(Last Update: April 1, 2004)

RSMurthi's 'All Keyed Up' is an instrumental keyboard album featuring 10 original tracks composed and performed during late-night sessions in an overcrowded room during December 2003. All the pieces were conceived and played in real time on analogue, virtual-analogue or physical modelling synthesizers like the Roland SH-101, Korg MS2000, Alesis ION and Korg Prophecy. The music was recorded, mixed and mastered on a portable Korg D1200 Digital Recording Studio. The only programming involved was tempo mapping of drum patterns on the D1200 and a sequenced bass line on the SH-101. It's basically analogue-synth music with strong New Age, Latin and World elements and some hip-hop, trance and techno touches. The ideas for the pieces, created layer by layer in fits of feverish inspiration in the wee small hours of the morning, were suggested by sonic flavours found on the keyboards and the mood of the moment. To derive maximum pleasure from the super-dynamic stereo mix, listening via a set of quality headphones is recommended. Make a donation to a children's orphanage and e-mail me (stratslinger@yahoo.com) for a copy.

Interview with Chua Chern Toong of The Star, Malaysia

((Photo courtesy of The Star)

My main synths: Korg MS2000, Korg Prophecy, Casio CZ-3000, Technics WSA1, Yamaha DX7, Roland Juno-106.

Sound modules/drum machines/sequencers: Korg ER-1, Korg EA-1, Yamaha DX200, Yamaha AN200, Korg KP2 Kaoss Pad, Roland TR-707, Korg SQD-1.

Recording/DSP gear: Korg D1600, Korg D1200, Yamaha REV7, Yamaha SPX90, Yamaha DG-1000, Korg A5.

MIDI boxes: Korg KMT-60, WORKS MT-01 MIDI Patch Box.

Mics: A pair of Shure KSM27s, a pair of AKG C1000s, Shure SM57 and SM58, Behringer B1, an assortment of cheap Taiwan-made condensers and tie-clip mics.

Guitars/string instruments: Gibson Les Paul Standard, Gibson SG 61 Reissue, Fender American Standard Strat, Fender Mexican Strat, Yamaha AEX1500, Yamaha SA2000, Yamaha BB300 bass, Yamaha FG433S, Takamine EN18, Ibanez nylon-string cutaway, Ibanez Stefan Grossman SG-1, Washburn mandolin.

Guitar amps/preamps: Laney AOR 3012 Series II tube amp, Fender Deluxe 85 solid state, Behringer V-Amp 2.

TRACK LISTING

1. Lest We... (Alesis ION) (5.05)

2. Joy Jaunt (Alesis ION) (7.29)

3. Self-Fulfilling Prophecy (Korg Prophecy) (4.58)

4. MS2K Prelude (Korg MS2000) (0.45)

5. MS2K 4 U (Korg MS2000) (3.52)

6. Lonely Voyage (Alesis ION) (6.20)

7. Sputter Splat (Alesis ION) (5.15)

8. By the River (Korg MS2000, Alesis ION) (4.12)

9. Deadend (Alesis ION) (6.22)

10. Dream 101 (Roland SH-101) (7.02)

Bonus Cut

11. Forever Free (Roland Paraphonic-505)