TB-303, TR-808 and SH-101 commemorated in new NFT collection by Arthr
A Journey Through Synths features three perfectly looped animations and an original soundtrack.
Image: Arthr
Audiovisual artist Arthr has announced a new NFT collection celebrating some of Roland’s finest machines. A Journey Through Synths features perfectly looped animations of the TB-303, TR-808 and SH-101, complete with original soundtracks.
Each animation features sequences and sounds from the original instruments, along with visual renders of each machine. Arthr’s animated character hops around the TB-303, SH-101 and TR-808 in their respective artworks, tinkering with their features and seemingly triggering the sounds. In the TR-808 piece, for example, the Arthr character hops across the drum pads, sequencing the kick drum as the beat plays.
Arthr’s goal was to have each piece of art faithfully showcase the prominent features of the Roland instruments.
For the TB-303, he wanted the “unmistakable” sound of the “full rasp and squelch of the unit”, he says. Arthr gradually opened up the cutoff frequency and parameter of the 303 to achieve this. For the 808, he used the animated character to create an audiovisual connection between the sharp transients of the kick drum.
Finally, for the SH-101, Arthr created a lead sound with the filter cutoff and pulse width being modulated. There’s also an audiovisual connection with the character jumping on the corresponding notes.
In a statement, Arthr says that “these machines are more than just a blend of metal and plastic, they all have a unique history and story to tell. After inspiring his production over the years, Arthr thought the perfect way to pay homage to these machines and their story, would be to bring them to life through the power of motion graphics. A unique tribute to the machines that paved the way for modern music as we know it.”
The NFTs will go on sale on 8 October 2021 on foundation.app.
