No Manual refers to the exploration of music technology in unintended ways, leading to the discovery of new genres, while changing the way we make music forever. Many times in the past, manuals were not readily available (especially with used or borrowed equipment), so becoming one with the instrument was essential.
Pulling from the Blacktronika Archives, we will share clips of many of the innovators discussing their 'no manual' process as well as the manufacturer's intended purpose.
ROLAND TR-909 BLACKTRONIKA.001 (2023-04-19) by BLACKTRONIKA ARCHIVESBLACKTRONIKA EXHIBITS
Detroit and Chicago Drums of A Revolution
Manual : The iconic Roland TR-909 was designed for rhythm programming, with a sequencer, 16 sounds utilizing analog circuits and the ability to shape their character. Released 1983.
No Manual : The TR-909 interface allowed for live performance improvisation, enabling DJs to enhance recordings in real time for the club. In particular, Frankie Knuckles playing patterns underneath reel to reel tape edits and Jeff Mills, completely turning it into a live techno drum kit.
Blacktronika Archives : Jeff Mills discusses the 909
Detroit Techno innovator Jeff Mills, discusses his man machine relationship with the Roland 909 drum machine.
"I think that is missing in electronic music, we don't solo. We program but we don't solo. I think soloists is the missing element that connects us [electronic music] to other genres. In classical you solo, in jazz you solo, in rock you solo, everything else you solo but in electronic music, no, we don't" - Jeff Mills (Axis Recordings and Detroit Techno innovator)
Jeff Mills - Exhibitionist 2 [mix 3]
The perfect example of man placing soul into the machine!
ROLAND TR-909 AD BLACKTRONIKA.003 (2023-04-19) by Blacktronika ArchivesBLACKTRONIKA EXHIBITS
An Original Roland TR-909 ad
LEGENDS x 909 - BLACKTRONIKA 020 (2023-06-27) by Riva Sayegh and Blacktronika ArchivesBLACKTRONIKA EXHIBITS
Masters of the machine
The Roland TR-909 with Detroit Techno icons Stacey Pullen, Derrick May, Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Carl Craig, Monty Luke and Greg Gow.
Photo: Riva Sayegh
Blacktronika Archives : Juan Atkins on selling the 909!
Detroit Techno innovator, Juan Atkins, tells us how Derrick May sold the TR909 to Chicago House Godfather, Frankie Knuckles.
Interview also includes a roundtable discussion with DeForrest Brown Jr., Jenn Nkiru, Waajeed, Ash Lauryn, and Professor King Britt.
"For Detroiters, coming out of the ashes, everything was make it or break it"
- Robert Hood.
"For many developing music communities, this was the case, as technology became more accessible in many geographic areas. Figuring out the machines and making it yours was priority for strengthening the neighborhood or rebuilding the city, as Detroit proved!"
- Professor King Britt
Blacktronika Archives : Robert Hood on music for survival
Underground Resistance legend, Robert Hood, discusses the urgency and intention to rebuild their city of Detroit, using music as the means of survival.
ROLAND TR-303 BLACKTRONIKA.002 (2023-04-19) by Blacktronika ArchivesBLACKTRONIKA EXHIBITS
The distinct sound of future past, Roland TB-303 Bass Line
Manual: The monophonic Roland TB-303 Bass Line's original purpose was as a bass accompaniment instrument for keyboardists and guitarists, mimicking the sound of an electric bass guitar (which it didn't sound anything like). Released in 1982-84.
No Manual: In the imaginative hands of Chicago's DJ Pierre (and Phuture), he began to alter parameters (frequency / resonance) rhythmically, in real time, creating a squelching sound that became known as 'Acid House', changing dance music forever.
Oscar Peterson Roland Ad Blacktronika.017 (2023-06-21) by BLACKTRONIKA ARCHIVESBLACKTRONIKA EXHIBITS
Original Roland TB-303 & TR-606 ad feat. Oscar Peterson
An ad featuring the jazz legend Oscar Peterson, demonstrating using the 303 & 606 as accompaniment instrument instead of the main focus.
Blacktronika Archives: DJ Pierre discussing TB- 303
Acid House innovator, DJ Pierre explains the moment when Acid House was born out of the unexpected use of the TB-303 Bassline machine.
"You can trace it [Acid House] all the way back to two guys in a room"
"Acid Trax [EP] literally gave it [genre] a name. The track was called Acid Trax then the music became acid house"
- DJ Pierre (Acid House innovator and visionary)
Acid Trax by Phuture [snippet]
One of the most important dance records to come out of the early Chicago scene, which was the foundation of 'Acid' House music, utilizing the TB 303 being manipulated live and championed by DJ Ron Hardy at the Music Box! DJ Pierre wanted to make a record specifically for the club
"As electronic instruments became a bit more accessible and affordable, the technology was reaching into places where the corporations were not expecting. The innovation that comes from not having the manual, forces you to become one with the machine. You explore in a way that is not tethered to the preconceived ideas of the companies. Within limitations lies imagination and happy accidents, which results in making the instrument your own."
- Professor King Britt (Blacktronika | UC San Diego)
AKAI S-950 BLACKTRONIKA.015 (2023-06-21) by BLACKTRONIKA ARCHIVESBLACKTRONIKA EXHIBITS
The Akai S-950 Sampler: The Drum & Bass Footprint
Manual : The vintage classic, Akai S-950 was one of the first 12bit samplers to emerge in 1988 (a year after the E-MU SP1200). The unique 48hz, extended memory, detailed filters and most of all, the time stretching capability, allowed you to shift tempo while maintaining original pitch.
No Manual: The ability to chop & stretch, known 'break beats', enabled UK producers to re-contextualize sonic fingerprints into otherworldly poly rhythms and sounds, combined with Jamaican dub and toasting.
Blacktronika Archives : MarcMac on the technology revolution
Drum & Bass innovator Marc Mac (4Hero) discusses their first pieces of music hardware and how the late 80s early 90s music technological revolution changed history.
MARC MAC STUDIO SET UP (2023-06-27) by REINFORCED RECORDS ARCHIVE and BLACKTRONIKA ARCHIVESBLACKTRONIKA EXHIBITS
Reinforced Studios (4Hero) Original Production Set Up
Some of the most important early UK Drum & Bass productions were from Marc Mac and Dego owners of Reinforced Records. This minimal but powerful set up of tools created limitations that would help push them outside the machines' known capabilities for a revolutionary sound.
Blacktronika Archives: Shell S-950 - Marc Mac
A quick look into the old S-950 archives and Atari ST (running Notator) original 4Hero set up. Pioneers of Drum & Bass music.
EVENTIDE ULTRAHARMONIZER DSP4000 BLACKTRONIKA.004 (2023-06-20) by BLACKTRONIKA ARCHIVESBLACKTRONIKA EXHIBITS
Eventide Ultraharmonizer DSP4000: The Secret Weapon!
Manual: The Ultraharmonizer DSP4000 was one of the most groundbreaking digital signal processors of its time. Its high quality algorithms and harmonic, dynamic and time based effects, placed this unit ahead of all else in the early 90s and is still collected to this day.
No Manual: Iconic producer Goldie knew that any incoming signal could be harmonized and pitch shifted in real time at high quality. He put break beats into it, taking the drum & bass genre to new sonic territories.
Terminator - Rufige Crew [snippet]
The first release by producer Goldie on the groundbreaking Reinforced Records.
Blacktronika Archives: Goldie discussing the DSP4000
Professor King Britt talks to Drum & Bass innovator Goldie, discussing the use of the Akai S950 & 1000 by many producers due to its more intuitive interface, but his unorthodox use of the Eventide DSP4000 lead to a shift in the future of drum & bass production styles and sound.
"You have to abuse the technology, not become a slave to it"
-Goldie MBE (Iconic Drum & Bass producer / Metalheads Recordings)
Blacktronika Archives: Marc Mac on Goldie's Process
Drum & Bass innovator Marc Mac (4Hero) discusses producer Goldie's process during the early days of showing him certain technologies.
Roland S-550 BLACKTRONIKA.011 (-2023-06-21) by BLACKTRONIKA ARCHIVESBLACKTRONIKA EXHIBITS
Roland S-550 Sampler: Bristol's answer to London's call
Manual: Roland's first 12bit sampler the S-550 was released in 1987. Having basic features and a not so advanced time stretch, the sampler was a hit because of its price point and most of all capability of utilizing libraries from Akai.
No Manual: As an alternative to the popular Akai S-950, Roni Size and other Bristol producers wanted a different sound. With the S-550 resonant low pass filter as well as chopping trickery, it created a distinct sound for the region apart from London.
Blacktronika Archives: Roni Size discusses the Roland S-550
The sonic architect of the Bristol Drum & Bass sound, producer Roni Size discusses the use of the Roland S-550 as a statement to all other producers at the time.
New Forms feat. Bahamadia - Roni Size and Represent
A record that completely turned the culture on its head. The next level production combining Jazz acoustics, futuristic electronics and Philadelphia rap icon, Bahamadia made for a dancefloor lesson in polyrhythmic mayhem. A true moment for all of music.
Blacktronika : Afrofuturism in Electronic Music, is a course created by Professor King Britt for University of California San Diego. The research honors all the innovators of color that have and continue to contribute to the advancement of electronic music. The growing archive consists of many amazing interviews directly with the iconic, legendary, and contemporary artists. This page will create special exhibits around the archival content.
For more detailed archives : Blacktronika.com
Curated by: King Britt
Produced by: King Britt and Pablo Dodero
Project Management: King Britt and Pablo Dodero
Project Support: University of California San Diego
Interviews appear courtesy of Blacktronika Archives
Special thanks to all of amazing guests and artists that have contributed their love and time to the class and, most of all, to the culture.
