Apple celebrated musicians who produced their own music at the New York Public Library’s Studio40.
Photo by Bexx Francois for Apple
Beats by Dre weren’t the only beats playing in New York City’s Fifth Avenue Apple store.
Independent musical artists Etienne Landois, Keidaï Lee, Tim Falvey, and IMMATERIAL gave customers a surprise performance and broke down exactly how they produced their own music at the New York Public Library’s Studio40 for free on Aug. 8.
With library-provided instruments, access to Apple’s Logic Pro software, high-quality photography and lighting equipment, Studio40 provides these four musicians with all the gear they need to pursue their dreams.
“There’s nothing I’d rather be doing than making noise with a musical instrument,” Falvey said. “So, I’m tickled pink that I got to share one of my favorite songs with Studio40 members and an amazing establishment.”
Apple celebrated musicians who produced their own music at the New York Public Library’s Studio40.Photo by Bexx Francois for Apple
First, IMMATERIAL, a queer Brooklyn-based experimental pop-group duo inspired by SOPHIE took the stage. As shoppers began to take their seats, the two began to break down how they recorded the vocal recordings of one their hit songs, Clockwork.
“We like to use different sounds for the kick and snare, which is very Sophie-like,” Abby said. “So, we used Clocks.”
Longtime friends Abby and Camille explained they were inspired by the various characters from the Wizard of Oz.
Keidai Lee began his performance by taking a moment to take a selfie with fans and share his story as an artist and how the community at Studio40 helped him find his passion for creating music.
“I want to thank Studio40 for giving music back to me,” Lee said. “I’ve met so many incredible people. I got to volunteer my time, they taught us how to record sound and a lot of my songs were made here.”
Apple celebrated musicians who produced their own music at the New York Public Library’s Studio40.Photo by Bexx Francois for Apple
Whipping out his Gibson guitar, the same model as Apple’s Garage band logo, Etienne Landois took audience members through how he produces songs after recording them.
“Reverb is the power to place an instrument in another room,” Landois said. “As you can see, I used the EQ to get the bass and tremor out.”
While the Gibson guitar has primarily been used for rock ‘n’ roll, the French-based artist produces a style called worshipel, a style of ambient electronic music featuring the guitar, violin, and keyboard. It’s a style that makes you feel as if you’re walking on clouds, floating through the sky.
These four artists are an example of what’s possible with the New York Public Library’s free recording studio, access to music production software and photography equipment. It’s a great opportunity for music lovers of any level to check out as well. Anyone can be the next Paul McCartney or John Lennon.
Apple celebrated musicians who produced their own music at the New York Public Library’s Studio40.Photo by Bexx Francois for Apple