A.I. Music
Open Labs Exclusive Artist Interview
- by Tatiana Ryckman, Open Labs Staff Writer
For Bradley Nagle of A.I. Music (Art Into Music) one of the first things that came out of his MiKo LX was a thin trail of smoke. “I blew it up – seriously, I forgot to change the voltage from 115 to 230. I was so excited to finally have it, that I just wanted to see it light up ... all I saw light up was the power supply and a faint smell of burnt electronics.”
After his initial mishap, he says, he hasn't had to utilize tech support again. “My MiKo just keeps on running – glitch free!” Which could be why his flow of electronic beats and edgy guitar sounds has increased so dramatically in the last year.
A composer for TV and film, Bradley has been working in music for years, long enough to start looking around at what else music has to offer a talented young musician. “I am thinking about branching out into recording/producing bands and acts,” he said.
Like most musicians he couldn't share much information about his new projects for fear of jinxing himself, saying, “I've got a few very exciting projects lined up – but I prefer to keep things quiet until they pan out.” From the tight schedule we worked our correspondence around, though, it was clear that music is monopolizing his time.
“I have never been able to work this quickly and fluently before. It's insane that I can sit in front of the MiKo, load up Reaper, and start banging out tracks. It's a God send!”
Music first took hold of Brad's attention when he came home to South Africa from a trip to the UK to find his uncle's classical guitar sitting in his room, “My brother had borrowed it but never got around to practicing. I picked it up, made a lot of noise, and instantly had the passion to pursue music.”
Since that first tsunami of sound, Brad has accrued a list of accomplishments and obstacles over-come. From making it to the semi-finals of the Global Battle Of The Bands, to co-writing a song with one of South Africa's top five pop icons – and even performing a show with less than three hours of practice, Bradley has been forging song writing successes a-plenty.
Initially entering the Global Battle of the Bands competition was a joke, but Brad's band was stunned to find themselves winning rounds. “We made it through to the South African finals of the competition but were beaten by an already signed band, after the loss, most of the members lost interest and gave up, thus ending the band.”
Brad also enjoyed a foray on the bass for a while, playing for The Sick Leaves, a The Hives-esque band who have just released their second album, Stone the Crow.
When talking about the change in his home recording Brad joked that the MiKo is doing an alright job of replacing the “record” function on his cell phone. “Just kidding,” he laughed, “I used the Boss Br-1600cd, good little unit – but nothing can compare to the MiKo.”
Though he loves the upgrade in his recording he's also been impressed by the board's ability to play live. “I absolutely love using the MiKo for everything! I've used it at band rehearsals (it's insane the sounds I can put into the bands performance with it), and I take the MiKo wherever I can and record there. I love it's portability.”
Spending so much time at his craft, Brad acknowledged one thing many Open Labs users would probably agree on, the only way another board could compete is “if the other keyboard made coffee.”
When asked if he could get the same quality from any other gear he said, “Definitely not, I've learned so much in the way of production since I've had my MiKo, that using any other product would just be regressing the quality of my work.”
Keeps your eyes and ears open for more music from Bradley Nagle and A.I. Music.
Artist Q & A
Q: How has the MiKo changed your method of work?
A: Before I had ever used the MiKo, my work was limited, but since using the MiKo, my creativity, style and concept of music has broadened, because there's just so much the unit has to offer.
Q: How have you integrated the MiKo into your current studio setting?
A: It is my studio, I don't need anything else.
Q: What is your MiKo primary function?
A: Recording and production.
Q: What is your favorite software on the MiKo? How do you use it?
A: To be honest, I'm having trouble committing to just one piece of software. They all have something unique.
Q: How different is the composition process compared to the standard computer or laptop system?
A: Having all the recording facilities built into one unit makes it in a league of its own. Straight out of the box, you can start recording and producing, there's no need for other hardware purchases. Who needs the hassle of having to set up a computer or buy all the hardware for a laptop?
Q: Do you think the quality of your production now would be possible with another keyboard?
A: Not a chance. There's just something about the Miko that makes me want to bring out the best in my tracks.
Q: What artist have you produced or are you currently producing with your MiKo?
A: Currently working with a jazz/blues singer from London.
Q: Have you had any experience with our Tech Support and how does it rate with you?
A: Tech Support is brilliant. I had an issue once and it was resolved in 5 minutes. Thanks Hank and Matt.
Q: What is next for you and your MiKo?
A: With the MiKo, my options are limitless.
Artist Quote
"The MiKo is like my girlfriend - I can't keep my hands off her."
- Bradley Nagle, A.I. Music
Equipment Used
Purchased MiKo LX (Gen3)
Artists Links