We lost Ikey Owens, man. When I was 14 he became for me THE example of what a keyboardist ought to be. One who doesnt play with his fingers, but his whole body. He used the instrument as one should; as an essential element to the band. That kind of fundamental keyboard presence is rarely found in todays rock music. Early albums by Muse, Murder by Death, and The Mars Volta used keys this way and really helped me shape my goals as a keyboardist in a fret-pressers world. Too many artists use keys as a gimmick. Something cheap just to catch the listeners attention, really abusing the instrumentation. Ikey was the embodiment of the opposite. Every performance he was just buggin the hell out, giving his all, and having a blast bashin those keys. I wouldnt be half the musician I am today without him. I hope every dirty organ, rancid rhodes, and creamy mellotron lick I ever play will resonate with the influence R Isaiah Owens provided me and many others with. In 2005 I saw him for the first time upon the release of The Mars Voltas sophomore album. I got to shake his hand that night and talked with him. He gladly signed my ticket stub, which was and will always be one of my most prized possessions. Little did I know then that years later, after seeing him perform 5 different times, I would gather the courage to message him here on facebook in search of his thoughts on my newest music. He responded and I almost peed myself. We agreed that after the album was finished that Id remind him and send it over. The album is still being written and hell never hear it. My only hope is that at some point in my life I can inspire some young musician like he did. Bless your family, friends, and close ones Ikey, man. Youll be missed terribly.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 02:31:49 +0000
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