In the third episode of SWAM Goes to Hollywood, we had the honor of sitting down with the legendary Brad Dechter, a master orchestrator and arranger whose work has graced over 350 films. Collaborating with renowned composers like Mark Isham, James Newton Howard, and John Debney, Brad has been an integral part of Hollywood’s music industry since the early ’80s. From iconic films like The Dark Knight, The Sixth Sense, and The Fugitive, to arranging the Emmy-winning theme for The West Wing, Brad’s expertise spans decades and genres.
A Day in the Life of an Orchestrator
What happens after a Hollywood composer prepares a mock-up? That’s where orchestrators like Brad step in. During our interview, Brad shared how he receives detailed MIDI demos from composers like Mark Isham, translates them into scores, and then refines them through a meticulous process. Working with what he calls a “production line” approach, Brad tackles one section at a time, always keeping the bigger picture in mind to elevate the composer’s vision.
His workflow is a fascinating blend of traditional and modern techniques. While he started his career with pen and paper, Brad transitioned to digital tools, finding virtual instruments invaluable for validating ideas and sparking creativity. Despite today’s fast-paced deadlines, Brad remains an essential presence during recording sessions, ensuring that the orchestra’s performance captures the emotional intent of the score.
Discovering SWAM Strings: A Game-Changer
One of the highlights of this episode was introducing Brad to SWAM Strings Sections. Intrigued by the idea of non-sample-based instruments, Brad was amazed by how quickly and expressively realistic string parts could be recorded with SWAM.
Doctor Mix demonstrated how a single section line could be recorded in minutes, a task that would typically take an hour with sample libraries. Brad was particularly fascinated by the real-time control over parameters like bow pressure and bow position, which allowed nuanced performances through MIDI mapping. His curiosity led to an engaging discussion about portamentos, legatos, and staccatos—elements he usually finds challenging to make sound realistic. With SWAM, however, Brad began to see how these elements could be played seamlessly.
Brad even revealed a workflow trick he uses: employing solo instruments on separate tracks instead of ensemble plugins to create variations and imperfections. This approach aligns closely with SWAM’s philosophy, which combines expressiveness and precision. The Ambiente Room Simulator takes this a step further, enabling individual instruments to blend realistically by recreating the magical interplay of sounds that occurs when musicians perform together in the same space—something that goes beyond simply layering separate tracks in a mix.
A Hands-On Experience
Although Brad doesn’t typically use controllers, Doctor Mix encouraged him to try SWAM for himself. With a bit of guidance, Brad took on the challenge, exploring new workflows and even experimenting with Ambiente. His reaction?
“That’s crazy and so obvious!”
By the end of the demo, Brad gave us a glowing endorsement:
“Pretty superior to anything I have ever done in the first pass.”
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
Brad Dechter’s expertise and openness to innovation highlight the potential of SWAM to transform workflows for orchestrators and composers alike. His genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for trying new tools reflect the forward-thinking mindset of a true Hollywood legend.
If you’re curious about how Brad’s decades of experience intersect with the cutting-edge technology of SWAM, don’t miss this episode of SWAM Goes to Hollywood.