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Featured as one of Kickstarter’s “Projects We Love,” supporters can save up to €30 on acclaimed Bjooks titles while helping fund future releases
Following a successful launch at Superbooth, Bjooks is continuing its Kickstarter campaign for BEAT GEMS: Drum Machines in Modern Music through June 7th.
As part of the ongoing campaign, recognized by Kickstarter as one of its featured “Projects We Love”, backers can currently save:
- €30 off titles including PUSH TURN MOVE, PATCH & TWEAK, SYNTH GEMS 1, and INSPIRE THE MUSIC
- €15 off PATCH & TWEAK with KORG
- €20 off the upcoming BEAT GEMS book itself
These discounted books can be added directly as Kickstarter “Add-ons,” giving supporters access to rare pricing on some of Bjooks’ most sought-after titles while helping fund future releases and reprints.
Created by author and illustrator Oli Freke, BEAT GEMS explores the sounds, design, technology, and cultural impact of drum machines that shaped modern music. Featuring more than 60 iconic and overlooked instruments — from the Roland TR-808 and Linn LM-1 to the Akai MPC60 — the book combines detailed photography with historical storytelling and technical insight.
“We reached our funding goal for BEAT GEMS in only five hours, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who backed the project,” said Kim Bjørn, founder of Bjooks. “Now we’re focused on continuing this momentum — not only for BEAT GEMS, but to help us continue growing Bjooks and bring beloved titles back into print. Every pledge, every add-on, and every share genuinely helps us continue documenting music technology culture in a meaningful way.”
While BEAT GEMS is currently slated to ship in October, the broader campaign also supports future Bjooks projects and potential reprints of out-of-print fan favorites such as PEDAL CRUSH.
Author Oli Freke will also appear as the special guest on the next edition of Pro Synth Network LIVE! on Friday, May 29, where he’ll discuss the making of BEAT GEMS, vintage drum machine culture, and the enduring influence of electronic rhythm instruments on modern music production.
Kickstarter Campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bjooks/beat-gems-drum-machines-in-modern-music
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