I tagged along with Sergio for a night in Wynwood, Miami, to catch a Synth Battle at Gramps. Everyone seemed genuinely invested in the sound, the gear, and the energy of the moment. A cool night of musical experimentation. The vibe was warm and down-to-earth, with a crowd that felt connected by curiosity. Every performer played live shaping tones in real time. You could feel the passion behind the setup, the care put into every patch cable and preset.
SERGE
His setup featured a Roland TR-8S, Moog Sub 37, and a Rickenbacker 4003S5. The sound? A fusion of analog grit and digital finesse. His performance leaned into experimental synth layers—melodic pulses over driving patterns and grounded, earthy textures. There’s something cool about watching someone so fluent with their gear, they stop thinking and just start playing.
You can follow Sergio on Instagram: @sergecolmen
About Synth Battle
Synth Battle brings together artists who perform live using hardware synths and gear. It’s a creative space where people experiment with sound, share their setups, and support each other’s process. Each performance feels personal, with every knob turn and beat reflecting hours of passion and play.
Follow and support:
- @synthbattle on Instagram
- Event Info on Eventbrite
- @lennyforet – for ongoing updates and synth community love
CLOYSTER.WAV & Rick Howell
CLOYSTER.WAV
He brought chill ambient textures to the space with a Korg Volca and Roland S2. His gear was so compact and dialed-in—it really stood out and caught my eye.
Follow Cloyster.wav at @cloyster.wav
Rick Howell
He delivered a modular techno experience built around a Eurorack Synthesizer and Arturia Drumbrute Impact. His hands moved nonstop across the modules—it was kinetic, alive, and fun to watch.
Follow Rick at @systemlizard
Gramps
Gramps sits in the heart of Wynwood, and it’s more than just a bar—it’s part of the scene. Known for live shows, bold art, and a crowd that feels real, it’s the kind of place that holds space for all kinds of expression. From the neon lights to the open-air layout, there’s an effortless cool here. Whether it’s synth battles, comedy, or just vibing with friends, Gramps feels like a creative hangout where weird is welcomed—and that’s the best kind of energy.
Wynwood Culture
Once a warehouse district, Wynwood has grown into one of Miami’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. It’s a living gallery—full of massive murals, artist studios, indie shops, and experimental spaces. Walking through it feels like stepping into someone’s open sketchbook—raw, colorful, and always evolving.
That creative energy makes it the perfect backdrop for events like Synth Battle. Expression is everywhere—on walls, in music, on plates. People come here to connect, create, and get inspired. It’s not just a neighborhood—it’s a whole movement.
Gear Used
To capture the essence of the Synth Battle at Gramps, I used the Canon EOS R8 with the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM lens (Amazon Affiliate Link). This setup gave me wide-angle flexibility and excellent low-light performance, which was crucial in the dynamic, dimly lit environment of Gramps. The compact design of the RF 24mm made it easy to stay mobile and responsive, allowing me to document everything from detailed gear close-ups to wide crowd shots with minimal intrusion.
