Native Instruments releases new video Deru: Everyday Inspiration

Berlin, April 4, 2017 – Native Instruments today released a new short film, following a day in the life of Emmy-winning composer and producer Deru, a.k.a. Benjamin Wynn. The three-minute video explores Wynn’s strategies for overcoming creative difficulties, and provides an insight into some of his favorite production techniques.

“Creativity is exploring something deep down inside of you – it’s really trying to go deep and figure out what’s in there,” says Wynn. “There are times when you’re down in the studio and you don’t want to work at all, the ideas aren’t coming, and you’re frustrated. You just have to work through all that, because that’s going to be there.”

Part of the video focuses on Deru’s use of FORM, the transformative, sample-tracking synthesizer from Native Instruments. To celebrate the synth’s recent 1.1 update, Deru has teamed up with NI to host a track challenge. Users can download samples created by Deru, then use FORM (a free demo is available) to transform them into a track. Winners, chosen by Deru and NI, will receive prizes including KOMPLETE 11 ULTIMATE, an S-Series keyboard, and  special Deru giveaways. Visit the competition’s page https://www.native-instruments.com/deruxform for more information.

Deru recently contributed a work-in-progress to season one of Komplete Sketches – a series of 24 works-in-progress created by 24 contemporary electronic producers using only the instruments and effects of KOMPLETE 11. For the track, Deru used FORM to twist acoustic sounds from his personal library into an evolving drone, layered with meandering melodies and a weighty bassline. The track, along with the other artists’ contributions is available here. To see Deru perform the track live, and explain how it was created, see this video from Native Sessions: Creative Interfaces.

Wallace Detroit Guitars Announces Limited Edition 'Firehouse Series', Handcrafted with Reclaimed Wood from Iconic Detroit Firehouse

Aged Maple and Pine Salvaged from Floor of Old Detroit Landmark Inspires Twelve One of a Kind, Timeless Instruments

 
Detroit, April 5, 2017 — Wallace Detroit Guitars, a Detroit-based guitar company that builds unique and timeless instruments using reclaimed wood from local landmarks, announced a limited edition 'Firehouse Series', available now. The instruments are lovingly crafted with original wood from the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters, located at 250 West Larned Street in Detroit. Salvaged pine and maple from the building’s floorboards will allow Wallace Detroit Guitars to build ten of its flagship single-cutaway guitars and two guitars with a brand new offset body shape. Like all Wallace Detroit Guitars, these instruments will feature expert craftsmanship and premium components for a playing experience and sound that matches their one-of-a kind historical significance.

The new guitars are available now to coincide with the launch of Wallace Detroit Guitars’ new website, located at wallacedetroitguitars.com, and which features detailed photographs and specifications of each guitar. It also provides a deep dive into the remarkable origins and craftsmanship of these unique instruments, as well as availability and ordering information.
“Our goal with these guitars is to preserve the history of the city we love while honoring its tradition of superior craftsmanship,” says Wallace Detroit Guitars owner Mark Wallace. “Detroit is a community of people who know how to make stuff, and our company is cut from that same cloth. The firehouse at 250 West Larned Street served our city with honor for many years, and we are pleased to be able to preserve its history in this truly unique limited edition of instruments.”
For Wallace, these instruments mirror the revitalization of his beloved city, which is welcoming new ideas and creativity while continuing to draw from its rich past. “I’m trying to take something that was once great but has been and cast aside and transforming it into something new and vital,” he says. “It’s an exciting time for the city of Detroit because there are a lot of other businesses and organizations working from that same ideology. There’s really an energy building up.”