|
Mb: Hi William
William: Hi Mb
Mb: So... why should we hire you for this position?
William: I am more flamboyant than the other guys.
Mb: You think that's a plus?
William: Yeah, you can't be shy in this game. It's all about getting
your work out there, you can't be too shy.
Mb: What if someone wanted a sensitive type... could you play him
too?
William: Yeah, I play what ever is needed for the job. I'm just a professional
musician so I'll play anything people want. I'm not precious about my
music.
Mb: Well, we're always looking for musicians. What special skills
do you have?
William: Well.... originally I started on piano aged 7 but it was boring
so like most kids I gave up. I really got into drums after that and started
playing with local rock and blues bands and ever since, kit has remained
my favourite instrument. As with a lot of drummers, I wanted to be taken
more seriously as a musician, so I studied orchestral percussion too,
which meant I got to play vibes, marimba... and the dreaded piano again.
From there I studied at Newcastle College and attained nineteen distinctions
in a music production course too. So, I guess I'm an all rounder now..lol
Mb: With this new collaboration you've earned the title of "superman"..
How does that feel?
William: I wish...ha ha! I've really enjoyed doing it though, and hopefully
it will be a positive force for the Internet music scene and for charity.
Mb: And how do you look in tights?
William: lol...Picture Father Christmas in tights. You get the picture?
Mb: Yuk...lol... So tell me more about "United". Where'd
ya get the idea?
William: Well, after I stumbled upon the BB community at MP3.com, I found
that there were online collaborations happening all the time, and I thought
it was such a great idea. I also noticed that there were a lot of worthwhile
causes being promoted on the site too. (I had a song called 'You're Not
Here' available on a CD with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross)
I wanted to take the collaboration idea one step further, and help some
more of these good causes. So I decided on doing an online version of
"USA For Africa" type thing, but worldwide and with Internet
celebrities.
Mb: It was a lot of work I bet.
William: Well there were fifteen artists on it - (3 guitarists, 2 rappers,
9 singers and me) Obviously with all the artists recording their parts
separately, using different studio gear, it was incredibly difficult
to mix, and it's still a little rough around the edges, but I think we
succeeded in producing something we can all be very proud of. Can I give
you a list of all the artists that collaborated? There are performances
from: Axella Johannesson, The Bard of Ely, Chuck Spera (Realdrummer),
Chris Bowers (Sisters of Sharon), Mike Burn, Gary Powell, J.C.Matthews,
Mb, Gloria Jane, Dennyvan, Mikey J, M.C.Epitome, Dex Leroix, Priscilla
Hernandez (Yidneth), William Read, Swan Rising.
Mb says: You can play the musician/producer. What other roles do you
play?
William: I was 'pharoh' in our school production of 'Joseph and his amazing
Technicolor dreamcoat' at school...lol....Oh I see what you mean. I also
teach drums and percussion. I have my own studio space in my home town
and that's where I make the bulk of my earnings. I compose instrumental
media music and pop music for use in different projects.
Mb: So you're one of the few that make a living at this?
William: Yeah, I can honestly say that I have been a professional musician
all my life, either touring with bands, studio work, teaching, or composing.
I've never had to have a proper job thankfully, and I've got my dad to
blame for that. He's a pro muso too.
Mb: So it was in your blood?
William: It was in my practice and dedication. I think it's funny when
people call it a gift...lol Sure, people can have natural talent, but
you generally find that the people who actually make a decent living
from music have studied, and practiced for years to be as good as they
are.
Mb: So in the event you do get "the job", what will the
future hold for William Read?
William: I'd love to be a working film composer most of all. That has
become my passion now. I have pieces on my page ranging from industrial
electronica to string quartets. (and everything in between) If I could
make a decent living from composition I'd happily give up everything
else (apart from the odd gig for pleasure) Oh, and I'd be living in the
lap of luxury somewhere hot!
|
