I play 10-string Chapman Stick and cover many styles. I prefer to have creative freedom when collaborating, but can work to a brief. This instrument excels at doing "its own thing", but can also cover many bass and ambient needs. You can check out my music on Spotify or other platforms. I have been a pro working musician since the late 80's.
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Interview with Andy Salvanos
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I've been commissioned to provide a local hospital (Flinders Medical Centre) with music on several occasions, which I'm really grateful for, as it serves a greater purpose to the community.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: New solo album, my first attempt at solo piano music, and some collaborations.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Probably, but I'm not 100% sure at this point.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital. Many reasons, but mainly there are less noise issues.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I always try to serve the music. I've got nothing to prove as a performer.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Having the opportunity to express emotions through music. Meeting different people and getting feedback about how my music has affected them. We all need that sometimes. I loved busking for that reason.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Most of the people I work with/for tend to know what I do, and what to expect.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That my instrument can sound just like a guitar, piano or violin. It's a unique sound.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Depends on the project. I try to make things easy.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Listen to some of my solo albums and collaborations. I think you will know if you want what I have to offer.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My Chapman Stick, a small solar powered amp, a Neunaber reverb pedal, a Zoom recorder, and my phone for doing live streams!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've been a full-time musician since the late 80's. I was born into a classical music family. This has always been IT for me.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Someone once called it "intelligent elevator music". I think that's pretty close. It can be background music, but I write pieces of music that (hopefully) stand up to more focused listening. I'm a live performer, and the best tunes always survive being played to a live audience.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Sufjan Stevens. He's a brilliant songwriter, and has a great feel for using the right sounds and instruments in production.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Trust your ears before any visual cues.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Instrumentals.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Not overplaying.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: A unique instrumental sound. Melody and texture. It's not strumming or finger picking, something different.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I tend to work on one project at a time, so it gets my full attention. I usually listen to things for a day or two before I do any playing or recording.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Audient interface, Presonus monitors, range of outboard effects.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Anyone who stays true to their art and doesn't just make music to fit in a box.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Record Chapman Stick parts, edit, mix, and sometimes master.
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