Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore

Andy Whitmore (andy@andywhitmore.com)
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🎹 Synth Icons is the podcast where legendary keyboards come back to life. Hosted by producer and synth expert Andy Whitmore, each episode dives into the world’s most iconic synthesizers — from the lush analog power of the Yamaha CS-80, to the digital sparkle of the DX7, to the unmistakable sounds of the Korg M1. Andy recreates famous riffs, compares hardware to modern software emulations, and reveals the stories, sounds, and production secrets behind the instruments that shaped pop, film, and electronic music. If you're a synth enthusiast, a producer, or just love classic hits, Synth Icons lets you hear the legends for yourself. 👉 Follow for more synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories. 🎧 Watch the full video versions on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore

  1. 4h ago

    Korg M1: 14 Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1!)

    Send us Fan Mail The Korg M1 is one of the most iconic keyboards ever made — the sound of late-’80s and early-’90s pop, dance, and film music. In this episode of Synth Icons, producer and synth collector Andy Whitmore recreates 13 legendary riffs that defined the era. From the unmistakable Piano 16’ and Universe sounds to classic hits by House, Madonna, Inner City, and Pet Shop Boys, you’ll instantly recognise how the M1 shaped the sound of a generation. Every riff is performed on the original hardware — no samples, no emulations — giving you the real sound of the synth that changed everything. 👉 Follow for more classic synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories from @AndyWhitmore. 🎹 Watch the full video version on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly KnowRoland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)🔧 Work with Andy Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/  📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusicTikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering?  🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → andywhitmore.com 📲 Connect with me:  🌐 greystokestudio.com 📸 Instagram → @andywhitmore2014 📺 YouTube → Andy Whitmore 👍 Facebook → Andy Whitmore Music 🐦 Twitter → @andywhitmore 🎵 TikTok → @andywhitmore9583 Support the show

    Korg M1: 14 Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1!)

  2. 3d ago

    Yamaha DX7: 21 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were DX7!)

    Send us Fan Mail The Yamaha DX7 is one of the most iconic synthesizers of all time, shaping the sound of pop, rock, funk, electronic, and film music throughout the 80s and 90s. In this episode, I recreate 21 legendary riffs that defined decades of music — from Berlin and Toto to Michael Jackson, Vangelis, Madonna, Phil Collins, Sade, Daft Punk, and more. All played note-for-note on the original DX7 — no software, no emulation. From the lush E.Piano of Elton John’s Sacrifice to the haunting Syn-Vox of The X-Files Theme, these instantly recognizable sounds tell the story of how one synth became a legend. 👉 Follow the podcast for more classic synth deep-dives, iconic sounds, and the stories behind them. 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly KnowRoland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)🔧 Work with Andy Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/  📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusicTikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering?  🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → andywhitmore.com 📲 Connect with me:  🌐 greystokestudio.com 📸 Instagram → @andywhitmore2014 📺 YouTube → Andy Whitmore 👍 Facebook → Andy Whitmore Music 🐦 Twitter → @andywhitmore 🎵 TikTok → @andywhitmore9583 Support the show

    Yamaha DX7: 21 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were DX7!)

  3. Aug 12

    CS-80 Blind Test | Yamaha vs Arturia, Softube, Cherry Audio & XILS

    Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Can you tell the difference between the legendary Yamaha CS-80 and today’s best software emulations? In this blind test, I compare the real CS-80 with recreations from Arturia, Softube, Cherry Audio, and XILS Lab — and the results might surprise you! 🎹 You’ll hear iconic sounds made famous by Vangelis, Michael Jackson, Toto, and even Doctor Who, but only one of them is the true analog hardware. Play along, make your guesses, and see if your ears can spot the genuine CS-80 among the plugins. 👉 Subscribe for more synth deep-dives, blind tests, and behind-the-scenes stories from the studio. 🎹 Watch the full video version on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly KnowRoland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)🔧 Work with Andy Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/  📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusicTikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583Support the show

    CS-80 Blind Test | Yamaha vs Arturia, Softube, Cherry Audio & XILS

  4. Aug 9

    Roland JD-800 Plug-In vs Real JD-800 (Iconic Riffs A/B Test)

    Send us Fan Mail A straight A/B test: iconic riffs played first on the Roland Cloud JD-800 plug-in, then on my real vintage JD-800—same parts, same context, no tricks. Can you hear a difference? Roland JD-800 plug-in vs real JD-800 hardware sound comparison. In this episode I do a proper A/B test: the Roland Cloud JD-800 versus the original vintage Roland JD-800 hardware. Here’s the format: for each track you’ll hear two quick clips—first the plug-in, then the real JD-800—using the same riff/lick and the same musical idea so you can judge the differences (or similarities) for yourself. The JD-800 is one of the most iconic early-90s digital synths: bright, “produced,” and instantly recognisable for aggressive leads, glassy keys, and expressive patches. Featured A/B riffs from: ·       The Prodigy — “Voodoo People” (Wailing Guitar 15 / snarling riff) ·       Depeche Mode — “In Your Room” (intro bass motif) ·       Prince & The New Power Generation — “Damn U” (“Crystal Rhodes”) ·       Prince & The New Power Generation — “7” (Iceman intro → weird FX) ·       The Prodigy — “Their Law” (wailing guitar part) ·       Genesis — “I Can’t Dance” (“Bruiser Tines”) Question for you: Which one fooled you? Which version do you actually prefer—plug-in or hardware? Leave your pick in the comments, and tell me what synth A/B test you want next.   🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: ·       Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly Know ·       Roland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4) ·       Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1) 🔧 Work with Andy ·       Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ ·       Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/   📲 Connect with Andy ·       YouTube: @AndyWhitmore ·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusic ·       TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583 Support the show

    Roland JD-800 Plug-In vs Real JD-800 (Iconic Riffs A/B Test)

  5. Aug 5

    Wurlitzer Piano – 11 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Wurly)

    Send us Fan Mail That “wait… I know that song!” moment — but it’s all Wurlitzer electric piano. 🎹⚡️ In this episode, Andy plays 11 instantly recognisable Wurly riffs as short solo snippets — no backing tracks, no full songs, just the hook. From Supertramp, The Beatles and Marvin Gaye to Ray Charles, Queen and Beck, this is the Wurlitzer doing what it does best: bark, bite, and that warm, chewy midrange that cuts straight through a mix. Play along: try to name each riff before it’s revealed, then tell Andy your score — and which one gave you the biggest “NO WAY!” moment. Track list (short Wurlitzer snippets) Supertramp — DreamerMarvin Gaye — I Heard It Through The GrapevineThe Beatles — Get BackSupertramp — The Logical SongCannonball Adderley — Mercy, Mercy, MercyBeck — Where It’s AtSupertramp — SchoolRay Charles — What’d I SaySupertramp — Goodbye StrangerQueen — You’re My Best FriendSupertramp — Bloody Well Right🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1fRHQauzfOw 🌐 Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ 🏛️ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Note: This audio episode accompanies the YouTube video and includes short performance snippets for commentary/demo purposes. Episode links (optional) YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Podcast site: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com Studio enquiries: info@greystokestudio.com Support the show

    Wurlitzer Piano – 11 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Wurly)

  6. Aug 2

    Roland Jupiter-8 – 20 Hidden 80s Synth Gems (Queen, Prince, Tears for Fears + more!)

    Send us Fan Mail In this Synth Icons episode, Andy Whitmore powers up the legendary Roland Jupiter-8 to uncover 20 hidden 80s synth gems. From shimmering pads and string intros to bold brass, sequences and moody bass lines, every sound you hear comes straight from Andy’s own Jupiter-8 – no plugins, no emulations, just authentic analogue. 🎧 Riffs & tracks featured: Queen – I Want to Break Free (strings intro, solo + sequence stabs)Howard Jones – What Is Love? (brass & synth solo)Duran Duran – Save a Prayer (sequence and lead lines)Prince – 1999 (Jupiter-8 brass intro)Simple Minds – Don’t You (Forget About Me) (brass lick)Michael Jackson – Thriller (intro pad)Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls (strings + bass)Tears for Fears – Mad World (bass intro & organ part)Tears for Fears – Pale Shelter (bass intro)Tears for Fears – Everybody Wants to Rule the World (main pad)Each part is played note-for-note from the original recordings, showing why the Jupiter-8 became one of the most loved polysynths of the 80s. 🎹 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly KnowRoland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)Yamaha DX7, Prophet-5 and more classic synth deep-dives✏️ 1-to-1 lessons & mentoring If you want one-to-one lessons on how to program or produce in Logic Pro – or you’d like help programming synths, analogue or VST – head over to Andy’s website and get in touch. 📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusicTikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583If you enjoy this Jupiter-8 special, follow the Synth Icons podcast, leave a rating or review, and let Andy know which synth – or which artist – you’d like to hear next. Support the show

    Roland Jupiter-8 – 20 Hidden 80s Synth Gems (Queen, Prince, Tears for Fears + more!)

  7. Jul 29

    Clavinet – 10 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Clavinet)

    Send us Fan Mail That “wait… I know that song!” moment — but it’s all clavinet. 🔥 In this episode, Andy plays 10 instantly recognisable clavinet riffs as short solo snippets — no backing tracks, no full songs, just the hook. From pop and disco to rock and deep funk cuts, this is the clavinet doing what it does best: snappy, percussive, and ridiculously funky. Play along: try to name each riff before the title is revealed, then tell Andy your score — and which one surprised you most. Track list (short clavinet snippets) Electric Light Orchestra — Last Train to LondonRufus — Tell Me Something GoodGreg Kihn Band — JeopardyBill Withers — Use MeThe Rolling Stones — HeartbreakerHeatwave — Super Soul SisterTina Turner — Nutbush City LimitsJohn Paul Young — Love Is in the AirBetty Davis — Don’t Call Her No TrampSherbet — Howzat🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8U-Z6kGx5QE 🌐 Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ 🏛️ Greystoke Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/ Note: This audio episode accompanies the YouTube video and includes short performance snippets for commentary/demo purposes. YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AndyWhitmore Podcast site: https://andywhitmore.buzzsprout.com Studio enquiries: info@greystokestudio.com Support the show

    Clavinet – 10 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Clavinet)

  8. Jul 25

    Synth Icon: Roland Juno-106 – The Hit Machine (15 Iconic Riffs)

    Send us Fan Mail The Roland Juno-106 has been quietly sneaking onto hit records for decades. In this Synth Icon episode, I put it front and centre and show you why it became a true studio workhorse. I’ll play you 15 famous basslines, pads and leads from artists like Underworld, Daft Punk, Madonna, Tame Impala, The Weeknd, Com Truise, Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein (Stranger Things) and more – all recreated live on my Juno-106 in the studio. No samples, no stems, just the real hardware with some chorus and FX. Along the way we talk about why the 106 keeps turning up on records, how producers layer it with other Junos and synths, and what makes its chorus, filter and envelopes so addictive. Riffs featured in this episode (in order): ·  The Weeknd – Blinding Lights ·  Underworld – Born Slippy (Nuxx) Part A ·  Underworld – Born Slippy (Nuxx) Part B ·  Daft Punk – Around the World ·  Stranger Things – Kids ·  Daft Punk – Voyager ·  Charlie Puth – BOY ·  Tame Impala – Nangs ·  808 State – Pacific State ·  Dr. Alban – No Coke ·  Com Truise – Memory ·  Talk Talk – It’s My Life ·  Daft Punk – Rollin’ & Scratchin’ ·  Madonna – Ray of Light ·  Tame Impala – Eventually   Listen with headphones if you can – there’s a lot of chorus movement, filter detail and low-end weight that phone speakers won’t give you. Tell me in the comments / reviews: Which Juno-106 riff surprised you most?Which synth should I feature next in the Synth Icon series – Juno-60, JD-800, DX7, M1… or something weirder?🎧 Watch the live performance video on YouTube: search for “The Juno-106 Hit Machine | 15 Iconic Riffs – Andy Whitmore” - https://youtu.be/KzA9ZHBn06M 🔗 For more synth demos, recreations and deep dives, check out my YouTube channel and socials in the show notes - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Dj_f71KJlNyPbuR4efYpxQXUtmRuX5B&si=voZg2MznmUrowl11 🎧 More Synth Icons episodes: Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous Riffs You Instantly KnowRoland Jupiter-4 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4)Korg M1 – Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Realise Were M1)🔧 Work with Andy Production, mixing & mastering: https://www.andywhitmore.com/Studio: https://greystokestudio.com/  📲 Connect with Andy YouTube: @AndyWhitmoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andywhitmore2014/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyWhitmoreMusicTikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@andywhitmore9583🔧 Need professional production, mixing, or mastering?  🎧 Work with Andy Whitmore → andywhitmore.com Support the show

    Synth Icon: Roland Juno-106 – The Hit Machine (15 Iconic Riffs)
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About

🎹 Synth Icons is the podcast where legendary keyboards come back to life. Hosted by producer and synth expert Andy Whitmore, each episode dives into the world’s most iconic synthesizers — from the lush analog power of the Yamaha CS-80, to the digital sparkle of the DX7, to the unmistakable sounds of the Korg M1. Andy recreates famous riffs, compares hardware to modern software emulations, and reveals the stories, sounds, and production secrets behind the instruments that shaped pop, film, and electronic music. If you're a synth enthusiast, a producer, or just love classic hits, Synth Icons lets you hear the legends for yourself. 👉 Follow for more synth deep-dives, blind tests, and studio stories. 🎧 Watch the full video versions on YouTube → @AndyWhitmore

Information

  • Creator
    Andy Whitmore (andy@andywhitmore.com)
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore
  • Show Website
    Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore