M A N I F E S T !  p r e - p r o d u c t i o n
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F A Q

Who am I? 

I'm a professional multi-instrumentalist, arranger and person who has been
immersed in music for most of my life.  For complete details, here is my CV.
You can learn more about me and my projects at jdubdub.net.

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What are my skills?

In addition to playing my instruments at a professional level, I am familiar with the
process of bringing a song or group of songs from idea to a fully-developed reality
(on CD or digital track) in a rapid manner.

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What are my qualifications?

Musically my background is a mixture of self-taught education, on-the-job experience
as a live performer and studio musician, and key lessons from instructors whom I've
approached with specific questions.  In university I earned a degree at the
University of Waterloo in the Independent Studies program. 
This unique self-directed program well-prepared me for seeing
projects of any size through to complection.

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Why do this?  What are the benefits?

I have found this "pre-production" process extremely useful for preparing
for the process of studio recording or for entering into rehearsals for live projects. 
By taking the time to look closely at the musical material, you can explore and play with
variations free from the context of a studio setting.  Going into studio or live performance
with a clear and detailed plan will ultimately save you time and money as well.

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Who have I worked with?

My clients / collaborators in the past have included any number of musical groups from jazz
through rock and folk, touching on Indian classical music along the way, solo acoustic guitarists,
videographers, DJs, circus artists, flautists, songwriters, dancers, vocalists, percussionists, drummers,
radio program hosts, filmmakers, composers, and choir directors.

In 2006 I composed and arranged music for performance live on CBC Radio One's Daybreak program,
worked on pre-production for an outdoor trapeze performance, and created original music for a short film.

I'm working on the final stages of music to be performed live during the screening of an
 independent art film, and am entering into rehearsals with a project encompassing a
choir for which I provided musical arrangements.

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What has been their response?

I think it's fair to say that I've had something of value to offer each and every
one of the projects I've been involved with.  I'm regarded as a dependable, prompt, and
overall musically creative person.  Furthermore, my chill but focussed attitude tends to put people
 at ease and help them to relax into the creative process.

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What else am I doing musically?

At the moment I'm writing and performing with an original indie rock band, a
seven-piece ska/reggae band, and am in the process of putting together
an album of original solo guitar music. 

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Who else am I looking to work with?

I want to work with people who share this excitement, have a positive outlook,
and who wish to follow their creativity wherever it may lead.

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What is it like working with me?

I like to achieve great results quickly.  I've often had the comment that things move faster
than expected when I am on board.  From me you can expect constant communication and a
professional attitude focussed on the final product.

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How about some testimonials?

Sure -- here are some.

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What do I charge?

At the moment I'm in the area of thirty dollars per hour for arranging / composing /
producing / recording / editing.  As mentioned before, I work rapidly and am not in the
practice of charging for erroneous hours.

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Why do I do this?

I love the creative process.  My favourite thing is bringing ideas to life. 
When things are working correctly, the hair stands up on my arms and I feel a chill.

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When was it first evident that I should be in this profession?

Some of my earliest memories involve making my own radio plays using sound effects,
music and narration, and of recording guitar parts on a tape recorder in order to play a second
part alongside the tape.  Most of my teenage years were spent honing 4-track skills
and experimenting with sampling and computer-based music while playing in bands. 
I learned how to play guitar and bass guitar on my own and with books.

I later learned the rudiments of jazz alone and with an awesome jazz guitarist, and
studied Indian classical music with a venerable teacher in Benares, North India. 
I guess you could say I've been into this forever.

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What are some other names for this process?

When starting to put these ideas to paper, the first phrase that came to mind was
"Audio Maquettes" -- evoking the idea of a detailed architectural model of a building to be built.

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M A N I F E S T !  p r e - p r o d u c t i o n
[ h o m e ]    [ s e r v i c e s ]    [ t e s t i m o n i a l s ]    [ b e f o r e / a f t e r ]    [ f a q ]

email: manifest.preproduction@gmail.com
phone: John @ 514.602.4599
address: 4339 St. Urbain, Montreal QC H2W1V6