BENNY BLANCO® : BLANCODISCO » Video

Excellent Heaven 17 / B.E.F. Documentary

benny blanco — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:37:35 +0000

Came across this sort of by accident by reading an article on the blog… slicingupeyeballs.com (an 80′s college rock band blog, it’s good).

Anyway, this documentary covers the formation of the band with Glen and Martyn being on camera. Unfortunately, one of the members, Ian, didn’t want to be a part of the Heaven 17 efforts anymore. Really down to earth view of the band. The documentary’s main focus is the making of the Penthouse and Pavement album and how it came to be. Not a studio/geek look, but the real life story outside of the studio. Also, a nice bit on how the split of the original Human League went down too with Phil Oakey.

If yer fan.. check out all 6 parts on youtube on VideodromeDisco’s Channel. Tons of other clips there too.

After watching, I actually felt sort of inspired to be creative again.. so… I must find something to do!

New Ripperton ArcadeFire Remix, using TouchAble?

benny blanco — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:26:21 +0000

Could it be an upcoming Arcade Fire remix from the techno artist, Ripperton, or just play as he demos the TouchAble app for iPad and AbletonLive.

Yet Another Multi-Touch Screen DJ Interface to share

benny blanco — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:27:35 +0000

This video is a student’s senior thesis project on a proposed new dj system. Don’t know for sure what the engine is in the background as I doubt they also engineered there own DJ App. However, I have a hunch that it may be Serato given the fx names/types in the demo where this interface overlays the real dj software in the background. I’m highlighting this work because it shows yet more innovation in the space of new touch screen dj controllers. I’m not too keen on this interface for control myself, but I do like the minimal design look. The video brushes upon feeling a little hipster-ish. They try to promote that all a DJ should have to bring to a gig is a drive. But, that should already be the case today and it isn’t yet. Even with all the proliferation of laptop dj’s out there today, decks, cdj and analog mixers are still the main installs you see out and about at venues, not computers/laptops with an audio interface.

Multi Touch Light Table: GERGWERK from GERG WERK on Vimeo.

UPDATE (08.14.10):
DJ Tech Tools have just published article going more in depth behind the scenes with this DJ Concept. The video is essentially a hoax and the actual audio you hearing is not tied to a fully working touch screen interface. So…. not quite there yet technologically yet.

Even More Next Gen Like, or Minority Report Style Touch Screen Traktor Controller

benny blanco — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 15:05:32 +0000

Even more futuristic looking, I reckon this is another 1 of 1 edition. Still like the physical knobs of the previous post’s controller though.

“emulator” on töken concept from yöyen munchausen on Vimeo.

UPDATE (08.14.10):
Here’s a second video by the creator, Pablo Martin, being executed on a laptop.

Real Star Trek Next Generation Controller

benny — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:10:16 +0000

this thing looks soooOOooooo sick.

I reckon it’s 1 of 1.

Korg Monotron Synth Song+Performance

bennyblanco — Wed, 05 May 2010 10:43:22 +0000

This is pretty sweet example of what you can do with one synth and some multi-tracking. Pretty cool track too, well done Koishi.

These Korg Monotrons are going really cheap too ($60-$80). I think I may just have to get me one to compliment my original MS-20.

Vince Clarke ‘Make Something From Nothing’

bennyblanco — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:04:43 +0000

No, it’s not a new Erasure tune or solo track, but a philosophy that keeps the synth song writing machine percolating. This ‘Dell’ sponsored interview peers into Vince’s current home and studio called ‘the cabin’ way up in Portland, Maine. A room surrounded in perfectly mounted synthesizers becomes the envy of anyone who’s ever twisted a knob. The clip does a nice job touching upon some light history with Depeche Mode, Yazoo and the song writing process with Andy in Erasure. Towards the very end of the clip, Vince actually gets into some live programming on a Roland System 100 Modular synth sequencing a simple kick and snare rhythm. Kick it to full screen mode for maximum effect.

You Just Can’t Get Enough : Synth Britannia

benny blanco — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:22:34 +0000

Seem to have a nice stream of ‘likes’ on this stuff this week… so… let’s keep churning it out. Synth Britannia is a BBC produced documentary on late 70′s / 80′s Synth Pop. Stellar.
Required viewing if you’re a child of the 80′s.

Check out this trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNiGnTSrL5o

You’ll have to poke around the interwebs to find a download, but… I think you all can be pretty crafty.

More Drum Machine / Synth Geekery via Moby

benny blanco — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:29:59 +0000

Here’s Moby’s jam packed and functional studio with a mega load of Gear.
To one day be in a living situation where I’ll be able to do the same again (but on 10th a scale),
is mere fantasy right now. Much of my own gear is in dresser drawers and boxes.

We will meet again.

Anyway, Enjoy the clip.

DJ Feed : Livestream

benny blanco — Tue, 26 May 2009 02:29:40 +0000

Check out my new DJ Feed Page.

I’ll begin posting some mix archives on here and every so often i’ll microblog to you all when I may be doing a live impromptu session here in the blancodisco.

I finally had a moment to work out a few more kinks from Mogulus’, now, Livestream broadcasting software. They have a pretty impressive array of tools. The software is now in ‘beta’ even though they offer a “Pro” version. The forums are a little light on info… as I was trying to figure out way to get express install working in case people didn’t have the right version of flash available to no avail.

I suppose my biggest technical feat was figuring out how to easily pipe in a good clean audio signal without creating an audio feedback loop. This is what I did… I took the digital optical s/pdif out of my Edirol FA-101 (it runs through a few other digital hardware boxes in my rack) and then route back into the native optical s/pdif digital input on my Mac (quad core tower). In the Audio/Midi setup under the Audio Tab, I created a new ‘aggregated device’ and simply only selected the digital input which does not have surprisingly map to the digital output. so, right here, this pretty much prevented a feedback loop with the audio occurring.

In livestream, under the audio preferences, I selected the aggregated device for my input source and adjusted the ‘mic’ level. when I went into live broadcast or record mode, i also turned off audio montioring.

This must be the place….

benny blanco — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:06:55 +0000

While crawling the outer reaches of the blogosphere, I came across the video clip in my journeys. David Byrne performing with an orchestra on the BBC. Sure, that in-itself is not unusual for Mr. Byrne, but this performance takes you back to the days of the Talking Heads in one of their more catchy tunes, “This Must Be The Place.”

Me likely like. The drum playing is a little too ho hum for me and could of had a drum loop playing for all I care…. but… the strings, the marimba riffs and David is still able to belt out the tune are sure to turn any frown upside down. enjoy. Happy Friday Y’alls.

Love ‘im, Hate ‘im Trent Reznor’s chat with Digg’s Kevin Rose….

benny blanco — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 05:25:03 +0000

is an entertaining glimpse into Trent’s (NIN) world focusing mostly on Music Business/State of the Industry sort of questions with a little fluff thrown in for good measure.

He speaks more in depth what NIN has done and is doing currently, and even offers advice on how to go about getting yourself out there today all while giving a little history recap of how it use to be, but no more. He often makes jabs at the overall ‘big music congolomeretes’ and that they still, just don’t get it. He still feels that we’re probably still a few years off to the new digital models get worked out. Either way, the NIN camp will keep at it trying to innovate and push things along. Bottom line I think for Trent as mentioned in a previous video found on this site, the message is still find ways to connect to your fans in interesting ways that make you stand apart. Then, they may purchase that concert ticket. The music, the videos…. they’ll always end up being free.

If you’re looking for old road story gossip about hangin out with skinny puppy and uncle al, er, Ministry, there’s none of that to be found here. There’s one bit near the very end on the last question, where he sort of quickly blurted that he was a recovering addict (drug) himself in reference to whether or not the band’s bass player being a Scientologist was a problem for Trent.

The video/audio quality is quite well, and is even a 2 Camera shoot!

Dutch Rhythm Combo – Video

benny blanco — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:53:54 +0000

This is a pretty new find for me that I’m diggin’ on and just came across his video on his myspace page.

The Dutch Rhythtm Combo sound brings a nice latin/brazillian feel to the nu disco sound and the “Bionaire” single offers up some tasty dancefloor friendly remixes.

(Dutch Rhythm Combo “Bonaire – Blackjoy Rough Demo Mix”)

The mix by blackjoy aint so bad either.