A therapeutic journey into a mix of jazz, classical, and a blend of types of electronica.  And a wry, gradual observation that promotion tends to only go as far as you push it.  At least I make my fellow musicians laugh a little.

I'm a baritone guitarist and I play Instrumental Black Metal mixed with Baroque Music.

I started studying classical and electric guitar 23 years ago. 
After attending the Conservatory and playing live with various bands, I decided to continue on my own, dedicating myself entirely to composing instrumental pieces.

My old releases didn't have a well-defined genre, whereas future ones will focus on Black Metal that utilizes Musical Forms that were popular in the Baroque Period.

jokerhed is a dark-synthwave artist who creates retro-futuristic soundscapes. His music is inspired by 1980s pop culture, especially film soundtracks and games such as hotline miami

Just a Girl in a Big World trying to do music
Composer & Sound Designer
All songs are created by me
Cheers

I have played and recorded in international settings, a multitude of percussion instruments, guitar, bass, harmonica, some flutes, keyboard, and if you push me - a very fine jaw harp.

In fact, if I break it down.... I just love to offer-up music, in a living room, a bar, a concert hall or an intercontinental, interactive satellite coordinated concert. 
  
I became fascinated with percussive sounds from around the world… especially African and Latin American rhythms. I fanatically traveled the world collecting anything that you could bang, scrape or hit.
What I learned? Border customs people really don’t appreciate the true value of handmade African caxixi shakers or a Brazilian berimbau. They just want the serial number.
More importantly, a single clicking or ringing sound in a song can make or break that song.
  
I toured Canada, USA and Europe and recorded many “world music” albums (before it was called that), with my late, musical soul mate, Dario Domingues. We played in grand churches, the water reservoirs under Munich, on an island where 100,000 doves were released at the climax of our performance, the first-ever “simulcast”, live satellite, intercontinental concert and then, the humbling experience of being involved in Berlin, in front of 500,000 people, for a series of anti-apartheid concerts featuring ‘Sting’.  For our 'world music' efforts, we were awarded the Deutscher Schallplattenpreisan (1983) accolade by the Deutsche Phono-Akademie, an association of recording companies of Germany that recognizes outstanding achievement in the music industry.  
What I learned? Music is truly a universal language. Around the world people are drawn to music. Of course, different strokes for different folks! 
Whether you play in front of a half-million people in a field, or 10 people in a bar, your role as a musician never changes.  
 
“Dream of the Drum” – I was commissioned to compose and conduct a score for 40+ percussionists from all corners of the world... Jamaican fire dancers, Trinidadian steel drummers, Japanese kodo drummers, African djembe players, military drummers,... the list goes on.
What I learned? The language of music respects no geographic borders. 
Also, never start your outdoor concert, with a lone Native Elder's rain drum song. The drum's magic works!
 
I helped build three innovative recording studios plus, my current production studio. I academically taught musical acoustics and production for several years.
What I learned? All the mathematics and physics in the world can’t replace a good ear.
 
As a producer, I've had the wonderful opportunity to work in great studios in NYC and Nashville with amazing session musicians such as: Eric "Roscoe" Ambel - best known as lead guitarist of Steve Earle’s band the Dukes; Dan Baird of the chart-topping 'Georgia Satellites'; guitarist extraordinaire, Warner E. Hodges, founding member of 'Jason and the Scorchers'.
What I learned? Great musicians tend to be humble but they sure have opinions! In Nashville, I was bluntly told -"No, I won't raise the tom level - in country music, we use toms for holding our bourbon glass." I never did get the toms louder.
 
I spent many years as President of the Ottawa International Jazz Festival and met some of the greatest musical geniuses in the world.
What I learned? "Man, if you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know."
 
Music for jingles on radio and TV. Documentaries.
My personal favourite was coming up with suitable music for the mating rituals of pigs or, how to create 60 minutes of Arctic wind sounds for the movie 'Never Cry Wolf'.  
What I learned?  You can tell an entire story in a 29.5 second radio jingle and music is the glue that holds a great video together.

Doing this as a hobby.  I just like the idea of making music and it be online. Also I love coming across raw talent and underappreciated artists. 

Growing up I always had a curiosity for music. I was never serious about being a musician but always thought it would be awesome to have my own studio one day. Well now I'm a semi-stable adult that is ready to have a constructive hobby. Plus considering how much technology has changed attaining a basic version of a childhood dream is so much more achievable. 

Most of my musical experience is playing bass guitar. I've dabbled with guitar, piano, and clarinet. Now though I want to dive deeper into guitar and piano as well as a drum set. Even though I enjoy singing by myself (or karaoke after a few drinks) Its my lowest priority. Also I'm just getting used to using a DAW which feels like picking up additional instruments as well. 

My goals for joining soundcloud is to just grow as a musician. Long term goals are to write for every genre and be a multi instrumentalist. Short term goals are to get stuff I've written on bass, guitar, and piano online. 

My 'mainstream' influences are Serj Tankian, Sia, Tech N9ne, R.A. The Rugged Man, Immortal Technique, Alexi Laiho, Dimebag, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Fieldy of Korn, Buckethead, (hed) p.e., and Sully from Godsmack. Oh and Dave Groll too!


During my short time on this platform it's been great. Theres alot of great music here. Lately it's been users like you that have been the most inspiring. I completely appreciate every listen, like, repost, or comment. Also I look forward to listening to your music too. 


(header image:  Sabeel Ahammed by Pexels.)
Profile image made by erinlod on fiverr.

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