The Keyboard Chronicles

Gigging, Gear and Great Music

KC Editor

Francis Capistrano, Narf Sounds

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Francis Capistrano is an accomplished keyboard player who survived a decade or more in music retail. That alone makes him a great guest, but he’s also CEO of Narf Sounds, a company that makes sound packs for cover band musicians. As weekend warriors ourselves, we couldn’t resist catching up with Francis for a wide-ranging discussion that covers a lot more than his sound offerings.

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Busselton, Western Australia

How justifying the purchase of a gold Kronos led to Narf Sounds

Kronos Enthusiast Workshops (KEW) Facebook Group

Salacious performing live

The Baker Boys Band

Why cover band players may be better players than originals players

Tag a keyboard player: Luke Edwards (Rocky IV Training Theme)

Desert Island Discs: Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite – Maxwell, Hunting High and Low – a-ha, Songs from the Big Chair – Tears for Fears, Power, Corruption and Lies – New Order, 1984 – Van Halen.

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.

To help us keep the podcast running like a finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

Extra: The Keyboard Community – Keyboard Players in Cover Bands

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As you probably know, there’s no shortage of great online resources. So we thought we’d take the time to chat to people who are behind some of the forums and groups we hang out at. First cab off the rank: Ken and Walter from the Keyboard Players in Cover Bands Facebook Group. We talk on a range of topics, including Walter and Ken’s own music backgrounds and the joys of moderating a Facebook group!  To watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):

Ken and Walter’s musical history

Mutual love for Nick Rhodes  

Rig rundowns

Best and worst gigs (including a great story involving iconic rock band Survivor)

Being a moderator and avoiding the ‘shark infested cesspool’ and fun conversations about Roland KC amps

Why / how keyboard players may be different to other members in a band

Exploding Korg Triton

Coca-cola and a DX-5 doesn’t mix

Walter and Ken do the ‘Quick Fire 10’: Stereo or Mono, Sitting or Standing, Keytars: sexy or an abomination, Transpose button or adjust on the fly?, X-stand or anything else, Last gig you attended as an audience member, Best thing about live gigs, Worst thing about live gigs, Name one thing you’d like to see invented that’d make your life as a keyboard player easier, Red keyboards, yes or no?

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.

To help us keep the podcast running like a finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

Martin Rebelski, Doves / Peter Hook and The Light / Echo and The Bunnymen

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Martin Rebelski AKA Rebelski is a UK based keyboard player and producer. As you’ll hear, he manages to hold down three diverse touring roles (Doves, Echo and the Bunnymen and Peter Hook and the Light), plus production of his own work. He’s a busy guy with some great insights for every keyboard player.

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):

Martin’s early day as a player and the joy of a Yamaha Portasound

Rebelski – Kaleidoscope

Here it Comes – Doves

Doves – Carousels (Live)

Martin playing with Peter Hook and the Light

Martin playing with Echo and the Bunnymen

Richard Clayderman in action

Martin’s keyboard rig

One of the best ‘train-wreck’ stories we’ve heard.

Ray Manzarek and Echo and the Bunnymen

Tag a keyboard player: Cory Henry 

Desert Island Discs: Music for 18 Musicians – Steve Reich, LA Woman – The Doors, Head Hunters – Herbie Hancock, Selected Ambient Works – Aphex Twin, The Man-Machine – Kraftwerk.

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.

To help us keep the podcast running like a finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

Toby Hounsham, The Stranglers

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Toby Hounsham is the keyboard player and newest member of the iconic band The Stranglers. We cover plenty of Stranglers territory plus Toby’s previous work with Rialto and Mungo Jerry to name two. And then there’s Toby’s other job as a fully qualified music therapist. A wide-ranging discussion to say the least. 

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Big Joe Duskin

Toby’s ‘Double-Six’ Boogie Woogie Album

Mike Armitage and The Lion Brewery

The Wombles – The Wombling Song

Rialto on Top of the Pops

Toby playing with Mungo Jerry

Toby on tour with Mungo Jerry

Stranglers – Walk on By keyboard solo

Dave Greenfield’s go-to keyboards

Toby’s rig

Oberheim and their resurgence

Toby’s decision to go into Music Therapy

British Association for Music Therapy

Lessons learned about playing keys

The Stranglers, Live in 2022

Tag a keyboard player: Vince Guaraldi, Ben Folds

Desert Island Discs: The Raven – The Stranglers, LA Woman – The Doors, A Charlie Brown Christmas – Vince Guaraldi, any good boogie woogie compilation album.

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.

To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

Roland Announces Juno-X Synth

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I think it’s fair to say that Roland’s on a bit of a roll during 2022. Somewhat out of nowhere (and earlier than Roland would have liked – at time of publication the announcement was all over Facebook, a couple of gear sites and a bunch of large music retailers), they’ve announced the Juno-X.

Retailing at $US 1999, this unit contains engines for the Juno models (June 106, Juno 60) plus the Roland XV-5080 and RD-Piano engines. You can also add more via Roland Cloud. Availability is estimated as during May at this stage.

Let’s take a look at it – it’s obviously got some Juno 106 classic styling (click on any of the pics for the full-sized versions):

 

On first look and a read through the specs (see below), there’s a couple of interesting things that stand out:

  • There are built in speakers which appear to be at the back of the unit – it’ll be interesting to hear how they sound
  • It has aftertouch (who’d have thought that would end up being of note)

Roland have provided a 19-minute run through of the Juno-X as well:


My other initial thought after watching the video is: I like this synth but what gap is this filling in the Roland line-up?

The full specs for you:

Keyboard
61 Keys (channel aftertouch)

Sound Generator
ZEN-Core
Various MODEL sound generators

Parts
5 parts (Play part: 4, Rhythm part: 1)

Tones
Preset tone: 4,000 or greater
User tone: 256
Drum Kit: 90 or greater

Scenes
256

Effects
Multi-Effects: 4 systems, 93 types
Part EQ: 5 systems
Overdrive
Reverb: 8 types
Chorus: 5 types
Delay: 5 types
Mic NS / Compressor
Master EQ / Compressor

Arpeggiator
I-ARPEGGIO (Multi parts arpeggiator with playing detection)

Arpeggio Parts
5 parts

Controllers
Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever
Assignable Slider x 2
Assignable Switch x 3

Bluetooth
Ver 4.2
Profile Support: A2DP (Audio), GATT (MIDI over Bluetooth Low Energy)
Codec: SBC (Support to the content protection of the SCMS-T method)

Display
Graphic LCD 128 x 64 dots

Speaker Amplifier Power Output
4 W x 2

Speakers
Full range (3.5 x 8 cm) x 2
Tweeter 2 cm x 2

Connectors
HEADPHONES jacks: Stereo miniature phone type (front), Stereo 1/4-inch phone type (rear)
MAIN OUT jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4-inch phone type
MAIN OUT jacks (L, R): XLR type
MIC INPUT jack: 1/4 inch phone type/XLR type
AUX INPUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
HOLD PEDAL jack
CONTROL PEDAL jack
MIDI connectors (IN, OUT)
USB COMPUTER port (AUDIO/MIDI)
USB MEMORY port

External Memory
USB Flash drive (sold separately)

Power Consumption
20 W

Dimensions
1,072 (W) x 333 (D) x 118 (H) mm
42-1/4 (W) x 13-1/8 (D) x 4-11/16 (H) inches

Weight
11.6 kg / 25 lbs 10 oz

Accessories
Startup Guide
Power cord

Options (sold separately)
Keyboard Stand: KS-10Z, KS-12
Pedal Switch: DP series
Expression Pedal: EV-5

Mike Schmid, Miley Cyrus / The Chainsmokers / Troye Sivan

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Mike Schmid has been part of Miley Cyrus’ core band for fifteen years. In addition, Mike has worked with numerous artists including The Chainsmokers and Troye Sivan to name just two. We talk everything from stadium gigs to playing tips and a little bit of gear talk to boot.

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Mike’s website

Recent Miley Cyrus tour of South America

Film scoring and impostor syndrome

Playing with Hannah Montana

Keeping it fresh each night on a large scale tour

Miley Cyrus – Jolene

Rebel Yell – Miley Cyrus with Billy Idol

Mike’s rig rundown

Using a laptop-based rig with Troye Sivan

Lessons learned / tips for aspiring players

Tag a keyboard player: Benmont Tench, Patrick Warren, Max Mitchell, Karina Depiano

Desert Island Discs: OK Computer – Radiohead, Homogenic – Björk, Under The Pink – Tori Amos, Illinois – Sufjan Stevens, and ‘tied’ for fifth spot: Martinis and Bikinis – Sam Phillips and Punisher – Phoebe Bridgers.

Mike faces our Quick Fire Tem Questions: Stereo or Mono, Sitting or Standing, Keytars: sexy or an abomination, Transpose button or adjust on the fly?, X-stand or anything else, Last gig you attended as an audience member, Best thing about live gigs, Worst thing about live gigs, Name one thing you’d like to see invented that’d make your life as a keyboard player easier, Red keyboards, yes or no?

Mike’s travelogue video on a Miley Cyrus tour of Australia / New Zealand.

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.

To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

Photo of Mike Schmid via Kill.Cody

(Extra) Jim Daneker Talks Backstage Pass Sounds

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We talk some more with Jim Daneker about his sideline as creator of the Backstage Pass products. This is bonus content that was provided to our Patreon supporters 30 days ago and we hope you enjoy it as much as they did.

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):

How Jim got into developing sounds

The Backstage Pass suite of tools 

Touch OSC

The challenges of a Yamaha DX7

Who’s buying Backstage Pass – older players getting sentimental or younger artists looking for something different?

DX Dreams walkthrough

Upcoming expansions including ‘Prophetic Dreams’, ‘JX Dreams’

The generosity of Eric Persing

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.

To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content like this episode, which patrons received 30 days ago

Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

Brother Paul Brown, The Waterboys

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Brother Paul Brown has been playing keyboards with The Waterboys for well over a decade, and as you’ll hear that is one of many strings to his bow. In his inimitable style, Brother Paul covers an enormous amount of ground that will make you want to see him play when he’s next in your town.

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):

The Waterboys: 

Brother Paul’s Patreon 

Seeing Parliament-Funkadelic for the first time

Bro Paul’s challenging teenage years

Xavion – Eat Your Heart Out

Playing with Shirley Brown and ducking her high heel shoe

With Ann Peebles and The Memphis Horns

Charles Hodges and Hammond B3

Dick Wagner Remember The Child Memorial Fund

Working with Bobby Rush

Becoming part of The Waterboys

Passing Through –  first performance with The Waterboys’ Mike Scott and Steve Wickham

Brother Paul Brown Keytar Solo

Mike Farris

Working with Gloria Gaynor

Mike Farris – Snap Your Fingers

Brother Paul’s keyboard rig

Lessons learned as a keyboard player

Brother Paul’s collaborative bucket list: Peter Frampton, Robert Plant and Paul Rodgers

Working with Deborah Bonham and playing John Bonham’s tambourine and gong

Playing with a badly injured finger

Tag a keyboard player: Al Greenwood, Rev. Charles Hodges

Desert Island Discs: Alive! – Kiss, Foreigner – Foreigner, Frampton – Peter Frampton, Toys in the Attic – Aerosmith, Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd, Feels So Good – Chuck Mangione, Red Headed Stranger – Willie Nelson, Sketches in Spain – Miles Davis, 99 lbs – Ann Peebles, Chega de Saudade – João Gilberto, Space Escapade – Les Baxter.

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.

To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.