“It just came like that?” Clint Eastwood’s Surprising Synth Secret Unveiled!
Gorillaz's smash hit "Clint Eastwood" wasn't an Albarn composition but instead, a simple preset from the Suzuki Omnichord.
Everyone remembers that iconic beat from Gorillaz’s 2001 smash single, “Clint Eastwood.” It’s the type of tune that lingers in the back of your mind, prompting impromptu jam sessions. But little did we know, the genius behind that wasn’t entirely Damon Albarn’s brainchild, but instead, a cheeky little preset from the old-school Suzuki Omnichord – cue the Rock 1 preset!
The Synth Secret
As reported by MusicRadar, Damon Albarn dropped this bombshell during a cozy chat with Zane Lowe at his Studio 13 space in London. “It just came like that? That’s it. That’s the preset. It’s the Rock 1 preset,” Albarn stated, seemingly nonchalant about his use of the preset, which drove Lowe, the Apple Music One presenter, into delightful surprise.
Old is Gold: The Suzuki Omnichord
This musical relic, originating in 1981 and seeing its final model in 1999, isn’t just a hipster synth but an intriguing piece of musical history. The Omnichord was a melody machine, chock-full of presets that could churn out rhythms, chords, and basslines, allowing swift switches between major, minor, and 7th chords. And oh, let’s not forget the ‘Sonic Strings’ – its attempt to emulate the soothing sounds of stringed instruments.
A Trend in Tunes?
Before we dive into the “how could they?” sentiment, it’s essential to note that Albarn isn’t the pioneer in this “preset phenomenon.” The drum loop for Rihanna’s 2007 hit “Umbrella”? Straight out of GarageBand. And Usher’s 2008 chart dominator, “Love In This Club”? Yep, features Apple Loops. This just goes to show that in the world of music, sometimes it’s not about creating but recognizing potential. The art lies not just in composing, but in discerning that golden loop amidst the ordinary, when no one else has.
While some purists may cringe at this shortcut to stardom, it’s worth noting that in this cutthroat musical realm, where every second counts, the Suzuki Omnichord and its ilk might just be the unsung heroes we’ve overlooked. After all, when it comes to hits like “Clint Eastwood,” it’s clear that Albarn had that magical touch – recognizing brilliance in the mundane and crafting it into musical history.
