Alstan Remedios is a 20-year-old keyboardist, pianist, film score composer, and arranger based in Mumbai. With a fervent dedication to his craft, Alstan draws inspiration from a myriad of influences, passionately exploring the realms of sound to create original compositions that resonate with depth and emotion. His journey as a musician is marked by a relentless pursuit of new sonic textures and innovative approaches, reflecting his profound love for the art of music and its limitless possibilities.
Let’s delve into why Alstan opted for M-Solo Hammond as his preferred instrument for musical expression.
Q. What inspired you to invest in the M-Solo over other keyboards or instruments?
Alstan: I have always enjoyed playing multiple patches as a kid on the keyboard, and gradually over software instruments, but as I played the M-Solo, I was instantly drawn to the feel, even more to the fact that I could dig a B-3 that is Portable And Analog!
Q. How has the M-Solo enhanced your playing experience compared to other keyboards?
Alstan: It is beautifully compact, to the point and everything is within hand’s reach.
Q. Can you describe your experience with the virtual multi-contact keyboard?
Alstan: It gives me access to use multiple harmonics very effectively and smoothly.
Q. The M-Solo boasts an authentic digital LESLIE™ simulation. How has this feature contributed to your sound and performance dynamics?
Alstan: The Leslie simulation is one of the benchmark features of the Hammond Organ. Using it on the M-Solo really adds extra “oomph” and depth to my playing. The ‘Stop’ feature provides a clean and rich open sound.
Q. Among the various features of the M-Solo (such as chorus-vibrato, percussion, and the 70’s-style string ensemble), which do you find most essential to your sound and why?
Alstan: The Chorus, Vibrato’s, and definitely Percussion. Gives me more room to dig the Hammond and also helps me understand the various sounds and harmonics I can create.
Q. With three vintage combo organ models and a polyphonic synth, how do you utilize these different sounds in your playing style?
Alstan: I love playing around the Ace and Farfisa with overdrive and expression, and dipping strings in with a couple of Male 8’ & Female 4’
Q. What are your favourite effects to use with the M-Solo? How do they influence your playing style?
Alstan: The Octave switch and delay. Game-changing when you realise you can modulate your groove, comp with these.
Q. The pitch-bend/effects button is a unique feature. How do you incorporate it into your playing style?
Alstan: Usually in Synth or Ens Patch. Good to have the Octave Pitch Bend feature too, feels awesome.
9. Could you share a specific instance where the programmable patch memory buttons have been particularly useful for a recording session?
Alstan: Have used it in a score I’ve been working on, really enjoy the quick switch, as drawbars can be a pain to set on the spot.
10. In what ways does the M-Solo meet your expectations as the “smallest and lightest genuine Hammond ever”? How does this impact your mobility and setup?
Alstan: The feel of the keys, the build quality, minutely precise drawbars, authentic Reverb, Overdrive. And for 3.6kg, must be kidding it’s awesome!
11. Looking ahead, how do you envision the M-Solo influencing your musical projects or future recordings?
Alstan: I don’t think there’ll be a place where you’ll see me without it!
12. Describe M-Solo in 3 words.
Alstan: Compact, Analog, Authentic.
