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
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
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?
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