What is working as a (studio) synth programmer like?

[gremlin moon]

Over the years I've noticed in liner notes, in interviews and reading GS posts that albums often have additional "synth programmers." It may even list "additional programming by..." The Orb uses them, Cold Play brought on Jon Hopkins, etc... so how does the typical job go?

Are you given a track and the artist/band says program a lead sound to go over that? Give us a twinkley pad or a clicky bass? Are the boundaries between producer or band-member usually pretty clear or does it get muddy? Do programmers also do beats or is it strictly in the producer realm? Lastly, is it fun?

There is a lot of music in my town but not a lot of synth people so I've been thinking it would be fun to get in touch with and give a demo for some local studio owners and producers in case an additional synth programmer is needed for a couple of hours here and there. Also, I know a lot of people on this board have done this type of work in a very commercial/major context so if you have any, "and then Reznor puked all over BT" stories feel free to share.

[OK USA]

Lastly, is it fun?

Of course not. Do you realize how mad people get when you detune their oscillators?

[StringBean]

It's probably more fun than OK USA's 9-5 selling speakers at best buy. Zing!

[OK USA]

Originally Posted by StringBean

It's probably more fun than OK USA's 9-5 selling speakers at best buy. Zing!

They don't let me sell speakers yet. I'm too busy kicking you out for wearing your homemade deadmau5 mask and playing Dj hero to the other 12 year olds. Zang?

http://www.urbandictionary.com/iphon...e?term=Zang%21

[gremlin moon]

Bump. Just one time as I can't find a lot of info . . .

[OK USA]

I don't think this position (freelance studio synth programmer) really exists. Usually when they say additional programming by, I think they are referring to drum programming/sequencing. I have never heard of a producer or studio hiring someone strictly to program synth sounds; not saying it doesn't exist, but I would think most of the time the artists/producer/whoever happens to be in the studio at the time would handle the synth programming.

If you are interested in programming synth sounds as a profession you would be better off looking for a job in sound design for a synth company or some sort of media production company (tv/movies/video games/etc.). There are many schools where you can study sound design. That could be a separate topic on its own if you want to seriously pursue it.

BTW, love the orb. . . Orbus terrarum is probably my favorite album of all time.

Cheers!

[Dave Peck]

Originally Posted by OK USA

Of course not. Do you realize how mad people get when you detune their oscillators?

I hadn't thought of that. .... so than what happens?

[gremlin moon]

Originally Posted by OK USA

I don't think this position (freelance studio synth programmer) really exists. Usually when they say additional programming by, I think they are referring to drum programming/sequencing. I have never heard of a producer or studio hiring someone strictly to program synth sounds; not saying it doesn't exist, but I would think most of the time the artists/producer/whoever happens to be in the studio at the time would handle the synth programming.

Damian Taylor is kind of what i mean Damian Taylor

This GS thread also kind of gets at it: Billy Corgan-The Future Embrace

I'm just talking local studios with local talent though.

[kilon]

Originally Posted by gremlin moon

Over the years I've noticed in liner notes, in interviews and reading GS posts that albums often have additional "synth programmers." It may even list "additional programming by..." The Orb uses them, Cold Play brought on Jon Hopkins, etc... so how does the typical job go?

Are you given a track and the artist/band says program a lead sound to go over that? Give us a twinkley pad or a clicky bass? Are the boundaries between producer or band-member usually pretty clear or does it get muddy? Do programmers also do beats or is it strictly in the producer realm? Lastly, is it fun?

There is a lot of music in my town but not a lot of synth people so I've been thinking it would be fun to get in touch with and give a demo for some local studio owners and producers in case an additional synth programmer is needed for a couple of hours here and there. Also, I know a lot of people on this board have done this type of work in a very commercial/major context so if you have any, "and then Reznor puked all over BT" stories feel free to share.

Here you go , an interview with probably the most prolific synth programmer in the world

"ELSEWHERE": Frederick Rousseau interview

I also know that Lustomord (the father of dark ambient ? ) worked as sound designer for Greame Revell , an extremely popular composer (RED PLANET , SIN CITY etc) .

Usually those people work in studio hand in hand with the artist, always making sure that the artists are getting the sound they want. Of course those sound designers are artists themselves producing their own music.