synthesizer

A History of Synthesizers: From Blips & Bloops to Bangers & Beats

The world of synthesizers is a wonderland of sonic possibilities. From the wobbly basslines of disco to the ethereal pads of ambient music, synthesizers have shaped modern music in countless ways. But where did these electronic marvels come from, and how did they become the sonic staples they are today?

From Oscillators to Orchestral Soundscapes

The story of the synthesizer begins with the theremin, invented in 1920. This hands-free instrument used radio waves to create eerie, otherworldly sounds, setting the stage for a future filled with electronic experimentation.

Fast forward to the 1950s and 60s, and we see the emergence of early synthesizers like the Moog, a modular system that allowed musicians to manipulate sound in ways previously unheard of. The Moog’s distinctive sound found its way into groundbreaking works by artists like Wendy Carlos and the Beatles, pioneering the use of synthesizers in popular music.

The 1970s saw the rise of the synthesizer keyboard, bringing the instrument into the hands of countless musicians. Artists like Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Vangelis used the keyboard to create groundbreaking electronic soundscapes, shaping the sonic landscape of genres like electronic music, ambient, and new wave.

The Age of the Digital Synthesizer

The 1980s ushered in the era of the digital synthesizer, offering a wider range of sounds and functionalities. Instruments like the Yamaha DX7 allowed musicians to program complex sounds and create intricate melodies. The digital revolution also brought about the rise of samplers, allowing musicians to record and manipulate real-world sounds, further expanding the creative potential of synthesizers.

By the 1990s, computers became increasingly powerful, leading to the development of virtual synthesizers. These software-based instruments offered a vast array of sounds and features at a fraction of the cost of their hardware counterparts, making them accessible to a wider range of musicians.

Funny Facts & Musical Oddities

• The Moog’s “Low” Moment: The Moog synthesizer was initially marketed as a tool for music therapists, who used its sounds to treat patients. Ironically, the Moog later found its way into the hands of artists known for their eccentricity, like the avant-garde composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, who once wrote a piece that required the audience to wear headphones and walk around the concert hall.
• The Synthesizer as a “Sex Machine”: In the 1970s, a company called “The Synthesizer Company” actually marketed its instrument as a “sex machine”, claiming it could “make you feel good.” Thankfully, this marketing tactic was short-lived.
• The “Synth-Pop” Sensation: In the 1980s, a band called “The Human League” achieved mainstream success with their synth-pop hit “Don’t You Want Me,” which included the memorable line: “You may be a synthesizer, but I can’t live without you.”

Synthesizers have become an integral part of modern music, and their evolution continues to inspire new and innovative sounds. From the pioneering work of early inventors to the digital innovations of today, the synthesizer’s story is one of sonic exploration, technological advancement, and boundless creativity. And who knows what exciting new sounds await us in the future?