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Five - Michael Shapira and Austin Zhang - Silent Sessions #6
A short and sweet sequel to our very first composition we called "Six".
Austin Zhang and Michael Shapira started Brave Sound to help the improvised music community take their live performance-based art and package it in new ways that are cost-effective, competitive, and distributable in our modern times. Here we are embracing some incredible virtual instrument technology that allows us to make studio-quality recordings with no microphones, expensive studio rental, or acoustic/isolation treatment whatsoever.
The Silent Sessions are so-called because they produce no acoustic noise. All sound is digital, enabling you to record even in apartments without disturbing your neighbors or having any worries about outside street sounds getting in your recording.
We're using all virtual instruments here. While they do have their limitations, they provide amazing advantages for recording and production usage. To name a few:
1. No acoustic instruments means no noise complaints or restrictions, this is huge for those of us in NYC apartments
2. No microphones need, massive cost savings
3. No room treatment and isolation needed, cost and physical space savings
4. Post-production editable
All sounds are recorded live, no sounds added in post.
Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller with sounds from the Minimoog app on IOS. The chords are triggered using a Waldorf Blofeld synth.
You can follow Austin on his personal website - https://www.austinzhang.org/ and his instagram @austindiscovers
Michael is playing a Roland SPD-SX using sounds from Splice sample library.
You can follow Michael at his website http://michaelxshapira.com/ and his personal Instagram - @michaelxshapira
Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc -
I Don't Want Your Misery | Austin Zhang + Michael Shapira
Co-Composer, Drums, Cool Hat - Michael Shapira
Co-Composer, EWI, Chord Pads, U-Bass (overdub), PJ Pants - Austin Zhang
Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller running through the miniMoog app on iOS and a Korg nanoPAD2 on the floor, running Lorentz Synth to trigger the chords.
You can follow Austin on his personal website - https://www.austinzhang.org/ and on Instagram @austindiscovers
Michael is playing drums!
You can follow Michael at his website http://michaelxshapira.com/ and his personal Instagram - @michaelxshapira
GEAR:
AKAI EWI 5000: https://amzn.to/36RAZkv
Korg nanopad2: https://amzn.to/30RqVUU
RME Babyface Pro: https://amzn.to/2SOeMvr
Panasonic G7: https://amzn.to/36PPipV
Panasonic 25mm: https://amzn.to/2IgKD6f
Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc -
Brave Sound Presents: Silent Sessions LIVE | Michael Shapira + Austin Zhang
This is a live streamed duo concert with drummer Michael Shapira and wind synthesist, Austin Zhang.
Concert time stamps
0:00 Intro
1:30 Six (+false start)
5:42 Louise
12:12 Isotope
17:25 Song for Healing
26:20 Hella Tribute
31:45 RFK
35:15 Here’s My Tribe
39:49 Matte Kudasai
41:45 Invisible Cities
48:00 Time Keeps Ticking
This concert is available for your viewing free of charge:) If you would like to contribute to help us continue making projects you can do so here: https://bravesound.org/shop/donate/
Any amount is very appreciated and will go directly to the artists involved!
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In addition to his work at Brave Sound, you can find Mike Shapira behind the drum at notable NYC venues including Dizzy’s Club, Kitano Jazz, Tomi Jazz and the 55 Bar. In 2019, Michael also was chosen by Jazz at Lincoln Center to share the stage with Erica Von Kleist in Whitefish, Montana for a MLK memorial concert, in which he had the opportunity to work with high school students in her program as well as perform alongside her in a state-wide broadcasted radio performance.
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Austin Zhang started out listening to Dexter Gordon while mowing lawns, humming Confirmation in math class, and playing Deep Ellum bars by night. He left his hometown to study at the Manhattan School of Music where he met some of the most important mentors in his life: Jaleel Shaw, Stefon Harris, John Riley, and Wynton Marsalis. These mentors live the artistic excellence, empathy, and depth of character that exemplify this music and its history.
Since then Zhang has had the great fortune to share the stage with giants of this music: Terri Lyne Carrington, Wycliffe Gordon, Lynn Seaton, Mino Cinelu, and others. In 2019, he immersed myself in the world of music technology and co-founded the NYC music production studio, Brave Sound Productions.
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Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller running through Native Instruments Kontakt, Suonopuro, Johan Looigena's MIDI Harmonizer, and Art of the Wind Synth "The Breath of Reason" and a Korg nanoPAD2 on the floor, running UVI Digital Synsations, to trigger the chords.
Michael is playing a Roland TD-30K e-drums set running through Toontrack Superior Drummer. He is also singing through an SM-58 Microphone.
GEAR:
AKAI EWI 5000: https://amzn.to/36RAZkv
Korg nanopad2: https://amzn.to/30RqVUU
Roland TD-50K (this is the newer version of the discontinued TD-30K that we have): https://amzn.to/3lr3wS0
RME Babyface Pro: https://amzn.to/2SOeMvr
Panasonic G7: https://amzn.to/36PPipV
Panasonic 25mm: https://amzn.to/2IgKD6f
Your hosts:
Austin Zhang - https://www.austinzhang.org/
Michael Shapira http://michaelxshapira.com/ and @michaelxshapira
Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc -
Here's My Tribe - Michael Shapira and Austin Zhang - Silent Sessions #5
Here's My Tribe
They look like you and I
Still I (we) fight for them, cry for them, die for their fears
What's to lose? (So much to lose)
(Is?) A nation's an elaborate ruse
Filled with hatred and differences
who's side am I (are you?)
still hurting for
Tormenting my (torment's in the) mind
Still I (we) fight for and kill for this feeling inside
For the right side of history
History is told by the victors.
So what's the right side of history?
Drums and Vocals - Michael Shapira
Composition, Lyrics, EWI, A/V - Austin Zhang
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Mike and Austin started Brave Sound to help the improvised music community take our live performance-based art and package it in new ways that are cost-effective, competitive, and distributable in our modern times. Here we are embracing some incredible virtual instrument technology that allows us to make studio-quality recordings with no expensive studio rental, or acoustic/isolation treatment whatsoever.
The Silent Sessions are so-called because they produce no acoustic noise. All sound in this video is digital, except the vocals. Utilizing this technology can enable you to record even in apartments without disturbing your neighbors or having any worries about outside sounds getting in your recording.
Most of these sounds were recorded live, with the exception of a few post production additions.
Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller running through Native Instruments Kontakt and Suonopuro sounds and a Korg nanoPAD2 on the floor, running UVI Digital Synsations, to trigger the chords.
You can follow Austin on his personal website - https://www.austinzhang.org/
Michael is playing a Roland TD-30K e-drums set running through Toontrack Superior Drummer. He is also singing through an SM-58 Microphone.
You can follow Michael at his website http://michaelxshapira.com/ and his personal Instagram - @michaelxshapira
GEAR:
AKAI EWI 5000: https://amzn.to/36RAZkv
Korg nanopad2: https://amzn.to/30RqVUU
Roland TD-50K (this is the newer version of the discontinued TD-30K that we have): https://amzn.to/3lr3wS0
RME Babyface Pro: https://amzn.to/2SOeMvr
Panasonic G7: https://amzn.to/36PPipV
Panasonic 25mm: https://amzn.to/2IgKD6f
Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc -
YIN YANG - Michael Shapira and Austin Zhang - Silent Sessions #4
I woke up in a sweat, gasping. My hand clenched the damp bed sheets as I inhaled stale and musty air. My throat felt dry and I went to reach for a glass of water but it wasn’t there. Looking more closely, I realized my room was missing quite a few more things and my door was open ajar. But, I always locked my door at night. I suddenly heard a strange noise. Static of some kind, almost like a radio receiving poor signal. Then I heard a dish in my kitchen break and my heart dropped. I reached for my phone to call the police, but that was missing too. I lay there shocked not knowing what to do for what seemed like forever, when I heard a creak. Someone was coming upstairs. I heard creak after creak. Each step felt sluggish and heavy. I watched through my slightly open door how light from the hallway flickered as the intruder’s body slowly approached. I tried to move but fear had locked up every muscle in my body. Then light poured into my room as what looked like a man with glasses opened it. The pale glow of moonlight in my room and the hall light were enough to make out that this wasn’t any ordinary human figure. Whatever it was, it stared directly at me and for the longest time there was silence. Then it spoke- “Hey man check out my new song. Happy Halloween!”
Mike and Austin started Brave Sound to help the improvised music community take our live performance-based art and package it in new ways that are cost-effective, competitive, and distributable in our modern times. Here we are embracing some incredible virtual instrument technology that allows us to make studio-quality recordings with no expensive studio rental, or acoustic/isolation treatment whatsoever.
The Silent Sessions are so-called because they produce no acoustic noise. All sound in this video is digital, except the vocals. Utilizing this technology can enable you to record even in apartments without disturbing your neighbors or having any worries about outside sounds getting in your recording.
Most of these sounds were recorded live, with the exception of a few post production additions.
Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller running through Native Instruments Kontakt and Suonopuro sounds and a Korg nanoPAD2 on the floor, running UVI Digital Synsations, to trigger the chords.
You can follow Austin on his personal website - https://www.austinzhang.org/
Michael is playing a Roland TD-30K e-drums set running through Toontrack Superior Drummer. He is also triggering a bass loop via an AKAI MPK-MINI and singing through an SM-58 Microphone.
You can follow Michael at his website http://michaelxshapira.com/ and his personal Instagram - @michaelxshapira
Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc -
SOLAR - Michael Shapira and Austin Zhang - Silent Sessions #3
Brave Sound Productions presents SOLAR
This one is not for the faint of heart! Took this Miles classic (Chuck Wayne technically) and took it out. Hope you dig our tribute to #electricmiles.
PS Gary Bartz "Music is my Sanctuary" Tee is available from The Harlem Sessions Band Camp: https://theharlemsessions.bandcamp.com/merch/exclusive-gary-bartz-music-is-my-sanctuary-green-t-shirt-by-jules-mann
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Mike and Austin started Brave Sound to help the improvised music community take our live performance-based art and package it in new ways that are cost-effective, competitive, and distributable in our modern times. Here we are embracing some incredible virtual instrument technology that allows us to make studio-quality recordings with no microphones, expensive studio rental, or acoustic/isolation treatment whatsoever.
The Silent Sessions are so-called because they produce no acoustic noise. All sound is digital, enabling you to record even in apartments without disturbing your neighbors or having any worries about outside sounds getting in your recording.
All sounds are recorded live, no sounds added in post.
Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller running through Native Instruments Kontakt and Suonopuro sounds and a Korg nanoPAD2 on the floor, running UVI Digital Synsations, to trigger the chords.
You can follow Austin on his personal website - https://www.austinzhang.org/
Michael is playing a Roland TD-30K e-drums set running through Toontrack Superior Drummer
You can follow Michael at his website http://michaelxshapira.com/ and his personal Instagram - @michaelxshapira
Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc -
Song for Healing - Michael Shapira and Austin Zhang - Silent Sessions #2
This is a new composition of mine (Austin) entitled Song for Healing. This is a melody that came to me while trying to work past my own anxieties and neurosis during the global pandemic. Here we are playing this Song for Healing for all who hear. Healing for you, healing for the artists, healing for the families. Healing for the country and healing for our souls! Enjoy, be well, and see you soon.
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Mike and I started Brave Sound to help the improvised music community take our live performance-based art and package it in new ways that are cost-effective, competitive, and distributable in our modern times. Here we are embracing some incredible virtual instrument technology that allows us to make studio-quality recordings with no microphones, expensive studio rental, or acoustic/isolation treatment whatsoever.
The Silent Sessions are so-called because they produce no acoustic noise. All sound is digital, enabling you to record even in apartments without disturbing your neighbors or having any worries about outside street sounds getting in your recording.
All sounds are recorded live, no sounds added in post.
Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller running through Native Instruments Kontakt and Suonopuro sounds and a Korg nanoPAD2 on the floor, running to an iPad Pro with Lorentz Synth, to trigger the chords.
You can follow Austin on his personal website - https://www.austinzhang.org/
Michael is playing a Roland TD-30K e-drums set running through Toontrack Superior Drummer
You can follow Michael at his website http://michaelxshapira.com/ and his personal Instagram - @michaelxshapira
Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc -
Six - Michael Shapira and Austin Zhang - Silent Sessions #1
A short and sweet composition we've decided to call Six.
So much more music to come! Mike and I started Brave Sound to help the improvised music community take our live performance-based art and package it in new ways that are cost-effective, competitive, and distributable in our modern times. Here we are embracing some incredible virtual instrument technology that allows us to make studio-quality recordings with no microphones, expensive studio rental, or acoustic/isolation treatment whatsoever.
The Silent Sessions are so-called because they produce no acoustic noise. All sound is digital, enabling you to record even in apartments without disturbing your neighbors or having any worries about outside street sounds getting in your recording.
We're using all virtual instruments here. While they do have their limitations, they provide amazing advantages for recording and production usage. To name a few:
1. No acoustic instruments means no noise complaints or restrictions, this is huge for those of us in NYC apartments
2. No microphones need, massive cost savings
3. No room treatment and isolation needed, cost and physical space savings
4. Post-production editable
All sounds are recorded live, no sounds added in post.
Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller running through Native Instruments Kontakt and Suonopuro Synth sounds and a Korg nanoPAD2 on the floor, running to an iPad Pro with Lorentz Synth, to trigger the chords.
You can follow Austin on his personal website - https://www.austinzhang.org/
Michael is playing a Roland TD-30K e-drums set running through Toontrack Superior Drummer
You can follow Michael at his website http://michaelxshapira.com/ and his personal Instagram - @michaelxshapira
Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc
About
Austin Zhang
How does a first-generation Chinese American boy raised in suburban Texas end up devoting his life to the study and mastery of jazz in Harlem? Your guess is as good as mine, but here I am. I started out listening to Dexter Gordon while mowing lawns, humming Confirmation in math class, and playing Deep Ellum bars by night. I left my hometown to study at the Manhattan School of Music where I met some of the most important mentors in my life: Jaleel Shaw, Stefon Harris, John Riley, and Wynton Marsalis. These mentors live the artistic excellence, empathy, and depth of character that exemplify this music and its history; their tall tradition I seek to continue. Since then I’ve had the great fortune to share the stage with giants of this music: Terri Lyne Carrington, Wycliffe Gordon, Lynn Seaton, Mino Cinelu, and others. In 2019, I immersed myself in the world of music technology and co-founded the NYC music production studio, Brave Sound Productions. My current interests often veer quite far from the mold of traditional jazz but swing is and always will be my home.
Michael Shapira
I grew up in Long Island, New York with my mother, father and two older sisters. Enrolled at the Manhattan School of Music since 2017, I have been living in West Harlem and gigging/leading my own band around the city at some venues like Dizzy’s Club, Kitano Jazz, Tomi Jazz and the 55 Bar. I was a member of the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Band for two seasons, where I had the incredible opportunity to play with great artists at Jazz at Lincoln Center, as well as do volunteer work at local schools and nursing homes in Manhattan and the Bronx. In 2019, I was chosen by Jazz at Lincoln Center to share the stage with Erica Von Kleist in Whitefish, Montana for a MLK memorial concert, where I had the opportunity to work with high school students in her program as well as perform alongside her in a state-wide broadcasted radio performance. Outside of the jazz world, I have a lot of musical experience, playing percussion in many of the Manhattan School of Music productions, as well as in summer stock and community theaters. Last summer, I played over 400 shows in Kings Dominion Theme park, with two different bands: Yacht Rockers and Hot Rhythm Nights. This was through the entertainment company RWS and was an excellent opportunity to gain entertainment experience. I’m also the co-founder of Brave Sound Productions, a business Austin Zhang and I started.
