Philosophy of Electric Western

Electric Western is devoted to the exploration and evolution of pre-1950s electronic musical instruments. While we are inspired by the pioneers of musical technology – Theremin, Martenot, Trautwein, Moog – we do not aim to imitate their work; rather, we intend to develop their ideas and theories further, to bring them into a new era. We are driven to create visceral, authentic, unique, and new sounds, sounds that are unpredictable and unexpected. Our instruments are built from both vintage and new parts, and all audio circuits are completely analog. We strive for the handmade aesthetic at every level of development, valuing craftsmanship and individuality over mass production and bland “perfection.” Our instruments are lead-free and North American-made parts are sourced as much as possible. We want to share our knowledge and empower others to experiment with vintage technology. We are inspired by the landscape and the sounds of the American Western desert. And we are proud to be the only American maker of steam-powered synthesizers.   

Lorin Parker

Lorin Edwin Parker is an artist, engineer and professor who specializes in audio circuitry, experimental sound design, electronic music methods, and developing novel hardware and tools for the art community. Parker has worked extensively in audio engineering, post production, foley, and emerging fields of multimedia art. He has been a faculty member at both the California Institute of the Arts and the Art Institute of California, Los Angeles.

Parker holds a bachelors degree in music (Electric Bass and Contrabass) and a B.S. in audio engineering from the University of Colorado at Denver. He holds an MFA in Composition: Experimental Sound Practice from the California Institute of the arts. While in school, he had the privilege of studying with Bob Moog and David Rosenboom, both pioneers in the field of electronic music. He has also worked with Morton Subotnick, Christian Wolff, Alvin Lucier, Jim Tenney, Anthony Braxton, Andre Vida, Pauline Oliveros, Toshi Nakamura, Joan Labarbera, and Paul DeMarinis. His work is included in Nicolas Collins’ book, Handmade Electronic Music.

Lorin has been a member of the DIY, making and home-brewing community since birth. He has contributed to patents, synthesizer designs and is the only designer / builder of steam powered synthesizers. He is also an ongoing featured artist, instructor and curator with the BENT festival (www.bentfest.org). His work won the Editor’s Choice Award at the 2008 Bay Area Maker Faire, and he looks forward to participating in future Maker Faires (www.makerfaire.com).

Sarah Seelig

Sarah Seelig is a pianist, composer, and partner in Electric Western. She is the official beta tester for all Electric Western instruments and often performs with them. Her interest in new music has given her the opportunity to collaborate with emerging and established composers, such as George Crumb, Steve Reich, Terry Riley, Michael Torke, and Evan Ziporyn. She also performs her own pieces, improvises, and frequently performs and composes for film, dance, and theater. She has performed as a soloist and chamber musician at the Carnegie Hall Young Artists Workshop, the Bang on a Can Summer Music Institute and the Brevard Music Center. Sarah holds a performance degree from Vanderbilt University and performance and composition degrees from the California Institute of the Arts. She is also Electric Western’s office manager, administrator, and asskicker.