Matthew Davidson (Stretta) is a blogger and electronic musician that is very active in music new media, posting frequent blog articles and software and gear videos online. He’s also shared a great collection of electronic and ambient music albums at his site.
Trash_Audio has published an interesting interview with Davidson that looks at his studio, his work and his thoughts on the future of synthesis:
There are few reasons for hardware outside of controllers anymore. All new advances in synthesis and sound processing will occur in software.
That said, I haven’t found anything in software that can replicate the experience of working with a hardware modular. I enjoy working with my hands and I find using a modular is, well… fun. The modular keeps me honest; software instruments are outstanding, but it gets to a point where I feel like the result is more of a showcase of a talented sound designer than a unique musical statement that I created.
Software instruments, in an effort to out-sell the competition, are becoming very rich and layered, providing instant music at the touch of a single key. I feel complex sounds such as this, ‘crowd out’ personal musical expression. A simpler sound, powered by human performance and expression will stand the test of time.
I like software and I see useful and innovative ideas from all corners of the industry. I don’t hold a religious attachment to my chosen platform because if you look past the latest wizz-bang-feature-leap-frog game, you’ll understand that, at its core, every offering is an extraordinarily powerful tool. It wasn’t that long ago I was delighted with a cassette four-track. What we have access to today is staggering.
It’s interesting stuff; check out the full interview here.
Davidson’s got a sweet collection of gear. Can anyone pick out the main synths from the photo?
Yeah..cool instruments he has there…but…where are the speakers? 😀 Why many “studios” with lots of synths (especially modular) don’t have speakers? I’ve seen many like this…do they have headphones from 22nd century?
Monitors woudl be good!
I’m the father of two small children. The only time I have to work on music is when they’re asleep. Monitors that are never used are clutter.
Someday, the monitors will return.
If you’re curious about previous configurations (with monitors!) I have a studio history page.
http://www.stretta.com/~matthew/resources/studio/history.html
Matthew – you gotta have monitors!
How else are small children going to learn about electronic music?
@Stretta: I understand your reasons, but it doesn’t worth to have high end equipment like yours without a proper set of monitors. Anyway, what headphones do you use? Do you know products like “SPL Phonitor” or the cheaper “112db Redline Monitor” ? They might help you with your setup…