NAMM 2018: Interview with Keyboardist and Composer Nicholas Semrad

Nick Semrad plays keyboards with Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles. He has performed with Bootsy Collins, Lauryn Hill, Louis Cole, Gabriel Garzon- Montano and Terrace Martin. Nick plays MONTAGE7 and reface DX. At NAMM 2018, Nick performed liive at the Yamaha display. Nick has a refreshingly unique approach and creates very cool grooving textures in a gospel/funk/jazz vibe.

Yamaha Synthesizer Product Specialist Blake Angelos had an opportunity to ask Nick a few questions about his background, influences and how he uses MONTAGE on the stage and studio. He used a single electronic piano Performance in MONTAGE. When he played durng this interview, he got some great sounds by deftly using parameter controls like pitch bend, attack of the ADSR and effect sends. Enjoy this interview and performance featuring Nick Semrad:

Check out Nick’s artist page here! Want to share your thoughts and comments about this special interview and performance? Join the conversation on the Forum here.

NAMM 2018: Interview with Keyboardist/Singer-Songwriter Cassandra O’Neal

Cassandra O’Neal is a keyboardist, vocalist, composer and producer who played keyboards with Prince and the New Power Generation from 2009-2016. Her impressive and diverse career as a keyboardist has included collaborating with LeAnn Rimes, Macy Gray, Mary J. Blige, Pink, 98 Degrees, Sheila E., Kurt Carr, and Helen Baylor. Cassandra plays MONTAGE6 and MOXF6. In the interview below with Synthesizer Product Specialist Blake Angelos, Cassandra discusses her upbringing, influences and inspriations. She sings and plays beautifully during the interview and answers the question that so many people are interested in knowing: What was it like to play in Prince’s band? 

Enjoy the interview and performance from the great Cassandra O’Neal below: 

Want to share your thoughts on the interview? Join the conversation on the Forum here.

© 2025 Yamaha Corporation of America and Yamaha Corporation. All rights reserved.    Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact Us