In Conversation with ALM/Busy Circuits

Ahead of our pop-up with synthesiser manufacturer ALM/Busy Circuits, we spoke to founder Matthew Allum about their work and his connection to the music world.

Nepenthes London: Could you introduce yourself and your upbringing?

Matthew: I'm Matthew, the founder of ALM/Busy Circuits. I grew up in the UK, and whilst I’ve always had a strong interest in technology, electronics and design, music was a constant thread running alongside that.  I’ve always been a tinkerer, with a curiosity for how things work — both the physical and in the more abstract sense, like sound or image. Previously, I’ve worked in both creative and technical industries, and designing modular synths brings those together; a practical way to combine sound, art, design and technology.

Nepenthes London: How did you get into the music world?

Matthew: Since I was a teenager, I've had an interest in dance and electronic music. First, collecting records and synthesisers, and then developing an interest in the technologies that drive and advance musical styles and production. In the last couple of decades, increasing hardware capabilities and more advanced small-scale hardware manufacturing became much more accessible, which meant I could start a company designing and building modular synths.

Nepenthes London: Can you tell us how Busy Circuits came about?

Matthew: I needed a more flexible and reliable clock source for my Eurorack home synthesiser setup. Nothing was available (this was the very early days of Eurorack), so I created the original Pamela's Workout module to solve the problem, teaching myself much of what was involved to produce and manufacture a small run of units. I figured I needed to sell half of the modules to break even, so I promoted it online. To my surprise, all the units sold in a week, and Busy Circuits began. That was over 10 years ago, and in that time the company has slowly but steadily grown to offer nearly 50 different modules, as well as standalone hardware and software. We now have offices in both London and Chicago.

Nepenthes London: What sets your products apart?

Matthew: I think we have a strong aesthetic identity, and are known for well-designed and functional products with a special, sometimes quirky and fun character. We try hard to innovate with our products — whether it be in function, some technical aspect, how it sounds or taking something older in a new direction. Usability is very important; I want to make products that are easy to pick up, fun and inspiring to use. You don't want to always be hunting for the manual when you want to be creative. We're the first customers for all the products we create, and we care deeply about them — nurturing them and continuing to evolve them with software updates and inspirational or educational post-release content.

Nepenthes London: What connection do you see between music production and fashion?

Matthew: Both are forms of expression and identity. Just as fashion choices can reflect one's personality, the way someone sets up their modular system or studio says a lot about their creative approach. Both reflect cultural shifts, and there's an overlap in communities — people who appreciate design, aesthetics and innovation. Music and fashion both look to the past and re-reinterpret prior approaches with newer technologies or concepts. They evolve, borrow, remix, and loop back on themselves.

Nepenthes London: What is the future for Busy Circuits? Do you have upcoming projects planned out?

Matthew: We're always working on new ideas and products, and there are many different projects running in parallel. We have some unique new products coming that I think will help with modular both in the studio and in live performance. We're working more on non-modular equipment now too; software and standalone devices. Busy Circuits is soon to move the workshop/office to a bigger, better space; it's very exciting and I'm sure it will open up even more opportunities.

ALM/Busy Circuits will be hosted at Nepenthes London for a one day pop-up event from 15:00 to 21:00 on Saturday 17th May. Refreshments will be available during the event, and there will be live performance from electronic artist Nik Colk Void.

Limited edition commemorative merchandise will also be available to purchase at the event.