Sebastian ‘KEBU’ Teir On Analog Music In A Digital World

Synthesist Sebastian Teir, aka KEBU, shared this video, which captures his TEDx talk on Analog Music In A Digital World.

Teir creates electronic music with vintage analog gear. He counts pioneers like Jean-Michel Jarre and Vangelis as his musical influences.

In this talk, KEBU discusses some of the reasons he prefers analog synthesizers over digital ones, how he uses them in his music, and also where he does like to incorporate digital gear into his work.

And, while Teir’s focus is on analog synths and retro electronic sounds, he notes that, ultimately, “It’s not about the tools, but about how you use them’. 

Video Summary:

His music is distinguished not only by a skillful treatment of synthesizers but also of an audience- captivating live performance surrounded by a large arsenal of synths. His YouTube channel has attracted over ten million views and a lot of appraisal. Kebu’s latest album reached number 6 on the Finnish album charts. He was nominated for “Best International Artist” and “Best International Album” by the German Schallwelle Music Awards in 2013 and 2017.

Kebu is an artist who creates instrumental, melodic synthesizer music using analogue synthesizers only. His music is distinguished not only by a skillful treatment of synthesizers but also of an audience- captivating live performance surrounded by a large arsenal of synths.

His YouTube channel has attracted over ten million views and a lot of appraisal. Kebu’s latest album reached number 6 on the Finnish album charts. He was nominated for “Best International Artist” and “Best International Album” by the German Schallwelle Music Awards in 2013 and 2017.

12 thoughts on “Sebastian ‘KEBU’ Teir On Analog Music In A Digital World

  1. I’ve been following Kabu for several years now, and what I really admire (besides his excellent skills as syntheist), is that you can feel that he is truly Humble on his craft and that, for me is the hardest virtue to grasp as an artist. He really is an excellent archetype for electronic musicians to follow. Thanks Sebastian

    sincerely

    Sid

    1. Yes, he is very humble, polite and down-to-earth. Some years ago, when he was touring small venues in Finland, I saw him perform in a local bar. After the show he sold me a cd and was very eager to answer my questions about his gear and live setup. He seemed to have time for everyone who wanted to chat, even though he still had to pack up his gear and drive home the same night.
      There was none, and I really mean NONE, of that cocky rock star attitude you see with many popular or rising artists. The venue was small very though, and such personal interactions wouldn’t be possible in a big arena setting.

  2. I’ve been a fan of Kebu for years as well – I always admire his dedication to his craft as well as being retro-analog before, during, and probably after the current analog renaissance.

    Some of the first things I remember hearing were his demo songs on digital synths like the Roland D-50 and Yamaha S30 – I thought they sounded great (though I also like his later analog remake of the S30 song) – which underscores his point that it’s less about the tools than what you do with them.

    1. to me it sounds like digital bashing, not to dissimilar to a guitarist in the 70’s what they would say about analog synthesizers, I remember when i first started playing (analog) synths in the 80s and others would say “oh but you just stand there and it does it all for you” same ignorance here…and the statement of using a keyboard to play computer processed music, well mine has after touch and weighted keys etc etc, its just digital bashing by someone still trying to become Jean-Michel Jarre…yes i love using my hardware but some of them are digital? whats his point ….a prophet 12 is trash compared to a prophet 5? move forward and get over yourself Kebu !

      1. ECR, I’ll listen to your opinion when you post links to your work. Does it sound as good as Kebu’s? Thought not ?

        I’ve followed Sebastian for a few years and have seen him live. I’ve corresponded with him via email and he’s a pleasant and helpful guy. Personally I think his music is better than JMJ’s. To dismiss his comments as analogue v digital misses the point. He prefers to work with vintage analogue gear. So what? Well, that’s what works for him and to some of us he might be inspirational, so we might like to know what influences his choice. Most of us use a mixture of analogue, digital and virtual synths. I really worry that people that get hot under the collar about it seem to have a massive chip on their shoulder. Smacks of inadequacy really.

        As I say, looking forward to hearing what qualifies you to denigrate someone who most think is a seriously talented musician.

        1. That was a real low hit insulting someones musical talent. Yes it is not digital bashing, its just what flows for him. For me it is about the sound. Each type of synthesis offers different takes and flavors of sound and although I do find it impressive to only use one type of synthesis and be good ejough to only need it, I see that it could influence others who miss the point of the talk to grow negative views on digital synthesis. Having different forms of synthesis avalible only grows the strengths of each. (one little comment I must make……KEBU is missing out on the Roland D-50, would be a great tool for him [yes it is personal bias, it is my favorite digital synth])

  3. Following Kebu for a few years also. His work is inspirational to me. His performances are always interesting, never boring. I don’t think he is a Digital Basher, he is just stating the reasons why he uses Analog and it works very well for him. Personally I use Digital and it works well for me. It is a preference.

  4. “it’s when you go out for jogging and it’s like wow!” lol love this guy. i love thinking that yes my hands are moving components and creating a spark, right there in front of me, and that spark is headed to the filter and to the next section and so on.

  5. I thought he was clear that the limitations of the analog synths was his main inspiration. I would say the feel is most important to me, but Kebu apparently disagrees, and I respect his opinion.

  6. Congratulations Kebu!! Your talk was very simple but quite well explained. I myself prefer the smoothness of digital sounds. Always felt the analog sounds to be a bit harsh, at least to me. But that is just a personal preference, as yours are the analog sounds.
    In the end it doesnt matter at all for what really matters is the MUSIC. Because when someone is listening to a piece of music (he or she) is not thinking about what hardware or software was used to make that music, but instead on the EMOTION the music translates. And that is the most important thing.
    No one, while listening to a piece of Mozart or Beethoven is thinking about “ohh.. this must have been played on a hammerklavier B735…”. Instead one is rejoicing about the emotions one feels when listening to it.

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