Mysto & Pizzi
Mysto & Pizzi are two up and coming producers, ages 21 and 22, hailing out of Queens, New York, who are quickly establishing a name for themselves in the world of Pop and R&B music. Their first major placement was on R. Kelly’s “Double Up” album ( track “Get Dirty feat. Chamillionaire”) which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and earned the production duo their first Platinum Plaque. They then quickly followed up with their second major release on Kelly Rowland’s album “Ms. Kelly” (track “Love”) which received great reviews and opened several doors for the duo.
Since then Mysto & Pizzi have been hard at work on several major projects as well as official remixes for artists such as Justin Timberlake and Ciara. The duo has also been working a lot with several established as well as up and coming songwriters such as Ryan Tedder (of OneRepublic), Evan Bogart, Makeba Riddick, Taj Jackson, Solange Knowles, Christina Milian, Wynter Gordon, Lil’ Eddie and Eritza (of Esquared), Corey Williams (a.k.a Latif), Phyllis & Cannon, Ilya S., and Renald Francoeur.
Aside from their production career, Mysto & Pizzi have gained a large online following with their groundbreaking video-blog, documenting their daily grind and journey into the music industry, giving music fans a first look into the behind the scenes life of an up and coming producer duo. With the support of their fan base, they were able to reach the top of the Youtube.com music charts with over 4.3 million views.
They are currently working on and have pending placements with Wynter Gordon (Atlantic), Casely (Epic), Jordyn Taylor (Interscope) and Cassie (Badboy).
Artist Q & A
Q: How did you first hear about Open Labs?
A: The first time we heard about Open Labs was at the AES convention in fall 2005, when it was held at the Jacob Javits Center here in NY. At the time we were beginning the switch to VSTs and the idea of having a computer and keyboard all in one seemed like a perfect solution.
Q: How has the NeKo changed your method of work?
A: As far as the setup, our work method hasn’t changed much because we're still using the same software as before, Cakewalk Sonar and Reason, we just installed it all on the NeKo. However, there was a dramatic change in our work flow because now we can run so much more and so much faster without any limitation to our work environment and creativity. Not to mention it has tremendously broadened our range of sounds and plug-ins. Plus it is much more convenient to travel with.
Q: How have you integrated the NeKo into your current studio setting?
A: Well the NeKo has become our studio setting. Everything we do is done on the NeKo, even video editing for our blogs.
Q: What is your NeKo's primary function?
A: The NeKo's primary function is music production. We sequence everything on the NeKo and only use software VSTs for our sounds. We also have Pro Tools connected to the NeKo for whenever we need to do vocal recording or mixing.
Q: What is your favorite software on the NeKo? How do you use it?
A: Besides the software we installed ourselves, it has to be the Sylenth VST. Its a monster, especially when you start messing with all the effects. The sound it produces really matches our style and we can use it in almost anything, from working on a pop/urban record to doing a electro house remix.
Q: Which kind of keyboard have you owned in the past and how do they compare to your NeKo?
A: We used the Yamaha Motif 8 for a long time but for the most part we were only using it as a MIDI controller for all of our software VSTs, hence our need for a switch to the NeKo. The Motif hardware and sounds can’t compare to what the NeKo's VSTs and software are capable off, not to mention the ability and ease of expanding and upgrading the hardware and software.
Q: How different is the composition process compared to the standard computer or laptop system?
A: Compared to our last computer setup the actual composition process isn't much different since we're using the same sequencer software. However the biggest new addition is all the physical knobs and faders on the NeKo. Each can be assigned through MIDI to whichever VST we're using at the moment and allow us to control effects and do automations on the fly.
Q: Do you have any music produced on your NeKo that is in current rotation on radio, TV, or film?
A: Physically produced on the NeKo, no. But technically yes, because everything we've produced in the last two years has been done with the same software and VSTs we are now using on the NeKo. That includes all our major placements, remixes and TV commercials.
Q: Do you think the quality of your production now would be possible with another keyboard?
A: No, unless there is a newer NeKo in the works.
Q: What artist have you produced or are you currently producing with your NeKo?
A: We just found out we're supposed to go in with Mario to work on some songs for his new album, so we're real excited about that. We have a new song we just did with R. Kelly that’s pending on his new album, 12 Play 4th quarter. Working a lot with Wynter Gordon on her Atlantic Records debut, we got A LOT of songs done with her, all on the NeKo and a couple actually recorded on the NeKo. We're also working on J.Lo's new project and have songs cut and pending with Jordyn Taylor (Interscope/Myspace) and Casely (Epic). Studio footage with Wynter & NeKo.
Q: Have you had any experience with our Tech Support and how does it rate with you?
A: Not yet, so far everything is running super smooth. We did get a chance to see Tech Support in action though while we were visiting Open Labs and it was like no other. Especially when they connect to your NeKo over the Internet to fix or walk through any problems that may occur — really hands on.
Q: What is next for you and your NeKo?
A: We're actually excited about this new movie project we're about to start working on with PdFlo, a director out in LA. It’s going to be an urban musical and we're doing majority of the songs. It’s in connection with Lakeshore Entertainment.
Equipment Used
Purchased Special Edition Timbaland NeKo
Artists Links
