An Interview With Karnal Echo
15-08-2005
What made you decide to write music?
I've always liked music and my interest grew when I was in school. I always enjoyed my music classes, and not just because it was a break from Mathematics or English studies. I appreciated the variety of sounds from a wealth of instruments. After I began studying music, I listened to songs in a different way. Picking out sounds and noticing bass lines. It was like my ears were opened for the first time.
At what age did you realize you wanted to be a musician?
That goes back to my school days. I was around eleven years old.
How did your friends and family feel about your decision to delve into music? Were they supportive?
The friends I had were musicians too and we formed a few bands over the years so they were very supportive. My parents never complained too much except when I pushed the levels a little too high. They still support me to this day. The people closest to me are behind me all the way and that helps a lot. The encouragement I receive builds my enthusiasm.
Who are your influences and who do you feel you sound like?
I have many and my style has changed considerably over the years. My music tastes include metal, electronic, opera, classical and anything else that is musically appealing to me.
A major influence for doing what I do now would have to be Moby. When I first heard the “Play” album, I loved the production achieved from a home based studio even down to the sound of pages being turned during vocal track recordings. Moby was the one that proved it could be done and done well.
As for influences on my sound, I would admit that I’m very much an 80’s child. Bands like Depeche Mode and Tears For Fears were big in my youth and those elements have stayed with me. New bands like Wolfsheim and De/Vision continue the style and these are bands I also admire.
Sometimes, I may throw in a little nod towards Tangerine Dream, Marilyn Manson or Rammstein just to spice things up a bit.
What equipment to you use?
Right now, I’m currently in the middle of upgrading my PC to something a little more up to date. For now, this is what I have:
PC Equipment:
Windows XP Home Edition
AMD 1600+ 1.39GHz Processor
624Mb Ram
Additional 80Gb Hard Drive for music file storage
CD-R/RW Drive
DVD-Rom Drive
Wacom Graphire3 4x5 Tablet (great for drawing MIDI)
M-Audio Audiophile 2496 MIDI Digital
Recording Soundcard
Recording Equipment:
Studiophile DX4 Monitors
Behringer Eurorack UB802 Mixer
TC Electronic M300 Multi-Effects Processor
Casio WK-3000 76 key Keyboard
Fender Acoustic Guitars
MXL 990 Cardioid Condenser Mic
Pop Filter
Monster and AV Link Cables
Recording Software:
Steinberg Cubase SX3
Reason 3.0
Magix Music Maker 10 Deluxe (older projects)
Quantum Leap East / West Ra
Waves Diamond Bundle
Various VSTs
Sony Sound Forge 8.0
What inspires you to write songs?
My songs are inspired by the life I see around me. I try not to get too caught up in political issues as I feel that’s not my style. Plus, there are many others that do it so I would just be repeating what’s already being said. I may comment on religion from time to time but that’s only a result from meeting arrogant minded people that attempt to tell me I’m less than a man for not having faith. Rather than get angry, I put it into music.
I like to keep a few of my opinions private as I feel it wouldn’t represent my music well.
What other talents do you possess and what do you plan to do with them in the future?
I enjoy working with animation on the PC and I would like to create a video for one of my tracks. I just don’t seem to have the time to do something that’s so time consuming. Maybe one day.
What is your future goal as a musician?
To continue to write the music that I have in my head. Music to me is like therapy. Don’t waste money on expensive psychiatric care. Just pick up an instrument and heal thy self.
Is your music for sale? If so, where can it be purchased?
Yes, all my work can be purchased from http://www.cafepress.com/project359.com.
Do you ever plan to perform live? If so what would your dream “concert” be like?
When I played in earlier bands, it was something that I really wanted to do. But now it’s not a passion. I just enjoy writing songs and putting them out there for others to hear. I don’t see myself filling stadiums or any other type of venue. I mostly only fantasize about being interviewed on the Conan O’Brian show.
What advice would you give to new musicians that are just starting out?
Just have fun and keep the ego in check. There are too many musicians out there that have egos bigger than the music they create. Let your music talk for you.
Also, you must realize that not everyone in this World will like your music. There are many genres and you can’t expect everyone to like what you do.
Accept criticism and learn from it. If you do, you will improve your output. I wouldn’t be writing the music I do now without the feedback and advice I have received from people.
Interview questions prepared by Karnal Echo.