Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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It’s my birthday! 🎂 To celebrate and kick off the first video of the year, I decided to revisit one of my favorite Toto classics: "Stop Loving You." About 11 months ago, I recorded a version of this song, but I knew I could push the production further. This "2026 Redo" isn't just a re-recording—it's a complete technical overhaul.

🎹 What’s New in This Version?

In my previous cover, I relied on my old Korg Kross 1 and the Garritan CFX. While they served me well, I felt the brass and Electric Piano (EP) layers lacked that "pro" punch. Here is how I leveled up the sound for this special:
- The Sound Engine: I’m now using the Yamaha Montage ESP Softsynth. The difference in the Piano/EP layering and the iconic brass section is night and day.
- The Mix: Unlike the "play-along" style of my last video, I used audio separation software to remove the original piano and EP tracks from the backing. What you hear now is 100% my performance sitting in the mix.
- Visuals & Performance: Thanks to my new gaming laptop, I was able to handle a much more complex multicam sequence. No more laggy editing—just smooth transitions and better angles to show the fingerwork.

⚙️ Gear & Tech Stack:

- Main Synth: Yamaha Montage ESP (Softsynth)
- Controller: Korg Kross 1
- Camera: Samsung Galaxy S8+
- Tripod: Zomei M8 Go
- Phone holder: Ulanzi CapGrip CG02
Video Light: Ulanzi VL120
- Software: REAPER
- Video Editing: Prwmiwre pro Cc 2023 & Premiere Pro 2025
- Hardware: New Gaming Laptop Rig (Massive upgrade from the 10-year-old Asus!)
If you enjoyed this birthday special, please consider subscribing! It’s the best birthday gift you could give. Let me know in the comments: which version do you prefer? The original or this 2026 upgrade?
#Toto #StopLovingYou #KeyboardCover #YamahaMontage #MusicProduction #PianoCover #Synthesizer #YamahaMontageESP #BirthdaySpecial