Computer Music: the 80s

The personal computer is now ubiquitous in the music-making process; music made without a computer is now remarkable for that absence, but not long ago the opposite was true.  Here are some glimpses back to the era 1985-1990, when the tide was first beginning to shift.

Musicdata (1984): a service that provided programming to musicians who owned computerized instruments, but did not want to engage with them on a technical level.  Where are these guys today?  anyone?

Apple Mac Plus advert c. 1988.  Now here’s a bold advertising claim that actually turned out to be true.

Decillionix of Sunnyvale CA made this $349 audio sample/playback kit for the Mac II in 1984.  Pretty advanced stuff for the price.  Any users out there?

The Atari STACY ‘laptop’ circa 1990.  Remember when ATARI was a viable third-party contender?

Passport music transcription software c. 1985