Instruments

'Looking at the Stars' was produced using only software synthesizers. These are programs which generate a sound within a computer; if you connect an electronic keyboard and speakers to the computer you can get a very capable electronic instrument. Together with another program known as a sequencer, which records your playing into the computer's memory, you can create a whole song, complete with drums, guitar, keyboard... whatever you wish. But that is not all. You can even create your own unique sounds! And that is where a lot of original work was done on this album. The following is a list of the main software synthesizers used in 'Looking at the Stars'.

Absynth – famous for its unearthly, transcendent atmosphere. You can hear it playing in the main theme and mellow sustained chords on Universe. (Sound clip)

Atmosphere – one of the first choices for synthesized strings and sustained chords sounds.

Reaktor – Is there anything this software can't do? Make tea? :) We are sure one day it will. For this project it was used for custom-built effects like echo and for producing lots of mysterious noises. Reaktor was also used to create all the drum sounds on this album—in Mechanical Feelings and Alien Party, for example. (Sound clip)

z3ta+ – responsible for that blurry piano sound in Night and for the melody line in One.

(Sound clip)

 

Garritan Personal Orchestra – used for all strings sounds in Looking at the Stars.

“Recording quality all around is exceptional, especially with this being a 'one man show.'”
-Bill Binkelman, The New Age Reporter.