Synth historian Oli Freke will spend big on a good bicycle

The article profiles Oli Freke, a musician and journalist known for writing about synthesizers, music technology, and the evolution of electronic instruments. His latest project, Beat Gems, is a visually rich Bjooks history of drum machines featuring photos, historical context, and practical gear advice.

The piece reflects growing mainstream interest in the cultural history of music hardware, especially as vintage synths and drum machines influence modern production. Coffee-table gear books like Beat Gems turn niche technical history into accessible design and culture storytelling.