Deep dive into the world of Synthesizer Evolution via 2 pocket-sized zines

Celebrating the world of synthesizers, Oli Freke has released the continuation of the Synthesizer Evolution series with two new releases: ‘Vintage Synths’ and ‘Drum Machines and Samplers’.

His first release came in 2021 when he wrote the book ‘Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (and Back)’ which details every single prominent synth, sampler and drum machine created between the '60s and '90s.

The book housed a directory of personally hand-drawn illustrations, essential facts and information while putting together the synth’s overall history and musical impact.

Now with his double release of the series, Freke has formatted them into smaller A6 zines that are split into two categories — ‘Vintage Synths’ and ‘Drum Machines and Samplers’.

Read this next: AMSynths to release Roland clone DIODE-01, a new Eurorack module

The first edition, ‘Vintage Synth’ dives into the invention of the synthesizer in the '60s and it goes into how the new sound historically changes the evolution of the music industry. It includes 46 of the most interesting and influential synths from the '30s to the late '90s such as the Moog Modular, ARP 2600, Buchla Music Box Series 100, Yamaha DX7, Roland Jupiter 8 and many more.

Volume two, ‘Drum Machines and Samplers’, talks about the invention and history of these musical instruments. It also includes 46 of the most important drum machines and samplers from the '40s to the late '90s such as the Korg Doncamatic, Roland TR-808, Roland TR-909, Akai S1000, Fairlight CMI, Korg Mini Pops 7, Akai MPC60 and many more.

Read this next: Korg has created a virtual reality production studio

Bringing things a bit closer to home, the team behind the series SynthAsia explores the synth culture in Southeast Asia as they discover two synth specialists who are based in Thailand.

The first episode of the series introduces Siam Modular in Chiang Mai and the second episode talks to Voxmachina in Bangkok. This mini docu-series looks to shine a light on those who have honed their craft in the local scene while learning more about what Asia has to offer when it comes to modular to traditional synths.

To purchase Oli Freke’s new zines, click here for ‘Vintage Synths’ and here for ‘Drum Machines and Samplers’.

Miki Kitasako is Mixmag Asia’s Social Media and Content Producer, follow her on LinkedIn.