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Book Launch report - 23rd Nov 2023

My book launch took place on 23rd November, to celebrate the launch of my two new zines - ‘Vintage Synths’ and ‘Drum Machines & Samplers’. Check Velocity Press for online ordering details - or your local book / record shop!


DJ Tom F

DJ Tom F kicked the evening off with a selection of cool electronic synth vibes covering synth based tracks from 90s classics of Underworld and Hardfloor to … modern stuff I didn’t recognise, but liked a great deal!

Oli Freke - Synth Talk

Then I gave a great talk* covering the entire history of synthesizers, samplers and drum machines, with over 70 audio samples in only 40 minutes. *this could come under the category of ‘in my opinion! :-)

Quite a challenge to cover everything I wanted to, and in reality couldn’t cover it all. But was pleased with the reception it got and was great to highlight some of the key moments in synth evolution with the corresponding audio. This is something you can’t do on posters or even in a book!

DJ Rob Vanden

Rob played great sets in between my bits and later in the evening covering some great tunes in the Autonomic and Drum’n’Bass genres.

Next time he promises us a Live Modular set! :-)

Oli Freke - Live Set

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Unfortunately I didn’t get any photos or live footage from my actual gig that I played later that evening. I really must remember to ask someone to do that for me next time! But not to worry - the above video is that live performance, one take, with live SH-101 and Moog Prodigy, and plenty of live Ableton loop manipulations.

Is always nice to get the rig out there and playing live, doesn’t happen often enough. (Book me now!)

The visuals I’d prepared, but completely forgot to show on the night; few too many other things to organise and worry about!


It was a great evening and I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who came down that night and bought books, talked synth and generally hung out with me and fellow synth fans!