Jordan Rudess Website

Interview with Jordan Rudess

When was the moment in life when you knew that you would become a famous musician?

From the moment I started playing the piano at age 7, i knew that music was going to be my life. Turning the knobs on a Moog Sonic 5 at age 18 started my journey into the world of sonic possibility. When I joined Dream Theater in 1999 I knew that my life was about to change.

What means "groove" for you?

A groove to me is when music is right "in the pocket" and rhythmically captures a definite "feel".

What was your first equipment and what is your favorite equipment now?

My first electronic keyboard was a Panther Organ. It was a double keyboard, Red beast. The equipment that really excites me these days are directly inside my computer. The Sugar Bytes plugins have me really buzzing. When I first checked out Artillery 2 I had a big smile on my face and knew that I would be losing a lot of sleep while I explored all the sonic goodness!

What was the first computer that you used for music production?

It was an Atari 8 bit computer running a Hybrid Arts sequencer.

What do you think is the worst limitation in working with a virtual studio?

I actually think the world of the virtual studio is somewhat unlimited!!
I still love the magic of a hardware synthesizer. Although I recognize the power and love the flexibility of just working "inside the box" there will always be something special about interacting with a particular instrument that is a stand alone type design, whether it be something like a Roland V Synth or a Korg Chaos Pad or a Tenori On.

When composing a track, do you rather follow music theory or your ears?

I use a combination of all the skills I have developed. Sometimes I will get out a piece of paper and do things the old fashioned way in standard notation with pencil and paper, and other times I let the sonics and the sequencer guide me. The beauty of todays technology is that there are more ways then ever for one to make music.

When you were a kid, there must have been some rockstar that you wanted to be like, who is it and why?

Well, of course the keyboard heros had a huge effect on me. In particular Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman. They led the way in bringing the keyboard instrument to the next level in its evolution. I especially was blown away by the way they used their classical and jazz foundations in developing a unique prog rock sound.

What would your dream plugin do?

It would be capable of capturing even the most realistic sound and then manipulating like silly putty while at the same time the parameters would have a direct link to a graphic generator. I'm still interested and looking for more software to merge the world of audio and video together.I would like to have every parameter that I change in the audio domain connected with a specified visual change. I think this audio/visual connection is the future.

Are you a "preset user" or do you rather create all sounds on your own?

I usually look to presets to at least get things started when I am working. Often I have to do a bit of tweaking to get something to really fit into the specific piece that I am working on.

How did you stumble upon Sugar Bytes?

My good friend John Lemkuhl who is an ace programmer/photographer and musician told me I HAD to check it out because it would blow me away, and it did!

Do you believe in virtual tube sound?

I think anything is possible in the virtual world!

How do you perform your music on stage?

In Dream Theater on our last world tour I use a Korg Oasys as my main keyboard. I also have a Korg Radias, a Roland V-Synth and a Haken Continuum. Towards the end of the tour I started using a Korg Chaos Pad. For the Liquid Tension Experiment shows I did recently I used the Roland Fantom G 88. It's the first synt that really allows me to make complex layers and splits and switch between patches with virtually no break in the sound.

Did you learn an instrument? Which one?

I am presently learning a new instrument made by Marcodi called the Harpejji. It is like the Keyboard players Chapmin Stick. It has 24 strings and is a tapping instrument.

Is your family ok with the fact that you spend so much time in the studio?

My wife and children are very supportive of my musical career. Of course the biggest challenge in my life is the balance between career and family. I could not do it without their inspiration and support!