Recorder
Recorder makes robot dance music and sad robot lullabies, and proudly bears the slogan, "made by robots for robots."
They try to find something off the beaten path to give to their listeners; something sincere yet playful, innovative yet moving, retro yet modern. "We have fun when creating these sounds," says one third of the band, Robbo, "We simply make music, and hope you enjoy it."
Recorder began in 2004 as a solo project started by Robbo, under the alias "Birthday Boy". In Winter 2006 Recorder was introduced and albums were created. Recorder signed with Switzerland-based Minuta Records in the fall of 2006. Fall of 2007 brought with it cold, magic, and the rest of the robots. Recorder now consists of Robbo (Production / Synth), Jeff Whitlatch (Synth / Vocoder), & Lynn Robertson (Vocals).
This hybrid makes for an unbelievable live performance, and more touching melodies intensified by brain wave manipulation!
Artist Q & A
Q: How did you first hear about Open Labs?
A: I first heard of Open Labs through Famecast.com. Recorder was a winner of $20,000 in the website's third season contest, along with the money we were also picked by super producers The Heavyweights to receive a NeKo.
Q: How has the NeKo changed your method of work?
A: Having all these sounds and programs available in one machine makes a world of difference, and being able to assign this amazing amount of knobs to do whatever I want ... wow. Not having to leave my chair to untangle cords and hook up something that requires me to change my whole set up is a nice change, too.
Q: How have you integrated the NeKo into your current studio setting?
A: The NeKo has not been integrated into my studio, it has taken control of my studio.
Q: What is your NeKo primary function?
A: Hmmm ... primary? Well, the NeKo is where I make my beats, write my basslines, write melodies, post production work, remixing, live performance keyboards and backtracks, and it works as mixing board for all of the other instruments being played in the project.
Q: What is your favorite software on the NeKo? How do you use it?
A: I am unsure if I have a favorite. I love MimiK, have thoroughly enjoyed the vintage keys, and am a big fan of Wusik. I think that some of the best sounds that I have created though come from Karsyn, that's a pretty powerful tool!
Q: Which kind of keyboard have you owned in the past and how do they compare to your NeKo?
A: Juno G, Korg Radias, MicrKorg, Yamaha Motif, Yamaha MM6, Alesis Fusion, Alesis Ion, & many more ... they all have some special qualities and things that I will miss, but what it comes down to is that I can recreate any of their sounds and never have to hook up any other instruments.
Q: How different is the composition process compared to the standard computer or laptop system?
A: Comfort and ease. These are things that can keep me writing all night. Cables, space, and frustration can kill my mood with quickness. We always hated ever having to incorporate a laptop onstage so we'd stick it somewhere that was out of the way and not easy to control.
Q: Has the NeKo changed the way you write songs?
A: The NeKo has changed the way that I write ... or maybe how often. If I am blocked I can spend five minutes on the NeKo and the brain gets going again, sometimes I have to force myself to stop. Many times after a long night of work I will save and get ready to shut down, but right before shutting down I hit "play sounds" and explore. Then the Sequence is reopened and I am up way too late. Many great tracks have rooted from here though.
Q: Do you have any music produced on your NeKo that is in current rotation on radio, TV or film?
A: We're currently getting a lot of internet radio play, a few college stations, and a couple of independent films.
Q: Do you think the quality of your production now would be possible with another keyboard?
A: Absolutely not.
Q: Have you had any experience with our Tech Support and how does it rate with you?
A: I have had to contact Tech Support one time just a few hours before our headlining spot at a festival. It was of course after hours ... a tech got us going in no time flat.
Q: What is next for you and your NeKo?
A: The NeKo has opened me up a lot more to writing to picture. Having all of these quality sounds and FX available, and so easily. [Also,] I am looking at doing some work with some indie film makers.
Equipment Used
Winners of a Timbaland NeKo (Gen3) from Famecast.com (full story here)
Artists Links
