Maps Recording Advice

Hey guys and gals.

Hope you're all doin well. The nice people at Clash magazine told me I could write a blog on whatever I wanted. Seeing as all I really do is make music, smoke a lot, and very occasionally venture into doomed relationships with girls, I thought it would be better to write about music to prevent this from being the most depressing blog ever :) SO, I came upon the genius idea of writing about electronic music and the fact that I personally believe you don't need a computer to make it. This is all coming from my own experience I guess but it's kinda something I feel pretty strongly about. So here goes!!??

I first started making my music at 18, armed with just a 4-Track Cassette Recorder, a Roland DD5 Drum Machine (the guy who sold it to me described as a 'toy') and a really basic Yamaha SU10 Sampler. But it really was all I needed. All I wanted to do was get some songs recorded that I had in my head. And the fact that I didn't really know what the recordings were gonna sound like made it more exciting. The way I see it, the more limited your equipment is, the more likely you are to come up with an 'original sound'. I don't really see the point in getting exactly the same equipment as everyone else cos then, I think, there's a danger of SOUNDING like everyone else.??

Over the years a lot of people told me I HAD to get a computer and and I HAD to use Cubase or Logic. I did give it a try for a bit but really couldn't get my head around it. It just all seemed too complicated. So, instead of investing in a laptop, I bought a Yamaha AW16G 16-Track Hard Disk Recorder and a Yamaha synth and drum sequencer (RM1x) and that's pretty much, give or take a few effects pedals and other little gadgets, what I still use to this day. This was way back in 2004 and most of the stuff I use now they don't make anymore. Which is kinda cool as well because it means not many people are gonna come up with the same sounds that I come up with.??

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't be fooled into thinking you have to use Pro-Tools on a laptop just because that's how it's mostly done. Pro-Tools is great and works for millions of people but, for me, there's too much choice there. Endless effects, synths, drums and so on to get lost in. Which means you're gonna find it hard to define your own sound. I just found that the less equipment you have, and the more experienced you are with it, over a few years you'll come up with something unique. It does take years but I it's worth it. DJ Shadow made his entire album 'Endroducing' just using a Yamaha SU 700 Sampler (and decks obviously). That's one of the greatest albums ever made.??

Just go looking on e-bay for interesting looking stuff that takes your fancy and looks simple to use. Don't feel you have to follow the same path as everyone else. Find your own. That's my advice. I am a pretty simple guy though I guess :).??

So, until next time,

Maps.