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Synth historian Oli Freke will spend big on a good bicycle
Synth historian and musician Oli Freke discusses his work on Beat Gems, an upcoming Bjooks coffee-table book charting the history of drum machines. The project matters because it examines how drum machines have shaped musical culture and offers both historical material and practical guidance for users of old and modern equipment.
Freke has previously written about synthesisers and electronic music, including a history of synthesisers from 1963 to 1995. In The Verge’s questionnaire, he says he would install Ableton Live first on a new music computer, uses YouTube most among social platforms, and recalls playing Elite on an Atari ST; he also says the book’s research has reinforced the importance of rhythm in human musical experience.
In short
- Freke is preparing a visual history of drum machines.
- Beat Gems combines history, photography and gear advice.
- He sees drum machines as culturally transformative.
Explained simply
Oli Freke is a historian and musician who specialises in the history of electronic music technology, particularly synthesisers and drum machines. His work documents how these instruments have shaped modern popular music, making him a respected figure in discussions about music technology and history.
He has written extensively about electronic music, and is currently working on Beat Gems, an upcoming book examining the history and impact of drum machines. The book combines historical research with practical guidance for musicians using both vintage and modern drum machines, reflecting Freke's belief that understanding rhythm is central to how music is created and experienced.
Freke is known for sharing his knowledge through interviews, social media and published work, helping audiences understand how electronic instruments and technology have fundamentally changed the music people listen to. His combination of historical expertise and practical understanding of music technology has made him an influential voice in how people think about modern music.