Chris Burgham Keys on SoundBetter

I'm a versatile and meticulous pianist/keyboardist with a standout track record, from recording at Abbey Road to recording with top artists in London. Equally proficient on piano and keyboards, which is a rare combination, I bring a unique blend of classical training and expertise with synths and pedals.

My primary offering is my ability to record equally well on all keyboard types. This unique versatility allows me to bring a diverse range of musical colors and textures to any project. Whether it's piano, synth, rhodes, hammond or the most bizarre Omnisphere sound, I've got you covered!

I've got a solid foundation in classical training and a good understanding of modern production techniques - I studied Music Performance and Recording in my degree at London College of Music, where I learned from some of the best in the biz.

I don't think you'll find many keys players who've built their own pedalboard - and mine is brilliant if I do say so myself! It really adds this warmth and colour to my sounds, especially for 70s, 80s and 90s stuff. I'm a big rocker who also love electro-pop and pretty much something from every genre.

When you hire me, you can expect professionalism, creativity, a strong commitment to bringing your musical vision to life, and a swift turnaround.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

I've recorded at Abbey Road Studios

6 Reviews

Endorse Chris Burgham Keys

by Steven J.
Verified
Chris did an excellent job getting the performance I was looking for. He was easy to work with and extremely patient. I'd definitely recommend him for your project.
by Joe Truscott
Man this guy can play! Wouldn't hesitate to get Chris to play whether it's live or studio in the future...
by Erika Footman
Chris is my go to for all things piano and synth. He is fantastic to work with goes above and beyond and his sounds and equipment are great. He’s recorded on my last EP and has helped with arrangement and recorded some covers that we re-imagined.
by Elliot Coombs
Chris is my go-to for all piano and keys recording. His technical ability allows him to play just about anything yet he never overcooks parts, playing exactly what is needed. As well as being right at home behind a piano he is brilliant at programming synths and building textures. His collection of synths, pedals and toys is enviable. If that wasn't enough he's also the nicest guy, with buckets of patience, a love of music and a willingness to be creative. Honestly I can't recommend Chris highly enough. Get this guy on your recordings!
by Simon Bell
Chris has played for me in a live situation and on recordings. I have been a professional singer since 1964, and Chris know the material from back then as well as the music of today. There is nothing he cannot play, as I found out when we recorded a song for an EP of mine & he transformed the accompaniment into a piece strongly, and beautifully, influenced by a Bach prelude. He always "accompanies" a singer, something that doesn't always happen. You won't regret booking him!
by Joe Card
I have collaborated with Chris on several projects and I cannot speak highly enough of him. He is equally comfortable on pretty much any instrument and has a vast knowledge of many different genres of music, which allows him to quickly identify what a track needs, whether that be a sparse piano part or screaming hammond solo. Always, his passion for the music comes across. Highly recommended !!!

Interview with Chris Burgham Keys

Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: This might be very obvious but I do see it mistaken very often - balanced levels and a clean signal path go such a long way to a good keys sound, often more than compression, EQ and effects.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I get a lot of work in the rock world, but I've been on country and folk records, electro-pop, loads of singer-songwriter stuff, and some art-rock.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Doing what's right for the song. I've played in countless bands and ensembles live, and I'm known for playing the right thing in the right place; I think that's very important in music.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Texture. I like to think the role of a keys player is to bring a dry sound to life; whether it's something rhythmic, melodic or harmonic there is almost always something I can think of to bring balance, excitement and cohesion to a work.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Memory Man, Juno 106, Kurzweil Forte piano, Ableton Push, Macbook Pro with interface (does that count as one?). As long as I can have a delay pedal, I don't think I'd ever get bored! I'd have a synth, a piano, and with the Push I'd have an interface to record and do all sorts of crazy things.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have the following hardware synths: Juno 106, Prophet 6, Roland SH-09, Behringer Model D and Pro-1. Pedals are: EHX Q-Tron ➞ Neo Ventilator II (Rotary) ➞ MXR Chorus ➞ MXR Phase 45 ➞ EHX Deluxe Memory Man ➞ Strymon Flint ➞ Strymon Deco Keyboards are Kurzweil Forte (best piano sound I've come across) and Nord Stage 3.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Herbie Hancock is a big one, he's THE guy who has successfully crossed the piano-keys border. The Beatles and George Martin, of course. Not as well known, but I really love Ian MacLagan of the Faces and Rolling Stones, and Benmont Tench of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Greg Phillinganes (Toto, Michael Jackson) and George Duke are big inspirations too.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: With remote recording, my most common gig is tracking synths on top of a track which is fairly complete. If I'm in a studio I tend to be playing keys more often, laying down bare bones for a track over bass and drums.