Week 4 of my Sonic Experiments! 🎹

I’m officially on a roll—four weeks in a row of sitting down with zero plan and seeing what happens. I still haven’t pulled the trigger on a hardware synth or MIDI controller, so I’m still rocking the PC keyboard as a virtual controller.

There’s something liberating about the “no-plan” approach. I usually overthink everything I create, so these weekly sessions are my way of fighting perfectionism. Last week’s 2-hour limit was a total surprise, and while I didn’t set a hard timer today, the energy stayed fast and loose. These videos are all about exploring sound without overthinking the outcome.

​The Setup 🎸 

Software: Reaper

Instruments: PC Keyboard, Squire Strat, 

​Processing: EQ, Compression, Reverb, 

​Plugins: TAL Noise-Maker, Guitar Rig 5

Help me pick the next challenge!

• Should I try a specific genre? 
• Should I do a cover? (Stranger Things is calling my name…)
• Want to see me work under a specific limitation? (1 hour?!)

Can you make a track in 2 hours using FREE plugins and a PC keyboard? 🎹

I challenged myself to write and produce the entire soundtrack for this video under a strict time limit. To make it even harder, I used almost no hardware—playing the synths and drums directly on my computer keyboard. The only exception? One guitar track to give it an organic texture.

Does a “lo-fi” setup and a ticking clock actually make for better music? Let’s find out.

Software: Reaper

Instruments: PC Keyboard, Gibson SG, 

​Processing: EQ, Compression, Reverb, 

​Plugins: TAL Noise-Maker, Guitar Rig 5, BPB Cassette 808

What do you think—do limitations breed creativity, or did I just make my life harder for no reason?

​Can you make music with NO MIDI controller? 🎹

​I spent weeks debating whether to buy a new hardware synth or a MIDI keyboard. In the process, I discovered a hidden gem: using my PC keyboard as a virtual instrument in Reaper.

​Instead of buying new gear, I decided to lean into the limitation. Every synth and drum part in this track was programmed using my computer keys. This allowed me to dive deeper into the TAL Noise-Maker plugin and get creative.​

The Synth: Layered TAL Noise-Maker patches with simple arpeggiated sections.

​The Rhythm: Drum machine patterns built with TAL Noise-Maker.

​The “Overkill”: 3 layers of guitar and a melodic “noodle” bass line.

​The result is a lush, ambient post-rock vibe reminiscent of Mogwai. And my GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) has been reduced… For now!  

​The Setup 🎸 

Software: Reaper

Instruments: PC Keyboard, Squier Strat, Bass

​Processing: EQ, Compression, Reverb, Ping Pong Pan

​Plugins: TAL Noise-Maker, Guitar Rig 5