Dark Ambient with a soft Techno vibe going on. More about the dangerous situation we as a civilisation find ourselves in and it is getting worse...

The cost of inaction (mix#2)

Released way back in July 1st 2012 using Zero Loop moniker. Only my own voice used here (going through various effects). No prizes for guessing what the theme is. Greenland’s ice seems to be melting at a much faster rate than predicted by current climate models/scientists.

Ice Melting

The ice is melting

Zero loop - EP release

Zero loop - The Ice Is Melting

Jazzy-Minimal-House (first part at least and then it morphs into something more experimental=controlled chaos:)). Track moves @128 bpm. Most of the voices are samples of me saying various words through an Octatrack sampler/sequencer, except for the "singing voices", i.e. male/female with a hint of a melody that come from a MoPhatt synth module, triggered randomly by a Zaquencer:)Mp3 quality here but released as 2 track single.

Swing

A 3rd version of this track that i really like:) Synthesizers: Neutron, Model D, Planet Earth, Mophatt, Er-1, DRM1, Subharmonicon, Cycles, JV-2080 (strings). Recorded mid september. Mp3 only this time.

Playtime 3

2nd album release ever on SC! Much longer tracks than Tetra. Same theme though, that is to minimalise and limit the sound sources more than usual. Here there are 4  synthesizers used (apart from the spoken voice which is me): 1. Subharmonicon (Analogue) 2. Micromodular (VA synth) 3. ER-1 (drum synth) 4. MoPhatt (S & S). Enjoy making these more than single tracks so this is the way forward:) Wav. uploads here but i guess they get encoded to a lossy file. Enjoy!

Tetrad (part III)

Tetrad (part II)

2nd album release ever on SC! Much longer tracks than Tetra. Same theme though, that is to minimalise and limit the sound sources more than usual. Here there are 4 synthesizers used (apart from the spoken voice which is me): 1. Subharmonicon (Analogue) 2. Micromodular (VA synth) 3. ER-1 (drum synth) 4. MoPhatt (S & S). Enjoy making these more than single tracks so this is the way forward:) Wav. uploads here but i guess they get encoded to a lossy file. Enjoy!

Tetrad (part I)

My remix of “Route National 20” by Zuunzug Field Recording that you can check on his SC page:

https://soundcloud.com/zuunzug-field-recording/route-nationale-20?si=c1e9fb177f914583ac7c46765f5d65da&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Very difficult to mix but loads of fun:) Decided to follow the bpm that my Octatrack suggested (82 bpm) when loading Zuunzug’s field recording into the sampler. This pushed me into a direction I hadn’t planned for.

The beginning has no FX added to the original file except for a LP filter and some compression from the OT. The ending has pitchshift/reverb/stereo delay added (externally) to accentuate the sample & those final micro modular tones. 4 synths were used, bass was courtesy of a Behringer Neutron.

Please listen on headphones as the stereo effect is more prominent:)

NB: Anyone wanting to remix this track should PM me first for an unmastered version!

Zuunzug Field Recording (Brillman Remix #2)

Used a Blofeld (melodic arp/growling synth/fx perc) and an Subharmonicon (noises) here together with an unnamed sample (from a 1956 interview).

Dyad #4

Only 2 synths used in this track. 1. Blofeld (multi mode). 
2. Mophatt (voices). As usual on my recently released albums I also used an Octatrack to trigger various samples. Also includes my voice modulated through an Elektron Octatrack.

Dyad #2

Blofeld used in multimode throughout the whole album. Here it is the bass arp + 2 other patches (perc fx/pad). The metallic sound being modulated by a Kaoss minipad during this track is “Multi” from a Vermona DRM-1 mk iv.

Dyad #1

Kinda slow Trance here (imho). Blofeld pads and 2 Planet Earth original vocal patches (+ drum hits). Main drums: ER-1 + DRM-1 mk IV.  Deep bass after 4" is the Subharmonicon. Moves @120 bpm so has a bit of funk goin' on. 24 bit wav:)

Time 2 groove

Crazy track here. A synth odyssey comprising of 2 tracks (2021 + 2022) mixed together using Traktor 3/Kontrol S8. Way too many synths to mention (don't even own some of them anymore). Crave is prominent with random arps, Cycles, Blofeld (sharp, distorted sounds ca 7 min.), ER-1, Mininova and a Microbrute are among some of the sounds that i recognize but no technical notes were made which is a shame. Just having fun and exploring the archives. No samples whatsoever in this downtempo groove:)

Stratosphere

Remix of the original «C’mon» track from my 1st 2024 release due 1st of Feb. (check buy link). A darker, more minimal version here consisting of 7 synths:) That’s including 2 drums synths. My voice from the octatrack is included throughout but is totally unrecognisable;) Wav. file here. Btw, what genre is this? House? Tech House? Techno? I’m guessing hybrid. Moves at 132 bpm. Please listen on headphones. Enjoy!

C'mon (remix)

Recycling and remixing various elements from recent tracks so you may recognize certain sounds and parts in this one. A total of 9 synths here (i think). I consider this to be Downtempo. Again, headphones recommended:)

Synths used: Mophatt (vox/organ stabs with echo), Proteus 2000 (bell/string sounds in intro), Planet Earth (weird vox), 383, JV2080 (c’mon & female sceam edited with LFO), Boog (recurring ”moog” melody), Snow (bass line), ER-1 (beat), DRM1- mk iv (beat).

Snowstorm

My latest album release “Hexad” is exclusive to Soundcloud and consists of 4 tracks all related through themes/sounds and by using a maximum of 6 synthesizers (+ vox samples of me from my Octatrack). Hexad I-IV differ somewhat in mood, structure, melody & length. Slower, more downtempo vibe here as the tempo sits around 88-110 bpm. Enjoy!

Hexad

Hexad II

Hexad III

Hexad IV

Back to basics:) Only 4 synths here and 2 of them are drum synths! Octrack plays a Lfo:ed Will Steffen vox sample:

"to some extent we can choose our future and that's what a lot of the debate in politics and society is all about" - Climate Scientist Will Steffen

He’s also talking about 3 scenarios regarding planet Earth and Climate Change and goes into detail about 3 different paths: 

1. Business as usual 
2. Greener action 
3. Geo engineering pathway.

Nearly 15 minutes long:) Recorded in one take so the «song» structure is heavily improvised. Experimental and minimal at the same time. Only 16 bit wav. this time, recommend listening on headphones!

Future Groove

Minimal & experimental approach here. 3 synths used: Subharmonicon (bass/lead), Micro modular (metallic/sine sounds), DRM-1 mk IV (claps, multi, kick, hats, etc). 
Sample mangled using the OT:) 16 bit wav file here and recorded in one take with semi-improvised structure. The Subharmonicon bass line and use of certain sounds/FX were pre-prepared. Recorded in one take via midi so no overdubbing;) Headphones recommended!

Bass Nr.1

Experimental journey of sounds. A continuation of the previous bass theme (this playlist) while using the Moog Subharmonicon & Micromodular as main characters in this sonic drama:) Decent headphones are a must for this one!

Universe Of Sounds

No samples whatsoever in this mix. Made the 1st mix without any guitar, then made a recording where i jammed along to “Give me a sine”. Only 1 take so excuse some bad notes here & there, will have to practice more. A guitarist originally but got lost in the world of midi & synths:) 
Added this to the Bass line playlist as it uses the same Subharmonicon bass riff (more or less). 16 bit wav here. 
For maximum enjoyment please listen on headphones.

Give Me A Sine (guitar mix)

East Hampton, NY / Near Oslo, Norway — March, 2024
Born from Kaoss, but carefully composed, Brillman & Tape Lab’s electrifying first colLABoration, Crash Course [Trakor Mix] bridges two distinct realms of the techno spectrum. With roots on both sides of the Atlantic—Brillman near Oslo, Tape Lab in NY/NC, the collaboration highlights a fruitful fusion of sensibility and style.

At the heart of their connection is a shared love for the Korg Kaossilator, revealing a mutual respect for innovation and a penchant for distinctive sounds. As a nod to this shared instrument, Crash Course [Traktor Mix] is imbued with the Kaossilator's unique sounds, adding a layer of trance-like, ambient texture that sets the track apart. Worlds collide, a crash course if you will.

Brillman is an OG and has maintained a prolific musical output for more than 20 years in every genre, while Tape Lab is newer on the scene, releasing music since 2019. Recommended for its raw, unfiltered and fearless approach, Tape Lab brings some wonk and twists to Brillman's refined, technically sophisticated sounds. The blend of immediacy and polish in Crash Course [Trakor Mix] showcases a collision of sounds only they could deliver.

Crash Course [Traktor Mix] is a head-on explosion of ideas—concentrated and intractable—away from the isolating effects of solitary production to a more collaborative, dynamic process. The track benefits from Brillman's experience, patience, and skillful mixing/mastering shining through.

The collaboration saw Brillman taking the lead, meticulously crafting the track's backbone, melodies, and arrangements, while Tape Lab infused the project with a touch of madness—contributing samples from the Moog Subsequent37, modified drum patterns, and elements from the Korg R3.

Tape Lab & Brillman - Crash Course (Traktor Mix)

Difficult track to master (maybe some distortion) despite only using 2 synths: Elektron Cycles & Moog Subharmonicon. 24 bit wav. Partially planned/improvised. Recorded mid February.

Cycles & Sub

3 tracks mixed today using Traktor/Kontrol S8: Minimal - Look@thesky - MS2000r. Run’s@120 bpm. I should explain that the Neutron was driven by a Korg SQ1 sequence that drifts a bit and is not entirely in sync. The Neutron sequence was recorded separately together with samples from a Roland SP-555. The minimal track (main beat) was software based via iElectribe (iPad). Just experimenting and having fun, hope you enjoy. Get’s a bit crazy at times and is 15 minutes long. Only 16 bit wav. Headphones recommended!

The sky fell down (traktor mix)

Mostly a track to test out some «new» equipment, namely a Roland SP-555 and Roland EF-303. The latter was used both as a bass synth and to sequence the weird melody on a Behringer Neutron (also sequenced the Neutron via a Korg SQ-1 from time to time). The main 606 drums (Roland JV-2080 samples) were sequenced via an Octatrack that also played the speaking vox and scream:) Halfway in I added more percussion from a DRM-1 mk iv. The TR-606 drums were heavily pumped via 3 compressors (in series). Shortest track for a long time so pleased with that:) Hope you enjoy.

Look@the Sky (traktor mix)

Experimental and fresh remix of original Zero Loop track released in 2012. Revamped with a few new elements i.e. the vocal sample about the sky (SP-555). The original track used a sample (intro) with FX from the brilliant Yamaha A3000 sampler (Stuttering type effect called Tech Modulation).

The «Monotonic» track played in it’s entirety via line in on the SP-555, then into the EF-303 effects for sporadic FX treatment. Neutron and bass synth from EF 303 were triggered/sequenced in unison by the EF-303:) 

Sorry for the rather low/unstable levels here. This was a quick mix to test the Roland EF-303/SP-555. May do a new remix in the future and re-release the original 4 track EP.

Zero loop - Monotonic 2 (2024 Remix)

Just jammin':) A quick mix recorded a few weeks ago that includes the prominent Subharmonicon (bass) and drums/percussion (3 sources). Strings are from the Access Virus snow. Formant vox from the Planet Earth rack module (again;)). Micro modular enters midway. 2 vox samples. FX at the end:) Not much in it. “Raw” as in simple/minimal. 

A release due in May contains a completely different mix of this track and was recorded later (check buy).

Ja (raw mix)

A 25 minute odyssey in sound & effects. The main star is a 6 minute sample of climate scientist Will Steffen explaining about the 3 possible scenarios available regarding climate change, i.e. “business as usual”, etc. Long intro until 7 minutes when the groove gets nice:) The weird melody is the Crave and was recorded a year ago. Vox samples & Cycles were recorded today. Remixed as usual with S8 & Traktor Pro 3. Moves along @100 bpm. May upload an mp3 version later (easier to stream). Headphones recommended:)

3 Scenarios (traktor mix)

Brillman x Tape Lab back at it again, this time with some small changes, just a few minor edits, nothing big, just a — microTWEAK. Building on an initial and explosive creative clash. Tape Lab & Brillman have delivered another melodic, composed and unexpected 2nd collaboration piece. 

Transferred at the speed of light (115bpm) across the Atlantic Ocean. Initial melodies were recorded via the Yamaha RM1X with space/reverb added from the Korg Kaos DJ Pad. Basslines were recorded on the Moog Sub37. Brillman remixed with additional drums/synths/sounds including the brilliant microFREAK. But, ultimately, the star of the show is Brillman’s expertly composed and eclectic sonic palette and, definitely, skills as a mixer and master-er.

Fearlessly, new sounds echo in and out, ricocheting off of other beats and bloops, a confetti of sounds raining down.

Brillman & Tape Lab - microTWEAK (traktor Mix)

Brillman has been an electronic online musician during the last 20 years using many different names: Brillman, Controlfreak, freakcontrol, Red Karma, Atmosphere, Zero Loop, Pan64, Randomcontrol, geometric delay and Superfreak! Brillman mainly creates original sounds from hardware synths but also uses samplers, vocals or even poetry. He primarily utilizes a 4 to the floor approach. The aesthetics behind the music is about finding a balance between minimalism vs. depth & improvisation vs. programmed.

———————————————————————————————————————————

Influences: Eno, Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, The Associates, Joy Division, Roxy Music, Bowie, Chemical Brothers, Frank Zappa, Hendrix, ELP, Polygon Window, G. Mahler, A. Bruckner, L.V. Beethoven, E. Satie, F.S.O.L., The Orb, Laurie Anderson, Vangelis, Underworld, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck, Rory Gallagher, Miles Davis, Massive Attack, Black Sabbath, Prince, Sade, Etienne de Crecy, Daft Punk, Plastikman, Monolake, Japan, Pink Floyd, Resistance D, Talking Heads…

———————————————————————————————————————————

Synthesizers used (past or present):

Kawai K4
Korg Wavestation
Kawai K3m
Kawai K4r
Yamaha AN200
Yamaha DX-7
Yamaha TG-500
Oberheim Matrix 1000
Roland SC-55
Roland JV1010
Roland JV1080
Roland JV2080
Korg M3r
Korg MS-20 mini
Roland D-110
Roland D2
Roland MC-505
Roland MC-09
Roland MC-808
Roland TB3
Korg ER-1
Korg MS2000r
Korg microkorg
Korg Kaossilator
E-MU Mophatt
E-MU Planet Earth
E-MU Proteus 1/2
E-MU Proteus 2000
Vermona DRM-1 mk iv
Waldorf Blofeld
Waldorf Pulse 2
Moog Subharmonicon
Freebass FB-383
Behringer TD3
Behringer Neutron
Behringer model D
Arturia Microbrute
Arturia Minibrute 2s
Arturia Microfreak
Elektron Cycles
Behringer Crave
Novation Mininova
Clavia Micro modular
Clavia Nord rack 2
Access Virus Snow

Brillman

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks