BBC Archive shows MIDI’s accessibility for home producers in 1990
A hidden gem from the BBC Archive has resurfaced, capturing a pivotal moment in 1990 when MIDI reshaped music production. Although MIDI launched in 1983, it wasn’t until the mid-to-late ‘80s that it truly gained traction. Hobbyist producers working from their bedrooms began to embrace it. By then, the Atari ST computer—with its built-in MIDI ports—and compatible sequencing software had become essential tools. This setup empowered users to create music from a single workstation.
By 1990, MIDI’s popularity had grown enough to earn a segment on BBC 2, one of the UK’s few television channels at the time. In this rediscovered clip, presenter Kate Bellingham introduces digital musician Clive Williamson. He offers a glimpse into early MIDI-based music production. Using an Atari ST running C-Labs Notator (the precursor to Logic Pro) and a Roland D-10 synthesizer, Williamson shows how he builds a track with a classic ’80s sound.
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Williamson explains that MIDI makes music creation accessible, even for those without formal training. “You don’t need vast knowledge to use MIDI”, he explains. “Just having ideas is enough”. His setup allowed him to control multiple instruments from one place, making it an invaluable tool for budding musicians who wanted to experiment with digital sounds.
The clip includes a few charming moments that capture the early learning curve of digital music. At one point, Williamson mistakenly attributes a sound to his computer instead of the synthesizer. He later clarifies that all sounds actually come from the synth itself. The clip wraps up with an unexpected jam session: Williamson brings out a “digital horn” (likely from Casio’s DH series) and invites Bellingham to join him on her oboe. Fellow presenter Mat Irvine also joins in, using a MIDI-triggered guitar.
This rare footage offers a nostalgic look at how MIDI broadened music-making for more people. It reflects the adventurous spirit of digital musicians in those days. The scene captures a key period in music technology, laying the foundation for the accessible music production tools we enjoy today.
