Ray Bell

Story

My thing is that I play tracks straight through in ONE take, as heard, "LIVE". Old school HARDWARE ONLY approach with ear towards blending ANY new sounds with cool and unique rhythm patterns. Goal is a natural flow of sound and not overly processed. Classically trained trumpet player and self-taught Keyboard player. (Former professional keys/trumpet player in the USMC). Will occasionally do covers and have played in bands, but my creative passion is to come up with music that is "Theme" based, suitable for ambient listening or a movie score someday. Roland A880 Midi Patch Bay; Ashly LX308B; Roland Studio Capture 16 x 10 (x2) Interfaces with all 32 channels available to send via USB into Sonar Professional and Mixbus5. Thanks for listening!

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is peace, comfort, joy and my own unique expression of 12 simple tones.

What is your music dream?

To have one of my original works scored to a movie or as music for lyrics sang by someone that can deliver.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

I would flip "Love of Power" to "Power of Love" - (J. Hendrix)

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

"Come Sail Away" Styx.....the lyrics and creative use of synthesizers really affected me.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Styx, Kansas, Alan Parsons Project(s), Billy Powell (Skynyrd), Jordan Rudess (technique only), Rick Wakeman (technique only), Keith Emerson (technique only), Supertramp, Classic Big Bands from the 40's, Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa etc. Anyone or any style that can "set the mood"....

What inspires you to make music?

It's a need. A need to blend and combine all sorts of s o u n d s.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Just a simple message of making my own unique connection with people and our universe and for at least (some) folks to "get me" in terms of my arrangements of sound and rhythm. It's communication right?

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

I enjoy it very much, but get pumped up a bit too much at times. I prefer to let others have the spotlight and to just do "my thing" with my keyboards as solid musical support.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

There are so many choices for folks now, very easy to get lost in the "noise"......Maybe allow for easier labeling/categorizing of musical styles to demo original music in...versus mass dumping.

What do you think of Drooble?

Seems pretty cool.....still learning.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

The sound engineering and software side seems to have outpaced basic musicianship and talent/chops...especially when performing live. Who needs a "good" band when you have Ableton Live eh?

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Yes.......Beer. Craft Beer that is. And bands that play at Craft Beer breweries :)

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

A message and talent to deliver it.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Sade Black, Monroe/Charlotte, NC Rapper and Artist / Thievery Corporation (i.e. "Letter To The Editor")