Final Battle -  Alexandr Sysoyev

Eric Schultheiss stands at the vanguard of contemporary composition, forging a unique path that bridges the rhythmic drive of global percussion with the infinite possibilities of digital sound. As a composer, percussionist, and educator, Schultheiss is acclaimed for his hybrid electro-acoustic works—pieces that fuse the organic pulse of drums with orchestral richness and the sonic innovation of modern electronics.

Rooted in a Southern California upbringing steeped in progressive rock, classical discipline, and the improvisational freedom of jazz, Schultheiss draws on a vast tapestry of influences. His music channels the off-kilter accents of Stewart Copeland, the lyrical intensity of Neil Peart, the storytelling depth of Peter Gabriel and Sting, and the progressive artistry of Genesis, Dream Theater, and Spock’s Beard. This synthesis results in compositions that are as intellectually rigorous as they are emotionally evocative.

Currently, as Head of Percussion Studies and Electro-Acoustic Composition at the Middle Tennessee Conservatory of Music, Schultheiss is an outspoken advocate for the DAW as a true instrument. In his hands, digital workstations become canvases for sonic experimentation, allowing for real-time orchestration, microscopic precision, and the layering of polyrhythms and timbres that would be impossible with traditional notation alone. He champions technology not as a shortcut, but as an authentic extension of the composer’s voice.

Signature works such as Lights Twinkle—a Christmas percussion-ensemble piece blending Japanese Taiko, harp, and haiku-inspired vocal textures—showcase his ability to unite tradition with innovation. Airidea’s Journal explores the dialogue between structure and freedom through dance-driven percussion and atmospheric synths, while As You Sleep and Terminal Memory reveal Schultheiss’ penchant for ambient soundscapes, introspective melodies, and cross-media collaborations. His compositions have been commissioned for film, dance, and multimedia productions, performed by leading ensembles, and praised for their intricate interplay of rhythm and resonance.

As an educator, Schultheiss is dedicated to shaping musicians who are not only technically skilled but also creatively fluent in both acoustic and digital modalities. At the Middle Tennessee Conservatory, he mentors young composers in hybrid techniques, polyrhythmic structures, and DAW-based workflows, encouraging them to embrace technology as a creative partner. His influence extends beyond the classroom, as he helps students gain visibility in the digital era and equips them to thrive in an evolving musical landscape.

Through his relentless curiosity, innovative spirit, and commitment to artistic growth, Eric Schultheiss is redefining what it means to be a composer in the 21st century. His work is a testament to the power of bridging tradition and technology, and to the limitless frontiers that await those willing to explore them.

Musician/Composer/Sound Designer/Producer
Owner/Operator of Sound Source Fundamentals

"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science."
-Albert Einstein

This is a side page for the independent art-and-music project Neptic Octasterus, founded by Konstantinos Tsekeridis and Evripidis Poulios in 2016. The project is focused on NeoFolk artistic and musical themes.

music composer .
media content, film scrolling, song writer.

( REPOSTS  are  routed to Synthgrinder [REPOSTS] )
( https://soundcloud.com/user-813544615 )


++++. PROFILE NOTES ++++

Once a wannabe, not yet a has been.

It had been over a decade since I put together a song,
and for that matter basically walked away from music altogether.
Losing hope that I would ever have the time to put into music again,
I finally gave away my 3rd music studio.
I ran across SoundCloud around 2013,
and thought I might take what few songs I had recorded, 
and lay them to rest there.
And there they languished.

HOWEVER, around 2017 I went back to SoundCloud
and began listening a little more and a little more,
and actively taking a part in visiting the sites
of so many wonderful musicians and beautiful songs.
Also, more and more often I would discover that these artists
were blossoming everywhere around the world,
and most definitely worthy of high praise and compliments.

Then suddenly, these old dead soundtracks right here
began to have a bit of life breathed back into them.
From the kind words that began to come trickling in,
I thought, maybe, someday I might give this music thing a try again.

The thing that finally pushed me into action
was a particular SoundCloud artist…Sander Heerings,
AKA https://soundcloud.com/wane-of-summer
 

Not only was he encouraging,
but he began faithfully responding to a few questions,
then a barrage of them.

The final result seemed to be that after a couple of months,
the Old Grinder now has a 4th studio and, finally, a new song.
I hope there may be many more to come.

Thank you Sander, and to the multitude that have dropped in
to listen to these old songs, 
and most of all, for perking up my spirits.

This is where Synthgrinder,  
is doing the REPOSTS from now on.
I am slowly but surely moving them from my original profile: https://soundcloud.com/synthgrinder-1 ,
And along the way, everyone gets an extra LIKE.