Synthesizers and Disney :How Music Tech Revolutionized Parks, Parades, and Movie

Its the story of how Disney embraced synthesizers and electronic music technology throughout its history. Topics covered include the early days of electronic sound with the Teleharmonium and magnetic tape, how Disney used tape to control the original audio-animatronics, the evolution of synthesizers from Bob Moog’s invention and the theremin, and the music of early electronic artists like Perry & Kingsley and Wendy Carlos. Eric explores the Disney connection to classic synthesizer tracks like "Baroque Hoedown" in the Main Street Electrical Parade and the Electrical Water Pageant, as well as Wendy Carlos’s score for Tron. The episode also covers the rise of synthesizer use in 1980s pop and park entertainment, Michael Iceberg’s live synth shows at Tomorrowland, Don Dorsey’s innovations in parade sound and show control with systems like Mickey Track and DECS, the use of MIDI in park productions, and the continuation of synthesizer soundtracks in newer parades and international parks like Tokyo DisneySea. If you want a full look at how electronic music and technology shaped the Disney sound—from nighttime spectaculars to iconic scores—this episode has you covered.

For More Disney and Synthesizers Check out the Thirty20Eight’s episode on Michael Iceberg: https://thirty20eight.libsyn.com/thirtytwentyeight-208-disneys-iceberg-machine-aka-the-weirdest-show-weve-ever-recorded

Check out Shaun Jex’s Baroque Hoedown Article on Make Mine Music: https://makeminemusiccom.wordpress.com/2022/06/21/magic-and-imagination-the-music-of-the-main-street-electrical-parade/ Thanks for Enjoying Synergy Loves Company!

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