Introduction

In a captivating conversation, Chris Thorp, founder of m25, delves into the extraordinary journey of Alan Mawdsley, Music Director of the acclaimed network partner, Syn. Originally hailing from the UK, Mawdsley's foray into the world of music and sound has thrived in Tokyo, where he has lived for more than twelve years. Syn, an Emmy award-winning music and sound group, boasts studios in prominent cities like Tokyo, Shanghai, LA, and London, developing sonic identities for prestigious clients including BBC Film, Cartoon Network Studios, and CNN+.

Early Career in London

Alan's odyssey in sound commenced in the vibrant London nightlife of the early '90s, where he embraced the role of DJ at pulsating warehouse parties. This exhilarating environment ignited his passion, prompting him to explore music production in his own home with only a basic setup. His dedication and talent eventually led him to a significant position as a studio assistant at the renowned Avex’s Soho Square studio. Here, he honed his craft in the art of record-making alongside industry veterans, utilizing sophisticated equipment like SSL desks and ProTools.

Foundational Experiences

Reflecting on those formative years, Mawdsley remarks, 'Those years were foundational in shaping my understanding of sound and production.' This foundation paved the way for his next exciting adventure at Freestyle Games, an Activision-owned studio. There, he played a pivotal role in developing the DJ Hero series, an innovative extension of the popular Guitar Hero franchise.

Life in Tokyo and Sonic Branding

After moving to Tokyo a dozen years ago, Mawdsley found a new home at Syn, where he has since expanded his expertise across a wide variety of projects. One of his most intriguing focuses has become sonic branding—the craft of defining a brand’s identity through sound.

He shares a glimpse into his creative process: 'For the sonic ID of BBC Films, I drew influence from the enchanting style of the Radiophonic Workshop, which has been a personal favorite of mine since childhood. For the Atlanta Journal Constitution, we creatively incorporated the sounds of vintage typewriters, recording them in a museum setting to honor their rich past. Each project demands a fusion of sound that resonates with the brand’s essence, effectively integrating visuals to guide timing, mood, and tempo.'

Unique Projects

Among his most unique projects, Mawdsley recalls, 'One that notably stands out in terms of complexity was our collaboration for Tatcha’s Indigo calming ritual. We envisioned a way to embody the essence of indigo plants from Shikoku, Japan. Utilizing a device called Plantwave, we captured the electrical impulses of the plants and translated those into music. This required meticulous positioning of sensors on the delicate leaves right in the heart of a field. The resultant musical composition was tested in a neuroscience lab and was found to significantly reduce stress and promote relaxation—a profoundly rewarding and groundbreaking venture.'

Inspiration and Future Outlook

Alan credits many talented individuals for inspiring his journey and acknowledges the exceptional international team at Syn, led by the visionary Nick Wood: 'The environment here is truly inspiring.'

As he looks towards the future, Mawdsley is enthusiastic about the integration of artificial intelligence in the world of sound and music production. He believes AI has the potential to fundamentally reshape the landscape of audio creation, echoing the transformations witnessed in visual content.

'Whether it’s seamless expansion of soundscapes or breaking barriers beyond traditional sampling technology, AI is poised to redefine the limits of what can be achieved in music and sound design,' he concludes, brimming with optimism for what lies ahead in the sonic realm.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more enlightening insights into the world of music and sound as we uncover the stories of more innovative individuals shaping the industry!