WALTER MAIR
Taking pole position
We heard that the Austrian musician used our software instrument Pigments and hardware synth MatrixBrute to compose music for the adrenaline-filled Netflix series, Drive To Survive.
So we asked to meet him for a behind-the-scenes into the world of composing for media.
With such an interesting story to tell, we let him do the talking:
"Gaming started for me after university, so everything is open to interpretation and there’s a lot of creative space in that. I got the chance to work on Grand Theft Auto. Later came SEGA and Creative Assembly, and Sony with a game called Killzone."
"The main difference between games and Netflix series, for example is that games are non-linear, so usually you write tracks in 3 minutes in length, you deliver certain stems, but then you need to give the developer enough creativity and space to introduce certain elements at certain points."
"Pigments is an absolute dream to write with because you have everything from bass, to synths, to leads – everything you need… and this is what I use most of the time."
You would have to look into your samplers or software instruments to find something that inspires you, and I’ll often go into my analog synths or into software, especially Pigments with all the sequences in there.
"For the Formula 1 series I’ve just scored, they’d send me a QuickTime outtake of some racing sequences and decide what instrumentation to use – is it electronic instruments, it is analog, and on this I chose to use Pigments and MatrixBrute."
"The MatrixBrute has everything covered, and this is why I think, from a sound point-of-view, that it’s state-of-the-art."
"When I sit in front of the MatrixBrute it’s like sitting in front of a modular synth setup, you’ve got a blank canvas. What I really like is that you can design your own sound, something very unique. For the Netflix Formula 1 show I was asked to come up with the main theme and I started with the MatrixBrute, and on the matrix I just made the picture F1 by pushing the buttons to light the blue lights, and it made the perfect sound"
"The sound combination of Pigments and MatrixBrute is endless and infinite, and both together creates something that is unique and creative."
If you'd like to check out more of Walter Mair's extensive career and projects, visit his website.