It's no exaggeration to say that 2020 has been a bit of a disaster in many ways due to the COVID-19 crisis. Not only has the lives of many been cast into turmoil, but it also had a big impact on things that we all used to take for granted, such as trade shows, live music and so on. However, despite all the changes and upheavals most people have been trying their best to carry on as normal. This means that this year has also seen companies and individuals take to Kickstarter to try and fund their dream projects.

Last year we ran a news article about the Analogue Pocket, an upcoming gadget that combines vintage gaming and synthesizers in one portable package. While we knew back then that this little device is going to cause quite a stir we didn't expect it to be quite as popular as it is. It turns out that a lot of people are very eager to get their hands on this hyped portable console, but many of them were not able to due to demand.

The TR-808 is without a doubt one of the most famous drum machines and this year marks the 40th anniversary of its release. To celebrate this event Roland has released a ton of goodies on 808 Day, which appropriately enough happened on the 8th of August.

Price is definitely a big consideration when it comes to synthesizers, but space can also become an issue. Not everyone has the money or storage capacity to own a large number of synthesizers. For some, the answer to this issue is software synthesizers as these are not only cheaper but take up no space. However, software synthesizers are still lacking compared to the experience of interacting with a real hardware synthesizer. This is where SynthVR comes in as it is a virtual reality application that aims to provide a type of middle-ground.

There are some names, such as Suzanne Ciani, Gary Numan, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Herbie Hancock that should be instantly familiar to anyone with even a passing interest in synthesizers. Groups such as Kraftwerk, Human League, Duran Duran, Soft Cell, and Depeche Mode are also famous for their use of synthesizers. However, there are many other artists and bands from Japan that has also left their mark with synthesizers. Apart from perhaps Yellow Magic Orchestra these performers are not always as familiar to western audiences.

Chances are that anyone making use of software synthesizers will already be very familiar with Daichi Laboratory's Synth1. It's one of the most downloaded synth plug-ins of all time, which is no surprise as it is based off the Nord Lead 2. Now a self-professed computer science geek, music theory nerd, and wannabe science educator named James Skripchuck has come up with a unique way to offer presets for Synth 1.

Most people will know Jon Benjamin for his voice acting as Archer on the animated series of the same name or Bob Belcher from Bob's Burgers. However, Benjamin has also attempted music with his 2015 album, "Well, I Should Have..." where he played piano. The album was subtitled "Learned How To Play Piano" and was billed as an experimental jazz record. Benjamin stated that he doesn't play piano at all and was never a huge fan of jazz, which is why he thought it would be funny to create a jazz album.

There's still a few days left on the Blipblox After Dark Synthesizer IndieGoGo campaign, but it has already soared past its funding goal thanks to more than 200 backers. For those not familiar with this device, it promises to be an electronic toy that's ready for the stage, studio or family room. According to Playtime Engineering, the Blipblox as designed to be safe and accessible for all ages yet engineered with the latest synth technology so any one can produce professional-level sounds and beats.