Darryl Beaton
Darryl Beaton is one of Australia's hardest working keyboard players. Spreading his time between session gigs in recording studios and a hectic touring schedule, Darryl is one of the most accomplished Musical Directors/keyboard players to perform with the most popular names in the country.
Most recently, Darryl was the Musical Director for the national tour of the 2004 Australian Idol winner, Guy Sebastian, playing his trusty Motif ES7 and an S90 Last year he was also the Musical Director for Shannon Noll and Paulini, who were both discovered during the 2004 Australian Idol series, on their recent Australian tours. Despite his busy schedule, Darryl continues to work with popular vocal band Human Nature and manages to dedicate time to his own projects, including his Sydney-based hip hop band.
Darryl talks touring, synths and frequent flyer miles with Yamaha...
Now that you've been using the Motif ES7 for a while, how do you think it compares to the original Motif?
I was skeptical at first, thinking that it was going to be hard to top the original, but I was pleasantly surprised. Sonically it's a step up, and the insert FX and sampler expansion make a big difference to what I'm able to achieve on stage.
What's the general reaction to the ES from the artists you're working with?
They all appreciate different things: Guy Sebastian's gig is great to rock the Rhodes and B3 sounds. With Shannon Noll's gig I play all the extra curricular sounds so I'm constantly using all the assignable controls to add interest to whatever I'm playing; the master mode has been handy for that reason. For Paulini's gig I've been importing album sounds into the expanded sampler straight from a HD to keep the performances live. Human Nature love how I can split so many times yet all the sounds remain true because the ES keeps all insert FXs etc intact. In my originals hip hop band I use the harmonizer board all the time, and the crowds love it!
How do the Yamaha synths handle the touring?
I've given mine such a hard time, even in the last 90 days I've done over 60 gigs all over the country from Darwin to Tasmania. I've never had to worry about it. It's a blessing to be able to focus on the gig and not your equipment.
What's next for Darryl Beaton?
I'm excited about doing some more work with Guy Sebastian early 2005, after finishing the tour with Shannon in Western Australia. Releasing and touring the hip hop act is something that I would like to do this year and of course... trying to finish some of my own studio recordings in the time I have left!