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I've seen BT do a "Laptop Symphony" (I think is what he called it), at Summerfest a couple years back, and it was quite the kickass show. That link has some photos of similar performances. He definitely gets into it. At the time, I think he was running off a Powerbook.

"Uh, not any more. A decent studio consists of a home computer, a good soundcard, and some software (often included with the computer or sound card). A decent studio engineer can be yourself or a friend. If you think otherwise, either you haven't followed what's been happening in the last years in music software, or you have different concepts of what's "decent" when it comes to music studios and to programming labs."

Tools get better and cheaper, no matter what business you're in, but you still have to have that talent. It's quite possible to create something that sounds decent in your home studio, and it's quite possible (but unlikely) that you or somebody you know happens to be a trained recording engineer. Good engineers and good producers make it look easy, but it's not -- most stuff recorded at home by amateurs still sounds like it was recorded at home, by amateurs. Talented engineers and producers are generally worth the money.

With regard to the gear, a decent sound card is not enough if you do not have quality microphones and proper acoustics. Even the folks who create entirely electronic music largely do not rely on the free or the cheap software -- BT told me once that he prototypes stuff on Acid Express, but his full set of tools goes way beyond that.

No doubt -- the explosion in inexpensive audio gear has allowed thousands upon thousands of amateur musicians to putter around with their home studios, and as covered above, there are indeed examples of high quality, popular music being produced quite cheaply. But good recordings generally still cost some serious money to make.

And here I thought he was just an electronic music whiz

Oh wait...


(Laugh because it's funny, laugh because its dumb, either way I couldn't resist.)

Funny, I was just going to listen to BT. Now, thanks to Slashdot, I don't need to! ...

Be warned, linger on that page and music will play. Good music, mind you, but music nonetheless.

I'd rather have BT produce my tracks. He's produced a number of soundtracks, albums, wrote the soundtrack to "The Fast and the Furious," and has created some of the most popular club music in the world.

He probably costs a lot of money too, come to think of it. The difference, however, is that he's talented, whereas P. Diddy is not. You can't make up for substance with Pinache, but most Americans don't understand that subtle point.

The fact that Andrew likes to work on computers in his spare time is the entire basis for your opposition?

OK, then take B.T. as an alternative example.

BT vs. Prodigy? Sounds like a concert I'd like to see.

Hmmm...ever heard of "BT"???

BT's Site

BT uses Reason, FruityLoops and DSP software from Spectral Noise in his productions, as well as ProTools for mixing and Hardware Synths as well.

Joe Satriani (Joe's site is Satriani.com used nothing but MIDI hardware and software to provide backing tracks for his "Engines of Creation" CD - totally amazing work, including "The Power Cosmic, Part II", "Borg Sex", and "Attack".

I am, among other things, a professional musician/guitarist as well, and am working on a solo project with only the hardware and software sitting in my home office.

So much for "It's just not good enough yet". If you think "digital" sounds thin, run your final output stage through a warm-sounding Tube Preamp (Rotel made a very sweet-sounding one back in the early 60's - if you can find them), and you'll re-capture the supposed "warmth" that's missing from digital.

I just wish BT would quit filing lawsuits and go back to his strong point, making great techno music. Michael-

Posted by 11223:

Why is it that whenever I see BT in this context, I think of Brian Transeau and not British Telecom?