Rüdiger Lorenz


Rüdiger Lorenz was a German pharmacist and synthesist known for his large collection of analog synthesizers and his prolific output of albums featuring them.

History

Lorenz began his musical education with 5 years of piano lessons as a child, followed by playing guitar in local beat-bands in the '60s. He became interested in electronic music when listening to records using the Moog synthesizer at the end of the 1960s. In 1972, he built his first Wersi organ, followed by various amplifiers and effects boxes. In 1977, he constructed his first synthesizer from an Elektor Formant kit. By the time of his death Lorenz's collection included 38 synthesizers, including three large self-built modular ones. In an interview with SYN fanzine he said his favorite instruments were Korg Polysix, Roland TR-808 and Roland Vocoder.
He was one of the pioneers of the DIY movement, not only building his own synthesizers and effects but creating and distributing his own music label, Syncord Records.
After his death, the copyright was transferred to his son Tim Lorenz who is DJ and, just like his father, produces synthesizer-based electronic music. Furthermore, he has been part of the Liveband since 2005.

Discography