I've been looking over my site, and have realized that most of the posts have been about projects that I have finished, and have been released. I've been wondering lately whether or not that is actually of any interest to anybody. It also comes across as a bit narcissistic. Yes, there are things that I am proud of, and feel tremendously grateful to have been a part of, and the reality of this business is that it requires a bit of self promotion.. "Hey! Check this guy out! He did so and so! We should call him for our project!" But as I read the blogs of non-music people (especially tech people), I'm intrigued by the experimentation, the innovation, the ideas -- the account of the progress, not just the completion. The idea of picking up a hobby that allows this sort of experimentation has crossed my mind. Taking a remote control quad copter and turning it into a drone. Re-learning basic coding to develop home automation systems. Even just getting back into chess. But then I remembered what it was like for me in the early days of music, before I realized it could be a job, or that there were limits to what you did, or standard operating procedures. It was, in fact, just as experimental, innovative, and creative as anything in the tech world. There are so many things you can do with music, sound, technology, that we often just don't, because it isn't strictly necessary. But when did producing music become about necessity? Over the last few months, I've been slowly reincorporating some of the things that made me fall in love with music production in the first place. Experimenting with ACTUAL programming, meaning using technology to create sounds that did not exist before. Or using "found sounds" to create subtle shifting organic textures that sometimes are more felt than heard. I remember years ago spending ages trying to sample a music box in a particular way so I could get a sound I was searching for for a Diana Pops song. Or showing up with my friend to a cafe with our computers, synths, and an electric violin to play experimental electronic music, much of which we were creating in real time.
I'm working with an artist right now (who for the moment shall remain anonymous) who's only mandate is to make the best record she has ever made. You might be surprised to know that this is quite a refreshing objective. We are experimenting with sounds, parts, textures, instruments, and it is a LOT of fun. Music technology has come a long way in allowing one the freedom to do these sorts of things. I'm not sure whether the results of this experimentation will be immediately obvious to the listener, but if not, I expect it to at least have a subtle psychological effect.
Instead of simply listing my completed projects in this space, I intend to document some of the things we are doing as they are in progress. Some of it will have to be redacted, or anonymized, as commercial projects often have to be kept under wraps until they are ready for their unveiling, but with artists' permission I will do what I can to let my readers in on the process. There are really cool things happening in music right now, and I feel very fortunate to have a part in it.
Anyway. Here's a pointless picture of some gear.
