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Hayden Bursk, Software Developer
SWW: How did you start working for Sonoma Wire Works? |
SWW: When did you first start playing music?
Hayden: I started on drums when I was ten. I asked my parents for fencing lessons, but they said no, so drums was the next option. I played drums in school bands but soon got into guitar and singing. Later I went to college for electrical engineering, but was more interested in audio than anything else. During my junior year I stopped studying electrical engineering and headed to Boston to attend the Berkelee School of Music. I studied as much as I could and then headed home to finish my degree in electrical engineering. I really love making music and feel good when I do it. It's never been my goal to make it as a performer. I love making music and would love ears to hear it, but it's never been my goal to be a rockstar.
SWW: Do you think being a musician has helped you make better software?
Hayden: Absolutely. I was a guy recording in his bedroom alone, and that's still what I do. I can really make products with that guy in mind. We don't make multitrack recording products like typical DAWS, we make products that work how alot of songwriters prefer working. You can sit down and be inspired to make a recording using our software, it inspires you to write, which is not always possible in other programs. I believe the process of producing a recording and writing at the same time inspires amazing material.
SWW: What do you forsee for the future of Sonoma Wire Works?
Hayden: I think alot of music software companies just add more and more to their software, they are aimed at a small, tech savvy group of people. To get the most from the software you need extensive knowledge of signal routing, synthesis, and sound design. For me the most rewarding musical experiences come from picking up an instrument and making sounds, not spending time looking at a screen. Too many options takes away the musicianship. I'd love to see our software be less invasive and not get in the way of songwriting.
SWW: Do you think technology has hampered musicianship?
Hayden: Well, you sit around and watch people listen to a mix, and they're staring at a computer screen instead of using their ears. What they are hearing has nothing to do with the meters or levels, yet that's how they mix these days. By looking with your eyes you are not focusing on your ears. I would like to see our products continue to focus more on hearing, perhaps using new interfaces that rely less on visuals and more on sounds and touch.
SWW: Where can our users hear more of your music and try more of your software?
Hayden: My musical moniker is "Oh Travioso." You can hear my music on myspace.com/ohtravioso. Ohtravioso.com is my official website and will sometimes point to various entertainment apps I have created. You can also search for "Oh Travioso" on iTunes to hear my music and see my apps.
Hayden's email is Hayden at sonomawireworks.com
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