The RSA Workstation Circa 2001

What is this place?

Generally frustrated with the kind of music that seems to be popular in the Toronto scene these days, I started Real Synthetic Audio in January of 1998 as a way to promote my own particular taste in music. Recently, this has encompassed what many have termed the "Off Beat sound". Naturally, now that Off Beat is out of business, I guess I should call it the "Dependant" or "Bloodline" sound.

Like the 80's post-industrial scene, one record label seems to stand out, then it was Wax Trax! now it's Off Beat. Not to be left unmentioned, 21st Circuitry, Metropolis, Pendragon, and Sub Space Communications, as well as a horde of independent labels are cranking out some of the best "intelligent" music today.

I've also felt that it's my duty to give something back to the scene, as it has treated me with at least a little good will and respect, which is why I strive to showcase as much new music as I can, as uncritically as I can.

An hour a week. It doesn't seem like much, but at least I'm trying.

Many listeners have sent in emails telling us what a great job we're doing. You can view a short sample of them on this page.

I'm truly a celebrity now. The January 2000 edition of UK based print magazine "Webspace" has yours truly featured in an article dealing with the internet radio convergence. The file in in Adobe Acrobat format. Read the 1 meg PDF here.

Contact Information

A note to independent artists: Do not ask me to go to your MP3.com site. I haven't the time in the day to listen to hardly any of them. I strongly encourage you to send me a CD, I can basically listen to it anywhere with very little effort. I'm very interested in your work, but I'm drowning in the mp3 emails.

We are always looking for submissions. CD only, please.

Please inquire for a postal address.

Email: todd@synthetic.org

Everything will be considered.