Dave Smith Instruments "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" with Ephriam Nagler

You'll find the third interview in Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" with Ephriam Nagler here.

"Ephriam Nagler, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, obsessed with audio and photography, can be seen at airports around the world arguing his DSI Pro 2 and Prophet 08 into the main cabin. He performs under his own name as a synth-pop soloist and also performs with his brother, Judah Nagler, in The Velvet Teen. While residing in the Pacific Northwest over the past 7 years, he has been producing records at Robert Lang Studios, Red Room, and Dub Narcotic Studios of K Records. Submitting to his constant itch for travel, he is the touring front of house engineer for The Thermals, The Good Life, Suuns, and is at this very moment on the road with Russian Circles.

We caught up with Ephriam to talk about about how he’s using his Pro 2."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" with iVardensphere

The second in Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" is with Scott Fox, aka iVardensphere, is up.

"Scott Fox is a unique quantity in the world of modern electronic music. Hailing from Edmonton Canada, his project ‘iVardensphere’ emerged from Fox’s desire to explore both heavy electronics and his love of world percussion, anchored by a love for deep sound design and crushing rhythms. That passion, combined with an ever-evolving and maturing production sensibility, have become the project’s trademarks. Over the course of five full-length albums and innumerable remixes, Fox has become one of the foremost live and studio musicians in North American industrial.

For all of its grandeur, Fox’s sound has proven remarkably fluid. Monolithic analogue synth bangers share space with simmering groove-based instrumental experiments, tribal industrial drum workouts and deep, textured ambiences.

There’s no mistaking the scope and gravity of an iVardensphere track when you hear it.

We sat down to talk with Scott about about how he’s using his Pro 2."

You'll find the full interview on the DSI website here.

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" with Chris Stack

The eighth in Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with Chris Stack here.

"Player of synths, computers, guitars, ouds, flutes, and percussion. Principal editor, writer, videographer, musician, and researcher at experimentalsynth.com — that’s how Chris Stack describes himself. His musical endeavors range from 'Xenography,' a new album of synth, Moog Guitar, piano, shakuhachi, and processed voice works, to solo performances on piano and oud. Chris’ past music/tech experiences include marketing manager Moog Music and Vo Inventions; stints as engineering manager, marketing manager and manufacturing manager at dB-tronics; printed circuit designer at Computer Dynamics; and freelance printed circuit designer for Bob Moog at Big Briar."

You can find links to all of the "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" interviews here. Scroll down for each.

Dave Smith Instruments "In The Spotlight with the Pro 2" with James Terris

The fourth in Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with James Terris here.

"Growing up in a small Northern California town where most bands played Reggae, Country, or College Rock was challenging for synth player and electronic musician James Terris. His very first synth was a Sequential Circuits Six-Trak sequenced from a Commodore 64, which he used to hone his skills as a composer, synthesist, and sound designer. In 1994 an unexpected turn of events led him to join and help develop the successful tribute act, Super Diamond. While not exactly a foreseen career, it proved to be an enjoyable and lucrative project that tours nationally to this day. James has kept his love of electronic music alive through musical side projects, working as a sound designer, and by occasionally supporting classic 80’s artists such as Howard Jones, Curt Smith (Tears For Fears), Dave Wakeling, Naked Eyes, and more. He has contributed sounds for many of DSI’s products, including the Pro 2."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" with STEREOSPREAD

The seventh in Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with STEREOSPREAD (JAMES HOPKINS AND SARA SNYDER) here.

"Stereospread, an electropop love affair, has been making music since 2012. Pairing James Hopkins’ idiosyncratic production techniques with Sara Snyder’s complex and versatile vocal and synthesis skills, the duo have performed across the Southeastern USA with various electronic and alt-rock acts. They have recorded and released three EPs and several singles and have finished their debut album, which will be released in December 2016. In addition to their original tracks, Stereospread has remixed many artists, including Assemblage 23, Slighter, Null Device, and more. The duo has also mixed and mastered for numerous artists including Alter Der Ruine and Thy Fearful Symmetry. They are DSI fanatics, owning a Prophet 12, Prophet 6, and Pro 2."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" with JESSE SOLA (NUMINA)

The sixth in Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with JESSE SOLA (NUMINA) here.

"Jesse Sola is an American keyboardist who goes under the project name Numina. He was born in 1971 in a musical family that currently resides in Denver, Colorado. Jesse began recording music in his 20’s while in college. Jesse’s choice of instrumentation was the use of synthesizers and acoustic instruments melded together to create deep, evolving music that ranges from melancholy to mysterious. Currently, Numina has released albums on his own Numinamusic label as well as on Gestalt Records, Hypnos, Dark Duck Records. He’s also been featured several times on the syndicated radio program Music From the Hearts of Space. Similar artists and influences include Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Vidna Obmana, and Stephen Philips."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" with Aaron Jaffe

The ninth in Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with Aaron Jaffe here.

"Aaron Jaffe is an award-winning composer/producer based in New York City. A graduate of Indiana University and the Berklee College of Music, Jaffe moved to New York City to begin his career at Platinum Island Recording Studio. From there he went on to become a senior composer at tomandandy music where he placed his original tracks on more than 100 commercials and scored the UPN Television dramady “The Beat,” starring Mark Ruffalo.

In January 2008, Jaffe launched Novacaine Music and Sound Design and continued to focus on the commercial arts. With a client base that includes McCann NY, Viacom/Nickelodeon, BBDO, Grey Worldwide, R+R Partners, and Avrett Free Ginsberg, Jaffe has successfully placed tracks on national campaigns for L’Oreal, Maybelline, Las Vegas, and Toyota among many others. His creativity has earned him the prestigious Bronze Lion at the 2010 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity as well as multiple Addy and Marcom Awards."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In the Spotlight with the Prophet 12" with Peter Dyer

The sixth in the Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with Peter Dyer here.

"Peter Dyer is a keyboardist, musical director, sound designer, and producer who has toured and recorded with Aloe Blacc, Adam Lambert, St. Vincent, Mariah Carey, Van Hunt, Crystal Lewis, and Cam, among many others. Other recording credits include Avicii’s “True” album and global hit “Wake Me Up,” Flo Rida, Nile Rodgers, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, and tours with AlunaGeorge and Quadron. A devoted DSI user and fan, Peter has contributed factory presets for the Prophet 12, Pro 2, Prophet-6, OB-6, and Tempest.

Most recently, he’s done programming for Miguel, Hayley Kiyoko, and Tegan & Sara’s fall tours, as well as sound design for BMW’s coming action short-film, 'The Escape.' Peter’s band, Rafferty, has had placements with Apple and the CW’s Supergirl ads. Peter is also part of synth-pop act Monogem."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" with ROCAsound

The fifth in Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with SEBASTIAN AROCHA MORTON, aka ROCAsound here.

"Composer/Producer/Remixer Sebastian Arocha Morton (aka ROCAsound) graduated from Berklee College of Music and moved to Los Angeles to begin what would become a very fruitful and successful career in Electronic Music Production and Film Scoring. His remixes and productions for Sting, Counting Crows, Samantha James, Donna Summer, Seal, Jody Watley, Santana, Amerie, Vikter Duplaix and Fisherspooner among many others have yielded 6 Billboard #1 singles as well as 2 Grammy nominations. Likewise, his film scoring and composition background have enabled him to bridge electronic and orchestral music for blockbuster films such as Iron Man 2, Robocop, Little Miss Sunshine, Alex Cross, Draft Day, and Houdini, as well as session work with A List composers and artists such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, David Sylvian, Chaka Khan, John Debney, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry. Currently, he is working on production and synth work for USA’s Golden Globe-nominated Mr. Robot and Tomorrowland’s Iron Man Experience debuting this Fall at Disneyworld Hong Kong."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In the Spotlight with the Prophet 12" with Josh Molen

The third in the Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with Josh Molen here.

"Josh Molen is a TV and film composer located outside Knoxville, TN. He began composing professionally in 2005. Since then he has had the opportunity to work on many high-profile projects, including composing music for TV shows like: Snapped (Oxygen), Sins and Secrets (I.D.), Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda (I.D.), Modern Marvels (History Channel), Biography (Bio), and How Stuff Works (Discovery) to mention only a few. He also co-composed the score to The Clinton 12 directed by Keith McDaniel and narrated by James Earl Jones.

In 2011 he launched a boutique music library, The Tune Peddler, that has licensed music internationally for film, TV, video games, and online media. One client of note that features Josh’s music is the Fine Brothers’ REACT Channel with videos amassing well over 40 million collective hits on YouTube."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In the Spotlight with the Prophet 12" with Louis Faro

The seventh in the Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with Louis Faro here.

"Louis Faro is a full-time, professional pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, and producer. He graduated from the Béla Bartók Jazz Conservatory in Budapest, Hungary in 1976 where he studied with Kornél Kertész and Gustav Csík. He began his professional career at age 17, later moving to Chicago where he played with such greats as Michael Manson (bassist for George Duke), Richard Patterson (bassist for Miles Davis, David Sanborn, Roberta Flack, Boz Scaggs), Chuck Webb (bassist for Stevie Wonder, Joe Sample, Ramsey Lewis), Kirk Whalum, and Martha Wash (C&C Music Factory).

Louis currently performs extensively in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. He continues to broaden his fan base with his energetic and compelling blend of jazz, r&b, funk, latin, and classical styles. His original compositions feature bold melodies and rhythms, a unique breadth of musical language, and a mastery of modern synth media."

You can find links to all episodes of DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" with Marc Doty

The tenth in Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with Marc Doty here.

"Marc Doty is the composer, synthesist, and educator responsible for the popular analog synth demonstration YouTube channel, Automatic Gainsay."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In the Spotlight with the Prophet 12" with Dan Haigh

The eigth in the Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with Dan Haigh here.

"Dan Haigh is an English musician, film director, video game designer, writer and visual effects artist. He is best known as co-founder of synth wave band, GUNSHIP, and as the bass player in the English alternative rock band Fightstar."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In the Spotlight with the Prophet 12" with Colin Cameron Allrich

The fifth in the Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with Colin Cameron Allrich here.

"Colin Cameron Allrich is a musician, remixer and sound designer based at The Cell Studio now in Portland Oregon. He’s worked under many aliases on projects in genres ranging from club-friendly House and Breaks, to Industrial Rock and Cinematic Electronica with remixes and collaborations with Front Line Assembly, Future Funk Squad, 16Volt/Black December, STEREOSPREAD, John Girgus and more. His music has been licensed to many television programs, including FOX, NBC/Universal, HBO, Showtime, MTV and Lionsgate Films. Find out more at www.thecellstudio.com."

You can find links to all episodes of DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In the Spotlight with the Prophet 12" with Jacob Bergson

The fourth in the Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with Jacob Bergson here.

"Jacob Bergson is a musician and producer based in New York City. He produces and writes music with artists around the globe, and currently performs live with Nerve and Rubblebucket."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In the Spotlight with the Prophet 12" with Melissa Mattey

As a follow-up to the "In the Spotlight with the Pro 2" series, DSI has launched a new "In the Spotlight with the Prophet 12" interview series. You can find the first with Melissa Mattey here.

"In a town known for its strong work ethic and an overabundance of world-class musicians, Melissa Mattey may be one of the hardest-working creative talents in Nashville. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, with a focus on synthesis and recording, Melissa deftly juggles three careers without missing a beat. By day she’s an in-demand mix and recording engineer for a broad array of artists including Van hunt and Cam. By night she’s synthesist and composer for the electro-ambient trio Everyone Moves Away. And the rest of the time she’s handling keyboard chores and producing records for Indie favorites, Elliot Root. Did we mention that she tours with both of the aforementioned bands, as well?

We caught up with Melissa in a rare free moment."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments "In the Spotlight with the Prophet 12" with Robert Rich

The second in the Dave Smith Instruments' "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" series is currently up with Robert Rich here.

"Robert Rich has helped define ambient music, with over 40 albums across four decades. Rich began building his own analog modular synthesizers in 1976, when he was 13, and later studied computer music at Stanford’s CCRMA while researching lucid dreaming. Rich has performed worldwide, and since 1982 his all-night Sleep Concerts became legendary. His 15-hour, Blu-ray Perpetual maintains this tradition. Rich’s sound design graces many films and preset libraries, and as a mastering engineer he has applied his ear to hundreds of albums. His latest release What We Left Behind is available on Bandcamp, CDBaby, and http://robertrich.com."

You can find links to all episodes of DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments Launches "In The Spotlight with the PRO 2" Series with Michael Wooten

You might recall the Artist Interview series from Dave Smith Instruments posted here. They just launched a new series focusing on users of the Pro 2. Their first interview, which you can find here, is with Michael Wooten.

"Michael Wooten is a young multi-instrumentalist and composer and a recent Berklee graduate, where he studied under jazz greats such as Tia Fuller, Greg Hopkins, Hal Crook and Terence Blanchard. Originally from Philadelphia, Michael has shared the stage with artists such as Sheila E, Terri Lyne Carrington and Ledisi and has worked on upcoming records with trumpeter Darren Barret and drummer Lenny White. His main focus, however, is his own original music, which while rooted in Philly’s rich musical tradition, draws from a plethora of different influences and experiences.

We recently caught up with Michael between projects to talk with him about about how he’s using his Pro 2."

via @dsiSequential: "NEW! DSI kicks off #DSIPro2 #synth artist interview series. See the first one here: davesmithinstruments.com/michael-wooten/ pic.twitter.com/qPXSa3xDTu"

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments In The Spotlight With the Pro 2 and Kush Arora

You can find the full interview here.

"San Francisco-based Kush Arora has been producing eclectic and electrifying underground music for a diverse audience for nearly 20 years. Whether he’s making Indo Caribbean Dancehall, reworking kuduro, or creating ambience, his signature sound traverses genre lines and connects dots few dare to combine. His project Only Now assimilates his many influences, including Buraka Som Sistema, Wax Trax Records, and film soundtracks. As Kush puts it, Only Now’s roots are firmly planted in unbridled experimentation and a wall of sonic low end. With his 10-plus record discography, Kush’s work has been featured in The Wire, Spin Magazine, Fact Magazine, and many other avenues in the tropical bass, dub, dancehall, and Indian music scenes. His remixes and collaborations span artists as diverse as Balkan Beat Box and Gappy Ranks.

As Only Now he’s released 4 EPs, with 2017 sharing Timeslave from Mexico City’s Infinite Machine and Elements on vinyl from France’s POLAAR Sounds. He’s currently collaborating with N1L (Berlin, UIQ), Lechuga Zafiro (Uruguay), and Abstractar (an Oakland metal act). Only Now’s performance highlights include playing alongside Kode 9, Dj Lag, Shambala Festival (CA), Low End Theory, SXSW, with a recent performance at the Gray Area Foundation for the Arts

We chatted with Kush about how he’s using the Pro 2."

You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.

Dave Smith Instruments In The Spotlight With the Pro 2 and Zardonic

You can find the full interview on DSI's website here.

"An icon, a globetrotter, an innovator and an outstanding performer, Federico Ágreda Álvarez is a multi-talented award winning keyboardist, DJ, composer, producer, and remixer. He is best known for his rock-infused, Electronic Dance Music, one-man-DJ project, Zardonic, which seamlessly encompasses Glitch Hop, Breakbeat, Electro House, Dubstep, Drum & Bass, and Hardcore Techno with shredding Metal guitars and commanding vocals. Donning one of the Top 10 Best DJ Masks in the world, Zardonic has peaked at #1 on Beatport Drum & Bass, and Amazon’s Hard Rock & Metal Bestsellers, with original releases in Skrillex’s own OWSLA imprint, UK’s legendary renegade hardware, Dieselboy’s Planet Human, AK1200’s Big Riddim Recordings, and now exclusively signed with multiplatinum label entertainment One Music and released in Japan through JVC Kenwood Victor Entertainment Corporation.

Having remixed platinum-selling british legends Bullet For My Valentine, crème de la crème Industrial rock pioneers Nine Inch Nails, Billboard top charters Pop Evil, Norwegian black metallers Gorgoroth, Ukranian pop rockers Semargl, Japanese metalcore revelation Crossfaith, award winning producer Celldweller and UK electronic rock pioneers The Qemists, while getting remix treatments from Heavygrinder, Black Sun Empire, Neonlight, State Of Mind, Evol Intent, Counterstrike, The Outside Agency, and producing the debut album Freakshow by New Jersey shock rockers American Grim as well as the comeback album of the legendary New York metallers Eve To Adam, Ágreda represents an undeniable genre-defying force that relentlessly pushes all boundaries and standards of the mainstream and the underground scene, never settling for any rules, and pioneering the sound that is now predicted by the curators as the future of music."

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You can find previous posts featuring DSI's Spotlight series here.