fair, and the boat shuttle will be ‘rethought, including the timetable, and it will have its own program of events’. There will be concerts and workshops on boat trips and the exhibition space will be expanded for new and exciting brands. Sign up here for your space at the fair.
A promising place for Peckham. Peckham is getting a new club in the form of Peckham Audio. The 220-cap space, in Rye Lane next to Bussey Building and set up by nearby venue Four Quarters, will open later this month. They’re having an opening event this month but the real party gets going in November with Holloway, Simkin and Tayls, K_Lone and Gigsta on the 8th. Kris Baha, Kiara Scuro and Harry James visit the venue on 22nd. Get involved.
Houghton to your hats. It’s a while away, but Houghton just announced their return for 2020. Coming back for four days in August, the Norfolk-based festival, which this year was unfortunately cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions, will take place from August 6th – 9th. Ticket priority will be given to those who couldn’t attend this year’s event. Hopefully the only ‘Rain’ you’ll be hearing is Kerri Chandler’s house classic next year.