Sean McBride - Xeno & Oaklander, Martial Canterel: IDOW Extended Interview #11

After an initial interview following his debut Toronto performance in 2011, I Dream Of Wires visited the Brooklyn NY studio of Sean McBride, for a first-hand look into his working methods. McBride has been releasing his unique brand of intricate synthwave music since the early 2000s, both as a solo artist under the name Martial Canterel, and as half of the Xeno and Oaklander duo. McBride has been an outspoken devotee of hardware analog synthesizers, and utilizes a vast collection of vintage drum machines, sequencers, and synths, ranging from basic the basic SH-101 to modular (Serge, Roland 100m) and semi-modular (Roland 100, Arp 2600) units; from a Prefixmag interview: "I liken the playing of these synths to a craft, the making of something with one's hands. Perhaps akin to the potter's wheel -- it is a fragile and vulnerable balance between hand and tool."
In recent years, McBride's live rig has shifted towards a contemporary, portable Eurorack-heavy modular system, better suited to his extensive international touring.

[@are9506]

This duo inspired me so much and made me dive in the universe of shaping sound from a single sine wave. Im poor and have minimal gear but within this gear in particular a couple of budget synths with multiple oscillators ive discovered the infinity of the universe. Interstellar travel and discovery of sounds i never thought i could create. Didnt sleep much today but when i touch or shape sound it cures me.

[@PeachBeach]

Sean, you are such a massive inspiration !!!!!!! Everything sounds just perfect

[@NachtSchreck13]

The nicest and most genuine two people in the synth scene, as well as the most talented. Sean is a genius.

[@settledsatisfied8046]

Sean McBride or martial canterel is a genius. Want more xeno and oaklander

[@Muravchix]

He’s one of the greats of our time in music I think

[@richardseaman4493]

Utterly inspiring

[@romancastillo9560]

Sean is the shit!!
Big Fan!!

[@HavenMarket]

so great