Moldover

Last updated

Moldover
Moldover - Step From Darkness - at SHA2017 (by Victor Bart).jpg
Moldover performing at SHA2017 Hacker Camp in the Netherlands
Background information
Birth nameMatthew Edwin Moldover
Also known asMoldover
Born (1980-04-24) April 24, 1980 (age 42)
Origin Rockville MD, United States
Genres Rock, metal, blues, electronica, breakbeat, drum and bass, plunderphonics, breakcore
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, technologist, instrument designer, musician, producer
Instrument(s)Mojo, Robocaster, Guitar, vocals, sampler
Years active1998 – present
LabelsDuct Tape Records
Website www.moldover.com

Matthew Edwin Moldover (born April 24, 1980), known as Moldover, is a musician and instrument designer based in San Francisco, CA. The MIDI Manufacturers Association has referred to him as the "Godfather of Controllerism". He is known for his musical instruments, including the Mojo, Robocaster, Octamasher and Guitar Wing. [1]

Contents

Early life

Moldover is originally from the Washington, D.C. area and began playing guitar at the age of 13 in Rockville, MD. [2] He discovered Berklee College of Music on the internet and moved to Boston to attend in 1998. [3]

He earned a degree in electronic music composition in 2002, and then moved to New York City to play in a variety of bands. [4] He soon transitioned to a focus on solo performance; a 2003 visit to Burning Man Festival in Nevada led to him moving to San Francisco in 2008. [4]

Career

Moldover has released a significant amount of media content in different arenas including 4 studio albums of music, many live videos of his performance known as "Live Remashing" and also instructional videos for Ask Video and others. [5]

Moldover sits in a chair wearing a green velvet suit. Moldover - The Chair (by Jeremy Bustos).jpg
Moldover sits in a chair wearing a green velvet suit.

Before releasing an official Studio album, Moldover released a series of live recordings called Live Remashing. These were his preliminary journeys into Controllerism before he had come up with the term. In 2006, Marc Urselli of Chain D.L.K. described Live Remashing as "an encyclopedia of modern pop culture in sound format" and "the best example of how to use modern technologies to enhance and extend musicianship and artistic vision", and "the new form of DJing." [6]

In 2009, Moldover released his debut album Moldover. Of the variety of price tiers for the release of the album, the steepest version included a fully playable circuit board, thus highlighting what is termed playable packaging. [7] The track listings themselves were created using circuitry. Inside the package is a small playable light-theremin.

In 2016, Moldover released the studio album 4 Track which included the playable packaging Voice Crusher.

Featuring Moldover's hacked controller, "The Frankentroller" Moldover - Ctrl Hug (by Sarah Peet).jpg
Featuring Moldover's hacked controller, "The Frankentroller"

Controllerism

Moldover suggests that the Controller is "the instrument of the next generation." [4] In 2005, he coined the term Controllerism with the encouragement of his manager of the time, DJ Shakey. [4] [1] On the development of Controllerism he said that "the basic styles of DJing weren't satisfying to me, I was used to a more visceral way of performing; playing guitar, singing, and producing sound with my body in real time. For me, controllerism is more along those lines than DJing." [2]

Controllerism is the art of manipulating sound and creating music live, using computer controllers and software.

In a 2007 article in Remix , Moldover stated that "Controllerism borrows its name from turntablism. These terms are essentially the same idea, but they revolve around different instruments." [8]

THE MOJO : Moldover's custom MIDI controller, made together with 60 Works Controllers Moldovers Mojo - Front (by Rory Earnshaw).jpg
THE MOJO : Moldover's custom MIDI controller, made together with 60 Works Controllers

Instrument Design

Frankentroller

The Frankentroller started as a Novation Remote 25 SL Keyboard; Moldover adapted its hardware to make it a new instrument by adding a Kurzweil keyboard touchstrip, a Korg Kaoss Pad, as well as refashioning some of the keyboards black keys to be used as crossfaders. [9] Ean Golden of Remix subsequently stated that the Frankentroller had earned Moldover wins his personal award for "most creative mod." [8]

Mojo

In 2010, Moldover released the MOJO, "Limited-Edition Performance MIDI Controller". This is his first "made from scratch" midi controller. It figures prominently in his live performances. In 2012, Moldover made the design for the Mojo open source. Artist Ill Gates called the Mojo, "the single greatest controller in the history of MIDI." [10]

THE ROBOCASTER : Moldover's custom controller guitar, made together with Visionary Instruments Moldovers Robocaster - Full Front (by Visionary Instruments).jpg
THE ROBOCASTER : Moldover's custom controller guitar, made together with Visionary Instruments

Robocaster

The Robocaster is a custom-made signature guitar produced by Visionary Instruments: a "hybrid instrument", it incorporates several MIDI controller options, including "gaming buttons, touch-strips, knobs, faders, switches, motion sensors, a pressure pad and a joystick." [4]

Moldover said that he wanted to create the Robocaster as a more tactile and less sample-based instrument that allows for more traditional musicianship combined with advanced FX tweaking and midi integration. [4]

THE GUITAR WING : Designed by Moldover and Livid Instruments Guitar Wing - wireless guitar controller (by Livid Instruments).jpg
THE GUITAR WING : Designed by Moldover and Livid Instruments

Guitar Wing

Directly inspired by the Robocaster, the Guitar Wing adds an ergonomic, wireless MIDI controller to any electric guitar or bass. The Guitar Wing was created in collaboration with Livid Instruments. Popular Science noted that it allows "near effortless control over effects, software, digital audio workstations and even stage lights between strums." [11]

Moldover's first jambox, born in 2005 Moldovers Octamasher - Portrait (by Sarah Peet).jpg
Moldover's first jambox, born in 2005

Octamasher Jambox

Originally designed as a gift for Burning Man participants, the Octamasher is "a multi-input combination of 8 modified keyboards that link to a single brain (computer), the output of which is coordinated and controlled to allow for multiple users combining together to perform new music." [7]

Discography

Studio albums

Live Controllerism Mixes

Videography

Demonstration Videos

Music videos

Live Performance Videos

Instruments

Instrument Design & System Architect

Multiplayer Instrument Design ("Jamboxes")

Casual Playable Packaging instruments

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electronic musical instrument</span> Musical instrument that uses electronic circuits to generate sound

An electronic musical instrument or electrophone is a musical instrument that produces sound using electronic circuitry. Such an instrument sounds by outputting an electrical, electronic or digital audio signal that ultimately is plugged into a power amplifier which drives a loudspeaker, creating the sound heard by the performer and listener.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Theremin</span> Electronic music instrument

The theremin is an electronic musical instrument controlled without physical contact by the performer. It is named after its inventor, Leon Theremin, who patented the device in 1928.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GarageBand</span> Digital audio workstations for macOS and iOS

GarageBand is a line of digital audio workstations developed by Apple Inc. for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS devices that allows users to create music or podcasts. GarageBand is developed by Apple for macOS, and was once part of the iLife software suite, along with iMovie and iDVD. Its music and podcast creation system enables users to create multiple tracks with pre-made MIDI keyboards, pre-made loops, an array of various instrumental effects, and voice recordings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Avalanches</span> Australian music group

The Avalanches are an Australian electronic music group formed in Melbourne in 1997. They are known for their studio albums Since I Left You (2000), Wildflower (2016), and We Will Always Love You (2020), as well as their live and recorded DJ sets. The group currently consists of Robbie Chater, Tony Di Blasi and Andy Szekeres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Novation Digital Music Systems</span> British musical equipment manufacturer

Novation Digital Music Systems Ltd. is a British musical equipment manufacturer, founded in 1992 by Ian Jannaway and Mark Thompson as Novation Electronic Music Systems. Today the company specializes in MIDI controllers with and without keyboards, both analog and virtual analog performance synthesizers, grid-based performance controllers, and audio interfaces. At present, Novation products are primarily manufactured in China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keytar</span> Electronic keyboard supported by a strap around shoulders like a guitar

The keytar is a lightweight synthesizer that is supported by a strap around the neck and shoulders, similar to the way a guitar is supported by a strap. Keytars allow players a greater range of movement onstage, compared to conventional keyboards, which are placed on stationary stands or which are part of heavy, floor-mounted structures. The instrument has a musical keyboard for triggering musical notes and sounds. Various controls are placed on the instrument's "neck", including those for pitch bends, vibrato, portamento, and sustain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MIDI controller</span> Device that produces MIDI data

A MIDI controller is any hardware or software that generates and transmits Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) data to MIDI-enabled devices, typically to trigger sounds and control parameters of an electronic music performance. They most often use a musical keyboard to send data about the pitch of notes to play, although a MIDI controller may trigger lighting and other effects. A wind controller has a sensor that converts breath pressure to volume information and lip pressure to control pitch. Controllers for percussion and stringed instruments exist, as well as specialized and experimental devices. Some MIDI controllers are used in association with specific digital audio workstation software. The original MIDI specification has been extended to include a greater range of control features.

Traktor is DJ software developed by Native Instruments. It is also used as a sub-brand for Native Instruments' associated DJ hardware products.

Native Instruments is a German company that develops, manufactures, and supplies music software and hardware for music production, sound design, performance, and DJing. The company's corporate headquarters and main development facilities are located in Berlin, with additional offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, London, Paris, and Shenzhen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One-man band</span> A musician who plays various instruments

A one-man band is a musician who plays a number of instruments simultaneously using their hands, feet, limbs, and various mechanical or electronic contraptions. One-man bands also often sing while they perform.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Crowder Band</span> American Christian rock and worship band

David Crowder Band was a six-piece Christian rock and modern worship band from Waco, Texas. Their final album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 charts. They disbanded in 2012, with David Crowder pursuing a solo career under the name Crowder and the rest of the band, except for Mike Hogan, forming The Digital Age.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Craze</span> Nicaraguan DJ and record producer

DJ Craze, is a Nicaraguan American DJ and record producer who plays hip hop, Miami bass, trap, breaks, dubstep, drum and bass, and practices turntablism. He was, until 2020, the only solo DJ in history to win the DMC World DJ Championships trophy three times consecutively (1998–2000).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rob Swire</span> Australian musical artist

Robert Swire-Thompson is an Australian musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and DJ, best known as the founder and vocalist of the drum and bass and electronic rock band Pendulum, as well as DJ and co-founder of electro house duo Knife Party formed of Swire and Gareth McGrillen. Originally from Perth, Western Australia, he relocated to the United Kingdom in 2003 with fellow Pendulum co-founders Gareth McGrillen and Paul "El Hornet" Harding. Swire has since fulfilled a broad spectrum of roles as a member of Pendulum, ranging from songwriting to singing while performing live with an unusual guitar-like MIDI controller – Starr Labs' Ztar Z6S-XPA. Swire also plays guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion, and other instruments. He is sometimes referred to by the stage name Anscenic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Bellamy</span> Musical artist

Thomas Rhys Bellamy is the multi-instrumentalist responsible for contributing guitar, bass, synthesizer, keyboard, trumpet, programming, samples, melodica, harmonica, percussion, toy piano, bowed guitar, decks, FX/beats, vocals and lyrics in the band The Cooper Temple Clause. He is also a keen DJ and has remixed several songs by The Cooper Temple Clause as part of his side project, Rhysmix. Following the split of the band, Bellamy has turned his full attention to remixing and djing under the Rhysmix alias. He is currently collaborating with well-known DJ Eddy Temple-Morris under the name Losers, remixing and producing music in the Bleak House, a studio in rural Berkshire that formerly housed The Cooper Temple Clause.

Electronic Dream Plant (EDP) was a small British synthesizer manufacturer, active during the late 1970s and early 1980s. At the time their products were not particularly successful commercially. In later years products like the "WASP" became prized by collectors for their unique sound, and later synthesizer companies have successfully copied some of their design elements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justice (band)</span> French music duo

Justice is a French electronic music duo consisting of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay. The duo's label is Ed Banger Records, managed by Pedro Winter. Justice is known for incorporating a strong rock influence into their music and image.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ controller</span> Type of music controller

DJ controllers are devices used to help DJs mix music with DJ software using knobs, encoders, jog wheels, faders, backlit buttons, touch strips, and other components.

<i>Rock Band</i> Series of music video games

Rock Band is a series of rhythm games developed by Harmonix, principally for home video game consoles. Based on their previous development work from the Guitar Hero series, the main Rock Band games has players use game controllers modeled after musical instruments and microphones to perform the lead guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drums and vocal parts of numerous licensed songs across a wide range of genres though mostly focusing on rock music by matching scrolling musical notes patterns shown on screen. Certain games support the use of "Pro" instruments that require special controllers that more closely mimic the playing of real instruments, providing a higher challenge to players. Players are scored for successfully-hit notes, while may fail a song if they miss too many notes. The series has featured numerous game modes, and supports both local and online multiplayer modes where up to four players in most modes can perform together.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Controllerism</span> Art of using musical software controllers

Controllerism is the art and practice of using musical software controllers, e.g. MIDI, Open Sound Control (OSC), joystick, etc., to build upon, mix, scratch, remix, effect, modify, or otherwise create music, usually by a Digital DJ or Live PA performer, often called a controllerist. Controllerism is also a nod to traditional musicianship and instrumental-ism paired with modern computer sequencing software such as Ableton Live and Native Instruments Traktor. However a working knowledge of scales and chords is not necessarily required as the performers typically focus their efforts more on sequencing events, software effect and instrument manipulations using buttons, knobs, faders, keys, foot switches and pedals than on instrumental notes played in real time. With recent developments in music technology, particularly in software instruments, a USB MIDI controller enables musicians almost unlimited possibilities to control a wide variety of sound types.

References

  1. 1 2 John Tackett (2005). "Moldover-The Godfather of Controllerism". midi.org.
  2. 1 2 Phil Morse (April 18, 2012). "Video & Interview: Moldover, Inventor Of Controllerism". Digital DJ Holdings Ltd.
  3. Rob Hochschild (May 2001). "Student Profile: Matt Moldover". Berklee.edu.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Chris Halaby (July 3, 2016). "Adding new meaning to DIY: An Interview with Moldover". KVR Audio, Inc.
  5. Staff. "Moldover". Codame Art & Tech.
  6. Marc Urselli (January 12, 2007). "Moldover". Chain D.L.K.
  7. 1 2 Tom Phillips (October 8, 2009). "Case Study: Moldover" (PDF).
  8. 1 2 Ean Golden (October 2007). "Music Maneuvers". Remix Magazine.
  9. Liam Lacey (November 29, 2015). "6 DIY Alternative Instrument Makers You Need to Know About". AskAudio]. Archived from the original on May 27, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  10. Staff (April 24, 2012). "The Mojo". 60 Works Controllers.
  11. Mike Kobrin (April 30, 2014). "Invention Awards 2014: An Electronic Studio At Guitarists' Fingertips". Popular Science.