Steven Alexander Ryan, a.k.a “ASIAN STEVE” is a founding member of The Black Queen. Aside from writing, producing, and performing, he lends his talents as a live touring technician to a myriad of the world’s most respected artists.
We chatted with Steven on how the Prophet Rev2 is used in his music:
What made you choose the Rev2?
I remember the first time I touched a Prophet VS and Prophet-600. Both were beautiful and alien at the same time. I was mostly (mostly) in soft-synth land at the time. Their design unlocked this subconscious feeling that was near impossible to accomplish with a computer. I wanted more voices and landed upon the Prophet Rev-2 16 voice.
How are you using it?
The Rev2 is my main synth for writing and a perfect MIDI controller. The keybed unlocks inspiration and I love the memories associated with it. My friends have borrowed my Rev2 and it’s been played on many records.
Justin McGrath (Polyfuse) and I scored a DC /Vertigo graphic novel High Level. Rob Sheridan, creative director for Nine Inch Nails and Pearl Jam, helmed the art / story.
What is one of your favorite things about it?
The four LFO’s can add life and movement to any patch.
What does it give you that other synths might not?
Having two layers can create unique timbres in a timely fashion. Sometimes, I’ll run Layer B through a bunch of guitar pedals for textural, experimental sounds, while maintaining the integrity of Layer A.
Any interesting tricks or techniques you would like to share?
I use the Alternate Tunings a lot. I don’t even know what scale I’m in half the time.
P.S. I am so grateful and honored to have met Dave Smith as he attended one of The Black Queen’s performances unbeknownst to me. We had a wonderful tequila drink and talked about the power of music in this existence.
LINKS
For more information, check out the Prophet Rev2 product page here.
Find your local dealer for pricing here.
Some of our products can expose you to chemicals including BPA, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Though independent laboratory testing has certified that our products are several orders of magnitude below safe limits, it is our responsibility to alert you to this fact and direct you to https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov for more information.
