NEWS
Swayzak and the art of Tenori-on
Can it really be 10 years since Snowboarding in Argentina - Swayzak's debut long player - was named album of the year by Mixer magazine? It is indeed, but in that time James Taylor and David Brown have been keeping themselves busy both live and in the studio, all the while building a global reputation that's as organic as the deep, home-grown dub-house they've become synonymous with.
Few artists straddle the thin divide between underground and mainstream quite like Swayzak. Their music, like their production style, almost relies on the haphazard, lo-fi ethic that's been a constant mainstay of their back catalogue. Yet despite being five albums in (as well as two mix compilations), they're as keen to follow their own path as they always have been - re-releasing Snowboarding, ambitions to make an album featuring 80s vocalists, David's perennial obsession with vinyl...
"James and have been buddies since 1989 when we worked at a record label together," David begins, "but it wasn't until 1992 that we actually started making music together."
"I'd been into music since I was very young. The first thing I had was a Bontempi organ, and by the time I was 12 I was a young punk. I was lucky enough to see Joy Division as my first live band, and I guess that set the tone! I got my first synth - a Yamaha CS01 - when I was about 15, I think. Then I got a Boss drum machine, a Roland MC-202 - can you believe the guy in the store actually talked me out of getting a TB-303! But overall what I discovered was that the sound was better without guitars."
Despite this penchant for a retro minimalism that pervades their music, they recently adopted Yamaha's uber-futuristic Tenori-on as a way of exploring new directions with their music. David first heard about the Tenori-on from a friend who'd emailed him some details on this brushed magnesium frame.
"At first I didn't really understand it and thought it was nothing more than a toy. But then one day I was looking for a new machine for our live show and by chance I heard the Tenori-on in a London store and thought it would be just perfect for our sound."
"To begin with it was the bleepy sounds and the lights that drew me to it, but we've now incorporated it into our live show in a number of ways. We'll process it with some tape delay and reverb, sync it to a laptop running Ableton Live... and just for fun last weekend we used a 1960s WEM Copicat to make some strange live sounds. Studio-wise, I've been recording it through various effects. The one that's giving the best results is Korg's KP3 - these two together are sounding very cool!"
"Tenori-on helps us to make a more improvised sound when we're playing live. Sometimes the laptops can be a bit boring, which is why we always have real outboard effects such as delay and reverb to hand. This way we can play with the sounds on the desk. And now the Tenori-on can throw in extra bleeps and clicks."
"For the live set we're running it with Ableton Live, two laptops and various outboard FX, and we'll just jam with the Tenori-on to add bleeps and beats. Essentially I like the simplicity of the sequencing... and that it's always in tune!"
"We used Tenori-on in Tokyo recently, and people were freaking out. They'd never seen it before, which is pretty unreal for Japan. Occasionally I'll use it on a flight, and people are always wondering what sort of game it is I'm playing!"
The Tenori-on fits perfectly with the simplicity of the Swayzak sound, as David explains.
"Our philosophy to making music is quite simple, I guess. Do what you feel, not what you think will make you money. Many people follow trends - and to a certain extent we're all guilty of that - but we've always experimented with our sound and taken risks. Some good, some bad, but we like to try to be different. There aren't many electronic acts like us. We released on Minus Records in 1999 and Sony in 2000, and since 2002 K7 has been a good home for us. Like us, they are somewhere between underground and major label. And as an electronic outfit we're big in the underground but small in the mainstream."
NEWS
TENORI-ON VERSION 2.0
The innovative Yamaha Tenori-On has captured the imagination of creative musicians and performers bringing new dimensions and thought processes to music construction. The recent announcement from Yamaha of the more affordable 'orange' variant demonstrates the excitement that continues to surround this instrument.
Read the full story HERE
YAMAHA BUILD ON ACCLAIMED AND PIONEERING TENORI-ON CONCEPT WITH THE NEW TNR-O 'ORANGE'
First debuted in London in the Winter of 2007 to unprecedented global press interest the amazing Yamaha Tenori-On has captured and fuelled the imagination of some of the world's most influential and creative experimental live and studio musicians, producers, and DJ's including Bjork, Yoko Ono Plastic band and new artists such as Little Boots. The instrument also naturally found it's way into many studios and now figures prominently and regularly at many of the world's major live music events.
Read the full story HERE
TENORI-ON - SAMPLE SETS - MARC '01'
Marc '01' has embraced the Tenori-On concept from the first day of its introduction in the UK. As a Tenori-On addict he's used it heavily in his studio productions and has given it a good thrashing on stage too! He is often seen demonstrating its sonic abilities at Yamaha events and training sessions. During his time with Tenori-On he has created his own sample sets and interesting 'hints and tips' - It seemed silly to keep these solely as Marc '01' secrets so we caught up with him and persuaded him to hand over his samples and tell us how he uses them...
Read the full story HERE
TENORI-ON TO BE AT THE RED DOG ELECTRONIC MUSIC MAKING FESTIVAL "UNIQUE BEATS"
The Date - Saturday 30th May
The Venue - Roxy Arthouse, Edinburgh, Scotland
Red Dog Music, Edinburgh's largest independent musical equipment retailer has announced it will be sponsoring a one day festival of electronic music to take place at the Roxy Arthouse in Edinburgh on Saturday 30th May 2009 and the Yamaha Tenori-On team will be on hand to present....Tenori-On.
Read the full story HERE
LITTLE BOOTS TOPS BBC SOUND OF 2009 AND PUTS TENORI-ON CENTRE STAGE
Tenori-On electro-pop songstress Little Boots has topped the BBC's Sound of 2009 list.
Read the full story HERE
IMPORTANT UK TENORI-ON PRICING NEWS
Due to the current exchange rate situation it is necessary for us to increase the UK price of Tenori-on. This advance warning of this pending increase gives you a few days to take advantage of the current price before it goes up!
The tenori-on uk online store price will be increased on 12th January 2009 from the current £684 to £749 inc VAT.
'LITTLE BOOTS' STEPS UP AS RADIO ONE 'SOUND OF 2009' FAVOURITE HOLDING HER TENORI-ON
What do Adele, Duffy, Glasvegas and The Ting Tings have in common? - Answer, they were all named among Radio One's 'Sound of 2008' chart predictions, with Adele scooping the No.1 vote. Now BBC Radio One unleashes its 'Sound of 2009' list that highlights fifteen of the best rising music stars chosen by 130 of the UK's leading music critics and broadcasters. Among those hoping to be named winner in January and armed with the secret and powerful musical weapon that is Yamaha's Tenori-On is Blackpool's 'Little Boots'.
Read the full story HERE
PETERLOO MASSACRE
Peterloo Massacre blend 80's electronica with 90's indie, trip-hop and contemporary folk, and, you've guessed it, they're currently using Tenori-On as part of their extensive set-up live and in the studio. Find out more here.
Read the full story HERE
SWAYZAK AND THE ART OF TENORI-ON
Can it really be 10 years since Snowboarding in Argentina - Swayzak's debut long player - was named album of the year by Mixer magazine? It is indeed, but in that time James Taylor and David Brown have been keeping themselves busy both live and in the studio, all the while building a global reputation that's as organic as the deep, home-grown dub-house they've become synonymous with.
Read the full story HERE
MAKE YOUR OWN TENORI-ON...
...well, not quite - but nearly!
While you are dreaming of owning the real thing... why not have a few hours of fun with this new 3D paper model of media artist, Toshio Iwai with the Tenori-on.
Made as a tribute to Toshio Iwai by the UK-based creative paper artist 'Tubbypaws', this model is easy to build and needs no batteries! Simply download the pdf, ask an adult to cut around the edges and then glue it all together.
Follow the instructions and, before you know it, you will have your very own Toshio and Tenori-on at home!
Its almost as much fun as the real thing! Download your 3D paper model HERE
TENORI-ON HELPS OVERCOME BARRIERS TO CREATIVITY
Tenori-on captures the imagination of so many different people. From the creative and professional media artist to non-musicians alike, this new form of musical interface is opening many new avenues of musical exploration and creativity.
A recent independent dissertation by UK-based Graham Wynne is a fascinating document as he explores the extent to which instruments such as Electroplankton and Tenori-on are overcoming barriers to creativity in modern music production. With related quotes from Toshio Iwai, Brian Eno, Steve Reich and Norman Fairbanks you can read Graham's dissertation HERE
TENORI-ON WOWS AUDIENCES DURING BJÖRK TOUR
Björk's current world tour utilises some of the most cutting edge on-stage technology out there, so it's no surprise to find at least one Tenori-on in the thick of it...
Read the full story HERE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR OWNERS OF TENORI-ON
Please click here to read this important announcement about Tenori-On
IMPORTANT UK TENORI-ON PRICING NEWS
Due to the current exchange rate situation its become necessary for us to increase the UK price of Tenori-on. This advance warning of this pending increase gives you a few days to take advantage of the current price before it goes up!
The tenori-on uk online store price will be increased on 1st April 2008 from the current £599 to £629 inc VAT.
THE YAMAHA TENORI-ON REVOLUTION CONTINUES WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF GLOBAL LAUNCH EVENTS
Following the hugely successful media and public launch of the critically acclaimed Tenori-on in the UK, we are excited to announce Tenori-on Global Launch events and a new multi-language website.
Read the full story HERE
Tenori-on really is about the Future of Loops
Future Loop Foundation join the list of high profile Tenori-on users…
Tenori-on fever continues! As demand for this most innovative light and sound sequencer continues to grow, the word is also out in the artist community that this is one must-have, must-play gadget. Mark Barrott, Future Loop Foundation’s technology-loving front man, has been after one since launch and recently finally got his hands on one…
“It really opens your mind to new possibilities,” he says. “It’s Steve Reich for the modern age…” And Mark knows all about new possibilities. A decade ago he was leading the way on the drum n bass scene before turning chillout. Last year’s ‘Album Of The Year’ Memories From A Fading Room spawned a couple of summer soundtrack classics (appearing all over the BBC and Sky TV) and he’s currently gearing up for a ground-breaking audio and visual spectacular tour.
Read the full interview HERE
The list of high profile artists queuing up to get their hands on Yamaha’s Tenori-on is staggering. Many, in fact, have been left disappointed due to short supplies of the innovative light and sound sequencing tone module. So far Björk has been spotted on tour with one in South America and Peter Gabriel is known to be experimenting with one at Real World, but another cutting edge artist lucky enough to get his hands on an early unit was Kieran Hebden, aka Four Tet.
Read more about Kieran HERE
Put a date in your ical. 1st February - Special Apple Store Tenori-on workshop.
7pm Friday 1st February - Apple Store, Regent Street, London, Yamaha will hold a Tenori-on workshop featuring Mr Yu Nishibori, the producer of Tenori-on.
This workshop presentation will help you discover how inspiring it can be to create a tune and then explore the hidden depths of Tenori-on. Covering the operational concepts, how use it on stage and its integration with the Mac, this session will inspire you to experience this new 'Tenori-on' way of music composition.
Six lucky members of the audience will also win a limited edition Tenori-on T-Shirt!
Friday 1st February - 7pm - Apple Store Theatre, Regent Street, London.
We look forward to seeing you there!
SWEET 16 FOR YAMAHA AS TENORI-ON IS NAMED AMONG WORLD’S TOP 25 MOST INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS
Tenori-on – has been named among the 25 Most Innovative Products of the Year by PCWorld.com, one of the web’s most trusted and authoritative reviewers of technology products that reaches an average of 6.3 million management-level technology buyers and users each month.
Reaching number 16 hot on the heels of the mass market Apple iPhone and Google Gear, PCWorld.com describes Tenori-on as an ‘Inspired and intuitive handheld instrument that redefines music-making and screams innovation,’ adding, ‘nothing else even comes close’.
A five year partnership with inventor and media artist Toshio Iwai led to the phenomenon that is TENORI-ON - a completely new concept in portable music-making and performance art and one of the most forward thinking instruments of our lifetime that puts all of the necessary tools for music creation right in the palm of your hand.
The TENORI-ON is a unique 16 x 16 LED button matrix performance controller with a stunning visual display. By operating and interacting with the LED buttons and the light they produce you gain access to the TENORI-ON's numerous performance capabilities that merge cutting edge digital music performance technology with the ability to create a stunning visual experience.
Pete Tong and Tenori-on
It looks like the latest high profile artist to become addicted to Tenori-on is Radio One's Pete Tong. In his weekly Fast Trax video programme reviewing the latest essential dance tunes Pete talks about his experience and addiction.... Check out his video review HERE.
Tenori-on available now!
Welcome to the official UK Tenori-on site. Following the world press launch in London, the incredible Tenori-on is now available directly from our online store or from selected locations listed in the dealer pages.
This site is designed to tell you everything you need to know about this unique interface, answer your questions and keep you informed about the latest Tenori-on developments. Please take time to explore the site and watch the tutorial movies. Welcome to Tenori-on.
London demonstration days
Come and experience the incredible Tenori-on Musical Interface at two special instore events at Turnkey, London.
On Saturday 24th November and Saturday 1st December, Yamaha Music Production will be on hand in store to demonstrate this incredible instrument and explain its applications. See how it will fit into your existing studio or performance setup. Talk to product specialists and other users of Tenori-on.
Demonstrations start from 11-30am and will run until 5pm. Limited quantities will be available for sale on the day of each event.
For further information : Turnkey, www.turnkey.co.uk, 114 - 116 Charing Cross Road, London.
Tenori-on inspires new directions, new music, new genres…
Tenori-on – the revolutionary new instrument that uniquely marries music and art – is inspiring musicians into as yet uncharted territory. And now the first album created entirely on the Tenori-on is available for free download - read more
Want to know more?
Do you have some questions about Tenori-on? Why not come along to the Tenori-on masterclass at Digital Village Clapham between midday and 5pm on Thursday 15th November. Register here for more information. Limited quantities will be available for sale on the day.
Come and experience Tenori-on at MusicLive!
The MusicLive Show in Birrmingham (2nd/3rd/4th November) is the perfect opportunity to come and experience Tenori-on. Come along and try one of these rare instruments. Talk to Product Specialists and even talk to Norman Fairbanks of www.normanfairbanks.com, the person behind the first album constructed solely on Tenori-on.
A handful of units will also be available for sale at the event so arrive early to avoid disappointment!
