The Fairlight CMI: History, Technology, Ideology – a demonstration

Samantha Bennett

Abstract

This talk and practical demonstration of the Fairlight Computer Music Instrument will focus on 3 key concepts featured in a forthcoming edited book (co-edited with Dr Paul Harkins, Routledge, 2027). The focus of this session is on the technological aspects of the Fairlight CMI, to include its computer, operating system, sample library, functionality, and Page R sequencer. The talk will also include historical details about the instrument and its links to the ANU School of Music. Given its prohibitive cost and take-up by Queer users / artists, the talk also discusses the instrument in the contexts of neoliberal ideology, Queer aesthetics, and tech-utopian values.

Original language	English
Publication status	Published - Jun 2025
Event	Entangled NIME: International Conference of New Instruments for Musical Expression - The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia Duration: 24 Jun 2025 → 27 Jun 2025 https://nime2025.org

Conference

Conference	Entangled NIME
Abbreviated title	NIME2025
Country/Territory	Australia
City	Canberra
Period	24/06/25 → 27/06/25
Internet address	https://nime2025.org

Cite this

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abstract = "This talk and practical demonstration of the Fairlight Computer Music Instrument will focus on 3 key concepts featured in a forthcoming edited book (co-edited with Dr Paul Harkins, Routledge, 2027). The focus of this session is on the technological aspects of the Fairlight CMI, to include its computer, operating system, sample library, functionality, and Page R sequencer. The talk will also include historical details about the instrument and its links to the ANU School of Music. Given its prohibitive cost and take-up by Queer users / artists, the talk also discusses the instrument in the contexts of neoliberal ideology, Queer aesthetics, and tech-utopian values.",

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N2 - This talk and practical demonstration of the Fairlight Computer Music Instrument will focus on 3 key concepts featured in a forthcoming edited book (co-edited with Dr Paul Harkins, Routledge, 2027). The focus of this session is on the technological aspects of the Fairlight CMI, to include its computer, operating system, sample library, functionality, and Page R sequencer. The talk will also include historical details about the instrument and its links to the ANU School of Music. Given its prohibitive cost and take-up by Queer users / artists, the talk also discusses the instrument in the contexts of neoliberal ideology, Queer aesthetics, and tech-utopian values.

AB - This talk and practical demonstration of the Fairlight Computer Music Instrument will focus on 3 key concepts featured in a forthcoming edited book (co-edited with Dr Paul Harkins, Routledge, 2027). The focus of this session is on the technological aspects of the Fairlight CMI, to include its computer, operating system, sample library, functionality, and Page R sequencer. The talk will also include historical details about the instrument and its links to the ANU School of Music. Given its prohibitive cost and take-up by Queer users / artists, the talk also discusses the instrument in the contexts of neoliberal ideology, Queer aesthetics, and tech-utopian values.

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M3 - Abstract

Y2 - 24 June 2025 through 27 June 2025

ER -

The Fairlight CMI: History, Technology, Ideology – a demonstration

Abstract

Conference

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