Hey,
I just wanted to post a final entry before this year ends. 2008 was a good year for myself, I hope it was for you all too. Thanks for any support you have shown towards me during the last 12 months!
Lets make 2009 a good one too
Small Colin x
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Last Post of the Year
Its been almost 3 weeks since my last update so I thought I would let you know what I've been up to during that time. First I went to Scotland for 9 days for a short holiday, then when I came back Xmas was happening. Then I got sick. Now New Years is coming…
Tonight though, for the 1st real time in ages I have been able (or fit enough) to work on the "Le Migre" EP. I did some arrangement fixing & some fills and lead-ins. You know, the boring stuff! It has to be done though and I find doing this stuff is the best way to ease myself back into music making after an absence.
Obviously with tomorrow being the end of one year & the start of a new one I should probably be making some resolutions to try & stick to for 2009. Here are a few I can think of now:-
1. Write more music.
2. Learn Logic properly
3. Learn the piano properly
I will probably come up with a few more later but I would be really happy if I could fulfill all of these by this time next year. Fingers crossed.
With that I bid you farewell. Hope you've all had a great 2008 & here's to a even better 2009. Thanks for reading. I appreciate your time.
Small Colin x
ps I forgot to say, I'm writing this post from my desk that is situated in my brand new studio room. Yes, it is finished & I've moved in. I will post pics soon…
Tonight though, for the 1st real time in ages I have been able (or fit enough) to work on the "Le Migre" EP. I did some arrangement fixing & some fills and lead-ins. You know, the boring stuff! It has to be done though and I find doing this stuff is the best way to ease myself back into music making after an absence.
Obviously with tomorrow being the end of one year & the start of a new one I should probably be making some resolutions to try & stick to for 2009. Here are a few I can think of now:-
1. Write more music.
2. Learn Logic properly
3. Learn the piano properly
I will probably come up with a few more later but I would be really happy if I could fulfill all of these by this time next year. Fingers crossed.
With that I bid you farewell. Hope you've all had a great 2008 & here's to a even better 2009. Thanks for reading. I appreciate your time.
Small Colin x
ps I forgot to say, I'm writing this post from my desk that is situated in my brand new studio room. Yes, it is finished & I've moved in. I will post pics soon…
Friday, 12 December 2008
Yip, Yip, Yip!!!
As mentioned in the previous post, I met up with the Knivderby boys again last Friday night to finalise & master their 2nd album.
Everything went according to plan I'm happy to report. They met me at the train station & from there we went direct to the studio in Huskvarna. I really nice dude called Mats was good enough to lend us his space for the evening & it was a very nice space indeed. After settling in we got to work straight away.
Some final mix details were tackled first (& defeated) then we started on the mastering process. This took a bit longer than usual but we got there in the end. Then after some fade in/fade out edits we were done.
Overall I'm much happier with this CD than the last one. I think the drums sound a lot better, the mixes are much more balanced & in general it justs feels right. Don't get me wrong though, I still love the first CD I did with them. Its just this time I believe I have matured as a producer & hopefully it shows. But hey, why don't you judge for yourself.
You should have the address bookmarked by now but if not, here it is again:-
Knivderby @ myspace
You can listen to 3 of the 5 new songs there. For the other two you will need to buy the CD. Be quick with this though as they only have 100 copies of the release available.
Its actually a little sad to be finished this project as they are a great band & an absolute joy to work with. But you know, everything good comes to an end eventually.
One more positive thing to take from the completion of this work is I can now concentrate on the Le Migre EP & a Radio Scotvoid remix I've been working on for a while.
As usual, I will keep you as updated on progress as much as I can.
Small Colin signing out...
Everything went according to plan I'm happy to report. They met me at the train station & from there we went direct to the studio in Huskvarna. I really nice dude called Mats was good enough to lend us his space for the evening & it was a very nice space indeed. After settling in we got to work straight away.
Some final mix details were tackled first (& defeated) then we started on the mastering process. This took a bit longer than usual but we got there in the end. Then after some fade in/fade out edits we were done.
Overall I'm much happier with this CD than the last one. I think the drums sound a lot better, the mixes are much more balanced & in general it justs feels right. Don't get me wrong though, I still love the first CD I did with them. Its just this time I believe I have matured as a producer & hopefully it shows. But hey, why don't you judge for yourself.
You should have the address bookmarked by now but if not, here it is again:-
Knivderby @ myspace
You can listen to 3 of the 5 new songs there. For the other two you will need to buy the CD. Be quick with this though as they only have 100 copies of the release available.
Its actually a little sad to be finished this project as they are a great band & an absolute joy to work with. But you know, everything good comes to an end eventually.
One more positive thing to take from the completion of this work is I can now concentrate on the Le Migre EP & a Radio Scotvoid remix I've been working on for a while.
As usual, I will keep you as updated on progress as much as I can.
Small Colin signing out...
Friday, 5 December 2008
Just a quick one...
I know its been a while but I've been super busy the last few weeks. First I was in Denmark for a few days, then I got sick & then well, some other boring stuff. You know how it is!
Anyway the reason for the this post is tomorrow I go into the studio with Knivderby to finalise & master their 2nd demo/album. I have to travel back through to Jönköping for the day to meet up with the band at another friend's studio. Really looking forward to it to be honest!
I'll report back with the results soon.
C x
Anyway the reason for the this post is tomorrow I go into the studio with Knivderby to finalise & master their 2nd demo/album. I have to travel back through to Jönköping for the day to meet up with the band at another friend's studio. Really looking forward to it to be honest!
I'll report back with the results soon.
C x
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Goddamn Re-decorating!!!
I'm starting to get really bored with this whole wallpapering/sanding/painting lark. Infact I might even change the subject of this blog to DIY. Then again, maybe not. Best leave that to the experts. The good news is I'm almost done so I can hopefully have my studio set-up by this time next week. Fingers crossed!
Nothing much to report on the music side of things except I played electric guitar again for the first time since I moved. It was a strange feeling playing with such a small neck again (instead on the blocky neck on my nylon-stringed acoustic). Its nice though. I do love my telecaster.
Also as you might have noticed, I now have a mini music player on my blog. The good people at ReverbNation provided this service free of charge. If you time, have a look at my profile page over there. Link below:-
Small Colin @ ReverbNation
In time I will add some more music but for now its just two old songs (from the "...is an athlete" EP & a new track that will more than likely feature on my upcoming release (no real details on that as I keep changing my mind on the tracks). This means you can not only read about Small Colin, you can listen too.
Happy living! x
Nothing much to report on the music side of things except I played electric guitar again for the first time since I moved. It was a strange feeling playing with such a small neck again (instead on the blocky neck on my nylon-stringed acoustic). Its nice though. I do love my telecaster.
Also as you might have noticed, I now have a mini music player on my blog. The good people at ReverbNation provided this service free of charge. If you time, have a look at my profile page over there. Link below:-
Small Colin @ ReverbNation
In time I will add some more music but for now its just two old songs (from the "...is an athlete" EP & a new track that will more than likely feature on my upcoming release (no real details on that as I keep changing my mind on the tracks). This means you can not only read about Small Colin, you can listen too.
Happy living! x
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
More of the same!
Another week gone, another week spent on the house. This time painting was the task in hand. To be honest I found it both very relaxing & a great way to really listen to music. I must have went through well over 50 full albums during the proceedings. It was quite an eclectic mix of old cd's I hadn't listened to in ages (Deltron 2020, Quannum, Weezer) & new stuff (Jenny Lewis, B. Fleischmann, It's A Musical). Superb!!!
When this was going on I realised how valuable the actual process of "listening" to music is to a producer. In my opinion every single piece of music ever recorded has its own merits. Whether it be the sound, the techniques, the instruments, etc. All is important (for the education of oneself).
With that main thought in mind I set aside some time to record some new Small Colin music. Unfortunately nothing really came of the work apart from some beats & a few guitar loops. But hey, they'll come in useful at one point, so it wasn't a complete waste of time.
Other news:-
1. Got some comments back from the Knivderby boys. They seem happier this time (with the mixes) & only really need some levels adjusted here and there.
2. Found out some really interesting tips for playing live in a DJ style from my man Radio Scotvoid. Check the vid below to see him in action.
Easy now...
When this was going on I realised how valuable the actual process of "listening" to music is to a producer. In my opinion every single piece of music ever recorded has its own merits. Whether it be the sound, the techniques, the instruments, etc. All is important (for the education of oneself).
With that main thought in mind I set aside some time to record some new Small Colin music. Unfortunately nothing really came of the work apart from some beats & a few guitar loops. But hey, they'll come in useful at one point, so it wasn't a complete waste of time.
Other news:-
1. Got some comments back from the Knivderby boys. They seem happier this time (with the mixes) & only really need some levels adjusted here and there.
2. Found out some really interesting tips for playing live in a DJ style from my man Radio Scotvoid. Check the vid below to see him in action.
Easy now...
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
A Slow Week #2
Again due to circumstances beyond my control (painting, furniture moving, box-lifting) no studio time was available to me this week. Well actually, I did manage to lay down some arrangements for some "work-in-progress" tracks in Reason but that was only for about an hour so its barely worth mentioning.
One thing I did do this week was discover an artist called "Bonobo". Tis quality stuff. Very chilled & great grooves. Reminds me of Ulrich Schnauss in parts so well worth checking out if you have time.
Bonobo
This is one of the great things about the internet. Bands that have been about for ages that for some reason or another, pass you by. Makes you think why though!
Until next time. Keep checking in!
Peace
One thing I did do this week was discover an artist called "Bonobo". Tis quality stuff. Very chilled & great grooves. Reminds me of Ulrich Schnauss in parts so well worth checking out if you have time.
Bonobo
This is one of the great things about the internet. Bands that have been about for ages that for some reason or another, pass you by. Makes you think why though!
Until next time. Keep checking in!
Peace
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
A Slow Week
For various reasons not much in the way of music creating was done in the last week. Mainly laziness but also Far Cry 2 were the reasons for this.
Today though, I managed to send back 4 of the edited Knivderby tracks. I'm quite happy with these but we'll see what the band have to say.
I think I've also finished 1 of the 4 tracks of the Le Migre EP (with Radio Scotvoid). The track in question (2K Summer House) has a nice combination of soft & harsh sounds. Infact all the tracks have that ying/yang thing going on. I believe they really show both aspects of each artist's music. Should be a good one...
Until then, stay safe
Today though, I managed to send back 4 of the edited Knivderby tracks. I'm quite happy with these but we'll see what the band have to say.
I think I've also finished 1 of the 4 tracks of the Le Migre EP (with Radio Scotvoid). The track in question (2K Summer House) has a nice combination of soft & harsh sounds. Infact all the tracks have that ying/yang thing going on. I believe they really show both aspects of each artist's music. Should be a good one...
Until then, stay safe
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Knivderby News
After I sent off some early mixes to the boys with knifes, I received their first thoughts about the progress of the new CD. They seem happy so far, and were great at picking up on things I missed (or they didn't like). So for the next short while I will be mainly working on these adjustments...
Monday, 13 October 2008
Monday Updates
I managed to start a new track on late Sat, early Sun. It began with a few Fx samples that I messed around with, then quite quickly I added a simple swelling bass & a rhodes part. At that point it was screaming out for some drums. I managed to find an excellent house beat (that I made maybe 3 years ago) that fitted perfectly. Next up was some hi-hat patterns and another kick & snare for some more power.
After dancing around the room to some deep but funky house music for a good 10 mins I decided it needed an ARP melody. Luckily I had a pre-made loop lying around. Again this fitted perfectly so not much work was needed to match it to the sounds already created.
When I write a new track, I absolutely love it when this happens! It goes so fast & easily you question whether or not its any good. This one is though, as it passed the "Next-Day listen" test with flying colours. I'll have another listen tonight or tomorrow then probably move the track into Logic for the better quality production techniques available.
Keep coming back to check for updates on this track. It's called "Blocked In The Dark" And as usual, I've got no idea where this name came from. It just seems to fit the mood of the music.
One other thing to report is, my hearing is almost back to normal. There's still a bit of "cloudy-ness" but its a lot better than it was Saturday. The almond oil seems to be working!
After dancing around the room to some deep but funky house music for a good 10 mins I decided it needed an ARP melody. Luckily I had a pre-made loop lying around. Again this fitted perfectly so not much work was needed to match it to the sounds already created.
When I write a new track, I absolutely love it when this happens! It goes so fast & easily you question whether or not its any good. This one is though, as it passed the "Next-Day listen" test with flying colours. I'll have another listen tonight or tomorrow then probably move the track into Logic for the better quality production techniques available.
Keep coming back to check for updates on this track. It's called "Blocked In The Dark" And as usual, I've got no idea where this name came from. It just seems to fit the mood of the music.
One other thing to report is, my hearing is almost back to normal. There's still a bit of "cloudy-ness" but its a lot better than it was Saturday. The almond oil seems to be working!
Saturday, 11 October 2008
Hearing Problems...
Over the last 2 weeks I've been having a minor problem with my right ear. I can't really hear any high frequencies which is kinda annoying. It feels exactly like when you have water trapped after a shower or bath.
I think the problem has been created by wearing closed capsule headphones for too long a time. ie all day in some cases. Some rest to the ears is called for. I'm also going to try some almond oil for clearing any built up...eh...you know!
Unfortunately because of this, I haven't really done any music since Tuesday. I did sort out some samples loops that I love doing, but it can get a little tedious after the 15th loop...
Another thing, I signed up to Twitter as well. If anyone knows exactly what it is or does could they let me know?
I think the problem has been created by wearing closed capsule headphones for too long a time. ie all day in some cases. Some rest to the ears is called for. I'm also going to try some almond oil for clearing any built up...eh...you know!
Unfortunately because of this, I haven't really done any music since Tuesday. I did sort out some samples loops that I love doing, but it can get a little tedious after the 15th loop...
Another thing, I signed up to Twitter as well. If anyone knows exactly what it is or does could they let me know?
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Weekly Update
Not done much in the way of Small Colin since the last post. Until today anyway.
Two more mixes were done for Knivderby, a new Small Colin track is almost done (The Coward). Some noodling with the Le Migre Ep (Radio Scotvoid) was also achieved.
A good day...I'm quite happy with the progress.
Until the next time here's a pic of the ocean between mainland Sweden & the chicken island (Hönö). It was taken when I arrived from Jönköping just over 2 weeks ago.
Two more mixes were done for Knivderby, a new Small Colin track is almost done (The Coward). Some noodling with the Le Migre Ep (Radio Scotvoid) was also achieved.
A good day...I'm quite happy with the progress.
Until the next time here's a pic of the ocean between mainland Sweden & the chicken island (Hönö). It was taken when I arrived from Jönköping just over 2 weeks ago.
Friday, 3 October 2008
Novation Nocturn
I am now the proud owner of one of these small midi controllers:-
It basically gives me a more hands on approach when making music as instead of using the mouse to turns knobs/sliders you can assign one of the physical controls. The whole process is now much faster also.
Don't let its size fool you though, it is a very powerful tool (especially the "Speed Dial" function).
The intial Automaps are great but it really comes into its own when you create your own maps.
Check here for more details & specs.
Awesome!!! ;-)
It basically gives me a more hands on approach when making music as instead of using the mouse to turns knobs/sliders you can assign one of the physical controls. The whole process is now much faster also.
Don't let its size fool you though, it is a very powerful tool (especially the "Speed Dial" function).
The intial Automaps are great but it really comes into its own when you create your own maps.
Check here for more details & specs.
Awesome!!! ;-)
Monday, 29 September 2008
Small Colin on XFM Dublin
On Saturday night on the aforementioned station they played my remix of the Radio Scotvoid track "I'm A Groover, Not A Raver". Its really good coverage for both myself & for Scott as the song was featured on a show called "The Chillage Idiots" which is apparently a very popular programme.
To listen to the show again you can either visit the website here or d/l the whole show directly here. The song is played right at the end of the set. (around 2:06:00)
I'll leave you with the words of the presenter,
"...the track is a humorous mixture of hip-hop and techno"
To listen to the show again you can either visit the website here or d/l the whole show directly here. The song is played right at the end of the set. (around 2:06:00)
I'll leave you with the words of the presenter,
"...the track is a humorous mixture of hip-hop and techno"
Saturday, 27 September 2008
New Track up on MySpace
I have uploaded a new track onto my profile page on Myspace. It is named "All On Me (The Clock Is Ticking) and it is infact an old instrumental song that I always thought needed a vocal. The problem was I could never find a strong enough melody to use. I'm very happy to have "finished" the song finally.
Check out the possible sing-along chorus/break part in the song! Na-na-na, etc.
Check out the possible sing-along chorus/break part in the song! Na-na-na, etc.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
2 track finished...
...today. I just need to master them then they're are done! ;-)
Their names are "Vara" (named after the place where Eyrún is going to work) & "Hand Clotts"
I should really describe them but I'm pretty bad at that sort of thing so its probably better if you listen to them then you can decide. I can tell you that both are instrumental songs.
Problem... I'm still haven't figured out how to upload music here so in the mean time I will upload them to myspace (when they're mastered of course). Hopefully I will do that tomorrow so keep one eye on there.
I also managed to do a rough mix of a new Knivderby song (Nere För Räkning). Needless to say, it rocks!!!
BTW I don't think I've been this productive musically in ages so long may it continue. :-D
Their names are "Vara" (named after the place where Eyrún is going to work) & "Hand Clotts"
I should really describe them but I'm pretty bad at that sort of thing so its probably better if you listen to them then you can decide. I can tell you that both are instrumental songs.
Problem... I'm still haven't figured out how to upload music here so in the mean time I will upload them to myspace (when they're mastered of course). Hopefully I will do that tomorrow so keep one eye on there.
I also managed to do a rough mix of a new Knivderby song (Nere För Räkning). Needless to say, it rocks!!!
BTW I don't think I've been this productive musically in ages so long may it continue. :-D
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Wednesday Photo
Following on from my photos from the 1st place I lived in Jönköping here is a pic from the 2nd place I lived. You are looking at the Munksjö (same lake one as the one in the pic from 18th Sept) at 7 in the morning. Beautiful!
The studio I had in this house was unbelievable. It was almost as if the room was designed for making music. Due to the alcove at the window, a small recess at the back & a sloping roof the acoustics in there were superb! I really miss it actually :-(
Music Update
Some new songs are coming along nicely. A couple of the Knivederby tracks are almost at "1st mix" stage as well.
Ya!
The studio I had in this house was unbelievable. It was almost as if the room was designed for making music. Due to the alcove at the window, a small recess at the back & a sloping roof the acoustics in there were superb! I really miss it actually :-(
Music Update
Some new songs are coming along nicely. A couple of the Knivederby tracks are almost at "1st mix" stage as well.
Ya!
Monday, 22 September 2008
Back To Gothenburg...
...and the first thing I did was set up the gear. Well a temp set-up anyway until my studio room is re-decorated & stuff. It was a really great feeling to play keyboards & electric guitar again. :-D
Hopefully in the next week or so I can get some serious music making time in.
Yipeeee!
Hopefully in the next week or so I can get some serious music making time in.
Yipeeee!
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Photo of the day
Going on from yesterday's pic I thought I would post a pic that was taken nearby my first apartment in Jönköping. (Well to be honest its a bit away from it but I did live in that 1st apartment at the time of the pic)
Watch out for a pic from close to my 2nd & 3rd place in Jönköping soon. This could become a theme actually? ;-)
Watch out for a pic from close to my 2nd & 3rd place in Jönköping soon. This could become a theme actually? ;-)
Tidy, Tidy, Tidy
One of the good things about not having my studio set up at the moment is it forces me to do things I tend to put off. It was the turn of the External Hard Drive today. Now it not only looks neat & tidy when browsing, it is completely free of old & unused samples and songs. Yeah!!!
Not only that but I managed to do some work on a collaboration EP I'm doing with Radio Scotvoid. I will post all the details of this project soon. Needless to say the music is pretty good (if I do say so myself).
Not only that but I managed to do some work on a collaboration EP I'm doing with Radio Scotvoid. I will post all the details of this project soon. Needless to say the music is pretty good (if I do say so myself).
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Knivderby updates & a random photo
As well as my own songs I've also been working a little with the new Knivderby demo but as I don't have my full set-up with me at the moment its proving a bit difficult. Their new songs are very good btw.
As you can see my post frequency has increased recently. I hope to keep this rate up by adding some photos as well to make it abit more interesting to both you & me.
This photo was taken outside my first apartment in Gothenburg a few years back. I wrote a lot of music in that place so I thought it would be a nice touch to have it included here...
As you can see my post frequency has increased recently. I hope to keep this rate up by adding some photos as well to make it abit more interesting to both you & me.
This photo was taken outside my first apartment in Gothenburg a few years back. I wrote a lot of music in that place so I thought it would be a nice touch to have it included here...
New Tracks
Over the last few days I've been working on some new Small Colin songs.
"The Coward" is a Nightmares On Wax type track that probably will feature vocals at one point. Very smokey :-D
"Vara" is an ambient track that I love actually. Very smooth, very relaxing
"Its Your Call" sounds the most Small Colin-y. Again no vox yet...
Once I figure out how (and if) you can upload music on here I will start to add clips of the songs. And maybe even full demo versions of them too.
Stay safe...
"The Coward" is a Nightmares On Wax type track that probably will feature vocals at one point. Very smokey :-D
"Vara" is an ambient track that I love actually. Very smooth, very relaxing
"Its Your Call" sounds the most Small Colin-y. Again no vox yet...
Once I figure out how (and if) you can upload music on here I will start to add clips of the songs. And maybe even full demo versions of them too.
Stay safe...
Monday, 15 September 2008
Pics from gig in Växjö
I recently played a festival gig in the middle of Sweden in a place called Växjö. It was a great evening with loads of other good music. Here are some photos of my performance (Thanks to Louise Wargklev for the pics)
You can check out the Kompisfestival website here Also you can see other pics from the event here
You can check out the Kompisfestival website here Also you can see other pics from the event here
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Nothing really new to report...
...but I did recently purchase a MacBook Pro. So I'm in the process of learning Logic at the moment. Great program but it has a steeper learning curve than I had hoped. Nevermind though, perseverence is the key and already I have been pleasantly surprised with the results. Heres to the future!
Saturday, 24 May 2008
No posts in a while...
...heck I've been busy so sorry if anyone is missing me! I've been making loads & loads & loads of new music. Check my myspace page for a couple of the new tracks.
I've also been working on the first official Small Colin website. Should be going live soon but hey, you never know!
One other thing I've been up to is recording the new album/demo/ep for Knivderby. These boys really do rock! Hopefully updates on that & everything else will be continued on here a little bit more regularly.
Keep it nice people.
I've also been working on the first official Small Colin website. Should be going live soon but hey, you never know!
One other thing I've been up to is recording the new album/demo/ep for Knivderby. These boys really do rock! Hopefully updates on that & everything else will be continued on here a little bit more regularly.
Keep it nice people.
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