"Chimp Spanner is a one man progressive metal project from Essex, in the UK. All instruments are played and recorded by multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, Paul Ortiz.
Taking influence from modern metal monsters such as Meshuggah, Strapping Young Lad, Sikth and Dream Theater and combining it with the sounds of Brian Eno, Toto, Vangelis, Chic Corea and Jan Hammer, plus a love for film and sci fi verging on scarily obsessive, the resulting sound is both futuristic and retro; heavy and ambient.
His upcoming new CD 'At the Dream's Edge' is nearing completion, so keep checking here for all the latest clips, samples and news!"
Well, both of my parents are musicians, composers and producers, so from a very early age they started showing me the ropes, starting me out on the piano/keyboard. I got my very first DAW when I was 8. Around 98/99 I took up the drums, followed by bass and then eventually guitar towards the end of college in 01/02. Ever since then I've primarily been a guitarist, but home recording has kept all the other disciplines in check! I'm almost exclusively a 7 and 8 string guitarist. I think I have enough strings now :)
Not at the moment, although I am in the process of writing some live material for a groove/thrash metal based side project: http://www.myspace.com/blessedinertia
My parents, firstly! Otherwise, you can get an idea of my influences from my 'Introduction'.
Okay this needs a bit of an update! My equipment as of Oct 09:
Intel E4400 Dual Core with 2Gb RAM
M-Audio FW410
Radium 61 MIDI Keyboard
Line6 POD X3 + FBV Shortboard
M-Audio BX5a Monitors
RG2228
RG1527
RG7321
SA260FM
H&S Custom 6 string bass
Cubase 5
Reason 4
Drumkit From Hell Superior 1 + 2
I'd just like to say a massive thanks to all the people who have continued to send me great feedback and buy my first CD! I'm really looking forward to sharing the new CD with you all, and I hope it meets everyone's expectations :) Be sure to check out www.chimpspanner.com for more links to the Chimp online!