In reference to the story about Hot Laser’s new album in the GDN and on GDNonline (September 24), I have been recording in Nashville studios professionally since I was about 13 years old. Starting with drums, piano, Hammond B3 organ and various other keyboards and synthesisers.
About 15 years ago, I was approached by a very successful record producer from Los Angeles to do “voice-over” work. This is more like what happens in animated TV and movies. The producer heard my animated Southern accent and thought I would be great on some projects.
Fast forward to early 2019 and after meeting Rob (who is the epitome of the British Rock Star) to do a voice-over on a heavy rock song about a bus ride... destination Oblivion.
After spending time in the recording studio (Studio 77 in Adliya where I coincidentally recorded tracks for my own ‘Confessions’ album) writing the “script” for my deranged coachman (along with Rob and producer Hani), it only took a few takes to get what you will hear on this final mixed master.
Back in 2015, when I first started coming to the kingdom, I started looking for three things:
1. A gourmet coffee shop
2. A good music store and
3. A great recording studio.
I found all three.
If you are curious, Second Cup in Juffair Mall is my favourite coffee shop, Ambassador Music downtown next to the old suq has been able to provide me with all my piano and accessories, and thank God I stumbled upon Studio 77 and its owner Hani Taqi. Through modern technology, I am able to record my keyboard, percussion and vocal performances in Bahrain and within a few hours, have some of the greatest musicians in the world record their parts back home in Nashville which has now surpassed LA and NYC as the recording capital of the world.
As far as Rob, I was watching and listening to some karaoke one night at Big Texas BBQ (inside the Best Western Olive hotel) when I heard some classic 80s style heavy rock vocal coming out of the speakers. I looked up and saw what I thought was a charismatic rock star. It was Rob.
Although I had seen the Hot Laser video, by the time I was approached about recording, Rule 11 was his latest project.
People think that just because I am from the home of Country Music then I must be a hillbilly with a fiddle and a banjo.
In truth, I have just as many Rock and Pop music friends as I do Country.
I have attended the last two heavy metal multi band concerts at Republic Lounge. I have heard some world-class musicians that need to be seen and heard outside Bahrain. I hope that through my four-decade music career (including gold and platinum albums, multiple #1 songs and even two Grammy nominations) I can help some of the kingdom’s most talented at least heard and hopefully helped by my many industry connections.
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