Semih Alar: The Sonic Architect's Creative Universe

Semih Alar is a contemporary composer and sound designer whose work blends traditional influences with avant-garde experimentation. His compositions for projects such as “Diaspora” and “Dota 2” showcase his ability to create immersive soundscapes that resonate with both depth and originality. This detailed exploration delves into Alar’s musical journey, his influences, notable projects, and his distinctive approach to composition.

Influences and Inspirations

Semih Alar’s musical journey began with a profound impact from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, particularly its second movement. This initial exposure sparked his passion for music, leading him to explore a variety of influences and styles.

Over time, Alar’s interest expanded to include avant-garde movements, particularly the works of Pierre Schaeffer and Pierre Henry, pioneers in the musique concrète genre. Schaeffer’s innovative use of recorded sounds as musical elements and Henry’s explorations of electroacoustic music fascinated Alar, guiding him toward unconventional sound exploration. Their influence profoundly shaped his approach to composition.

A notable example of his experimentation is a 30-minute piece created by recording sounds from an abandoned house over a period of 144 hours. This project, which took about a year to complete, reflects his dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional music-making. Although these experimental works are shrouded in mystery and Alar has confirmed that he might not release them, they highlight his commitment to innovative sound exploration.

Notable Projects

Diaspora

The film “Diaspora” was a significant challenge for Alar, as it required creating a musical score for a film without dialogue or actors. This presented a unique difficulty in conveying the film’s emotions and narrative solely through music. Alar’s approach involved an intense focus on creating a sound that would enhance the film’s atmospheric qualities. His ability to craft a compelling score for such a unique project underscores his creative versatility and adaptability.

Dota 2

The “Dota 2” project is another landmark in Alar’s career. The composition process for this project was intricate and time-consuming. It began with a month of composition, followed by seven months of instrumentation and sound design. Alar’s dedication to the project was evident in his learning of throat singing, a technique he had to master to achieve the desired sound. This level of commitment showcases his willingness to embrace new techniques and expand his skill set to meet the project’s demands.

Other Projects

In addition to “Diaspora” and “Dota 2,” Semih Alar has worked on various advertising films, movies, games, and documentaries. These projects range from early works that helped establish his career to more recent contributions that reflect his ongoing evolution as a composer. The diversity of his projects illustrates his broad range of skills and his ability to adapt his style to different media.

Working Style and Techniques

Alar’s working style is marked by a deep immersion in his projects. He often focuses exclusively on one project at a time, dedicating himself fully until its completion. This approach allows him to fully explore and develop his ideas without distraction.

He utilizes a variety of music software and instruments in his work. Currently, he primarily uses Ableton, a popular digital audio workstation, to create and refine his compositions. His instrumental repertoire includes jaw harp, throat singing, violin, and electric guitar, which he incorporates into his pieces to create unique and textured soundscapes.

Personal Aspects

Daily Life and Creativity

Semih Alar’s daily routine is closely tied to his creative process. He has mentioned that he rarely takes breaks between projects, preferring to stay fully engaged until he has completed his work. This intense focus is a crucial part of his productivity, allowing him to dive deeply into each project and explore its full potential.

Hobbies and Creative Influence

Beyond his professional work, Alar has a passion for storytelling. Since childhood, he has written stories and scripts, particularly those with dark themes. This hobby influences his music, especially when creating compositions without accompanying visuals. His ability to draw from these narrative experiences helps him craft music that conveys rich emotional and atmospheric qualities.

Musical Trends and Future Projects

Alar is a firm believer in the importance of staying current with musical trends while also looking to the future. As he stated in a recent interview, “A composer should understand the music of yesterday and today in order to shape the music of tomorrow.” This philosophy is reflected in his approach to composition and his identity as a Sonic Architect, a title that signifies his commitment to innovation and forward-thinking in his work.

Semih Alar’s contributions to the world of music are distinguished by his innovative approach and dedication to his craft. His work demonstrates a unique blend of traditional influences and avant-garde experimentation, resulting in a sound that is both distinctive and compelling. As he continues to explore new creative avenues, his contributions to music will undoubtedly remain a testament to his artistic vision and commitment to pushing the boundaries of his field.