VA - Soul of the Machine: A Celebration of the Life & Legacy of ARP founder Alan R. Pearlman (2025) [Hi-Res]

In 2025, the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation celebrates the centennial of its namesake, the electronic visionary whose marvelous ARP synthesizers changed the landscape of music forever. The nonprofit Foundation, in conjunction with Projekt Records, presents SOUL OF THE MACHINE , a 36-track ARPF fundraising compilation: honoring the man and his creations as interpreted by a diverse range of recording artists. (Bio Page)

SOUL OF THE MACHINE is a 36-track collection of tracks old and new, covering everything from innovative electronic, dance, and space music to jazz, funk, and Latin pop, all featuring the signature sounds of classic ARP instruments. The collection includes everything from ARP’s first synthesizer — the massively powerful ARP 2500 modular system — to the instruments that rewrote the rules on how electronics and music came together. The 2600, Odyssey, Pro Soloist, Omni, and many more ARP instruments sing, cry, scream, and soar, in the hands of musical talents both legends and newcomers.

SOUL OF THE MACHINE ‘s track list is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Martin Gore’s “Kino” combines Depeche Mode’s signature rhythmic power with a uniquely lyrical and sweet atmosphere. “Mr. No” reveals the classic electro-pop sound of John Foxx. Award-winning soundtrack composer Mark Isham showcases his signature pulsating energy and evocative moodscapes in the mini-suite “Musings – in Two Parts.” Lisa Bella Donna takes listeners on an extended journey into timeless wonder in the epic “Conclusions.” JG Thirlwell’s “Sphere” is a synth freakout ricocheting between ominous sci-fi atmospheres and searing beats. And Panic Girl offers “Drifting Whispers,” a somber and uplifting neo-retro journey into a past that never was.

Other artists on the collection include Michael Brückner, Phil Cirocco, Rupert Greenall, LaMar “Kronick” Mitchell, Jeff Rona, Drew Schlesinger & David Torn, Don Slepian, as well as tracks by the collection’s curators Steve Roach and Chris Meyer of Alias Zone.

Famed ambient / electronic pioneer (and ARP user since 1978) Steve Roach shares his thoughts on SOUL OF THE MACHINE , “In 2024 I had the honor of meeting Dina Pearlman-Ifil — the director of the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation — in person. Over the course of several phone conversations we discussed ways to celebrate the centennial year of her father’s life and his place in history. My idea for a compilation of music using her father’s creations grew out of those conversations, presenting a perfect way to directly experience the vast range of music that was birthed by the family of ARP synthesizers. This compilation is just a small taste of the universe Alan inspired in sound explorers and artists across a vast range of genres.”

Steve mapped out the music so that CD 1 represents a sonic journey and CD 2 provides a showcase of the depth and breadth of what ARPs can do. After both CDs were finalized there were more tracks than room on the CDs. These additional songs are collected as a bonus digital supplement to the physical CDs.

The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation is dedicated to the empowerment of young and burgeoning artists into the future. When we look at classical instruments born hundreds of years ago, we see that Alan Pearlman’s synthesizers stand tall, earning their place in the evolution of musical history. Acoustic or electric, their common ground is the enduring inspiration for creativity and sonic innovation that inspires the hearts and minds of musicians, performers, and sound explorers worldwide.