Unrevealed Korg synthesizer set to debut in Floating Points' performance at Glastonbury festival
The Korg Phase8 synth, an avant-garde project by the European R&D division of Korg Berlin, helmed by the legendary engineer Tatsuya "Tats" Takahashi (famous for the Minilogue and Volca series), is revolutionary. This hybrid instrument, labeled an "acoustic synthesizer," seamlessly combines acoustic sound generation with electronic control through synth-style sequencing and modulation.
The heart of the Phase8 lies in its eight metallic resonators, each functioning as a synth voice. These resonators can be swapped, individually tuned, and physically interacted with, much like prepared piano techniques, enabling performers to touch or place objects on them for a custom sound. Offering envelope control, waveshaping, and audio modulation, coupled with an eight-step polyrhythmic sequencer and a host of connectivity options, the Phase8 pushes the boundaries of sound design.
After previewing Phase5, an early prototype, at Superbooth 2023, Korg Berlin unveiled the Phase8 prototype the following year. The official release was confirmed for Q1 2026 at Superbooth 2025. Although the Phase8 has appeared at trade shows and in demo videos, its stage debut at a major concert or festival remained elusive - until now.
In a staggering announcement, Korg Berlin revealed that Floating Points would be premiering the Phase8 onstage at the Glastonbury Festival this weekend. The electronic artist is known for merging acoustic and electronic instruments in his work, delighting audiences with a fusion of jazz, classical, contemporary dance music, and experimental electronica. In a 2019 interview with Resident Advisor, Floating Points described one of his tracks as an attempt to "treat acoustic instruments like oscillators from a synth."
Apart from his performance on Friday at the Woodsies stage, the multi-talented Floating Points will bring the Sunflower soundsystem to Glastonbury. This custom-built rig, developed by Shepherd and designer Fig., promises an immersive audio experience, with an as-yet-undisclosed lineup of guests joining him in a surround-sound dome tent in the festival’s Silver Hayes area.
In summary, the Korg Phase8 is a groundbreaking, cutting-edge acoustic synthesizer that bridges the gap between physical acoustic elements and electronic synthesis. The live performance by Floating Points at the Glastonbury Festival will mark a seminal moment for both the artist and the instrument, further solidifying their reputation as pioneers in the world of music.
The Korg Phase8, with its innovative technology, blends the realms of acoustic sound generation and synth-style sequencing, providing a unique entertainment experience for music lovers. Floating Points, mastering a fusion of various music genres, will premiere the Phase8 onstage at the Glastonbury Festival, further cementing its reputation as a gadget that pushes the boundaries of sound design and enterprises it into the realm of modern entertainment.
