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

Chair: Prof Samantha Bennett (ANU)

The Fairlight CMI: History, Technology, Ideology – a demonstration
  • Thursday 2025-06-26 12:30-13:30 AEST
  • Location: School of Music Recording Studio (Level 5)
  • Type: concert

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

Professor Samantha Bennett – The Australian National University

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.