Author Interview: RobGD

This week in our series of interviews of AudioJungle authors, we meet…

RobGD (Rob Astleford)

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, what do you do for a living?

I am currently the Chief Engineer at a Richmond radio group called Main Line Broadcasting. I make sure their 4 FM stations stay on the air and take care of the networks. I grew up in Pennsylvania. I started out training as a recording engineer and taught classes for a few semesters on MIDI in Rockville MD. From there I traveled around and ended up in Wilkes-Barre, PA where I took the position of Production Director. I did that for a while until it was time to move on. I then elevated myself to the position of IT manager through pure manipulation. From there I came here with much left out in between each jump.

2. How long have you been composing music and what got you started producing?

Back when I was in school and then teaching MIDI I had an amazing setup to record with. Way before that I was a student of the organ which I decided was too geeky and moved over to guitar. I went back though and I use it all together. Recently I put together a studio and found AudioJungle a few months later. There has been a 10 year lapse in my musical activity. I’m back now and really happy about it.

3. Do you play any instruments? Do you have any formal music training?

I play keys and guitar. I’ve had organ lessons for five years, and slowly my theory is beginning to return.

4. Could you describe to us your home studio and the equipment and software you typically use to produce audio?

Here’s my secret sauce:

• 1 part Mac Mini with Core 2 Duo, 3 GB RAM, etc.
• 1 part M-Audio Axiom 61
• 1 part Novation Xio 25
• 1 part Fender Squire Bullet Strat
• 1 part Logic Studio 8
• 1 part NI Komplete
• 1 part PSP Vintage Warmer
• 10 parts fingers

Lather, rinse, repeat.

5. Could you tell us a bit about how you typically compose and then produce your audio? Describe your creative process.

I go in the studio every time looking to make a specific themed piece and end up doing something completely different. It’s an utter mess. Due to the fact that I always have six irons in the fire I always end up starting one track and finishing two or three different ones.

6. What genre of music do you enjoy producing for and why?

I love doing everything I’ve tried so far. My favorite would be the 80’s rock, which I’ve only begun to explore.

7. What kind of things inspire you to create music? Do you have any musical influences?

35 years of listening to everything I could wrap my ears around. Huge helpings of Kiss, Zeppelin and the Who were very influential.

8. What genres of music do you listen to in your spare time? Do you have any favorite bands or artists?

I like modern rock, and my girl is getting me into pop music lately. Paramore, Trapt, and Red Hot Chili Peppers get a ton of plays in my iTunes. Lately I’ve been listening to more ELP and Medeski, Martin & Wood. “It’s a Jungle in Here” rocks.

9. What is your advice to other AudioJungle authors regarding how to create a successful portfolio of audio?

You’ve got me on that one. I’m still looking to learn what to do myself. I’ve only been here for two and a half months, so I am a little too wet behind the ears to give advice. I’m having a great time playing. There’s a good place to start.

10. What do you do to market your AudioJungle files?

I have a personal site that I’m getting into Google. If anyone has some tips or me I’d love to chat. I’m still relatively new, but very enthusiastic.

11. What are your three favorite tracks in your AudioJungle portfolio and why do you like them?

Thoughtful Jam

It’s very exotic, and the idea came from the lead sound. It fell together in a few hours.

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Silly

The name was a mistake as it says nothing about the song. It has lyrics but those will never escape my studio. I was really feeling this track at the time. Good stuff.

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3 Inch Nails

This song is scary to me. I see a crazy horror movie character getting his implements of destruction all ready and heading out to the site of horrific deeds. =)

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12. Apart from yourself, who is your favorite AudioJungle author and why do you like them?

Mafloral is doing some killer electronic metal stuff, Tiam is doing some really cool contemporary tracks, and Alchemist is doing some top notch work as well. I can’t choose a favorite and I can’t mention everyone. The talent pool here is so deep I can’t even begin to choose. ADG3studios, Scottwills, Vaisnava , Leto, etc … just too many. I refuse to pick one.

13. If you could change anything about AudioJungle, what would it be?

I’d like to be featured permanently! Other than that, nothing.

14. Could you tell us about some of your audio projects outside of AudioJungle? What have been some of your biggest audio successes so far?

I’m getting an opportunity to produce a jingle for a big merchant society in Richmond. Wish me luck.

15. When you aren’t busy creating music, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I spend time with my daughters and pet my dog, ride my motorcycle. I watch very little TV but Two and a Half Men, House and UFC are the best.

View / listen to RobGD’s AudioJungle portfolio.