MBP #176 Justin Frankel

Justin Frankel is a programmer, musician, and human being. In this conversation, Justin, the creator of Winamp and Reaper, shares his journey through programming, the evolution of his software, and the philosophy behind his work. He discusses the challenges of working under AOL, the artistry involved in software development, and the unique pricing model of Reaper. Justin also reflects on the future of AI in music and the importance of human connection in art. Justin Frankel Links   Mr. Bill Links

In this conversation, this research team discusses their innovative project that combines social cognition, crowd dynamics, and machine learning. They explore how to utilize body tracking technology and infrared cameras to gather data on audience behavior during live performances. The team aims to understand the relationship between crowd dynamics and environmental factors, ultimately seeking to predict crowd behavior and enhance audience engagement. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of extracting data from crowd dynamics, particularly in the context of music performances. They discuss the challenges of video data extraction compared to audio, the inspiration behind their project, and the ethical implications of using technology for crowd surveillance. The conversation also touches on the potential for real-time integration of audience behavior into performances, the future of brain-computer interfaces, and the exploration of life beyond Earth through advanced technology. Michael Schnebly is an Applied Physics PhD student at Harvard University, where he studies the mechanics of proteins. He is also the creator of Stepwise (@stepwise.xyz), an experimental artist project using body-tracking technology to build new musical instruments and ways of performing. His work bridges scientific research, live performance, and social experimentation. Michael is one of the co-creators of “Calibration,” a new collaborative research-performance series alongside neuroscientist Landry Bulls and electronic music artist Supertask. Calibration is a scientific study of group synchrony, embodiment, and the neural basis of musical experience through body-tracking in live concert crowds. It launches at Cervantes’ Other Side in Denver this summer. Michael Schnelby Links Landry Bulls is a PhD student in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College. As part of the Social Computation, Representation, and Prediction (SCRAP) Lab working with Dr. Mark Thornton, he uses computational methods to study social signaling of human groups and crowds.  Landry Bulls Links For the people who love to experience music, look no further than Supertask. With deep roots in hip-hop and a focus towards immersion, Supertask creates sonic landscapes that dance between the intensity and stillness of the human consciousness. His offerings of musical escapism are consumed by the concept of infinity, and with a background in IT, Supertask often utilizes code and programming in his artistic vision. A vision that his loyal community, the Dev Team, are directly involved in. Blending both analog and digital sound design, his unique approach has proven to be a driving force in the forward progression of electronic music. Through soundscapes that feel sentient, interactive live streams, and mind-bending visuals, Supertask is changing the way that we consume art. Supertask links Mr. Bills Links

Andrew develops some of the world's most advanced analog modelling audio algorithms, releasing these as plugins through his own company Cytomic, and licensing technology to industry leading developers like Ableton (Live, Move, Push), and Xfer Records (Serum). Andrew Simper Links Mr Bill Links Summary In this conversation, Bill Day and Andy Simper delve into the intricacies of audio programming, DSP algorithms, and the evolution of music production tools. They discuss the challenges faced in hardware development, the early days of VST plugins, and the impact of the Glue compressor on Ableton's EQ8. The conversation also explores the technicalities of filters, the transition from bi-quad to state variable filters, and the nuances of summing engines in audio quality. Throughout, they emphasize the importance of efficiency in DSP and the future of audio processing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:02 Early Days of Audio Programming 11:56 The Glue Compressor and Its Impact 18:01 The Transition to Better Algorithms 23:55 The Future of Audio Processing 30:33 Understanding Audio Summing and Its Implications 36:06 The Complexity of DSP Equations 41:18 Optimizing CPU Usage in Audio Plugins 52:12 Challenges in Audio Feature Extraction 59:17 The Complexity of Circuit Simulation 01:06:18 Modeling Analog Gear: The Importance of Realism 01:11:39 Criteria for Meaningful Emulation vs. Mimicry 01:20:40 Imagining Unlimited Computational Power in DSP 01:25:42 Unsolved Problems in Digital Signal Processing  

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, PhaseOne’s distinct sound (a unique blend of hard-hitting Bass Music infused with Metal) quickly found him a niche in the hardline EDM landscape. His music has been described as “a symphony of filth”, and boy are they not wrong. As a producer, guitarist, and songwriter PhaseOne expertly crafts a “metal meets electronic” sound that not only defies genres but has earned him multiple number 1s, and millions of streams globally. PhaseOne’s DJ performances bring unmatched energy to the stage; it’s a show he’s toured extensively in global markets including North America, South America, Europe, Australia, the Asia Pacific region, the Middle East, and Europe, playing sold-out headline shows and festivals such as Tomorrowland, EDC, Rampage and Lost Lands, with some of the biggest names in electronic music. His music is loved and supported by artists such as Skrillex, Illenium, Slander, and Excision. PhaseOne Links   Mr. Bill’s Links

Amidst the kaleidoscopic landscape of electronic music, Skyberak stands as a visionary architect of sound, masterfully weaving vibrant hues of color into the intricate fabric of bass music. With a signature style that defies convention, Skybreak's sonic creations explore the uncharted territories of Color Bass and Future Riddim, giving rise to a symphony of textures, emotions, and boundless creativity. Collaborations are a cornerstone of Skybreak's sonic voyage, serving as gateways to musical exploration and innovation. His creative energy flows seamlessly alongside artists such as Ace Aura, Aethoro, ALLEYCVT, and Azure Spark, to name just a few. With each collaborative endeavor, Skybreak melds his sonic identity with the unique perspectives of his musical counterparts, resulting in tracks that are as diverse as they are captivating. Through a prolific discography, Skybreak's music finds its home on an array of prestigious labels, each one a testament to his ability to traverse the sonic spectrum. From the ethereal landscapes of Seeking Blue to the bass-driven frontiers of Never Say Die and Disciple, his releases resonate with audiences across genres, speaking to his dynamic range as a producer and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of bass music. At the core of Skybreak's sonic identity lies a passion for Color Bass and Future Riddim—a genre that he has nurtured and evolved since his inception in 2017. His tracks are not mere compositions; they're vivid landscapes of sound, each element carefully placed to evoke a kaleidoscope of emotions. The rhythms, melodies, and textures intertwine to create an immersive experience that transcends sound, becoming a canvas for listeners to explore the depths of their imagination. Skybreak's transformative influence extends beyond his own productions. Through a remix of "Blue Eternal" by Said The Sky & Motion City Soundtrack, he infuses his unique touch into existing tracks, breathing new life into familiar melodies. This remix is a testament to his ability to reshape music into his own sonic realm, infusing it with his trademark energy and creativity. As he continues to forge his path through the evolving landscape of electronic music, Skybreak's name becomes synonymous with innovation, audacity, and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of music, showcasing the ability to create immersive worlds through sonic landscapes. With each track, each release, Skybreak invites audiences to experience the beauty of color bass and future riddim—a vivid symphony that transcends the ordinary and propels listeners into realms of uncharted sonic wonder. Skybreak Links Mr. Bill’s Links 

Matt Xavier is a full-time psychedelic guide, DJ, and mental health counselor whose remarkable career has spanned more than three decades at the intersection of music, healing, and expanded states of consciousness. In the early 1990s, Matt gained prominence as “Matthew Magic,” a pioneering force in New York City’s underground electronic music scene. As cofounder of Tsunami Productions, he introduced Psychedelic Trance to the North American East Coast and later founded the influential techno label Railyard Recordings. Throughout his tenure, he held DJ residencies in both New York and Los Angeles, performing at renowned festivals and clubs around the world. Educated at Loyola Marymount University and credentialed in California, Matt has worked as a certified Gestalt therapist and co-occurring addiction counselor, providing evidence-based care at leading treatment centers across Los Angeles. In 2019, he received formal training in psychedelic-assisted therapy and launched Integrated Psychedelics—a private practice offering harm-reduction therapy, integration counseling, and immersive, music-enhanced psychedelic journeys. Through his work with Therapeutic DJing, Matt teaches others how to harness the powerful synergy between music and psilocybin-assisted therapy to support emotional release, healing, and deep personal transformation. Career News: Book release Early June 2025:  The Psychedelic DJ - A Practical Guide to Therapeutic Music Curation and Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy DJ Sets @ Psychedelic Science Conference June 2025: Shulgin 100 Year Birthday Celebration @ Psychedelic Science 2025 - Denver, feat. Oona Dahl & Matt Xavier AFTERGLOW: unofficial ambient-techno afterhours for Psychedelic Science 2025 - Denver, feat. Oona Dahl & Matt Xavier Matt's Links Mr. Bill’s Links

DMGAudio is Dave Gamble and co-conspirator Krzysztof Oktalski, enriched with ideas from hundreds of engineers, producers and audio specialists. Dave has worked in Pro-Audio for over a decade, for prestigious companies such as Focusrite, Novation, Sonalksis, Neyrinck, Brainworx. DMGAudio was created to build the products that we've always wanted; free from the constraints of a board of directors and instead driven by our users. Dave Gamble Links Mr. Bill Links

​ Vojtěch Meluzín is the founder and CEO of MeldaProduction, a Czech-based audio software company renowned for its innovative and versatile audio plugins. Born and raised in the Czech Republic, Meluzín's journey into music and technology began early. He started programming at the age of 10 and was already creating music on an Atari using Cubase by the age of 8.​ Meluzín pursued his passion for music and technology through formal education, culminating in a university degree where he developed a GUI system for plugins as part of his diploma work. His initial foray into audio software development was the creation of MDrummer, a project that began as a school assignment but evolved into a commercial product. Encouraged by a peer to market his creation, Meluzín improved MDrummer significantly and decided to venture into the audio plugin industry independently.​ Under his leadership, MeldaProduction has grown to offer over 120 plugins, including the flagship MSoundFactory and MTurboComp. Meluzín is known for his hands-on approach, having developed the company's custom framework without relying on third-party SDKs, allowing for complete control and optimization. He emphasizes innovation over imitation, often critiquing the industry's focus on analog emulation and instead leveraging digital capabilities to create unique audio processing tools.​ Meluzín's work is characterized by a commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio software, integrating machine learning and advanced algorithms to enhance functionality and user experience. His dedication to quality and innovation has positioned MeldaProduction as a respected name in the audio production community. Vojtech Meluzin Links   Mr. Bill’s Links

Rodrigo Constanzo makes art. He thinks this is an important thing to do. The art he makes is generally smeared in time, in the form of music. He improvises and acts as an antennae to the beauty, electricity, and endless surprise that is living a crazy life. He composes and tries to create new sounds, interactions and behaviors that he finds interesting and challenging. He performs his own music and the music of others on a variety of instruments, with close friends. He believes in magic. He believes in sharing things. He believes in teaching. He believes in openness. He loves sweet jams, and avoids speaking with a complicated vocabulary as much as possible. He tries to live as presently and honestly as possible. Rodrigo Constanzo Links Mr. Bill’s Links

In this highly anticipated episode, we sit down with legendary sound designer and software developer Steve Duda, the mastermind behind Xfer Records and the groundbreaking synthesizer plugin Serum. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of digital audio, Steve has garnered a cult following among producers worldwide—from chart-topping EDM acts to film score composers—for his meticulous attention to sound quality and user experience. Now, with the release of Serum 2, Steve takes us behind the scenes of its development, sharing insights into the new features, workflow enhancements, and the innovative technology that will redefine the way creators craft their sounds. Tune in to learn about the challenges of maintaining Serum’s signature clarity while incorporating cutting-edge functionalities, the surprising inspirations that influenced its design, and how community feedback played a key role in shaping the next generation of this beloved synthesizer. Whether you’re a seasoned music producer, a synth enthusiast, or just curious about the future of sound creation, this episode promises a deep dive into the art and science of synthesis with one of the industry’s leading visionaries. Steve Duda Links   Mr. Bill’s Links