The Story of Warm Leatherette

[@BlackMan614]

There's something to be said about owning 1 synthesizer. Learning it completely and utilizing it to its fullness versus owning a room full of them and mastering none.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Absolutely.

[@jouhannaudjeanfrancois891]

what about owning a full room and mastering all, like Alex! simp level activated.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

Advise of JJR in one of his videos: (when you start) take one synth and learn it inside out.

[@acme401]

I feel attacked

[@tyranneous]

I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.

[@sbatty65227]

I've listened to that song for 40 plus years and have always assumed a bank of synths and a drum machine. Blown away that the song is done on one synth. Kudos.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep! One limited synth, a 4-track reel-to-reel, a microphone, a Roland Space Echo, a book and a bedroom.

[@stellaVista]

@@AlexBallMusic Plus one brilliant mind!

[@rdubb77]

Daniel Miller does not get enough credit. He really hearalded in the post-Kraftwerk world with Mute records, taking synth pop and electronic music to the next level. No surprise that on Martyn Ware’s podcast he claimed Kraftwerk to be his greatest inspiration.

[@ThreadBomb]

Based on the VAST number of cover versions of Warm Leatherette, I'd say there are a lot of people who acknowledge its influence. (The Suzi Quatro version is surprisingly good!)

[@rdubb77]

@ that’s not my point. Miller as a producer and label boss of Mute doesn’t get enough credit for his influence. Warm Leatherette is iconic but I bet a lot of people love that song but either a) don’t know who produced or b) don’t know the massive importance of Miller as the man who was the glue that held early Depeche Mode together, taught Vince Clarke (!) how to program a synth, developed Mute records , and so on and so on

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Yep. His work with Gareth Jones in the mid-80s with Mode was, like Art of Noise, a wonderful affront to pop music. Jones, who was an underground music head, was excited to work with legendary industrial pioneers Einstürzende Neubauten on their album Halber Mensch, and ended up almost accidentally accidentally working with Depeche Mode, and was responsible for pushing them into darker ‘sonic artist’ territory with their singles and albums of that era, from Shake the Disease to Black Celebration and beyond. My favorite DM albums.

[@Nenko_Music]

i concur

[@Kkidzz]

@@rdubb77 🎯 Daniel’s programming on Depeche’s B-Side ‘Shout’ of the 2600 percussive S&H LFO rhythm bed still sounds forty plus years ahead of its time in 2024…. ❤❤❤

[@kohlemainen]

Absolutely brilliant. Synth community take note : less is more. Thank you, Alex.

[@KNIGHTJUMPS]

Don't tell me how to live. 😂😂😂

[@kohlemainen]

@@KNIGHTJUMPS 😁

[@creepingjesus5106]

I love Crash, it's maybe my favourite Ballard. But what's so genius to me about Warm Leatherette, is that it captures the essence of the story. It's difficult to take inspiration from someone else's work (it also validates the Steal Like An Artist ethic!) and distil it down to that précis. For that alone, Daniel Miller has richly deserved every plaudit placed upon him.

[@chriswareham]

Brilliant tutorial and cover version! There's something about the early, minimalist works of The Normal, Human League (pre-Dare) and John Foxx that still sound totally futuristic even today.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Absolutely. A future on the horizon that we never got to.

[@unclemick-synths]

​@@AlexBallMusic very true. Some things we imagined never happened and other things happened that we didn't imagine - this video for example!

[@billysunshine9100]

I always found this song to be a less interesting version of Underpass by Foxx

[@georgereid4914]

@@AlexBallMusic That's very Mark Fisher haha

[@jrsrcz-r512]

Great video as always @AlexBallMusic. This song was one of the drivers that got me into synths.. Your version just makes me glad to still be listening and making synth music... 10/10.

[@ChrisSmout]

You really have to respect the early pioneers. What artists like The Normal managed to put together with limited equipment that was (by today's standards) quite rudimentary is still impressive to behold, thanks for the synth lesson Alex.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Imagine being in a position where _this_ was your only option for drums! Amazing creativity.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

Recently I thought a lot about creativity (since it is a 'hot' topic om YT). | notice a lot of content creators regularly present (their) new gear implying it offers new realms of creativity. I made me come to the conclusion that creativity is not gathering new means of creating sound(s), but hearing new or usable, inspiring sound(s) (patterns) in what is already there. What is called a paradigm shift, another way of looking at things. When you just pop in some notes in your piano roll and play it over and over again, your brain will discover something new. It starts creating.

[@StatetrooperBillyBill]

@@AlexBallMusic It's a very simple drum pattern, something a toddler could do as well, nonetheless it sounds pretty nice and futuristic.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Well if you look into what was considered music before synths come about they basically revolutionised access to music making. There was a early rivalry between those who used and embraced synths vs the more traditional styles that didn't.

[@unclemick-synths]

I know I was a youngster but I'm still proudest of the music I created on my Tascam 244 with a Clef Microsynth. The future was full of possibilities.

[@MAXERNEST]

The late Great John Peel , i really miss him ,he was fantastic showcasing some soon to be big artists Dan Miller`s Single i heard on the evening Radio show , bought it from an independent record shop who must have listened to the same music as me :} i still have warm leatherette in my collection, later Dan miller did a some Bizarre album tour which showcased some great music groups.

[@markgatland977]

Utterly iconic, so, so futuristic. "Hear the crashing steel, feel the steering wheel"... brilliant ❤

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@markgatland977 Quick, let's make love.....before you die. {Synth plays}

[@wbmatter1]

@@AlexBallMusic Oh, Alex, I thought you'd never ask!

[@jlpower]

This is a perfect example of how the unique tonal quality of a synthesizer can be so simple, yet immediately recognizable. You could say the same thing about the Eurythmics Sweet Dreams. As soon as I hear that synth motif and kick drum, it’s got my full attention for the next three and a half minutes.

[@OtherMike5000]

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this. That single (both sides) was one of my favorite records from the seventh grade. I would never have known all of the history behind the record label and that he was a producer for so many other great musicians. Thank you for taking the time to produce this and post it.

[@DarrenLandrum]

I like the extras you added to your cover of Warm Leatherette. It's like asking what he would've done if he'd had eight tracks.

[@jasonmoyer]

The arpeggiated System 100 part reminds me of Pak Jam for some reason.

[@AlexBallMusic]

I was going for a slightly warmer leatherette, but not too warm.

[@annother3350]

@@AlexBallMusic Too warm and your legs stick to it

[@ryanv6117]

This song has always been really important to me, it’s a real testament to innovation and making the most of a limited sonic palette. I love it!! And your version of it is fantastic!!!

[@mikethompson2006]

Proof that "All the gear, no idea" is a thing, when it comes to collecting equipment and expecting it to make a classic record for you. Great video, as usual.

[@vvundertone]

An incredible inspiring story, and true example of one person creating their own destiny. Also we are so spoiled getting all this in-depth 70s infotainment!

[@thomasyon4332]

Big thanks! This old track, I discovered on Sonicstate (also XTC, AddN to X) ; and that's why I hang with you people. All is linked. You do all great work! (PSN, Bad Gear, Gaz William's Show, Hainbach, Pittsburg Modular, LookMumNoComputer...)

[@vatonix84]

this channel never ceases to amaze with the wikkid tunes, as a 17 year old It seems like no one else likes this music and Ive no idea why, I think its super wikkid

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah!

[@davidluff8838]

Thank yooo! My fave track , beautifully rendered. This single and Being Boiled (Human League) got me into the minimal monosynth sound. Bought a Wasp but it died on stage in 1981. Good times.🙂

[@sn1000k]

Behringer makes a rough copy, not sure if you knew. Not the same but still fun maybe. I want one but I haven't had the 159 at the right moment

[@tom23rd]

Daniel Miller is a genius 😍

[@T.R.S.8.0]

No way, I used this synth on so many songs and live shows. Had no idea it was used on this song but now it's so obvious.

[@colinrussell2017]

It's amazing how different people approach the same instrument. It's like we have our own voice in our patching.

[@rachelar]

Live synth players always have my respect versus bedroom collectors

[@T.R.S.8.0]

@@rachelar We used an assortment or Mini and Maxi Korgs live at every show. Never had a problem, they are tanks. They sound incredible really loud through a pro PA too.

[@lfo2vco]

Nicely done sir... and maximum respect to Daniel Miller for the joy he has brought to our ears both as a musician and a label owner.

[@davidreidy5750]

Ive been waiting for the Normal to get some exposure like this for yrs,that was awesome!🤖

[@nobordersnoflags9905]

awesome! I love the additional sounds on your cover.

[@entropybentwhistle]

What it would have sounded like if Daniel had richer parents when he visited that music store in the ‘70s.

[@FrankNFurter1000]

Excellent recreation here. Fascinating watch as always! WARM. LEATHERETTE.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Sounds a bit like Drum n Bass.

[@thekarmafarmer608]

What an amazing story. Jesus. What a go-getter! Thanks for this video. Quite an eye opener

[@Ishkur23]

EBM starts here. I am always on the hunt for something earlier and more evocative, but you can't really find anything that shook the underground as much as this raw synth banger this early in the scene's genesis.

[@SRDhain]

This video is brilliant because of how much is packed into the sub 11 minute runtime; it's a 'no flab, all muscle' scenario, just like the original single. 👍 Speaking of which, I met Daniel at a mute event years back. I think Anne Haffmans (mute germany) was with him. They had a limited run of this 7" for sale, and I think Daniel may have signed a handful.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers! I try to keep my videos on point and as tight as possible, so that's nice to hear. Cool that you got to meet Daniel! We owe him a lot.

[@skyrocketautomotive]

Jesus mate you smashed that cover at the end! Such a unique piece, you did a sterling job of deciphering the sounds, I love how these guys were able to be so creative with comparatively basic gear. OMD were amazing at that too. Great work as always 😁

[@firstboyonthemoon8876]

Warm Leatherette was ground breaking. When it was released, they would play it on the sound system at Skatopia in Buena Park, California. Great memories!

[@michaelfox1432]

I heard this song for the first time in the same way I heard much of the really good stuff of my youth, on the Dr. Demento show in 1980-81

[@roystonjames7794]

We named our Band TVOD in 1983 after hearing this single, we are still gigging to this day

[@alwayscurious413]

Excellent research tutorial and cover version. Kudos

[@chap666ish]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, Alex. Thank you! If only I had a record deck I'd dig out my copy of Warm Leatherette and play it...

[@voxxxxxy]

Fantastic! I grew up with this track but your version at the end with the additions just adds a new and unexpected dimension. What a cool surprise and a job very well done!

[@ultramet]

Daniel Miller is a legend.. let me drop this all-time synth classic on my new label and then sign Fad Gadget and Depeche Mode among others. Just all-time fire 🔥

[@solidaudio6764]

Absolutely brilliant work, Alex. a timeless piece of music history with so minimalistic elements. greetz Guido

[@saulcross9690]

Excellent cover and great insight into how it was done.

[@benanderson89]

Nice additions on the cover version. I didn't think the song could be any more sinister and somehow you did it!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Just dry and dirty old synths. Cosy like a warm leatherette.

[@marsmediapro]

WOW! This is truly outstanding! Reminds me of the 1st dozen or so hours of recordings I made with my 1st 2 synths: Paia 4700 Modular & Roland Sh3a! Plus, watching you command that early Korg synth, gives me new ideas on how to use my Sh3a! Huge Thanks, Alex!!! 🎉❤

[@LFOVCF]

These DAW owners don't know they are born😂 Doing your own sequencing for 3 minutes is no joke. Paul Humphreys of OMD manually twisting the clunky footage dial on a KORG M-500 was also quite a feat. I've tried it on mine, bloody nightmare! Well Alex, your version warmed me up nicely!

[@unclemick-synths]

Yep, the original digital sequencer: left index finger and right index finger!

[@redfrontdoor]

Love this song. Great cover. I did like the Suzi Quattro cover as well.

[@choppernick]

Great video. I did a cover of this when I got my first synth when I was 21...many years ago. It's a great way to learn how to do a lot with not much! ATOL Protected.

[@johnnymorgansynthdreams]

Really well done Alex! I love these song deconstruction deep dives.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Hey Johnny! Cheers, enjoy doing videos like this.

[@williamstreet1148]

My first real synthesizer was the Univox licensed version, the K2. I bought it from a guy I'd worked on some stuff with (he sold me that and a Korg S3 drum machine for $50 each!) right before I moved to Chicago. At the time, I had no idea it was also Daniel Miller's first synth and was all over the 1st few Fad Gadget records - Frank/Fad being my favorite songwriter to this day. When I got to Chicago and had time to dig into the K2, I kept finding patch after patch that sounded like Fad Gadget tunes. I used it on a bunch of demos and then I was 1/3 of a sort of "IDM" project where I used it a lot...largely for basslines. Unfortunately, I sold it years ago for around $500 - 10x what I paid for it but less than half what they go for now.

[@jdrukman]

Excellent video. I have the 700 FS which is such a beautifully constructed piece of equipment.

[@GNeuman]

Brilliant! Years ago, Daniel came over to Zurich and gave a talk about his career, involvement with Depeche etc. at a venue called Schiffbau. Fascinating guy. ❤❤

[@rauschmaschine]

A Video about a song which is one of my all-time favourites? made my day, good research about the backstory, very accurate! thx for this vid, mate....

[@jasonmoyer]

You're gonna make me dig my 700FS out. Damn you. Also great video, love Daniel Miller and Mute.

[@Stevali1966]

I remember this going out on John Peel show first time round on listening on my transistor radio. Even though i had school in the morning Anarchy. Great flashback.

[@unclemick-synths]

John Peel was God. So much of my record collection came from listening to him. Yello! to name but one.

[@AdamIntervju]

Wow! Thanks for dissecting and covering such a classic track! Really enjoyed it.

[@fromthecentre]

Still got that single, and still play it !

[@asleeds]

These early synth recreations are fantastic. Really gives us numpties an insight in to what was involved back in the early days of synth pop. You should have a bash at The Girl With The Patent Leather Face by Soft Cell at some point. 👏🏻

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Thankyou Alex Im not much of a sound designer but your explanations and teaching styles make Me want to go do this in software. It is good to understand the history of where these sounds We all use come from and who from.

[@pauly2929]

Simplicity and imagination should come back! Regardless of if this is nearly 50 years old or not, it s a beautiful noise … great emulation and cover …

[@edwallace3704]

Alex I've said it before and I'll saying it agin I'm watching TV that I've always dreamed about as a youth ❤

[@snarfusmaximus]

You got me onto a great song I've never heard before. Thanks heaps.

[@nobel11]

That was amazing, that cover is tops. I've tried to recreate that high-pass saw sound on my MS-20 mini, but it doesn't quite ring out the same. Still, there's such a living, breathing quality to it, that I feel you've really recreated here. Cheers, this was just stellar!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, the early Korgs had a different filter design and envelope behaviours and all sorts. The MS series was different, although the MS-50 filter is the low pass from the traveler insterestingly, but it doesn't have the high pass, so there's a tiny bit of early Korg in the MS series.

[@Imperceptible_parachute]

One of my favourite tracks. Great incite. Thank you!

[@MarkFlorianKehbel]

This is actually a very very nice cover version!!

[@stellaVista]

Fantastic video for a fantastic song that is still shocking and provocative today. It really is the perfect companion piece to Autobahn. The romance of endless driving meets the romance of its sudden disruption. I wold love a compilation of all songs influenced by Ballard´s Crash. We have this, John Foxx (Underpass, No One Driving...well, his whole, first album basically), Soft Cell´s The Girl With The Patent Leather Face, Joy Division´s Disorder, Bowie´s Always Crashing In The Same Car...and if this wasn´t a quick YT-comment, I would certainly come up with more. JOIN THE CAR CRASH SET!

[@philipTOMPSETT]

Ive wanted to buy the rereleased 700s and this is the perfect excuse. Thanks

[@AlexBallMusic]

Do it!

[@mert-mert-mert]

Love this track!

[@AaronAnaya]

Early Synthpop is some of my favorite music. Something was definitely lost when it started to become more pop than synth.

[@bencarding7806]

Ace video mate 👌 love the system 100 creeping into the cover version like a reproduction era human league getting in on the action 😂 massive props to daniel miller, legend ... Rickys Hand by Fad Gadget also a total banger from this era.

[@derekbrown7303]

I met Daniel Miller once and he was a really nice gentleman. 😎👍

[@zheltovsky]

Great cover as always, with the addition of your wonderfull collection of amazing synths ! Thank you !

[@Sea-Of-Sin]

Thank you, great job! I love your cover of the song, if possible, you should release it.

[@PaulBoos]

Fantastic cover! And what a great story…

[@georgedalgleish6384]

I bought this when I was 12_ I still love it . Thanks for the video amazing.

[@ianwynne764]

Hello Alex: You have an amazing ability to re-create synth sounds. Good job. Well done.

[@mattcharles1505]

Bloody awesome, Mr Ball.

[@bigogle]

Your cover's a great example of what he might have created with about 5x as much money and a bigger bedroom :3 Love it.

[@nik_elektrik]

Absolutely brilliant. Great cover. Vocals almost sound like Daniel’s. Fantastic additions, too. ❤️

[@AlexBallMusic]

Can't quite do the same terrifying monotone delivery, but I gave it a crack.

[@Pepijn_a.k.a._Akikaze]

I hadn't heard of the song untill this video, not to my regret, but the MiniKorg's racing sounds match the lyrics and you're videos are always enjoyable even when I don't like the song featured. .

[@acme401]

Holy shit that was a rabbit hole of Warm Leatherette covers I just went down. Track down the Trent Reznor, Peter Murphy version...wow! So good!

[@etk1138]

Was going to recommend that version too. It's fantastic

[@tonyhoult5648]

So many covers done of that track, and not only from electronic/industrial folks.

[@Nervejam]

Brilliant cover version! I don't remember the original sounding that good..

[@chrisbolton5461]

As always, brilliant explanation and then a superb demo at the end.

[@Chevytravelleruk]

Yet another amazing video Alex, thanks.. Love my 700s.. especially the special cupboard for the mains lead

[@williamstreet1148]

Is that what that's for? I always thought it was for hiding illicit substances...and right nice of them to think of it!

[@Lo-Fi-Si]

This features heavily in the excellent book “listening to the music the machines make”. Highly recommended!

[@DeathMayBeYourSantaClausz]

Yes! Great choice for a gear focus, thanks for this, sounds great

[@KenshoBeats]

Love these 👍🏼 Still have a couple 700’s and even the songs I made with them and vocal recorded over them. Back in the day, you could get these for no more than €50,-, only it was pre euro then.

[@bjarnefedt]

Was MY first synth aswell,but as a repair-job. Still my absolute favourite,even after 5 years of repairing all sorts of analog synths. :)

[@AKBrechin]

And a thoroughly bloody decent job you made of it, too!

[@waskerbasket9601]

Love this song

[@robgs]

Ironside flashbacks at 6:20 :) Great video as always

[@AlexBallMusic]

The ghost of Quincy playing with us.

[@TheSnowLeopard]

Alex covering all of my secret favs.

[@blenderbuch]

So I have that minutes long ICE train video going through berlin... I feel inspired 😮

[@SuddenCreation]

Thanks for that ... guess what I'll be doing with my Korg later !!! Was lucky enough to have a chat with Daniel after Vince Clarke's album launch at Rough Trade last year ... discussing the ARP 2600 reissue and THAT kick sound ... he was saying he'd been sent the links to a certain video about how DM did the drums on Speak and Spell ... you have the best viewers Alex !!!

[@Synthesis1979]

T.V.O.D. I don't need a TV screen. I just stick the aerial into my skin. lol love it!

[@JohnLloydDavis]

Excellent stuff. I love this tune.

[@JohnLloydDavis]

Have you heard Bushman President by XTC? It was the B side to Making Plans for Nigel. It's a wonderful little synth ditty :)

[@TheUnfinishedSynth]

Such a legendary track. You’ve done a fab job on your cover.

[@mixolydian2010]

Very cool. The single and track have been a treasure for years. Take it easy.

[@Vim-Wolf]

I’ve not heard the original, but I’ll assume you’ve nailed the cover ‘cause you always do. 😁

[@AlexBallMusic]

Check out the original and T.V.O.D. You're in for a treat!

[@grahamphillips3099]

brilliant! I've got a Mute boxset somewhere with this on, must fish it out. There's youtube footage of a young The Cure playing live with one of these Korgs- amazingly versatile for something that looks like a 70s presets keyboard. Great cover!

[@charlesboettger9506]

That turned out really well! Nicely done!

[@smitlag]

My first synthesizer was the Univox K-2, which was essentially that synth. I did a lot with it. When your resources are limited, you can become very creative. I can't remember what I did with. I think I may have sold it for money to pay my car insurance. I was surprised they re-released it a few years ago from Korg. I wasn't going to pay what they wanted for it. Greg Hawks from the Cars used the hell out it.

[@f.herumusu8341]

"Wir fahr'n, fahr'n, fah'n auf der Autobahn". Of course Kraftwerk did not came out of thin air. And Daniel Miller might have been one inspiration among many others. But its always a grounding experience to hear how little equipment was needed (and still is needed) to bring a new, good idea to life and how turbulent development acually was when the time was ripe.

[@duncan-rmi]

prized original here. first became aware of dan-the-man through a south bank show on the rise of independents, which revolved around rough trade. mamy years later I was part of a group that managed to get a 7" single of our own out on rt. my synthi used to belong to vince clarke too. 🤘

[@dr.feelicks2051]

Warm leatherette as a cover-cozy! Mute abounds in my collection of sounds✌️

[@h.p.brownsaucecraft7966]

Excellent job!