Electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre is set to release a new book that traces the evolution of electronic music through the instruments and technologies that made it possible. Titled “Machines: A History of Electronic Music”, the publication will arrive on November 24 via New York publisher Thames & Hudson, offering one of the most comprehensive visual explorations of electronic music ever assembled.
Featuring more than 800 illustrations, the book documents the machines, synthesizers, experimental devices and production tools that have shaped more than a century of electronic sound, while also reflecting on Jean-Michel Jarre’s own lifelong relationship with music technology.
Machines: A History of Electronic Music is available for pre-order here.
A Century of Innovation
Rather than focusing solely on artists, Machines tells the story of electronic music through the evolution of the instruments themselves.
The book begins in 1913 with Italian futurist Luigi Russolo’s groundbreaking manifesto “The Art of Noises”, widely regarded as one of the earliest philosophical foundations of electronic and experimental music. From there, it follows the development of pioneering institutions including Westdeutscher Rundfunk, Radio France, and The BBC Radiophonic Workshop, each of which played a crucial role in expanding the possibilities of electronic composition during the twentieth century.
Together, these milestones illustrate how technological innovation laid the foundations for the electronic music culture that would later emerge in clubs, festivals and studios around the world.
Rare Archives and Legendary Machines
Alongside the historical narrative, Jean-Michel Jarre shares personal reflections from his decades-long career, presenting rare archival material, technical schematics, recreated sonic experiments and sequenced stills from some of his most iconic live performances.
The result is both a historical document and a visual archive, exploring not only how electronic instruments were built, but how they transformed the way music could be imagined, produced and performed.
Contributions From Electronic Music’s Leading Voices
The book also features contributions from some of the most respected figures in electronic music and beyond, including Armin van Buuren, Richie Hawtin, Hans Zimmer, Gary Numan, Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran and Gillian Gilbert of New Order.
Bringing together artists from trance, techno, synthpop, film scoring and alternative music, Machines reflects the broad cultural influence of electronic music across multiple generations and genres.
Jean-Michel Jarre’s Enduring Legacy
Few artists have done more to bridge artistic vision and technological innovation than Jean-Michel Jarre. Since the release of Oxygène in 1976, the French composer has become one of electronic music’s most influential figures, selling more than 85 million records worldwide while pioneering large-scale audio-visual performances that transformed concerts into immersive multimedia experiences.
Throughout his career, Jean-Michel Jarre has consistently embraced emerging technologies, from analog synthesizers and laser shows to virtual reality and spatial audio. His latest book continues that mission by documenting the machines that made electronic music possible while preserving their history for future generations of artists, producers and enthusiasts.
Machines: A History of Electronic Music is available for pre-order here.
📷 : Cover Photo / Courtesy of Jean-Michel Jarre
📷 : Additional Photo Credits / Courtesy of Jean-Michel Jarre
