Hey all,
I just realized that I've been posting around here and other forums for a while but haven't introduced myself yet through this thread. Sorry 'bout that.
Anyway, my name's Mark and I've been playing piano and keyboards for about 35 years. I also play guitar, but mostly as rhythm/2nd lead. Played clarinet and oboe in high school, but that's about it as far as instruments go. I grew up in the midwest and did the bar/small club circuit with a couple of bands through college and a bit beyond, then I left off trying to make a go as a professional player. Back then, I was using an Arp Omni, Korg MS-20, Rhodes stage, and Prophet 5. About 15 years ago, I sold all of that stuff off (just lacked room in the apartment and got tired of lugging it from place to place when I moved), picked up a couple of guitars and an amp stack and played guitars in a few bands in the evenings/weekends.
I've continued to occasionally play in various groups/bands over the last dozen years or so, but have only recently (read about 1 1/2 years ago) decided to focus my musical energies on home/project recording and productions. To that end, I renewed my love of the keys and picked up a Fantom-S88 about a year ago and have started compiling other needed equpment and software to build up a small home "project" studio. I've currently been using a PC laptop for most projects, but am planning on picking up a G5 along with LogicPro later this year. However, I'm likely to keep the laptop handy for mobile work, and may pick up an Mbox for that in the next couple of months.
In addition to just recording my own stuff, I hope to work some contacts to see if I can't start a small commercial business in film/game scoring, commercials, background pieces...whatever. If I can make a go of it commercially...great. If not, I know I'm having a lot of fun with recording my own music.
Musically, I've always been into classical, rock and jazz, but, over the last couple of years, have really developed a drive and love of electronica, ambient and chillout music. I think it's because I see elements of all the first three in each of the latter.
Sorry to go on and on. But, I've found this place and the people here to have been extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Thanks to everyone who's helped me learn and provided some entertainment over the last several months. I'm looking forward to more in the future. I suppose I need to find an avatar, though....
Oh yeah. Go Wings!