How I Programmed The Synth Opening On Michael Jackson's Thriller: Prophet 5 Pt.1

This video is part 1 (Prophet 5) of my step by step breakdown of the synth opening I programmed for Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones on the song Thriller.

In this series Anthony breaks down some of the most icons synthesizer patches that he programmed for Michael Jackson’s Thriller

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns, Internal Affairs, The Man From Elysian Fields, 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller.

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones, Jack Nitzsche, Lamont Dozier, Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.

[sugaall]

Can't believe you are the guy who programmed it. You are a legend, Sir. Thanks for sharing 🔥👏

[CyberGene]

This has been my favorite synth channel as of late. You’re one of the best in that field yet you’re so humble. And I love how most of your patches are simple yet effective and have become iconic. Cheers!

[DX]

Just in case there might be (few) people that have just landed here and don't know yet: this is not a man who programmed a sound like on MJ's "Thriller"; This is the man that did it on the original recording :-) .

[ischmidt]

Nice! I could always hear 3 layers on that intro (real brass, analog synth brass, and some kind of pipe organ-like sound) but I wouldn't have guessed there were 2 analog synth brasses. And once again I appreciate you walking through how the sound was programmed step-by-step. My favorite thing about the 80s was almost every record having unique programmed sounds and I'd love to see that make a comeback.

[RCSmiths]

What an absolute classic. To witness the magic unfold here is surreal, and it's inspiring. Appreciate this insight and musical teaching.

[philippezsiga]

What you are doing for the synthesizer fans community is BEYOND WORDS . Especially for me who have collected for 25 years old the synths/samplers used on songs i like from 70s to now to play them accurately live. Keep doing these videos: it s like a museum for next generations and you will reach very quickly more than one million subscribers . Thank u so much, you are a living legend. Cheers from France . Philippe

[asleeds]

Wonderfully clear and precise explanation. It’s rare to watch a video like this without 10 minutes of waffle before we get down to it. Thank you.

[musicboy]

Awesome! You’re not only a musician with legendary cred, you’re also an excellent teacher. These two abilities are not often manifested in the same artist. It’s a beautiful thing. Thank you for sharing with us all!

[mysteritmodk]

Love how people with massive skills often tend to be very down to earth. Thank you for these videos!

[merchannel]

Brother we love you for these lessons. Education from the industry pros!

[MattPicsET]

You. Are. A. Legend. ✨ We are indebted to these tutorials, Anthony!

[spencerscott]

Thank you so much for these videos! I’m always nerding out about the synth sounds on Michael’s records, especially the Quincy years. It would be amazing to hear more about the process of working with them on these sounds.

[MrThejacksongamer]

these sounds are beautiful, it was great that they were layered to give that punch and final form in a thriller, thank you for your kindness in showing us this

[DX]

This IS the video.Thank you very much, Michael. The Jupiter had the tone to me, didn't guess the Prophet was in too.

[enkural]

This video is a gift for a MJ fan like me. Sir thank you sharing this information. You are a Legend ❤

[Angelman]

Always excited when you release a new video. Im like a child watching a magician revealing his tricks. Its incredible to finally have answers after all these years about how that legendary track was made. The sound you created has been heard all around the world. Its quite something!

[oliviermartyn]

Thank you so much for this video ❤. Thriller is my favorite album so far and I'm a huge fan of Prophet 5 & Jupiter 8 Synth. Now I know why !

[JohnMoser]

I just found your channel & wow! It brings me back to when I bought my first Roland synth (1982) which was the same year I bought the Thriller album (along with the extended remix singles). Your tutorials are second to none! Bravo!

[morganmensa]

Goes to show not all rules are rules. just guidelines. With this sound the oscillators are at the same volume, yet in other tutorials you showed us the benefits of favouring one osc over the other. My goodness am I so happy you are sharing your knowledge Wow, seriously, this guy was THERE!

[DawlessHouseMusic]

We all hope to heck you don't get bored of these videos, Anthony. Bless you.