Workspace and Environment: The Great Mundane

Greetings! I've been slow on the updating (not that I need to explain myself to you) because I'm moving and I'm assuming Justin isn't because he's elbow deep in post production. While we endure this light chaos, an artist came through with an interview. The Great Mundane responded ideally to our questionnaire. I'm sure you're already playing the video rather than reading this so enjoy! All credits go to him. Readable interview: Here

I was born in Farmington Hills, Michigan, in 1985. I promised myself in High School that I would move away when I graduated, so I did. I moved to Chicago in the fall of 2003 and I will be here until October 2008, then I'm driving across the country to spend some time in Seattle, Portland, and San Fran and figure out where I want to set up shop. My parents put me in piano lessons when I was about 5 years old, so since 1990. When I got into 6th grade I began playing bass and continued to do so until I was a sophomore in high school. High school was about the time that I started dabbling as a composer. The majority of the work was hip hop influenced until I moved to chicago. This is where I developed my sound as an electronic musician. That being said I've been composing as electronic musician for 5 years.

What are your current favorite pieces of hardware?
I really have not had a lot of hardware encounters. I'm big on using whatever is at my disposal and making the best of it. I've had a crush on the Korg mono/poly for quite some time. I like anything warm and thick...ummm...yea.

What are some softwares or plugins you prefer?
Reason... I love that program...I've spent hours and hours pulling my hair out trying to figure out how to make that program put out a satisfying sound. It can really be a versatile tool if you use it's flaws and kinks to your advantage. The limitations force me to find new ways to make the sound that I want which often results in sounds that I never expected. If I need to record or do any sound design, I'm usually rocken Pro-tools.

How does your physical space and surroundings influence your workflow?
Besides the technical aspects like the space's size, shape and the space consuming objects, I think its really important to feel comfortable, have minimal distractions, and nice neighbors that let you rock whenever you get that urge or feel inspired. I'm very easily distracted so I also prefer to be alone while I'm working.

Could you describe what you might think your ideal location would be?
I actually really like it here in Chicago. But I'm leaving in October to explore the country and maybe find out where else I would like to be. As long as the city has a scene and the space meets the requirements I listed above I think I can make it work.

What was the first piece of hardware you remember obtaining?
I hacked a hot pink Starring Me keyboard from Target. Shit's hot. I just picked up a Monticello organ. I found in the basement of a Jewish Community Center, and now it's sitting in my mom's living room because I can't bring it with me on the road.

What is on your current 'wish list'?
I'm really looking into the Novation remote series. Mainly for its ease of use and reliability.

Do you have a mobile studio setup?
Yea my studio is pretty mobile..
G4 Power Book
Macbook Pro
M-audio Axiom 49
Korg pad Kontroller
Korg Kaos Mini
Hacked "Starring Me" Keyboard
Pioneer DJM-707 mixer
Behringer Truth Monitors...

Do you have a setup for live performances?  
Everything listed above except for the monitors and the M-box. I can usually fit everything into about 3 bags, not including my fold up table.

Holy shit... I've moved it 7-8 times. I've moved at least once a year since I've lived in Chicago not including switching rooms because of break ups and new roommates. I try to keep everything pretty much the same. The gear has evolved over time but I try to keep my furniture and everything placed the same so I can maintain some sort of consistency from apt to apt.

Are you involved in any extra curriculars?
I work for Big House Castings as an Audio Engineer until I hit the road. Basically I track edit and mix commercials for VO talent. I've done a bit of freelance compostion/sound design work for commercials and indie films.

The Great Mundane


Anonymous said...

Thats my kid. Way to go

Anonymous said...

nice one!

18andCounting said...

Holla! Needs more cow bell

Anonymous said...

nice video. Maybe you and Justin can do a cd release party together


axiom-crux said...

Woh wait a minute, I met you when I was working at guitar center in michigan, you came in and showed me a cool hiphop track you did with fruityloops..

they interviewed me on here too :P