A composer who’s drawn to analog synthesizers, DAWs, studio equipment, and effects pedals, Alex’s credits include composing the music for a 40-minute documentary about Michelin starred restaurant Kasama, in addition to other films and video games. At zZounds, his specialist role includes building product pages and writing blog content. His favorite movie score? Atonement by Dario Marianelli
Kinds of Kindness: Inside the Score of Jerskin Fendrix
Jerskin Fendrix is no stranger to composing for fantastical storylines — His work in 2024’s Kinds of Kindness is no exception. The latest Yorgos Lanthimos film is a triptych tale: three adjacent storylines with a few themes that tie the whole package together. One such element is Fendrix’s nightmarish score of piano and choir. A […]
Strandberg Boden Essential: The Producer’s Axe
.strandberg* (more commonly known as Strandberg) has long been been heralded as one of the greats in the headless guitar world and for good reason. The comfort of these guitars combined with the highly playable EndurNeck profile made these an instant modern classic. With the release of the Boden Essential line, Strandberg looks to get […]
Native Instruments Noire: Set the Mood
A good piano is a must-have for any serious recording space. Whether you are a bedroom producer, studio engineer, or classical musician, just about everyone is searching for the perfect piano tone and value. While there is no “one piano to rule them all,” sometimes there are diamonds that really make a mark on the […]
TASCAM Portacapture X6: TikTok Audio Hack
Any independent musician in this day and age knows how important social media is. Love it or hate it, the apps are the best way to get your name out there and your talent noticed. It is no surprise that TikTok has taken the world by storm with its massive user base, intelligent algorithm, and […]
ASM Hydrasynth Explorer: A Film Score at Your Fingertips
Compact synths are becoming more powerful by the day, and what you can do with a desktop hybrid synth today is astounding! The ASM Hydrasynth is one particular specimen that has been proving this rule over the last few years. After that original model’s release, Ashun Sound Machines had an epiphany: they thought “this…but smaller!” […]
Legends: Wendy Carlos
LEGENDS: WENDY CARLOS https://youtu.be/Wn7lDY3N3MI What happens when science and music collide? That is the question legend Wendy Carlos has been answering for decades. The explosive spark from this intersection lit an unquenchable fire in Carlos’ heart that continues to make a lasting impact today. The history of synthesis as we know it cannot be recounted […]
Setting the Score: A Talk With Film and TV Composer Brett St. James
Brett St. James (formerly Brett Laymance) is a respected film and TV composer living in the Bay Area. He has filled many roles as an additional music composer for blockbuster films like Venom: Let There Be Carnage, a composer for renowned TV series like Life Below Zero, and even as the guitarist in a touring […]
Building Ambient Pads in Phase Plant
Let’s get back to the basics! Building an ambient pad is an ideal application of software synthesis and what better platform to explore this medium than Phase Plant? This top-of-the-line software synth from Kilohearts does just about anything you can imagine and more. Whether you are looking for traditional subtractive synths, a robust wavetable engine, […]
Shure KSM8: Upgrade your Dynamic Game
Dynamic mics are pervasive and for good reason. Whether you are gigging at the dive bar, opening at an arena, or making a demo in the basement, there is almost always a dynamic mic within reach. If that’s the case, shouldn’t we be pining for the highest quality possible in these ever present microphones? Shure […]
