Jean-Michel Jarre on the evolution of music technology: Part 1 | Native Instruments

In this exclusive video, discover the evolution of electronic music technology with a true pioneer - Jean-Michel Jarre. More on this feature at: www.native-inst...
Watch Jean-Michel discuss how his unique artistic journey mirrors the development of music technology, from the early machines like the seminal EMS VCS 3 up to RAZOR and MONARK.
Find out how over 40 years of synth history informed his new album - Electronica, and hear a legend share his thoughts on technology’s future.
Music:
Jean-Michel Jarre feat. Tangerine Dream - "Zero Gravity"
Jean-Michel Jarre - "Oxygène Part 6”
Jean-Michel Jarre feat. Boys Noize - "The Time Machine"
Jean-Michel Jarre feat. Vince Clark - ”Automatic”
Jean-Michel Jarre feat. Air - "Close Your Eyes"
All music used with the kind permission of BMG and Sony Music Entertainment.
Pictures used with the kind permission of the Institut national de l’audiovisuel (INA) and Aero Productions.
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General info
Native Instruments is a leading manufacturer of software and hardware for computer-based audio production and DJing. The company's mission is to develop innovative, fully-integrated solutions for all musical styles and professions. The resulting products regularly push technological boundaries and open up new creative horizons for professionals and amateurs alike.
For more info visit our website: www.native-ins...

[@DreamtripMusic]

The Master, which made me fall in love with synths forever. Peace, Love, Unity and Respect.

[@nicolascatard]

Wow.... génial. 30 ans que je suis fan de la musique de Jean Michel Jarre et c'est pas prêt de s'arrêter. Il n'a rien perdu de son coté explorateur. C'est top !

[@kaitlyn__L]

Merci de m’avoir fait utiliser mon français vieille et mauvaise! (Pour la première fois, en 10 ans… donc, vieille… haha)

[@emblemcc]

"Break you habits to keep fresh" nice to hear there is someone like J.M Jarre who does not stuck with synths and goes beyond.

[@Justin.Sanctuary.Garden.D24]

I seen Jean Michel Jarre. Play live in Dublin Ireland on 10.10.2016. A dream come true for me, totally amazing showman indeed. Thank you, for your inspirational video. Justin :)

[@helisoma]

in years from now or even decades this will be considered a historic interview....just wonderful!

[@sn00ch]

Thanking Jean Michel Jarre for his music in person is on my bucket list.

[@ShynAwkward]

This guy is 67 years old! He looks like he's in his 40's. I guess passion for what you do in life keeps you young........

[@bojanarezina2352]

+ShynAwkward that and plastic surgery

[@-electron7]

+Bojan Arežina Jarre hates that!!!!

[@45rpm.]

+ShynAwkward I'm 48 and he does have less wrinkles than me :( I have less eye bags though - yay! but my hair is thinning a lot more - boo.

[@MyonTangClan]

+ShynAwkward I was just about to say, god damn dudes gotta be a fucking vampire or some shit lol.

[@ShynAwkward]

'Count Jarre' has a certain ring to it. You could be on to something; has anybody ever seen this guy in broad daylight? :-0

[@pyurentertainment]

Mad respect for JMJ! Listened to music from him about 10 years ago and recently re-introduced to him thanks to this video. Good job NI. True master.

[@leilasdi34]

great interview, absolutely he is a legend! please do more interviews with jmj

[@avantoo]

The evolution of technology keeps me fresh. Legend.

[@thejollyjoker187]

What I value most in this video is: "The Jupiter-8, the MemoryMoog and the Elka Synthex". If you have these 3 synths, you have everything, really..

[@aandarcom]

Even though this video is clearly a commercial for NI, i still believe Mr. Jarre when he says he prefers Monark to his Voyager. I only have about 11 years of experience in this field, but with some of my software (freeware too) i can emulate and even surpass some of the most famous old hardware. And the vintage hardware can be a real pain to work with... that pain can sometimes overshadow the pleasure of touching and moving real knobs and faders, looking at the beautiful wooden panels etc... :D

[@timothybaxter7392]

I've read several times. (I can't claim it as I have no musical skill) that true genius is making great music from imperfect intruments. Surely then the harder the instrument the more perfectly honed the musician. :)

[@garymcavoy2997]

Wonderful to view and listen to Jean-Michel Jarre through the evolution of electronic music technology and Native Instruments. I downloaded Electronica 1: Deluxe Edition from iTunes this morning and love the sounds. I recall listening to Oxygene when I was young boy in the basement of my family home. I fell in love with synthesizers because of that unique soundscape and imagination that Jean-Michel Jarre captured with such expression. Great video! Take care.

[@MarkTDKKnight]

Legend! I owe so much of what I've done in my life to him. Great interview!

[@kentcourtney5535]

Cette vidéo est très bonne et ramène de nombreux souvenirs. Merci Jean-Michel.

[@Ginga7r]

Isn't electronic music always about looking to the future, So keep evolving Sir your music is Awesome.

[@Bizclown]

I Have been follwing JMJarré since Oxigen, this interview was a real treat. Thank you. Even as an Ableton beginner, Amateur as I am, this was great,

[@matahliah]

It's good to see someone of his calibre with an open mind. I like his approach to electronic music

[@Cheliel34]

JMJ speaks of Skrillex ! generating shock. The gentleman who introduced me to music when I was 10 years

[@manuelvicente9614]

Jean Michel Jarre, uno de los pioneros de la música electrónica, nos cuenta su evolución (los sintetizadores que usaba y el software que usa hoy).

[@xJMFx]

I wish to see one day this legend on tour!!!

[@LegoVWCrazyFan09]

Such an interesting video. Thank you for creating beautiful and timeless music!

[@davedogge2280]

The old master and his wisdom right here

[@Spidouz]

Never been a complete fan of JMJ (I like some of this songs/albums... mainly Oxygen and Revolution but that's it), but I have to admit, he has a perfect view on technologies and evolution of technologies for music (for electronic music in his case, but also for any kind of music these days).

[@-GA-MancsFinest]

JMJ ,a true legend ,lots of us older folk who used say a atari st for cubase 3 and a akai s950 sampler for the 90s era are in the same boat ,tech has come a long way now you dont need a super high end synth or sampler it can all be done on one machine ,with vsts,samples,soundbanks ,currently using ableton 11 on pc ,i miss the older gear and big automated desks ,but once you get your head around the newer ways ,theres no comparison ,i still have my st and a roland s760 32mb sampler cost me 2700 in 90's wanted to start using it again but you end up moving along with the tech i guess,,i wont even sell it ,its more for nostalga....

[@Crinklechip-s]

Sage advice. I'm looking up his new album for sure. All that amazing hardware....!

[@siliconbrush]

Native instruments needs to create a synth like the VCS3 I say like because I have to agree with Jean Michel, we can go so much further into unexplored territories with software design instead of trying to sound like legacy hardware. So lets take best parts of past and create a incredible sounding digital future and get the best of both worlds, that is what evolution is all about. Happiest software purchase I ever made = Native Instruments.

[@Dayta]

i enjoyed every second of the video

[@markburrell8320]

Great Interview.👍🏼thank you for upload ❤️

[@blogout412]

total respect, peace up

[@robainscough]

Brilliant, thank you for sharing this video.

[@Stadtmuzik]

I really do love my Kawai K4!... It's an old 16bit Synth - but using it in projects nowadays? It's a hassle - as to record the generated sounds without any bigger noise is impossible without the right (expansive) equipment, so if I am using it, then actually as a midi keyboard.... And as JMJ actually said: VSTs are growing better, or at least different than hardware these days. They even give you possibilities you didn't have back in the day. It's really refreshing to hear one of the most influencal synth-users to talk about this topic in the way he did.

[@volt9903]

RESPECT FOR JEAN.

[@fabienfournier9141]

Excellence!!!!!!!!Thank you JM Jarre ...

[@michaelmcelroy6895]

Remarkable Man, Remarkable interview. Thank you so much.

[@robertandarson5669]

...vstis or digital or analog hardware are NOT IMPORTANT !!! The ONLY important thing is the VISION of the Artist ! the rest are just TOOLS !!! ...my opinion !

[@joe-nh9bh]

Agreed

[@SeverityOne]

More to the point, people who claim that software instruments aren't proper instruments, are very much like the people that claim that synthesisers aren't proper instruments. What's important is the physical connection. I'm one of those who's long been suspicious of software synths, but I do have Arturia's V-Collection (sorry NI; I'll get yours in due time) which I hopefully soon manage to hook up to my hardware synths. But as I find my Yamaha EX5 more intuitive to use than when I had the rack-mount EX5R, maybe you need a dedicated controller with true integration with the software instruments, to achieve that directness that I covet in instruments. As a software developer, I have enough abstraction during the day already.

[@KVNwriter]

He is just astounding.

[@iosephantonivs4262]

Thank you Jean-Michel!

[@ralfprog3936]

Master of Sound

[@basehead617]

His english is tremendous! Especially for a frenchman.

[@juancarloscarrazon5016]

Congratulations to the spanish translator. Really, nice and exact!

[@huntershoot101]

Still leaps and bound ahead of everyone.

[@ReginatorNet]

Everyone has a preference in what tools they use, even Jean-Michael. Some like SSL, some like Neve, some like Mac, some like PC, tape, 96/24, analog, digital. Use whatever takes the song from your head to the masses, and stimulates your creativity along the way.

[@melhorespod]

Visionary and inspirational!!

[@MrItch13]

This is dope. inspiring.

[@GabrielLehtofilms]

Actually I love the hardware... for me they are more inspiring than software... in other hand the softwares are more practical to use daily basis ... and there are a lot of big companies re-launching their legendary analog synths... Ultimately what matters is if the music touch people and not properly if it was done with a legendary hardware or fantastic software ... if it does not touch people it is worthless all.

[@Spidouz]

+Novas Imagens (Cine video) I agree, it doesn';t matter how it's done... everybody use whatever they want. Having said that, here's just two tiny comment: 1) most of big companies are releasing some analog for one main reason: They know they lost the digital market over software already. If you want a sampler, there's nothing hardware that can really match what software can accomplish with Terrabytes of sounds, several articulation, round robin and so on... So manufacturers are reaching two main market now: Neo Retro Analog and Mobile stuff. That's two markets they can still be competitive and get enough financial returns. But for how long, that's a good question (mainly with this kind of promotional video). 2) The fact you don't find software inspiring is probably due to the fact you never experience a good software setup. Maybe you had a medium computers, not the right equipment, or maybe not the right software for your taste, habits, preferences or so... but it's mainly due to a bad experience. Because these days, people can find a software setup that could work just as good as any hardware and could be just as much inspiring than any other solution. I don't know which one would be the best for you, but I know people can find it (I did). To me, right now, using hardware or software, it clearly doesn't matter, both work, both are inspiring, both can have a good sound, etc... It doesn't really matter. And for that reason, I tend to have a preference for software because I get everything similar from the hardware but I found it even more fast, more efficient, more practical (as you mention). But not in despite of any creativity or inspiration... Note: I'm not trying to convert you. What I use doesn't impact your life and what you use doesn't impact mine. I'm just trying to share an experience here with you. I do respect any musicien, with no consideration to what "tools" they use. There's no "better" and nothing is "exclusive". We can clearly love both hardware, software, hybrid and who knows what we'll get in the future... I'm just trying to say that software could also be inspiring. But for that, you have to find the setup that will work for you.... and sometimes even change (or break) your habits as JMJ said it so well in this video. Cheers, My 2¢

[@gitisa2291]

love this genius man

[@cloudninerecordings]

What a legend

[@DENIOVALE]

*Great video. Amazing. Congratulations.*

[@electraluxx]

Fantastic video. I know this is a promotional piece. Nevertheless, it is a sincere explanation of the artistic process by a renowned electronic music artist. Really inspiring.

[@JimAward]

Pure inspiration

[@ianmccormick5843]

l love it.is there more

[@joecool8674]

great !

[@electrozaps]

No trophy synths there ... all well used ... good stuff :-)

[@noirfidelity]

full support

[@mixdirectdjequipmentspecia9214]

Cracking Video!!

[@SeverityOne]

I'm assuming he's playing a Native Instruments controller, but which one? An older version of the S61?

[@JeAnneDJJeAnne]

Very nice video ! :)

[@cesarpantoja7409]

Much respect to JMJ!

[@FR4NKTR4X]

Respect, Master !!

[@Magnus_Loov]

It's easy for him to say that it isn't interesting to create vst-instruments that just emulate already existing hardware. For the rest of us that doesn't already own the same hardware and who aren't millionaires it is extremely interesting and important. I mean to be able to get a Stradivarius at an affordable price would be a dream for a violinist. Also, even for him, all the additional possibilities with total recall when saving songs, polyphony etc is still not possible on the original hardware. Besides, these days the "just emulating existing hardware" isn't a problem anymore. There are tons of exotic vst-i:s that do all kind of stuff. And there is always Reaktor to cook you own instruments...

[@Itbonlinemixingandmastering]

Legend!

[@CalinFilip]

Hell. I Love Monarch Sound

[@Tech9861]

Thank you for explaining your instruments in english.

[@GB-dr1vj]

Nice.

[@glandersofficialyreleaseds1474]

I am a bit sad Reason didn't hit your catalog it works with integrated ssl :)

[@SaifSameer]

"The evolution of technology keeps me fresh" it means there's no saturation level for us to say: well I have enough of gears! We will ask for more & developers will struggle to come up with new ideas & designs.

[@ingoodmusic]

What is that console behind?

[@animeOfDarkness405]

my dream synths yamaha motif xf or xs korg titron extreme

[@EminoMeneko]

With all due respect to this musician I like the best when he praises NI products in a NI video it sounds rather fake. And when he says SSL does not fit how he approaches sounds today it also feels unconvincing. Software is cool and I love working on software but hardware touch is what enhances your productivity because it allows you to make the process simpler (turn a knob you can access in a second against struggling with the mouse looking where on the screen the specific button is and so on ...). JMJ is IMHO saying a lot of things as a professional who needs to care about his image and interest. That said I would not blame him for it.

[@SpeccyMan]

Clearly you weren't really listening if you think that.

[@pablobonfante633]

muy buen vídeo me gusto mucho

[@zedster911]

Nice

[@vintagemelody1204]

How interesting, Jean Michel using an arranger keyboard (Korg)!

[@45rpm.]

I have yet to find a software synth that has filter resonance that can be finely controlled whilst self oscillating - for making zaps, clicks, bass drums and with some noise and high pass filtering (and maybe some static phasing) snare drums. I want soft synths to be good at those things though.

[@valley_robot]

You can not beat a real analogue synth for pure hands on experience with an instrument you truly feel you are in control of , just like an electric guitar , however that said , people who listen to music don’t care how it’s made they just want something that sounds good to them ,soft synths and virtual analogue synths have been around forever now and we are never going back , we will sample the old and move on with the new , sad but true , most of my old gear has been sold to fund a new MPC , the ease of use and speed of getting ideas laid down compared to daisy chaining midi over multiple gear is just eye opening to me

[@discotechwreck]

JMJ rating the Monark over the Voyager!? 👌👌👌

[@LeFnob]

4:43 eargasm

[@Richard_P_James]

Actually, Monark is very nice. I used it on some recent Music Tech samples (distorted synth loops pack).

[@captainjaneway1111]

All that old gear sounds warm as fuck.

[@RaspHaunt]

the Man

[@javieracruz2704]

master

[@_digi]

instant like for jmj

[@primitivo4604]

He's 67 years old in this video.

[@EndOfEntertainment]

Cool stuff :)

[@ClassicCarCustodians]

King Genius

[@massimilianorusso4847]

I like it ; )

[@synaProductions]

Close Your Eyes = song of the year?

[@LordCritish]

The world doesn't need DubCrap!

[@sylvainrestel1718]

"L’évolution de la technologie est ce qui me permet d'entretenir ma créativité". C'est le recours de quelqu'un qui travaille sans approfondir et sans recherche. La technologie lui propose toutes les nouveautés. N'oublions pas que la technologie de l'orchestre traditionnel n'a pas varié en trois siècles et ça n'a pas empêché l'essor de véritables créateurs depuis Bach jusqu’à Ravel (la liste est longue et tout le monde la connaît) d'exprimer leur créativité et de l'entretenir et la développer au long de leurs vies. Jean Michel Jarre est un musicien presse-bouton, dont le seul mérite est d'avoir été le premier à faire ce que n'importe quel démonstrateur de magasin peut faire, et j'en ai vu avec plus de talent. Si vous trouvez mon commentaire trop dur, souvenez de ce que son père, Maurice Jarre (le vrai Jarre) disait de lui.

[@Bistourki]

+Sylvian Restel je sais pas trop, mais en tout cas ce que je sais, c'est que j'aimerais bien avoir tous ces synthé... Ca fait bien rêver !

[@sylvainrestel1718]

Je suis sûr que tu saurais mieux les utiliser.

[@philgzln]

+Sylvian Restel Une fois que les choses aujourd'hui sont établies,existent,c'est facile de dire ces choses la.. Mais il fallait oser faire ce qu'il a fait il y a 50 ans! Et puis,certaines de ses melodies sont des classiques. Aujourd'hui,n'importe quel démonstrateur de magasin peut jouer les beatles sur une guitare n'est ce pas?

[@sylvainrestel1718]

+Philippe G Cher Philippe. Je ne sais pas ce qu'il a fait il y a 50 ans. Par contre, je sais qu'il y a 35 ans, à l'époque d’Oxygène, les démonstrateurs de magasin produisaient déjà ce type de musique de geek qui pianote sur un clavier en plaquant un accord et en changeant au hasard les registres. Y compris ce technicien du Bd Beaumarchais qui lui programmait ses claviers. Je reconnaissais dans ces mélodies le méme style de composition adolescente des amateurs d'orgue aux accompagnements automatiques des années 70. Une espèce de Richard Clayderman du synthé, en plus intellectuel et avec des moyens. Il suffit d'avoir la palette sonore et la faire tourner. Mais point de vue composition, c'est primaire. Il a eu le mérite d'avoir été le premier. Et pour ça je lui tire mon chapeau. Je suis heureux pour lui. J'admire l'homme, le penseur, l'homme d'affaires, l'opportuniste et même le séducteur. Chapeau ! Mais pas le musicien. C'est bon pour l'économie, pas pour la culture.

[@sylvainrestel1718]

+estreet76 A partir d'un certain niveau de lucidité, se taire est malhonnête.

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

Next time he should do commercial for U-he or Tone 2.

[@JudgeFredd]

One of my Idol and not only because he's French...

[@liho26]

Jean Michel says about Pro Tools using, but uses Ableton Live in this video. Strange situation...

[@EricDangOfficial]

+liho26 it said in the video he started with Pro Tools & Analog then ended with Ableton Live & Native Instruments plug ins

[@SpartOPS]

il es francais jean mi ?

[@wolfgangboettcher3126]

Noch am Anfang

[@Teambr00klyn]

why isn't he old?

[@alexandraknibbe232]

I am changing my mind JM Jarre. when he becomes too popular, I started to think it was garbage and over produced. I like him again now, but From 'A to Zed' is pretty funny!

[@Steelberry]

I have a problem with these sponsored clips. It was only in the last second I realized this was a film by NI as i watched it on Matrix. As much as I love NI's products - I don't like product placements and infomerchials. Who can I trust? I'm sure Jarre is honest in what he says but the name dropping and final message was the work of the editor. If someone just said "NI had a talk with Jarre" as an introduction I would have watched the clip with different eyes. Poor work NI!

[@ultimomail]

....this explains alot... hearing the last albums > 1997 we got the sensation the sound quality is becoming worse....AND IT IS!!! The last album is simply too loud....even the vinyl !!!!!

[@bpali2001]

Im so jealous to see all that analog gear that i want to have really bad but im only 14 so dont have a job and my parents wont buy something like this because its expensive even tho my father has a music shop... Huh long comment done!

[@DavidBoura]

+bpali2001 you're so lucky to have all thos Vsts, we didn't in the past. So it was more like "i am 14, i badly want/need a Synth/computer, but i can't and that's all folks. Just an impossible dream... or Hell ^^

[@HAZARDOUS88]

+bpali2001 The idea is to work with what you have and make the best of it.

[@bpali2001]

David Boura i know i know. just that analog synth looks sexy. i want to get a minimoog when i grow up.

[@bpali2001]

HAZARDOUS88 i do. everything i use came free with my laptop or were downloaded for free.

[@DavidBoura]

+bpali2001 same here, i need the real Minimoog filter, inimitable! (or maybe Diva but i didn't try it)

[@pescator61]

NI han creado el Dubstep!!! :O

[@FILMANDGAMES]

wikepedia sagt 1948. Der Mann ist fast 70... sieht er garbicht nach aus :)