Towards the end of 2005 Roland's product development division in Japan contacted me and asked If I'd work on a new sound and pattern design project. Having worked with them before on a number of projects I was of course keen. This time round however I was sent a prototype board fitted inside an MC909 (Which I'd previously designed patterns for) and the new sounds and patterns were for a brand new product that was still in development.

This was the first time I was going to contribute to a brand new product's sound and pattern library and the result is the fantastic Roland MC808 Groovebox. It's just been launched at the prestigious NAMM show in LA and I can't wait to start incorporating it into my new sets. Roland's Groovebox series began years ago but only really came into it's own with the immensely powerful MC909. The 808 takes things further for the live performer by being the first groovebox in the world to incorporate motorised faders. Calling up pre-determined values which has always been tricky using rotary pots live is now facilitated by instant recall as featured on consoles and surfaces costing thousands more.

I'll post my sounds / patterns here soon along with a more detailed look at the MC808.

I've had to close this mini competition early as I started getting a load of emails and realised there was no way I could give out so many passes. Thanks for everyone who emailed and also the kind words in many of the mails too - always nice to hear! I've simply selected those who emailed in the correct answer first.

Ok so the winners are (in no particular order)

Arne Derammelaere (Belgium)

Stijn Van Moen (Belgium)

Kevin Burgess (UK)

Dieter Beyls (Belgium)

Ruben Callens (Belgium)

Wietse Quirynen (Belgium)

If you can't make it please let us know so we can offer the passes to others who wrote in.

I'll be showcasing a new live set on Saturday 25th February at 'Londenbeat' Tielt, Belgium. Also playing the great Marco Bailey, Oxia, Jan Van Biesen and T-Quest. I'm hoping to bring some new machines to the set this time and completely fresh material. I always love playing in Belgium and I'm glad to be playing my new set there. Limited guest passes available - to win simply answer this easy question: 'Which label was Justin's last album 'PASSION' released on? Was it a) Tresor, b) Music Man, c) Predicaments?' - answers via email to info@justinberkovi.com

Watching Steve Jobs' Apple Keynote speech I couldn't help but be underwhelmed by the 'latest' products. Sure, the transition to INTEL chips has come around quicker than expected but I'm concerned about the compatability of software especially with Pro Apps and music software. As my G4 1.5Ghz powerbook really has seen the last of its days (due mainly to some serious warping of the aluminium enclosure) I simply had to place an order for the new MacBook Pro (terrible name!) and looking at the spec it's a fast machine...but I couldn't help wanting more in terms of industrial design from Apple. Perhaps the new ibooks will carry the flag for that - black perspex anyone?

UPDATE: I've been assured that ALL Apple PRO applications will be 'Universal' native by March. However I've cancelled my order. After the initial mild excitement of a new Apple product I've realised that the MacBook Pro (Still can't get used to that TERRIBLE name) is really something of a backward step for Apple. Sure it's superfast but that's about it - we lose a load of pixels to the iShite camera (wow wee - I've never got iSight to work every single time from the various international hotels / locations in which I've stayed, I used Skype instead), we have a downgraded optical drive, poorer battery performance, removal of ports...I mean seriously this is terrible news. So i'm sitting tight and shock horror if Apple don't get their act together then comparing PC laptops to the MacBook Pro range may throw up some really interesting comparisons.

Finally the slightly modified site is now back and online. After a good rest I'm back on it and a few things are coming up. Firstly some exciting stuff is happening at NAMM but I can't say much more than that now - once the product is out I'll post more details!

I'm hoping that the very much delayed 'Passion Remixes' will be out very soon on Music Man - this features Joris Voorn and Christian Wunsch on production duty. I'll be working on a new release for Music Man too as well as my own material, some of which is now available via our online shop.

I'm back in Europe for a series of gigs in 2006 - check the LIVE page for updates.

I'm also hoping to update my journal on a regular basis. In the past I've simply used it more as a bulletin board for up and coming releases, special gigs and so on but there's a lot more to my work now that simply churning out another techno twelve. More soon...