Brandon ColemanAstral Funk with AstroLab
Growing up in Los Angeles, Brandon Coleman emerged as a gifted musician, lending his keyboard talents to the likes of Alicia Keys, Childish Gambino, Kamasi Washington and Flying Lotus to name a few.
We visited him in his studio to learn more about his artistic approach and how AstroLab ‘changes the game’ for his workflow.
Inspired by the greats
Brandon's start in music took an unexpected turn when his brother turned him onto a Miles Davis album at a young age. This sent him down a path of Jazz obsession, and he continued to absorb the sounds and free flowing passion of some of the best, including Kenny Kirkland and Chick Corea. This marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for complex, soul-stirring melodies and by 16, Coleman was committed to teaching himself the piano. His prowess on the keys quickly led him to tour with icons like Brian McKnight at just 17, setting the stage for a career filled with illustrious collaborations.
Fusion sound
Coleman released a solo project "Resistance," in 2018, marking a significant step forward in his evolution as a musician. The album is a homage to funk's past and a bold step into its future, melding jazz, disco, boogie, and more into a seamless orchestration.
This was followed up in 2022 with “Interstellar Black Space” on the same label, Brainfeeder, founded by Flying Lotus. Inspired by astral adventure, this album offers a multifaceted jazz-fusion sound that aligns itself with the celestial bodies. Coleman’s work not only celebrates but evolves the legacy of funk, inviting listeners on a musical journey that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Performance keyboard revolution
For Coleman, AstroLab isn't just an instrument; it's a portal to sonic exploration that aligns perfectly with his dynamic live performances and intricate studio work. "This keyboard changes the game," Coleman shares, emphasizing how AstroLab allows him to bring studio-quality sound directly to the stage without a laptop, thanks to its robust, built-in sound engines and effects.
Just the aspect of being able to take sounds that I'm working on in real-time and literally dumping them into this keyboard and then going to a gig and playing that same sound. I feel like that kind of changes the game for keyboards.
Simplicity first
Coleman notes the streamlined design of AstroLab and how a dedication to functionality allows him to focus on playing, without being distracted by sub-menus and intimidating hardware interfaces.
While prioritizing simplicity AstroLab still has all the performance-ready modulation you could need. Including built-in effects, which provide immediate access to high-quality reverbs, delays and more, right at your fingertips. Integrating AstroLab with Analog Lab Pro enables you to fully customize the modulation settings on the keyboard, with up to 12 insert effects to choose from.
AstroLab’s aftertouch features further enhance its performance capabilities, with the keyboard aftertouch, pitch bend and modulation wheels allowing for dynamic swells and nuanced expressions. These features combined, empower Coleman to stay in the zone and perform with depth and dynamism.
“I've talked to tons of pianists over the years and they're like, "Oh man, this is so intimidating." Look at all these buttons, all these knobs, all these sub menus and I think having a keyboard like the AstroLab cuts all that down because the functionality is right there in your face.”
Authentic sounds
Coleman was first drawn to Arturia after being introduced to the V Collection during a studio session. He was blown away by the accurate modeling and natural reproduction of Artuia’s software offerings. A core technology that carries through onto AstroLab, enabling the pitch-perfect reproduction of the world’s most coveted instruments - from the Rhodes keyboard to the CS80 polysynth.
But what really stands out for Coleman is the ability to effortlessly play with all his custom presets and studio creations without a computer. This means he can truly take his unique musical voice and identity to the stage, wherever he goes.
I've done tons of tours over the years and can't even tell you how many times my laptop has had issues… and it gives a new meaning to creating your own sound. It's almost like this is like the Brandon Coleman exclusive keyboard because all these sounds are literally my own presets.
A personal connection
For Coleman, music is more than sound—it's a spiritual experience. His personal connection to his instruments is integral to his creative expression and being able to bring all his custom presets to the stage adds a whole new level of authenticity.
It's safe to say AstroLab aligns with Coleman’s celestial funk attitude, both aiming for the stars, and beyond.
It's going to be with me every studio session.
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