Symphony
The first time he walked into a studio, Symphony knew music was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. A multi-artistic youth, Symphony was talented at many things - but none sparked his passion like music. As an 80's baby, hip-hop had a huge influence upon him and it showed. When he was just seventeen, under the name "Universal", his most lyrical writing and delivery of rhymes resulted in an offer to record under then up-and-coming producer Steve "Rhythm" Clarke. His mother, fearing her son would not complete his education, insisted that he wait until he graduated from high school. Symphony was torn by this seeming missed opportunity, but was committed in the pursuit of his passion. He taught himself to the play the piano and beat-making. In a relatively short time, he morphed from mere rapper to musician; blossomed from performer to producer; and expanded from hip-hop to pop, rock and more.
By late 2006, Symphony started Soundworks Entertainment, operating his own studio in Whitestone, NY. In 2007, he produced, co-wrote, and performed on NY artist Stamina's second album. His work is respected by many local aspiring artists and fellow producers. Always working to perfect his craft, he is most recently completing his formal music engineering education in Touro College's Digital Media Arts program, and melding music with other media in DeVry University's Media Design and Development program. Symphony's catalog of music reflects his love of larger than life instrumentation, punchy beats, sweeping melodies, and an innovative sound that reflects influences of hip-hop, classical and early 80's pop.
The listening audience will find his music a must to move to. The seasoned artist will find their next big hit while emerging talent will get the joint that launches their career. The experienced label exec will recognize Symphony's ability to create chart-toppers in various genres of music and creations with cross-over appeal. Symphony is the next big hit-maker from music to movies, and Soundworks Entertainment is where sound . . . works . . . entertainment.
Artist Q&A:
1.) How did you first hear about Open Labs?
I found out about Open Labs through internet research.
2.) What Production Station do you have?
NeKo LX5
3.) How has the gear changed your method of work?
I have not changed my method, but my workflow is faster.
4.) What is your production station's primary function, live or studio?
In the studio.
5.) What is your favorite software on the board?
My favorite software is Reaper.
6.) How do you use it?
I use it as a host for my VSTs.
7.) Which kind of equipment have you owned in the past and how do they compare to your Open Labs equipment?
M-Audio, Yamaha Motif, Korg Triton Extreme, Roland Fantom, and an MPC-4000. The keyboards I had prior were limited to the amount of sounds, but with my NeKo LX5, the amount of plug-ins is unlimited.
8.) Has the gear changed the way you write songs?
Not really - but it has made the process quicker and more efficient, which allows me to focus on the creative end of things rather than technical issues.
9.) How different is the composition process compared to the standard computer or laptop system?
It's all in one box - I don't have to worry about any other interfaces.
10.) Do you think the quality of your production now would be possible with another keyboard?
Absolutely not - I would have to deal with so many other components and a lot of temperamental software.
11.) Have you had any experience with our Tech Support and how does it rate with you?
Yes. It's 10 out of 10! They walked me through what I needed step-by-step and took care of everything I needed.
12.) What is next for you and your Production Station?
I'm working a couple of placements right now - one in particular is music for a commercial using live instruments and routing them through the NeKo.
Equipment used:
Purchased the NeKo LX5.
Artist Link:
http://www.pmpworldwide.com/symphony
http://www.myspace.com/soundworks.ent