In a revelation from Wolfgang of Kraftwerk during an interview with PROG, a fascinating chapter in the history of electronic music emerges, highlighting the band’s inventive foray into the realm of electronic drum pads.
Around the year 1973, Ralf and Florian, two pivotal members of Kraftwerk, sought to incorporate a modern drum sound into their experimental musical endeavors. Facing the challenge of finding a suitable drummer, they invited Wolfgang to join them in their rehearsal room. To their dismay, all that was at their disposal was a children’s drum set, rendered unusable due to various malfunctions.
In the corner of the room, Wolfgang discovered an automatic rhythm box, the Farfisa Rhythm 10, previously utilized on their album “Ralf & Florian.” The sounds emanating from this device proved intriguing when manipulated using the frontside knobs individually. Seizing the opportunity, Wolfgang, in collaboration with Florian, envisioned a unique solution for a drummer to harness these sounds regularly using sticks.
The ingenious idea took shape as they constructed a wooden panel embedded with round metal plates, designed to facilitate sound-releasing electrical contact. This innovation marked a pivotal moment for Kraftwerk, and they showcased the result during their first German TV appearance on the culture show Aspekte in October 1973, where they performed “Tanzmusik.”
Wolfgang Flur’s recollection provides a glimpse into the innovative spirit that defined Kraftwerk’s approach to music-making during a transformative era. The fusion of technology and creativity led to the birth of electronic drum pads, laying the groundwork for ethereal sounds that would become synonymous with Kraftwerk’s pioneering influence in the world of modern music.
As Scott Wilson aptly acknowledged in a listicle for FACT, Kraftwerk’s technological trailblazing is further evidenced by seven notable pieces of gear. This testament to their innovation reinforces the enduring impact of Kraftwerk’s contributions to the evolution of electronic music.
In considering this historical revelation, one can’t help but be inspired to embark on a project to recreate this groundbreaking endeavor. The prospect of fashioning a wooden panel with round metal plates to unlock the sonic possibilities explored by Kraftwerk in the early 1970s is a compelling challenge for those intrigued by the intersection of music and technology.
