RPM '08

I have two tracks written so far for the RPM 08 challenge. RPM is an initiative to get people to record an entire album in February.

Im a bit behind, but I think I can pick it up and get something decent by the end of the month. Ok back to working on fixing up some drums for track two.

Updates

Updates, updates, where to start? Oscillation 7 was this year. Tons of great bands were there and I had a fun time. Brian Botkiller asked me to take photos so if you head to WNA you can see some of the pictures in the online gallery.

Musically i'v been rather distracted by school and everything. I sold the Korg ER-1 since it was just too limited with its synth engine. I did manage to pick up Logic Studio 8 and it's amazing. UltraBeat, the Logic drum machine, is killer. I dont think any other machine, software or hardware, comes close to the crazy driving beats this thing can put out.

Also I managed to score an Ensoniq ESQ-1 that was "broken" off of Craigslist for $25. All it needed was a new battery and now its up and running.

I finally managed to set up the studio to my liking in my new place, so I will post some shots, and a sample of some new songs that I have been working on as soon as I get off work.

VNV Nation + Imperative Reaction Concert

This Monday was the Imperative Reaction / VNV Nation show over at the Launchpad. It was an amazing concert and both bands put on great shows. Ronan from VNV Nation was loosing his voice, but he still managed to sing great and it even added a neat scratchy industrial feel to his singing.

After the concert both bands hung around and signed autographs and such. I brought my Micron and got both Ronan and Mark to sign it. Right after that I ran into Ted, the lead singer for Imperative Reaction and he signed it! Then I found Clint ( System Syn ) from IR and he signed it also! Clint uses a Micron for both IR and System Syn so he talked to me about it for a bit. It was an awesome show, and everyone from all of the bands were awesome. I even ran into Nick from SANG.RÆL and he signed my Micron too! Overall an awesome night !

Test Track: Static Awakenings

So I decided I should check out Fruity Loops and holy shit does it rock. This is something that I have been working on and is completely done with FL Studio 7.

I have some other small clips from Grageband stuff that I have been working on, but they are not that great.

Anyway for now, check out the new FL track with this Flash player. Ill post a link to the mp3 later. I call it "Static Awakenings."

New Toy

So I was browsing Ebay last week and came across a Yamaha DX7 in mint condition. What was special about this one was that the guy selling it didn't list it in any categories. Therefore noone was bidding on it and I got it suuuper cheap. Like cheaper than a midi controller of similar quality.

So now I own the most popular synth ever made, and can now get that cool lo fi 80's digital synth sound going.

RAM

I'v started working on two remixes for Random Access Memory, Vampires and Cop to be exact. Im going to finish them up over break and ill post something then.

New Toys

I was able to get my hands on a copy of Native Instruments Absynth and FM8. They both look way cool. Hopefully sometime soon ill have some new stuff to post. School has been killing me and kitten has been sick which isnt good.

Test Track: Digital Hardcore Test

So this test track was inspired after listening to some Atari Teenage Riot. I took the Micron and loaded up a custom setup using some of its stock sounds, then played it through my 6" Ibanez Bass amp, and mic'ed it with my Shure PG57.

Its mono, it sounds horrible, but that was the point.

Signal Chain:
Micron -> Ibanez Bass Amp -> Shure PG57 -> Behringer UCA202 -> Mac/GB

::::Digital Hardcore Alpha Test::::

Test Track: Korg ER1 + Micron Test

This track was recorded the day I got my Korg ER-1. I took the Micron and ran its output into the ER-1 and then ran the drum synth while jamming on the Micron.

Signal Chain:
Micron -> ER-1 -> Behringer UCA202 -> Mac/GB

::::Micron + ER-1 Alpha Test::::

New Mic / Updates

So this weekend I took some old gear down to Music Go Round and traded it it. Took the cash and picked up a Shure PG57 Instrument / Vocal mic. I have some ideas lined up but nothing sound yet.

Also Im really going to try and get some tracks uploaded. Im looking for some webspace somewhere to stash them.

Early Work

So I think the best place to start would logically be the beginning. Tommrow I am going to pick a few clips of early stuff I made to serve as a foundation to see if I improve or if its all downhill from there.

I would post some things now, but Josh took Baltes and I out shooting and my ears are still ringing which wouldnt be productive while mastering the tracks.

A New Hope

So here I am, on the ragged edge of the world. I'm currently stuck somewhere in the desert wasteland of New Mexico.

All I have to keep sane in this world are a few friends, my computers, a synth and a drum machine. Perhaps I can create some noise that will inspire you. Perhaps not.

Won't you join me on my journey ?