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James is a writer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, sound designer, and synth enthusiast. From bebop to hip-hop, he has a diverse passion for music that blends modern and traditional concepts.
After studying as a pianist and composer, James developed a keen interest in music production and sound design. Pursuing these interests at the SAE Institute, he discovered just how expansive the world of music production truly is.
A massive jazz fan, James was drawn to the production and engineering styles of pioneers like Rudy Van Gelder and Attilio Joseph "Teo" Macero. He then studied the works of seminal engineers and producers from each era, drawing influence from figures like Quincy Jones and Joe Meek to Dr. Dre and Ryan Tedder.
Over the past 20 years, James has gained vast experience as a performer, educator, composer, and content creator. He has worked on various educational projects to highlight the many benefits of music.
Through collaborations with organizations like Youth Music UK and brands like JBL, he has led campaigns encouraging young people to get involved in music. He has also composed music for campaigns promoting mental health awareness.
As a writer, James covers major music industry trade shows (especially synth-focused events like Superbooth), creating content that showcases the latest releases from manufacturers and developers.
He has produced demo and tutorial content for brands like Akai, iZotope, and Plugin Boutique, accumulating hundreds of thousands of views. His writing has also appeared on platforms such as Bedroom Producers Blog, Pianist's Compass, and Music Critic.
As a musician and producer, his goal is never to close doors but to take influence from everywhere - never be defined by a single genre, just make music.
I’m a long-time fan of Studiologic keyboards, whether synths, stage pianos, or MIDI controllers.
In this review, I’m testing Studiologic’s latest mid-priced full-size keyboard controller, the SL88 Mk2. I’ll discuss how it differs from the original and how it stacks up against the competition.
Home recording has never been more accessible, and you don’t need to spend thousands to get started. In this article, I’m going to look at the essentials – the things you need most to set up your space – so let’s get your new home recording studio up and running.
A good MIDI controller is often one of the most powerful tools a musician/producer can buy, and you don’t have to pay a small fortune.
I’ve tested a range of budget controllers to find the best options available between $100 and $200. These MIDI controllers are ideal for beginners on a tight budget but are good enough for advanced musicians.
Making music on the go or with limited space is the norm for most musicians, which is why we love the portability of 25-key MIDI controllers.
Synth VST plugins are so good these days that they convert even the most ardent hardware purists to software enthusiasts.
Soft synths are generally a cheaper alternative to hardware, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get pricey. As always, I’ve got some recommendations for all budgets and a couple of freebies everyone should have.
I’ve been a fan of these keyboards since the original Kontrol S series was released, but I found better value for money elsewhere due to the very high asking price.
Now, the Kontrol S Mk3 promises to redefine our expectations of a keyboard controller, and I admit, at first look, I’m excited. In this review, I’ll find out if the Kontrol S88, S61, and S49 Mk3 are worth every penny.