NAME: Igor Len (composer/producer)
CITY: Los Angeles / Moscow
WEBSITE: www.igorlen.com
FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Logic Pro, Bias PEAK, Native Instruments KOMPLETE.
NAMBA GEAR: Big Namba Studio Backpack
Igor Len is a pianist, keyboardist and composer. He was born in Riga, Latvia. After receiving a masters degree in Classical Piano from prestigious Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory and touring with leading Soviet rock bands around the world he relocated to United States in the early 90’s. Since then, he works as a composer, producer, arranger, remixer, pianist, recording and mixing engineer, focusing on producing orchestral and electronic music soundtracks for video and audio advertisement, television and film. Igor is also working for Roland US as Audio Projects Manager composing and producing demos and soundtracks for video advertising, leading recording and sampling sessions, designing sounds and sound effects.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT
Working for Roland US, there is always a lot on my plate. One of my recent projects was a trailer for the groundbreaking new instrument V-Piano which was released at NAMM 2009. It was a great challenge, since it had to be scored exactly as a movie trailer.
My most recent solo project begins with another opportunity to collaborate with legendary guitarist Neal Schon (Journey). This time it is based on ethno-cinematic drumbeds that I am developing in my studio. We’re aiming for a bit more aggressive material and possibly a live set. We will see how many directions it will go.
At this time it’s already a lot a fun!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?
Working in several studios at the same time means you drag a lot of gear around. I was attracted to this backpack not just for its looks, but with the inside design – lots of clever pockets, dedicated areas for cable management, great space for my MacBook or a keyboard controller. It is also solidly constructed, which I know will endure over time. Once I purchased and used the backpack, I realized that the coolest thing about it is how it distributes weight evenly on the back. Since I tend to put so much stuff in my bags to the studio, I was concerned it would kill my back, but it’s just fine – it feels lighter then it actually is. The Big Namba is my only backpack now. Anyone who makes music and uses a laptop or keyboard-controller should check this great backpack out!
WHERE DO YOU PREFER TO RECORD?
If I’m not recording at Roland US or my home studio, then I’m most likely at Martinsound Studio in Alhambra, CA. This studio is owned by the creator of the first motorized faders – “Flying Faders”, Joe Martinson. It has that good ol’ feeling – vintage mixing board, solid outboard equipment, awesome sounding room and a great chief sound engineer Dan Blessinger is a joy to work with!
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