Mastering Erica Synths Eurorack Modules with Mikael Jorgensen

In this Guitar Center exclusive, Mikael Jorgensen explores Erica Synths Eurorack modules, discussing modular synthesis, sequencing workflows and experimental sound design. The Wilco keyboardist patches in the Black Quad VCA2, Black Sequencer, Perkons Voice Drum Machine, Graphic Resonant FB 10-Band Filterbank, Pico VCO2 and more to share programming tips, songwriting strategies and the creative joys of just going for it. (“It’s not like you can break anything by plugging it into the wrong patch point or something,” says Jorgensen.)

Jorgensen got an early start in synthesis, thanks to his father, who was a recording engineer in New York City. Not only would his dad take him to sessions from time to time, but he would occasionally bring home synthesizers that had been repaired at a local shop before returning them to the studio the next day.

“Picture seven-year-old me downstairs with headphones on playing a Minimoog Model D for the first time,” says Jorgensen. “My world changed. That started me on my path into music, music production and music technology.”

Chance as a Creative Tool

“I like to use modular synthesizers in a way where there's latent serendipity—things that are going to happen I can't predict, such as interactions between modules, sounds, distortion and feedback. To me, that is the really fun part of using modular synthesizers, because you can be turning a knob and not thinking so much in an analytical way, but more like, ‘What might this do? I don't know what's going to happen.’”

Never Go Backwards

“I view modular synthesis as always moving forward. Sure, you can try to put every [patch] cord and knob back to go back to a certain sound, but that seems like a waste of time. I think it's more interesting and more exciting to use modular synthesis as a way of generating ideas. Make something, break it, start over again and keep repeating that process.”

Jump Right In

“There are so many different modules available that do different things. So, if you're interested in something like this, my advice is to just start somewhere. Whether you are technically or musically minded—or not at all—there's something in modular synthesizers for everyone.”

Go deeper into some of the Erica Synths modules Jorgensen uses in this demo:

Want to learn even more about modular synthesis? Contact a Guitar Center Gear Advisor or stop by your local Guitar Center store.