Otis Singleton
Are Friends Electric? by Tubeway Army, a seminal track from the late 1970s, is renowned for its pioneering use of synthesizers, which helped define the emerging synth-pop genre. The song prominently features the Korg 700S, a monophonic analog synthesizer that Gary Numan, the band's frontman, used to create its distinctive, haunting soundscapes. The Korg 700S, with its versatile oscillators and filter capabilities, allowed Numan to craft the eerie, robotic tones that became the track's signature. This synthesizer, combined with Numan's innovative approach to composition and production, not only shaped the identity of Are Friends Electric? but also left an indelible mark on the evolution of electronic music, inspiring countless artists to explore the possibilities of synthesizers in popular music.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Synth Model | Roland SH-2000 (primary synth used for the iconic riff) |
| Manufacturer | Roland Corporation |
| Release Year | 1975 |
| Type | Analog Synthesizer |
| Polyphony | Monophonic |
| Oscillators | 2 VCOs (Voltage-Controlled Oscillators) |
| Waveforms | Sawtooth, Square, Pulse |
| Filter | 12 dB/octave low-pass filter |
| Envelope Generators | ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) for VCF and VCA |
| LFO | 1 LFO with triangle and square waveforms |
| Keyboard | 49 keys |
| Notable Features | External audio input for filtering external sounds |
| Used By | Gary Numan (Tubeway Army) for "Are Friends Electric?" (1979) |
| Sound Characteristics | Warm, gritty, and distinctive analog tone |
| Production Status | Discontinued (vintage/collectible) |
| Modern Alternatives | Roland SH-01A (Boutique series), Behringer MS-101 (similar filter design) |
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What You'll Learn
- Synth Model Identification: Identifying the specific synthesizer used in the track Are Friends Electric by Tubeway Army
- Sound Characteristics: Analyzing the unique sound qualities produced by the synthesizer in the song
- Production Techniques: Exploring how the synthesizer was processed and mixed in the recording
- Historical Context: Understanding the synthesizer's role in late 1970s electronic music production
- Influence on Music: Examining the impact of the synth sound on subsequent electronic and pop genres
Synth Model Identification: Identifying the specific synthesizer used in the track Are Friends Electric? by Tubeway Army
The quest to identify the specific synthesizer used in Tubeway Army's iconic track "Are Friends Electric?" is a fascinating journey into the world of vintage synths and their distinctive sounds. Gary Numan, the mastermind behind Tubeway Army, is known for his innovative use of synthesizers in the late 1970s, blending punk and electronic music to create a unique sound. To pinpoint the exact synth model used in this track, one must delve into the era's popular synthesizers and Numan's known equipment.
Exploring the Synth Landscape of the Late 1970s: During this period, several synthesizers were gaining popularity, each offering unique features and sounds. The Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, and Korg MS-20 were among the favorites of many electronic musicians. However, Gary Numan's preference for certain brands and models can narrow down the search. Numan was an avid user of synthesizers from the British company Electronic Music Studios (EMS), particularly the EMS VCS 3 and its sibling, the EMS AKS. These synths were known for their patchable interfaces and distinctive sound capabilities, making them ideal for creating experimental and atmospheric sounds.
The EMS Synths and Their Signature Sound: The EMS VCS 3 and AKS were modular synthesizers with a unique design, allowing for a high degree of customization and sound manipulation. They featured a digital sequencer, a distinctive filter, and a touch-sensitive keyboard (in the case of the AKS). These synths could produce a wide range of sounds, from warm pads to sharp, cutting leads, and unusual sound effects. The ability to create evolving soundscapes and quirky, otherworldly noises made them a perfect fit for Numan's vision in "Are Friends Electric?"
Analyzing the Song's Synth Parts: In "Are Friends Electric?", the synthesizer plays a pivotal role, providing the iconic riff and atmospheric backdrop. The riff itself is characterized by a sharp, slightly distorted sound with a quick decay, suggesting the use of a filter and envelope controls. The atmospheric pads and sound effects throughout the track further point towards the versatility of a modular synth like the EMS VCS 3 or AKS. These synths could create complex, layered sounds, which are evident in the song's rich electronic texture.
Confirming the Synth Model: While Gary Numan has not explicitly stated the synth model used in every track, his known affinity for EMS synthesizers and the distinct sound characteristics in "Are Friends Electric?" strongly suggest the use of the EMS VCS 3 or AKS. These synths were his go-to instruments during that era, and their capabilities align perfectly with the song's requirements. The EMS synths' ability to produce both melodic lines and experimental soundscapes makes them the most likely candidates for creating the iconic sounds in this groundbreaking track.
In the world of synthesizer identification, context, and sound analysis are key. By understanding the era's synth landscape and Gary Numan's preferences, we can confidently narrow down the search to the EMS VCS 3 or AKS as the primary synthesizers used in "Are Friends Electric?" This identification process highlights the importance of studying an artist's equipment choices and the unique sonic characteristics of vintage synthesizers.
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Sound Characteristics: Analyzing the unique sound qualities produced by the synthesizer in the song
The synthesizer used in "Are Friends Electric?" by Tubeway Army, a 1979 track, is the Korg 700S, a monophonic analog synthesizer. This instrument plays a pivotal role in shaping the song's distinctive sound, characterized by its eerie, futuristic, and somewhat detached atmosphere. The Korg 700S, with its limited but expressive capabilities, contributes to the track's unique sonic identity, blending seamlessly with the minimalist electronic arrangement.
One of the most striking sound characteristics of the synthesizer in this song is its monophonic, single-note lead sound. The Korg 700S produces a thin, piercing tone that cuts through the mix, particularly during the melody lines. This sound is achieved through its voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), which generates a raw, slightly unstable pitch that adds to the song's unsettling vibe. The lack of polyphony forces the melody to be played one note at a time, emphasizing the isolation and introspection of the lyrics.
The filter and envelope settings on the Korg 700S are crucial to the synthesizer's timbre. The low-pass filter is often used to create a gradual decay, giving the notes a soft, fading quality that contrasts with their initial sharpness. This creates a dynamic range within each note, making the melody feel alive and responsive. The envelope's attack is relatively quick, ensuring the notes begin abruptly, while the release is longer, allowing the sound to linger and blend into the next note or the ambient background.
Portamento effect is another key feature of the synthesizer in this track. The Korg 700S's glide function smoothly transitions between notes, adding a fluid, almost human-like quality to the melody. This effect is particularly noticeable during the song's iconic riff, where the sliding pitch creates a sense of unease and mechanical detachment. The portamento effect also reinforces the song's theme of questioning the nature of human connection in a technologically dominated world.
Finally, the timbre and modulation of the synthesizer contribute to its otherworldly sound. The Korg 700S's oscillators produce a slightly detuned, "warbly" quality when modulated, which adds depth and complexity to the otherwise simple melody. This modulation, combined with the filter sweeps, creates a sense of movement and evolution in the sound, keeping the listener engaged. The overall tone is cold and metallic, yet it carries an emotional weight that complements Gary Numan's vocal delivery, making the synthesizer not just an instrument but a character in the narrative of the song.
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Production Techniques: Exploring how the synthesizer was processed and mixed in the recording
The iconic synth sound in "Are Friends Electric?" by Tubeway Army (Gary Numan) is primarily attributed to the Minimoog Model D, a monophonic analog synthesizer that became a cornerstone of late 1970s and early 1980s electronic music. To achieve the distinctive tone and texture of the synthesizer in this track, several production techniques were employed, focusing on sound design, processing, and mixing. The Minimoog's fat, warm oscillators were likely tuned to create a rich, detuned sound, with slight pitch modulation adding a sense of movement and depth. This was achieved by carefully adjusting the oscillator tuning knobs to create a chorusing effect, a technique that was manually intensive but crucial for the era's synth sounds.
Once the foundational sound was created, processing played a pivotal role in shaping the synthesizer's character. The use of a chorus effect was essential to thicken the Minimoog's single-note lines, giving them a lush, expansive quality. This effect was likely applied during the recording process rather than as a post-production addition, as it interacts dynamically with the synthesizer's envelope and filter settings. Additionally, a subtle phaser or flanger might have been used to introduce a gentle, swirling motion, enhancing the futuristic and somewhat eerie atmosphere of the track. These effects were carefully balanced to ensure they complemented the synthesizer's inherent tonal qualities without overwhelming them.
Compression was another critical element in the mixing process, helping to control the dynamic range of the synthesizer while adding a sense of consistency and presence. A hardware compressor with a fast attack and medium release setting would have been ideal for taming the Minimoog's peaks while maintaining its punch. This technique ensured that the synth lines sat well in the mix, cutting through the arrangement without dominating other elements like the drums and vocals. The compressor's threshold and ratio were likely adjusted to allow some natural dynamics to shine through, preserving the expressive qualities of the performance.
EQ was employed to sculpt the frequency spectrum of the synthesizer, ensuring it occupied the right space in the mix. The low end of the Minimoog was probably boosted to emphasize its warmth and power, while midrange frequencies were carefully notched or boosted to enhance clarity and definition. High-frequency content might have been slightly attenuated to avoid harshness, maintaining a smooth, polished sound. This meticulous EQ work was essential for integrating the synthesizer with the other instruments, creating a cohesive and balanced mix.
Finally, the spatial placement of the synthesizer in the stereo field was crucial for achieving a three-dimensional soundstage. Panning techniques were used to position the synth lines subtly across the stereo spectrum, creating a sense of width and depth. This was particularly important for the track's lead and pad sounds, which needed to envelop the listener without becoming static or one-dimensional. The use of automation to adjust panning and volume levels over time added further dynamism, ensuring the synthesizer remained engaging throughout the song. By combining these production techniques, the synthesizer in "Are Friends Electric?" was transformed from a raw, monophonic instrument into a central, emotive element of the recording.
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Historical Context: Understanding the synthesizer's role in late 1970s electronic music production
The late 1970s marked a pivotal era in electronic music production, characterized by the growing accessibility and experimentation with synthesizers. These instruments, once confined to avant-garde composers and academic settings, began to permeate mainstream music, reshaping genres and production techniques. Synthesizers like the ARP Odyssey, Moog Modular, and Yamaha CS-80 became iconic tools for artists seeking to push sonic boundaries. This period saw synthesizers transition from novelty devices to essential components of music studios, enabling artists to create entirely new textures, melodies, and atmospheres. The song "Are Friends Electric?" by Tubeway Army (Gary Numan) exemplifies this shift, utilizing synthesizers to craft a dystopian, futuristic sound that defined the emerging synth-pop genre.
The ARP Odyssey, a compact and relatively affordable synthesizer, played a significant role in democratizing electronic music production. Its versatility allowed musicians to generate a wide range of sounds, from warm basslines to sharp, piercing leads. While it is not definitively confirmed which synthesizer was used on "Are Friends Electric?", the ARP Odyssey's prominence during this era makes it a strong candidate. Its ability to produce the song's distinctive, icy tones and pulsating rhythms aligns with the track's aesthetic. This synthesizer's influence extended beyond Tubeway Army, shaping the sound of artists like Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, and early electronic pioneers.
Another synthesizer that dominated the late 1970s was the Moog Modular system. Known for its complexity and depth, the Moog Modular offered unparalleled control over sound design, making it a favorite among experimental musicians. While its high cost limited its accessibility, it was instrumental in creating the rich, layered textures heard in progressive rock and electronic music. If "Are Friends Electric?" employed a Moog, it would likely have been for its ability to generate intricate, evolving sounds that complemented the song's robotic, detached vibe. The Moog's legacy in this period underscores the synthesizer's role as a tool for artistic innovation.
The Yamaha CS-80, often referred to as the "Stradivarius of synthesizers," also left an indelible mark on late 1970s music. Its polyphonic capabilities and expressive controls made it a go-to instrument for creating lush pads and dynamic solos. While its use in "Are Friends Electric?" is speculative, the CS-80's influence is evident in the era's cinematic, emotive electronic tracks. Its adoption by artists like Vangelis and Stevie Wonder highlights how synthesizers like the CS-80 bridged the gap between experimental and mainstream music, solidifying their place in late 1970s production.
In understanding the historical context of synthesizers in the late 1970s, it becomes clear that these instruments were not merely tools but catalysts for musical evolution. They enabled artists to break free from traditional instrumentation, fostering genres like synth-pop, new wave, and electronic rock. "Are Friends Electric?" stands as a testament to this transformation, showcasing how synthesizers could evoke alienation, futurism, and innovation. Whether through the ARP Odyssey, Moog Modular, or Yamaha CS-80, the synthesizer's role in this era was to redefine what music could sound like, paving the way for the electronic music explosion of the 1980s and beyond.
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Influence on Music: Examining the impact of the synth sound on subsequent electronic and pop genres
The iconic synth sound in Tubeway Army's "Are Friends Electric?" has left an indelible mark on the musical landscape, particularly within electronic and pop genres. Released in 1979, the song featured the distinctive tones of the Korg 700S, a monophonic synthesizer known for its versatility and ability to produce a wide range of sounds, from warm pads to sharp, cutting leads. This synthesizer, paired with Gary Numan's visionary production, created a sound that was both futuristic and haunting, capturing the zeitgeist of late 1970s and early 1980s music. The Korg 700S's role in shaping the track's eerie, robotic atmosphere demonstrated the potential of synthesizers to transcend traditional instrumentation, paving the way for their widespread adoption in mainstream music.
The influence of "Are Friends Electric?" and its synth-driven sound can be directly traced to the emergence of new wave and synth-pop in the 1980s. Bands like Depeche Mode, OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark), and The Human League drew inspiration from Numan's use of synthesizers, incorporating similar cold, mechanical tones into their own work. The Korg 700S and other analog synthesizers became staples in these genres, allowing artists to experiment with new textures and moods. The song's success proved that electronic sounds could dominate the charts, encouraging producers to explore synthesizers as primary instruments rather than mere embellishments. This shift fundamentally altered the sonic palette of pop music, making it more experimental and forward-thinking.
Beyond synth-pop, the impact of "Are Friends Electric?" extended into electronic dance music (EDM) and techno. The track's repetitive, hypnotic structure and its reliance on synthetic sounds foreshadowed the minimalist, machine-driven aesthetics of these genres. Pioneers like Kraftwerk and later artists such as The Prodigy and Daft Punk built upon the foundation laid by Numan, using synthesizers to create rhythmic, immersive soundscapes. The Korg 700S's ability to produce both melodic and percussive elements influenced the development of drum machines and sequencers, which became essential tools in electronic music production. The song's legacy is evident in the continued use of analog synthesizers in modern electronic genres, where their raw, organic quality contrasts with digital precision.
In contemporary pop music, the synth sound pioneered by "Are Friends Electric?" remains a dominant force. Artists like Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, and Grimes have incorporated retro-futuristic synth tones into their work, often blending them with modern production techniques. The resurgence of interest in analog synthesizers, fueled by a nostalgia for the 1980s, can be partly attributed to the enduring appeal of Numan's sound. Producers now frequently emulate the Korg 700S and similar synthesizers to achieve a vintage, yet timeless quality. This revival underscores the song's lasting impact, proving that its influence is not confined to its era but continues to shape the evolution of pop music.
Finally, "Are Friends Electric?" also played a pivotal role in blurring the lines between genres, demonstrating that electronic sounds could appeal to a broad audience. Its success encouraged artists from diverse musical backgrounds to experiment with synthesizers, leading to cross-pollination between rock, pop, and electronic music. This fusion is evident in genres like electroclash and indietronica, where traditional songwriting meets electronic production. The Korg 700S's versatility and the song's innovative use of it inspired a generation of musicians to rethink the possibilities of sound, ensuring that the synth-driven aesthetic remains a cornerstone of modern music. In examining its influence, it's clear that "Are Friends Electric?" not only defined an era but also charted the course for the future of electronic and pop genres.
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Frequently asked questions
The primary synth used on "Are Friends Electric" is the Korg 700S, a monophonic analog synthesizer.
Yes, in addition to the Korg 700S, Gary Numan also used a Minimoog synthesizer for additional bass and melodic elements.
The Korg 700S provided the distinctive, eerie lead melody and atmospheric textures that define the track's futuristic and haunting vibe.
Yes, the synth sounds were processed with reverb and delay to create a spacious and otherworldly feel, enhancing the song's overall atmosphere.
