In 2019 and 2020 I designed and developed a series of internet coupled MIDI sequencers on the Monome Norns platform. These sequencers are used to compose and play electronic music across the globe on a range on internet connected hardware synthesizers and drum machines.
The work was carried out on the behalf of Alessandro Cortini from Nine Inch Nails and Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead.
Update: A new music machine is in production. Scroll to the bottom.
The sequencers took concepts from nature, such as rain, gravity, and redshift and used them to create musical patterns and melodies difficult to create by hand. These are not random sequences, but complex sequences using the forces of nature as a guide.
Orbital - Sequences based upon orbital mechanics
The sequencers were generative in nature, meaning that the musical patterns would evolve over time with input either from Alessandro or from other sequencers. For example with one Norns playing drums in London, and another playing melody in New York, they would send each other messages with the time delay between them being used a way to modify the music in a small way. Over the course of a show the build up in time shift, would take the patterns from one set of scales to another, and from one time signature to another.
n909 Drum Sequencer
Norns Drum Machine One
Around the same time I became involved in the otto, open source synthesizer project.
Multi-channel reverb
I worked as the interface designer, creating the UI Kit in Figma. I then worked with the interface developers to ensure consistency of motion and interaction design.
Four channel EQ
This small box, powered by a Raspberry Pi, aims to mix an open source mindset with the playful nature of the Teenage Engineering OP-1. The aim is to bring the OP-1 capabilities to more musicians, as it is much cheaper, and also to allow the community to modify to suit their needs. Everything from the hardware specs to the UI Kits are open source and up for change.
Menu System
LFO Overview
Effects Sends
otto is due for release in Q1 2023.
Cranked, a complex sequencer for Panic's PlayDate console is now in development. No public release date confirmed. Private release Q3 2022.