The actual Dayglo Fishermen Yamaha TX81Z FM Tone Generator |
The band's Yamaha TX81Z sound module was actually purchased in 1987, three years before Dayglo Fishermen formed. It was used in Artlite Studios on all of Peter and Richard's early work that was the precursor to Dayglo Fishermen. As part of the studio's core equipment at the time it was destined to become a major element in the band's music. And that is indeed what happened.
The TX81Z nestled within an equipment stack at Mammoth Studios in 2012 |
The module itself became very popular in the 1990s with hip-hop and dance music producers, mainly for its bass sounds, most notably 'Lately Bass'. That bass sound was most famously used for the bass line on Madonna's 'Vogue', and also on several Dayglo Fishermen songs, such as 'Minneapolis', the opening track of the 1994 album 'Big Spoon'.
The TX81Z module has featured on every one of the Dayglo Fishermen's albums, and on hundreds of their songs. Here are a few of the many tracks where the module really stands out:
Nine Point Nine Five
The bass sound mentioned above is also used to excellent effect on 'Words and Pictures', from the band's debut album, 'Drenched'.
Church on the Hill
'Church on the Hill' is one of the more unusual tracks on the band’s 1993 ‘Animate’ album. Apart from some Korg M1 piano and strings, all of the keyboard sounds, including the percussion, were generated solely by a Yamaha TX81Z FM sound module, highlighting its versatility.For a further example of a TX81Z rhythm track try 'Stairway to Hebburn' on the 1991 'Strange Plaice' album. Take care, though. This track is quite odd and potentially irritating, so you may not make it to the end, despite the fact that it's just over three minutes in length.
Angel City
Also listen to 'Turning Gold' on the same album to hear the module's take on a bass guitar.
Sinking Deeply
The module was used most recently on the 2015 album ‘Midnight Souls Still Remain’. On 'Sinking Deeply' it provides the main keyboard sound, the sound that is featured from the very start of the song. This proves that, with the help of of a decent dose of effects, the TX81Z is still able to produce original and compelling sounds such as this, even after almost 30 years of use.If you're familiar with the sound of Yamaha's FM synthesisers you should be able to spot the TX81Z in many of the band's songs. Just pick an album and see what you can find.
That simple little sound module has, without most people knowing, had a significant influence on the evolution of Dayglo Fishermen’s unique sound. And as long as its incredible internal battery lasts, it will continue to do so in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment