Curse my stupidity. Yesterday I realised I had deleted a new song while clearing files off my computer to make more room for my Linux partition. Here I was looking for new and innovative ways of working and I just threw away at least 40 hours of creative work! Can't really dwell on it now, but this sort of personal incompetence makes my skin crawl.
We're driving to Newcastle this afternoon for tonight's HOWLfest gig at the Gateway Hotel, Islington. Am really looking forward to seeing the other live acts and DJs, not to mention escaping from the frustrations of the studio.
Then it's on to the Clarence Hotel, Petersham on Friday night. Can't wait to sing again!
Considering that the sample page is the most popular aspect of my site, it probably seems weird that it hasn't been updated for some time. In my quest to become a full-time professional musician, I've become involved in many other activities to help me raise money for my art. Over the past few years, these have included video editing, teaching piano and music technology, web design, compiling audio mixes for fashion shows, and working as a studio assistant at Beat-Route Media. Then there are all the voluntary things I do to get my music out there, like organising shows for Deprogram, making DVDs and music videos, writing promotional material, and sending press packages out to radio stations and any other interested parties.
All of these jobs have given me a broader perspective on my music. But now I have to find time to focus on it again without distractions. I've spent so much time developing skills in other areas, but my main passion was always in discovering new and unique sounds. This is what guides my inspiration and sets the tone and structure for a particular track.
I need to find new sound sources. Although I love the variety of software synths out there, sampling still offers the most unlimited range of sounds. So I'll be dusting off the microphone and experimenting with recording techniques and vocal/instrumental ideas and dog barks over the next few weeks.
Did you know that one of most the commonly downloaded samples on this site is the dog bark, featuring my favourite canine companion, Rex. He's a 15-year-old Great Dane crossed with a German Shepard. One of the downsides of old age for him is the deterioration of his vicious bark. This recording is one of his last full-voiced barks, and captures the indignation he feels when a possum is caught trespassing in his backyard. The sound was found by accident while I was recording a vocal take in my studio and Rex kept interrupting while performing his guard dog duties.
Just found out that the Lionstracs Mediastation X-76 will retail for US$12,000. Eek! This means I have to go back to my original plan of organising a rack mount Linux audio PC for live shows.
I think I've finally found the ideal live performance keyboard. Its the Lionstracs Mediastation X-76. Equipped with Linux software, including a web browser and sampler, this machine appears too good to be true.
For a while I've been searching for a 76 key weighted keyboard, and now I find one with an onboard CD burner/DVD reader. Another plus is the ability to time stretch/pitch shift in realtime. A computerised keyboard like this offers the flexibility I need to take my live shows further, to allow for more adventure and experimentation.
The only downside is it's not yet commercially available, and I have no idea of the price when it does come out. Just need to keep dreaming...
Return of the Coogee jam sessions. Last Sunday was the start of what I hope to be an ongoing ritual of weekend improvs at home with musical friends.
Had a wonderful New Year's Eve at Newcastle, playing just before midnight - the perfect way to ease into 2004. Glen and Renee, our generous hosts, also performed 2 great sets. Renee programs her own stuff made up of vocals, traditional instruments and electronic beats. Glen produces pure techno with memorable hooks and melodies - morphing gradually over time. Each of our different styles merged quite well. Here's hoping we can organise some shows together in the near future.
