2d ago

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

5d ago

Roland Jupiter-8: 40 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Jupiter-8)

Send us Fan Mail Roland Jupiter-8: 40 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Jupiter-8) Andy Whitmore explores 40 iconic riffs played on the legendary Roland Jupiter-8, recreating famous brass hooks, pads, leads, basses and sequences from classic tracks by Europe, Harold Faltermeyer, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Journey, The Human League, Depeche Mode and more. In this episode, Andy dives into the unmistakable sound of the Roland Jupiter-8 by recreating 40 famous riffs you almost certainly know but may not have realised were played on one of the most legendary analogue synths ever made. From The Final Countdown and Axel F to Rebel Yell, Relax, Save a Prayer, Obsession, Mirror Man, 19, A Question of Lust and more, this is a fast-moving tour through the brass sounds, silky pads, biting unison leads, basses and sequences that made the Jupiter-8 such an important part of late-70s and 80s music. Everything you hear is played on Andy’s original Roland Jupiter-8. No software, no emulations, just the real instrument. If you love classic synths, iconic records, and finding out what was really used on famous tracks, this one is for you. What you’ll hear in this episode Huge Jupiter-8 brass sounds Classic analogue pads and strings Unison leads and synth hooks Basses, drones and arpeggiated parts 40 famous riffs recreated on the original synth Featured artists include Europe, Harold Faltermeyer, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, Animotion, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Journey, Tangerine Dream, The Human League, Paul Hardcastle, Depeche Mode, Blancmange, Queen, Howard Jones, Simple Minds, Michael Jackson and Tears for Fears. Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:54 Europe - The Final Countdown - Brass Lead / Pad 1:23 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Main Riff 1:38 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Brass Stab Riff 1:48 Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - Bell Drop / Swell / White Noise 1:53 Animotion - Obsession - Brass 2:15 Animotion - Obsession - Flute 2:31 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell - Plucked Sound 2:39 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell - Sequence 2:51 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - String Intro / Sync Lead 3:22 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - Deep Bass Drop / Brass Riff 3:36 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - Bass / String Drop 3:56 Duran Duran - Hungry Like the Wolf - Sequence 4:16 Duran Duran - Save a Prayer - Intro Arpeggiator / Unison Lead 4:46 Journey - Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) - Intro Sequence 4:58 Tangerine Dream - White Eagle - Random Arpeggiator 5:37 The Human League - Mirror Man - Pad / Swell Pad / String Line 5:54 The Human League - Mirror Man - Stab Part 6:11 Paul Hardcastle - 19 - Bells / String Pad 6:32 Depeche Mode - My Secret Garden - Brass Lick 6:44 Depeche Mode - A Question of Lust - Sound FX Intro / Bass 7:05 Blancmange - Blind Vision - Flute 7:24 Blancmange - Blind Vision - Brass Lick 7:27 Queen - I Want to Break Free - Strings Intro 7:44 Queen - I Want to Break Free - Jupiter-8 Synth Solo amped through Fender Twin Reverb 8:14 Howard Jones - What Is Love? - Brass 8:31 Howard Jones - What Is Love? - Synth Solo 8:45 Simple Minds - Don’t You (Forget About Me) - Brass Lick 9:06 Michael Jackson - Thriller - Intro Brass Pad 9:25 Tears for Fears - Mad World - Bass Intro 9:43 Tears for Fears - Mad World - Organ Part 10:02 Tears for Fears - Pale Shelter - Bass Arpeggiator Intro 10:36 Outro Listen / watch more For more synth breakdowns, famous riff recreations and classic keyboard content, visit Andy Whitmore online. Andy Whitmore: https://www.andywhitmore.com/ Support the show

Jul 18

The Yamaha CS-80 Explained Through 28 Famous Riffs

Send us Fan Mail Yamaha CS-80 — 28 Famous Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were CS-80) The Yamaha CS-80 is one of the most expressive analog synthesizers ever made — and its sound is hiding in plain sight across classic pop, rock, TV themes, and film scores. In this episode, I’m playing 28 famous riffs you definitely know, all recreated on the Yamaha CS-80. From lush string pads and bold brass lines to flute-style leads and expressive glides, this is a tour of just how wide-ranging — and musical — the CS-80 really is. All parts are played on the CS-80 itself, using light, record-style effects where needed to match the original vibe. Use the chapter markers to jump between songs, and listen closely to how often this synth shows up in places you might not expect. Intro Kate Bush – “Babooshka” Intro Lead Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – “Ebony and Ivory” Lead Synth Doctor Who (Peter Howell, 1980s) Signature Sting Doctor Who (Peter Howell, 1980s) Theme Bass Toto – “Takin’ It Back” Sine Glissando Pad Toto – “Africa” Brass Pad Toto – “Rosanna” Brass Pad ELO – “Time / Prologue” String Intro Genesis – “Behind the Lines” Intro Brass (may have been Quadra) 10cc – “Tokyo” String Pad 10cc – “Tokyo” Flute Line ELO – “Twilight” Brass Line Michael Jackson – “Human Nature” Brass Pad Paul McCartney – “Wonderful Xmas Time” Middle 8 Lick Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – “Ebony and Ivory” Intro Brass Kate Bush – “Babooshka” Flute Glide 10cc – “Dreadlock Holiday” Lead Line 10cc – “For You and I” String Pad ELO – “Yours Truly, 2095” Flute Line Quincy Jones – “Betcha’ Wouldn’t Hurt Me” Lead Synth Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” String Part 10cc – “For You and I” Flute Line Bruce Springsteen – “Born in the USA” Intro Synth Chordal Melody Prefab Sprout – “If You Don’t Love Me” Intro Brass Genesis – “Duchess” String Glide Genesis – “Duchess” Pluck Line Genesis – “Turn It On Again” Brass Line Paul McCartney – “Wonderful Xmas Time” CS-80 Solo Outro & Summary Questions for you: Which riff did you recognise instantly?Which one surprised you the most?And which synth should I cover next?If you enjoy these quick-fire famous riff episodes, check out my other synth specials and let me know what you’d like to hear next. 🎧 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

Jul 15

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon | Richard Wright Keyboard Sounds

Send us Fan Mail A keyboard-focused breakdown of Dark Side of the Moon, using the original Richard Wright instruments: Hammond C3, Wurlitzer 200A, EMS Synthi AKS and Steinway piano. Hear The Dark Side of the Moon as a keyboard-focused journey, recreated on the original instruments associated with Richard Wright’s parts on the album. In this episode, I break down the signature keyboard sounds of Dark Side of the Moon using Hammond C3 with Leslie 147, Steinway Model O grand piano, EMS Synthi AKS, and Wurlitzer 200A. From the swirling synth sequence of On the Run to the haunting textures of The Great Gig in the Sky, these are the sounds that helped define one of the most important albums ever made. Everything is played on the real instruments associated with the album — no plug-ins, no software emulations, just the real thing. Tracks covered Breathe On the Run Time The Great Gig in the Sky Money Us and Them Any Colour You Like Brain Damage Eclipse Credits Engineered by Sam Lofthouse and Alex Hargreaves. Follow the podcast for more keyboard breakdowns, famous riffs, and original-instrument synth content. Support the show

Jul 11

The Minimoog Model D A/B: What Changed From Vintage to Reissue? (21 Iconic Riffs)

Send us Fan Mail The Minimoog Model D is one of the most recognisable synth sounds ever recorded — from funk basslines to prog leads and classic pop hooks. In this episode, I’m doing a straight-up A/B comparison: a Vintage Minimoog Model D versus the 2016 Reissue, playing 21 famous riffs, leads, basslines, and effects back-to-back so you can hear what’s changed… and what hasn’t. To keep these riffs true to the records, I’m using light, “record-style” effects where needed (chorus/delay/reverb), but the core sound is always the Minimoog. Both synths are treated the same, so the comparison stays fair. Format Each riff is played on both Model Ds (quick-fire, short, and punchy).Each chapter is labelled Definitely (documented Minimoog) or Likely (strongly associated / commonly credited as Moog/Minimoog).Your call: which one wins — Vintage or Reissue? Definitely IntroParliament — Flash Light (Bass)Rush — Tom Sawyer (Intro/Bass) — BONUS (originally Oberheim OB-X era)Pink Floyd — Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Lead)DEVO — Smart Patrol / Mr. DNA (Effects)Michael Jackson — Rock With You (Lead)Likely Madonna — Holiday (Lead Line)Madonna — Holiday (Bass)Rick Wakeman — Catherine of Aragon (Bass Melody)Dr. Dre — Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang (Lead)D-Train — You’re The One For Me (Bass)Madonna — Borderline (Lead Line)Madonna — Borderline (Bass)Gary Numan — Are “Friends” Electric? (Theme)Gary Numan — Are “Friends” Electric? (Lead Line)Michael Jackson — Workin’ Day and Night (Bass)Michael Jackson — Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough (Bass)Chaka Khan — We Can Work It Out (Bass)Barclay James Harvest — Victims of Circumstance (Lead)Stevie Wonder — I Wish (Bass)Stevie Wonder — Isn’t She Lovely (Bass)Stevie Wonder — That Girl (Bass)OutroIf you enjoy these quick-fire, famous-riff shootouts, check out my other classics (M1, D-50, CS-80, DX7, Prophet, Jupiter series and more) — and tell me which synth 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

Jul 8

Roland Jupiter-4: 8 Famous Songs You Know Instantly

Send us Fan Mail A real Roland Jupiter-4 playing 20 classic riffs across 8 famous songs — no plug-ins, no software, just the original vintage synth. Hear 20 classic riffs across 8 famous songs, recreated on the original Roland Jupiter-4. In this episode, I focus on the real sound of one of the most distinctive vintage analogue synths of the early 80s, known for its raw tone, punchy filter, unique arpeggiator and unmistakable character. From The Human League and Depeche Mode to Simple Minds, Thomas Dolby, Styx and John Foxx, everything is played on the actual Jupiter-4 — no plug-ins, no software, just the real thing. Where the original records used layered Jupiter-4 parts, those layers are recreated here in the same spirit on the real synth. Featured songs The Human League – Open Your Heart The Cars – Shake It Up Depeche Mode – Photographic Simple Minds – Love Song / Themes for Great Cities Thomas Dolby – Windpower Spandau Ballet – To Cut a Long Story Short Styx – Too Much Time on My Hands John Foxx – Europe After the Rain Jupiter-4 programmed by Paul Soulsby Mixed by Alex Hargreaves Support the show

Jul 4

Genesis: Tony Banks’ JD-800 Live Patches Recreated (90s Tour Sounds)

Send us Fan Mail Watcher • Carpet Crawlers • Invisible Touch • Mama • Follow You Follow Me • I Can’t Dance — live-style JD-800 patch recreations + parts Tony Banks used the Roland JD-800 throughout Genesis’ 1990s tours—here are my closest recreations of his live patches, with the parts transcribed and played in Tony’s live style across six iconic songs. Tony Banks’ Genesis JD-800 live tour patches recreated (1990s). In this episode, I recreate Tony Banks’ Roland JD-800 live patches as heard on Genesis’ big 90s tours—then I play the parts the way Tony performed them on stage. A lot of these lines began life in the studio on totally different instruments (Mellotron, Prophet-10, ARP 2600), but the live JD-800 versions have their own character: big, authoritative pads, punchy stabs, and that unmistakable 90s touring sheen. Technical note: I’m playing the parts on my JD-800, but what you’re hearing here is the Roland Cloud JD-800 plug-in. Also, my hardware JD-800 buttons aren’t behaving, so I can’t reliably save patches—everything you hear is my best “get it right in the moment” recreation. If you’re into Genesis keys, Tony Banks parts, and classic synth textures, you’ll enjoy this one. Tell me your favourite patch/part, and what Genesis/Tony Banks sound I should tackle next (song + section if possible). Chapters / Timestamps Intro Watcher of the Skies — Main string pad (studio origin: Mellotron) Carpet Crawlers — Main string pad (studio origin: Mellotron layer) Invisible Touch — Stabby keyboard (studio origin: Prophet-10) Mama — Main pad (studio origin: Prophet-10) Follow You Follow Me — Chorus lead riff (studio origin: ARP 2600) I Can’t Dance — “Bruiser Tines” Summary / What should I recreate next? Note on authenticity: Live rigs aren’t always about perfectly matching the studio source—they’re about making the part translate through a PA, night after night. This episode focuses specifically on the live JD-800 vibe. 🎧 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

Jul 1

13 Famous Hoover Riffs You Know Instantly!

Send us Fan Mail Andy Whitmore recreates 13 famous Hoover riffs on the real Roland Alpha Juno-1, using the legendary “WhatThe” preset that helped define rave, hardcore, jungle and techno. In this episode, I recreate 13 famous Hoover riffs on the real Roland Alpha Juno-1, using the legendary “WhatThe” preset that became one of the most aggressive and recognisable synth sounds in dance music history. The Hoover sound helped define rave, hardcore, jungle and techno — from early ’90s classics like Human Resource – Dominator, Second Phase – Mentasm, T99 – Anasthasia and The Prodigy – Charly, through to later tracks that brought the sound back again. Featured tracks: Second Phase – Mentasm Human Resource – Dominator T99 – Anasthasia The Prodigy – Charly Baby D – Come Into My World DJ Seduction – Come On Mundo Muzique – Acid Pandemonium X Certificate – Rising 2 The Bass Plexus – Cactus Rhythm Nasty Habits – Let’s Go D.J. P.C. – Inssomniak DJ Fresh & Sigma – Cylon Rihanna – Birthday Cake I also explain where the Hoover sound came from, why it is linked to the Roland Alpha Juno, and why the Alpha Juno-1 can deliver the same raw Hoover tone as the Alpha Juno-2 Which Hoover riff is your favourite — and which one did I miss? Support the show

Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore

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

Roland Jupiter-8: 40 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Jupiter-8)

The Yamaha CS-80 Explained Through 28 Famous Riffs

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon | Richard Wright Keyboard Sounds

The Minimoog Model D A/B: What Changed From Vintage to Reissue? (21 Iconic Riffs)

Roland Jupiter-4: 8 Famous Songs You Know Instantly

Genesis: Tony Banks’ JD-800 Live Patches Recreated (90s Tour Sounds)

13 Famous Hoover Riffs You Know Instantly!

About

Information

Synth Icons with Andy Whitmore

Episodes

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

Roland Jupiter-8: 40 Iconic Riffs You Know (But Didn’t Know Were Jupiter-8)

The Yamaha CS-80 Explained Through 28 Famous Riffs

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon | Richard Wright Keyboard Sounds

The Minimoog Model D A/B: What Changed From Vintage to Reissue? (21 Iconic Riffs)

Roland Jupiter-4: 8 Famous Songs You Know Instantly

Genesis: Tony Banks’ JD-800 Live Patches Recreated (90s Tour Sounds)

13 Famous Hoover Riffs You Know Instantly!

About

Information