Can a Modern Synth Inspire New Ideas?

I was offered a loan of a Super 6 from UDO Audio, which I jumped at.

As its features and functions have been covered brilliantly on other YouTube channels, I thought instead that I'd pose a question: Can a modern synth inspire new ideas?

In the video I try to explore that using some of what the Super 6 has to offer.

UDO:

Social:

My Music:

[paraworldblue]

Watching you take these jarringly abstract sounds and somehow make them not only musical, but catchy and even danceable (well, for someone coordinated enough to dance in 9/8 anyway), is absolutely mindblowing. That is some Aphex Twin level music sorcery!

[lkns]

No experimental track is complete without a cowbell. I love how the 80’s vibe kicked in with the vocals. Well done!

[vinnieRice]

Wow, tough crowd. People really need to try the synth themselves, it's quite exceptional. It does exactly what it looks like is should do from the design, and then takes it much further.
Alex's musicality never fails to shine and evoke joy and envy in equal measure. Kudos for trying something different mate!

[brockmurphy]

I’m a simple man, I see an Alex Ball video, I click.

[.petabytes]

I love your technique of showing us your thoughts and process of creating. The tune is quirky yet catchy. I always enjoy your creative yet technical videos Alex! Rock on!

[LaraSchilling]

Haha, I do the same automation stuff with random parameters in EFM1 (Logic Pro) to get wooshes and wobbles because I'll never understand FM synthesis, but I like the sound, and I'm glad you've let us DAW-dabblers not feel like shit for doing it like that!

Also, no Niko ads anywhere in sight on your videos. My warezbox is safe from being thrown across the room for another day!

[conk]

this synth is so cool, wish i had the bones for it. you showed some really interesting applications here. your song sounds like an IDM artist tried to make an 80's dance hit.

[proudsnowtiger]

"Putting the LFO in high frequency mode" - isn't that just cancelling it out and telling it to FO?

[cortical]

Really cool, Alex! I'm a sucker for chords and rhythms outside the box, especially time signatures in odd numbers. You wrote an excellent "Lebowski rug" vocal line at the end (it really ties the room together). Well done.

[jaggass]

It's like a modern day Jupiter 6 yet sounds like a modular synth as well.

[melsonic]

You certainly created another proof of your undestructable musicality

[baconfister]

Yet another fantastic demo of a new instrument coupled with your amazing ability to put new tools through the ringer and make awesome music. Was sort of expecting more brocoder though, but this was top notch! Thank you for the inspiration!!!

[VintageSynthesizerSolutions]

FANTASTIC video as always! Creativity abounds!

[JonMurray]

I ADORE this synth. I yearn for it to be mine. It’s glorious and sounds absolutely incredible. I haven’t even watched the video yet, but yes! Yes it can!!! It’s wonderful!!! 😂

[Taronites]

Would be wrong of me not to start this with a praise, because you're just a wonderful musician. Your music is clearly part of your very being and your level of skill is rock solid. Here comes the "but": It feels to me like you find yourself running in circles, sincerely feeling like you've done all you can do within your- awesome- level of control. But I think you should take a beat, allow yourself to let go a bit and explore more of the vastness within, which you can explore with your powerful talent. In this one it just feels a bit like you're hoping to let a certain randomness break you out of your cage, but instead you just go for absurd "yoga positions" without ever leaving that cage. The synth seems beautiful and you have undeniably beautiful understanding of music. I think, both of you can take it to a totally different level, if you let yourself really go and find a way not to let pressure drive you. Lead the way!

[brunovalente]

really like the first part of the music actually very good, and the sound of this thing!!! Amazing.

[paulcharlesworth]

Thank you, Alex, for such an inspiring video. Your channel continues to dazzle and be a joy.

Most of us will know the heady creative rush of new gear - different sounds, different work flows, happy accidents etc..

But what a great idea to deliberately explore new gear in unfamiliar ways. Not only do you have a different first impression of that kit, but you will establish alternative working patterns with it in the future, and have different expectations when you switch it on.

And although old habits are harder to shift, it's an approach that can be usefully applied to current gear, too.

How do you do ambient aleatoric music on that worn 303, for example? Or, as the great Geert van Schlånger might have said, 'I wonder what happens if I schtick this bit here?'

[satirischeroctavian]

Dude this is unlike anything I've ever heard, and I've spent my last year watching just about every synth video in YouTube. I can't believe how good this track is, you actually even made it full proof song with ur beautiful voice xD
No but srsly, this is crazy good, you should rlly put this on Spotify or sth.
Alex, I love you and your musical Genius!

[antongracon]

You really pushed a synth to its narrow limits this time, however there was one other who did stuff like this on a weekly basis. From what I'm hearing, you actually got it right!

[airsickgrove]

Id probably chop the final note & loop or something in that realm. Definitely looks fun.