On a Q-Tip

zoom

zoom

While the Middle East live events industry is booming, the regional music production scene remains something of an enigma. John Parnell recently caught up with UAE music producer Q to discuss digital production techniques and how the local recording industry compared to those in more established markets.

How do you develop the concept for a particular song?

For commercial work, a client will present you with their concept for a particular project. Recently, I've been producing music for advertisements promoting [sports apparel manufacturer] Adidas in the UK. In this case, I've had to focus on what kind of music the company's target market would listen to, which is faster, edgier stuff like house, and drum and bass. If Adidas US had come to me, I would have developed a bass-heavy hip-hop-style track, which wouldn't work so well in the UK. The key is to clearly identify your target market.

Ultimately, the track we developed is hip-hop-based but we made it pretty synth-laden similarly to a house or electro track, which balanced it out. Basically, it sounds very European.

What's your favourite piece of music production software?

Recently, I've been using SampleTank XL and Sonik Synth, which are two programmes manufactured by IK Multimedia.

I use a Cubase music sequencer with the software, which is a perfect match. I also use Battery drum machine software developed by Native Instruments. I'm also a big fan of the ES2 synthesiser application in Apple's Logic Pro 8 software programme.

You have a Mac and a PC. Which do you use more often?

Many VST (Virtual Studio Technology) instruments are only available on the Windows platform as is Cubase, although Apple is lifting its game. The Mac is a stable platform for Pro Tools but I don't use it because it's designed for mixing applications. Again, Logic Pro 8 is an amazing piece of software, and for US$400 it's a bargain. It's easily one of the best music software programmes available at the moment.

How do UAE-based recording facilities compare internationally?

My own recording facility [based at Dubai's Creative Kingdom studios] is world-class. I recently watched a video profile about Jus Blaze, who is the top producer at Def Jam records and Roc-a-fella, which is Jay-Z's label.

Print | Email | Discuss this article |

READERS' COMMENTS

View all comments (0)

Have your say

Click here to post a comment

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Security Code *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM