The program sees Mason chart the development of the electronic instrument from its earliest stages to now, exploring how prominent designers such as Bob Moog, Dave Smith and Don Buchla commercialised the synthesiser to transform it into the instrument we know today. Elsewhere, Mason touches on how Japanese manufacturers such as Roland, Korg and Yamaha also came to impact the development of the synthesiser and dominate the market, offering a broader insight into how these machines also revolutionised the creation and direction of contemporary music.
A History of Music and Technology: The Synthesizer, which can be listened to in its entirety here, also features contributions from a number of prominent figures associated with the synthesiser, including EMS VCS3 inventor Peter Zinovieff, Dave Smith (DSI/Sequential Circuits), DJ Jazzy Jeff, Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran, Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Moog collaborator Herb Deutsch and more. With so many big names onboard, you know you’re in for a treat.
Listen to the program here.