The Virtues of Virtual

http://www.techtv.com/

By AudioFile staff
March 6, 2002

Many musicians now lean toward the virtual side of music tech. That's not a news flash, as the tools of the trade are getting smaller and more powerful with each passing day.

"Audiofile" spoke with Brian Mantia, otherwise known as Brain and currently the drummer for Guns 'N Roses, about portable music tech. During his 25 years in the industry, he has seen music technology blossom and gleefully takes full advantage of the virtual realm.

"With technology and the way things are going today, I wanted to go virtual -- with the PowerBook and what I have I can basically make a whole album in a week in a hotel room," says Brain.

"I like using Logic as my main sequencer -- I call it a composing instrument [and] because of the MIDI, I have all these VST instruments. I can use Reactor [and] Battery by Native Instruments. It's great because it's all-in-one. Where -- before you'd need a huge rack to get that."

Brain has done stints with Les Claypool's Primus, and underground sensations Godflesh and Limbo Maniacs. He's proud to have never worked a regular job.

Thanks to Flyguy1ca @The gnrbar