Why the name PennyWhistle Androids ?
Pennywhistle Androids is NOT the name of a group. I chose it back in the early 90's to represent a series of explorations based on samplers and synths. It seemed like an appropriate name at the time because most of the music created back then was decidedly 'mechanical' in nature.
The advent and coming of age of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), and advancement in software based instruments and effects now provide the lone composer with an outlet for complete musical projects without ever leaving the home studio. This provides the opportunity to create and share some very complete musical interpretations.
Midi can never replace a room full of musicians blending their talents together for a common purpose. Yet, in it's current state and by using modern software, MIDI truly allows the exploration of the music that is inside us all.
Musical notes, as scripted on a page are static things; just like the gears, circuits, and other parts that make up an android (or someday will). To function properly both need inspiration, interpretation, a grasp of the proper tools, and some measure of good fortune to bring them to life.
I have been writing music since my college days which is now many moons ago. I have been involved in a couple of independent and college film scores, ad jingles, and general composing and arranging.
Who are your influences?
Mannheim Steamroller, Tangerine Dream, Christopher Franke, Patrick O'Hearn, David Arkenstone, romantic, impressionistic, and modern composers (Brahms, Debussy, Copeland)
Current creation software used in my studio
Cakewalk Sonar x3, Finale 2014, Goldwave
Current Sample based Tools
Sonivox multiple modules, Garritan Instant Orchesta, Active Keys, East West Quantam Gol Chiros and Silver Orchestra, Edirol Orchestral Module, Edirol Super Quartet, Cakewalk TTS-1, Session Drummer, sfzII (for original soundfonts I have created), Myriad Harmony Assistant with Virtual Singer (for choral works).
Current Effects and production tools used
Wave Arts suite, Clone Ensemble 4.2, Waves L series tools, Waves TrueVerb
Everything is done in the various creation tools and then pulled into Sonar for mix down, final instrumentation, and application of effects.