Oli Freke
Oli Freke is a musician, journalist, artist and author specialising in electronic music, synthesizers and culture.
By day I work at the BBC; here I document the history, technology and culture of electronic instruments – synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers - through writing, archival research and performance.
You’ll find my books, journalism and music here. It all began with hand-drawn art posters of vintage synths, tracing their family trees – and has grown (and continues to grow) into a wider record of how these machines shaped the sound of modern music.
AVAILABLE NOW »» BEAT GEMS
My new book published by Bjooks - the definitive book exploring the rise of the drum machine
An in depth look at their sound, technology, design and impact on modern music culture.
Drum machines began as polite accompanists. They ended up helping drive pop, hip-hop, house, techno, post-punk, electro, and countless other forms of music.
BEAT GEMS - with foreword by techno legend Jeff Mills - is a premium hardcover book from Bjooks that explores this remarkable history through rare and iconic machines, vivid photography, artist stories, technical insight, and the people who turned boxes of circuits into culture. The book explores more than six decades of electronic music history through the drum machines that changed the way music is made, recorded, and performed.
Order now through Kickstarter - in shops Autumn 2026 worldwide
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bjooks/beat-gems-drum-machines-in-modern-music
SYNTH EVOLUTION
The original book - a directory of every vintage synth of the 20th century. Each entry is hand-illustrated and accompanied by the key facts and figures of each synth.
JOURNALISM
Check out the Journalism section for articles published by
Sound On Sound, MixMag, The Quietus, and more.
SPEAKING
I have given many presentations on the subject of electronic music culture, synthesizers, drum machines, and more. I can be booked today to speak at your event on the following topics - and happy to tailor a seminar/talk/presentation/workshop to your event’s needs!
The history of synthesizers - From the analogue modular behemoths of the 1960s to the sleek digital machines of the 1980s, and much more besides. An engaging talk covering the first synth solo, the rise of acid-house, the impact of synth-pop and 70s electronic music, to the panoply of options and styles today. With music clips of synths that changed the face of modern music, this talk will entertain the newbie and seasoned pro alike.
Drum machines in modern music - Following the publication of my definitive history of the drum machine, BEAT GEMS, this talk covers the transformation of the drum machine from humble accompaniment rhythm box to the driving force behind electro, hip-hop, house, and techno. With photos from the book and music to illustrate, this talk also features my popular ‘808 synthesis’ demo.
Contact me at oli@synthevolution.net to arrange a talk!
POSTERS
I have created a range of posters covering Synth Evolution, the History of Dance Music, and produced commissions for the Design Museum and The ARP Foundation.
Check out the current range on sale at Synth Evolution.
Contact Me
For commissions of music, articles about music, interviews/podcast invites on any subject from synth history to electronic music culture - or just to chat electronic music, instruments, and culture - drop me a line!