Alessandro Cortini - In The Studio

Alessandro Cortini may be known to millions of fans around the world as a touring member of Nine Inch Nails, but it’s as a solo artist that the Italian musician has carved out his own space in ambient and synth music over the past decade.
In this episode of FACT’s In The Studio series, we visited Cortini at his space in Berlin, where he talked to us about his life in music and making of his recent album Volume Massimo, as well as his love of Buchla synthesizers and unusual vintage instruments.
Volume Massimo is out now on Mute Records.
Filmed and edited by Frank Zerban
Nine Inch Nails photography by Corinne Schiavone

[@markdeckard7651]

One of the nicest, kindest people on the planet. No ego, no attitude, just sheer humility. Example for us all.

[@superultrathanksmom3845]

I'm still jealous of his gear.

[@ottam]

I have the same feeling. If we all could be more like this, imagine the world we'd live in.

[@georgieporgie1791]

How do you know this? No one really knows anyone.

[@ottam]

@@georgieporgie1791 Here, and in other videos, you can see a man enamoured with music, and he speaks to millions of people humbly and gently, giving tips for free due to his love of the art. Nobody can say with 100% certainty that he is as he portrays himself in interviews, but I daresay I'd take a comment celebrating his lovely attitude over one spent suspiciously questioning the epistemological certainty of whether we can "truly" know someone. One sows infinitely better seeds than the other.

[@georgieporgie1791]

ottam Thank you!!!! You are right!!! I recant my previous post. Nice word use.

[@bdc-muzik]

Don’t get it twisted... he can fuckin shred on guitar too. Very talented dude.

[@MusicLandria]

Thanks for setting this up FACTmagazine! Your content is awesome!

[@Karlagrammar]

When he said he sees he’s gear as friends, I felt that shit.

[@RTCLR123]

There must be some theory about that, maybe only instruments vibrate on a same freq as some of us. Or we are tuned as a children.. coz it is wierd, almost like it haunts me, like i can not choose to not be like that. Also.. funny too.

[@nudist0885]

WOW, some of the equipment that this guy owns. I would rob a bank to buy some of it if I knew I could get away with it.

[@stuartnoreen1345]

I named my son after you!

[@justinbeck8459]

dude that f*cking computer lmaoooooo

[@hardcoreherbivore4730]

With that tone of skin, you can tell he doesn't get out much. Can't say I blame him though. LOL

[@babebibobuzful]

This needs a Part 2

[@pruskimusic]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH6um5Kgqtd3ftk

[@skriptico]

and 3, 4, 5 , 6 repeat ad libitum .)

[@reaktiv1408]

Clever guy and humble, a true artist developing his own sound and path. Great video!

[@5ch3nk]

Listening to him talk about how the ideas manifest from the instruments, and not just from his head, is very reassuring.

[@KWHCoaster]

Whenever I turn on my synths, its a clean slate and I see what happens.

[@TerriYoung-n4h]

Nice

[@dnc23x]

"2 hours of white noise laying on a carpet are just as useful and great as a full fledged composition or a record" :)

[@510th]

I just want to say... I bought eurorack modules to use as sound therapy for hearing --- and peaceful zoning. and then found it is actual therapy for the mind and passes time effortlessly. I never record anything nor care if anyone listens. I understand one of his opening statements profoundly.

[@johnnybeaver4093]

Absolutely. Being free from documentation like that is incredible.

[@skriptico]

Agree. Jarmush's 'Patterson' docet :)

[@dsknkt1]

This guy is so down to earth and high in space at the space time. I love his genuine excitement about what he does.

[@skriptico]

totally agree... he's a smooth genius.

[@Omgivende]

“I’ve got nothing in my brain until I sit in front of an instrument and I play with it” His statement made me rethink the whole approach towards modular synthesis. Alessandro is so pure

[@s90210h]

Maybe in the future Cortini can set up a retirement home for musicians, much like Verdi did in Milano with the Casa di Riposo per Musicisti.

[@skriptico]

is possible to book an early bird? :))

[@jamisbillson4872]

Do real musicians retire? I'd love to live in a music commune. Where every meaning is an ambition to create the extraordinary.

[@SharedVision333]

Will it cost as much as a NIN ticket?

[@CG-hj1cu]

What an absolute treat this is. Mans on another level sonically and comes across like a really genuine soul

[@strangersun7721]

So good to watch. What a great, humble artist. His Buchla collection is worth more than my house. Couldn't belong to a nicer guy.

[@skriptico]

u right! one don't even get envious with Alessandro :) He totally deserves all the best.

[@audiogus2651]

Came for the Commodore 1902A, stayed for the wizard.

[@dfmn8650]

Patching on the Buchla, looks up, sees picture of him and his wife, and thinks “damn I should probably go watch some tv with her”.

[@erinwalker711]

His wife is now pregnant and is due to give birth to a daughter in October 2021. Congratulations to them!

[@boops9631]

Alessandro C.is really a great guy,i am really proud to write that i’ ve build for him,last year,this custom (electronic and hardware)cabinet ;a 60 U for buchla 200/200e The Red Cheeks! Boops Ed!

[@RTCLR123]

Great to find some contact on youtube!

[@giannighilardi6396]

Uno dei pochissimi musicisti di valore in questo paese.

[@simoneflash1]

Rumori e rumorini ma quale musicista...

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

"...I could make Music just to feel better, in a way like some sort of therapy..." 🎶💜🎶

[@johnnybeaver4093]

Kind of sad this has to feel so revolutionary.

[@5060tube]

“Then again, maybe I should go out and be with friends, instead of.. you know..."

[@pupiberto]

Damn, when he says that the machines are his friends just got me in the feels, bless this man.

[@CluckyBaby]

I feel the same way about some of his music a couple of years ago his music was my only friend so it's nice to hear him say that, he is very down to earth to admit that, I am a nobody and embarrassed to admit stuff like that but it shows wow, even he feels that way about music. Kindof weird because he has more options but anyways I don't know how to explain what I am thinking. Nevermind. 😅

[@pupiberto]

​@@CluckyBaby It is curious because I knew about his music many years ago when he opened a ladytron concert. I was really impressed of his solo show (with the light bulbs). Maybe is a projection but I find his music very relatable, working in his projects basically alone with very personal and individual lyrics and that speaks very close about my own life. Love this guy.

[@ethanpearson897]

Tr-808, buchla easel, multiple modular racks... this is my wet dream

[@ignasgalbogis4598]

This man is simply ace, his music is a pure inspiration any time you put it on your speakers and let it flow.

[@monkey_breath]

the dude is a puppy, like, he's so lovable, genuine, and pure. he's the best kind of musician, and person in general to have around, i really like the way he gets excited about having the instruments available to him that he does, he's a fan of them as much as others are, and it shows, that there's a genuine person, that gets to "be friends" with the instruments behind his music!!!

[@paradiddle16]

Probably one of my favorite artist right now that I discovered last year. Risveglio is an really an amazing album. Always looking forward to more music!

[@ЯковлевОлег-я8т]

Very intersting, nice guy, hope he ll be a sucsesfull musician in solo, but love him in NiИ

[@kaekae4010]

Nice, and nice 2001 screensaver :D

[@conslik4517]

The whole Milky Way probably needs more beings like Alessandro

[@bobfrode]

imho he will stay in that room forever and guard those synths like Launcelot and the Grail...hehe Great vid :)

[@CluckyBaby]

OMG I love him so much! 💜💛💚❤️💙 Thank you for making this, it is hard to find anything with just him in it but always worth the wait, thank you!! 💜💛💚💙❤️💙💚💛💜💛💚💙❤️💚💛💜

[@mytechid9748]

dude has Nostromo graphics playing on his monitors for the win

[@mytechid9748]

oh damn I mean 2001

[@hoomanot]

@@mytechid9748 Space Odyssey? 😎

[@Rgdonaire_07]

What a legend this guy is. Coolest musician ever.

[@bitley]

Super nice guy! I instantly know I'm your friend Alessandro, greetings - thanks for a very nice video. I'm not a Buchla guy but the Prophet VS is a true classic that I've used a lot. Nice music as well that floats around nicely. No thumping BD needed here.

[@aggelakas]

I see Alessandro has influenced positively a lot of people. The guy plays almost every instrument that exists flawlessly. His solo work and nin is out of this world, but you see the sacrifices he made to be able to devote to his craft. Probably one of the best all around musicians out there right now.

[@AugustorLazzers]

Amazing musician, his sound is really awe inspiring. Thank you so much for this!

[@thmbones]

Resonates so much with me. Synths are friends, not just transistors. And so many attention to visual aesthetics. I feel so free now - its ok to be irrational in desires, its ok to buy stuff because I just love how it looks and trust myself that it will work without need trying it before I get, cause I just feel it, I just know it will work.

[@elechuman]

I love this kind of vids. Thank you very much❤️

[@jamiestewart1644]

Very nice interview. Lots of things in that room that I'd love to have especially the Metasonix D2000 and the music easel.

[@DaveS-Ace]

Fuuuuuu*k just found this guy, his music is amazing, going to put him on for inspiration while i paint. Can't wait

[@SharedVision333]

No! Don’t go out with friends, yet. Keep finding happy accidents and share with us

[@AdamsBrew78]

Wow, I remember that basketball game he was playing at 7:20 .. I used to have the football version back in the early 80s.

[@N0TKA]

Amazing. Really nice vibes from him and his synth-friends!

[@beppeloggia4895]

Grandissimo, semplicemente un genio, l'ho conosciuto in formazione con i N.I.N., successo meritato

[@paranormind-music]

That's a FACT, this guy is awesome. His music is genius (and vice-versa).

[@DanieleGiannattasio]

Love him and love Frank!

[@fumocamel]

I like hal9000 screen saver

[@paulshort8058]

Hello. Could someone please tell me the name of the song that starts @10:55? Thank you.

[@hjulier]

Paul Short I wish i knew too!

[@zerb]

That's Alessandro improvising on the Waldorf Quantum

[@anniesamuel4787]

Is it off the Amore Amaro album?

[@reubenjarmstrong]

Man, Scappa is timeless. What a gem.

[@anniesamuel4787]

My favourite piece of all time

[@MSNGR415]

all i ever wanted since i was a kid was a modular synth rig.. now in my mid 30's i still don't understand how anyone affords these systems?????? midi in a daw was my only option for over a decade and i see guys with systems that are a down payment on a house! at least behringer has cheap options but damn what i wouldnt give for a noise system.

[@KadaverKomplex]

Have you tried getting a job

[@MSNGR415]

@@KadaverKomplex lol…. Do you honestly think anyone’s answer to this question is “no I never thought of that” lol. This was two years ago my friend. I’ve been an award winning tattooer for the past 14 years… however.. I have two children and an elderly mother that I take care of as a single parent since my father died in my 20’s, so my situation just needed some balance. You should see my studio now. Lol. I think I’m at about $60,000 total… the addiction is real and now I get how it’s possible. But thanks for your constructive comment.

[@MarcoBuratti]

From Forlì to the stars. Such a big inspiration for me.

[@Reprodestruxion]

Should work with Richard Barbieri and Trey Gunn

[@kingtrance6826]

Holy shit what a studio! Looks like a mad scientists laboratory.

[@kenb7540]

I love that paradigm. Instruments are not “tools” to be “used” for our purposes. They are entities in themselves and we can have a Relationship with them individually, and by patching and playing allow them to “speak”. Love it. 👏😊

[@UpandDownRacing]

so much love for him, videos of him playing inspired me to get an easel.. :)

[@neuzethmusic131]

Thanks a lot for this fact ❤️!! Alessandro is one of my biggest inspirations in music. And what a passionate and humble man!

[@szikrabab]

Love this. Thank you FACT.

[@updown5238]

Awesome, thanks for letting us in.

[@Moskalus]

yes

[@djmtgmikethegreek5505]

Im sorry to say but .....this stuff is....extraterrestrial.....LOVE IT

[@StevenSclafani]

Nice HAL9000 screensaver running on all monitors in the background.

[@freekgroot3222]

thehal9000.com/

[@gusnilsson6928]

Did you enjoy filming The Messiah ? I enjoyed the ending of it, you acted very well.

[@owenreel3916]

I use FL 20 and its insane seeing the evolution of music programming and software. These sounds are so rich and colorful and I feel like the more hands on approach is something severely lacking nowadays as the software is made. This is really amazing to hear and really has inspired me to play with my Korg more, and look into more analog stuff!

[@RTCLR123]

FL11 here, since i found Legowelts samples i spent a 0-24 for a year in search for "analog sound" in VST world coz that was the first contact for me, i found some wierd ones like Albino 3, Zeta 2+ and Ganymed and i have Nexus and all the U-He stuff(Diva Zebra etc.), Xpand2, Vacuum Pro.. It just never let me do anything as those first 3 i use, but i've decided already to go analog and ditch synth plugins at some point, but first i'll get some preamp and a mixer.

[@geronimo8159]

Cool dude. Love his music, didn't know he used equipment that looked this funky 😃. No idea how this works. Love it though!

[@matiasmoulin2126]

Dude! Get yourself friends!!! Just kiding, I'm just like you!

[@marcoc.8548]

Grandissimo musicista! L’anno scorso in Tailandia scorazzavo tra le rocce carsiche di Railay con la sua musica alle orecchie. “Scappa” rimarrà sempre impressa nella mia mente!

[@reisskcev1334]

Amazing record!

[@CluckyBaby]

"I'm the first!". Lolol God he is so cute 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

All my music is a mangled version of what I have in mind.... And that's exactly what I had in mind 😜

[@krisanderson5636]

I didn't even know such instruments existed. I hate making music on a computer and would love to have used something like this instead.

[@eyesintheskies]

Wish I had big enough pockets for a buchla! But perhaps a make noise o coast will do just fine

[@whenvioletsturngrey9597]

A day in his studio would be a lot of fun! Cool video. Thanks

[@Robert_Babicz]

really nice

[@Jormaleena-k7i]

If i ever win in lottery...which i dont play...maybe next night i dream about the life of Alessandro Cortini

[@amycanbe]

Grande Alessandro!

[@ReginatorNet]

I was only gonna watch a few min and ended up seeing the whole thing - simply awesome.

[@mrclaytron]

Every video I've seen Alessandro in, he just seems like the coolest, nicest guy... With one hell of a synth collection!

[@chinmitten]

“I have nothing in my brain.” Same buddy, same.

[@Scotty_Russell_Music]

looking at the thumbnail i thought that was a big poster or a chart behind him, but no it's a massive synth.

[@rustyvst]

Nice to see you are doing well my friend

[@rumbepack]

Bruh has 100k+ worth of buchla as a background.

[@SphericEl]

Leave having friends until retirement- that's it!! Now I know where ive gone wrong all these years.

[@magemaroon5085]

I feel like this has been a long time coming, time to drool

[@34121KASSEL]

Now i hear AC's records with other ears! GREAT VIDEO!

[@AdamCee]

This was exactly what I needed today. Thanks Fact.

[@brianreilly6545]

Great vid, awesome dude👍🏼

[@EarthnikNews]

I wonder what it would be like to be able to afford any gear your heart desires?

[@WARDISWARD]

From which album is the song starting @ 13:00 ?

[@popcat11]

Thanks for this, such a clever discussion to watch

[@WalyB01]

Cool!

[@temporoboto]

He moved studios? It seems nicer than the dark "synth cave" that he was in. Awesome vid, thanks for sharing.

[@anniesamuel4787]

He moved countries

[@kennydeedj]

Oh still use the tracker/pro tracker 😃... story!

[@eddy_sonik]

👍i LoVe ! 💙⚪❤

[@eddy_sonik]

kzbin.infoL9X_uBz-ZOY?si=1apdXX0KWezlqiAB

[@pressgangs]

buttons are kinda fucked xD

[@emafrnk]

Love this big ups Alessandro

[@JDRGAMING100]

He's got a real 808 that's lovely

[@perebdrup2842]

Master at work. So inspiring.