Tonepusher and the Riotous Legacy of the KORG MS-20

Christopher Carter, of the legendary Throbbing Gristle, was one of the first pioneers to adopt the MS-20 into the realm of industrial sound. His solo album ‘The Space Between’ is a testament to the synth’s ferocity, recorded in the late ’70s at the infamous Industrial Records Studio. DAF brought the MS-20 into the spotlight in Europe, using it to pioneer the explosive sounds that would define a decade. Working with Connie Plank, the architect behind their sound, they managed to transform the MS-20 from a timid machine into a roaring juggernaut by running it through booming Marshall stacks. Gaby of DAF confessed that many sought to replicate their sound, only to find the MS-20 alone couldn’t quite capture the magic. Tracks like ‘Der Mussolini’ demonstrated how the MS-20 could dominate a song with just a few sequenced lines, proving less can sometimes be more. Liaison Dangereuse, another heavyweight of the era, employed the MS-20 to craft tracks that left an indelible mark on the German scene, later even inspiring acts like Skinny Puppy.

The MS-20’s siren call reached far and wide, wrapping music shapers in its spell. Kevin Key from Skinny Puppy attributes this synth as being a catalyst for his musical journey. Although he acquired his own MS-20 much later, its influence on his work is undeniable, especially within the project Download. Die Krupps, another famed band in the industrial scene, also drew inspiration from the MS-20—its affordability, coupled with its earth-shaking sound, paved the way for Ralf to make his mark. The synth’s influence isn’t confined to just music; it made its way into cinematic soundscapes. Trent Reznor harnessed the MS-20’s unique timbres for the soundtrack of ‘The Social Network’, proving this old school gear’s capabilities are endless. The MS-20 isn’t just an instrument; it’s a muse, a rabble-rouser that turned every session into a sonic adventure.

Tonepusher doesn’t just talk the talk—he walks the walk with custom basslines and patches on his MS-20 Mini that showcase its enduring might. Starting with iconic bass lines like those from ‘Der Mussolini’, Tonepusher tweaks oscillator settings, toys with amp usage, and layers sounds to recreate the raw energy of early tracks. He blends oscillators like an alchemist searching for gold, achieving that ‘close to original’ sound with meticulous care. Even as he explores mid-range grit and snappy basses, it’s evident the MS-20 retains its edge and versatility. By crafting arpeggiated riffs adorned with effects from Valhalla and Arturia, Tonepusher proves that the MS-20’s high-pass filter still packs an impressive punch. Not stopping at clean sounds, distortion proves to be the cherry on top—a testament to the synth’s one-of-a-kind filters. Tonepusher’s synthesis skills remind us that even amidst the modern digital wave, the MS-20’s raw allure remains unchallenged.