The multitalented Cameron Lew aka Ginger Root recommends some studio essentials!
Check it out in Issue Four or read down below.
P.S. If I were you I'd make sure to catch him on tour.
Photos by Ambar Navarro for Synth History.
1. Line 6 DL4
I use this mainly for the loop function. A great little tool to help jot down quick ideas. Sometimes when I don’t feel like setting up a bunch of stuff to record/write demos I’ll just use this to capture. It’s minimal 15 second loop capacity is a good creative box to think outside of.
2. Wurlitzer 200a
My bread. Local pickup from a guy off eBay who did not treat it well at all despite having one of the coolest home studios I’ve ever seen. I did not spray paint it white, he did. I told myself i’d restore it to its original black color but that was eight years ago. This thing is probably on 90 percent of every Ginger Root song.
3. Harmony H22 Bass
My butter. Good or bad thing, I can never play any other bass besides this thing. Truly one of my most used pieces of gear. It’s been with me through thick and thin. Flatwounds or go home.
4. Guild Classical Guitar
When you think of classical guitars, most people think Yamaha or something. But surprisingly Guild made some really solid ones back in the day.
5. Rhythm Ace Drum Machine
When I write demos and am in need of rhythm, I’m usually too lazy to program anything. So this drum machine has helped me in accompanying me when workshopping through tons of demos (Good and bad).
6. OP-1
A true workhorse. Not only in the studio but on stage. This thing has been by my side forever. We’ve seen the world together. Would never trade it for the world. Fun fact: I got this off of craigslist from a guy who thought it was a toy. Therefore his asking price was astronomically low. Keep at it folks. You can find that deal.
7. Sailor Moon VHS
Sailor Moon probably single-handedly helped me through covid. There’s so much inspiration in this show. Music, characters, story, and overall vibe. I’m proud to say I have collected Sailor Moon R, S, SuperS in its entirety.
8. Good Lighting
I believe your environment affects your creative output. This studio space is equipped with sad overhead hospital style lighting. When I first moved into this space, it was quite difficult to get in the creative mindset with such a stark environment. So bringing in cozy furniture and ambient, fun, accent lighting helped fabricate a more welcoming space to really open up and make things.
9. Running Shoes
Running really helps me get over mental blockage. Whether creatively frustrated, mentally frustrated, or just frustrated in general, I feel like a new person after I run. Though not a super long distance type. My cap is like 3 miles.[Laughs]
10. Post-its & Pen
It might be old fashioned, but I find writing things down helps me remember better than typing them in my phone. It’s also super satisfying to be able to cross things out and scribble over the things you completed. I have tons of post-its all over the studio, and it’s kinda fun to look back at them, and see all the stuff that needed to be done.
Synth History Exclusive.
EIC Danz.
Photos by Ambar Navarro.
Assisted by Max Flick.