MCB Interviews Or Chausha
"I believe that what defines quality composition is a sound that is unique and distinctly your own, and sets you a cut above the rest." - Or Chausha
An elegant balance between vivid electronic soundscapes and traditional orchestral themes is perhaps the best way to describe the work of Israeli composer Or Chausha. Influenced by electronic music from a young age, Or Chausha has combined his diligent study of orchestration with an evolving insight into technology and synthesis. "I believe that what defines quality composition is a sound that is unique and distinctly your own, and sets you a cut above the rest," explains Or Chausha. "All of my experiments, both successful and failed, have served to further expand my knowledge and my musical and technical vocabulary." At the age of 25, Or Chausha has already garnered an impressive CV of international credits ranging from advertising and animation work in his native Israel, cues for "CSI:Miami" and various titles on the UK's BBC. Currently, Chausha has a large recording project in the works with fellow composer Udi Harpaz for 80 piece orchestra. In addition, he is writing music for various video games under development by Madiba 127.
Technologically speaking, Or Chausha employs various software resources in his composing process. "I work with Sibelius for writing and composing. I use sample libraries including East West , LA Scoring Strings and Project Sam. Beyond that I have a custom library that I have created and I use it very often, this library is very high quality and I have invested in it much time. My main sequencer is Cubase 5." He makes a point to stress that although he sees the advantages in the modern technology, he feels its necessary to put as much of his own character into his sound design. "Personally I do not use ordered loops and synths, I like to create everything from scratch. I make my own loops and I go into the smallest of details in the sound and production. I program everything myself, I have to get everything precise and accurate, even when I use digital sample edits from sound libraries, I still program and do much processing on the samples in order to create something of my own."
When asked how he defines his music stylistically, Or Chausha explains that "The style that I connect to and can define me is electronic hybrid industrial with an orchestra, unique innovating sounds and weird sounds. In my opinion you need to find your unique sound which will stand out from all the rest of the artists." The evidence is apparent when you listen to Or Chausha's keen ability to summon cold, distorted robotic sounds and marry them with lush orchestral passages. His sonic imagery is ideal for the fantasy and adventure video game projects he is working on currently.
Or Chausha is like many composers when it comes to influences. "Orchestration wise I would say that John Williams has the most significant impact on my style and inspiration," says Or Chausha. However it is famed UK Composer, Harry Gregson-Williams (Enemy of the State, Man on Fire, Shrek, Kingdom of Heaven) that Or considers his favorite. "He takes modern elements and sound to a whole new level with a great diversity and uniqueness."
In addition to his upcoming collaboration with Udi Harpaz and scoring work for gaming company 'Madiba 127', Chausha is far from resting on his laurels. "Recognizing the need to further develop my skills and hone my craft, I am currently learning composition and orchestration with a private instructor. By the rate of improvement I am witnessing even now, I am confident that I can take my professional and creative skills to a whole new level."
Listen to Or Chausha
Into The Dusk
Genesis
Visit Or Chausha's website at Or-Cha.com
Pat Finnegan is a composer & partner with Fliktrax Music and can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.