Illa Noize
From R&B singer to music producer is the road traveled by Illa Noize. Born Anthony Scott Jr, Illa Noize found himself performing on Stages with the likes of Next and Public Announcement and even experienced his first taste of the music industry working with Mathew Knowles and meeting Destiny's Child, Jagged Edge, Xscape, Kimberly Scott and more.
As years passed, Illa Noize became uninterested in being a vocal artist and decided to go to college to earn a degree in media art and animation and play football. Shortly after attending college, Illa Noize's passion for music once again emerged but this time his interest was peaked by creating the music instead of singing to it. Illa eventually transferred to Musicians Institute to receive his certification as an Audio Engineer. After graduating, he began working for Capitol Records as a marketing intern which became a very beneficial part in Illa's roadmap. As time passed and Illa's experience grew, he came across a chance of a lifetime. He was working with a group in the Los Angeles area when the manager of the group mentioned to him that George Clinton himself had heard one of Illa's instrumentals and wanted to work with him. At this point more opportunity and experience just fell in Illa's lap. Now back in Chicago, Illa is part of the premier production network called Tracks Galore which is comprised of several members of Rocbattle.com and also contestants in the Red Bull Big Tune Battle. Currently Illa Noize is honing his skills as a producer and is always in search for writers and talented artist to collaborate with.
Artist Q&A
Q: How did you first hear about Open Labs?
A: I initially saw an ad in Keyboard Magazine years ago. As time passed, I saw them in every magazine I had delivered to my home and all over the internet.
Q: How has the MiKo changed your method of work?
A: It has streamlined my process tremendously. I went from using my MPC as the center point of my studio connected to several keyboards and a computer running Reason. Composing the music wasn't that big of an issue, but tracking out and routing each individual instrument was. Now I do everything from one unit. I compose, edit, pre and post mix, record vocals and master all from my MiKo.
Q: How have you integrated the MiKo into your current studio settings?
A: There was not integration. Only replacement. The MiKo has become the central point of my production studio. Out of everything that was in my studio prior to the MiKo, I only kept my MPC, my tube pre amp, compressor and my BBE Sonic Maximer.
Q: What is your favorite software on the MiKo? How do you use it?
A: Reaper. I use Reaper as my one stop shop to produce. I sequence, edit, mix and overdub all from Reaper. Even though I was trained as a certified engineer on other DAW programs, I have come to use Reaper as my Primary DAW.
Q: Which kind of keyboard have you owned in the past and how do they compare to your MiKo?
A: In the past I owned a Yamaha Motif, Roland Phantom, Ensoniq ASR-10 and a Korg Triton. I don't think its fair to make a comparison between the MiKo and any other keyboard. The MiKo is not merely just a keyboard workstation. Its a full production studio all secured together within one sleek looking case.
Q: How different is the composition process compared to the standard computer or laptop system?
A: The MiKo has definitely changed the way I write songs. By having such a wide array of sounds, the ability to edit and also the ability to layer VSTi to make new sounds has broadened my horizons. Before, I would compose the music to a standard format and then work with an artist within that format. It was too time consuming having to go back a make changed. Now with the MiKo, it is so simple to make any changes necessary.
Q: Do you think the quality of your production now would be possible with another keyboard?
A: The quality of my production would be possible with another keyboard, but the quantity would definitely decrease. The editing process would not be as streamlined as it is now.
Q: Have you had any experience with our Tech Support and how does it rate with you?
A: I have never experienced such great support service as what I have experienced from Open Labs. Everyone on the Tech Support Staff is experienced and knows what they are doing.
Q: What is next for you and your MiKo?
A: Success and nothing less. Making it to the top, so Open Labs puts my name and touch on a new keyboard.
Equipment Used
Purchased MiKo TSE (Gen 4)
Artist Links