DJ Manny aka El Baron Del Mix (DJ/Producer)

Website: www.facebook.com/mannymunet

City: Port St. Lucie, FL

Namba Gear: Lil Namba Remix Backpack

Favorite Software: Tractor Pro 1.2.6 with Stanton System3 midi controller

Manuel Munet was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and began seeking out his musical roots during his younger years. He was influenced by a diversity of music genres, such as salsa, jazz, disco, rock and meringue, that later solidified Manny’s dedication to representing this full spectrum of musical styles.

After leaving college to follow his music-filled heart, Manny started dj-ing in different clubs in the Puerto Rico, and in 1982 got a big break at Club Bachelors next to his mentor and best friend DJ Pablo Flores. After that, the rest is history working at the best dance clubs in Puerto Rico. In 1987 he moved to Florida, where he became the most requested DJ in West Palm Beach and also working at an FM radio station bringing the best Latin music to the beaches. At present, Manny is dj-ing at Club La Zen in Port St. Lucie to a full house on Saturday nights, where he spins his own edits and remixes of Latin music.

DJ Manny also spins at special events, concerts and Latin festivals. Hear him live and you’ll understand how he conquered his home town with his unique style. DJ Manny is also the only Latin DJ sponsored by Stanton DJ products and System SCS3.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?
I love my Namba Remix Bag because it is the most versatile bag on the market for DJ’s today. After carrying my setup in a regular backpack, I found the Lil Namba Remix thanks to DJ Techtools and I decided this was the bag for me. I can carry my laptop, headphones, midi controller, cables, etc. I don’t leave home without my Namba Remix bag; this is the most important for me because I’ve got my equipment protected.

I am the resident DJ of Club La Zen in Port St Lucie, FL. I work 4 nights a week and I gotta have my equipment well protected, and the Remix bag is so far the best bag for any Digital DJ… period. I am also sponsored by Stanton DJ’s products and the Namba Remix keeps my System 3 midi controller secure. Follow me on twitter at djmannymunet or go to www.clublazen.com.  Future plans… keep spreading the word about the Lil Namba Remix Backpack. I love it!

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Jamie Bonk (jazz guitarist / recording artist)

CITY: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

WEBSITE: www.jamiebonk.com

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Logic & MainStage

Namba Gear: Big Namba Studio Backpack

Jamie Bonk is a contemporary jazz guitarist whose music draws on various styles including Jazz, Chill and Pop. His music has been heard on over 700 radio stations world-wide and he has won or has been nominated for a number of awards including: Nominee for “Guitarist of the Year” (Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards 2005) and Winner of Album of the Year and Best Instrumental Album Acoustic for “My World” (NAR Music Awards 2004). Jamie is currently performing in the Toronto/Southern Ontario region, composing for his next release, and conducting an ongoing series of seminars for Apple focusing on digital recording. Jamie uses and is endorsed by Godin Guitars.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT. I’m writing for my sixth release right now and things couldn’t be going better! There have been times in the past when the tunes came slowly, but over the last few months things have (thankfully!) been going great. I’ve written almost 40 new pieces, of which 15-20 are what I would call “album quality”. Over the next month or so, I’ll narrow down the song list, roll up my sleeves and start the hard work of arranging/producing/recording the tracks. I’m hoping I can enlist the help of all of the great musicians I’ve played with on my previous records and create an album that combines my love of both acoustic and electronic music.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?: I suppose this is a cliche but: Form meets function. I’ve been moving gear around now for probably 30 years or so — that’s carrying lots and lots of different setups into rehearsals, gigs, events, teaching, etc. I’ve found without bags and cases built specifically for music gear, very quickly my focus turns off of music. The last thing I want to be concerned about when going to a gig is whether or not my computer is safe or if I’ve forgotten a cable or battery. All of the different storage areas in my Big Namba Studio Backpack help to keep me organized and the padded compartments make sure all of my gear is safe and secure. In the end, it helps me to concentrate on the important thing - music!

WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON? I was looking at some of the other artist profiles on the Namba Gear website and couldn’t help but think we live in an absolutely amazing era! Like many of the other profiled artists, my studio is wherever I am. Sure there are a few things like my guitars and my studio monitors that won’t fit in my Big Namba Studio Backpack (maybe you guys are working on the Huge Namba Studio Backpack right now!), but for the most part my entire studio is now in a great backpack. Thank you Namba Gear!

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 Angelica Ross (singer-songwriter)

LOCATION: California

WEBSITE: www.angelicaross.com

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Reason 3.0 and Garageband

NAMBA GEAR: Big Namba Studio Backpack

Angelica Ross has been a singer-songwriter since elementary school. She learned piano by ear in the 4th grade, and then went on to learn the guitar as an adult. Angelica now runs her own Multimedia Design Studio, Creating websites, Producing Music, Photography, & Graphic Designs. www.MyZenStudios.com is just what the name implies, her Zen place for creativity.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT?

I’ve been working on my debut recording project, “Journey to Venus”. It’s a collection of songs I’ve written that sort of frame my physical and spritual journey into womanhood. I believe that my songs, my stories, though very unique are very common amongst men and women a like.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

What’s best about the Studio Backpack is that it is airport friendly. I was sweating going through security thinking, “NO WAY are they going to let me on the plane with this bag as a carry on. I’m 5′7″, 115lbs, so this bag looks like it weighs just as much as I do. But I got to Chicago and back with all my gear on me in ONE piece, and in ONE bag. Just recently geared it up again for my move out here to Los Angeles.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE REMOTE RECORDING LOCATION?

I have to say wherever I am feels remote to me. I’ve moved around a lot from Japan to California, when life gives me an opportunity to experience the world, I jump at it. The difference now is I can record the inspiration wherever it happens thanks to my Namba bag.

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NAME: Keath “Lion” Lowry (producer, songwriter, remixer)

CITY: Philadelphia, PA

WEBSITE: www.gcdigi.com

NAMBA GEAR: Big Namba Studio Backpack

As owner of the Phiadelphia based production company, Groove Control Productions, Keath “Lion” Lowry has propelled the enterprize into a new music dimension through his talents as a producer, lyricist and composer.

Lion started his career as a lyricist penning “Love’s Calling” for Next Plateau artist, Sybil, this song is featured on her Greatest Hits cd released Jan. 2007; as well as “You Are The One” for Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. artists TKA.  This track was featured  in and on the sound track for the film, LEAN ON ME with Morgan Freeman. The song “Butterflies,” produced and co-written by Lion appears in the recent film release WHEN WILL I BE LOVED,(2004) starring Neve Campbell and Dominic Chianese (The Sopranos).  Recent Placements: “Dirty Pulse” in the film “LOVE AND RAGE” (Sep. 2009)“Feels Good” placed in the film CONSENT (2009), “Trouble”  placed in the film LITTLE SOLDIER (LILLE SOLDAT ) (NOV.2008). “Feels Good” featured in the International Reality show QUEST CHINA(2008).

Lion, as a producer, composer, remixer/engineer has worked with artists, Tank (Blackground/Universal), Stevie Wonder, Freeway (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam), Floetry, (Dreamworks), Jaguar Wright, Helen &Terry(Philerzy) Chris (Young Gunz) Cassidy (Full Surface),  Allen Iverson, Rosco P. Coldchain(Startrak), Journalist(Universal)The Lost Boyz, and McFadden and Whitehead.  He has recently worked with some of the hottest emerging writers and vocalists such as: Chief Honcho (Philly), Shatia (Harlem, NY), Nate’ (Philly), Lise (Delaware),Wise (D.C.,Virginia), She(Philly)and D-Dub all featured on his Full Circle album.

Keath is also a member, and works as a mix engineer under the Worship Ministry of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pa.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT, RECORDING, OR PERFORMANCE:

Groove Control Digital  recently debuted with DC Rapper Khidar. Groove Control Digital recording artist and Washington, DC native, Khidar is leaping into the Hip-Hop industry with his January 2010 release entitled “Ladies Please.” Originally Written for the God-Father of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, “Ladies Please” has infectious beats produced by Keath “Lion” Lowry.

The prequel to “Ladies Please” is “The Countdown”. A track that the streets are calling a blistering “teaser”, is available on iTunes now and is being spun by DJs around the world, with continuous requests for servicing daily. “We just wanna give the people what they been askin’ us for, so I just get in the studio and do my thang ya know,” explains Khidar.

Lowry comments, “Khidar brings the definite flavor that comes from growing up in the streets of Washington, DC and with that being the case, we’re looking forward to the world having the opportunity to experience what we’ve been exposed to for years.” Groove Control will utilize digital distribution as well as various online marketing, promotions and publicity components to foster global awareness of each forthcoming release on the label.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

“What I like best about my Namba gear bag, is that I can carry large as well as small gear in an organized and compact way. This was best demonstrated a few weeks ago during my trip to Cannes , France for the MIDEM conference (pictured here). I used my Big Namba Studio Backpack  everyday while attending the conference to carry business cards, hard drives, my laptop, headphones, and storage for stuff given to me at the conference. I was even able to store my external cd/dvd burner in my bag (with everything else), this allowed me to make customized cd’s or dvd’s in my hotel each night before returning to the 4 day conference. Being able to showcase my music and business with on-the-spot listening session from my iPod or laptop, to handing out business and promo cards, helped make a very successful MIDEM conference for me. Thanx NAMBA!”

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Luigi Lazareno (musician, producer, certified Pro Tools instructor)

CITY: Houston, TX / Mexico City, MX

WEBSITE: www.midilandia.com 

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Pro Tools

Namba Gear: Big Namba Studio Backpack

Luigi Lazareno is an honor graduate of the Berkee School of Music, with experience of over 35 years in the music industry as a Director, Producer, Composer, Arranger and Pianist for the most important record labels in the industry: Polygram Records, Peerless, Musart, Melody, Sony, and BMG/Ariola. He has participated as Producer, Musical Director with artists such as: Vicky Carr, Ricky Martin, Luis Miguel, Lucero, Jorge Muñiz, Rocío Banquells, Wilfrido Vargas, Manoela Torres, Lorenzo Antonio, Emanuel, Alberto Vázquez, Cesar Costa, Napoleón, Trigo Limpio and Frank Pourcel among others.

Luigi has also participated as a producer, arranger in the most popular music festivals in Latin America, Festival OTI, Valores Juveniles, Juguemos a cantar and Talento Grupero. He was selected as musical director of theater musicals like The Fantastiks and Kumán Rock Opera and has performed as pianist and keyboardist for different types of bands of Latin Music, Jazz and Pop.

Producer and Musical director for Latin TV series like: Somos (with news broadcaster legend Jacobo Sabludowsky), and Soap operas like: Al filo de la muerte, Muchachitas, and The Show of the Stars with Cesar Costa, Luigi has received several nominations, awards and gold records throughout his 35 year career.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT.

I just moved to Texas and I opened an Official Digidesign Certification Training Facility, I always liked to share my knowledge and this new adventure gives me the chance to do it teaching Pro Tools users in English and Spanish and living full time in the USA; it’s a one time life experience.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

As a computer freak I’d like to have my computer and portable recording with me at all times, and especially when I go on the road or to teach on site, My Big Namba Studio Backpack allows me to take my stuff effortlessly, due to the fact that it’s so well designed that the weight is evenly distributed, so my back doesn’t get hurt even in long walks in airport aisles. And it fits perfectly on the upper bin over the passenger seat.

My Mobile DAW contains a Mac PowerBook, Oxygen8 V2, Profire 610, a external HD to accommodate sound data and all the goodies and cables and more cables… …the Studio Backpack has plenty of room to accommodate all that and much more, writing pads, cell phone, etc…can’t move without my Big Namba.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE REMOTE RECORDING LOCATION.

Well, Well..I’d certainly like to use my mobile Pro Tools DAW and do programming at the pool, nothing more relaxing and inspiring than the sound of water and the breathing of fresh air.

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George Whittam (voice-over studio & services)

CITY: Los Angeles, CA

WEBSITE: www.vostudiotech.com

FAVORITE MUSIC SOFTWARE: Twisted Wave

NAMBA GEAR: Shaka Laptop Messenger

George M. Whittam is owner and founder of ElDorado Recording Services. George is a 1997 graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Audio Technology with a Minor in Communications. George went on to acquire considerable expertise in music recording by working with various musicians and artists in the Philadelphia area. He also gained broadcast engineering experience working at a radio station in Philadelphia as the remote engineer for the NFL Eagles Radio Network.

George was introduced to the world of voice-overs through a producer at the station, Howard Parker, who asked the station’s engineer to help him build a home studio in New York City. George came along to assist. George later followed Parker to Los Angeles and furthered his already diverse experience by working on over 15 film projects in 3 years as a sound mixer and boom operator.

From a handful of satisfied clients, George has now built a business that works solely with voice-over studios and clients. His extensive knowledge of computers, software, equipment, and troubleshooting abilities makes him a sought after expert and indispensable on-call technician. He is globally considered a top authority in voice-over recording technology. He has invested thousands of hours researching studio design, recording equipment, and creating training materials for voice actors. In so doing, he has also become an industry innovator by developing specialized services that cater exclusively to voice-over professionals.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECT.

At ERS we use the NAMBA bags to create custom portable recording packages called VO2GO for the traveling voice-over artist. VO2Go’s are portable recording kits built to order for the traveling voice-over actor, using exactly what the individual needs. A typical VO2Go kit includes a Dell Mini 10 or Macbook, Rode NTG1 or NTG3 mic, CEntrance MicPort Pro USB preamp, Source Connect Standard, recording software of choice, Sennheiser PX100 headphones, Stage Ninja Scorpion mic arm, and Namba Gear Shaka or Lil Namba Remix bag.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR NAMBA GEAR BAG?

I first saw Namba Gear at the NAMM show in Jan. 2009 and was immediately impressed with the bags. The color, design, features, sizes, and coincidentally very close proximity to my office, has made a very welcome, convenient, and cost effective addition to my modest but focused portfolio.

Personally, I use a the Shaka Laptop Messenger bag and I put a lot of stuff in there. Typically it’s just my Macbook Pro 15″, a small toolkit, a MicPort Pro (just in case), power supply, and various small cables. Today I had my Powerbook 12″ in there along with the Macbook Pro. The Shaka bag holds everything securely and safely, looks attractive, is comfortable to carry, and the price is right!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VOICE-OVER CLIENTS AND THEIR NEEDS.

My clients take their mic, mic mount, audio interface, laptop, printer, and other items when they travel the world, so the Shaka Bag is a nature fit. They can never be completely unavailable to record a spot for a national TV campaign.

Sometimes a client may prefer the extra space to carry additional mic accessories, a compact printer, or even a change of clothes for an overnight. In these circumstances we recommend the Lil Namba Remix Backpack. It creates a nice step up in protection for your gear, and a lot more compartments to fit it all neatly.

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