James Blake is a Eurorack nerd

James Blake and Mylar Melodies talk about the fun of learning new gear, getting inspired from unlikely sources, and how to sync modular hardware with a live drummer. Is that possible…apparently yes!

There was a lot to take in from this conversation, including staying true to artistic freedom or catering to expectations of fans and critics.

Both of these gentlemen are experts in their respective fields; if this is something you like there are more interviews with electronic artists and instrument manufacturers on the “Why We Bleep” website.

Jamiroquai Jazz Chords Simplified

I grew up with the luxury of having a piano around at all our family gatherings. My sisters and I would always end up noodling away. I would like to formally apologize and also thank my aunts and uncles for not stopping what I am sure was absolute noise in the early years…

Eventually I learned some songs and basic triad chord shapes. As I got older I taught myself more via YouTube or memorizing sheet music found in our piano bench.

As I began writing my own music and learning basic music theory I was looking for new novel chords to add character to my progressions.

Matt Johnson, the keyboardist from the English funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai, has a ton of great videos to improve your keyboard proficiency.

This one specifically is a great “hack” on how to play minor 11th chords. Useful and easy to implement as long as you know major and minor triad shapes.

“Compressor Jesus” – The House of Kush with Gregory Scott

When you hit the point in your self produced music making process where you need to mix your tracks…this is where time and experience have the most impact.

So what better way to get a jumpstart than to learn from someone who has plenty of it?

Check out Gregory Scott’s “The House of Kush” YouTube channel for amazing bite sized videos that are both technical and philosophical. Not only is he a professional engineer, he also designs his own line of analog mixing gear and plug ins.

He has an easily digestible video on what a compressor actually does, how to use it musically, and other videos with pieces of advice that are more about mixing tactics or techniques vs. the nitty gritty details.

Worth a follow for any producer!

Studio Synth Jam – Elektron & Arturia Machines

Here I am practicing my live set for a performance next weekend. Stick around until about 9 minutes and you will see my reaction to realizing how many times I made mistakes….that is why I practice! Some of the sounds can be found over on the sample download page for your own use.

Fred Again’s favorite piece of gear…the one in your pocket.

This interview was another excuse buster for anyone out there who says they need x y or z piece of gear, fancy plugin, studio time, or any other reason you can’t make music.

Fred’s excitement is infectious when he talks about how mental it is he can be anywhere in the world, capture samples, sounds, and inspiration on his iPhone, then go sit in the park with his laptop and make a record.

He recommends listening to your sketches on the built in phone speakers, which forces you to make decisions about the actual track/feeling of the song, and not get technical about how your kick drum sits in the mix.

He also raves about the compression algorithm in the iPhone voice memo software, specifically the one in the WhatsApp voice memo, and overall just exudes creativity and a passion for his work.

Check out this interview and then stop procrastinating and go make some music! Speaking directly to myself.