What is Squids' day like?

[zai]

I'm just interested to know...what is your day like Squids...hang around KVR all day? Sorting through samples? Programming?

What do you like to do that has nothing to do with music? You like to read? Computer gaming?

You don't have to tell me where you live...but just want to see what Squids do with his "normal" day.

Zai

[telebunke]

I'm just interested to know...what is your day like

It's very different form yours, different as night and day, so to say.

For more details, check the boulevard press.

tele

[Squids]

I am in front of my laptop for a large part of the day going through sample lists, details, Wavelab, Reason, SampleTank etc. I leave KVR on as my default and check in to see what's happening. I've tried to have someone else take over for me here but it didn't work so even though I am busier than I ever was before I still manage to hang here almost everyday. But, if it gives the impression that this is all I do then... If only!

During the average business day I have tons of meetings, phone calls, team management stuff, project overseeing, programming, sample sessions (sometimes- usually not in house but we do have an SR studio too), contracts, lawyers, accountants... all the joys of owning a business! There's also making demos which is a fun musical outlet. I also like figuring out how we can do the impossible and release a ton of really cool products!

I don't have enough time for personal stuff and hobbies but I like fishing, cooking, ping pong, basketball, swimming, tennis (except I suck), movies... I want to be a screenwriter for films later in life. I've written two screenplays already but I don't have time now to finish them or do more. But, I will at some point and write the score for the films too. On the cooking, I am a hack gourmet and make authentic and creative Sushi and other Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Cajun...

I read a bit but not as much as you might think. I get bored easily. I also play in a band locally for fun. It's a bunch of friends I grew up with. Nothing serious, just playing covers we like and doing these gigs that they book. I've been having to miss gigs because of traveling though. Occassionally I travel all over the place. This Fall it starts up again. Europe, Japan... of course I love the various cultures and food around the world so IK doesn't have to twist my arm to do it!

One thing I love to do is just play music and improvise. I do this on piano, drums, guitars and keys. It's relaxing. Sometimes the music is deep and powerful but it is only for that moment and then lost, kind of like a good dream. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Basic stuff. I used to be a bit more wild when I was single in LA but things evolve. I am somewhat domesticated now.

[zai]

Thanks Squids...must be fun being you!

If I ever have the chance, I'd love to meet you in person. I don't travel much and shall I say that I'm also domesticated as well...with 2 kids and planning to go back to school to become a teacher.

Zai

[zai]

One more question...coming from you might be the best source.

If I am to use a laptop to run all current and future IK products...what would you suggest? I have been thinking of going "laptop" for a while...but am afraid that it will only drag during gigs.

I use a PowerMac at home btw. Dual G5 2.0, 1.5G Ram...that should be enough to run all of IK's stuff...including the up coming ones. If possible, to run Reason and Live along side...do I need a host? I probably do....

Zai

P.S. This question is open to everybody else too!

[Tritonman1]

What? no teaching lessons? Its not like you dont have the time or anything.. :p Your doing practically everything else.

Sounds like you are in desperate need of an assistant

[Squids]

I have many assistants and I really couldn't do all of this without them. I wouldn't mind a travel assistant who speaks almost every language though. Preferably female although not for the reason you are thinking. Just someone who is really well organized and has some good social skills for business meetings worldwide. I actually met someone like this who would have been PERFECT but she works for another company and is loyal (another great quality but works against you when they are loyal to another company and not to you first). That's a speaker company though and this is way more interesting if you ask me! But, hey, the search is still on.

Teaching I would love to do and will probably do if things slow down. I am guesting on some seminars on sampling, recording, production etc at some music schools though. The other thing I enjoy doing is product demonstrations. Well, it is not so much that I enjoy doing it but SOMEONE has to! IK and SR are actually looking for someone who can play, talk and hype products in a demonstration like the ones I do. We have several people but we need someone who can be sent anywhere in the world and blow people away with their knowledge, speaking skills and playing ability. I can imagine there are people much better than me at it. I do my best but I am not really a product specialist. I just play one on TV. But, until we find them (can be more than one) I have to do it.

On Zai's laptop question, this is a difficult one and a simple one at the same time. If you're not picky then most PC laptops running Pentium 4 or Centrinos are probably fine. Sonys in particular and of course Apple G4s too. HP also but we've had some bad luck with a few Toshibas. Then there are custom audio laptops from Alienware and others that I am sure are even better.

I personally use a Sony PCG-Z1VA (catchy name isn't it?). It has a Centrino 1.6 in it. I used to have (well, still do but SR office uses it and I don't travel with it anymorw) a Sony 2.8gig P4 but it weighs too much and battery life is terrible. So, at that point it is practically a desktop. I have a couple good desktop PCs. One of them is a Shuttle box though which I DO NOT recommend. We've had nothing but problems with those overheating. This one seems okay but I've had two fry on us.

I have a G4 17" laptop that I like a lot. But, I use my little Sony more. In fact, I was going to switch to a newer Sony that has a brighter screen and faster processing speed but I couldn't let go of this one. I get good screen resolution on this one and I actually like to fit as many things on the screen as possible so I actually LIKE it smaller! Some people find it hard to read but I don't mind. I like the BIG view of a lot of smaller things. So, you can see it is a matter of taste. Most people probably would have prefered the OTHER Sony laptop.

[Arglebargle]

Squids gets a lot of hot action from groupies.

[telebunke]

Squids gets a lot of hot action from groupies.

Is that from the virtual groupies included in ST2.1?
A groupie VST instrument would be really nice, with groupies that have a nice voice for backing vox, of course.
(ex-)Users of Cubasis VST 4 and 5 will remember the singing monk brother gregory, something similar should be possible for groupies as well.

tele

[r_harms]

I also play in a band locally for fun. It's a bunch of friends I grew up with. Nothing serious, just playing covers we like and doing these gigs that they book.

Maybe you could give us a heads-up next time you gig with the band, I'm sure a few of us local folk would love to see you play

Richard

[Squids]

Squids gets a lot of hot action from groupies.

When I was on Womad in 1993 I had heard that Peter Gabriel's daughter Melanie might have a sort of crush on me. Well, it was me and Manu Katche apparently. So, I flirted a little bit with her on the tour. She was very nice and sweet. Then I blew it one day by taking a gorgeous blonde bimbo backstage. I remember Melanie and the tour manager looking over at me in disgust as if they were thinking "typical guy musician". I sort of felt cheap for doing it but it was easy to play the "wanna go backstage" card. I am lazy so if it falls right into my lap (so to speak) then... of course nothing happened that night, honest. Needless to say PG didn't become Dad-in-law either. That would have been weird anyway.

[Squids]

Squids gets a lot of hot action from groupies.

Is that from the virtual groupies included in ST2.1?
A groupie VST instrument would be really nice, with groupies that have a nice voice for backing vox, of course.
(ex-)Users of Cubasis VST 4 and 5 will remember the singing monk brother gregory, something similar should be possible for groupies as well.

tele

That's a stretch.

[Squids]

I also play in a band locally for fun. It's a bunch of friends I grew up with. Nothing serious, just playing covers we like and doing these gigs that they book.

Maybe you could give us a heads-up next time you gig with the band, I'm sure a few of us local folk would love to see you play

Richard

We used to play local clubs. Tarpon Bend, Lulu's Bait Shack, Harbor Grill etc. but that was years ago. Now we only play high paying corporate gigs or parties of friends. For instance, this Saturday somehow as a favor we are playing for our friend's 15 year High School Reunion. It is the grade above mine and younger than the drummer's. We grew up playing in a band at the time so we'll do some old classic rock. It'll practically be a concert with requested tunes. The singer is a human jukebox.

But, sometimes we do an outdoor concert. If we do I will announce it here perhaps. I don't have the time to dedicate to it like I have in the past though. It is a fun outlet. We might change it around to play original tunes instead and that might make it more interesting.