Uploaded October 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
My submission for the Hardware Jams “Off the Grid” Weekend Challenge.
I started by writing the piano part and then decided this needed some sci-fi soundscape style stuff to go with it. Which perfectly fitted with the latest module I’ve built, the Continuum Phaser. I’ve also added some more envelopes to my system recently which allowed me to patch a lot of the sounds to trigger and evolve after pressing keys on the beatstep. The short bleeps where triggered by a random gate which in turn was only allowed to fire when a key was pressed, to add another layer of sounds. The piece was then asking for some slightly anarchaic poetry about leaving “the grid”. And then this piece was complete. I hope you enjoy it.
This week’s challenge prompt:
These days we are very fortunate to have tools at our disposal to sequence and program our gear. This can be as simple as a sequencer for an individual synth, to a complex set up running multiple synths, drum machines, samplers at the same time as the brain of your set up. This week we'd like you to step away from the grid where possible. Embrace the chaos of live playing, happy accidents and the unknown.
We don't expect everything to be played live and sequencers can still be used, but please include an element of live playing in your jam.
Lyrics
════════════
The grid exists to bind us
To keep us in place
To stifle our individuality
To turn us into drones
They invented the grid to control us
But we are all unique
So why do we put each other in boxes
Why do we strive to line up exactly
Do not let the lines they placed hold you
Break free
Find your own rhythm
Find your unique symmetry
How do you expect to flourish when you conform to the grid
How do you expect to fly with your wings tied
Be free from the grid
Be free from uniformity
Be free to be you
Let us leave these man-made constructs behind
And go where the flowers grow
Each finding their own space to blossom
In the ever-green meadow
Under the crystal-blue sky
Always Learning
════════════
I'm a strong believer in continuous improvement and always trying to learn something new. While creating this video I wrote and played a piece on the piano, started learning how to use my new phasor module and played rather than programmed the parts.
My DIY Synth Rules
════════════
I aim to meet the following criteria when adding modules to my synth:
◦ I must have constructed it.
This can be a kit or from scratch but I must have soldered it
◦ The audio signal path should be analog.
I'm trying to avoid digital modules so I can learn more about analog electronics
◦ Learn something new
Try to learn something while constructing the module. Learn about the circuits, experiment with different signal processing options. Be creative.
◦ Have fun
My submission for the Hardware Jams “Off the Grid” Weekend Challenge.
I started by writing the piano part and then decided this needed some sci-fi soundscape style stuff to go with it. Which perfectly fitted with the latest module I’ve built, the Continuum Phaser. I’ve also added some more envelopes to my system recently which allowed me to patch a lot of the sounds to trigger and evolve after pressing keys on the beatstep. The short bleeps where triggered by a random gate which in turn was only allowed to fire when a key was pressed, to add another layer of sounds. The piece was then asking for some slightly anarchaic poetry about leaving “the grid”. And then this piece was complete. I hope you enjoy it.
This week’s challenge prompt:
These days we are very fortunate to have tools at our disposal to sequence and program our gear. This can be as simple as a sequencer for an individual synth, to a complex set up running multiple synths, drum machines, samplers at the same time as the brain of your set up. This week we'd like you to step away from the grid where possible. Embrace the chaos of live playing, happy accidents and the unknown.
We don't expect everything to be played live and sequencers can still be used, but please include an element of live playing in your jam.
Lyrics
════════════
The grid exists to bind us
To keep us in place
To stifle our individuality
To turn us into drones
They invented the grid to control us
But we are all unique
So why do we put each other in boxes
Why do we strive to line up exactly
Do not let the lines they placed hold you
Break free
Find your own rhythm
Find your unique symmetry
How do you expect to flourish when you conform to the grid
How do you expect to fly with your wings tied
Be free from the grid
Be free from uniformity
Be free to be you
Let us leave these man-made constructs behind
And go where the flowers grow
Each finding their own space to blossom
In the ever-green meadow
Under the crystal-blue sky
Always Learning
════════════
I'm a strong believer in continuous improvement and always trying to learn something new. While creating this video I wrote and played a piece on the piano, started learning how to use my new phasor module and played rather than programmed the parts.
My DIY Synth Rules
════════════
I aim to meet the following criteria when adding modules to my synth:
◦ I must have constructed it.
This can be a kit or from scratch but I must have soldered it
◦ The audio signal path should be analog.
I'm trying to avoid digital modules so I can learn more about analog electronics
◦ Learn something new
Try to learn something while constructing the module. Learn about the circuits, experiment with different signal processing options. Be creative.
◦ Have fun
