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.