Sunday, September 16, 2012

The Radiophonic Workshop Reborn


Nice vintage clip of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop from 1965. (see link below)

http://thespace.org/items/e0000mk8?t=hqkz

 
 
http://thespace.org/items/e0000mk8?t=hqkz


In this 1965 film from the BBC archive, science programme Tomorrow’s World delves into the work of the pioneering sound engineers including Delia Derbyshire as they demonstrate how they generated music from a plethora of electronic sounds and effects.

The New Radiophonic Workshop builds on the legacy of its predecessor, but instead of being confined to rooms full of equipment in Maida Vale studios in London, the new unit will instead be a virtual institution, an online portal and forum for discussion around the challenges of creating new sounds, and bringing together music composition and software design.

Check out the New Radiophonic Workshop at http://thespace.org/

Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Forgotten World of EMS


Electronic Music Studios (London) Ltd. was formed in 1969 by Dr. Peter Zinovieff to market innovative ideas arising from his private studio and interest in musical applications of computers. Over the next ten years many seminal products were released and many talented designers worked for the company. EMS had its own peculiar brand of British eccentricity which could be both endearing and annoying, but should be viewed in the context of true pioneering. It is easy to copy and follow others, but not to think up new ideas in the first place and EMS had no shortage of originality. The EMS influence was significant and can be traced into many contemporary products.

Friday, June 24, 2011

The Sound of Analogue Electronic Music in 1979

A clip of David Vorhaus working in his studio in 1979. Vorhaus was also part of White Noise with Delia Derbyshire. This clip contains interesting dialogue about his sequencer MANIAC. 
Regardless, very cool sounds can be heard as well as spotting some EMS gear.

Friday, June 17, 2011

We Also Have Sound Houses


In the first of an ongoing series of educational Public Service Announcements from The Office of Experimental Music and Film, we present The BBC Radiophonic Workshop. For those unfamiliar with this outstanding piece of musical history we suggest you view the clip posted above.

After viewing the clip, rush down to the shops and buy a reel to reel tape recorder, some razor blades, sticky tape and an old green lamp shade!
Then ask mum and dad for permission to set up your studio in the loft.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Experimental Sound Artist

A clip from the Shout (1978)
An excellent film staring John Hurt as a sort of Radiophonic Workshop boffin.
Nice shots of him using some EMS gear as well.  Very cool and creepy film, but I was always inspired by the experimental music aspect of it.