Interviews
Talks with Amilcar Franco-Venezuelan music producer and composer from Philadelphia
Studio CarryOnHarry : We are pleased to introduce music producer and composer Amilcar to the readers of our studio. Amilcar . Following the release of his recent single “Dancing Fireflies” last month, Franco-Venezuelan artist Amílcar surprises listeners again with a new instrumental Electronic Dance Music (EDM) EP, titled “Minuit” (Midnight). A provocative break to stand up and dance to the harmony of his electronic vibes.. Here we have artist in Q & A Session
Tell us about yourself ? Introduction Note : Name / Band Name / Location from / Goal in Life
My name is Amílcar, I am a Franco-Venezuelan music producer and composer currently living in Philadelphia. My music integrates a variety of instrumental styles including New Age, Classical, Lounge, Nu-Jazz, Lo-Fi, Downtempo, Electronic Music and Electronic Dance Music (EDM).
How long you have been in performing arts ?
I started playing the melodica at age four, and two years later I began formal piano lessons. Growing up listening to classical music felt natural to me… it was very calming and harmonic. By the age of 12, I owned hundreds of records and started a DJ business with a friend from school. We used to mix records and even experiment with sounds and lights. My album collection was a source of pride and joy.
After spending years composing instrumental songs and music jingles, I shared my passion for classical instrumentation and the pulsing natural rhythms of the tropical rainforest with my debut top charter new age album VACUUMING THE FOREST in 2005. The fact that this album was well received worldwide, it paved the road for my participation to a new age compilation album ECHOES OF TUVALU in 2006 with award winning artists from around the world, which also happened to be another top charter album.
I later collaborated with the yogini Chitra Sukhu on a guided meditation CD for children JOURNEY INTO THE UNIVERSE which was reviewed with praise by Deepak Chopra in 2007 followed the next year by my debut to the international theater scene in Japan by featuring my music on the original play written by Nankichi Ni- imi “Grand Father’s Lamp”.
After moving to Paris, I studied Cuban percussions at the Cité de la Musique where I started to show my enthusiasm with a popular Afro-Cuban jazz instrument: the tumbadora or conga. I loved how the conga seamlessly blended with my instrumental music provided an organic man-made sound, it was like a perfect marriage to my songs. The conga gave a vibrational warmth connection with my Latin American roots, and my music style started evolving more rhythmically towards a Jazzy Lounge style.
Over the years I continued experimenting with synthesizers, bossa nova, conga percussions, electronica, 60’s grooves and few samples until I released in 2020 the album AT THE LOUNGE. Later in 2021 I released my Asian, Hip-Hop and Lo-Fi inspired EP SLEEP, followed by my Electronic music single DANCING FIREFLIES and now my last EP MINUIT.
What was most attractive part for you to be in this industry ?
The satisfaction to connect with people without borders around the world. Despite racial and cultural differences, the music always “connect” people. I think that instrumental music facilitates even further this connection since there is no comprehension issues between different languages. It’s like speaking Esperanto, but with music.
Share some experiences ( good or bad ) any that made you grow in life or profession ?
My music evolution has been a fascinating journey. Each music release has been a lesson, each of them have helped me to evolve more over the time. Since my first album until my last EP MINUIT, all these music projects have always contributed to my evolution. These experiences have taught me that we should always dare to try new things, experiment, and not set limits to our artistic expressions. All these experiences have also helped me to develop further my skills during the production and post-production.
Who inspired you ? How do you work on creating your own signature style ?
My music style was heavily influenced by an electronic music pioneer: Jean-Michel Jarre. My composition technique continues to be the same over the last 15 years: I lock myself up in my recording studio and sometimes a track could be created in hours, days, or weeks. I think that sometimes is good to leave a track to rest, and then revisit it again and experiment with it without being afraid of the outcome.
What do you want to convey through your music?
The message I want to convey through my music is that music itself can certainly transcend borders, culture and conflicts by connecting people. I always attempt to tell a story through my music by triggering feelings and emotions to the listener regardless of their culture.
Story behind making of your new track / Album?
Midnight (Minuit in French) is the end of a day and the beginning of another, is the inception of a new beginning. I think that just after Midnight we tend to unwind, Midnight is a landmark, is a unique moment to relax and loosen up our inhibitions. Every Midnight brings us new possibilities, and by allowing ourselves to accept these new possibilities we can create beautiful things. Minuit tells us that story.
Any interesting trivia about making of song ?
My Latin American roots are always present on my music projects, sometimes this influence is more obvious on some tracks than others. For example, my EP MINUIT includes a unique track “Soi-disant” that features a popular Afro-Cuban jazz instrument not usually heard on this type of music genre: the tumbadora or conga. With this track I tried to achieve something that I don’t think has been done before, make a fusion of an Afro-Cuban instrument with EDM. I love how the conga gives a vibrational warmth connection to my Latin American roots, it’s certainly an evolution from what I have composed in the past.
People who you would like to thank ?
I would like to sincerely thank my family, friends, fans and critics. Without their support I would not be here now. Thanks for being part of this musical journey!
People who you would like to work with and people you idolize to be like professionally ?
Excellent question! There are numerous excellent musicians out there I idolize. If I must choose a few probably it would be Jean-Michel Jarre, Yanni, Guillaume and Jonathan Alric (from the band The Blaze). I do really like their music style.
Where do you see your music 3 years from now ?
I see myself continuing experimenting with electronic music and collaborating with other artists soon. Now that the pandemic seems to be under control, I can also see myself participating to more events.
How would you like to stretch your boundaries of genre in future projects ?
I would love to compose some EDM tracks with an opera influence, I think the opportunities are endless. But it’s very likely all these future music projects would remain within the electronic music genre, it’s part of my music’s DNA.
Message for Fans and listeners.
I am very thankful for all the support and kind words over the years. I was out of the music scene for a while, but my plans are to continue delighting my fans and listeners with more music. Don’t forget to check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYXJD_nu-WlmyYfZfUEI_Cw
Stay tuned, more music will certainly come!
Twitter Handle @music_amilcar
Instagram Handle
https://www.instagram.com/amilcar.music.official/
Spotify Handle
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Important Features of Podcast Microphones
Frequency Response
Frequency response defines how a microphone reacts to different sound frequencies. Most voices fall within the 80Hz to 15kHz range, so a good podcasting microphone should adequately capture this spectrum. A flat frequency response is usually preferable, allowing for a more natural sound.
Polar Patterns
The polar pattern of a microphone determines its sensitivity in various directions. The most commonly used patterns are:
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Shock Mounts
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Audio Interfaces
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Tips for Choosing the Right Microphone
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Budget Considerations
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Test Before You Buy
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Read Reviews and Watch Tutorials
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Maintenance and Care for Podcasting Microphones
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