Ins & outs

AMA-SONGS

Amazon are getting into AI mu music with DeepComposer, billed as “the world’s first machine learning musical keyboard”. Using generative algorithms, it can turn any melody into a complete arrangement – both impressive and terrifying at the same time.

BLUE SKY SAMPLING

Having been crowned 2020 colour of the year by Pantone, ‘Classic Blue’ has also inspired a new sample pack, which comes courtesy of LANDR. Said to offer a “multisensory experience” you can download the collection – which is so hot right now – for free.

OP-WIN

According A to Reverb, the bestselling sel synth of 2019 wasn’t a new model, mo but Teenage Engineering’s OP-1 O (taking new and used sales into account). Not bad for an instrument that’s almost a decade old and has been criticised in some quarters for being a bit of a toy.

MOOGREST

It’s a highlight of the music tech calendar, but sadly, this year’s Moogfest has been cancelled for “logistical reasons”. This means that we won’t see the traditional new ‘Moogfest synth’, but the good news is that the event is set to return at some point in the future.

DAFT GEORGE

It’s transpired that Daft Punk asked George Michael to work on their 2005 album Human After

All. However, when George visited the duo’s studio, he’s reported to have spent the time eating M&Ms, which is how most of our sessions end up, if we’re honest.

OXYGÈNE OF PUBLICITY

Korg’s recreation of the ARP

2600 synth was one of the highlights of the NAMM Show, but the reveal was spoiled before Christmas when none other than Jean-Michel Jarre discussed it on YouTube. That’s the last time we ask him if he can keep a secret…