My interest in electronic music began in the early 70s with the Stylophone (I was just 5 years old) and over the years I have acquired various small keyboards, synthesisers and modules. My first steps in computer sequencing was in 1988 when the Yamaha CX5M music computer was being discounted. I recall its built in FM synthesiser which at that time was revolutionary (think the famous Yamaha DX7). The CX5M lacked true midi connectivity though and eventually a few years later I bought an Atari STe with Steinberg Pro24. I stuck with the Atari platform for many years, eventually upgrading to the TT computer running Notator Logic. By the late 90s technology had developed to point where I moved to the Windows platform. I began exploring sampling and gradually moved over to use virtual ‘software’ instruments along with midi. The big revolution for me though happened when I discovered Apple and Garageband.

My latest personal studio comprises Logic Studio 9 software, currently installed on an Apple MacBook Air after my iMac sadly died, along with a Yamaha Motif XF7 as the master keyboard.  I also use a number of ‘virtual’ instruments in Logic including RealGuitar, Arturia’s Jupiter-8V and MiniMoog V, plus various synths on the iPad.

For mixing I use a 12 channel Behringer Xenyx X1222 USB, which also has a built-in USB audio interface.  The Motif is fitted with a Firewire interface which combines 16 digital audio feeds (24 bit) with MIDI on one convenient firewire cable, although currently this isn’t used with the MacBook Air as it doesn’t have firewire.

For recording vocals and other ambient sounds, an inexpensive but really great sounding t-bone SC-450 microphone serves me well. For monitoring and mixing I use a pair of active KRK Rokit 5 speakers along with Audio Technica ATH-M50s headphones.

As well as recording a few CD albums of my own, I have developed sounds for the re-released Dubreq Stylophone and Beatbox musical products. I have also created my own series of interactive accompaniment musical styles for Yamaha keyboards that use the standard Style File Format, including the Tyros.

I currently enjoy recreating covers of classic songs in my spare time for my own personal enjoyment and soundtracks for video.