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Hello Wembley, I'm on my iPhone
Mark Prigg27 Apr 2009
It has played host to the world's biggest acts - but now Wembley is preparing for a musical innovation: its first mobile phone gig.
Singer, songwriter and producer Gary Go will be playing his iPhone instead of guitars and drums at a series of Take That concerts in July.
Go, 24 - real name Gary Baker - has already written several tracks for his first album using software downloaded to the phone. He used it to recreate guitars, drums, piano and horn sections.
All the demos for his album were laid down using a virtual four-track recording studio installed on his phone.
"I think it's pretty amazing that I'm going to be using a mobile phone on stage at Wembley Stadium in front of so many people. I grew up behind the stadium, and used to listen to concerts in my back garden, " said Go, whose single Open Arms is released on 11 May.
"My biggest worry is that my phone will ring mid-song."
He has written a special track, called Superfuture, which will have its debut at a free gig at Apple's Regent Street store tomorrow night.
"At this point it's quite hard to think of something I don't use the phone for," said Go, who secured his slot supporting Take That after band member Gary Barlow heard his music. "For songwriters it's an amazing tool as I always have it with me. I used to phone myself and leave messages to remember ideas. Now I can record real tracks in the park - it's great."
Traditionalists will be relieved to hear that some of his songs will be performed with a full live band.
Apple's iPhone has been a surprise hit among musicians. London group the Mentalists became a YouTube hit this year after performing a cover version of MGMT's Kids. However, Go's performances are believed to be the first time an iPod gig will be played for such a large audience.
"The fact we're going to see someone playing an iPhone at Wembley is something I don't think even Apple thought would happen," said Stuart Dredge, of industry site Music Ally.
"The software started out as a gimmick, but now we are seeing real musicians producing real music with it. Of course, you still need talent, but the phone means you can make and record anywhere."
Mr Dredge did however question how the phone will work on a large stage. "I wonder if we'll see some full-on, feet-on-the-monitors rocking out?"
Gary Go will support Take That at Wembley on 1, 4 and 5 July.
Gary Go will be demonstrating how he wrote a song using only Apple iPhone apps at the Apple Store on Regent Street Tuesday 28 April at 7pm.
Reader views (1)
I can't believe this guy's sold out already!!! He's hardly even started!!!! what a joke.
- Gary, London, 12/05/2009 13:59
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