Who are you and what do you do? How long have you been a working musician?

Andy Williams, I have been recording/producing under the alias Yam Who? since 2003. I run ISM Records and would say I pretty much cover every role required in the music industry, something you have to do these days. The goal or main ethos is to have everything controlled in-house. I've been performing, creating, and learning music since I can remember, 4 years old perhaps, but professionally since around early 2003.

What is your educational background? Are there any schools, courses, or books you recommend?

I guess from a producer/technical point a view I'd suggest Apple Pro Training Series: Logic Pro 9 Advanced Music Production, and Modern Recording Techniques by David Huber. Equally as crucial for those interested in the world I operate in: Last Night a DJ Saved My Life: The History of the Disc Jockey.

What hardware are you using?

iMac, Apogee Ensemble, Genelec 8040A, Mackie HR824 Mk2, microKORG, Sequential Circuits Six-Trak, Oktava MK-319 mic, ART Pro VLA Compressor, TL Audio Valve Eq.

The iMac is a pretty integral, affordable, all-encompassing machine with a large screen and fast processor.

What software are you using?

Logic 9, as it's intuitive and great for the balance between MIDI and audio, which I've always combined heavily, and I love working with cutting edge technology and musicianship/songs.

Native Instruments, Waves plugins, Melodyne Editor amongst many others.

What would be your dream setup?

I'm happy with what I have, technology can be great but seems to become a distraction away from the essence of what good music is all about. It's great that you can cheaply buy an entire studio or transport and set up quickly. Flexibility is a good thing.

Can you describe your creative process? Is there a particular routine or schedule you stick to?

This sounds like a cliché, but, life. Your ages, environment, experience. I do have a process however. Rhythm, bass, melody. An A and a B section. Always constructed around vocals.

Where do you shop for and discover music?

Internet 100% these days: Juno Records, Piccadilly Records, Kudos Records, Phonica. Promo wise: Facebook, Resident Advisor, blogs.

Any highlights from your latest musical discoveries?

Love the new Toro Y Moi album, and the new Warpaint album.

What's brewing in your studio?

Out soon on ISM is Ashley Beedle's remix of Odyssey's " Native New Yorker", recorded live like an original disco record. It's an epic production with overdubs, extended like a Walter Gibbons remix. Very authentic sounding and seldom done anymore.

Any production tips & tricks you'd like to share?

Never give up, work hard, be honest, learn an instrument and don't share too many of your studio secrets. For software, the Brainworx mastering tool is useful, and Melodyne Editor is very cool!

Where can we find you on the web?

Yam Who? / Blog / SoundCloud /