The History & Future of Expressive Electronic Instruments

Photo Credit: Marat Berenstein

Roger Linn is arguably the most influential instrument designer of the past 35 years. His 1980 creation, the LM-1 was the first Drum Machine to use samples and swing. This drum machine helped define the sound of 80’s pop as it was adopted by Prince who made it part of his signature sound during the decade, Michael Jackson, who used it extensively on Thriller, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, The Cars, Human League etc. etc. 

In 1988, Roger spearheaded a second revolution in music technology with his design of the Akai MPC60 and related models which with its touch sensitive pads, and 16 pad layout changed the way producers work. The swing and workflow of the MPC60 profoundly influenced the golden age of hip hop in the early and mid-90s

Roger currently heads Roger Linn Design and in partnership with Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim has designed the AdrenaLinn which has been used extensively by artists like Green Day, John Mayer and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as the LinnDrum II and his latest creation, the LinnStrument. 

The discussion focused first on Roger’s past work and how he developed these instruments, his work with the most important artists of the period and how they influenced his creations and how they changed the studio environment from 1980 - 1995. The second part of the talk touched on where electronic instruments are heading and what producers and live performers may be using twenty years from now.

The panel featured: 

Roger Linn - Instrument Designer/Producer and Guitarist 
Bob Power - Producer/Mixer and Associate Arts Professor 
Nicholas Sansano - Producer/Mixer and Associate Arts Professor 
Dan Freeman - Bassist/Producer/Music Technologist & instructor 

​This was presented in partnership with Steinhardt​ Music Technology, and Tandon ​​​Integrated Digital Media.