- Location: GRETCHEN / Berlin
- Symposium: 2017 & 2019
- Event: Sample Music Festival
- Topic: Syntablism
Around 2012, the idea for syntablism - a pioneering type of music-making - was thought up by Turntablist and Synth DIY enthusiast SirCut. Always captivated by synthesizers and exploring odd sounds, SirCut felt his musical capabilities were hampered by his inability to play keys in the conventional way. Rather than undertaking the effort to learn the keys, SirCut, already having the turntable as his instrument of choice and being skilled in playing with it, set out to bring the turntablist "play style" to the world of synthesizers. His ambition gave rise to the unique art of syntablism.
Syntablism emphasized the use of turntables as a means to play and control modular equipment. Whereas the traditional use of turntablists was to sample and manipulate existing sound recordings, Syntablism encouraged performers to use turntables to “play” modular synthesizers and sound modules. This allowed for new sonic possibilities by allowing performers to improvise with and control of modular sound nowadays they are respected and appreciated for the music they make.
"Aaaah Fresh" from Fab 5 Freddy's "Change The Beat" is an iconic and game-changing vocoder sound. It practically defined the synth-infused era of Hip-Hop, and its influence is still undeniably present in today's music. Its signature sound has been used in countless mixes and remixes, becoming an essential element in the art of turntablism. It is amazing to think that through this particular sound, the turntable has become elevated to a synthesizer of sorts in its own right, and it is truly revolutionary.
In a lecture from 2017 at Sample Music Festival, Sir-Cut delved deeper into the exciting evolution of Syntablism, unlocking a myriad of unique musical possibilities, and giving invaluable insight into the world of creative music production. In 2019, he teamed up with some of the most prominent figures of Syntablism KYPSKI for an influential lecture, diving deep into how to use this new form of art to create captivating live showcases in the electronic music scene. With their in-depth knowledge and expertise, the duo showcased the potential of using Syntablism in electronic music and demonstrated how to leverage it to create an unforgettable experience. Their interactive lecture was a great success and proved to be a valuable learning experience for all in attendance.