Mercy Mercy Mercy – Keyboard Tutorial Video

Mercy Mercy Mercy – Keyboard Tutorial Video

For a while now I’ve been wanting to put some keyboard tutorials online but copyright was always an issue – to get an MCPS license was far too expensive for this type of project. Then along came wearethehits.com, a company that has negotiated a deal with publishing houses to ensure the songwriter / composer gets paid, but also allows the video content creator to earn a little for their work – win win! wearethehits were started within Sony, but became independent in order to add more publishing houses and grow their available catalogue.

Here is the first of the tutorials, Mercy Mercy Mercy by Joe Zawinul. Hopefully this format is helpful but I’d welcome your feedback on my YouTube channel! x

CME Xkey 37 Controller Keyboard Features Demo

CME Xkey 37 Controller Keyboard Features Demo

I was fascinated by the CME Xkey as soon as I saw it and couldn’t wait to try it. Here was something that could easily be packed into an overnight bag alongside a laptop and headphones, so that keyboardists could work anywhere. This short video demonstrates the main features and shows how versatile this piece of kit is. It takes a little getting used to but has allowed me to compose a lot of tracks on the road that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

This was originally posted on my keyboardist channel.

Xkey is available at:
Juno | Thomann | Amazon
(aff links)

Stronger – Modal Mix

Stronger – Modal Mix

Hey folks! First up a warning, this video contains some strobing effects!

I’d been wanting to do my own remix to this track to give it more power in the chorus so here’s the result, I hope you like it. It still features the fabulous Johnny Thirkell on brass!

The video is my little attempt at a VJ Video, using clips from Storyblocks. Being a sci-fi fan I’ve always wanted robots in a video so here they are 😉 x

Stronger

Stronger

Stronger

(with Johnny Thirkell & Gaz Rackham)

Atheen - Stronger

BeatportBandcamp

Beatport Bandcamp Spotify iTunes

Hey lovelies, it’s time for a new track! There’s a particular sound that I’ve always been after so this year I’ve taken some time out to learn some new production skills and get more musicians to contribute, so here is the result 🙂

This time the track is featuring a contribution from the illustrious Johnny Thirkell on brass! Again I’m utterly honoured that someone of his calibre has taken the time to work on this project – just check out his discography! (It includes working with Jamiroquai, Level 42, Tina Turner, David Bowie and contributing to 25 number one singles!!)

Also on the track is my adorable buddy Gaz Rackham playing one of his infectious basslines. As I’ve said before, he is the Mark to my Mike, the Zender to my Jay, the Stan to my George, hehe! x

Percussion is by Adam Alesi, a fantastic session drummer from LA, Violin by talented classical player Ayran Nicodemo in Brazil and the funky guitar is from the awesome Jack Pennifold in London – a truly international collaboration – thanks guys! 🙂

Track Credits

Written and Produced by Atheen.
Brass arranged, played and recorded by Johnny Thirkell.
Bass by Gaz Rackham.
Percussion by Adam Alesi.
Guitar by Jack Pennifold.
Violin by Ayran Nicodemo.
Mastered by Jesse at Medway Studios.
Video background by Storyblocks.

Release Date: 08/10/21

M-Audio Keystation 88 Mk3 Test

M-Audio Keystation 88 Mk3 Test

A couple of months ago I was sent the M-Audio Keystation Mk3 to review and was so impressed that I ended up buying one for gigs!

In the video above is a quick comparison of the Keystation alongside the Yamaha P115 so that you can hear the difference (or similarities) in velocity.

You can read my full review at Sound On Sound – https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/m-audio-keystation-88-mk3 – yes that’s right folks, my first Sound On Sound article is now published! 🙂

Get the full spec at:
Gear4Music | Thomann | Amazon
(aff links)