Orson Rewind

Orson Rewind: A Life in Music and Experimentation

Orson Rewind was born in the early 1970s in the small town of Lonevale, Texas, where the vast, open landscapes seemed to echo with endless possibilities. Growing up in a modest household, Orson discovered his love for music early. His parents, though not musicians themselves, encouraged his creativity by gifting him an old keyboard when he was 12. That keyboard became his gateway to the world of sound, and he spent hours experimenting, coaxing melodies from its worn keys.

As a teenager, Orson was captivated by the cinematic and atmospheric compositions of Vangelis. Albums like Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire transported him to otherworldly realms, inspiring him to delve deeper into the world of electronic music. He began saving every spare dollar to buy synthesizers and drum machines, slowly building a rudimentary home studio in his bedroom.

In high school, Orson gained a reputation as the “music guy,” frequently creating soundtracks for school plays and experimenting with tape loops and early digital effects. He was a regular fixture at the local record store, scouring for obscure electronic albums that pushed the boundaries of sound.

Orson pursued a degree in audio engineering at a nearby college, which expanded his technical knowledge and allowed him to refine his skills. By his mid-20s, he had developed a unique sound that blended his love for analog warmth with cutting-edge digital tools. His early compositions were deeply atmospheric, often inspired by the natural beauty of the Texas plains and his fascination with the intersection of technology and emotion.

In his late 20s, Orson moved to Redrock, Arizona, where he joined ByteWave Solutions as a developer. It was there that he met Jason Playback, and the two quickly bonded over their shared love of electronic music. Orson’s experimental approach complemented Jason’s structured programming, and their collaboration soon blossomed into Transistor.

Today, Orson is known as a creative force in the world of underground electronic music. His projects with Transistor, including the ambitious Shortwave album, showcase his ability to weave vintage sounds with modern innovation, creating works that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

Though his music remains experimental and deeply personal, Orson’s work has earned him a loyal following in the electronic music community. A true innovator, he continues to explore the boundaries of sound, inspired by his teenage dreams of synthesizer-fueled soundscapes and the limitless possibilities of music.

Orson Rewind’s Early Years: The Foundations of Creativity

Orson Rewind was born on April 15, 1972, in Lonevale, Texas, a small town nestled among the flat plains and wide-open skies. His parents, Harold and June Rewind, were hardworking and supportive, encouraging their son’s many interests. Harold worked as a mechanic at a local repair shop, while June was a school librarian who introduced Orson to a love of stories and imagination.

As a child, Orson was brimming with energy and curiosity. He loved playing basketball on the dusty courts at Lonevale Park, often pretending he was the next great point guard. Though he wasn’t the tallest kid in his group, his quick reflexes and enthusiasm made him a favorite among his schoolmates. His best friends, Mark and Tyler, were his constant companions, spending long afternoons dribbling balls and swapping comic books.

Orson’s first brush with music came when he was eight. His mother arranged for him to take lessons from Mr. Viktor Ivanov, an enigmatic Soviet expatriate who had settled in Lonevale under mysterious circumstances. Viktor, a classically trained pianist who had once played in the grand halls of Moscow, became Orson’s first music mentor. Though stern and demanding, Viktor saw potential in young Orson, teaching him the fundamentals of music and encouraging him to explore the emotional depth of sound. Orson learned to play the piano on a worn-out upright in Viktor’s modest home, its keys yellowed with age.

Viktor’s stories of life in the USSR fascinated Orson, sparking a love of history and a curiosity about the wider world. Viktor also introduced him to unconventional compositions, playing pieces by composers like Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich. These lessons planted the seeds for Orson’s lifelong fascination with dramatic, atmospheric music.

Though Lonevale was a small town, Orson’s childhood was rich with experiences. Between basketball games, school projects, and piano lessons with Mr. Ivanov, he began to develop the discipline and creativity that would later define his life. By the time he turned 10, Orson was already showing signs of the artist and innovator he would become, blending his love of play and exploration with an emerging passion for music.

Orson Rewind: The Teen Years (10 to 20)

As Orson Rewind moved into his teenage years, he became a standout in both sports and academics. At Lonevale Middle School, he joined the basketball team, the Lonevale Mavericks, and quickly proved himself an invaluable player. Despite his average height, Orson’s agility, court vision, and ability to make clutch plays earned him the nickname “Flash.” By high school, he was the Mavericks’ captain, leading them to several regional championships. Basketball became a defining part of his teenage identity, instilling in him a sense of discipline, teamwork, and determination.

At the same time, Orson’s academic brilliance began to shine. Math was his strongest subject, and he excelled in geometry and algebra, where he demonstrated an intuitive understanding of patterns and logic. His teachers often praised him for his ability to solve complex problems quickly, and he participated in state-level math competitions, earning several awards.

Around the age of 14, Orson discovered electronic music. He stumbled upon a CD of Vangelis’s Chariots of Fire in his local library and was immediately captivated by the lush, sweeping soundscapes. It was unlike anything he had heard before. His curiosity deepened when he found albums by Kraftwerk and Jean-Michel Jarre. These pioneers of electronic music opened a door to a new world of sound, and Orson began saving his basketball winnings and part-time job earnings to buy more CDs and, eventually, his first synthesizer.

His first girlfriend, Emily Carter, was a fellow high school student with a love of literature and poetry. Emily was drawn to Orson’s unique blend of athleticism and intellectual depth, and their relationship became an important part of his teenage years. Emily encouraged him to write about his feelings and thoughts, inspiring a creative side that would later find expression in his music. Though their relationship ended amicably after graduation, Emily’s influence lingered in Orson’s emerging artistry.

By the time Orson graduated from Lonevale High School at 18, he was not only the captain of his basketball team but also one of the school’s brightest students. He was awarded a scholarship to a nearby college to study audio engineering, a field that combined his love of math, technology, and music. These formative years, spent balancing sports, academics, and his burgeoning passion for sound, laid the groundwork for the creative and innovative life that awaited him.

Orson Rewind: Building a Life and a Sound (20 to 30)

In his 20s, Orson Rewind embarked on a new chapter as he left Lonevale to attend Western Plains University, a respected institution in Amarillo, Texas. There, he pursued a degree in Economics and Management, intrigued by the mechanics of markets, systems, and problem-solving. Though his studies were demanding, Orson thrived, often applying his natural aptitude for math to excel in his coursework. Professors noted his ability to connect analytical concepts with creative solutions, a trait that would serve him well in his later pursuits.

During these years, Orson’s love for music evolved into something more profound. He started experimenting with sound, using rudimentary synthesizers and audio software to create tracks that blended field recordings, loops, and digital effects. His first project, Sonic Drift, was an abstract exploration of ambient textures inspired by long nights studying under the glow of his desk lamp. Collaborating with like-minded students, he produced pieces like Echoes of the Plains and Data Pulse, which were shared in underground circles and campus events.

Romantically, Orson’s life was vibrant but grounded. His early 20s saw relationships with two women who each shaped his perspective:

Laura Hines, his girlfriend during sophomore year, introduced him to avant-garde art, expanding his appreciation for unconventional creativity.
Bethany Grey, a fellow economics student, balanced Orson’s artistic tendencies with her pragmatism and ambition.

At 27, Orson met Angela Brooks, a spirited veterinary student with a deep love for animals, especially cats. Their shared affection for life’s quieter joys—long talks, creative pursuits, and caring for their first adopted cat, Jasper—brought them closer. They married in a small ceremony surrounded by friends, family, and a few of Angela’s feline companions.

Shortly after their wedding, Angela accepted a position at a veterinary clinic in Redrock, Arizona. Eager for a fresh start, the couple relocated. Orson took a job at ByteWave Solutions, where he combined his technical skills with his knack for management. The move marked a turning point in Orson’s life, bringing him closer to Jason Playback, who would become a lifelong collaborator and friend.

In Redrock, Orson’s passion for cats flourished, and his home with Angela soon became a haven for their growing family of rescues, which included Jasper, Luna, and Nimbus. As he entered his 30s, Orson found himself balanced between professional work, musical experiments, and the loving partnership he and Angela had built—a foundation for the creative and personal adventures still to come.

Orson Rewind: A Life of Balance and Creativity (30 to 40)

Orson Rewind’s 30s ushered in a golden period of creativity, personal fulfillment, and professional success. Settling into life in Redrock, Texas, he became an indispensable figure at ByteWave Solutions, where his innovative approach led to the development of groundbreaking software like:

FlowSync and
ProfitMap.

These tools, designed to optimize business management, earned Orson a reputation as a forward-thinking leader. Alongside his technical contributions, Orson took on a mentorship role, guiding younger colleagues and fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.

Around this time, Orson and Jason Playback began their musical collaboration, evolving into Transistor. Starting with experimental jam sessions in Jason’s garage, the duo blended:

Orson’s improvisational flair and love of sonic textures.
Jason’s programming precision.

Their early works, like Circuit Bloom and Radiant Noise, established the foundation of their signature sound—an exploration of the intersection between technology and emotion. These late-night sessions, often accompanied by long conversations about music, life, and philosophy, deepened their bond and inspired future projects.

Orson’s personal life also blossomed. At 32, he and Angela welcomed twin daughters, Lily and Autumn, into their family. Orson embraced fatherhood with his trademark calmness and creativity, often serenading the girls with improvised piano pieces or soothing synth melodies. These moments became cherished memories that anchored him amid his busy life.

By his late 30s, Orson found a new passion in running. The open desert trails of Redrock provided him with mental clarity and creative inspiration. On Sundays, he joined friends for basketball games, rekindling the camaraderie of his youth and maintaining a sense of balance in his life. Known for his flowing long hair and relaxed demeanor, Orson exuded an air of effortless cool. But beneath his calm surface lay bursts of extraordinary creativity—moments Jason fondly dubbed “Orson’s storms.”

The 40s: Transistor’s Evolution and Community Engagement

Orson’s 40s marked the realization of many long-held dreams. In 2020, he and Jason began working on Shortwave, the first full-length album for Transistor. Inspired by the unique sounds of global radio transmissions, the duo immersed themselves in a massive undertaking. Over countless hours, they sifted through recordings from stations around the world, crafting tracks that merged the vintage warmth of radio with cutting-edge technology. For Orson, this project became a labor of love, allowing him to explore his passion for sound and storytelling on a global scale.

Beyond music, Orson deepened his involvement in the Redrock community. He:

Organized charity events.
Supported local arts initiatives.
Mentored aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs.

A voracious reader, Orson cultivated a love for discovering obscure authors from different countries, often diving into books that few had heard of. His growing library reflected his intellectual curiosity and desire to connect with global cultures.

At home, Orson remained a devoted husband and father, fostering creativity in his daughters and sharing his love of music and literature with them. His life was a tapestry of balance—professional achievements, artistic innovation, and meaningful personal connections.

Now in his early 50s, Orson continues to thrive—whether developing innovative software, creating music with Transistor, or engaging with his community. A man of calm determination and boundless creativity, he exemplifies how passion and purpose can harmoniously coexist.