My artist name is Shambien and I am from Italy (altough I lived abroad in the Netherlands and in the USA for several years and then came back). I have been making music since I studied classical piano as a kid and then taught myself to play guitar. In my teen years I have played in metal, punk and darkwave bands... until I discovered electronic music, I started attending raves in the 90's and then Goa trance parties and I was hooked and started making electronic music and beats on a computer. I paused my passion for music (but never really abandoned it, i.e. I produced an indie rock album in 2014) for over 25 years as I was working a regular job in IT and raising a family and kids. In that period I also learned some woodworking skills and got interested in making instruments.
The 'kids' are now much older (two of three are adults) and I started making more music, again. I produce mostly EDM ranging from Melodic Techno to Ambient to Trance - in fact I find it hard to categorize and I am developing my own style. I also started DJing in the last couple of years.
I have always used my crafty nature to bridge gaps and find unconventional solutions: be it in software, hardware or music. You don't necessarily need the latest or most expensive gear - this applies to all crafts - to create something.
'Plank Guitars' is therefore not a company; it is just a brand that acts as an umbrella / portfolio showcasing my creations in the 'physical' world as a facet of my personality and hopefully inspiring others to create as well. I can definitely sell some of my creations and teach you / transfer knowledge - this is more my cup of tea - but on a case-by-case basis, depending on the people, the vibe and the proximity (shipping is a motherfucker and it has always been, even before the tariffs).