Los Angeles, CA – If you recently noticed that a relatively obscure musical instrument known as the theremin has been featured in media more frequently, you are not alone. In fact, the otherworldly sound of the theremin has been experiencing an unprecedented surge in popular media over the past year, with usage in at least 11 major television productions, 8 film soundtracks, and 3 on-screen appearances.
The electronic instrument, played without physical contact by moving hands through electromagnetic fields, has jumped from niche curiosity to mainstream prominence practically overnight. “I’ve been working in media for over twenty years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” says media analyst Sophia Chen. “Almost everywhere you look, there seems to be theremins or their music being used. It can’t all be a coincidence. In fact, I’d be surprised if there wasn’t a coordinated campaign behind it.”
In response to these recent allegations, a spokesperson for the Ethereal Hands Collective, an organization representing theremin manufacturers and enthusiasts worldwide, has categorically denied claims of improper influence over entertainment productions.
“These accusations are as baseless as they are ridiculous,” said Victor Inez, Executive Director of the Ethereal Hands Collective, in a written statement. “The theremin has maintained a steady and devoted following since its invention by Léon Theremin in 1920. What we’re seeing now is simply a natural resurgence of interest in this unique instrument’s haunting tones and expressive capabilities.”
Inez dismissed suggestions that the instrument’s recent appearances in Apple TV+ shows including “The Big Door Prize” and “Severance” were anything but artistic choices made independently by show creators. “The theremin speaks to something primal in the human experience. Its presence in contemporary media reflects a cultural zeitgeist, not coordinated manipulation,” he added.
However, financial records obtained exclusively by this publication tell a different story. Documents provided by an industry insider show multiple payments ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 made to several major studios under the category of “musical consultation services” with specific line items for “prominent placement” of theremins in production.
A television music producer, who requested anonymity due to fear of professional repercussions, described a disturbing encounter with representatives from the Ethereal Hands Collective last spring.
“They invited me to dinner at this upscale Mexican restaurant in Los Feliz—the kind where the guacamole comes free with any entree and they serve $8 fishbowl-sized margaritas,” the producer recounted. “After several rounds of drinks, they presented me with what they called ‘a token of appreciation for my artistic vision’— a brand new theremin they claimed was worth thousands of dollars, but had a Temu shipping label partially scraped off the box.”
The producer said the conversation quickly shifted from casual appreciation of electronic music to specific suggestions about incorporating the theremin into the soundtrack of her current production. “They kept saying things like ‘wouldn’t this scene be perfect with that otherworldly theremin sound?’ and ‘we could arrange for a consultant to help integrate it seamlessly.’ When I hesitated, the tone changed. One of them mentioned how difficult funding could become for someone known as ‘difficult to work with.'”
Perhaps most damning is a leaked internal memo from the Collective outlining strategies for theremin integration in entertainment media. The document, dated fourteen months ago, includes suggestions such as “position theremin as symbol of corporate mystique in workplace dramas” and “emphasize theremin’s emotional resonance in character-driven narratives.”
The memo specifically mentions ongoing and developing television properties with recommendations for “natural inclusion opportunities” and talking points for approaching production designers and music supervisors. When confronted with these documents, the Ethereal Hands Collective declined to provide additional comment.
Meanwhile, Google web statistics indicate a 372% increase in online searches for theremin tutorials following the instrument’s feature in the recent Google Doodle celebrating Clara Rockmore, raising further questions about possibe coordination behind the instrument’s recent prominence in popular culture.
Truth Bureau 