Cooking up new music in residence

Have you ever envisioned creating something with the use of technology?

Were you left disappointed when you figured attempting a project solo was next to impossible?

Well, Brett “Jimmy” Watts has proved that with a little determination, a little research and curiosity can play a huge role once applied.

Watts, a 19-year-old first year Multi Media Production student at Fanshawe College, has just created his first album conveniently in the comfort of his “R” Residence dorm room.

“I created an original EP in my brother's bedroom, so I thought what's the difference between doing it there as opposed to making a cd here in my dorm room. There's no difference really, other than it's a little bit smaller,” joked Watts.

Today's advanced technology is letting anyone with access to a computer, the internet and keen musical abilities create works of art that was not too long ago reserved for those who could afford to pay for studio time and groups of music professionals.

“I never thought it would be possible to make an entire cd on my own,” said Watts. “The way our technology is coming along makes more things possible. I get a lot of my inspiration from Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails. He makes a lot of music on his own. I just figured if he could do it, then so can I.”

The cd was in the beginning stages early September with Watts hoping for a January release.

‘The whole point of the cd was to come up with something very unique that carried an original sound. Strongly based on rock, it also incorporates electronic and techno elements...I've had some bad experiences with people not working as hard as they could be. That's how this project came about,” explained Watts.

Technology has been a great tool for Watts with the creation of his soon to be released cd.

“I think that Multi Tracking Recording is a big thing,” he said. “That has changed music for sure. Also I use Mide-which is the technology that allows me to program grand piano sounds and drum parts and those are the instruments I don't really have access to in my (dorm) room.”

Watts' determination and passion for music have him wanting people to remember him and his talents long after he graduates from Fanshawe.

“Not too sure what my future plan is at this point, but I might still apply for the MIA program here at Fanshawe,” said Watts. “The long term goal is to just make it in music. Leave my mark on it and try to create a classic album.”

For further information about Watts and his music visit http://www.myspace.com/theblotterproject