Alexis Laurier

Sound Artist · Synthesizer Developer · Riga, Latvia

About

I work at the intersection of acoustic physics, real-time synthesis, and experimental composition. My practice is built around Pure Data / PlugData — developing synthesis systems from first principles rather than samples or presets.
Currently focused on the Aqueous Physical Modeling Synthesizer: a research project to simulate any water sound from scratch using mathematical models of physical processes.

Flagship Project

Aqueous Synthesis

A real-time synthesis engine built entirely in PlugData. It is capable of generating any type of water sound without the use of samples. The system relies exclusively on physical modeling and mathematical simulation to recreate the behaviour of water in all of its forms. Anything from raindrop impacts to resonant material responses and even continuous stochastic events like rivers and rainfall.

"How can stochastic control of physical modeling parameters simulate the transition between discrete aqueous events"

The current proof of concept simulates the acoustic impact of a water droplet on a resonant metal rod by driving a resonant filter bank with a noise impulse. The impulse models the physical strike and the filter bank models the rod's resonant response. Filter parameters are fully adjustable, making the architecture adaptable to different surfaces and materials.

Other Works

Erica Synths - Artist in Residence

Erica Synths is a Latvian hardware synthesiser company internationally recognised for its work in experimental synthesis. Over two years working at their studios as an Artist in Residence, I developed deep understanding of their physical modelling synthesiser the Steampipe. I did a full research paper on the internal DSP architecture of the instrument which you can find below.

Bachelor Work: 11-Track Album in 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos

A full-length album that was produced during the Erica Synths artist residency. In this album I explored the cultural landscape of Latvia through its hardware and traditional acoustic instruments. Made entirely with Erica Synths Steampipe as the primary sound source. The album was made and delivered in 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos, where space was used as a compositional tool with strong emphasis on aiding storytelling with positional metadata. The full works can be accessed upon request, however a simple stereo version is available below.

DSP Tool Development: Waveshaper & Wavesplit Distortion plugin

A morphing waveshaper built using bilinear interpolation between 16 discrete wavetables, combined with WaveSplit logic using half-wave rectification to create asymmetric signal processing paths. Includes LFO-modulated delay lines applied within specific voltage polarities.

CV & Contact

Education

BA Audio Engineering - SAE Institute Frankfurt, 2025
Highschool Diploma - Riga State 2nd Gymnasium, 2023

Contact

[email protected]
Riga, Latvia