I find that two programs, BIAB and Propellerhead Reason, virtually compel me to create new stuff. In the case of BIAB, it's because I find it difficult to hold on to an idea while hunting through Styles and listening to what happens during chord changes. I eventually gave up. Now I begin with the kernel of an idea and listen to what BIAB has to say. I usually end up with something that I would never have come up with on my own.

With Reason, which began life as a badass soft synth and morphed into a DAW, it's because of the sound libraries (Refills) available and their vast array of patches and samples. At heart I'm a MIDI/synth guy who happens to play guitar. Often playing with rhythmic pads sets me off, again to parts unknown.

I like to start in BIAB and port the results into Reason for massage and fleshing out. I'm still working on ways to make the two play together a little better, but it's an awful lot of fun going where I'm led.

Richard

"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."