Tokyo Expressway (Matrixbrute)

On the Tokyo Expressway.  Despite entering one of the busiest areas in one of the world's busiest cities, traffic runs smoother than in the likes of, say, Bolton!!  (note the side barriers.  These are to shield apartments from noise pollution)

Presently I'm working on a (rather tricky) piano/synth piece that takes part of its inspiration from Koji Sujuki's fantastic 'Ring' series of novels.  The other day I revisited 'Spiral'; I had all but forgotten how well Suzuki describes journeying around Tokyo, whether by foot, car, or train.  

As downtime from the piano piece, I thought it was time to have some fun again with the Matrixbrute :)  And in a decidedly Japanese manner.  

This short work was originally going to be titled 'Tokyo Threeway' - as in 'freeway', and in the three-part nature of the recording.  Yes, the pun is appalling!!  However, part of me is proud of such a terrible pun.

Individual Tracks/"Unbaking the Cake"

As with many in the synth community, I could happily listen to a sequencer part for hours.  I'm perfectly content with a good sequence line on its own i.e. no drums/pads/solo etc.  

I've uploaded individual tracks for you to have a listen to.  I set up a page on Soundcloud (literally set up 5 minutes ago!) - click Here to head over to the page (link opens in new window), where you'll find the individual tracks.

The individual tracks also demonstrate the true analog nature of the Brute.  Great to hear them individually.  I was going to let the sequence parts run for c.10 minutes, but short & sweet will do just fine.  

By all means play with the included - but just for fun ;)  Don't go adding one of these parts to a commercial track!!!

On the Japanese front...

I assume anyone reading this specific article is probably a synth/electronics geek.  If so, visit Akihabara when in Japan.  It's the area famous for maid cafes/manga etc.

Actual buildings.  Not a level in Super Mario.

The reason for mentioning this area: here you'll find shops that sell the likes of only connector cables (literally!).

Brilliant.  

Or terrible if you're dragging a woman around with you.  Leave her at home.

  

Recording/Mulitracking

OK, you'll see in the vid I'm using my trusted Tascam DR-100.  

Connection is with a 2-1, 1/4" stereo - single 3.5mm.  Great for running two channels into the one device.  Works perfectly.

The cable I'm using is by a company called Nordell.  You'll find the cables at a site called 'Dangleberry Music'.  Good gear.  They also have an ebay shop.  If you buy any of their stuff, tell them Kris sent you :)   

Unfortunately the specific cable I'm using only comes in a 1.5m length.  3m would be great.

Nordell noiseless lead.  Nice wee bit of kit.  But guys - double the length of it if you get the chance.

In terms of the sequencer parts: both were recorded separately, then aligned in a DAW.  When this was ready, I set up the lead patch and played along with the sequencer parts.  Simple & easy enough to do.

All best

Kris

AKB48.  They have their own floor (in Akihabara, hence 'AKB' !!), and perform... every day (no joke)