A talented composer, Squeak E. Clean Studios creative director Justin Hori has developed a knack for crafting poignant, contemporary audio stylings for branded content, crafting original music for award-winning projects with such top clients as Apple, Reebok, Adidas, Volkswagen and Budweiser, among many others.
Hori was steeped in the Chicago music scene early on, starting as a DJ at 13 in hip-hop and underground electronica before taking his first part-time job slinging records at the legendary Gramaphone Records. After studying music theory and composition at Columbia College--gathering an extensive education and client base for future projects--he cut his teeth with stints at Comtrack and Comma Music, eventually moving to open their Los Angeles office. He returned to Squeak E. Clean Studios in 2020 after expanding Human Worldwide into the Chicago market.
Justin> Designing synthesizer patches.
Justin> My Freshman year in college. I took a class on MIDI and synth programming.
Justin> It’s a bit of both really. I was hooked right away. But it’s something that continues to intrigue, and amuse me.
Justin> There’s some debate over software/hardware synthesizers. Software synths sound amazing now, and their sounds are almost indistinguishable from their hardware counterparts. There’s also a big debate over Analog vs. Digital Synthesis. Software provides more immediacy, ease of use, and is much cheaper. Hardware synthesizers really enhance the experience of using the instrument, with its tactile interface. I use software synths AND hardware synths everyday. They both have a place in my process (and heart). The debate over which is best is a bit like electric cars vs. gas. They perform the same function so…who cares?
Justin> It seems like there’s a large section of the composer and sound designer community that are interested in designing patches. You can get lost for hours creating a single patch. The creative possibilities are virtually limitless.
Justin> There’s a few reels on my newly launched Instagram. Hapasanofficial. Also some of the sounds on my new EP, Pandemic Blues.
Justin> I’d recommend getting a good understanding of the basics in regards to subtractive synthesis. It’s the original form of musical synthesis which was developed in the 60s. The same principles apply to modern instruments of today.