Source Of Uncertainty: A Buchla Podcast 4U

A Short Message From SoU

Episode 31: David Kean & The 260e

Welcome to episode 31 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode we got the opportunity to talk with David Kean about his time working, and being friends with Don Buchla. He commissioned a few modules (255, 297, 299) that eventually...

Episode 30: Programmable Spectral Processor Model 296M

Welcome to episode 30 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode we dig into the mighty and complex Programmable Spectral Processor Model 296. We were lucky enough to get our hands on a MEMS Project version of the module and...

Artist Spotlight: Luca Manti

Our First Encounter                   L'incontro                                 Cellule                        Il Suono Del Passato                Un Momento Di Silenzio          Staples                        Vicino   Creating these soundscapes, partly feels as navigating through some fictive offshore territories emerging from Buchla, populated with forms of vivid matter — as speculative lifeforms— interacting under our ears. While balancing...

Episode 29: Mark Verbos - 262v & 263v

Welcome to episode 29 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode we talk to Mark Verbos from Verbos Electronics/Verbos & Associates about his decades long obsession with Buchla instruments. We also explore Mark’s Harmonic Oscillator and the Quantizer/Shift Register. Show notes:  Hello:...

Artist Spotlight: Henrique Matias

Hello, thanks for inviting me to participate on SoU, it's an honour to be part of it!   In this mix I'm showcasing unreleased material I have almost exclusively performed on my 200e system, these jams illustrate some of the moods and...

Episode 28: Kilpatrick Audio & A Yellow Sine

Welcome to episode 28 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode we explore the Kilpatrick Audio K4816 Pattern Generator, then we talk to Andrew Kilpatrick and Pat McMaster from A Yellow Sine about their joint venture: The Sextuple Quadraphonic Spatial...

Episode 28: Kilpatrick Audio & A Yellow Sine

Welcome to episode 28 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode we explore the Kilpatrick Audio K4816 Pattern Generator, then we talk to Andrew Kilpatrick and Pat McMaster from A Yellow Sine about their joint venture: The Sextuple Quadraphonic Spatial...

Episode 27: Alex Pleninger - Keen Association

Welcome to episode 27 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode we talk to Alex Pleninger from Keen Association and dig into the Graphic Waveform Generator Model 268e and Quad Transevent Generator Model 282e.  Show notes: Hello: 0:00 268e Exploration: 23:50 282e Exploration: 1:10:05 Alex...

Artist Spotlight: The Sonny Downs Quartet

The Sonny Downs Quartet is proud to present a selection of music written for Buchla 200e. All pieces were composed and performed exclusively on the 200e, with no external MIDI sequencing and no multitracking. Everything was sequenced or played using...

Artist Spotlight: Steven Barsky

Steven BarskyMusic is life. I feel inspired to record the sonic patterns and sounds that are running around inmy head. Sometimes they come fast and furious, I don’t think I’ll get the Logic up andrecording before the ephemeral soundscape spewing...

Episode 26: Steven Barsky & The Time Domain Processor 288r

Welcome to episode 26 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode Kyle fly’s solo and digs into the new Time Domain Processor Model 288r. He then talks with Steven Barsky about overhauling the v2 MARF’s firmware. Show notes: Hello: 0:00 288r Deep Dive:...

Artist Spotlight: Mattias Petersson

I am composer and performer based in Stockholm, Sweden. My work usually stays within the realm of electronic music both when performing as a solo artist and in different constellations, but I have also written for chamber ensembles, dance companies...

Episode 25: Nested Vector Oscillator

Welcome to episode 25 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode Robert and Kyle grab a joystick and dive into the Human Comparator’s Nested Vector Oscillator. Show notes: Hello: 0:00 NVO Exploration: 25:00 NVO + CV: 53:30 Goodbye: 1:12:00   Find out more about the Nested Vector...

Artist Spotlight: David Piazza

In the 1940’s, Pierre Schaeffer realized that the electronic medium opens up music composition to the whole domain of sonic phenomena. Technology enabled the composer to work directly with sound itself as opposed to an abstraction of it, operational signals...

Episode 24: MEMS Project Returns & The Boat Of Uncertainty

Welcome to episode 24 (or is it 23?) of Source Of Uncertainty. We are excited to welcome back Mark and Chip from the MEMS Project, and had a great time digging into their “Boat Of Uncertainty.” Show notes: Hello: 0:00 Boat Of Uncertainty:...

Artist Spotlight: Kevin Rix - Visitors

Kevin Rix is a film trailer composer, guitarist, and modular synth artist. His compositions have appeared in trailers for films such as Avatar, How to Train Your Dragon, Robin Hood, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Aquaman, Frozen 2, Black Widow,...

Artist Spotlight: Mat Watson - Spin Patterns Selections

BIOMathew Watson is a Melbourne (AU) based artist focussed on the exploration of electronic sound and the drumset. He has an extensive list of past and ongoing artist collaborations and has performed at arts festivals, music festivals, galleries and theatres...

Episode 22: Buchla USA CEO Eric Fox & The Infinite Phase Shifter

Welcome to episode 22 of Source Of Uncertainty. Get ready to phase in or phase out (whichever you prefer) with a long look at the Infinite Phase Shifter Model 297. Robert and Kyle then check in with Buchla USA CEO...

Artist Spotlight: Musical Fungus - Eleusis

The first time I ever saw a Buchla system I was curious and intrigued. When I first heard a Buchla system I instantly fell in love with the timbres and have been exploring Don's circuits ever since. The sound of...

Episode 21: Passepartout Duo & The Bandpass Filter 194F

Welcome to episode 21 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode Robert & Kyle talk to Nicoletta & Christopher from Passepartout Duo about their new album “Epigrams”. Kyle also digs into the Bandpass Filter Model 194F.  Show notes: Hello: 0:00 Kyle explores the...

Artist Spotlight: Mike Estlick - January '21

About Mike Estlick: I'm an electrical engineer by day, and a Buchla player by night.I've been recording electronic music since I was a kid in the 80s.I was into raves, clubs, and MIDI sequencers in the 90s.In the 2000s I recorded...

Episode 20: Robert Standefer & Kyle Swisher

Welcome to episode 20 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode Robert & Kyle talk about some module news, how they got into music/Buchla and the new albums they recently released. Purchase Kyle’s new album at: https://darksparkler.bandcamp.com/ Purchase Robert's album at: https://robstand.com/  Listen...

Artist Spotlight: Robert Standefer - Seven .WAVs

Seven .WAVs (pronounced “seven dot waves”) is an exploration of materiality in electronic music. The album comprises seven individual compositions, each a conceptual interpretation of “waves” and a logical manifestation of waveforms. The recordings of the compositions are  materialized as...

Episode 19: Benge & The Polyphonic Tuner 272e

Welcome to episode 19 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode Robert digs into the Polyphonic Tuner Model 272e, and then we chat with Benge! Show notes: Hello: 0:00 Robert explores the 272e: 16:15 Interview with Benge: 42:37 Goodbye: 1:56:40   Links for Benge: myblogitsfullofstars.blogspot.com zackdagoba.bandcamp.com instagram.com/memetunestudio Purchase Kyle’s new album...

Artist Spotlight: Benge

There are two improvisations on each system, the first two on a vintage 100 and the second two on a cloned 200  There are some significant differences in sound between the two eras, most noticeably the tone of the VCOs and...

Episode 18: Ellison Wolf & ZORX / Waveform Magazine

Welcome to episode 18 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode Robert and Kyle talk about Kyle's new Buchla album: DARK SPARKLER - “Are You Working With Me, Or Against Me?” available at darksparkler.bandcamp.com. Kyle takes the ZORX Ribbon Controller...

Artist Spotlight: Samuel Edmund

The Buchla Music Easel has been one of my main instruments for about 3 years now.   When I first got it I spent a lot of time making “Cortini-esque” patches and sharing them on YouTube.  I considered trying to do a...

Episode 17: Dunnington Audio & The 258D

Welcome to episode 17 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode Robert and Kyle talk to Daniel Skevington who is behind Dunnington Audio and the “revised” Quad Function Generator and Dual Oscillator clones, and Kyle takes the 258D for a...

Artist Spotlight: Philippe Petit - Schliuuurkschplinkplonky / Dramatically Yours

Schliuuurkschplinkplonky, performed live on a BUCHLA 200 system using Dual Oscillator 258 ; Complex Waveform Generator 259 ; Rob Hordijk’s Benjolin adapted for Buchla ; Quad Function Generator 281 ; Source Of Uncertainty 266 ; Frequency Shifter 285 ; Multiple...

Episode 16: Johnny Woods & Triple Envelope Follower 230r

Welcome to episode 16 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode Kyle tries to figure out what to do with the 230 Triple Envelope Follower, and then the hosts talk to Johnny Woods about his new album and working in...

Artist Spotlight: Johnny Woods

0:00 Dawn Two (from Pavilions) 6:21 First Flight (live) (from The Wild Vol. 1) 10:24 Sketch of Uncertainty 1 (live) (exclusive) 13:58 Sketch of Uncertainty 2 (live) (exclusive) 18:36 Sketch of Uncertainty 3 (live) (exclusive) The first two tracks are taken from two recent releases,...

Episode 15: The Galaxy Electric + 208 Tips & Patch Ideas

Welcome to episode 15 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode we talk to Jacqueline & Augustus from The Galaxy Electric. We talk about the duo’s musical history, discovering Buchla, and the  Kickstarter campaign for their new album. Before our...

Artist Spotlight: The Galaxy Electric

The Galaxy Electric are Augustus and Jacqueline - a husband/wife duo based in the US - who are obsessed with early electronic music that utilized magnetic tape to create new sounds no one had ever heard before! Together, they blend influences from 60s Psych pop...

Episode 14: Doug Clauder, Studio H

Welcome to episode 14 of Source Of Uncertainty. In this episode we talk to Doug Clauder from Studio H about his modular beginnings and how he got into making modules to solve problems within his system. Before our chat, Robert...

Artist Spotlight: Jim Schoenecker / Pressboard - "Keeping it 100"

With a musical history rooted in experimental electronics, minimalism and techno, Jim has now found himself deep into Buchla. Drawn to the incredible sound and superior user interface, he started with a Music Easel and now is working with full...

Episode 13: Morton Subotnick

In this very special 1 year anniversary episode of Source Of Uncertainty we talk to the legendary Morton Subotnick!!!! Before we talk with Mort, we explore 2 delay modules within the Buchla ecosystem, the 277r Signal Delay Unit, and the...

Artist Spotlight: Tyresta - "Facing Ourselves"

Tyresta is the experimental music project of social worker and musician Nick Turner.  Nick is based in Chicago, Illinois and makes music utilizing various instruments including Buchla Music Easel, eurorack modular, mellotron, and guitar.  He also helps behind the scenes with the ambient,...

Episode 12: Barry Schrader

In this episode of Source Of Uncertainty we explore the idea of a “Base Patch” and share our findings. We then get to chat with composer Barry Schrader about teaching at CalArts, composing music for a sci-fi cult classic, and...

Artist Spotlight: Günther Steudel

Welcome to the first Artist Spotlight episode of Source Of Uncertainty!  Today we feature music from Günther Steudel. Günther was the inspiration to start this series when he reached out to us with some music that he had recorded in the 1980's...

Episode 11: Steve Horelick

In this episode of Source Of Uncertainty we chat with Steve Horelick aka Steve H about his lengthy history with using Buchla Instruments, his world of Logic, and creating one of the greatest ear-worms of the 80’s.  Show notes: Hello: 0:00Interview with...

Episode 10.5: EMS & Jon Nensen, The Human Comparator

In part 2 of episode 10, Kyle takes us through the rest of his trip to EMS. He then talks to Jon Nensen aka The Human Comparator who is behind the TTSH Arp 2600 clone, 73-75 Serge panels, Buchla USA...

Episode 10: EMS & Daniel Araya

In this episode of Source Of Uncertainty Kyle takes us on his journey to play on the iconic vintage 200 system at EMS in Stockholm. He also sits down to talk with the head studio tech Daniel Araya about the...

Episode 9: Northern Light Modular, Marc Borri & Sascha Haber

Welcome to episode 9 of Source Of Uncertainty! In this episode Robert and Kyle each patch with the Northern Light Modular h series modules. Then they talk to the people that made the system, Marc Borri & Sascha Haber.   Show notes: Hello:...

Episode 8: 259e & Todd Barton Again!

Welcome to the 8 episode of Source Of Uncertainty! In this episode we’ll explore the gnarliness of the Buchla Twisted Waveform Generator Model 259e, and we also check back in with Todd Barton to hear about his recent musical releases...

Episode 7: 223e, Joel Davel & Peter Nyboer

On episode 7 of Source Of Uncertainty we dig into the Multi-Dimensional Kinesthetic Input / Tactile Input Port. We then talk with long time Buchla Associate Joel Davel about working with Don Buchla and all the controllers he helped develop,...

Episode 6: 132 & M.E.M.S.

On episode 6 of Source Of Uncertainty we get to explore one of the rarest Buchla modules, a replica of the Waveform Synthesizer Model 132. We then get to speak to Chip Flynn and Mark Milanovich about the recreation of...

Episode 5: 281+292 & Nathan Moody

On episode 5 of Source Of Uncertainty we bring it back to basics by exploring the ever-present combo of the Quad Function Generator and Quad Dynamics Manager modules. We also speak with the man of many hats: Nathan Moody! We...

Episode 4: RED PANEL & Eric Fox

We have reached the 4th episode of Source Of Uncertainty, and we're playing with Eurorack modules? YES! Buchla USA's RED PANEL system is now available and we explore this modular time machine with our podcasting brethren Tim Held from the...

Episode 3: 1979 & Wes Milholen

On the 3rd episode of Source Of Uncertainty we talk to Wes Milholen about his Buchla adaptations of Clouds, Rings & Braids. Oh my! Show Notes  Hello: 0:00 Buchlaish News: 10:00 1979 Chat: 15:45 Music Spotlight: 21:30 Featured Module: 27:50 Wes Milholen Interview: 45:00 Goodbye: 1:40:30 Support the...