New Documentary On Synths + Synthesists, Wavelengths
Wavelengths is a new mini-documentary about synthesizers and the people that love them, by Ian Gilbert.
While other synth documentaries have focused more on the instruments or the history of electronic music, Gilbert’s film looks at the people that are into synths and how they are expanding the synth community.
The modular synth community is largely white and male, and there can be a high barrier to entry because modular synths are relatively expensive instruments, with a high learning curve. The documentary look at how some synthesists are pushing against these boundaries and creating their own spaces to connect with audiences and other electronic musicians.
DIY synth maker Juanito Moore (Modular for the Masses) talks about making modular gear as inexpensively as possible, using tuna cans and junk parts. Jonas Quirin talks about creating a synth scene in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where synths haven’t traditionally been a part of the music scene.
Steff Rosalez talks about expanding the community with women and GLBTQ musicians. Jesse Kaczmarczyk talks about getting into the world of synths through his relationship with Rosalez and their band, How To Live Together, and how the band and their songwriting deepened their relationship.
“Electronic music is important and synth music is cool,” notes Quirin, “People should be able to experience that.”
