Rene van der Wouden

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T03:57:00.000-08:00

I want to thank everybody who attended at one or more of my concerts. I also want to thank everyone who bought one or more of my albums. Musically 2011 was a wonderful year for me.

For 2012 I will do it a bit slower and will start in the 2nd half a new project which will be released in January 2013.

For now I wish you a great ending of 2011 and wish you the best for 2012. May all your dreams come true in 2012!! Happy New Year

Greetings,

René van der Wouden (from a rainy and cold Holland)

Towards the end of the year 2011

2011-12-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

Dear,

2011 was musicwise a very succesfull year for me. Given 3 fantastic concerts, good reviews of the released albums and nice comments of people who enjoyed my music somehow or another. So now we are heading Christmas '11 with a big smile on my face. Those who bought my albums (for which I gratefully thank them a lot) have enough music to spend their wonderfull evenings. 2 wonderfull releases like "Soledad & Other Dreams" and "Zeppelins! There they go"

For the whole of 2012 I have planned a breath pause. Due to some personal (positive) circumstances and changes I will not give concerts or release music this year, at least not the first 6-9 months. No, it is not too early to say now. As a matter of fact I already started the musical break several weeks ago. I need to refrest my musical mind now. The last 7 years were highly productive with many releases on the REWO Records label and several tracks for samplers and such.

Albums can still be ordered through the website or at your favorite retailers of electronic orientated instrumental music.

For 2013 I have some interesting ideas. I will come back then.

Have a nice holiday season and all the best for the New Year.

Best regards,

René van der Wouden

Rene van der Wouden live @ E-Live 2011 full upperroom concert

2011-10-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

E-Live 2011 - the setlist

2011-10-17T04:53:00.000-07:00

I got several questions of people who wanted to know the setlist of the gigs at E-Live.

First set started at 14.00 hours:

This is the setlist I played in front of fully packed room with people.
- intro (improvised)
- Numerus Fixus part 1 (from the Numerus Fixus album)
- The Liquid Haze (from the Zeppelins! There they go album)
- Arcadia (from the Sequential Tourism album)
- The Zeppelin (from the Groove Unlimited Dutch Masters album

Second set:
- Sequential Tourism (from the so-called album) // then I stopped because of the time table. There was only 40 minutes between Matzumi and Eric vd Heijden. So I forwarded 2 tracks of this set to the third set.

Third set:
- Numerus fixus Part 6 (from the Numerus Fixus album)
- Far Across the Heavens (from the Alchemia album)
- Go Quiet (from the Universal Quiet album)
- Get Quieter (from the Universal Quiet album)
- Prosa 4 (from the Pro Sequential album)
- Golden Dreams of Silver Elements (from the Alchemia album)

All is video-taped and will be after some editing posted on my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/renevanderwouden

Reflection on E-Live 2011 - The Upper Room concerts by Rene van der Wouden

2011-10-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

The upper room concerts were special!! Held on October 15th, 2011 (exactly 6 years later again on E-Live). Here are some pictures taken by Phil Booth, Koos van Wijngaarden, Hans-Herman Hess and myself. Thanks to the photographers!!

Zeppelins! There they go by RvdW

2011-10-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

New album, out now. Available at www.renevanderwouden.net but also at http://www.groove.nl/cd/7/78958.html and http://www.cue-records.com/product_info.php?info=p5024_rene-van-der-wouden---zeppelins--there-they-go.html&XTCsid=f3f36f6b0ce50c1cc5cf310a982f3134

Pictures from last week's Electronic Circus at Gutersloh

2011-10-08T04:36:00.001-07:00

Full HD video registration of the Schwingungen concert on July2nd, 2011

2011-10-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

How to order the new album: "Zeppelins!" There they go

2011-09-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

How to order the new album: "Zeppelins!" There they go

If you wish to order a copy of this new album, send a payment of EUR 10,00 (or equivalent in your currency) to Paypal with the following address: payments@renevanderwouden.net and don't forget to mention the address to where it must sent to. Also let me know if you want it signed by me. The shipping is included. If you come to the Electronic Circus in Guttersloh or to E-Live in Oirschot and you wish to have a copy handed overthere, let me know this as well. Then you can pay me cash overthere with the amount of EUR 8,00.

I hope to have informed you properly and surely hope to see you at E-Live at one of the concerts I will give in the upper room.

Visit the website: www.renevanderwouden.net

Pro Sequentia by Rene van der Wouden [Electronic Music] [Sequences] [Ber...

2011-09-14T05:26:00.000-07:00

All music composed, arranged, performed and produced by Rene van der Wouden at the Miniminus Studio from October 2004 to January 2005.

Instruments: Korg 01/W, Korg M1, Korg DW8000, Roland Juno 1, Roland JX3P, Roland JX8p, Roland JV1080, Kawai SX240, Clavia Nordlead 2, Ensoniq MRrack, Ensoniq ASR-X, Yamaha AN1x, Yamaha DX7 and E-MU PK6.

Prosa 1 [06:12] // Prosa 2 [13:28] // Prosa 3 [22:23] // Prosa 4 [09:33] // Prosa 5 [15:47].

__________________________________________________________

This was Rene van der Wouden's debut album in 2005. Visit our website at

http://www.rewo-records.com or Rene's websitehttp://www.renevanderwouden.net

for more information.

Categorie:

Muziek

Labels:

Universal Quiet - A promo for a retro-synth, Berlin School, Sequencer Ba...

2011-09-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

All music composed, arranged, produced and performed by Rene van der Wouden at the Miniminus Studio Netherlands from October 2007 to December 2007. Mastering December 2007, published in January 2008 on REWO Records.

This album is the official follow-up CD of the 2006 Alchemia album. Also here the theme of Berlin School, retro synthmusic with sequencer driven motifs. Inspired on the classic synth albums from 1974 to 1980 by artists such as Jean Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, Ashra and Vangelis.

Visit our website: http://www.rewo-records.com or the artist's pagehttp://www.renevanderwouden.net for more detailed information and how to order the album.

Categorie:

Muziek

Labels:

Promo video CD: Zeppelins! There they go by Rene vd Wouden [Berlin Schoo...

2011-09-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

This is the new promo video of Rene van der Wouden's new EM album: "Zeppelins! There they go". Of all tracks there can be heard a short audio-clip. If you are into electronic, sequencer based, Berlin School type of music like that of Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, Node or Redshift, this is something for you. Availabe as download and CD on the website:

http://www.renevanderwouden.net or http://www.rewo-records.com

All sequences come from the Moog. Other sounds from the Waldorf XTk, Waldorf Q, Nordlead and the Korg Wavestation EX.

Zeppelins! There they go | the new 2011 album by Rene van der Wouden

2011-09-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

The new Rene van der Wouden album for 2011 - Berlin School type of sequencing electronic music, "Zeppelins! There they go".

Inspired by the great electronic music albums from the past. But also a full album about the intrugeing flying machine which was popular at the beginning of the 20th century. For the Dutch masters project I took the painting of Carel Willink called "De Zeppelin". While I recorded this track I had just finished the openings- and title track of this album. Due to the success of the Dutch Masters project, I decided to go on and create a full album about this interesting flying machine. A Zeppelin is a type of rigid airship

All tracks reflect a certain aspect of this invention. All tracks are in the Berlin School sequencing style which suits perfectly with the character of the Zeppelin. Imagine the big engines while listening to those fast sequences on the second track of the album. The Mellotrons and the B3 organs reflect the atmosphere during the flghts. As a kid I was fascinated a lot by this piece of early modern technology. I can recall the dramatic accident happened to the Hindenburg. Although it belonged to bad regime during those days, it is interesting to see how mankind was not able to handle such machines and how it reacted to it.

more info about Zeppelins: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeppelin

The tracklisting is as follows:
01 Zeppelins! There they go - 17:23 (the track with which it all started)

02 Hydrogen - 18:06 (the "fuel" to get the flying machine moving)

03 Transatlantic Flights - 12:43 (the wish for mankind to look further and get quicker overseas)

04 Moving Forwards - 9:13 (the need for improvement)

05 The Liquid Haze - 14:23

06 Kompass - 6:08

Almost 79 minutes of great music!! For only EUR 9.99 256kbps or EUR11.24 for FLAC.

For sounclips and ordering information CLICK THIS LINK

Best of... Rene van der Wouden -- Sequential Mixed Up

2011-09-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

Click on here for soundclips and buying information

This download album is a kind of "Best of..." album of Rene van der Wouden sequencer based tracks from the "Alchemia", "Universal Quiet", "Sequential Tourism" and "Numerus Fixus" albums in a remixed and remastered form plus one new track from 2011 called "Gruga Platz Vier".

This album is an excellent start for the listener who wants to explore the music of Rene van der Wouden. Fans of sequencer based/Berlin School type of electronic music will enjoy this record. From fast to faster sequences.

The remix part of this album can be explained as follows: of each song several tracks were completely new recorded. On the song "Far Across the Heavens" are the sequences recorded with the Moog. On the track "Golden Dreams" also from the Alchemia album, several sounds where replaced and were added while they were recorded exclusively on the Waldorf XTk and Q synthesizers to give that TD "PPG" sound and feel.

Numerus Fixus Part 6 has been extended to over 11 minutes. Extra high speed sequencer parts were added.

The tracks of the "Universal Quiet" and "Sequential Tourism" albums are mostly remastered.

The openings track "Gruga Platz Vier" is composed and produced in 2011 for the live concert at the Gruga Park Essen, held on June 4th, 2011.

"Zeppelins!, there they go" - the new album by Rene van der Wouden

2011-08-26T03:56:00.000-07:00

Final mastering the new album: "Zeppelins, there they go". 78m05s in 6 tracks of (I would say) traditional electronic Berlin Schule based electronic music. If you like my "Alchemia" & "Universal Quiet" albums, you may like this one as well.

CD Release: Soledad & Other Dreams now also on CD

2011-08-01T04:38:00.000-07:00

This album which was first released at the end of 2007 as a legal download on Musiczeit, will be available on October 1st, 2011 as CDR. Its premier will be on the Electronic Circus Festival at the town of Gutersloh, Germany. See for more information about this festival on click on the link to enter the Circus

René van der Wouden Live next Jerome Froese, Johannes Schmoelling on E-Live 2011 Oirschot

2011-08-01T04:34:00.000-07:00

René van der Wouden Live next Jerome Froese, Johannes Schmoelling on E-Live 2011 Oirschot

Dutch Synthesist René van der Wouden is on this years bill of artists who perform at E-Live 2011 the EM De Enck Castle (near Eindhoven) - the electronic music festival for decades. The main act of the festival is LOOM who are an electronic music group consisting Jerome Froese, Johannes Schmoelling and Robert Waters. Other acts are Eric van der Heijden and Matzumi.

Johannes Schmoelling and Jerome Froese are well known to the public as longtime key members of electronic legend „Tangerine Dream“ and for their highly rated solo albums. Robert Waters already did a remix (in collaboration with Ulrich Schnauss) for the reissue of Johannes Schmoelling's solo album „White Out“ a few years ago and is one of Berlin's busiest producers. The idea to collaborate already came up in late 2008 but due to a lot of issues it came to a standstill several times. But finally things have changed fundamentally a few months ago when Jerome asked Johannes for a co-op on his next solo album called „Far side of the face“ which turned out to be a very fruitful experience.
Very long live abstinences by Jerome & Johannes and a lot of gig requests from outside have made up their mind to join the forces and serve the fans with a show that will contain their finest Solo & TD classics + totally new material including some musical surprises.

René van der Wouden will perform in the upper room of the theatre which is in fact a sort of lounge area with bar. He will perform 3 short concerts of approx. 45 minutes.

René van der Wouden is known for his sequencer based synthesizer music. Some refer it as Berlin School, but then the eighties period with structure and rhytmn. Up to now he has released 9 albums since 2005. Debut album was Pro Sequentia, followed by the popular Alchemia, Recreation, Universal Quiet - the KS tribute album, Sequential Tourism, Numerus Fixus, Panorama - an excellent spacemusic album, Fixus Naturalis and Soledad & Other Dreams.

(source: Hitsquad Musician News, 2011)

Interview Sonic Immersion with René van der Wouden

2011-07-31T05:06:00.000-07:00

SONIC IMMERSION
Bert Strolenberg recently did a nice interview with Dutch synthesist René van der Wouden.

To read it, simply follow the
http://www.sonicimmersion.org/interview.php?letter=W&interview=90562

Check it out and have a look at what Rene is telling about his music.
He is one of the acts playing on E-Live 2011 on October 15th in the Enck.
The official website of E-Live

Preparations for E-Live 2011 - The Big Upperroom Concerto's have started

2011-07-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

Preparations of the tracks to perform on E-Live 2011 - The Big Upperroom Concerto's - have started. Annually there is E-Live. Annually there are main acts downstairs on the big stage, and there are concerts in the upperroom given by artists who are or unknown to the bigger EM audience, or artists who are known already but don't mind playing upstairs and have something special in mind. Like Mark Jenkins did in 2010 (who performed on the big stage in 2008 as well as "The Ceremony of Innocence") with his first iPad performance.

For 2011, there is me, René van der Wouden, the guy from Gouda, who never performed on big stages, only at Garden Parties and Grill Fests, doing it again there at E-Live. Just like in 2005, when I did my first concert with synthesizers and sequencing music on stage. In the past I was used to perform on stage in my teenage years as, you may cough, as an actor (really bad one) and as a pianist (a tiny bit better then being an actor).

I also have experience in standing in front of large groups. I am not scared of that at all. I am even excited when I get the chance to be on stage. I like that attention. I like when people applaud when you did something, even when it was really bad what I did. No to be serious, I like to perform, I like to be on stage and give the audience for what they are coming for, a performance in sound and structure. And trying to do this at my best, I am also enjoying this. So all this mixed up with a nice setup of synths and computers, nice shirt/jacket and a bit of enthousiam, I do my concerts for now and in the future.

On October 15th, 2011, I am going to be there as well. A bit older, not wiser, but with an exciting list of songs. Lots of songs have never been performed on stage before. I am going to play some tracks of the "Sequential Tourism", "Alchemia", "Universal Quiet" and "Numerus Fixus". Some of the songs have been repacked with some other sounds to make this event a bit special, but don't worry these are minor changes. Those who bought the albums, will recognize their electronic music.

Because I want to give these concerts the best I can, I will not release the new album "Zeppelins are moving Faster" before this date. This will happen afterwards, but I will let you hear some tracks of it. I am sure that the sequencing enthousiasts will enjoy this new music. On the Electronic Circus Schwingungen Party I already performed one track called "The Liquid Haze". I also performed the track of the Dutch Masters album "The Zeppelin" that day. Both tracks will be heard again on E-Live.

More pictures of the Schwingungen Party (by Stephan Schelle)

2011-07-09T04:47:00.000-07:00

Video's of performances

2011-07-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

More pictures

2011-07-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

concert now on Soundcloud

2011-07-05T06:07:00.001-07:00

http://soundcloud.com/renevanderwouden/liverecording-concert-at-ec

Electronic Circus Schwingungen Grill Party in Hamm on July 2nd, 2011

2011-07-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

On July 2nd, the team of Electronic Circus held their annual Schwingungen Grill Party in Hamm. For this year I was asked to perform here. So I did with pleasure. It was the most exciting concert I have given up to now. I played tracks from released works like "Alchemia", "Universal Quiet", "Numerus Fixus" and the track of compilation "Dutch Masters" initiated by the Dutch electronic music label Groove Unlimited. The setlist was as follows:

1. Numerus Fixus part 1
2. Far Across the Heavens
3. Go Quiet
4. Golden Dreams of Silver Elements
5. Get Quieter
6. The Liquid Haze (previously unreleased)

and as "zugabe"

7. "The Zeppelin" from the Dutch Masters album.

Here some pictures of the concert

6 years later again on October 15th, René van der Wouden will perform in the small room at E-LIVE Oirschot

2011-06-26T03:50:00.000-07:00

From the Groove News letter: "And here a small update for E-Live 2011.
We have booked Rene van der Wouden for the upper room concerts.
He will give several performances during the Day."

4 old pictures of my first E-Live gig on October 15th, 2005

2011-06-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

These pictures are made by Stephan Schelle.

links to other webpages

2011-06-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

More pictures from the Schallwende Grillfest 4th of June 2011

2011-06-10T04:09:00.000-07:00

Schallwende Grillfest 2011 / held on 4th of June at the Gruga Park Essen

2011-06-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the German organisation of Electronic Music, Schallwende, I got the opportunity to perform in the open air at the Gruga Park Essen. I always enjoy performing outside on the street or at parks. Maybe even more than in a theater. After the concert several people came to me to tell that they enjoyed the concert very much. Well so did I. The wheather was great. Good sound system, although I was sitting behind it and a warm welcome of the Schallwende organisation. A big thank you to them. Here are some pictures of the event.

For this event I prepared a special set of music except the openings piece because this was taken from the "Numerus Fixus" album and that was Part 1. The 8 other pieces were called Gruga 1-8. Later on this year I will release this music in studio album format. There is no live recording of the event.

More from E-Day 2011

2011-04-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

E-Day 2011 - presentation of the Dutch Masters album with Gert Emmens, Bas Broekhuis, Rene van der Wouden, Remy Stroomer, Eric van der Heijden, Michel van Osenbruggen and Ron Boots

2011-04-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

Panorama, Pro Sequentia, Fixus Naturalis, Alchemia, Recreation, Universal Quiet and Sequential Tourism

2011-03-30T09:35:00.001-07:00

...are now as lossless audio formats available on: http://renevanderwouden.bandcamp.com/

Soon albums available on Bandcamp music site

2011-03-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Schallwelle 2011 - Preis fur Deutsche Electronische Musik

2011-03-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

Open Air Concert

2011-02-26T01:01:00.000-08:00

Quote:

Schallwende Grillfest am 4.6.2011. in der Essener Gruga:

René van der Wouden!

"René hat seine Live-Premiere bei uns in der Gruga vor einigen Jahren (2008 ed) so gut gefallen, dass er nun zeigen möchte, wie viel Auftrieb ihm euer Applaus gegeben hat und wie er sich nun musikalisch weiterentwickelt hat. Freuen wir uns drauf! (Sylvia Sommerfeld Schallwende)"

This is an open air concert with food and drinks.

Today February 20th, 2011

2011-02-20T09:35:00.001-08:00

That's me

2011-02-19T07:05:00.000-08:00

Dutch Master album available next week

2011-02-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

Dutch Masters CD available soon;

2011-02-06T03:16:00.001-08:00

Rene van der Wouden on DREAMSCAPE Radio 128 hosted by Ron Boots

2011-01-30T03:49:00.000-08:00

On this show the album Sequential Tourism, track one.

Available as download BUY HERE your copy as legal download of SEQUENTIAL TOURISM

More albums available at MusicZeit: Soledad & Other Dreams and Fixus Naturalis

2011-01-30T03:40:00.000-08:00

Available here: Buy here the Album

Buy Here the album

Website updated:

2010-12-29T03:44:00.000-08:00

Website updated with the newest information, albums and links to the webshops.

http://www.renevanderwouden.net/catalogue/catalogue.html

Christmas

2010-12-27T14:36:00.000-08:00

More albums as download only at MusicZeit such as Kaleidoscopic Surrealism

2010-12-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

Recreation back on track at MusicZeit with new covers!!

2010-12-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

front cover CD "Recreation"

Order here: CLICK TO BUY

Concrete & Other Works /// new compilation of never released music

2010-12-11T05:44:00.000-08:00

Order: CLICK HERE TO BUY

New album: "Panorama" out now!!

2010-11-14T06:05:00.000-08:00

http://www.musiczeit.com/directory.php?artist=923&title=Rene+van+der+Wouden

Yet new music at the end of 2010

2010-11-13T01:34:00.000-08:00

It is an ambient music album for which I have working on for 2 years. The last track was produced 2 weeks ago. The album is called "Panorama". 4 tracks for dreaming. This album will be available as a download first at MusicZeit.

Order here: CLICK TO BUY

Performance scheduled for Rene on September 10th, 2011 Burton on Trent UK

2010-10-25T12:14:00.001-07:00

Performance scheduled for Rene on September 10th, 2011 Burton on Trent in Great Britain. Looking forward to get to the UK again, great country, great people!!

Schone Sequenzen aus Gouda

2010-10-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Reviews of Universal Quiet

2010-10-19T14:23:00.001-07:00

Just say yes...

2010-10-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

New album coming...

2010-10-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

soon.

Deleted Tones from a broken Sequencer

2010-10-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

2 days to go for E-Live 2010

2010-10-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

Will have a stall there to sell the CDs from the catalogue. Also looking forward to greet and meet all the friends and muso's again.

Life / Live / Breathe

2010-09-08T15:22:00.000-07:00

Rene van der Wouden - Gone to Earth Through the Book of Minerals

2010-08-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

Most beuatiful images from BelleRob, thank you!!

Universal Quiet on DREAMSCAPE Radio hosted by Ron Boots

2010-08-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

On this week's program DREAMSCAPE RADIO hosted by Ron Boots, a track is played from the Universal Quiet album.

Here's the link: http://dreamscape.groove.nl/

online music, also rare tracks for download

2010-07-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

Click on here http://en.audiofarm.org/pages/4458 and there are some musical works to listen at.

new album in 2011

2010-07-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Dear people,

For this year, 2010, there's no new CD album planned, but in the Spring of 2011 I hope to release a new CD.

GALACTIC TRAVELS month focus: July 2010 - Rene van der Wouden

2010-07-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

GALACTIC TRAVELS ON WDIY: http://galactictravels.info
=======================================================================
Tonight at 11 pm EDT/UTC-4 on Galactic Travels, I'll begin a month-long Special Focus on Rene van der Wouden. The Featured CD at Midnight will be "Pro Sequentia" on REWO Records. For details, see the Special Focus page at: http://wdiy.org/programs/gt/playlists/2010/focus.html#jul

Galactic Travels is an electronic, ambient, and space music show that airs each Thursday at 11:04 pm on WDIY 88.1 FM, Allentown and Bethlehem, 93.9 FM in Easton and Phillipsburg, 93.7 FM in Fogelsville and Trexlertown, on the internet, and in High Definition Radio at 88.1 FM. Listen at http://war.str3am.com:7880/listen.pls on the internet.

Working on some new music

2010-05-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hello all, yes it's been a while, but still going strong. Over the last months I have composed quite some new tracks. Later this summer I will present them on the net. Keep watching these pages.

Reviews of Phil Derby from ElectroAmbientSpace

2010-03-14T16:22:00.001-07:00

René van der Wouden “Numerus Fixus”
(www.renevanderwouden.net, 2009)
8 tracks, 63.23 mins

Part one of Numerus Fixus starts with a wavering bell tone and then a percolating bass line follows it along. A cool synth lead that sounds like vintage Klaus Schulze or an old sci-fi film comes next. Mellotron-like strings make a welcome appearance later on. Rene has a sense of fun about his music, and this one gets things started off on a happy note, or rather, 14 minutes of notes. Part two begins with computerized-sounding bits and a whooshing wind. Sequencing is a low bass tone that bounces all around, forming the basis for the piece as pads and other elements, including a nice synth flute lead, are gradually added here and there. After these two lengthier pieces, the remaining parts are more byte-sized. Part three has a light, lilting quality, very pleasant. Part four and others that follow are a little high on the cuteness factor, but you’ll likely find it impossible to keep your toes from tapping along. If you like upbeat synthesizers and synth pop, Numerus Fixus has your number.

© 2010 Phil Derby / Electroambient Space

René van der Wouden “Sequential Tourism”
(www.renevanderwouden.net, 2008)
5 tracks, 69.56 mins

The best part of Rene van der Wouden’s album Sequential Tourism is that there are no synths trying to sound like guitars or violins or cellos – just synths sounds liking synths, as it should be. Deep space twitters start the 16-minute title track, and the energetic sequencing picks up the pace a few minutes later. Percussion builds the energy further, crashing in on a wall of sound, with warm pads always there in the background for a richer sound. A full-on beat ensues later on, and the synth lead lines fill in the gaps. “Sequential Solitude” has a more majestic feel to start, very free flowing for the first several minutes, quite nice. A twittering synth skitters in for a while, then just before the 8:00 mark the first bubbly sequencing emerges. Drums start a couple of minutes later, but this one remains a bit more restrained than the first, and it works well. “Bataille Dans Les Nuages” has a more playful, bouncy sequencer pattern, albeit at a slower tempo, but the slack is taken up once the steady beat comes in. A synth lead in the higher register carries things in the closing minutes. “Arcadia” starts with a cool sound that reminds me of a firework called a ground bloom flower, as it spins out just before it exhausts. A pinging synth with an Asian flavor comes next, and becomes quite hypnotic as it continues. The latter half of the track is different but still emphasizes brisk sequencing and lots of synthesizers. “The Sequential Tourists” is a perfect 80s Tangerine Dream throwback, reminiscent of their soundtrack work from that period, a fun, lighthearted way to finish.

© 2010 Phil Derby / Electroambient Space

Review of "Numerus Fixus" by Artemi Pugachov of The Encyclopedia of Electronic Music

2010-03-06T04:26:00.000-08:00

Rene van der Wouden "Numerus Fixus" (self-released [I.E. REWO-Records], 2009)

"Numerus Fixus" is another collection of bright, ethereal rhythmic and sequencer tracks from Dutch synthesizer artist Rene van der Wouden. A sequence greets the listener once the play button is pressed. This pulsation is of a lilting, bell-like quality. The rest of the sonic space is filled with multiple pads and a distorted analogue noise. A bass sequence appears as classic synth leads remind us on the good old days of EM. Especially Jarre from the 1970's comes to mind. This analogy is reinforced by the fat twittering effects. However, whereas Jarre's style war melodic and focused, Rene's music on this particular track is free and improvised. A completely different sequence takes over after 7 minutes into the track, but the mood is still that of melancholy and reflection.

A steady rhythm appears as Rene uses more and more of ethereal Mellotron strings. The track rises in intensity before ending abruptly as we transition to Part 2 on the crest of the wave of analogue effects and wind sounds. A rapid sequence seeps in, as ethereal Mellotron choir is heard. Another sequence joins and the track takes on an insistent, urgent stance. Even more sequences are added as well as a nice Mellotron flute. "Fixus Part 3" is an unusually soft, uplifting, almost New Agey track. An arpeggiated beauty of a rhythm serves as the basis for all kinds of pads and even birds singing! It does work is a strange, charming way, especially once the multiple analogue sequences take over. Part 4 opens with intense wind sounds before a very synth-pop like theme and rhythm are introduced. It really sounds like some forgotten early 1980's instrumental gem. Wonderful!

Part 5 is introduced with a sequence that goes down the scale a few octaves before a thumping bass rhythm is unleashed, almost Techno-ish, the pads serving as a nice ethereal background. Now we're talking another forgotten gem, this time sounding as if coming from the early 1990's. Unfortunately, it was not my favourite epoch for music and although I do like this track, I find it somewhat less attractive.

It is nice to see Rene trying new (old?) things, though. Part 6 begins with a really dramatic atmospheric section, one of the best on the disc. A bit funky rhythm starts and a fitting bass line supports this flowing track. And, boy, does it flow. Once again I get this nostalgic feeling as if I am listening to a lost funk / synth fusion track from the late 1970's - early 1980's. Does it sound good? Hell yes! It's different, enjoyable and very melodic. Part 7, on the other hand, is a cosmic monster of a track. It is dominated by flowing pads and wonderful fat analogue bass timbres, not to mention the ubiquitous twittering effects. A nice change of pace and a neatly produced beatless track, this one. Amazingly, a synth-pop rhythm heralds the coming of the last part that fuses 1980's sensibilities with a somewhat ethnic-sounding flute. It is amazing, how Rene has evolved since the last album.

While the first two long tracks are more or less in Rene's typical (sequencer-based) style, the rest could be seen as a diversion into different realms, and a very successful one at that. This is Rene's best album so far and it certainly deserves the full-fledged CD release it got. "Numerus Fixus" wins in my book, hands down. And now, once the review is finished, I am going to listen to that gorgeous Part 4 again.

Numerus Fixus

2010-03-06T04:14:00.001-08:00

Numerus Fixus also available as FLAC DOWNLOAD

2010-02-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

From today on the album "Numerus Fixus" is also available as a FLAC or 256kbps MP3 download next to the regular factory pressed CD. So if you think CD is old fashionable, or you have your iPod, iPhone or iPad always with you, this is an excellent choice to get the music for just EUR 9,99 without any shipping costs. Directly at your disposal. You can pay with Credit Card or Paypal.

Click on the following link and you will automatically directed to the album and soundclips.

http://www.musiczeit.com/directory.php?artist=923&title=Rene+van+der+Wouden

February 12th, 2010: preparations for the new 2010 album have started

2010-02-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am starting a new project this year. The follow-up of the already succesful album "Numerus Fixus". I am not sure when the album will be released precisely but it's scheduled on the second half of 2010, right after the summer.

I will keep you posted.

The review of Sylvain Lupari | http://www.gutsofdarkness.com & http://www.planetorigo.com

2010-01-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

The review of Sylvain Lupari | http://www.gutsofdarkness.com & http://www.planetorigo.com

Mastered by Ron Boots, Numerus Fixus is René Van Der Wouden’s 8th opus. It has as framework the fragility of ecosystems in a world that’s keep being smaller and smaller. An opus in the image of the Dutch synthesist which is strongly inspired by the analog sound effects, molding thus a musical approach more galactic than earthbound, and strongly influenced by French EM.

So Numerus Fixus lulls between two universes with a strong Jarre perfume, where the cosmos interlaces a contemporaneousness which does not really bind to the works’ thematic. If the first 3 parts form a moving symbiosis where the paradox earth / space is vibrating, the 5 last ones rather throw us in a sound universe where Van Der Wouden continues where Jarre decided to stop his creative meter.

Fixus Part I opens Numerus Fixus with fine arpeggios which tinkle, such as xylophone striking, to dance lazily on a sequential minimalism movement which fits the shape of a perpetual spiral. A galactic twist, accompanied to choirs to vaporous breathings, which parades such a Halloween bed song, where motorcycle roaring bursts to get lost in this crystal space. A heterogeneous intro to which is added the weight of a beautiful line of bass which rocks the movement of the same minimalism similarity, where synth solos insufflate a more spectral approach than cosmic to a title which is closer of cosmos than the earth with its mellotron to slow violin breaths which cross coiled sequences among e-drum strikes and colorful sound effects bring a greater level of intensity, without however deviating Fixus Part I of its ethereal elongated bed song. Electronic sounds to the effervescence of the analog years punctuate constantly the works of René Van Der Wouden and Numerus Fixus is full of it.

Fixus Part II soaks in these e-sounds, with a rain of sonorous constellations which breaks under powerful cosmic waves, before a heavy oscillating, and sometimes resonant, sequence livens up a tempo which clears a path towards a panoply of sound particles. Slowly, the rhythm gets loose from its lunar approach to embrace a more terrestrial structure, under the breaths of a mellotron which always hesitates between both universes. A mellotron which takes a flutier look while this 2nd part flirts strangely with tinkled arpeggios of the introductory part.

Always in the register of the crystalline arpeggios to soft musical orations, Fixus Part III is simply magnificent. A dreamlike sweetness which sings the life and hope, as the tic-tac of a timeless watch, to shape a so warm and poetic musicality that it's a pity it has to end.

Fixus Part IV returns us in the rhythmic soils of Space Art with its fiery tempo seized by a synth to interlaced solos, while Fixus Part V is of a galactic heaviness extremely well structured. A crossing between Jarre’s Magnetic Fields and the electronic post punk of Punk Daft on a loud and livened up tempo of which a tinny synth offers beautiful symphonic impetus, quite as Part VI which enjoys a superb atmospheric intro and a roaring rhythmic sharply more elaborated.

Fixus Part VII is close to Jarre’s Oxygene area, with a beautiful ambient and cosmic structure, filled by a dramatic side of a rare intensity. Fixus Part VIII closes with a more cheerful note. A heavy title, encircled by a round and fat sequence which parades with a synth to fluty breaths, adorned with a beautiful floating mellotron and with xylophone arpeggios that dance on carnival-like percussions.

Without figuring among 2009 Top 10, Numerus Fixus is not that far. It’s a beautiful album which is a kind of continuity of Jarre analog years, without falling in the easy trap of plagiarism. There are superb passages on this opus which listens to throughout without a second of boredom. Great work by René Van Der Wouden there, who doesn’t stop to amazes and touches us.

In fact, René Van Der Wouden is to Jarre what Redshift, Arc and Free System Projekt are to Tangerine Dream; the reflection of an area sealed in time with a splendid dosage of creativity and originality. Fans of Jarre and Vangelis, Numerus Fixus and the great majority of René Van Der Wouden works are true values.

Limited availability of the CDR albums.

2010-01-30T03:06:00.000-08:00

Dear,

REWO Records won't be producing CD-Rs any longer in 2010. On stock are the following number of copies of each album:

- Pro Sequentia ---> 22 pcs
- Alchemia ---> 11 pcs
- Recreation ---> 4 pcs
- Kaleidoscoic Surrealism & other Colors 2CD ---> 4 pcs
- Universal Quiet ---> 20 pcs
- Sequential Tourism ---> 16 pcs

Visit the website http://www.renevanderwouden.net for more information and ordering.

All CDRs are of MAM-A quality. This means that the playing surface is with a golden dye and has life expectancy of ± 100 years stored under normal conditions. They are not as faulty as other CDRs.

Review of "Numerus Fixus" by Bert Strolenberg of the e-zine "Sonic Immersion"

2010-01-19T11:33:00.001-08:00

"Numerus Fixus" by Gouda-based electronic musician Rene van der Wouden, is a concept album dedicated to the various interlinked ecosystems on our blue planet. The fact that we use and rely on them almost regardless every day, makes them also gradually becoming more and more limited and vulnerable in the near future. A tough theme in these times of global warming and other major environmental issues.

Sonically, what we got here is a fine and fresh sounding album with Berliner School flavours which incorporates some minimalist sequencer patterns, rhythms, a varied assortment of vintage and contemporary synthesizer sounds plus occasionally some massive retro effects.

All these elements, fused together in eight mature "Fixus" parts, are in almost constant interaction with each other as the music gradually evolves without interruption in a kind of ebb and flow manner.

At times, even some space music territory is touched, but for the most part, the melodic, harmonious and rhythmic spiced music stands in its own right, although I personally feel the bouncy, groovy part four a bit bland and directionless.

Nevertheless, all other tracks sound tasty and well rendered and very pleasing to the ear, which is emphasized due to the excellent mastering of Ron Boots.
Chapeau, Mr van der Wouden!

Online streaming Electronic Music of Rene van der Wouden

2010-01-15T03:38:00.001-08:00

Numerus Fixus and 2010

2010-01-15T03:35:00.000-08:00

A few weeks before Christmas 2009, the new "Numerus Fixus" has been released as CD in a limited edition of 500 pcs. The CD can be ordered at several distributors of electronic music like Groove and CUE Records Germany.

Album info:

01 Fixus part 1 14:33
02 Fixus part 2 10:24
03 Fixus part 3 04:25
04 Fixus part 4 04:56
05 Fixus part 5 07:33
06 Fixus part 6 08:27
07 Fixus part 7 04:18
08 Fixus part 8 09:11

Composed, arranged, performed and produced by Rene van der Wouden.
Recorded and mixed from July to October 2009 at the Miniminus Studio. Gouda.

Rene van der Wouden - Keyboards, Moog and Prophet synthesizers, electronic percussion and software

______________________________________________________________________

Mastered by Ron Boots

Numerus Fixus = Latin and means in English: Limited Places.

As we see the world as it is now today with more than 6 billion people I ask myself at times: can we keep on living our lives with less land, less water, less healthy air and fewer new resources with an ever growing worldly population? One of the predictions is that complex, interlinked ecosystems - (rain)forests, reefs, lakes, rivers, oceans and their food webs could collapse within a couple of decades from now if we continue like this. This album is dedicated to those interlinked ecosystems on which we are using every day and becoming more limited in period of time.

New album to be released on December 10th, 2009 : NUMERUS FIXUS

2009-11-20T03:50:00.000-08:00

Rene van der Wouden - Numerus Fixus

01 Fixus part 1 14:33
02 Fixus part 2 10:24
03 Fixus part 3 04:25
04 Fixus part 4 04:56
05 Fixus part 5 07:33
06 Fixus part 6 08:27
07 Fixus part 7 04:18
08 Fixus part 8 09:11

Product info
Composed, arranged, performed and produced by Rene van der Wouden.
Recorded and mixed from July to October 2009 at the Miniminus Studio. Gouda.

Rene van der Wouden - Keyboards, Moog and Prophet synthesizers, electronic percussion and software

______________________________________________________________________

Mastered by Ron Boots

Numerus Fixus = Latin and means in English: Limited Places.

As we see the world as it is now today with more than 6 billion people I ask myself at times: can we keep on living our lives with less land, less water, less healthy air and fewer new resources with an ever growing worldly population? One of the predictions is that complex, interlinked ecosystems - (rain)forests, reefs, lakes, rivers, oceans and their food webs could collapse within a couple of decades from now if we continue like this. This album is dedicated to those interlinked ecosystems on which we are using every day and becoming more limited in period of time.

Some pictures from the holidays 2004-2009

2009-09-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Loire, France May 2004

The new Album is almost ready.

2009-08-15T06:59:00.001-07:00

The new album is almost ready. The CD will contain some fine electronic retro (old school) music.

New album at the end of the year

2009-05-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

Soon I will be starting a new album of retro-synth music which will be released at the end of the year. There's no title yet.

Sunday March 15th, 2009

2009-03-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

The next couple of months I will be writing, composing, producing, recording, filming, travelling, photo shooting, watching and driving.

August 30th, 2008 - BRAND NEW ALBUM SEQUENTIAL TOURISM by Rene van der Wouden

2008-08-30T01:44:00.000-07:00

REWO Records presents the latest EM-album of Rene van der Wouden, SEQUENTIAL TOURISM. For some of you this album may be perfect driving music. Being “on the move” was the inspiration for this album. The musical style is: contemporary EM with a bit of Berlin School.

All music composed and produced by Rene van der Wouden during Spring/Summer 2008. Recorded at the Miniminus studio Netherlands. All analogue and digital synthesizers, sequencers and electronic percussion by René van der Wouden.

Tracklisting:

1. Sequential Tourism 16:11

2. Sequential Solitude 16:14

3. Bataille dans les Nuages 13:06

4. Arcadia 17:56

5. The Sequential Tourists 6:28

Total playing time 69m59s

Of every track there's an extract. Go to http://www.rewo-records.com/projects/sequentialtourism.html for those soundclips.

The style of music is: contemporary EM with a bit of Berlin School.

Tuesday 20th August '08 - Birth of REWO Records

2008-08-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

Last week I started preparations for the new website: http://www.rewo-records.com/ This new record label will only focus on my work. So no new artists yet. At the download platform MusicZeit has the name been changed into: http://www.downloadplatform.com/rewo_records Click on the link for your download order.

Further information will follow soon.

Sunday 17th of August - The Day After...

2008-08-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

The all together JAM with Ron Boots, Remy Stroomer, Harold van der Heijden, Henri Peeters & Rene van der Wouden

From left to right: Remy Stroomer, Sylvia Sommerfeld, Rene van der Wouden & Klaus Sommerfeld.

Yesterday the Grillfest at the Gruga Park Essen organized by Schallwende was absolutely fantastic. Approx. 150 people came to listen and eat/chat. The concerts went all good. Remy Stroomer started and gave a very good set of last CD. After that I performed a special composed 2-set called "Schallwende 1 & 2". I composed for the special jubeleum of the 10 year anniversary of the German club of electronic music fans.

I had nice conversations with some friends like, Michel van Ossenbruggen, Eric Keyzer, Stephan Schelle, Hajo Liese, Koos van Wijngaarden and the guys of the German EM-concert organisation "Electronic Circus", organizing their first event coming September '08. All in all it was a great day, especially the unprepared music jam with Harold, Henri, Remy and Ron. I was really excited about Harold's grooves.

I also talked with Wolfgang Michalowicz & Hajo Liese about his special project with lasers connected to MIDI keyboards. I think this is going to be a special event. More about this later this year.

All in all a great day. A very special thanks to Sylvia & Klaus-Ulrich Sommerfeld for organizing this event. Looking forward to the 11th one already.

Monday, 11th of August 2008

2008-08-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

Next Saturday I will be giving a solo-concert (and maybe also a concert together with the other muso's) at the Gruga Park Essen at the 10th anniversary of Schallwende, a German association of electronic music fans. Food and music will be central at this occasion. I will be selling some CD's under the bonnet. Please be free to ask.

I hope to see you there.

Friday, 8th of August, 2008 - Kaleidoscopic Surrealism at MusicZeit

2008-08-08T02:48:00.000-07:00

From this week on the album "Kaleidoscopic Surrealism" is also available as a download at the download platform MusicZeit. Please click on the following link: http://www.downloadplatform.com/rewo_records

For this download there are some extra tracks which composed in 2007 and 2008. They are only available as download. An extra 55 minutes of new electronic music.

Saturday, 26th of July 2008 - Phil Derby / Electroambient Space Review of "Universal Quiet"

2008-07-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

This review will be published in the August/September issue of Phil Derby's Electroambient Space, an E-magazine I alwas like to read.

________________________________________________________________
René van der Wouden “Universal Quiet”
(http://www.renevanderwouden.net/, 2008)
5 tracks, 58.46 mins

Universal Quiet features five lengthy tracks firmly rooted in the Berlin school style. Though the titles and cover art suggest soft, possibly even acoustic music, the album explore purely synthetic realms. “In Silence” starts as a nice floater before a bass sequence gets going, joined by male choirs, then a few more synths, and eventually a simple steady beat. Sounds are layered in just right as it goes, quite nice, a strong way to start. “Pin Drop” has a darker moodier sound to start, including what sounds like banging on sheet metal, which is actually cooler than you might think. The longest piece at nearly 18 minutes, it takes quite some time before the first sequencing arrives, a low brisk bass tone that almost growls before settling into more typical Teutonics. A light playful synth solo makes a good counterpoint to the low bass. Warm pads round things out, and van der Wouden rides this cool groove through to the end. Wind-like synths and mellotron flutes introduce “Be Quiet” which is indeed quiet and serene throughout, although soft beats and yet more sequencing keep it moving. This could pass for a Mind Over Matter track. “Go Quiet” seems to be a command rather than a description, as the music is fast paced from the get-go. “Get Quieter” is the final piece, bringing more good synths and sequencing to bear. Berlin school enthusiasts should enjoy this from beginning to end – I know I did.

© 2008 Phil Derby / Electroambient Space

Friday, 25th of July 2008 - progress new album

2008-07-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

As you may have elsewhere on the I-net, I am finishing my next album "Sequential Tourism". This means that I am in the final mixing stage and will master the music in August '08.

The CD contains 4 lenghty tracks of sequential electronic music, primairly made on analogue systems. Also my favourite Yamaha synths, the CS50 and the SY99 will be heard extensively. The sequencing parts are done on the Studio Electronics MOOG SE1 and on the MacBeth M3x analogue synthesizers.

The music is inspired by the many kilometers I drove the last 12 months for work and holiday. I think it's an excellent listening experience while travelling by plain, train or car/truck.

The tracklisting: 1. Sequential Tourism (title track) 2. Bataille dans les nuages 3. Solitude (Soledad) 4. Arcadia total playing time approx. 64 minutes Style: contemporary EM (pictures will be added soon)

Release: September 2008 both on CDR and as a MusicZeit Download. The CD-Rs will be sold by me directly and the downloads at MusicZeit. Just send me an email with your address details and how many copies you want. Then I send you my Paypal address to complete the rest of the order. There're no shipping costs.

Sunday 15 of June, 2008 (2) - Album reviews by Matt Howard of Sonic Curiosity

2008-06-15T05:09:00.000-07:00

Rene van der Wouden: Peaceful Electronics A relative newcomer to the international EM scene, Rene van der Wouden has attracted winning praise for his blend of ethereal ambience with compelling electronic compositions. Here are a batch of new releases by this synthesist based in the Netherlands. (June 2008)

RENE VAN DER WOUDEN: Altostratus/Cirrostratus (double CD on Ambientlive Records)

This release from 2007 offers 122 minutes of inspired electronic music.
Mirroring the attributes of cloud formations, this music exudes a spontaneity coupled with a sense of awe--the type of wonder displayed by people who gaze at the sky and see more than textbook vapors. That sense of unbridled imagination is reflected in these songs; it is a sentiment easily communicated by the musician to the listener, one that will last for a long time after the discs have finished playing.

Airy tonalities flourish, spreading with a fluid expansion and manifesting as mesmerizing harmonies. These atmospheric currents serve as an excellent backdrop (or firmament) for the graceful stream of delicious tuneage crafted by van der Wouden.

Sparkling electronics are key to these recordings, characterizing the breezy chill of extreme elevation and the flowing textures of gaseous consistencies found at such dizzying heights. Breathy keyboards provide soft-spoken punctuation, while heavenly chords color the resonant sequences with a majestic grandeur.

For the most part, percussion is reasonably rare here, utilized infrequently to emphasize an instance amid the roiling flux of picturesque harmonics. In a few tracks, integral e-perc generates a mounting sense of accumulating drama as the listener hangs suspended at the core of an enormous mass of clouds.

These compositions capture the ebb and flow of vaporous formations traveling across the sky. Dreamy melodic hints have been injected into these drifting structures, duplicating various elements native to cloudbanks and lending these aspects a pacific influence over the audience. These slippery melodies are tantalizing approximations of the tenuous nature of meteorological phenomena: ethereal yet compelling, evocative yet elusive as whims of chance persist in altering their definition.

While the majority of the tunes on these two discs are ambient in character, each one does contain a few pieces in which the pace and intensity break away from a passive disposition and pursue snappy passages of engaging sonic strength.

RENE VAN DER WOUDEN: Kaleidoscopic Surrealism (CD on Ambientlive Records)
This CD from 2007 features 68 minutes of pleasant electronic music.
Airy electronic textures are punctuated by denser (but still soothing) synthetic embellishments that establish a infectious mood of serene introspection. The ambience becomes tinged with livelier melodies that retain a gentility even when snappy e-perc enters the mix.
These shimmering tonalities generate a lavish and expansive panorama of relaxing disposition. This foundation frequently hosts meticulously twinkling keyboard passages which serve to vivify the harmonic flow with engaging melodies.

While the majority of this tuneage is mild and pleasant, an undercurrent of restrained intensity surfaces periodically, as bass tones possessing an orchestral flair evoke a heavier-than-air atmospheric layer that floats amid the overall serenity. There are also instances when the tunes move beyond their tranquillity and adopt an inspired edge of puissance.

A few tracks features percussion, functioning as injections of strident pep to the music’s pacific temperament.

The compositions are crystalline and delicate. Unlike most ambient releases, this music is rich with bewitching melodies of suitable complexity. These melodies are compelling without being unduly distracting. Their appeal lies in their beatific gentle nature, but they exhibit a tasty sprightliness.

RENE VAN DER WOUDEN: Recreation (CD on REWO Records)
This release from 2007 features 62 minutes of pastoral electronic music.
A full range of sounds are employed with this recording, all directed toward establishing a serene mood and then seasoning that serenity with a tinge of bouncy pep, resulting in quite enjoyable tuneage that serves to pleasantly invigorate while generating a cerebral calm.
Atmospheric tonalities waft with expansive purpose, blotting out discord and creating a panorama of gentle majesty. Subtle embellishments lend this aerial fog a trembling quality, bestowing the sky with a pulsating demeanor.

More demonstrative melodies emerge, to cavort and twist and roll across the sonic landscape, leaving livelier imprints in their wakes. Shrill tones are reconfigured into more pastoral resonance, then set loose to infect the songs with their congenial influence. Denser textures coalesce to provide dramatic punctuation. Most commonly used, though, are a series of light-hearted sounds of synthetic origin that serve to approximate an environmental exhilaration, welcoming the audience into a comfortable coexistence with nature. A degree of percussion is utilized, dispensing rhythms which embody a crafty sense of locomotion without becoming too strident.

As the songs progress, a sense of euphoric elevation enters the melodies. Calm is still prevalent, but now a touch of enlightenment has appeared, bringing with it the promise of inspiration and spiritual deliverance. The overall purpose of these compositions is to sedate in a shrewd manner that actually introduces a buoyancy to the listener’s meditative state. The result is entertaining and graciously hypnotic.

RENE VAN DER WOUDEN: Universal Quiet (CD on REWO Records)
This CD from 2008 offers 59 minutes of serene electronic music. One would expect a CD with this title to exemplify extreme ambience, but this music strives to combat such minimalist tuneage by injecting lovely melodies into an atmospheric mien, producing a dose of serenity that seethes with gratifying strength.

Gurgling diodes generate pleasing electronic environs peppered with textural flows of heavenly disposition. Inventive keyboards flesh out things into glorious compositions of startling beauty.
The electronics are crisp and delightful. A well-balanced mix of soft and stern sounds result in appealing harmonics which are then embellished with cunning keyboard riffs, transforming into passages of dazzling scope and alluring charm.

E-perc appears in mellow formation to enhance these tracks with a softened locomotion. The tempos are gentle and suitably submerged so as to provide percussive nudges instead of strident propulsion. In several instances, the applied use of cyclic pulsations are employed to provide a tune with elegant rhythms.

These compositions are superb examples of dreamy electronics that can sedate one minute and invigorate the next. Crystalline structures instill a sense of relaxation, only to have that tranquillity bolstered by lavish melodies into engaging excursions into trance with lively instances surfacing with welcome regularity.

Sunday 1st of June, 2008

2008-06-01T01:33:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, 31st of May, 2008 Remy Stroomer and I held several jam sessions. Not for recording but for a very possible improvised performance together on the annual German Grill fest of Schallwende. This will be on Saturday August 18th, 2008 at the Gruga Park, Essen. If you have time, please come. Good music, food and drinks at the same time, with a good chance of nice summer wheather.

The picture is taken at Remy's Studio. I took with the Korg Trinity V3 (in front of me). The jamming went very well. The music sounded comtemporary and like a mix of old Berlin School and the newer Berliner techno. Remy is very good at live tweaking sequencing on his Novation Supernova II. I hope that we get this sound too at the Gruga Park.

Wednesday, 28th May 2008

2008-05-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Last Monday and yesterday evening I finished 2 tracks. This year I composed 130 minutes of music. Some of the tracks will be on the new album, to be released in the fall of 2008. The Yamaha CS50 is doing great. Up to today I don't have had serious tuning problems for which the CS synths are famous.

Last weekend I bought a second hand E-MU MP7 groovebox/sequencer. This groovebox is a great all-in-one music machine. It's not only for hiphop/dance orientated music (stigma?!), but you can do the kind of music you wish to do. It has place for 3 other sound roms as well and one has the Proteus 2000/producer's rom. It has even 2 Mellotron samples. What I like about the E-MU stuff is the topclass collection of percussion sounds. I still perfer to work on this than with a laptop.

Next weekend I have planned a meeting with Dutch EM musician Remy (Stroomer), founder of AKH Records. Hopefully we will have a nice jam together. I will come back on this later that weekend.

Sunday, May 18th 2008

2008-05-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

Started working on the new album several weeks ago. I have plans to release it in September or October 2008. Again sequential music, but less "Berliner Schule" and more comtemporary. No "Eindhoven School" or whatever that may be. Inspiration comes from several sources, but musically at the moment most from the Britisch band "ARC" with their premium class EM-album, "Fracture". I can't stop playing this record. The same with Jarre's "Oxygene"

On the album lots of analogue sounds from my Yamaha CS50, MacBeth M3x (which is a Minimoog-based truely analogue synthesizer which sounds between the Moog and an EMS synthesizer. Scottish manufacturer Ken MacBeth did a great job on building this synthesizer. I like it a lot, even without the memory storage. The sound is full, round and musical. It can be agressive but also smooth.