Robert Rich: Half an Hour with Electronic Musician

Synthesist Robert Rich sat down with Geary Yelton from the magazine Electronic Musician in April 2015. While preparing for a house concert in Asheville, North Carolina, Robert gives us a detailed look at his touring rig, demonstrating his 4-voice Eurorack modular synthesizer (mostly Synthesis Technology and Intellijel modules) and spelling out the advantages of programming original sounds. He talks about his role in creating wavetables for the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 and explains how he takes advantage of the Korg M3’s features. He also gives us a lesson in bowing the lap steel guitar and shows us a few of his custom flutes made of PVC pipe. He wraps up the conversation with some insight on electronic music composition and modular synthesis. (Watch the whole thing, because it just gets better.)

[@jeffmiller1570]

I have been a huge fan ever since I stepped into a local music store in the early 90's, asked for a ethereal music recommendation and was introduced to Robert's Gaudi CD (which still to this day remains among my favorite). Since then, I have searched high and low to find other artists who produce similar music. There are many good ones out there (many of whom Robert has collaborated with) but Robert still remains my overwhelming favorite! I listen to his music (literally) daily and have populated comprehensive playlists of everything I can locate produced by Robert Rich on various music streaming services. I have highly recommended him to everyone who I feel might be receptive to his musical style (many, strangely, are not!) Robert obviously travels a great deal and regretfully, I missed his appearance in Asheville and at Moogfest here in Durham, NC in May of 2016. Hopefully, the pandemic will ease, Robert will resume his travels and I will get the privilege to personally attend and hopefully meet this true pioneer and legend!

[@sleeptrip]

I am a huge fan of Robert Rich for many years now. Thanks for this video!
It's pretty interesting to see the backside of Robert's tour rig. Amazing!

[@elnurpashayev5734]

I love ambient music. It makes me relax and get rid of stress. Robert Rich is one of the pioneers of ambient music. Thank you for what you create.)))) ❤👍

[@yematosan8837]

Brilliant musicians 🙏🌱🌱

[@producer1762]

what a great interview, it felt like u were friends lovely atmosphere in the room

[@AndreCholmondeley]

This was fantastic

[@clusternest1704]

this is the most relaxed interview ever + very inspiring.

[@SlowlyYouRot]

Great interview! Robert is probably my biggest inspiration. I have had some very introspective and visionary experiences listening to this guys music. Definitely evocative of the mysterium tremendum.

[@Shadefury]

Thank you for this interview, very informative!
It's great to see an artist being so open about his process.

[@stantaylor2752]

Robert seems like a really nice guy. Makes me feel better about my PVC digeridoos and crusty old Paia theremin. And the point about Option Freeze/Option Lock is really pertinent these days. With unlimited choices, you end up with unlimited decisions to make.

[@calldwnthesky6495]

thanks for the video. Mr. Rich is a genius in my humble estimation

[@vaspers]

Totally marvelous. How can you not love this guy? Way to go Robert. Love how you use lead fishing weights as Hold. I do the same with DigiTech effects pedals.

[@stantaylor2752]

11:15 I was wondering what those little triangular doodads were. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best! LOL

[@bbmusic1]

Like sticking a matchbook cover into your keyboard to hold a key while you play something else

[@Khatchmusic]

very informative. I love Rich's works. Good to hear his perspectives.

[@agerven]

Awesome, thank you Geary, thank you Robert!
Very nice to hear them talk about Roberts music, how he feels about it and how he makes it. Would have liked to hear a little more on the individual modules, but then of course a very important point that Robert makes, about Option Freeze, comes to mind.
Finally got to know what the instrument in between the Prophet 12 and the slide guitar is: a Korg M3. Never heard about that one before, and perhaps an other option for me ;)
Very cool video about the essence of electronic music making, and I'm sure to watch it more often.

[@bobaector23]

Great video. Very enjoyable. Cheers!

[@franktony2964]

Om Shanti Om hare krishna grande

[@ohhhsnapdamn1280]

4:00 this gives oof some extraordinary Minecraft vibes

[@lPHOTONl]

😮

[@Seekthetruth3000]

🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@yematosan8837]

You're deferent really