A film by: Robert Fantinatto and Jason Amm
Music Documentary – 96 Minutes – Color – Canada 2014

I Dream Of Wires chronicles the history, demise and resurgence of the modular synthesizer, featuring interviews with over 100 modular musicians, inventors and enthusiasts, including Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Gary Numan,Vince Clarke (Erasure), Morton Subotnick, Chris Carter(Throbbing Gristle), Daniel Miller, Carl Craig, Flood, Cevin Key (Skinny Puppy), James Holden, Factory Floor,Legowelt, Clark, John Foxx and Bernie Krause, as well as modular manufacturers Doepfer, Modcan, and Make Noise.

I Dream of Wires begins with an historical primer, exploring the early development of modular synthesizers from pioneering companies Moog Music Inc. and Buchla and Associates, right through to the near-extinction of these instruments, brought on by the introduction of portable, digital synthesizers in the ’80s. From there, the rebirth of the modular synthesizer is retraced, leading into the phenomenal resurgence of the modular synthesizer. Along the way is some in-depth exploration of the passions, obsessions and dreams of people who have dedicated part of their lives to this esoteric electronic music machine. What started out as a “vintage-revival scene” in the ’90s has grown into an underground phenomena with a growing market of modular obsessives craving ever more wild and innovative sounds and interfaces. Today, the modular synthesizer is no longer an esoteric curiosity or even a mere music instrument — it is an essential tool for radical new sounds and a bona fide subculture.

CIMMfest 2014
Mutek Festival 2014
Sonar Festival 2014
In-Edit Film Festival 2014
Cork Film Festival 2014

 

 

 

 

“As far as documentaries go, this is a slick, polished production. The film looks great, and as one would hope and suspect, the audio is wonderful, with the score by Solvent setting the perfect mood throughout….” – Film Threat (USA)

“What’s most joyous about I Dream of Wires is that it profiles a subculture that has almost nothing to do with the music industry.” – The List Film (UK)

“I would highly recommend Robert Fantinatto’s documentary film not only to anyone interested in modular analog synthesizers, but to anybody interested in sound and the electronic reproduction of audio in general. This film is so well made it should appeal to anyone curious about people who are obsessed with minutiae, weird sounds, and music that 97 percent of the planet would find annoying.” – Tape Op magazine (USA)

“Tracing the rise, seeming fall, and resurgence of modular synthesizers,I Dream Of Wires is a feast for the ears of anyone who digs synth-y beats and space age bleeps, and for the eyes of anyone who palpitates at lingering, loving images of knobs, dials, gleaming stacked boards, and brightly coloured patch cables. It’s also an object lesson in how an audience finds a music documentary as much as a music documentary finds an audience.” – MusicFilmWeb (UK)

“With its excellent narration and top-notch interviews with pioneers and popularizers like Morton Subotnick, Gary Numan, and Trent Reznor, I Dream of Wires gives us a glimpse into the mind of electronically-minded musicians and their often revolutionary perspectives on music, technology, and human ingenuity…. If you’re curious about the wide world of synths but intimidated by the steep learning curve, check out this movie….” – DigBoston weekly (USA)

“A recommended watch for those with any degree of interest in synths and synth music. 10/10 Excellence” – Music Tech magazine (UK)