AK/DK Rig Rundown - Live Drums, Synths and FX

We caught up with Ed from AK/DK after their sold out Show at Brighton Dome, to check out their rig and find out how they manage to create such a frenetic and hypnotic live show with no laptop in sight. Supported by Danalogue, Thick Rich and Innerstrings, the show formed part of The Brighton Festival 2026.

AK/DK are Ed Chivers and Gee Sowesby, a double drum and synth duo who've toured their incredible (and often improvised) sets around the the UK, Europe and South America. Their 2017 album 'Patterns/Harmonics' was awarded BBC6 music album of the day, and they've toured with Dan Deacon, The Dandy Warhols, Fujiya & Miyagi and Zombie Zombie.

Alongside the drums you'll see an original Roland SH-101, Elektron Octatrak, multiple Korg Kaoss Pads, a myriad of FX pedals, CB Microphones, as well as a gorgeous DIY synth which Ed built himself.

https://akdk.bandcamp.com/music

"A joyful storm of synth loops, beats and beeps - AK/DK play with passion, inventiveness and smiles plastered over their faces" -- Drowned in Sound.

AK/DK Albums:
Synths + Drums + Noise + Space, 2014
Patterns/Harmonics, 2017
Shared Particles, 2020
Strange Loops, 2024

Central Thumbnail Photo credit: Sarah Brownlow

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