Borrow Musical Styles from Popular Bands for Your Band's Tune
In the past, tuning a shortwave receiver was a common way to access radio and electronics, a practice that was particularly prevalent in the mid-20th century. This era saw the widespread broadcast of shortwave stations, including those broadcasting propaganda and amateur radio signals. Today, the landscape has changed, but the allure of shortwave radio persists, particularly in the realm of electronic music.
Image credit: Maximilian Schönherr, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Shortwave radio samples, while usable by musicians, are best utilised as a base for further processing. The unique, often distorted sounds of shortwave broadcasts have caught the attention of modern musicians, who are investigating their potential in electronic music. An example of this is turning a "buzzer" signal into a bass instrument, a testament to the creative possibilities that shortwave radio offers.
The rise of the Internet and switch-mode power supplies in the 21st century has led to a decline in the prevalence of shortwave radio sounds. However, the lower barrier to entry presented by the different types of things that can be found on the shortwave bands, thanks to the prevalence of WebSDRs, has kept the interest alive.
Maximilian Schönherr, a German radio presenter and journalist known for his work with Bayerischer Rundfunk’s youth radio magazine "Zündfunk," is one such individual who continues to explore the potential of shortwave radio. While information about his birth date is not readily available, his work underscores the enduring fascination with this vintage technology.
In the 21st century, a capable shortwave receiver can be purchased for a relatively low price, making it accessible to a wider audience. As electronic music continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how shortwave radio continues to influence and inspire its creators.
