Goodbye 2021

2021 has been a slightly less strange year than the one that preceded it, despite still being far from normal. The few semblances of normality have been thoroughly welcome though. We’ve been able to get back out and experience music in the real world, at club nights, gigs and festivals. We’ve been back in artists’ studios in-person too (see our latest session with ambient techno master Richard Fearless on p50). We even managed to make it to a realworld synth trade show in the form of Berlin’s Superbooth.

Of course, we’ve also had plenty of great music-making gear to keep us occupied, which is what we’re celebrating this issue with our annual Gear Of The Year rundown. Join us on p26 to learn everything you need to know about 2021’s essential synths, plugins, studio gear and more.

We hope you enjoy this issue of FM.