VitalicDefying genre-boundaries with MiniFreak
Producer and composer Vitalic first came onto the scene in 1996. Since then he has continued to redefine an inimitable and energetic sound, combining influences from rock, disco and techno into driving club classics and dancefloor favorites.
Vitalic’s early career was catalyzed by some influential signings - including International Deejay Gigolo Records in 2001 - and has evolved alongside a disregard for genre-boundaries and proclivity for pushing the edges of a unique dancefloor aesthetic; defined by experimental middle-spaces and fusions of hardstyle EBM, trance and techno with dreamy, nostalgic french synthpop and disco. A hit-making combination infused with Vitalic’s playful and punctilious approach to sound design.
Trailblazer of French electronica
Vitalic is famed for his electrifying stage performances and live-sets, also playing as part of a duo, Kompromat. This live-set persona is coupled with a programmatic attitude to studio production, defined by an endless curiosity for creating unique and novel sounds that fit the punk attitude of his music.
His early influences include EBM’s Crash Course in Science and the anthemic 90’s sound of Drax Ltd II, alongside The Hacker, Laurent Garnier and DJ Hell, with whom he became personally affiliated. This exposure, alongside a definitive live-set formula brought about a revolution in French electronica, one which paved the way for later artists such as Daft Punk and Etienne de Crecy. Drawing from a range of inspiration, it is clear that Vitalic has a wholly unique sensibility, for a sound that brings together both the wild and elegant potential of electronic music - which he merges to varying degrees.
My music is always kind of a triangle between techno, disco and rock… I can have something really rough, also something really musical, also something really dreamy.
A definitive sound and stage-presence
It is evident that Vitalic’s sound is intimately informed by his hardware, including synthesizers that are capable of being both sonically subversive and technologically versatile. This is where Vitalic’s passion for MiniFreak arose, which combines an addictively playable design with a sonic profile that matches his production needs and daring, disobedient style.
I think MiniFreak is different because its experimentation ready. It wants it, its the Machine’s will to experiment, to get lost in the oscillators, matrix mode.
MiniFreak is the synthesizer I use the most now because I use it studio, I take it live with me on tour.
While Vitalic’s music epitomizes rugged techno-rock experimentation, it covers significant ground beyond mere categorisation. From the revolving modular chirps and berlin-basement energy of “Rock 01” to the nostalgic, downtempo, synth-laden warmth of “The Past” to big-room, acid-trance trailblazers like “Rave against the system” - it’s hard to box him in, boasting a discography that ranges from atypical electro to dance-floor powerpop and downtempo interludes.
A synthesizer for every occasion
Alongside a range of hardware gear, mixers and an AudioFuse16Rig, MiniFreak has become a centerpiece of Vitalic’s workflow, being relied-upon both on stage and in the studio. A centerpiece that continues to evolve with the newly released firmware 2.0.
We are first shown MiniFreak’s comprehensive array of oscillators, including the new Wavetables. Vitalic presents a demo of the "Elastic" preset, a large and epic pad utilizing the new engine, followed by a preview of a Kompromat track that harnesses the bassline and rhythmic prowess of MiniFreak; adding essential drive and low-end movement to the big-room electropunk sound.
I think its the only synthesizer I use for all elements of the track.
We also get a demonstration of Super Unison, where a bright and unrefined arpeggiator line turns into a raw rave-ready lead with added width and spatialisation - an effect that will embolden any sound.
To me there is an Arturia color, there is something in common in all the machines, I think its a mix between the ability to make something musical and at the same time, something really straightforward, something really precise - punchy and large.
A personal connection
Spending time with Vitalic and learning about his inspiration and workflow, it is clear that he strives to reinvent himself and hone his craft. An attitude that has seen his career expand outwards into a range of memorable performances and energetic dancefloor hits.
He leans on MiniFreak for its portability and versatile sound palette, embodying an ethos of endless experimentation. With firmware 2.0, MiniFreak’s powers receive a notable upgrade, giving users a load of new options for sculpting and modulating unique, hard-hitting sounds. The same sounds that continue to define Vitalic’s production and live shows.
“The thing I like the most (about MiniFreak), is that anything you do is kind of cool…its very convenient. It's a lot of fun in fact and when you have fun with the machine.. the more you want to spend time with it.”
Sign up to our newsletter!
Get expert sound tips, exclusive offers, and endless inspiration straight to your inbox. Built for everyone - from the aspiring producer to the studio veteran - let’s take your sound to the next level.