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Gear: On This Gigantic Robot Kills, I used Logic Pro 8 for synth parts, Pro Tools 8 for vocals and laying out guitars, Reason 4.0 and especially the Combinator for the bass lines, Ableton Live 6.0.7 for samples and trancey synths, and Digital Performer for cutting up some vocal parts. I used my MacBook Pro and then we mixed on a Mac Pro. It was a beautiful combination of technology and live instrumentation!
Keyboard role model: Wesley Willis. The way he took his little portable keyboard and turned it into a chord-generating masterpiece is beautiful and amazing. He redefined keyboard sonics with his comedic approach and Dadaist flavor.
Influences: “Weird Al” Yankovic, KRSOne, Public Enemy, Run-DMC, Rush, and the Dead Kennedys inspired me to create unique DIY music with my own twist.
Musical guilty pleasures: Insane Clown Posse, Hollywood Undead, Limp Bizkit, and Outlandish are all seen as “untalented novelty acts” by the press, but in reality, they’ve all sold many records and given the world something fun and memorable. I like music that is strong, catchy, and unique, even if it has a “gimmick.” What do you call a band’s album with ten novelty songs that people know? A greatest hits compilation.
Words of wisdom: Don’t consume. Create. Instead of driving, bike or walk. Tell your parents you love them whenever you can. Support a regional scene. Endorse local music. Learn how to work Pro Tools and Reason as well as music theory, because they all go hand-in-hand nowadays. Create music that you believe in. Stay true to your roots.
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