ROLI Meets Parisi: Revolutionizing electronic music with Seaboard
Our latest video goes backstage with Marco Parisi and his brother Jack as they usher in a new era in expressive music, starting with a sold out gig in London
In the pulsating heart of London's music scene, amidst the neon-lit walls of the Outernet, a revolution in sound is taking place. This is where we find Marco and Giampaolo "Jack" Parisi, the dynamic duo behind PARISI, as they prepare to captivate a sold-out crowd with their electrifying performance with fellow Italian duo Mathame. Their journey, intertwined with the Seaboard, is not just a story of musical innovation, but a testament to the potential of creativity and expression.
Marco and Jack Parisi, raised in Salerno, Italy, were destined to journey into music. The sons of a professional keyboard player father and a musical mother, they were immersed in a world of sounds from a young age. Marco, with his extraordinary gift of perfect pitch, discovered at just two years old, and Jack, with his rhythmic prowess on the drums, were set on a path that would lead them to become pioneers in their field, capturing the attention of collaborations with musical icons like Ed Sheeran, Fred again.., and Will.i.am.
Their encounter with the Seaboard was nothing short of destiny. Marco, having already caught the eye of music technology giants like Korg, was introduced to the Seaboard by Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater. Seaboard, with the ability to bend pitch and vibrato, was a dream instrument for Marco, a perfect amalgamation of his classical training and his passion for electronic music. It was an instrument he had dreamt of his entire life.
Marco's acoustic background allowed him to harness Seaboard's unique 5 Dimensions of Touch, transforming electronic music into a more organic, emotive experience. “To me, the Seaboard is a totally different world — it’s like you’ve been driving a car until someone gives you a plane and you can start flying,” Marco describes.
Marco's innovative work with all variations on the Seaboard has transcended the realm of conventional performance, sparking viral videos that have captured the imagination of music lovers around the world. His demonstration videos, illustrating the groundbreaking potential of the Seaboard, amassed millions of views. A pinnacle moment came in 2017 with his rendition of "Purple Rain" on the Seaboard RISE, which highlighted the instrument's ability to recreate all the nuances of the iconic guitar in Prince’s original. The introduction of the Seaboard BLOCK saw Marco play not one, but three BLOCK’s garnering over 17 million views. Marco's work with the Seaboard has not only showcased its innovative features but also inspired musicians worldwide to explore new creative possibilities. His work today with ROLI continues, showcasing the latest MPE soundpack, Expressive Virtuoso.
The duo's journey with ROLI has been a relationship of growth and discovery. While Marco and Jack helped shape the sound and potential of the Seaboard, they also honed their skills, becoming masters of an instrument that few others knew how to play. This expertise opened doors to allowing them to bring the unique sound of the Seaboard to a global audience.
The impact of Seaboard and PARISI's work with it is profound. “This is the beginning of a new era of more expressive electronic music and that’s really exciting — it’s already shaping the sounds of many albums, but its impact will be much bigger the longer it goes,” Marco envisions. Their work is not just about creating music; it's about creating a movement, a shift in how music is perceived and experienced.
As Marco and Jack continue their journey with PARISI, they remain at the forefront of musical innovation. Their recent single “Believe In Myself” is a bright, euphoric anthem that encapsulates the essence of their sound. Written as an ode to the dance music of their teenage years, it showcases PARISI at their most bold. With this latest release, PARISI continue to earmark themselves as ones to watch, pushing the boundaries of what electronic music can be.
For aspiring music makers, the story of PARISI and their journey with Seaboard is a beacon of inspiration. It shows that with passion, innovation, and a willingness to explore the unknown, new musical worlds can be created. The Seaboard, in the hands of artists like Marco and Jack, is not just an instrument; it's a canvas for endless creativity.
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