mylarmelodies: From Modular Bliss to Rave Chaos

The video kicks off with mylarmelodies diving straight into the world of live modular systems, seeking that sweet spot where spontaneity meets simplicity. He’s wrestling with the age-old challenge of crafting an improv-friendly rig that’s not as complicated as the London underground. The case he’s showing us is something of an experiment, built around the Bohm kick module, yet it’s ripe with opportunities for exploration. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill modular setup – it’s a playground for sound where the Turing machines and the Disting NT are reenacting a raucous pub brawl inside a wooden case. You can almost hear the gears grinding as ideas and inspiration spark in this analog battlefield.

mylarmelodies doesn’t shy away from mixing metaphors as he delves into the ins and outs of his setup, revealing a treasure trove of sonic possibilities and potential pitfalls. He’s weaving a tapestry of sound using the Disting NT, which, with its multifunctionality, feels like a plumber’s toolkit in the hands of someone trying to fix a spaceship. And then there’s the Erica Synths Sample Drum, a kind of rave samurai, slicing through the noise with precision. The complexity is ramped up with the Iris 1 Probabilistic Trigger Sequencer, opening up chances for happy accidents as thrilling as finding a forgotten tenner in your coat pocket just as you’re about to buy a pint.

This isn’t just about buttons and knobs; it’s about the philosophy behind the gear. The Bohm Kick, for instance, is more than just another drum – it’s a statement, a wild, echoing call to the dancefloor that can’t be ignored. mylarmelodies chats about the experience and challenges of juggling these elements in real-time, akin to having a live gig where every beat and pitch shift teeters on the brink of chaos or euphoria. It’s modular magic in the rawest sense and makes for an exhilarating ride. But, just like any proper adventure, there are hiccups, especially around decoupling gates and sequences, showcasing the relentless push and pull in this creative tug-of-war.

The thing about this setup, as he points out, is that it’s far from perfect – but that’s part of the charm, innit? The unpredictable nature of the modules can lead to stellar discoveries, provided one can dance with the madness rather than resist it. The challenge lies in how these pieces come together, or sometimes, delightfully, don’t. mylarmelodies is navigating this maze armed with the knowledge that modular synthesis is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

When it comes to rhythm in this modular escapade, mylarmelodies demonstrates his fondness for unexpected turns and random joyrides. The video highlights how sequencers like the Iris 1 play a pivotal role. They are not just tools but co-conspirators in crafting soundscapes that are part structured, part spontaneous wildfire. With probabilistic steps, there’s a dance of chance that mirrors a game of Russian Roulette with a safer, sound-centric twist.

What makes these sequencers stand out is their ability to add an organic, human-like unpredictability into an otherwise automated performance. It’s a perfectly anarchic companion to a genre that thrives on challenge and change. mylarmelodies hints at the power hidden in this approach, leaving us intrigued by what future setups might look like if he unlocks even more of this potential. With every flip of a switch and turn of a knob, he opens up the sonic landscape even further, tilting it towards an environment that’s as gritty and real as a mid-week gig in a seedy, smoky pub. It’s clear that while there’s a thrill in mastering these devices, there’s an even greater reward in being surprised by them.

In comes the punchy heartbeat of the setup – the Bohm Kick and the LPZW Elster 909 HiHat Module, strutting into the scene like flamboyant rock stars fresh off the bus. mylarmelodies dives into what makes these modules tick, delivering insights as sharp and witty as a late-night kebab. With the Bohm Kick, there’s a compelling groove that demands attention, its modes shifting like a chameleon under strobe lights. Side-chaining capabilities bring the whole ensemble into sharp focus, a shadowboxing demo that’s as much visual as it is auditory. “Without the kick, the rest is just a muddle,” seems to be the underlying takeaway, for it’s the anchor that holds this ship steady through stormy auditory seas.

The 909 HiHat Module, meanwhile, brings its own unique flavour to the sonic buffet, raining down percussive spice with options that range from subtle drizzle to heavy downpour. It’s a masterclass in balance, with mylarmelodies controlling the ebb and flow of sound like a DJ intent on pleasing every nook and cranny of a packed dancefloor. Both modules demonstrate a playful approach to traditional roles within electronic music, hinting at a future where convention is just another setting on the dial.

This section of the demo is a blend of gritty, infectious energy. mylarmelodies highlights the importance of a reliable rhythm section with the same fervour as a music fan defending their favourite band outside a venue. With the combination of kick and hat, there’s a spectrum of expression at play that seems to scream out for exploration. For mylarmelodies, the road to audio Nirvana is paved with beats, each step a footfall in perfect sync with the chaotic grandeur of modular wizardry.