Ins & outs

BERKLEE LOVES LAPTOPS If anyone still thinks that producing on a computer doesn’t make you a ‘real musician’, the prestigious Berklee College of Music disagrees. From 2019, the Boston-based school will recognise a laptop, software and controller as a principal instrument.

EIGHT-OH-CRATE Roland aren’t ones to let 808 day pass without fanfare; this one saw them unveil a limited edition TR-808 Serato vinyl pressing. More importantly, though, they also rolled out the BR-808, an American IPA that promises a “solid Japanese kick”. Cheers!

BELTING BIBLE Taking up a challenge set by deadmau5, Look Mum No Computer (aka Sam Battl) managed to circuit-bend the Wonder Bible, an audio book player that contains both the New and Old Testaments. Check out the video at: bit.ly/bible_bend.

SENSITIVE SUBJECT The announcement of new Aphex Twin material was great news, but there was a problem with the video for single T69 Collapse in that it failed the Harding Test. This meant it couldn’t be shown on TV because of the risk to those who suffer from photosensitive epilepsy.

NAME DROP TC Electronic were forced to rename their (Steel Panther) Satchel-collaborated FlashBack Delay TonePrint, following a petition criticising it as “obviously sexist”. Acknowledging their misstep, the company rebranded it the Repeat Offender.

CALVIN’S COFFERS We’re not ones to begrudge artists their success, but we couldn’t help but feel the hand of the green-eyed monster when we learned that Calvin Harris has scooped a whopping $46 million in the past year to top the list of highest-earning DJs once again.