The tangible archive of a legend
The history of electronic music cannot be understood without the figure of Jean-Michel Jarre. The legendary French composer and producer has formally announced the release of his first literary project, titled 'Machines: A History of Electronic Music'. Published through the prestigious New York and London-based firm Thames & Hudson, the 368-page volume will be released on October 8, 2026, in the United Kingdom and on November 24 in the United States and the rest of the world. Far from being conventional memoirs, the work is presented as a deep visual and narrative encyclopedia that documents the evolution of synthesized sound through the artist's vast private collection of instruments.
From the futurist manifesto to artificial intelligence
The historical journey proposed by Machines is meticulous and exhaustive. The narrative begins in 1913 with 'The Art of Noises', the visionary manifesto by Italian futurist Luigi Russolo, and advances chronologically, exploring movements such as Surrealism and the Bauhaus school. Throughout its chapters, the book analyzes the fundamental role of avant-garde European laboratories, paying special attention to pioneering institutions in broadcasting and acoustic experimentation such as Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR), Radio France, and the legendary BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
On a technical and visual level, the publication details the progress of sound design by showcasing more than 130 electronic and electroacoustic instruments. Readers will be able to contemplate everything from iconic modular synthesizers, such as the emblematic ARP 2500, to unique prototypes built to measure for Jarre's live shows. Each machine serves as a common thread to explain crucial milestones in the musical ecosystem: the manipulation of magnetic tapes, the transition from analog synthesis to digital environments, recording in 3D immersive audio, and the recent applications of artificial intelligence in production.
This book is a journey through these machines: the ones I acquired, the ones I tamed, the ones I imagined, and the ones that shaped my musical language. They contain all the sounds of the world. And, like a gold prospector, my obsession is to extract a few nuggets from them. My personal El Dorado.
— Jean-Michel Jarre
Iconic voices of the global industry
To provide greater depth to the project, the publisher has confirmed the participation of a stellar cast of key figures in the industry who contribute their own perspectives on the evolution of the genre. Among the collaborators are heavyweights of contemporary clubbing and the dance floor such as Armin van Buuren and the minimal techno icon Richie Hawtin.
Likewise, the book includes testimonies from pioneers of synth-pop and alternative music, including Vince Clarke (Erasure, Depeche Mode), Gary Numan, Gillian Gilbert (New Order), Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran), Nicolas Godin (Air), and Johnny Marr, in addition to the award-winning film composer Hans Zimmer. This amalgamation of voices underscores the transversal influence that electronic synthesis has had on multiple sound branches over the last century.
A historical document for the contemporary producer
The arrival of Machines on the publishing market is an event of great relevance for the community of creators, sound engineers, and musical hardware enthusiasts. In an era dominated by VST plugins and 'in the box' software, the compendium curated by Jean-Michel Jarre acts as an anchor to the physicality of production. Documenting visually and technically devices that in many cases were manufactured in very limited runs allows for the preservation of the legacy of acoustic engineering for future generations of producers. With a starting price set at around 65 dollars, this volume is shaping up to be an essential collector's item to understand the rhythmic and melodic foundations of modern electronica.
