Luigi Lazareno

CITY: Houston, TX / Mexico City, MX

WEBSITE: www.midilandia.com 

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Pro Tools

Namba Gear: Big Namba Studio Backpack

Luigi Lazareno is an honor graduate of the Berkee School of Music, with experience of over 35 years in the music industry as a Director, Producer, Composer, Arranger and Pianist for the most important record labels in the industry: Polygram Records, Peerless, Musart, Melody, Sony, and BMG/Ariola. He has participated as Producer, Musical Director with artists such as: Vicky Carr, Ricky Martin, Luis Miguel, Lucero, Jorge Muñiz, Rocío Banquells, Wilfrido Vargas, Manoela Torres, Lorenzo Antonio, Emanuel, Alberto Vázquez, Cesar Costa, Napoleón, Trigo Limpio and Frank Pourcel among others.

Luigi has also participated as a producer, arranger in the most popular music festivals in Latin America, Festival OTI, Valores Juveniles, Juguemos a cantar and Talento Grupero. He was selected as musical director of theater musicals like The Fantastiks and Kumán Rock Opera and has performed as pianist and keyboardist for different types of bands of Latin Music, Jazz and Pop.

Producer and Musical director for Latin TV series like: Somos (with news broadcaster legend Jacobo Sabludowsky), and Soap operas like: Al filo de la muerte, Muchachitas, and The Show of the Stars with Cesar Costa, Luigi has received several nominations, awards and gold records throughout his 35 year career.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT.

I just moved to Texas and I opened an Official Digidesign Certification Training Facility, I always liked to share my knowledge and this new adventure gives me the chance to do it teaching Pro Tools users in English and Spanish and living full time in the USA; it’s a one time life experience.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

As a computer freak I’d like to have my computer and portable recording with me at all times, and especially when I go on the road or to teach on site, My Big Namba Studio Backpack allows me to take my stuff effortlessly, due to the fact that it’s so well designed that the weight is evenly distributed, so my back doesn’t get hurt even in long walks in airport aisles. And it fits perfectly on the upper bin over the passenger seat.

My Mobile DAW contains a Mac PowerBook, Oxygen8 V2, Profire 610, a external HD to accommodate sound data and all the goodies and cables and more cables… …the Studio Backpack has plenty of room to accommodate all that and much more, writing pads, cell phone, etc…can’t move without my Big Namba.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE REMOTE RECORDING LOCATION.

Well, Well..I’d certainly like to use my mobile Pro Tools DAW and do programming at the pool, nothing more relaxing and inspiring than the sound of water and the breathing of fresh air.

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If you complete IMSTA’s survey and opt to reveal your identity, you are entered into a contest with 18 fantastic software prizes. The prizes include some of the Big Dogs of software; Komplete 6 from NI, Reason or Record from Propellerheads, Sonar from Cakewalk, and AmpliTube Fender from IK are just a few of the great prizes. Not only are the prizes of the highest level, but the chances of you actually winning something in this contest are about the best you could ever hope for.

Here is the link to “Let’s Talk Piracy” Survey:  http://imsta.org/imsta_survey.html

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The Lil Namba Remix Backpack was created by our design crew to provide the best carrying solution for a computer Dj using Rane/Serat0 or Vestax VCI300. The Remix Backpack functions equally well  for transport of a laptop mobile studio using a smaller footprint keyboard controller such as the M-Audio Oxygen 8, and using up to a 15″ laptop computer, including the larger screened 15.4″ MacBook Pro.

The Lil Namba Remix Backpack is another in our line of high performance bags. We gave them the high performance designation because of the attention to construction detail and the extreme high grade weather-resistant 1680D poly nylon materials used.

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For your enjoyment, here’s a snippet from a chapter entitled The Music World’s Most Over Used Phrases:

I will interpret some of the most common language you will hear directly after you walk off the bandstand after a show. As with all matters in my book, I will do my level best to handle this with the delicacy it deserves:

“Sounded great out front” = you sucked.

“The bass player was solid” = he sucked.

“The material is really commercial” = it sucks.

“Great stage presence” = don’t sing.

“The chick singer is awesome” = I want to have sex with the chick singer.

Be realistic. All your friends are trying to be supportive. They know how excited you are about your new band. They are truly happy for you. They drove 20 miles in the rain and paid $14 for cheese fries and a glass of something brown just to give you an audience. You come running out of the foot lights and say, “So, what did you think? Did you like that last tune? Don’t you love the new drummer? You know you can tell me what you really think.” Right about now is the moment of truth. Your college room mate, Uncle Tad and J.J. from shipping and receiving all look you right in the eye and start using words like “amazing” and “awesome.” Then, as if scripted, comes a stream of the above mentioned phrases.Hey, you had it coming. Asking these people how they liked your show is similar to your girlfriend asking you if she looks fat in that skirt. The truth? You want the truth? Every Jack Nicholson fan knows the next line. No one wants to crush you. No one has the heart. Except me.

BOTTOM LINE: Bad shows are going to happen. There will be any number of reasons for a bad show. Sometimes it’s the soundman. Sometimes it’s technical problems. Every once in awhile, you have to face the fact that the band just wasn’t up to the task.In reality, the good shows will far outnumber the bad. You have to learn from the mistakes. You have to trust your ears and instincts. Be analytical. Take the time to record or video several of your shows. Dissect the set. Be prepared to take some criticism. Choose your words carefully when critiquing your bandmates. Be open to making the appropriate changes. Be willing to rehearse these changes. You can’t always rely on your close circle of friends to tell you how well you’re doing.

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CITY: Los Angeles, CA

WEBSITE: www.vostudiotech.com

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Twisted Wave

NAMBA GEAR: Shaka Laptop Messenger

George M. Whittam is owner and founder of ElDorado Recording Services. George is a 1997 graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Audio Technology with a Minor in Communications. George went on to acquire considerable expertise in music recording by working with various musicians and artists in the Philadelphia area. He also gained broadcast engineering experience working at a radio station in Philadelphia as the remote engineer for the NFL Eagles Radio Network.

George was introduced to the world of voice-overs through a producer at the station, Howard Parker, who asked the station’s engineer to help him build a home studio in New York City. George came along to assist. George later followed Parker to Los Angeles and furthered his already diverse experience by working on over 15 film projects in 3 years as a sound mixer and boom operator.

From a handful of satisfied clients, George has now built a business that works solely with voice-over studios and clients. His extensive knowledge of computers, software, equipment, and troubleshooting abilities makes him a sought after expert and indispensable on-call technician. He is globally considered a top authority in voice-over recording technology. He has invested thousands of hours researching studio design, recording equipment, and creating training materials for voice actors. In so doing, he has also become an industry innovator by developing specialized services that cater exclusively to voice-over professionals.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT.

At ERS we use the NAMBA bags to create custom portable recording packages called VO2GO for the traveling voice-over artist. VO2Go’s are portable recording kits built to order for the traveling voice-over actor, using exactly what the individual needs. A typical VO2Go kit includes a Dell Mini 10 or Macbook, Rode NTG1 or NTG3 mic, CEntrance MicPort Pro USB preamp, Source Connect Standard, recording software of choice, Sennheiser PX100 headphones, Stage Ninja Scorpion mic arm, and Namba Gear Shaka or Lil Namba Remix bag.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

I first saw Namba Gear at the NAMM show in Jan. 2009 and was immediately impressed with the bags. The color, design, features, sizes, and coincidentally very close proximity to my office, has made a very welcome, convenient, and cost effective addition to my modest but focused portfolio.

Personally, I use a the Shaka Laptop Messenger bag and I put a lot of stuff in there. Typically it’s just my Macbook Pro 15″, a small toolkit, a MicPort Pro (just in case), power supply, and various small cables. Today I had my Powerbook 12″ in there along with the Macbook Pro. The Shaka bag holds everything securely and safely, looks attractive, is comfortable to carry, and the price is right!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VOICE-OVER CLIENTS AND THEIR NEEDS.

My clients take their mic, mic mount, audio interface, laptop, printer, and other items when they travel the world, so the Shaka Bag is a nature fit. They can never be completely unavailable to record a spot for a national TV campaign.

Sometimes a client may prefer the extra space to carry additional mic accessories, a compact printer, or even a change of clothes for an overnight. In these circumstances we recommend the Lil Namba Remix Backpack. It creates a nice step up in protection for your gear, and a lot more compartments to fit it all neatly.

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Just for fun, a special thanks to alert Namba Gear fan, Dave from the UK, for providing a great example of our slogan, Primitive Technology.

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Christian Martirano

CITY: New Milford, CT

WEBSITE:  http://www.designsounds.com

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Digital Performer 6.02, Logic 8; Melodyne Studio 3; Synthogy Ivory, Upright Pianos, Italian Grand; Arturia, Native Instruments, and Waves Plug-ins.

NAMBA GEAR: Big Namba Studio Backpack

I’ve had a pretty varied career with one of the highlights as Director of Product Development for Kurzweil Music Systems for more than 12 years during their heyday. I created many of the sound programs used on their award winning products.

Earlier on, I had a band called Voices (Atco Records) and handled all keyboards, synth arranging and programming. After Voices I was in The Solution (Last Kingdom Records/Vision Records). In addition to playing keyboards, I programmed all synths and drum tracks. The group performed live for BET on the Bobby Jones Gospel Hour in Nashville, TN.

Currently, and in addition to my other projects, I perform live with Higher & Higher Band.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT, RECORDING, OR PERFORMANCE:

Recently I had the pleasure of working with a long time friend, David Rosenthal (famed keyboardist with Billy Joel’s band) programming for A Tale of Two Cities that ran on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theater. We used Muse Receptors, and Kurzweil K2600XS to supplement acoustic instruments and produce an rich orchestral score. These projects require an intensive amount of work reducing the score, deciding which player gets what instrumental parts, creating complex split and layered programs, and creating new notated musical parts for each keyboardists to play.

I just completed recording an impressive choir at a private high school for the gifted (Canterbury School) that was also filmed for a new promotional piece the school will use to attract new students.

As part of my regular business, I am the choir director/keyboardist for St. Francis Xavier Parish in CT. I had the pleasure of recording our Christmas concert that consisted of selections by Bach, Vivaldi and others. I continue to play weekly in an Open Door Band at the United Methodist Church, also in CT.

I routinely program synthesizers for all major manufacturers and just completed programming custom patches for Nord for their Wave instrument. Nord will release these patches to their customer base.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

I love my Big Namba Studio Backpack! When I am programming for Broadway shows, due to equity rules, I am not allowed to be ‘on the stage’ programming during breaks. The stage must be clear. This means that often the programmers must have a duplicate setup in an available room somewhere in the theater. As budgets are very tight, often I will use a USB keyboard controller and my laptop to make musical changes to the newly notated keyboard parts and print them from a local printer, and we may ask for rack versions of the keyboard models for the duplicate setup (racks are cheaper) and I will use my USB keyboard and laptop to make musical sound changes. We will store these changes to a drive and transfer them to the pit gear when we are allowed to.

My Namba Studio Backpack allows me to bring a 25 note USB keyboard, my MacBook Pro a small USB to MIDI interface, some cables and music notation paper or printing paper, and a few pedals. In major cities, parking is always a problem and frequently I must drag my gear for many blocks to reach the theater to avoid the over priced parking that is closer to the theater districts. I am able to grab my Namba Backpack and go. It is comfortable, protects my gear and allows me to bring what I need in one package making life so much easier! In the past, I had my laptop case, another bag with pedals, cables, headphones, and USB to MIDI interface, and a briefcase with paper, the score, pencils etc. I had to use a small luggage hand truck to cart it to the theater. Now I just grab my Namba. Very cool!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE REMOTE RECORDING LOCATION.

My favorite remote recording location is in my car! I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 12V to AC adapter and can work for hours regardless of battery life. I even use the audio output of my laptop (when not doing critical listening work) and plug it into my car stereo system as that is frequently where I listen to my mixes anyway. Bringing my Namba Studio Backpack assures me that I have everything I need, and that my gear is well protected when I am on the move. Sometimes, I get out and do some work in a coffee shop when I need an energy boost and a change of scene. I always attract a lot of attention when flying, but that is another story!

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Mark Zonder

CITY: Encinitas, California

WEBSITE: www.markzonder.com,  www.myspace.com/markzonder  

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo

NAMBA GEAR: Big Namba Studio Backpack

I played drums in the school bands all the way from elementary school through high school. I was also jamming with other guys I could find. I sued to play with a friend of mine who played the sax. We used to play really bad versions of Chicago’s first album. I loved the sound, but we were horrible.

I played with various cover bands playing a few originals. We did everything from heavy stuff to commercial music. This was a big learning experience. While playing in a local band, I met Bill Tsamis and I joined him with the Warlord band. We would spend hours of just playing guitar and drums.

Bill and I decided to move to L.A. to follow our dreams. We moved into a small part of a big building in N. Hollywood. We auditioned singers for what seemed like years and could never find our man. We recorded a couple of albums and a self-produced video and things just sort of fell apart.

As things fell apart, I sort of wound up with our building/rehearsal studio. Since I played the drums, I needed the space. One day a friend of mine asked me to use the space and pay me $20. A light bulb went off and within a year I had taken over the entire 10,000 sq. ft. building. This is how my original rehearsal and recording studio known as Bill’s Place was born. We have had some of the biggest bands in the world as well as some of the smallest bands, and everything in between. Bill’s Place is still going strong.

One of the best musical educations I got is when I played with Charles and Astrid of the band Animotion. They were coming from an entirely different musical place than I was. But I was willing to learn and they were willing to teach. This was a situation where I was playing all pads through an interface that was triggering a very early Akai unit. I was getting the click with the keyboard player that was also tied to a couple of sequencers.

I got a call from Jim Matheos of Fates Warning. As things worked out, I started working on material and before I knew it I was in Connecticut at the Carriage House Studios recording the Perfect Symmetry album. Fates made several American and European tours and toured with Dream Theater and Queensryche. I am very thankful for all my experiences with Fates. The music has been challenging as well as I have gotten to see the world doing what I love to do.

Currently I am involved with several recording projects and plan to continue releasing albums and touring the world.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT, RECORDING, OR PERFORMANCE:

I’ve been doing a lot of drum clinics with Guitar Center sponsored by DW Drums, Zildjian, Remo, Vater and Toca, and starting to record the new Slavior record. Slavior includes Michael Schenker Group guitarist/keyboardist Wayne Findlay, ex-Tribe of Gypsies singer Gregg Analla, and ex-Steve Vai/Ring of Fire bassist Philip Bynoe. Also been doing session work in my own recording studio.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

I like the way I can get both a computer, sampler and i/0 box along with cables into the bag. The Big Namba Studio Backpack also keeps everything very organized. This bag has been great with these drum clinics as it keeps all of my computer stuff in the same place and makes it very easy to pack and go.

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Alert Namba Gear fan Jeff from Colorado sent us this photo of the latest in Belgium Mobile DJ rigs. This starts to explain the curious inquiries we’ve had from the Benelux region lately asking for a really large Big Namba Studio Backpack.

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