There’s no doubt Daniel Lopatin, the quiet powerhouse behind the psychedelic cosmic synth project Oneohtrix Point Never, has a strong connection with his keyboards. Like his Roland Juno-60, nicknamed “Judy.” She may not be the best in the world, but he talks about her like an old friend, and fortunately for all of us, treats her that way too.

In this episode of Electric Independence, Motherboard heads over to his home studio in Bushwick to talk with one of the leaders of the pack in the next generation of synthesizer masters, along with bands like Emeralds, Stella Om Source and Fever Ray. We also do a little pop music deconstruction – and get a peek at his awesome, charming gear.

Check out OPN at his Myspace and tumblr, and cop the just-released Everything is Working by Games, a collaboration between Daniel and his childhood friend Joel Ford.

See more episodes of Electric Independence

“Black Thoughts,” the third video released from OFF!, includes a cameo by Raymond Pettibon, the painter responsible for penning all of OFF!s album artwork as well as artwork for punk legends Black Flag and Sonic Youth. Pettibon’s images from this video serve as the artwork on OFF!’s 1st EP, which was released as a limited edition 7” and will also be included in the First Four EPs 7” boxset out November 23rd.

See the rest at VBS.TV: OFF! - Behind The Scenes: Black Thoughts - VBS Music Specials | VBS.TV 

OFF!, the LA-based punk/hardcore quartet formed in 2009 by Keith Morris (Black Flag/Circle Jerks), Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides), Mario Rubalcaba (Earthless/Hot Snakes/Rocket From the Crypt) and Steven McDonald (Redd Kross), made videos for each of the 4 songs on their limited edition First EP. The first video is for the ferocious track “Upside Down.” Featuring the Slave skate team and shot at the 6th Street Warehouse, the same venue that housed the bands first LA show, this live performance captures the band’s raw intensity.

OFF!s full length debut, First Four EPs, will be available November 23rd digitally and as a 7” boxset. Download MP3 below.

On a sweltering August evening, intrepid VBS periodista Nick Gazin traveled into the belly of Manhattan to the Thompson LES, where he spoke with Birmingham-born, Atlanta-raised rapper Gucci Mane on the eve of his explosive, sweaty performance at Nike’s Bowery Stadium. Tune in to hear the gentleman Gucci ruminate on the subject of country music, his love of old-school Simpsons episodes, and the importance of working really, really, really hard.

See the rest at VBS.TV: Gucci Mane - VBS Meets | VBS.TV 

Chromeo may be the only Arab/Jewish electrofunk duo on the planet. Let that mixture be a smooth metaphor for their unique sound, a blend of fancy synthesizers, a talk box, old computers, and older funk phrasings, torn from the days when the lords of the disco wore white suits and Jheri curls.

See the rest at VBS.TV: Motherboard TV - Electric Independence: Chromeo - Motherboard | VBS.TV 

Chromeo, the Arab and Jewish electrofunk guys, are a great example of the groove that could be achieved if everyone involved in that whole Arab vs. Israeli business stopped killing each other and started playing the talk box together.

Watch Chromeo on Motherboard.

Every week BBC Radio 6 transmits a few messages up into space on the off chance an alien receiver might be tuned in for the World Service. This week Alan Moore and fellow Northamptonite DJ Andrew Collins did the honors. Here’s Alan’s message for the sentient listeners beyond Earth’s boundaries:

See the rest at VBS.TV: ALAN MOORE’S MESSAGE FOR ET - VBS STAFF | VBS.TV Blog