Alexander Adhami - Musician, Soundengineer and Composer
Joe Cocker Heart and Soul (2005), The Keeper; Composing music for Cirque de Soleil and Cirque Eos, The Oprah Winfrey Show and Groove Addicts
Give us a little backround on your career: How did you get involved with music?
I was taken to piano lessons by my mother when I was 5. I would sit by the piano in between my reheasals for my lessons, and play 3rd, 4th and 5th intervals and just listen to the consonance turning into perfect intervals. I later changed to guitar, joined a baroque choir, became interested in jazz, picked up a cello, and then explored some of my roots (my father is persian and my mother is Italian). I became globally aware and decided to go to india.
What were the most important influeces to you and your music?
I believe the freedom of jazz music miles davis, the harmony of bach, dvorzak orchestration and the rhythmic perfection of Indian music all play a conscious role in my channelling of music.
Which interest came first—music, or sound in general?
Music came first to me. I heard sounds in my inner consiousness coming to me as messages. I needed to learn how to interpret them. At the time, electronic music was very primative. Home recording was expensive for a teenager. So I learned to compose music for ensembles. Later, I re-defined my approach. My pallet expanded to include sound synthesis. Regardless of the timbre, I always hear a melody with sound design around it.
What made you choose a career in music production/music composing?
I was playing jazz music and making some money at it. Someone asked me to compose music for a documentary for Cirque EOS. This experience, along with creative marketing techniques, opened the door to more work.
What have been your favorite projects to work on?
I love all the projects that I work with. I am most happy creating my own music, or collaborating with like minds.
When you work on a project, how do you usually develop the idea of a sound or the idea of what an artist should sound like?
I always listen to the lead sound and see how that sits with the others.
What about your own music? What is your idea of sound? What inspires you?
I am a transcendentalist. I love to express this feeling into my music. There is more to life than I am able to explain. I annihilate myself and bring forth an interpretation of the infinite through sound.
Do you see any parallels between your music to your other projects?
I try my best to serve my clients interest. Inevitably, I put my signature on the music. I am told that there remains an air of mystery to the sound of my music. I believe that this is due to the experience I have while I compose it. I try to empty myself of any expectation or self-aggrandizing motives. With an emptiness, I am able to allow "inspirations" to enter my awareness. My music is much like a prayer or lucid meditation.
Give us a short impression on working with Joe Cocker, how has it been working with him?
Joe Cocker is one of the greatest artists I have worked with.
A bit about sound engineering: Which changes did the digitalization of sound bring; what do you see as the main advantage of plug-ins, compared to outboard gear?
I am able to dissect sound frequencies at a level that analogue cannot. A plug- in allows the producer/engineer to shape shift a sound from one level into the next.
Can you describe how these changes have taken influence on the creative process?
Sometimes, in a synthesis application, I use plug-ins to change the overall sound architecture. The initial sample that may have been recorded may emphasize a sonic characteristic that is dull. A plug in can re-interpret a sample.
How do you see the future of digital sound in general and especially for world music- any visions?
Digital sound has the potential of enlightening the planet. Sound and its creation with electricity has an endless amount of variations to be made. With the help of software that can transcend the limits of our current compartmentalized view of sound, new approaches to the creation of a sound will come forth.
What role do plug-ins play within your work in general, how do they help you?
The are the hammer and nails that build the house.
What is your experience with RND Plug-ins? Any favourite features?
I really like your eq, the various setting...especially the panning feature.
Tell us a bit about your future plans: What projects do you have coming up?
I am currently doing an album with KITARO. We are planning a tour together this fall.