John Corda a.k.a. Mashed Buddha

www.mashedbuddha.com

Mashed Buddha is the name of the one man band consisting of John Corda, his keyboards, his computer, and occasional human collaborators. A rarity in the world of electronica and it’s various offshoots, he adds musicality and, the not-so-predictable, human touch to a form dominated by DJs and people who program machines, then let them run through their paces. Mashed Buddha falls under the rubric of jungle and drum 'n' bass, but is so much more than the terms imply. “I like to think of my music as electronica that doesn't take itself too seriously,” he states. “Mostly it's a blend of wild musical ideas that constantly run through my head. I tame them with soothing words.” He further soothes them by adding a rock and pop sensibility to the framework of drum 'n' bass. He achieves this by using tried and true techniques of songwriting such as creating verses, choruses and bridges from hooks, voices, keyboard licks, snippets of sound and catchy themes. On his debut CD, 'Subdue Your Mind', each song uses drum 'n' bass -- frenetic drum beats matched against slower bass lines -- but also elements of funk, downtempo, and even '70s jazz fusion. On his latest CD, 'Zen Conspiracy', in addition to a richer pallette of sounds and guest vocalist Uri Geller, he incorporates something no one else in this genre uses: jazz improvisation.

Born and raised in Adams, Massachusetts, Corda started playing piano at the age of eight and began lessons at nine. Growing up, he was influenced by a wide variety of music, including classical music ranging from Mozart to bizarre 20st century atonal compositions. Later, through the auspices of Led Zeppelin, he became obsessed with the music of the '70s, especially progressive rock and jazz fusion groups such as Weather Report and Mahavishnu Orchestra. These groups, and the experimental nature of that era, molded Corda’s musical mind and spirit and inspired him to leave safer ground and go down the path of experimentation and inventiveness.

John's music took off when he started getting electronic keyboards and recording equipment. He wrote and improvised music, endlessly exploring how chords, rhythms, and melodies could be combined and recombined. In college, he studied jazz composition and classical piano and received a BA in jazz studies. While in school he played in jam bands and jazz bands, but eventually returned his focus to composition and recording.

Mashed Buddha was born out of Corda’s need to combine his musical tendencies and experiences, maintain his forward-looking creativity, and satisfy his need to communicate with an audience, an audience that approaches music with both mind and body. “Drum 'n' bass gives me artistic freedom while tapping into an audience that wants to listen." In addition, he further explores his musical tendencies and leaves the house of Mashed Buddha, so to speak, by performing live in the Boston area with the acid jazz band Organism.

Mashed Buddha has created a signature sound by putting a human face on, and pumping blood through, the often cold music created by machines and electronic devices.

"When John Corda steps into his alter ego, Mashed Buddha, magical things begin to happen. Eschewing the derivative nature found in much electronica, Mashed Buddha relies on extensive piano/keyboard skill and an inimitable groove to create a sonic sphere to envelope the listener. There are no tricks here. John Corda has an understanding of musical composition that escapes many of the tech-heads who dabble at their computers in the wee hours of the morning."
- Wildy's World

"From the swirling, trance-inducing 'Spikes' to the Prince-ly overdrive of 'Edge,' it's clear that this one-man effort... is as inspired as it is unconventional."
- Gary Carra, Nightcrawler, Valley Advocate

"This album is a mixture of downtempo rhythms, electronica melody staples, and jungle beats. John Currier is the mastermind or madman (depending on the way you look at it) behind Mashed Buddha. He set about to craft jungle and drum&bass beats and rhythms as the backdrop to an electrifying ambient and symphonic journey. The result is a compelling and inspiring joint that works its way into your head analyzing your Zen status and applying a bit of a karmic good rub on your soul. Excellent."
- J-Sin, Smother.net

"This is more great racing danceable music. What makes it stand out? It isn't gimmicky... If you're like me and come out of retirement and go to a rave about twice a year, this is the album you play when you're driving home, trying to stay awake and watching the sun come up. An instant classic."
- Joel Edelman, Agouti Music

"A cool eclectic mix of stuff that teases your cortex in some way that I can't really describe... Very freaky spacy electronica."
- Scott Heller, Aural Innovations

Miles Davis, Led Zeppelin, Weather Report, Earth Wind & Fire, Jamiroquai, Medeski, Martin, and Wood; Fela Kuti, Mozart, Frank Zappa, Propellerheads, A Tribe Called Quest, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Wayne Shorter, Bob Marley, Headhunters, Yes, Mr. Bungle, The Police, Duke Ellington, Roland Rahsaan Kirk, Roy Ayers.