My interest in electronic music began at an early age when I was exposed to the likes of Isao Tomita, Wendy Carlos, Chip Davis (Mannheim Steamroller), Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, Zappa, and of course the many other progressive, jazz, and new wave artists that gave rise to the use of electronic keyboards in music. It was around that time that I started playing piano, guitar, and bass. I also developed an interest in electronics, mainly as a means of attempting to build the musical devices that I couldn’t afford to purchase!
I made my first analog synthesizer using scrap wood and aluminum siding for an enclosure, Dymo embossed labeling, military surplus knobs (wish I still had those!), various Curtis and SSM chips obtained from PAiA, and the remainder of components from a local electronic parts supplier – Gateway Electronics in Houston, TX (I miss stores like that). I had integrated a cheap keyboard pilfered from a toy organ, and while the whole thing looked really rough… it worked! I finally had something that made those sounds that I was after!
In parallel with all of this electronic tinkering, I was delving deeper into stringed instruments (mostly bass). I had opportunities to play in a variety of settings up through college – from local theater productions, jazz, and rock bands to a DC-hardcore-inspired group that did some touring. I eventually stepped away from music, however, after it began feeling more like an obligation and less like a hobby.
About ten years flew by, and computers and classic automobile restoration consumed my free time. Spurred on by conversations with a few co-workers regarding past musical interests, I got a wild hair one day and started prowling around on Ebay for some of the gear that I had always dreamed of owning. My very first Ebay purchases (around 2001) consisted of an Oberheim OB-8, a Yamaha DX-5 (two massive synths that I had always wanted to try), and a ’66 Gibson EB-2D bass. The OB-8 arrived DOA (signs of things to come…), out came the oscilloscope, and thus marked a re-entry into my childhood hobbies. A string of other instruments followed, and to this day I’m never at a loss for repair projects!
This has all proven to be a great creative outlet for me, I’ve met a lot of cool folks along the way, and I’ve learned (and continue to learn) a great deal in the process. It’s my hope that my blog and music will help or inspire others with similar interests.
Thank you for stopping by!
Cheers,
Joe