Taking Two - Spivkurl

10th Jan 2015 20:49 - 11 years ago
Description : Built a little portable synth recently, which I called "Breaking Blue" after the song I was making while building the synth... This is a song made from sounds of this synth only. Minimal stuff... I was thinking of Hardcore 8-bit/square wave type of things. To see what I've been building, visit the Spivkurl Blog!

Comments (29)

If you have time take a listen and give Spivkurl some feedback.

SHWAK
SHWAK 2nd Mar 2015 21:55 - 11 years ago
it would be awesome if you uploaded that synth sound that starts at 0:26
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 12th Mar 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey, thanks for listening! I could probably manage to upload a loop made with that sound. I uploaded this as "creative commons" on soundcloud, so it's kind of a free for all. That specific sound plays a few different patterns in the song. I appreciate the listen!
KAMPUTERA
KAMPUTERA 8th Feb 2015 02:57 - 11 years ago
This would be a great soundtrack for an 8 or 16 bit video game. Pulsing and high tempo like a space simulator or Dig Dug Donkey Kong video game. Nice go!
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 20th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Thank you for the kind comment and the listen! I had some fun with 8 bit games, but 16 bit is definitely where my heart lies. I'm happy it brought back memories of old games for you. I miss the old games, but at the same time I'm glad they don't rule my life like they did when I was younger. Appreciate you stopping by!
MightyMemphis
MightyMemphis 6th Feb 2015 23:47 - 11 years ago
Muey cray-cray. Intense and weird. Creative none-the-less. :)

- Memphis
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 20th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
You pretty much summed up the song there! Intense and weird are aspects I like to include in most of my songs. I appreciate the listen and comment! Thank you!
ZankFrappa
ZankFrappa 3rd Feb 2015 15:02 - 11 years ago
A good track. There, I said it!
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 20th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Thank you? Strange comment for sure...
DanGoldstein
DanGoldstein 1st Feb 2015 17:01 - 11 years ago
it's really great to hear the super fast lick. we don't hear enough of that energy in the "solo". really conjures imagery for me of a a robot planet, or robot insect colony. neat work, Pat. huge fav!
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 19th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
I've found a lot of comfort in making pretty uptempo stuff lately, it's just satisfying. I appreciate you giving some feedback! I guess I was a bit confused by your statement - "we don't hear enough of that energy in the "solo"" ... care to elaborate? It does have a fairly robotic vibe to it, I hear dat! Thank you for the listen and fave!
promenade2239
promenade2239 1st Feb 2015 15:21 - 11 years ago
hi. ok, so now I can hear the track in it's entirety and I must say it's pretty funky - just like most of 8 bit cheap music. Nice bass-laser kind of groove. I am curious about programming the sequences on the synths like this... I mean... if I will come up with some specific musical patterns on the keyboard would it be possible also to input all that into this machine somehow? Can you play the melodies on it or it's just a step-sequencer? When starting my laptop music-making I was really interested in that kind of synthesized music but still I find programming the vst modular synths as a very time-consuming activity. Honestly I do not use even too much automation but only layering to work faster...
Anyway this piece was really enjoyable. Thanks.
Best to you, Alex
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 1st Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey friend, thank you for the comment on the song! I guess the synth is a bit hard to explain to someone who is used to traditional instruments or software. Firstly, I should say, it is not a step sequencer. In this song, it is used as a sample source basically, except the kick loop was spat out of the synth pretty much as is. It would be possible to play a melody with the synth, provided you have a control voltage source, such as a CV keyboard. This would not conform to traditions either though, as the VCO response is essentially linear. To play a tradition scale, for example, would not work with a standard 1v/Octave keyboard, as the scale is exponential. Feeding the CV input with a keyboard or sequencer would be more well suited to microtonal work. This is not really a modular synth, as it only has jacks for output and pitch control voltage... The CV jack makes it compatible with modular CV signals in a way that mimics any other linear VCO module. So I will reiterate, the synth was built as a portable standalone sound source. I took the samples I wanted and used them as I would any other sample, thus allowing me to use the sounds in a more traditional manner than would be possible otherwise. I have never ran across a VST modular which I enjoyed making sounds on, and they have been notoriously CPU heavy as well. I've been really enjoying making sample based music lately, and the more samples one has, the more possibilities there are. I am especially fond of one shots, which is part of why I like to build and sample my own gear. Personally, I try to layer as little as possible, especially of things playing the same sequence. It makes mixing much less straightforward. I suppose that's where minimal comes in. Thank you for your questions and comments! I appreciate it!
digitalmusicmaniac
digitalmusicmaniac 31st Jan 2015 01:29 - 11 years ago
Pretty cool 8 bit synth you created. Took me back to the old style video games I use to play. Nice job with this!
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 19th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Thanks man. I guess the synth isn't technically 8 bit, but it has that sort of sound. Those old games did have some cool soundtracks! I appreciate you listening and leaving a comment!
soundhound
soundhound 23rd Jan 2015 18:35 - 11 years ago
Very disturbing in the top end, not something one would want to listen to
for any length of time, I gave it 16/bars and that was more than enough...

An experiment none the less, off the wall yes...Well done yes...

Peace...TG.
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 15th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Hello, thank you for the honest comment! I'm thinking that the negative harmonics of square wave synthesis are not for all sets of ears. I find the high frequencies in this song quite pleasing, though I could hear why some would not. I appreciate you taking a short listen!
RealProblemShuckers
RealProblemShuckers 23rd Jan 2015 17:34 - 11 years ago
This comment is hidden.
BradoSanz
BradoSanz 22nd Jan 2015 05:40 - 11 years ago
Wow, talk about a unique sound you got there! You do create some pretty original stuff, man. Keep it up. Cheers!
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 14th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Thank you for the kind feedback! I'm just in love with sampling gear that I build from scratch lately. Happy it sounds unique to you! Appreciate it man!
LivingInSilence
LivingInSilence 22nd Jan 2015 05:32 - 11 years ago
Ahh yes I remember seeing "Breaking Blue" on your blog not long ago. Sounds like a pretty cool little synth, got some great noises coming out of that thing.
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 13th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Thanks for taking a listen to this one! Had a lot of fun limiting my sound source. To quote Kosmo Kramer - "I really enjoy depriving myself of things." Sometimes it's nice to design sounds with no thought of computers or MIDI sequences, and just see what happens with the sounds. Appreciate the comment!
Neomorpheus
Neomorpheus 22nd Jan 2015 02:01 - 11 years ago
Hey Spiv !
Man this is crazy ! It does sort of resemble chip tune in a way. Great job in developing the melodies and keeping it evolving. Some pretty high pitched ear testing stuff in there too. I felt myself wanting to raise my hands left and right along with the panning !!
Nice cutting edged track, I dig it !
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 13th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey Neomorpheus, good to hear from you on this track! There are logic chips involved in the construction of this synth, so I guess it could be classed as chiptune. I always think of chiptune as involving the sound generating chips from old games such as gameboy and atari stuff, but I think the way it is perceived is changing. I'm glad the melodies sound like they are evolving, because underneath it all it's pretty simple. I guess it's high pitched in a way, I think it's more the span of the harmonics, as the fundamental pitches are not all that high in relation to the human hearing spectrum. Put your hands in the air! Am I right?! Thank you for the listen and comment my friend!
promenade2239
promenade2239 21st Jan 2015 17:30 - 11 years ago
hi. People leave comments here simply because they WANT SOMETHING. That might sound strange but it is true. I also produce and upload tracks and comments cause I want something.
I have some serious problem each time when playing tracks on the site. Cant remember that last one I heard as an entire song. Other sites seem to work smoothly though. It is because I try too much. Sometimes I can download the track if allowed. Being on the site is a hard work.

This is all driven by the future outcome. So called Me Ego.
Nothing wrong with that. Again I am sorry for sounding so spiritual. Just reading the comments below. Does not matter if the track is good or not good. Who cares.

Definitely your track is very unique, I need some more time to fully appreciate it.

Btw maybe you could tell me how to upload more tracks here. I saw SJ has over 130. Probably it is only for some commercial reason. I am just curious, I do not think that I will possibly get more exposure (and produce better music) when uploading more tracks, it sounds silly.
Best, Alex
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 12th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey, sorry I didn't reply publicly until today, I've gotten behind on replies due to my projects mostly. I know what you mean regarding the "WANT SOMETHING" idea. Honestly, I'm almost disappointed when people don't want something. I don't mind thinking that someone is just commenting on my track so they can get a comment back. Sometimes the person's songs aren't my kind of thing, but I return the favor any way. Sometimes though, I end up hearing something excellent that I may not have otherwise. Not sure about other sites, I guess I use Soundcloud on occasion... but there, things get some attention for about a day or two, and then nothing. Here, as long as one stays active and involved, then you will most likely get a lot of good feedback. I appreciate your comment, even though it confused me slightly. Thank you!
Livingsoulsdie
Livingsoulsdie 20th Jan 2015 00:04 - 11 years ago
You made this synth. There are some pretty neat sounds comming out of this thing. I also feel like im on a wired trip :)
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 12th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey, thank you very much for listening! I really dig square wave FM synthesis, and hope to do more with this sort of build. Trip away, my friend!
fotisg
fotisg 18th Jan 2015 19:37 - 11 years ago
There is a nice and a bit strange (with the good meaning) feeling listening to this. It's catchy and original. Found myself taking a 2nd play after the 1st finished. Nice one Spiv
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 11th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Thank you friend for the nice comment! Pretty much all of my stuff is strange, so I don't take it the wrong way. Happy that you wanted to hear it again! It's a bit short, so it's understandable. Appreciate it!
Tumbleweed
Tumbleweed 18th Jan 2015 17:29 - 11 years ago
build your own instrument and play your own song...I dont think you could get any more original and unique than that Spiv....(I have done it with guitars...but thats not about to produce some kind of new unheard sounds haha)...I couldn`t honestly say its my kind of music...but I just had to have a listen and pay my respects to an artist who really is an artist........Ed
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 11th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey Ed, totally appreciate the kind comment, especially on a song that is not up your alley! I guess I've just been trying to hone my sampling chops lately, and this was a good opportunity... limiting my sound source and doing what I could with it. I love building stuff, and it seems like I create a new instrument about as often as I put out a song any more. Thank you for stopping by!
FreeRadical
FreeRadical 17th Jan 2015 20:26 - 11 years ago
There's definitely something about this because i'm back for another listen.
Just thought i'd let you know that.
FR
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 6th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Thank you again! It's always nice to have someone come back for more, especially if it isn't something fresh. Appreciate it man!
cg5music
cg5music 17th Jan 2015 14:51 - 11 years ago
Weird. Thats all I can say. But if I were to play an 8-bit videogame, I would have this playing in my ears, so pretty good.
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 7th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Thank you for listening! If you knew me in "real" life, you'd definitely know that I was a weird one... so it makes sense that my music would reflect that. It's been so long since I played a video game that I barely remember what the songs sounded like, but I appreciate the comparison. I appreciate your comment!
theHumps
theHumps 16th Jan 2015 21:14 - 11 years ago
Not only did you create the music but the instruments to play the music on, too cool man.

Can't say I have any cd's or albums with music like this on it but it doesn't mean I don't like it or can't appreciate what went into putting this track together. It's upbeat and fun and unique, perfect! nice one Spiv!

Wayne
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 7th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey Wayne, I appreciate the feedback! I don't know if I can lay claim to playing the music on this synth, more like creating the sounds, but I know what you mean (and not all my instruments are like that). I'm not sure if I even have any albums with stuff like this on it, but I wouldn't mind finding some! I wanted it to be a fun song, so that makes me happy. Thank you very much for taking a listen!
FreeRadical
FreeRadical 16th Jan 2015 17:12 - 11 years ago
This is really mad. It's a bit like Mario on an acid trip or something. I don't know how you build your synths but you always manage to come up with really original sounding stuff. This would be great in an old school video game.
Breaking boundries as always.
FR
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 6th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Mario on an acid trip? You sure we haven't met before? I'm definitely more of a mario than a luigi, and the acid trip is a given. Up to this point, every piece of synth gear has been one off, and to tell you the truth, I'm not fully sure how I built most of it. Have schematics drawn for some prototypes, but I don't usually update after I get them running as desired. This synth is fun for it's simplicity. Was watching Hoarders a couple days ago and say a guy with a Sega Genesis and a Super Nintendo, and it made me long for those long nights of playing... though what I really miss is Stun Runner. Thanks for the kind comment!
djtheobserver01
djtheobserver01 16th Jan 2015 16:47 - 11 years ago
Yo yo !

when i hear the first booms i thought really ; oops, little misfit .
but when you got use to the basedrum
and the other instrumens are comming in
then the basedrum got some power,
its very nice to hear .
i also love the funny synths ...

great one !
Greetzz
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 6th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey friend, thank you very much for the comment! How you describe the progression of the song is pretty much what I intended... like you are moved to accept what you're hearing after the initial shock. Wasn't going for a very sub heavy kick sound, just grabbed a sample I thought sounded good. It's great to hear from you!
15ludwicke
15ludwicke 16th Jan 2015 16:37 - 11 years ago
Love the chip tune vibes from this song. Great use of analog synths. Did you use sylenth for this?

Good Job,
Rico L.
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 16th Jan 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey, thank you for the listen and comment! I'm usually about 3 weeks behind in replying lately, but I felt this needed a response right away during lunch. I found it interesting that you mention chip tune, analog synths, and sylenth all in the same comment. All of those things are totally different things. Real chip tune is made from digital sound producing chips which were included in old school games and toys. Analog synths are solid state circuits built with creative sound possibilities in mind. Sylenth is a software synthesizer. I definitely did not use Sylenth, in fact mentioned in the description that all sounds in this track come from the "Breaking Blue" synth which I recently built. No VST synths were used. The synth is built from a combination of digital logic, solid state devices, and passive components - So really doesn't fall into any of the categories you mentioned. Chip tune would be the closest because of the logic involved, and of course the sound of the track. Didn't mean to write a book here, just wanted to clarify. Thank you very much for checking out the track!
StrikingDaggers
StrikingDaggers 12th Jan 2015 20:12 - 11 years ago
Another great track Spivkurl! It's so unique but of course that's your style. Which I have always really enjoyed listening too. The 8 bit sounds take me back to my NES days. I love the fact that it's so gritty. This ones a Fav. Truly nice work.
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 6th Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Thank man! I appreciate the fact that you're open to a lot of different styles of music. Interesting you mention NES, eventually it will become apparent why. Thank you very much for the kind review!
arkeyetexture
arkeyetexture 12th Jan 2015 15:10 - 11 years ago
Chiptune Industrial House music, thats what i get from it, I love it! great sounding synth good work Spiv!
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 3rd Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey Ark, good to see you around! Thank you for the kind comment! The synth is fun to sample and mess around with, and it makes me happy that the sounds had an effect on the listeners. Appreciate it!
EtherBlu
EtherBlu 12th Jan 2015 14:35 - 11 years ago
Interesting stuff, Liked the flow!! quite frankly, I dont listen to this genre, but i had a great time listening to it!

Looking forward!

- EB
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 3rd Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey there, thank you for the kind comment! I don't really listen to this genre either I guess, as I've never heard a song that quite fit the aesthetics before. It seems to have had a polarizing effect on the listeners though, so I guess I succeeded in that respect. I really appreciate you stopping by to listen and leave your words!
BigPete
BigPete 11th Jan 2015 17:03 - 11 years ago
classic, a great artist is someone with an unmistakable signature, and usually people either love or hate, I aoways loved your signature and again just a joyfull experience. Very fun track and creative as usual from Spiv.
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 1st Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Thank you Pete for another great comment! I've never had much luck with trying to sound like other artists, and it seems like other people have as much trouble making my sort of sounds, so I guess it works out. Makes me happy you found it joyful, as that's the effect it had on my while making it. Appreciate the positive vibrations!
Diskonnect
Diskonnect 11th Jan 2015 10:41 - 11 years ago
Yup, definitely a spivkurl track after about 1 second haha. I like how all the sounds are made from one synth, helps to make it more cohesive. Nice and quirky track, I enjoyed listening once again! :)
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 1st Feb 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey friend, thank you for the kind comment! It was fun making use of some of the early recordings of the synth, just as test if nothing else. Happy that you enjoyed listening!
crucethus
crucethus 10th Jan 2015 21:55 - 11 years ago
Nice, analogue gritty and raunchy work.
cru
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 30th Jan 2015 - 11 years ago
Thanks bud! Had fun trying the synth out on this one! Been sitting there ever since pretty much, as I've been "tuning" my modular and circuit bending lately. It will get used again though. Glad you could stand the annoying sounds! Appreciate the comment and listen!
surya94
surya94 10th Jan 2015 21:14 - 11 years ago
weird in a nice sort of way./...
u da man spiv

Zeno
Spivkurl
Spivkurl replied 30th Jan 2015 - 11 years ago
Hey thanks friend! I'm happy that some people can get into this style of music. Thinking that people aren't used to interacting square waves in a very raw form, but it's definitely some of my favorite types of sounds. Good to hear from you!

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