Singapore Web DesignerSound Artist Highlight: Keith Alban a.k.a BrainSt0rm » AEN—Designer & Consultant

The “sound” category has been quiet for some time and I apologize for that. I have decided to feature talented musicians and sound artists I have come across. In this first Sound Artist Highlight, I am fortunate to have with us Mr Keith Alban from BrainSt0rm Productions in an insightful interview. If you are an avid electronic musician or just somebody looking to create music not just with traditional instruments but with the aid of technology, electronics and computer software, read on.

Pure Green Velvet — BrainSt0rm

Aen First of all, it is my honor to have you with me on this interview which I have wanted to do with you for a long time. To start things off, why don’t you tell us a little bit more about your yourself? Like where are you from, what you do and what is “BrainSt0rm”?

Keith Hey Man, It’s my pleasure to be here, I am Keith Alban. I am from Spokane Washington, but live in Germany with my beautiful wife, Connie. About BrainSt0rm… Well, BrainSt0rm Productions is my musical project in which Sven Klitsch and I work together to produce a wide spectrum of down tempo music.

Aen How did you get into in what you are doing now and where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Keith This all started for me when I first got to Europe. The European music scene is dramatically different to that of the Americans, A mix of techno, house and electronic music. It became very interesting and completely different… so I began researching “how do they do that?” then I stumbled across some Stone Age software and the musical journey begun.

5 years from now, I believe BrainSt0rm will be much more established. We will be far more “known” then we are currently, ironically, through ways that people may not even recognize. We are working on some of these unconventional concepts:

Airline Support
New airplanes (A-380, 747-400, etc.) seem to be concentrating on the “relaxation concept” Larger chairs, better sound systems, creative mood lighting etc. We are looking into getting “air play” @ 35,000 feet to enhance that idea.

Wellness
We have an idea that we refer to as the ” Frankfurt Airport project.” The idea is as follows: We want to establish a conceptual lounge where people with layovers can go and get a shower, massage, sit in a hot tub for a while then relax in a spacey lounge for a drink as BrainSt0rm incorporates the musical concept into all areas. The good thing is, they are working on establishing such a wellness concept as is, we are trying to target the designers for musical integration and all that’s left is to find out who, when, what style, etc.

Centre Parks
and similar style resorts as mentioned in the Frankfurt Project need to receive CDs from us as part of an actual “Chill The Planet” promotion wave.

The CD’s
There is a lot of musical interest in BrainSt0rm. We have received offers already to publish our music, it just seems like all of the industry wants “exclusive rights” across the board. Meaning: you give up ownership and credit of your music for a fixed price. Although the price is lucrative, We will hold out until someone realizes that we want to retain the rights to the music that we have created… as they are a part of us and not an object to be purchased like a can opener.“

Aen How would you describe your style? What genre would it fit into?

Keith We produce mainly Ambient, Chill Out, Dream House, Video Game and Film soundtracks. We also are working on 2 Hybrid projects right now; Chill Lounge and Drum & Space.

Escaping Reality — BrainSt0rm

Aen Besides the music that you make, what other music do you like?

Keith Music is like a menu for me. Mornings something light and airy, afternoons and evenings vary in accordance to mood. Summer music is different then in the winter. So that’s a hard question to narrow down. I am a Metal drummer, Jazz fan, Hip Hop cruiser, so the skies the limit. One requirement only: Creativity.

Aen Name 1 film you would have created sounds for .

Keith Transformers.

Aen What kind of equipment do you use to produce music of this genre?

Keith We work primarily on an electronic platform with our productions. Using Reason, Native Instruments, Ableton Live. and other goodies that fall into the “real” instrument category like Didgeridoo, Tablas, Djembes, Percussion, and Keyboards from Korg.

Yin & Yang — BrainSt0rm

Aen What’s your favorite tool?

Keith Ultimate Soundbank software . They make magical stuff. It brings so much life and organic presence into our sound. It is almost too good to be true what they create.

Solaris — BrainSt0rm

Aen Who are your customers? What’s in demand now?

Keith We have done some work for Shiseido, Ginga (web design out of Brazil ). Sony Recordings and Motorola is currently under production. Demand is mainly website sound design at the moment. We have had a big push for that recently.

Aen I don’t see/hear many Singaporeans making music like yours. What tips would you give to anyone here who might want to make electronic music for a living?

Keith Take your time to develop concepts. A story to tell in a musical form, is far more interesting then a song. Use the imagination of the people to boost your popularity by taking a little more time to think up away to bring a specific “theme” to your music. It will help you create much more creative work and establish a long lasting connection to your fans. DO NOT OVERSAMPLE!

Aen Are you nocturnal or do you prefer the day?

Keith Most definitely nocturnal.

Aen Who inspires you and why?

Keith I am inspired mainly by visual art. Digital artists that blow my mind include; Sumeco, Fake, Ekud, Snitch, Moka, You as well and many more to list. These guys inspire me to create my musical worlds as real as the visual worlds that they create. The other source of inspiration musically, is of course… Steve Roach, Brian Eno, Ünn, Enigma, etc. Again, too many to list in one interview.

Aen I’m flattered. Thanks!

Desert Caravan II — BrainSt0rm

Aen Pick one. Sex or Music?

Keith Music.

Aen You look like a wrestler, were you ever one?

Keith Hahaha! I should have seen this one coming! No, I was a Defensive End in American Football during my younger days.

Aen As an artist, I’m sure you have your fair share of criticisms. How do you deal with negative ones?

Keith You know, I prefer these as long as they are constructive. It defines the progress factor and outlines the steps needed to take along the path of musical evolution.

Japanese Spring (Ambient) — BrainSt0rm

Aen Do you have any classical music background? like ABRSM and do you think it is important for every musician to have that kind of training?

Keith My musical training is limited to that of Self exploration. I am self taught on the drums, didgeridoo, and electronically. I learned to master and mix in Broadcasting School back in the U.S. it’s the kind of thing that’s similar to riding a bike, once you learn you never forget. So my belief is you can only be as good as you limit yourself to.

Aen Thanks for the time you took for this interview, We wish you the best.

Related Links
BrainSt0rm official site
BrainSt0rm Soundscapes @ eSnips
BrainSt0rm on Virb.com