Ricky Starbuster

Rick Hauser aka "Ricky Starbuster" started composing with a Prophet 5 synthesizer in 1983 on a Tascam 3340S 4 track deck with a switch box for making something right or left channel. The influence was "Michael Iceburg" who had come out of a smoking pyramid at a performance. In December 1983, garnered "Debut of the Year" in Electronic Musician Magazine (which was then called Polyphony. Album of the year was Peter Gabriel Security, Best Engineering Thomas Dolby - The Golden Age of Wireless, Artist of the Year - Kit Watkins, Mistake of the year - Blade Runner Soundtrack by the New American Orchestra), Best Concept - Robert Rich, Song of the Year - Peter Gabriel Lay Your Hands on Me) Fortnighty College Radio Report - "He's been compared to Michael Garrison (whom we regard as one of America's leading synthesizer composer). You'll find Starbuster's work less cosmic, less contemplative and more fun." Talking to Iceberg about what he was using - I bought one - figuring I could do cool things with it. Wasn't cheap - $3,400 at the time. I was the first one in US to make it MIDI (other than Dave Smith who was the first). Later I added a Pro One, Drumatix, Drumtrax, Emax, Korg VC-10 Vododer - and then used a Tascam Model 38 - 8 track with half inch tape and associated mixer starting in the mid 1980's. In 2009 - Starbuster became "Voyamis" and I sold a very limited release of "Passione Italia" CD's off of Amazon. (About 9 compositions) in 2020 - Rick has a new setup and is ready to commence again to take you into other realms and places in your mind...