Secrets of EMOTIONAL SYNTH PADS (Twin Peaks, Roland JX-8P)

How was the amazing synthesiser sound used for "Laura's Theme" in Twin Peaks created? Why does it evoke such strong emotions and nostalgia? In this video, I interview an expert on music and emotion, exploring topics like sadness in music and musical nostalgia. I also delve into the "soundtrack" patch on the Roland JX-8P, analysing its unique qualities compared to other synth pads.

Next, I recreate this sound using the affordable Behringer DeepMind 12 synthesizer. Using what I've learned, I perform my own interpretation of "Laura's Theme" with budget synthesizers and a three-octave keyboard. Can I capture the same emotional impact?

Finally, I share why I’m passionate about 12-inch records—spoiler alert: it’s not the sound quality.

#twinpeaks
#laurapalmer
#deepmind12

00:00 Introduction
00:32 Coming up…
00:42 The first time I heard Laura’s Theme from Twin Peaks
02:01 How was the Laura’s Theme sound created?
03:27 Introducing the Roland JX-8P and MKS-70
04:40 The “soundtrack” sound: a legendary synth pad
05:18 Interview with Dr. Sandra Garrido on music and emotion
05:36 Our physical response to music
06:05 What does nostalgia mean?
06:39 When do we first experience nostalgia?
07:07 Historical nostalgia vs. real nostalgia
08:40 Designing sounds for emotional impact
10:23 Demonstrating the “soundtrack” sound on the Roland JX-8P
10:50 The essence of the “soundtrack” sound
11:20 Programming the “soundtrack” sound: what makes it unique
11:33 Basics of subtractive synthesis
12:52 How synth pads are typically made
13:17 Creating the “soundtrack” sound
13:31 Measuring the filter attack and decay for the “soundtrack” sound
14:08 The impact of the slow filter attack
14:25 Comparing filter attack time with reheating coffee
14:31 Demonstration: Roland JX-8P vs. reheating coffee
15:26 Reproducing the “soundtrack” sound on a budget synth
15:40 Imitating the “soundtrack” sound on the Behringer DeepMind 12
16:12 Envelope settings for the imitation “soundtrack” sound
16:18 Behringer DeepMind 12: “Soundtrack” sound without chorus
16:32 Behringer DeepMind 12: “Soundtrack” sound with chorus
17:17 Adding expression to the performance
18:20 Live performance: Laura’s Theme (version)
21:46 Why I love 12-inch records