The computer musical instrument that changed the face of music

It’s big, it’s beautiful, and it’s from Australia: the Fairlight CMI.

Peter Gabriel, Pet Shop Boys, Art of Noise, Stevie Wonder, Duran Duran, Herbie Hancock, Kate Bush, Tears for Fears, Jan Hammer, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, U2, Coldplay… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This groundbreaking instrument shaped countless hit records, TV shows, and film productions. It’s the sound of the ‘80s—and so much more.

What Makes It Special?

Sampling, creating and storing your own sounds, programming entire tracks… The Fairlight was the first computer to do it all. In the late ‘70s, it was light-years ahead of its time, paving the way for hands-on music production as we know it today. It’s not just an instrument—it’s a piece of music history.

The Birth of a Legend

  • Full name: Fairlight CMI (Computer Musical Instrument)
  • Inventors: Peter Vogel & Kim Ryrie, Australia
  • Development: Began in 1975, first CMI introduced in 1979
  • The name? Inspired by a hydrofoil that passed Ryrie’s grandmother’s house in Sydney Harbour
  • Early adopters: Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Stevie Wonder, Boz Burrell, and Hans Zimmer
  • The price tag? In 1985, a Fairlight CMI cost about as much as a terraced house
  • The sound? Fans love the early models for their authentic look and distinctive character—often described as glass-like, digital, or even a bit clunky
  • Production numbers: Around 300 units were ever made

Want to know all the ins and outs? Check the source

About

‘Every machine has its history. Every owner has a story’

My name is Mirjam Varkevisser, born in 1979—the same year the first Fairlight CMI was sold to Stevie Wonder. Pleased to meet you! In short: I’m an independent writer and musician with a deep love for synths. The Fairlight CMI holds a unique place in music history. While there’s plenty of technical information available, what about personal experiences? Stories of passion for this legendary musical computer? I decided to seek them out.

I must have been about five years old when I first started listening to the radio. And that’s where the madness began. I vividly remember hearing certain songs for the first time — like Paranoimia by The Art of Noise. Boy, did I want to know how they made those sounds! Or Crockett’s Theme by Jan Hammer. That warm, string-like intro, the melody… pure magic. My childhood fantasy? Me, on stage, surrounded by keyboards.

My love for synths and music in general never faded. I absorbed every bit of information I could find. Seeing “A Fairlight C.M.I” mentioned on album sleeves always intrigued me: What’s so special about this Fairlight thing? It took years of searching before I finally uncovered the answer.

The idea of collecting Fairlight-user stories came to me during a sleepless night, lost in my favorite music. Unlike so many fleeting ideas before, this one stuck. I just couldn’t shake it. So I decided: Let’s do this! The enthusiastic responses I received were incredible, and despite some initial shyness, I loved every moment of my Fairlight conversations. And I still do. Talking to such talented, passionate people is an amazing experience.

Contact me!

If you’d like to share your story, or if you’d like to learn more about this project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can reach me at mirjamjams  @  outlook  . com or you can find me on LinkedIn.

Oh, and check out my playlist on Spotify! The good, the bad and the ugly 🙂

 

Special thanks to:

Rob Puricelli and Peter Wielk for sharing their knowledge and providing me with a bunch of amazing Fairlight pics, Kees Jan Sloff a.k.a. Robotnik for designing the artwork (header/logo). Edwin Raap for text correcting. Also, thanks to family and friends for their support and for putting up with my endless nerdyness 🙂