The Keyboard Chronicles

Gigging, Gear and Great Music

Roland

New ZEN-Core Sound Packs for Roland Cloud

by Leave a Comment

Roland Releases New ZEN-Core Sound Packs for ZENOLOGY and ZEN-Core Compatible Instruments on Roland Cloud
Roland has announced the release of new ZEN-Core Sound Packs, genre-specific collections that provide new sounds for Roland’s ZENOLOGY Software Synthesizer and ZEN-Core hardware.
Driven by the powerful ZEN-Core Synthesis System, Sound Packs deliver everything from vintage analog to fresh hybrid tones. Each pack focuses on a specific genre or instrument type, or features sounds from some of the world’s most exciting sound designers and leading artists.
ZEN-Core Sound Packs come in two different types: Production Packs and Instrument Packs, both of which will be dropping regularly.
Production Packs
Production Packs deliver a curated set of authentic sounds, including a custom drum kit, to explore a certain genre or style of music. Compatible with the ZENOLOGY Software Synthesizer and Roland hardware instruments with the ZEN-Core Synthesis System, all the new curated collections below feature 15 expertly crafted tones and one drum kit.
SDZ011 LazerQ
Take aim and move bodies with LazerQ—a ZEN-Core Sound Pack for producing gritty acid house and dark EBM/industrial tracks.
SDZ012 The Whip
Give in to the dark side with The Whip—a ZEN-Core Sound Pack for producing techno, dark wave, and industrial tracks.
SDZ013 Opener
Live life in the big city with Opener—a ZEN-Core Sound Pack for producing R&B and electronica tracks.
SDZ014 Panoram
Explore the depths from a new angle with Panoram—a ZEN-Core Sound Pack for producing deep house tracks.
SDZ015 Classic Groove
Keep it smooth and funky with Classic Groove—a ZEN-Core Sound Pack for producing classic hip-hop and R&B.
Release Date: June 16th 6:00 PM PDT
Instrument Packs
Roland’s forthcoming Instrument Packs for ZENOLOGY and ZEN-Core compatible instruments will focus solely on a specific kind of sound—like bass, plucks, or pads. The first five Instrument Packs will be released later this month, and previews of all five are provided below. 
SDZ016 Electro Bass
The place for synth bass—Electro Bass is a ZEN-Core Sound Pack that explores the deep end of the sonic spectrum. This curated collection features 15 expertly crafted tones and one drum kit.
SDZ017 Analog Plucks
Say a lot with a little using Analog Plucks—a ZEN-Core Sound Pack of 16 short and sweet plucked synthesizer tones.  
SDZ018 Synth Strings and Pads
Create instant atmosphere with Synth Strings and Pads—a ZEN-Core Sound Pack that fills the empty spaces and features 16 expertly crafted tones.   
SDZ019 Metallic Plucks
Create a delicate edge with Metallic Plucks—a ZEN-Core Sound Pack that evokes minimalism and cold beauty and features 16 expertly crafted tones.
SDZ020 Transitions and Risers
Get from here to there with Transitions and Risers—a ZEN-Core Sound Pack for connecting your musical ideas.  
Release Date: June 25th 6:00 PM PDT
All new ZEN-Core Sound Packs are offered with Roland Cloud Core, Ultimate and Pro memberships and can also be purchased individually as a Lifetime Key for $.99.

Roland Releases Three New Patch Collections for Roland Cloud

by Leave a Comment

Roland has announced the forthcoming releases of three new patch collections for Roland Cloud: SH-2: Space Aged, PROMARS: Curiosity, and SYSTEM-8: Frontiers, all crafted by top sound designers.
 
The SH-2: Space Aged collection features 64 presets for Roland’s recreation of the iconic SH-2, the little monosynth that could. Pulling inspiration from space, the patches in this collection take advantage of the SH-2’s arpeggiator function and evoke the constellations with their complexity, richness, and usability. Explore the black hole-like low end of “Synth Shock Bass,” or fall into an arpeggiated asteroid belt with “Gamer Glytter.” 
 
Also, from June 9 to 23, 2020, anyone with a Roland account can enjoy the SH-2 virtual synthesizer and the SH-2: Space Aged patch collection for free. Simply log in to Roland Cloud Manager, install the SH-2 from the library, and download the patch collection from the software section.
 
Release Date: June 9, 2020, 6 PM PDT
 
PROMARS: Curiosity
This collection for Roland’s recreation of the fabled PROMARS synth pays tribute to the analog powerhouse, delivering layered tones that give way to fizzy atmospherics, often within a single patch. Discover the bubbles of “1981” or the modulations of “Karhornia.” Then, take advantage of genre-tailored basses like “Italobass” for a Moroder moment or “Teutonik Bass” to capture the mood of a Berlin dance floor. 
 
Also, from June 16 to 30, anyone with a Roland account can enjoy the PROMARS virtual synthesizer and the PROMARS: Curiosity patch collection for free. Simply log into Roland Cloud Manager, install the PROMARS from your library, and download the patch collection from the software section.
 
Release Date: June 16, 2020, 6 PM PDT
 
SYSTEM-8: Frontiers 
SYSTEM-8: Frontiers is a premium patch collection for the hardware and software versions of Roland’s forward-looking SYSTEM-8 Synthesizer. SYSTEM-8: Frontiers leverages SYSTEM 8’s powerful engines to deliver mysterious arps, heartbreaking keys, and cavernous pads. Patches include the majestic “HOME”, Hydra-7”, “EBM Bass” and “The Darker Pad.”
 
Also, from June 25 to July 9, anyone with a Roland account can enjoy the SYSTEM-8 virtual synthesizer and the SYSTEM-8: Frontiers patch collection for free. Simply log into Roland Cloud Manager, install the SYSTEM-8 from your library, and download the patch collection from the software section.
 
Release Date: June 25, 2020, 6 PM PDT
 
The SH-2: Space Aged, PROMARS: Curiosity, and SYSTEM-8: Frontiers collections are offered with Roland Cloud Ultimate and Pro memberships. 
 

Bonnie McIntosh, Selena Gomez / Melanie Martinez

by Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | TuneIn | Spotify | RSS

We delve into the pop genre, speaking with Bonnie McIntosh on everything from making the transition to pop from classical music, to go-to gear and the lessons learnt when playing keyboards as part of a massive theatrical show.

Links to content mentioned during the show:

MI College of Contemporary Music

Bonnie performing with Melanie Martinez

Roland AX-Edge

Desert Island Discs: The Battle of Los Angeles – Rage Against The Machine, Self-Titled – The Dresden Dolls, Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City – Kendrick Lamar, Alive 2007 – Daft Punk, Toxicity – System of a Down

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter if you have any feedback or would like to suggest a guest (it can even be yourself!)

Andrew Farriss, Solo Artist and INXS

by Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | TuneIn | Spotify | RSS

Episode 6 sees us talk to one of the greatest Australian songwriters in rock history, Andrew Farriss. Both in his current guide as a country artist or as half of the incredible songwriting partnership with Michael Hutchence that led to INXS having worldwide success, Andrew talks gigging, songwriting and of course keyboards!

Links to content mentioned during the show:

Tania Kernaghan

Lawrie Minson

Andrew Farriss – Good Momma Bad

Andrew Farriss – Come Midnight

Andrew’s keyboards and guitars over the years

Beale upright piano – 1950’s

Ace Tone portable organ with a wobbly analog tape echo 

Steinway Model B – 1990, Bluthner grand piano – 1904

Roland SH-7 synth, Roland SH-5 synth

Roland TR-707 drum machine 

Prophet 5 synth 

Fender Rhodes 73, Wurlitzer piano 

Emulator 2  sampler

Fostex 8 track tape recorder 

Pro Tools 

Roland Juno 60 synth

Roland MKS 80 & programmer, Roland JV-1080, Roland JV-1010

Fender 1956 strat, 1968 maple Gibson 340 Semi Acoustic elec guitar 

Maton 808 ACC guitar, Gibson 1947 Southern Jumbo 

Mesa Tremoverb 

Lawrie Minson Hand made analog fx pedal

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter if you have any feedback or would like to suggest a guest (it can even be yourself!)

 

Roland Fantom Gets Its First Sound Expansions

by Leave a Comment

Roland aren’t resting on their laurels with their new Fantom models

Roland’s new Fantom 6, 7 and 8 have only been in the wild six weeks or so, but some sound expansion sets are starting to hit the market. Roland themselves have released six sound sets and they’re free – at least for now.

The six sets are:

EXZ006 EXZ World Instruments

EXZ005 EXZ Studio Sounds

EXZ Power Drums

EXZ003 Session Drums

EXZ002 EZX Stage Piano 2

EXZ001 EZX Stage Piano 1

I’ve had a listen and there’s some damn nice sounds in there that will catch the eye of potential buyers. Some of the sounds from the Studio Sounds and Stage Piano sets particularly appealed to me.

However, the elephant in the room remains: organs. Hopefully that’s something to be remedied in the near future.

Have a listen to all the sound sets for yourself, right here.

Would love to hear your thoughts after you have a listen.