WHY WE BLEEP PODCAST 002: JUSTIN OWEN - ABSTRACT DATA

Don't forget to hit Subscribe! // In this episode we meet Justin Owen of Abstract Data, who I would describe as a perfect example of the modern Eurorack 'pioneer' - a one-person company with no formal training, completely self-taught - yet able to make, sell and support fantastic gear, and (just about!) make a living doing it. How does someone actually DO that??
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⚡ / mylarmelodies ⚡
Well, in this episode, we sit down to talk all this and more. We talk about the impact of Punk, and early Orbital in his music formation, growing up in a suburb of Sydney, on the design process and bugbears on trends in Eurorack product design, on putting the character and vibe back into VCAs, and surviving as a manufacturer in a crowded market.
And we end talking about his music making process - how he uses a modular as part of music making...WITHOUT getting distracted. And how do you do that? Best sit in and get listening...
Check out Justin's modules at:
www.abstractdat...
And buy his music at:
jackpatchbiz.b...
Link to the midierror podcast mentioned at the end of this episode:
/ mylarmelodies
Recorded and Produced With:
RODE NT5 and Included Windshields (www.rode.com/mi...)
Rycote InVision 7HG Table Stands ( mymic.rycote.co...)
Zoom F4 (www.zoom.co.jp...)
Processed with Izotope RX6 (www.izotope.co...)
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[@dobermanpuncher8636]

This series. Pure gold.

[@benoitlaine1131]

Great conversation. A minor point : I'm pretty sure the coffee got cold by 47:58 for the refill... Regarding producing great hooks or melodies live, one thing strikes me with modular synths : people seem to change their setup so often that they never get a chance to build this all important brain-to-hand-to-instrument connection that would allow intuitive and fluid transfer from the frontier of conscience to the musical instrument. I mean, before playing a great solo on the horn, the jazzman put hours and years of training into his instrument. There's so much focus on technology, it can only lead to a very technical, intellectual, programmatic approach to music... Not that it's bad, but it produces a certain kind of music, and does not favor from-the-guts impros that make musical sense.

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks - Yes it was cold (I kept poker face), and yeah totally agree on the issue of building muscle memory and a relationship with an instrument. My own remedy has been to just go thru periods of change and then leave it and practice...

[@AmericanAstroMonkey]

I took Justin's advice which was the first to get me purchasing modular kit. That advice was to start with the basic 2xVCO synthesiser components (VCO, ADSR, LFO, VCF and mixer) and then add to that system slowly. I have continued to do that only adding where I think something specific is missing. My two case modular still has gaps in that 2nd case now 3 years later. As I wait better modules come out at ever cheaper prices.

[@rimartracks7279]

His music is fantastic Solid techno stuff, great for listening while designing PCBs.

[@MarktModularSynth]

Great podcast - interesting chat all round, it's good to hear different perspectives! "There is a place for everyone in Eurorack" - nice sentiment, and I think musically as well as from a people perspective this applies. :)

[@velocipede808]

Please include USB MIDI on the techno obelisk! Another fantastic chat, particularly the part about improvisation and electronic music. I think the reason I have recently become fascinated with modular system music jams is because of the constant improv. Unlike jazz or blues, though, it is not primarily about the delivery of notes, but about a range of musical variations.

[@BobBell.]

Cool beans! Just moved into a flat and had this on while I set up my gear. Loved it 👍

[@mixolydian2010]

Loving this series it so important for the eurorack world. Thanks.

[@precarious333]

Hey, that was great! Justin seems a nice guy. Digging what I've heard of his music. I absolutely agree on his take on compartmentalizing the process. That's what works for me as well.

[@martineitler]

Wow i love this...so many talking points and topics i'm thinking about when letting my brain debate with itself :D ...you are putting words to it

[@61636]

Great discussions in these podcasts so far - kudos to you for unearthing such bountiful conversational nuggets!

[@ambitsmusic]

This is a excellent interview/chat so far and am only half way in. You have already hit the nail on the head regarding modular!. I always felt that we could get to a point where manufacturers would just convert circuits to modular, for example; a Korg ER1 modularised. Whats the purpose..? you may as well just have the old drum machine.

[@ednasdiscomachine6049]

I love the chat in this podcast about how the limitation of the technology made for a more minimalistic, but satisfying beat. It instantly reminded me of Wally Badarou and Chief Inspector, an 80's classic often overlooked. Here's a link to the 12", though I'd say the 7" is more complete (I couldn't find it on KZbin): kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYS2kGSHpZxnZ9E Great podcast series :)

[@AlexandreDubreuil]

"You had a [...] brain to techno converter" - Justin Owen

[@chrisbignell6432]

Superb, love this series. Hoping for ALM, and Scanner interviews 🤞🏻.Do go and buy his music on bandcamp, it’s super old school techno!

[@mylarmelodies]

Just seen this, and hah, Scanner happened and I'm working on ALM!

[@geraldwebb3437]

What a truly fascinating interview. I have enjoyed this tremendously.. Please keep them coming.... USA!

[@Digiphex]

I knew about his VCA but didn't think of him as a music artist. Thanks for bringing to light the many facets of the man. I will check out his music as well.

[@firstperson2757]

Interesting discussion of the 4-4 beat (very much preaching to the converted in my case)

[@carloschafin9144]

Really wonderful with lots of interesting bits, but it desperately needs more focus and editorial. I hope that is taken as constructive because I do love learning about people like Justin. Keep it up!

[@mylarmelodies]

Ta, can you elaborate on ‘focus and editorial’?

[@bigmiff1876]

I couldn't disagree more - I think these 'existential ruminations' are what make these conversations so enlightening, and get me thinking about how to make music in new and thought-provoking ways. I could have happily listened for hours.

[@baltergeistsound8366]

"There is a space for everyone in eurorack." Yep (later 40s dad says YES!).

[@JamesStiff]

Oh balls! Now I'm really torn. I was about to sell my Rings to fund a Digitakt. Thanks for making me doubt myself! Another insightful episode. Any chance of an ALM interview on the horizon?

[@mylarmelodies]

Yep, will happen, just trying to find a date and place!

[@JamesStiff]

I look forward to that. Matthew is a lovely chap. PS. Plaits release just scuppered my Digitakt purchase so it looks like Rings proceeds will be funding an Akemie's Taiko!

[@TerekkiTerekki]

Great chat, Octocontroller will never leave my system

[@stevebuchan6642]

having limits is freeing. i totally agree. the less you can do, the more you do with what you have. it encourages experimentation

[@alexblunt7493]

Can't wait for more of these!

[@joshbassett]

Loved it, great chat!

[@Jaysusitsme]

I really enjoyed this interview! - can't wait until the next one. Kudos to Mylar for hosting and Justin for being so interesting. I'll now end my sycophancy :)

[@tgeo2880]

Intentional CV bleed could be a really beautiful sound design choice

[@robertsyrett1992]

You should look at the module "The Bends" from Warm Star. It can definitely be used that way.

[@EricAndre615]

Agree, key word is intentional rather than unwanted.

[@ogasi1798]

great series this fella , thumbs up

[@FunkTree]

Excellent episode !

[@Koboto]

Great Content! Looking forward to checking out the album. Take care bro!

[@EricAndre615]

I feel the same way about all the screens on modules and find it a bit of a turn off, in general. However, the screen on the Pittsubrgh Modular Game System module I find very inspiring and creative. The Mordax Data module is actually a really great tool. Being able to see the wave forms can be a great visual element for sound design and learning. Aside from those sort of applications though, eh. Also, you definitely sold me on the Abstract Data triple VCA. Added to the want list.

[@OB1techno]

I really love this series. Just rewatched this one as it's awesome! Justin's such an interesting guy. Thanks 🖤

[@SkullDraizer]

Wooo! MFOS!

[@TimRichardson1984]

loving the orbital chat!

[@aaronbrown2587]

This was great! Justin was very articulate and engaging. Loving this series :)

[@TOMLEW1S]

Justin is a such a dude!

[@els1f]

I really love this series Mr. Mylar. Also, I finally know how to pronounce Cwejman 1:12:10... I've only ever seen it written 😄

[@bleepbloop6501]

Awesome as always!

[@FunkTree]

Love this...I subscribed via iTunes ...great guest too

[@tgeo2880]

I have dreamt about the brain-techno converter as well!

[@tgeo2880]

Also, dreamt techno is the real top-shelf merchandise

[@gabrielhaggebrink6700]

This stuff is great

[@ebuzogany9190]

When you say you wanted an 808 - is this what you meant? www.luxfanzine.com/distilled-for-enjoyment-808-whisky/

[@xydamage9754]

Yay!

[@pieterkok7486]

great interview! one request: could you add links in the description to topics in the interview so we have an idea what's being talked about and also to get straight to some parts we're particularly interested in?

[@mylarmelodies]

Good shout, hard admin but will try to pad out the descriptions more

[@iandoesallthethings]

Is this podcast going up on streaming apps? (I.e. Google play) It would make it much easier to listen in the car.

[@mylarmelodies]

Apple Podcasts yes - I can’t add to Google Play because I’m in the U.K.!! Nicely done google.

[@KentuckyMusic]

“Fuck yeah”

[@grimtop4000]

yuuusssssss

[@brood1658]

Good chat!!

[@Yor_Sothoth]

was that a german "Wie geht's?" at 0:27 ? :D

[@benfay]

What’s that music you talk about around minute 26?

[@abstractdatabiz]

Perc? That would be Ali (Perc) Wells who runs the amazing Perc Trax label here in London. HTH!

[@benfay]

Thanks!

[@tgeo2880]

What a guy!

[@tomwatson7626]

Like on sight. Is that the TR-8 or the TR-08?

[@mylarmelodies]

TR-08

[@positronalpha]

I get lots of stuttering in this video. Just me? Great interview nonetheless!

[@DivKid]

harsh/hard video edits with no fade?

[@positronalpha]

No, just choppy playback. On mobile device. The edits are fine.

[@user-th6rh8zp3t]

what is perk

[@abstractdatabiz]

That would be Ali 'Perc' Wells who runs the Perc Trax label here in London.

[@user-th6rh8zp3t]

Thanks!

[@brood1658]

Good chat!

[@firstperson2757]

Why are 8-step sequencer so common in modular, whereas most non-modular devices with step sequencers (e.g. Korg Volcas, Roland Boutiques, Korg Electribe, to name three I have in front of me) have 16 step sequencers?

[@mylarmelodies]

firstperson Physical space!

[@firstperson2757]

Ah! Of course, I looked past the simplest answer.