Ed Herrmann studied music composition and electronic music with Thomas McKenney at the University of Missouri, where he learned analog synthesis on an EMS synthi and Emu modular. Later, a three panel Serge system became his primary instrument; much later adding eurorack, Moog, and acoustic instruments. Equally at home with free improvisation, analog electronics, and invented instruments, Ed Herrmann has performed throughout the US and in Berlin and Zagreb. He has composed music for dance, theater, and broadcast; created site specific sound installations; produced and hosted radio, podcasts, and audio tours.
lyrics
« In college I became fascinated with the possibilities of analog modular synthesis. Chaos theory was popular at the time, and I thought of modular patches as chaotic systems, based on waves interacting with waves, in which the smallest change could produce large consequences. The Serge system, with nearly every module able to send and receive control voltages, is perfect for this approach. I don’t remember how I heard about Serge, but in 1983 I wrote to him on Haight Street in San Francisco. He sent me a catalog of modules and over the course of our correspondence we came up with a three panel system that became my main instrument for the next 30 years. The first piece I made was a sinister bass line that was the theme for a radio production of Orwell’s 1984.
I love the spontaneity and non-repeatability of the Serge in live performances. I sometimes recorded, but almost never took notes on patches, instead preferring to immerse myself in the moment, trying to understand everything that is happening in a patch and remembering it. Someone once asked why I never used delays or reverb or other signal processing. I said, “The Serge doesn’t need external signal processing. The Serge is signal processing." »
credits
from Modulisme Session 035,
released February 14, 2021
The Case Against Reason was recorded in 1985
Modulisme (translates Modularism) is a media supporting leftfield Electronic music (giving priority to Modular Synthesis but
not only). Providing ressources/interviews, a radio program aired via 7 antennas, and above all label-like streaming music for you to listen to…...more
supported by 10 fans who also own “The Case Against Reason”
Each of these tracks are skeleton keys that open a portal into another dimension. As such, they are all wonderful in their own right. This release reaches back in time to an age of analog semi-generative ambient exploration. Very much worth a listen. 69dragynz
supported by 9 fans who also own “The Case Against Reason”
Ciani is a master of synthesis. It astounds me that somehow I only recently discovered her through this album which sings to all the best parts of the west coast synth world of its era. nujumi
All proceeds from this hard-hitting industrial techno compilation go to benefit relief organizations helping Ukraine. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 24, 2022
undulating contours manipulates field recordings and sets them in new contexts—against mirage-like melodies that amplify their surrealness. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 21, 2021
From North Carolina, 6wx_o unveils an EP of dazzling analog synth music, with melodies alternately soothing & mysterious. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 22, 2021