The Keyboard Chronicles

Gigging, Gear and Great Music

Roland

Episode 6: Andrew Farriss, Solo Artist and INXS

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Episode 6 sees us talk to one of the greatest Australian songwriters in rock history, Andrew Farriss. Both in his current guide as a country artist or as half of the incredible songwriting partnership with Michael Hutchence that led to INXS having worldwide success, Andrew talks gigging, songwriting and of course keyboards!

Links to content mentioned during the show:

Tania Kernaghan

Lawrie Minson

Andrew Farriss – Good Momma Bad

Andrew Farriss – Come Midnight

Andrew’s keyboards and guitars over the years

Beale upright piano – 1950’s

Ace Tone portable organ with a wobbly analog tape echo 

Steinway Model B – 1990, Bluthner grand piano – 1904

Roland SH-7 synth, Roland SH-5 synth

Roland TR-707 drum machine 

Prophet 5 synth 

Fender Rhodes 73, Wurlitzer piano 

Emulator 2  sampler

Fostex 8 track tape recorder 

Pro Tools 

Roland Juno 60 synth

Roland MKS 80 & programmer, Roland JV-1080, Roland JV-1010

Fender 1956 strat, 1968 maple Gibson 340 Semi Acoustic elec guitar 

Maton 808 ACC guitar, Gibson 1947 Southern Jumbo 

Mesa Tremoverb 

Lawrie Minson Hand made analog fx pedal

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We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter if you have any feedback or would like to suggest a guest (it can even be yourself!)

Roland Fantom Gets Its First Sound Expansions

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Roland aren’t resting on their laurels with their new Fantom models

Roland’s new Fantom 6, 7 and 8 have only been in the wild six weeks or so, but some sound expansion sets are starting to hit the market. Roland themselves have released six sound sets and they’re free – at least for now.

The six sets are:

EXZ006 EXZ World Instruments

EXZ005 EXZ Studio Sounds

EXZ Power Drums

EXZ003 Session Drums

EXZ002 EZX Stage Piano 2

EXZ001 EZX Stage Piano 1

I’ve had a listen and there’s some damn nice sounds in there that will catch the eye of potential buyers. Some of the sounds from the Studio Sounds and Stage Piano sets particularly appealed to me.

However, the elephant in the room remains: organs. Hopefully that’s something to be remedied in the near future.

Have a listen to all the sound sets for yourself, right here.

Would love to hear your thoughts after you have a listen.