ToneGym Hero: Kenneth Luana

From kitchen-pot drumbeats as a toddler to church-band grooves and FL Studio sessions, Kenny stays creating, jamming with siblings and sharpening his ear through ToneGym daily workouts. Kenny is this month’s ToneGym Hero!

How did you first find your way into making music?

Growing up, making music just came naturally to me. Between the ages of 2 and 5 was when I would find myself banging away on kitchen cooking pots and utensils, playing them as drums.

At pre teens, I played as a drummer in our church band. Then, after a few years, I became interested in creating music with Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

That’s when I bought my first copy of Fl Studio and started creating music from there. Always been passionate about music.

Aside from music, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

Aside from music, I enjoy playing soccer with family and friends, going for walks with my dog, playing video games, but If I’m not doing anything, really its always gotta be music I’m working on. Can be anything from sound design, songwriting and arranging to learning new chords and rhythms.

What’s something you're surprisingly good at that has nothing to do with music?

Always had an interest to dig up and trying to fix small electronic devices- earpiece, small radios, small speakers etc.

If you could play or create with any artist, who would it be and why?

I would play or make music with any artist I come across who are also passionate about music as I believe everyone has talent and a special gift that we all would want to share, learn from and discover.

What musical instrument do you love the most, and what makes it irreplaceable for you?

I would say I love drumming the most. As a drummer myself I’m always into drumming since day one. 

What daily or weekly habits do you have in place to keep you creating?

Getting together with my siblings and jamming on the keyboard or the electric guitar helps with my creativity. Also, I am regularly playing the Tonegym Olympic Games (Progressions Champ and Melody Ace).These helps me come up with chord progressions and melodies.

What keeps you motivated to continue making music?

Music has always been a part of my life ever since I can remember. Creating melody and rhythm has always been part of my nature which, personally I believe is God given. Even while outdoors, hearing certain sounds in nature (birds chirping, etc) or cars driving by can trigger inspiration.

As for my workflow, whenever I hear a melody or rhythm in my head, I’ll quickly record it on my phone and transfer it to my laptop to further building a track. This are some of the things that keeps me motivated in making music. 

What song would you choose as the soundtrack of your life?

I was always thought be be grateful with whatever little you have, and be joyful whenever you go through good or bad times as it can bring a sense of hope and relief. The soundtrack I would go for would be: Ancient of Days - Ron Kenoly

What's your favorite feature on ToneGym, and how has it helped you in your musical journey?

My favourite feature on the Tonegym platform is doing the daily workout games: Departurer, Chordelius, and Route VI.

These three have greatly benefited my ability to identify what chords, intervals, and chord progressions are being played. Now, I can hear something played on the radio, or someone playing chords or melody on some instrument, and I can identify whether it’s a Major or minor chord.

What’s something exciting you're working on or looking forward to?

Right now, I am working on releasing some new music - most of them are instrumental tracks in various genres: a Sentimental track, a couple of Dance Pop tracks and as well as many more in the future. 

You can follow Kenny on Facebook. You can also listen to his music at Spotify, YouTube, and Soundcloud!