Geeking OUT to Melodyne and Roland Space Echo with Jamin Gilbert of ishlab Music
DUMBO, BROOKLYN: On the 6th floor of 10 Jay Street in DUMBO, a hub for multiple businesses in the creative industries, you’ll find an inviting gem at ishlab music, a professional yet relaxed music studio and music licensing company that has embraced the truly diverse and eccletic arrays of music on the NY scene since it first opened its doors in 2001 to be a springboard for soul, funk, electronica, jazz, rock, drum & bass, classical, hip hop, world music, and so much more.
An Emu or two led Jamin Gilbert to ishlab.
We recently caught up with ishlab’s President and CEO Jamin (pronounced with a long a) Gilbert to learn about what he’s been geeking OUT to at ishlab, past and present, and future of course!
Career Inspiration:
“Passion and fascination with music, ideas, problem solving, working with people, the creative process, building things, and the power of music as an instrument of change.”
Geeking OUT Back in the Day:
“It all began with good ol’ fashioned instruments, my papa’s drum kit, and my mom’s piano. Then in ’92 I was enraptured by the Tech 12 direct drive turntable, and four track tape recorder combo; perfecting musical collages and DJ mixes was a laborious task compared to the tech today (and it was only eighteen years ago!). In ’96, the Boss Dr. Sample, Roland DJ 2000, and Alesis ADAT brought a whole new world of possibilities. I could sample with the Dr. Sample, add effects with the DJ 2000, and record up to sixteen tracks on the ADAT. I could make real songs!
“Then in ’98 I got a Mac computer, Digital Performer recording and sequencing software, a Emu 5000 sampler, MIDI controller keyboard and a JP8000 synth. I spent nearly all my free time making music. All of the creative possibilities became so fascinating that I opened a full on recording studio, ishlab, in 2000. A creative home where all could express their creative genius and geek out to the max.”
Geeking OUT in 2011:
“On the DJ tip, software like Serato and Traktor are getting better and better — my back is especially thankful, no more crate carrying — and it opens up DJing to almost anyone.
“On the production side, I’m amazed by the Melodyne isolating and tuning software, and the capabilities of the compact and robust NeKo and MiKo production stations. There are more companies creating software/hardware combos which provide so much functionality without the price of buying each facet individually. This is beneficial to anyone wanting to do a lot in a small space, or a lot with a small budget. I still love the classic vintage stuff though, like the Roland Space Echo, that’s a popular one at ishlab.
Can't resist the Echo echo echo....
“And nothing has replaced the sound of analog instruments, amps and processors. The digital stuff is great, but I find recordings that mix analog and acoustic elements with digital to be the most compelling, interesting and undeniable. I also find that technology can make one lose focus on the basics of texture, color, timbre, etc; it’s important to keep the basics in mind – you can accomplish a lot with a little old technology. The concepts will always be the same. We’ve been having a blast with vintage synths – totally geeking out on synth layered with live guitar or bass or strings. And programmed drums layered with live drums – the energy of the live kit coupled with the definition of the programmed sounds is sick.”
The Here & Now & What’s NEXT:
“We’re launching our retail business background music styling/music curation service with some really talented and acclaimed DJs. We’re also expanding our multimedia music licensing services — indy and artists and labels can contact us as ishtracks@ishlab.com. A few recent notable placements include music licenses for ten reality TV shows, Production Glue and Huge. On the Ishlab artist production side, Betty Black, Leo Coltrane and Marc Griffin are slated for a few releases this year – they are sounding amazing.”
Words by Shamita Carriman – Entertainment lawyer, founder/ managing partner of Carriman Law Group PLLC, Board of Directors of Women In Music, and music tech enthusiast. She can be contacted at info@carrimanlawgroup.com.
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