Shannon Hemmett

Shannon Hemmett is a musician and graphic artist from Vancouver, Canada. She plays synth and sings backing vocals in Vancouver post-punk/darkwave band ACTORS and is the lead vocalist for her own darkwave/dream-pop project, LEATHERS. ACTORS’ modern take on post-punk is a synth-drenched, cinematic brand of new wave with anthemic hooks and a compelling live presence. In 2018, ACTORS released their critically acclaimed debut, It Will Come to You on Artoffact Records and are currently touring in the USA, Canada, and Europe.

We chatted with Shannon about how she’s using the Prophet Rev2:

What made you choose the Prophet Rev2?

“The Prophet-6 was my gateway drug to all things DSI, and it is a staple in ACTORS’ sound. My bandmate Jason and I use it all the time at his studio (Jacknife Sound), and when I first heard it, I think my pupils dilated. I was so impressed with the sound quality — it had this dark, mysterious, sensuality. I immediately wanted a Prophet-6 of my own of course, but thought we could expand the sound palette for ACTORS by acquiring another synth from the DSI family. I first picked up the Pro 2 and now I’m also playing the Prophet Rev2.”

How are you using it?

“In the studio, we use the Prophet-6 on all ACTORS recordings, and in a live setting I am currently playing the Pro 2 and the Prophet Rev2. The Rev2 travels with ACTORS on tour, as it is a vital ingredient to our live sound. For the most part, my interest in music is more intuitive than technical, and I find that these synths have a painterly, fine-art approach to sound design, which is inspiring to me. The science side of synthesis is available to the player if they wish to immerse themselves in it in granular detail, but I also don’t feel like I need a physics degree to make exciting music with it. I can just turn it on and explore.”

What’s one of your favorite things about it?

“It’s so tactile. For me, menu diving is a barrier to capturing ideas, so having most of the controls at my fingertips, make it an immediate and satisfying instrument to play. Least favourite thing… damn, the Rev2 is heavy! Haha. I noticed my fitness improving in leaps and bounds when carting it through Europe on our last tour. I just can’t leave home without it though.”

What does the Prophet Rev2 give you that other synths might not?

“Inspiration. These synths have a depth of sound character that often send shivers down my arms. It’s that special something in music that is difficult to articulate, but you can feel it.”

Any interesting tricks or techniques you’d like to share?

“Lately I’ve been experimenting with the gated sequencer on the Rev2. I’ll shape a sound and sequence until I find something intriguing and then play parts while singing over top to discover vocal melodies. Most recently I’ve been writing new material for my other project, LEATHERS, using this technique.”

LINKS

www.actorstheband.com

www.leathersmusic.com

www.shannonhemmett.com


MORE ABOUT THE PROPHET REV2

For more information, check out the Prophet Rev2 product page here.

Find your local dealer for pricing here.

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