Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio
The heart of MESS is the MESS Studio, a fully functioning sound production workshop representing one of the most unique, eclectic and historically significant collections of electronic instruments in the world. Working from within the studio is the MESS School, a place for people to engage with the history, technique and artistry of electronic sound and music creation presented in a format that is flexible, affordable and artist driven. Work created at the studio and school is supported by MESS Show to promote unique performance events and recording releases reflecting the diversity of sound created at MESS alongside historical releases from the vault of Australian electronic music . Finally MESS Schematic not only maintains the instruments in the MESS Studio collection, it also offers a space for the development of new instrument ideas focussing on design, engineering and construction.
I remember watching a YouTube video a few months ago with Jack Antonoff showing up his elaborate setup. I thought it would be fascinating to actually see all the original equipment. I did not realise that I had such a space in my own city. The list of equipment is phenomenal. Definitely going to be looking into this further.
It really is an incredible place!
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That looks pretty awesome Chris. I love the idea of a space where you can tinker and play. I recently stumbled upon a local establishment – Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio – designed to explore the past associated with electronic music. Now to find the time to visit.
I remember first listening to this podcast from Paul Sheeky years ago. In a series of episodes he charts some of the technology and movements. I returned to it recently spurred on by the work of Chris Beckstrom and the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio (not that I have been). Along with the compilation OHM: Early Gurus of Electronic Music and the documentary Synth Britannia, this podcast is a great resource for appreciating the history associated with electronic music.
James Vyver explores the development of Fairlight in the 1980’s, a musical instrument that involved the ability an extensive sound library, a multi-track sequencer and a sampler. Vyver speaks with a number of those involved in the development of the instrument, including Peter Vogel, Kim Ryrie and Peter Wielk. MESS have also put together a great piece in conjunction with Google Arts & Culture, with links to a number of other resources, including Vox’s video on the origin of the orchestra hit.
It is amazing to consider that in its time, a Fairlight cost as much as a house. Whereas now I can purchase an app like Koala Sampler, and easily capture and create sample base music.