Tonepusher’s Guide to Industrial Madness

Tonepusher kicks off this industrial journey with a nod to drum machines, your best mates in crafting that mechanical beat. Forget about your drummer mate who’s probably juggling fifteen bands by now. Here, it’s all about the Roland R8 and Kawai R50E, setting the stage with their raw, electronic snares. Dive into that KMFDM vibe – you know the one, that gritty, thrumming heartbeat that makes industrial tracks pulse. Tonepusher highlights the Alesis HR-16, perfect for crafting that irresistible rhythm.

Next stop: synthesizers. Tonepusher introduces us to iconic synths that have carved a niche in industrial’s heart. The Sequential Pro-One is your ticket to authentic vintage sounds, made famous on tracks by Frontline Assembly. If Nine Inch Nails is your jam, the Oberheim Expander is your weapon of choice. Then there’s the icy brilliance of Waldorf’s Microwave series, offering digital tones that cut through the murk. And for that unmistakable ’90s feel, you can’t ignore the FM grandmasters: Yamaha’s DX series. Feeling modern? Tonepusher gives a nod to Serum and Elektron Digitone for matching the old school with the new.

Industrial music thrives on more than just notes – it’s the texture, the grit that defines its core. Tonepusher places a spotlight on samples, noise, and saturation, urging us to layer our tracks with random metallic hits and vintage film dialogue. Saturation is the secret ingredient, a touch of analogue warmth or distortion that harks back to an era of reel-to-reel charm. Bring in the plugins, relishing the Akai sampler texture, making your tracks not just heard, but felt. Tonepusher’s passion is infectious, reminding us that the devil is in the details.

And finally, Tonepusher delivers a punchline to his industrial sermon. The last, crucial step? Take two decades to perfect it. But hey, isn’t that the truth with any craft worth pursuing? It’s a journey, not a sprint. Tonepusher’s approach is equal parts humour and reality, underscoring the dedication and time that real mastery demands. With all six steps combined, Tonepusher unleashes a tidal wave of sound, showcasing the pinnacle of industrial music making in all its beautifully chaotic glory.