I Dream of Wires

I Dream of Wires is an innovative 2014 documentary film, conceived and produced by Robert Fantinatto and Jason Amm, that provides an intriguing discourse on the history, evolution, and cultural significance of the modular synthesizer. This enlightening feature allows viewers to explore the labyrinthine world of electronic music from an entirely novel perspective. It offers a unique blend of historical depth, technical insights, social commentary, and passionate fandom, offering something for everyone, whether you’re a music enthusiast, an academic, a synthesizer lover, or even a casual viewer.

The film features renowned personalities in the electronic music industry, including Patti Schmidt, former host of the CBC Radio 2 show "Brave New Waves" and music critic; Joel Chadabe, an electronic composer and pioneer in the development and use of interactive electronic music systems; and John Mills-Cockell, a Canadian composer known for his work with the electronic group Syrinx.

The film serves as a learning platform for those interested in discovering more about the history of electronic music and its various branches, from avant-garde experimentalists to the mainstream pop embraced today. I Dream of Wires extends beyond being an ordinary documentary by awakening an underlying appreciation for the intricate science and sublime artistry behind sound synthesizing.

Starting off from the dawn of electronic music, the documentary chronicles the revolution led by the modular synthesizer. It digs into the roots of the movement, charting the journey from the original modular synthesizers that were room-filling monstrosities to the highly portable modern systems. It gives an in-depth analysis of the synthesizer's meteoric rise to dominion in music production and its subsequent wane with the advent of more affordable and user-friendly digital technologies.

The documentary does not shy away from the technical aspects of synthesizers and their operation. It offers deeper insights into the components and processes involved in electronic music production, providing viewers with a chance to understand the intricacies and the scientific artistry involved in creating evocative music with modular synthesizers.

I Dream of Wires is also commendable in its treatment of the cultural significance of the synthesizer. Much like how an excavator uncovers layers of ancient civilization, the movie delves deep into the societal, psychological, and even philosophical implications of electronic music. From altering the conventional constructs of music and spawning entirely new genres to influencing the subconscious mood of society, the film lays bare how much of an impact this seemingly niche instrument has had on the world.

The film's narrative is further enriched by featuring interviews and insights from some other famous figures in both mainstream and experimental electronic music scenes. This approach lends credibility and real-world relevance to the themes explored in the documentary, making it a captivating watch for enthusiasts and novices alike.

Moreover, I Dream of Wires serves as a conduit for nostalgia, charting a course through the golden era of synthesis, and the influence it had on the music industry. But it isn’t just a historical documentation, it looks at the undeniable resurgence of the modular synthesizer, examining the new wave of artisans who are innovating and pushing the boundaries of what these instruments can achieve.

In essence, the film is faithful to its title, "I Dream of Wires," which in itself might be viewed as a sort of aural pun on the idea of dreaming of desires, hopes, ambitions, and the intricate network of wires within modular synthesizers serving both as a conduit and a metaphor for these dreams.

With its nuanced narrative, thought-provoking insights, and the authenticity of personal experiences shared by industry icons, I Dream of Wires accomplishes more than just documenting history. It serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the modular synthesizer, an ode to its charm, and a catalyst for sparking curiosity and appreciation for this extraordinary instrument.