New Transmissions: The Other-Worldly Soundscapes of Harry Bertora

Jason Herrboldt, the artist behind Perfect Female Type

There's a truly enchanted element to Harry Bertora’s "Saints and Sinners" that pulls you in immediately. Early in the song, a series of bell sounds are introduced that are so transportive they instantly create a new mind space. Then, as the song progresses, a guitar solo enters that could have easily been a Steve Vai creation. That was the moment I knew this track was not just a fit, but a necessity for the Signal Palms playlist. It’s a beautiful and unique song, full of a depth and character that you just don't hear in every synthwave track.

The Master Craftsman

The sound engineering in this song is, frankly, beyond words; it's one of the most professionally engineered tracks that has come my way as a curator. It’s immediately obvious that Harry has full command of his sound and knows how to layer it in ways that generate pure emotion. This level of polish is no accident—it's the result of a 30-year journey in music.

As a guitarist, keyboardist, composer, and sound engineer, Harry's technical background is the foundation for his art. “My training has allowed me to better understand the sound tools to find my sound,” he says. “Atmospheric and very crystalline, precisely. But it's a constant work in progress to continue evolving.”

The Art of Emotion

For me, the reason Harry's music is so deeply grabbing is its ability to generate a vivid landscape in my mindseye. The sounds feel other-worldly, and that transportation through music is an unmatched experience. This comes from a very intentional process. Harry’s legendary guitar influences, like David Gilmour and Jeff Beck, taught him a crucial lesson: “Never too many notes, trying to find the 'right' note. Emotion.”

This "less is more" philosophy extends to his entire composition, creating space for nuance. “The fewer notes there are, the more I try to be daring in the choice of effects,” he adds. He even finds his creative direction before playing a single note. “I never start a composition before finding the title!” he reveals. “Because that guides me on the emotions to convey, the structure, the overall ‘color.’”

The Revelation of Synthwave

After years of composing instrumental guitar pieces, a return to one of his favorite composers, Jan Hammer, sparked a new direction. He rediscovered how to combine synthesizers and electric guitar, but a deeper revelation came from discovering artists like FM Attack and Lavaros. This led him to a new challenge.

“This prompted me to rethink my composition style,” he explains. “Knowing how to compose without my guitar. It was like a revelation for me, a guitar lover. This made me want to explore sound creation on synthesizers further.” This exploration culminated in his latest EP, Closer, which he describes as "more synthwave than ever."

At the Top of His Game

Harry Bertora is an artist at the top of his game. He creates music that is both technically pristine and emotionally resonant—a rare and powerful combination with a clear mission. “The goal is to give the listeners emotion,” he says. “So that they can close their eyes and escape.”

Even after three decades, he is still pushing forward, currently working on a new project, a track called "The Day After," which he describes as "something different again" and "more intense," with "surprises in store in terms of guitar sound." It’s clear that for this master craftsman, the journey of musical exploration is far from over.

Listen and Follow

Hear "Saints And Sinners" on the Signal Palms: Transmissions playlist and keep up with Harry Bertora's journey on his YouTube Channel.