Yuri Suzuki digitally recreates the Electronium, and makes a record in the process

During the late 1950s to 1960s musician, composer and inventor Raymond Scott created a giant desk of an instrument called the Electronium. Described as an “instantaneous performance-composition machine,” it was one of the very earliest examples of AI, able to “intelligently generate music by responding to sequenced melodic phrases.” Today the Electronium is owned by artist and musician of Devo, Mark Mothersbaugh, who recently gave his blessing to Pentagram partner Yuri Suzuki to recreate it digitally.

Working with Counterpoint studio to reimagine the Electronium using modern technology, Yuri has now not only reimagined this instrument but made a record utilising its creative capacities.

The first release on his recently launched label MSG – which not only focuses “on the aesthetic of music” but prioritises “the concept of the release” – the team have created 11 individual compositions. Titled Scott’s Dream after its inventor, Pentagram describes the record release as Yuri demonstrating the “mastery of the instrument, engaging in a dialogue between man and machine”.

To package the record, Yuri has additionally partnered with his fellow London-based Pentagram partner pal, Astrid Stavro. Creating the artwork Scott’s Dream’s, Astrid applies her signature typographically bold and patterned graphic style to both a poster and the tape’s design. Both are available to purchase via Bandcamp, with all proceeds being donated to Charities Aid Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

You can listen to a snippet and purchase the release here. Visitors of the Barbican’s show, More Than Human: AI, may recognise the sounds too, as Yuri’s Digital Electronium was exhibited in 2019.