Josh Semans on SoundBetter

UK-based ondes Martenot player. Bringing the ondes Martenot to people in new and different ways.

The ondes Martenot is an incredibly rare musical instrument, and it is my passion.

Through live events, online content, and recording services; I am committed to making the ondes Martenot more available to people than ever before.

If you're recording music and want some ondes Martenot in the mix, here it is! I'd be delighted to hear about your project, and see how I can bring the ondes Martenot to you.

I've performed as an ondes Martenot player (ondiste) in both private and public performances and recorded material for multiple artists' albums as a session musician and through remote recording. I've also contributed to several academic studies, articles, and research projects.

If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to ask!

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

Credits

Billie Ray Martin

2 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Josh Semans

by Chris K.
Verified
Josh once again provided an amazing layered ondes Martinot arrangement for my track. It's really well orchestrated and very unique!
by Chris K.
Verified
Josh went above and beyond producing a gorgeous ondes Martinot arrangement. It was the perfect vibe, exactly what I was wanting. He was great at communicating throughout the process, making sure the arrangement was what I was looking for before sending over the finished version. I couldn't be happier with his work. Highly recommended!

Interview with Josh Semans

Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I get to work with the musical instrument that has changed my life, and continues to change it. Working with the ondes in any capacity never fails to give me joy, and I'm very pleased to be able to make it available to people in new and different ways.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My setup comprises a 15" MacBook Pro, a Focusrite Clarett 8 Pre X interface, a pair of Focal CMS50 monitor speakers, a Drawmer CMC2 monitor controller, and mics by Audio-Technica, Shure, Røde, and Oktava. I usually use Ableton Live (9 & 10) but also have many years experience with Logic (Pro 9 & X) My instrument is a replica of a Mk. 7 ondes Martenot, built for me by Jean-Loup Dierstein in Paris. It is currently equipped with D1 and D2 loudspeakers in a double-cabinet. The D1 (principal) is a standard loudspeaker, and the D2 (resonance) has metal springs coupled to the speaker cone, providing a spring reverb effect. I'm currently working on commissioning/building replicas of the Palme and Metallique loudspeakers, which both provide unique resonating effects.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I'm always working to bring the ondes Martenot to people in new and different ways by working on videos, live events, and collaborations. This instrument is my passion, and I am very grateful to be able to make it available to people like never before.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: If you don't know much about the ondes Martenot, let's have a chat! I can tell you all about what the instrument is capable of doing, and answer any questions you can think of.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring one of the rarest musical instruments, the ondes Martenot. It is a beautiful instrument that has really touched me. I'd be very pleased to share the ondes Martenot with you, as it is such a joy to play. I find it to be an incredibly expressive instrument, capable of great nuance.