Chris Hardy
Memphis, TN is known for its rich tradition of Blues and Rock and Roll, but the talent definitely didn't stop with Isaac Hayes and Elvis Presley. The soulful influence of Stax Records and Hi Records has seeped down to the younger generations of talented musicians, producers, and artists. C. Hardy is one of those producers. He describes his style as a mixture of classical, hip-hop, and blues. He also draws his inspiration from Bach, Sly and the Family Stone, and Outkast just to name a few.
C. Hardy has been in a committed relationship with music from and early age. He began studying piano at age 10 which influenced his love of music and led to him to begin studying trumpet at age 12. His humility and passion for music has continued to inspire him to create timeless arrangements.
As of late C. Hardy uses his Open Labs Neko LX5 to create a medley of music from Hip-Hop to Fusion. He has worked with now Jive recording artist K. Michelle as well as local artist Chris10 and The Haymaker Project. He was selected in 2005 to participate in the RedBull Music Labs series in New York City where he was praised for his unique and abstract sound. After competing in the 2008 Beats and Treats festival in Austin, TX it was a no brainier that Open Labs was the innovative leader in music production gear. He loves his Open Labs Neko LX5 because of the endless creative potential that can be achieved with one machine. He recommends using Open Labs gear for anyone serious about taking their music to heights they could only imagine.
Artist Q&A:
1.) How did you first hear about Open Labs?
I first head about Open Labs from a youtube interview with Polow the Don raving about the benefits and functionality of his Neko. I was hooked ever since.
2.) What Production Station do you have?
I have the Neko LX5.
3.) How has the gear changed your method of work?
The Neko LX5 has changed my work because it allows me to have endless capabilities when creating music. Everything is right in front of you so you don't have to interrupt the creative process by excessive wiring.
4.) What is your production station's primary function, live or studio?
My production station's primary function is for studio production.
5.) What is your favorite software on the board?
My favorite software on the board is GURU and Purity.
6.) How do you use it?
I use the Neko LX5 as a one stop shop system. I use Reaper as my primary engine to music production.
7.) Which kind of equipment have you owned in the past and how do they compare to your Open Labs equipment?
In the past I used an MPC2000XL and an Emu Proteus rack and Yamaha Motif rack. It is no comparison to the Open Labs products, the BumpMP function allows me to have the same MPC feel as before and the sounds that are available with the Neko are warmer than anything I've ever heard.
8.) Has the gear changed the way you write songs?
It has changed the way I write songs because now I'm able to offer an artist more creative options for their songs. It feels good to be able to tell an artist confidently that "If you can think it we can do it."
9.) How different is the composition process compared to the standard computer or laptop system?
It is completely different because everything is right in front of you. You don't have to think or worry about how different Systems will work together. Everything is in ONE unit.
10.) Do you think the quality of your production now would be possible with another keyboard?
Definitely not, the Open Labs products come with so many plug-ins that you'll be able to manipulate your sound and cater to your exact needs and wants for a song or composition.
11.) Have you had any experience with our Tech Support and how does it rate with you?
The experience I have had with Tech Support is unparallel to anything I've experienced. The technicians are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and committed to answering any concerns or questions about Open Labs gear.
12.) What is next for you and your Production Station?
At this point I'm still enjoying and using the Neko LX5 but I can't wait to see what Open Labs comes out with next!!
Equipment used:
Purchased NeKo LX5
Artist Link:
http://www.twitter.com/chardybeats
http://www.myspace.com/chardybeats