Make Noise Bruxa: A Sonic Dialogue Between Tony Rolando and Alessandro Cortini

The conversation opens with Tony Rolando and Alessandro Cortini tracing the origins of Bruxa back to their earliest circuit experiments, long before the module had a name or a defined role. What began as a simple prototype—built to explore the sonic possibilities of the PT chip—quickly became a foundation for further collaboration. The initial goal wasn’t even a module, but rather a standalone device; however, the modular format provided a flexible testbed for iterative development.

Cortini recalls the tactile immediacy of those early patches, feeding simple signals through the prototype to see how it could mutate and enrich them. The pair discovered that even at this stage, the circuit responded in a way that was both malleable and deeply tied to the performer’s input. This hands-on process, including feedback from other artists like Rob Lowe, set the tone for a design philosophy that values both personal sonic identity and openness to diverse approaches.

One of Bruxa’s defining strengths is its ability to slot seamlessly into existing Eurorack systems, where it can interact with a wide range of modules and patching strategies. Unlike the all-in-one environment of Strega, Bruxa invites users to experiment with routing audio and control voltages in and out, fostering new forms of feedback and modulation.

The discussion touches on the broader trend of extracting elements from beloved instruments and reimagining them as modules. While Bruxa shares lineage with Strega, it is intentionally not a direct clone; instead, it offers a unique sonic core that responds differently in modular contexts. The result is a module that can be both familiar and surprising, encouraging users to explore uncharted sonic territory within their own setups.

Rolando and Cortini reflect on their collaborative process, likening it to the dynamic of a band—quick, sometimes unpredictable, and always shaped by the personalities involved. They stress that the goal was never to simply repackage existing circuits, but to create something that genuinely excites them and stands out in a crowded field of electronic instruments. The PT chip at Bruxa’s heart is a familiar ingredient, but it’s the recipe—the sum of countless small design decisions—that gives the module its unique character.

A recurring theme is the idea that tools like Bruxa are ultimately vessels for personal expression. The module’s design encourages users to imprint their own sonic identity, rather than dictating a single way to use it. This ethos is echoed in the enigmatic inscription on Bruxa’s back panel, which hints that the true voice of the instrument comes from the individual using it.

Finally, the conversation acknowledges the realities of releasing new hardware into a critical and often skeptical world. While the internet may be quick to judge based on specs or demos, the true test comes when musicians get their hands on the module and discover its possibilities for themselves. Bruxa, as presented here, is both a continuation of Make Noise’s experimental lineage and an open invitation to make something new.