These are the talks you can attend:
talk
‘VCV Rack: travelling through the infinite virtual modular case‘
by Pierre Collard (Pyer)
11:00 am – 11:45 am
This workshop offers a hands-on introduction to modular synthesis, guiding participants from core concepts to creative musical applications.
We begin with the core modules, exploring how the software works and how signals flow within a modular system. From there, we move into the fundamental modules, answering the essential question: what is a synthesizer? and breaking down its main building blocks.
Next, we dive into modulators, focusing on voltage control and how modulation brings movement, expression, and complexity to sound. This leads naturally into sequencers, where we explore different approaches to composing and structuring music within a modular environment.
The workshop also takes a look at hardware clones, offering a peek into the Eurorack world and how classic and modern hardware designs translate into modular systems. We then explore third-party modules, highlighting the wild, experimental, and innovative ideas developed by independent designers.
In the external modules section, we examine hybrid setups, showing how Eurorack can be integrated with external gear, software, and other instruments.
To conclude, the workshop wraps up with a final musical patch, bringing together all the concepts covered and demonstrating a complete, playable modular composition in action.
Who is Pierre Collard?
Pyer is a Brussels based musician and a designer working in music technology for hardware and software brands such as VCV Rack, Crumar, and Black Noise. His search for new ways to make music has led him to share his passion on educational projects with Suzanne Ciani and Omri Cohen, as well as local modular workshops at the Ixelles public library and lectures on electronic music composition.
talk
‘Circuit bending & modding‘
by Jan De Block (Addictive Noise)
12:00 am – 12:45 am
Circuit bending is exciting: you break into a discarded device without knowing or understanding the circuit, searching for new sounds by tapping signals at random points. But how do you avoid producing white smoke – and total radio silence – on your very first try?
In this session, you’ll learn how to achieve great results with minimal risk, complete with live demos of various mods.
Who is Jan De Block?
Jan De Block designs and builds noise circuits, modules, and installations under the name AddictiveNoise. With his project Silent Noise Revolution, he combines electronics and minimalist piano.
He is also the founder of Modular404, a label that focuses on modular synth tracks with a duration of 404 seconds. Additionally, he is a songwriter and producer for, among others, Kyoko Baertsoen (ex-Hooverphonic).
talk
‘Introduction to the 208 Music Easel‘
by Constantin Papageorgiadis (Portabellabz)
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Constantin Papageorgiadis is the creator of the 208p, a highly regarded recreation of the original 208 module from the 70’s, available both pre-built and as a DIY project.
In this talk, Constantin will introduce the key features that make the 208 such a distinctive and powerful peformance instrument, and he’ll explore how its capabilities can be expanded through modifications and add-on cards.
Prepare yourself – his English accent is a loveable disaster. Sorry about that 🙂
Who is Constantin Papageorgiadis?
Constantin is the founder and owner of Portabellabz.
talk
‘Performing electronic music with Ableton Live‘
by Reindert Spanhove
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
How do you use your DAW when you don’t just want to produce electronic music, but actually perform it? What do you need to control, and how do you do it without losing your mind in the heat of the moment?
Simple: you build your own instrument – something that’s truly playable on stage.
Reindert Spanhove (Frayhm) guides you through the underlying structure of an experimental live set in Ableton, navigating a maze of MIDI maps and macro controllers. The logic behind it can be translated to completely different setups, wether you use Ableton or not.
Who is Reindert Spanhove?
Reindert is an artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He studied at various schools across Europe: LUCA School of Arts in Leuven, the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, and the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo. Reindert is passionate about sound and coaches people in music theory, ear training, and production. He is a music teacher and enjoys helping emerging artists and bands find their way.
He composes music under the names Frayhm, Myhriel, and Miran. Under Frayhm and Myhriel you will find primarily electronic music, with Myhriel having a cinematic character. The tracks released under the name Miran are melancholic and hopeful, leaning more toward the indie-folk side.
talk
‘Live sample sequencing with MaxMSP‘
by Hannes d’Hoine (Jon Doe One)
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
The real world is full of hidden sound sources—a treasure already waiting to be used, as Pierre Schaeffer realized when he developed musique concrète. During his search for real-time processing of the double bass, Hannes d’Hoine ran into the limitations of the modular synth for live sampling. This led him to Max/MSP, where he developed his own tools for his live practice. In this workshop, he will show you exactly how this works.
Who is Hannes d’Hoigne?
Hannes d’Hoine is a double bassist, composer, and sound designer from Antwerp. He is a member of Die Anarchistische Abendunterhaltung and has collaborated with various Belgian and international musicians (including Dez Mona, Rudy TrouvĂ©, Liesa Van der Aa, the Alba Griot Ensemble with Tony Allen and Toumani DiabatĂ©, etc.). In addition, he composes music for dance, theatre, film, and art installations. Under the alter ego Jon Doe One, he releases experimental music in which he combines electronics, double bass, and other instruments into a unique sonic world.
talk
‘How to prepare a modular live set‘
by François Gaspard (Shakmat)
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
François takes you through the process of preparing for a live set.
In this talk he explains how he approaches a performance: how he turns an idea into a live rig, how he patches everything together, how to stay on the edge of control, … and what to do when you get over the edge.
Who is François Gaspard?
Founder of Shakmat.
Performing under the moniker Erd, he has played numerous live modular sets.