Wonderful be apart of this thread and this forum. Thanks 'soapbox' for directing me here!
Hello hello all,
I am Vi An (vee-ahn). A young and self-made recording artist/musician who has no formal training in music what so ever. Pieces are created merely through the creative process of "intuition" and purely "impromptuous". On the spot!
I have been performing live since the age of 12. From junior high school night of arts to local artist run gallery performances and public festival events.
The instrument to which I master is most commonly known by it's Japanese name: 'koto'. A stringed instrument with its harp-like sound but zither approach to playing, for it lays on the floor. Almost 6ft in length, with silk/nylon/steel blended strings stretched over moveable bridges. My instrument has 21 strings. Tuned to a pentatonic scale of my choice and over 4 octaves available. Since picking up this instrument in 1997 (self-taught) and performing in a variety of venues, I have since released 1 CD "Rhythmic As Melodious" ©2000 and another on the way for release on Feb.14.2oo2 ("Kuan Shi Yin" ©2001 - 2002). In 1998 I also picked up an Egyptian hand drum they call "Tabla", where I would play simultaneously with the 'koto'.
My first instrument though has always been the keyboard! I was first gifted my YAMAHA PSS keyboard at 13. It was an amazing little 49key board for it's day, with on board wav synthesis and pattern editor! Got me all started and inspired for what was to come... During the last years of my highschool life I completed over 8 albums for keyboard composition (1994-1996). And then between 1996 - 2000 compiled enough material to have 6 more completed albums for keyboard (at the time my keyboard was the YAMAHA PSR 620). Very much into electronic music. Alittle bit of Jungle, Trip Hop, Breaks and beats, DnB, Hardcore and Down-Temple influences/driven. I do not use loops nor pre-made samples ever, mainly tap in my own rhythms on the keys and all else. I also sample sounds with "MixManStudio PRO", which I bring into a duo-turntablism approach to mixing and scratching... I sample my own voice from time to time (lack singing ability but use my voice still for giberish as if an instrument rather than for lyrics). Or I would resample to death sounds already produced, etc.
Recently made a huge purchace on a Roland Fantom!!! Amazing is all I can say. Along with all the other posts I have made here on it. *chuckles* It's truly a one of a kind thus far.
Doing what I can as a musician to share all that comes about.
That is what it's all about -- sharing, playing mostly because you love to, but mainly for the listeners enjoyment and satisfaction. I often run jam sessions in my studio appartment. Always collaborating with tons of talented musicians of all walks (mainly the open minded individuals by nature). *wink* Music is my only life. I communicate best through it also. *shrugs*
Please visit my website and indulge your senses wont you? Feed-back means a lot to me too
Please take care and be well always all the best!
a friend from a cosmic realm of music,
empress of scorpio
vi_an
www.mp3.com/just_vi_an
Peace out!
