August 2005
TL Audio were left feeling inspired after meeting the talented UK urban artist Ms Dynamite last week. It was not just Ms Dynamite that possessed a natural spark though, the musicians and people she works with also have a natural kind of energy which makes watching live performances mesmerising and memorable. Their natural abilities and clear passion for what they do is truly admirable.
Two of the people working with Ms Dynamite recently were Luke Smith (musical director, keyboard player) and Trevor McKinley (Bass guitarist). Between them they have over 30 years professional experience in playing live and within the studio environment, as well as song writing and production.
We spoke to them during a recent recording at Abbey Road Studios to find out a bit about them and their feelings on TL Audio Products.
How long have you both been playing professionally, and who are the most memorable artists you’ve worked with?
L ?I’ve been playing professionally since I was 17, and I’m now in my early 30’s ?so a long time. I’ve worked with so many people?like BB King, Eric Clapton, George Michael, Chaka Khan? And I’ve also produced and written for people like The Sugarbabes and Amy Winehouse.
T ?I’ve been playing professionally for
about 17 years. I’ve worked with a wide range of artists from Ms Dynamite to Phil Collins, George Michael to Faith Evans, Mica Paris to Musical Theatre. ‘The Harlem Gospel Singers?tour (based out of Broadway N.Y) is one of the largest theatre production in recent years and I have had the privilege of touring with them for the last few years, playing to ‘sell out?shows all over Europe.
You’ve obviously both had a lot of experience both as live performers and within the studio, how important to you is the quality of the sound being produced?
L ?It’s really important; you put so much faith in the engineer to do their job properly?It’s a waste of time if it doesn’t sound good. It comes down to using proper gear to create the right sound.
T ?I’ve spent as long as I’ve played for improving the sound I’m after. Sound is so important ?you create your identity through your music so it has to sound great.
How do TL Audio products help to enhance your performance?
L ?They give clear definition to the sound. It creates clear distinctions and enables it to sit nice in the mix.
T ?They were great for us at Live 8; we were doing a cover of a reggae classic ?‘Redemption Song?by Bob Marley and the sound had to be right to take on such a well loved and respected song. The set was an acoustic one sandwiched between two rock bands. It was major play for us and we needed to stand out. That obviously worked, as this version is to be the B side on Ms Dynamites?first single due to be released next month. TL Audio gear enabled us to do that and stood out strong!!
If you could sum up your experience of TL Audio products, what would you say?
L ?A definitive piece of equipment! Don’t leave home without them!
T ?TL Audio gear is an essential piece of kit which is a ‘must have?in your set up!
We would like to thank both of you for taking time out of your busy schedules to talk to us, and we look forward to hearing more from you soon. Look out for collaborations on albums by Eric Clapton, BB King, and Ms Dynamite to name a few, all available in the coming months.
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