1 minute reading time
(105 words)
Behind the Synth: Nicholas Semrad and Dan Rouse
Great players discuss the intricacies of playing Gospel
Behind the synth showcases the people bringing you Yamaha synthesizers. In this special artist edition Nate chats with Yamaha Artists Nicholas Semrad and Dan Rouse about their experiences playing Gospel music. This rich musical genre has influenced Nicholas and Dan in a myriad of ways. There are lots of interesting complexities in modern Gospel music: unique chord progressions, incredible melodies and powerful lyrics. Additionally, there are differences with the denomination and geographic location. This fascinating conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning more about Gospel music.
About the author
Yamaha Synthesizer Product Specialist Blake Angelos has over thirty years of experience with music hardware and software. An expert in music technology, Blake has conducted numerous clinics, master classes and presentations throughout the United States, Europe and Canada. In his role as Product Specialist for the Synthesizer Department Blake appears in many product videos and artist interviews, writes many articles for YamahaSynth.com and co-hosts a regular Podcast called “Behind the Synth”.
Before his work with Yamaha, he taught music theory and jazz studies courses at Arizona State University; managed a technology-focused music store in Seattle and was a production supervisor at Microsoft, where he led a team that developed groundbreaking interactive music content for the Microsoft Network. Blake holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Music degree from Arizona State University. Blake currently resides in Bellingham, Washington with his family, and between his travels around the world for Yamaha, he performs as much as possible with several jazz and creative music groups in Bellingham, Seattle and other places in the Pacific Northwest.
