Ah, January. This most joyous of months, with its taxes, bill pile-ups and crappy weather. Oh, and Winter NAMM in sunny California. So, what's the verdict (from my own, very subjective point of view) of this years gear-fest? Well:
- Roland releases yet another generic samplebased synth and virtual analog synth. Which looks like ALL Roland-gear has always looked like. Meh.
- Korg releases yet another generic samplebased synth, sorry - "workstation" - and virtual analog synth. Which, granted, looks slightly more interesting than Rolands efforts. Still: Meh.
- Clavia releases another Nord Electro. Meh.
- M-Audio releases a bunch of MIDI-controllers and stuff. Meh.
- Behringer blatantly rips off Mackie (again) with its Onyx, sorry - Xenyx - mixers, and - refreshingly, I might add - also rips off M-Audio's MIDI controllers. Meh.
- Digidesign releases... stuff. Again. At a ridiculous price. Meh.
- Akai releases the MPC. Again. With new colours. Again. And a disfunctional OS, probably. Double-meh.
- A bunch of softsynth/fx companies release a bunch of new stuff/upgrades to not so new stuff. Apple blows us away with its Logic Pro 7.2 update. That last part was a lie. It's meh. No, really.
- A bunch of analog synth companies release a bunch of new analog synths. Which I still can't afford/don't have room for. So, meh to all of you.
Well, am I getting jaded? Probably. Am I pretty much at the point where I have what I need to get things done? Probably. Where did my gear-lust go? I want it back. Now. Come on, gear-making-people. Give me back that feeling.
Also, I just finished a remix for Theatre of Tragedy together with my Rustflower Inc. compadre, Kristian. It is pretty cool.
What, didn't I blog that one? Damn.
19.1.06
Public Service Announcement
Join us. Now! Church of Smite
You know it's the right thing to do.
If not, I will smite thee.
You know it's the right thing to do.
If not, I will smite thee.
11.1.06
19.12.05
Guitar Hero
Mate: "Noo, you didn't!" Me: "Yes, I did!" Mate: "But... Can you play the damn thing?" Me: "Well... No, not really. That's why I got it. To learn to play it, ya know." Mate: "Cool!" Me: "Yeah."
What did I get? An electric guitar. Why the heck would a synthesizer/computer/electro-geek get an electric guitar? Well, for one thing I've been playing keyboards the wrong way for 20 years, so learning to play them the right way would probably be a helluva lot more work than simply learning to play an entirely new instrument. Secondly, a guitar is a versatile instrument suitable for many musical genres including electronic music. Lastly, it looks good on stage. Phallic references not withstanding, it does say "Rawk!" a wee bit more than a synthrig does. Trust me on this...
Oh, sorry. Here it is:
Nice, isn't it? It's got strings and everything! So far, I've learned all about blisters, finger cramps and A major. Coming along nicely, then.
What did I get? An electric guitar. Why the heck would a synthesizer/computer/electro-geek get an electric guitar? Well, for one thing I've been playing keyboards the wrong way for 20 years, so learning to play them the right way would probably be a helluva lot more work than simply learning to play an entirely new instrument. Secondly, a guitar is a versatile instrument suitable for many musical genres including electronic music. Lastly, it looks good on stage. Phallic references not withstanding, it does say "Rawk!" a wee bit more than a synthrig does. Trust me on this...
Oh, sorry. Here it is:
Nice, isn't it? It's got strings and everything! So far, I've learned all about blisters, finger cramps and A major. Coming along nicely, then.
18.12.05
The Sunday List: Top 5 dangers for the walking pedestrian
As a part of my much debated "Get Fit Without Really Trying" scheme, I walk for an hour each morning before going to work. No, really. It means getting up an hour earlier - which many people will find slightly unnerving - but the benefits make it worth it.
Now, during my quick walks in the mornings, I often encounter people on bicyle on their way to work. Most of them are sensible enough to travel at normal speeds and take care not to run me down, which I of course appreciate. However, there are a few types of cyclists to be aware of now that the Darkness of Winter is upon us:
1) The Stealth Pilot: Travelling at hypersonic speeds, all clad in black and without a single light, these thrillseekers are not only invisible to most radar systems but also to any pedestrian unfortunate enough to be on their path. Keep your eyes and ears open, and stay on the side of the road so you can take cover in the bushes if necessary: that tiny speck on the horizon will be right in front of you mere seconds later!
2) The UFO: Easily identified by their abundance of multicoloured, blinking lights, they sway across the road like the unidentified flying objects they are named after. Due to their unpredictable behavoiur, I find it safest to just keep a straight path and show strength when they approach; usually they sway to one of your sides as they pass. Epileptics beware.
3) The SWAT member: You know that huge, powerful searchlight you always see in Hollywood movies? Now, imagine that thing mounted on a bicyle, and you have a pretty good idea of what the SWAT member looks like; I walk along the train tracks, and I swear even the passing trains haven't got lights as powerful as the SWAT member. Now, there is no risk of this guy NOT seeing you, it's more the danger of becoming permanently blind from staring into his light. Close your eyes, and you should be alright.
4) The Dynamic Duo: Much like the Caped Crusader and his Boy Wonder, this pair are pretty much always side by side. Usually a couple of middle aged women, they do not travel fast, but they DO travel side by side. Always. No matter how narrow the road may be, they'll be side by side. And don't believe for a second one of them will yield for an insignificant pedestrian. So when you see them, take a good, long step to the side of the road, and try not to be annoyed by the water/slush/mud you're forced to stand in as the Dynamic Duo pass you. You can always dry your shoes later on.
5) The Moving Tripwire: A cyclist with a dog on a leash fastened to their bike - a truly horrific invention worthy of the medieval times. The dog is often of the big, strong variety - terrifing enough on its own - and the cyclist is as good as always traveling on one side of the road with the beast running on the other, with the hard-to-see leash moving at high speed a foot or so above the ground between them. Listen for the barking/moving wheel combo, and be ready to make a jump as they approach. Timing is of the essence.
Keep these in mind, and have a safe walk.
Or if you have any sense at all, just go to the gym instead.
Now, during my quick walks in the mornings, I often encounter people on bicyle on their way to work. Most of them are sensible enough to travel at normal speeds and take care not to run me down, which I of course appreciate. However, there are a few types of cyclists to be aware of now that the Darkness of Winter is upon us:
1) The Stealth Pilot: Travelling at hypersonic speeds, all clad in black and without a single light, these thrillseekers are not only invisible to most radar systems but also to any pedestrian unfortunate enough to be on their path. Keep your eyes and ears open, and stay on the side of the road so you can take cover in the bushes if necessary: that tiny speck on the horizon will be right in front of you mere seconds later!
2) The UFO: Easily identified by their abundance of multicoloured, blinking lights, they sway across the road like the unidentified flying objects they are named after. Due to their unpredictable behavoiur, I find it safest to just keep a straight path and show strength when they approach; usually they sway to one of your sides as they pass. Epileptics beware.
3) The SWAT member: You know that huge, powerful searchlight you always see in Hollywood movies? Now, imagine that thing mounted on a bicyle, and you have a pretty good idea of what the SWAT member looks like; I walk along the train tracks, and I swear even the passing trains haven't got lights as powerful as the SWAT member. Now, there is no risk of this guy NOT seeing you, it's more the danger of becoming permanently blind from staring into his light. Close your eyes, and you should be alright.
4) The Dynamic Duo: Much like the Caped Crusader and his Boy Wonder, this pair are pretty much always side by side. Usually a couple of middle aged women, they do not travel fast, but they DO travel side by side. Always. No matter how narrow the road may be, they'll be side by side. And don't believe for a second one of them will yield for an insignificant pedestrian. So when you see them, take a good, long step to the side of the road, and try not to be annoyed by the water/slush/mud you're forced to stand in as the Dynamic Duo pass you. You can always dry your shoes later on.
5) The Moving Tripwire: A cyclist with a dog on a leash fastened to their bike - a truly horrific invention worthy of the medieval times. The dog is often of the big, strong variety - terrifing enough on its own - and the cyclist is as good as always traveling on one side of the road with the beast running on the other, with the hard-to-see leash moving at high speed a foot or so above the ground between them. Listen for the barking/moving wheel combo, and be ready to make a jump as they approach. Timing is of the essence.
Keep these in mind, and have a safe walk.
Or if you have any sense at all, just go to the gym instead.
6.12.05
Fun Things
Good news of the day;
- The first teaser-trailer for X-Men 3 is here - whahey! Looking forward to this one. Don't you mess this up now, Mr. Ratner!
- A blog for Norway's best kept secret in the rhythm-section-on-old-kitchen-appliances genre (which, granted, is kinda small and... secretive): Hurra Torpedo. Art? Music? Tounge In Cheek? You decide.
Ta.
- The first teaser-trailer for X-Men 3 is here - whahey! Looking forward to this one. Don't you mess this up now, Mr. Ratner!
- A blog for Norway's best kept secret in the rhythm-section-on-old-kitchen-appliances genre (which, granted, is kinda small and... secretive): Hurra Torpedo. Art? Music? Tounge In Cheek? You decide.
Ta.
5.12.05
All done!
Mwahahahahah! All Christmas-presents ordered, bought, wrapped and ready for delivery - Am I good or what?! Now, I'm actually considering going downtown a few days before Christmas and just sit there and watch all the poor suckers that still haven't finished their gift-shopping. Heh. Me bad man.
2.12.05
MicroTonic Audio Unit is out!
Woohoo!
SonicCharge MicroTonic goes AU. I'm gonna make some beats tonight, mama!
SonicCharge MicroTonic goes AU. I'm gonna make some beats tonight, mama!
27.11.05
5 Random Events In My Life The Last 7 Days
Hah, I haven't let go of the list thing quite yet! It does, however, seem to appear rather randomly these days. Oh well.
1) I watched Röyksopp live last Sunday at Rockefeller; the boys have turned into a very smooth and professional live act, even if I'm not their biggest fan. The LED-scroller backdrop was cool, though.
2) I've started the somewhat tedious job of transfering my CD collection to mp3 (yeah, yeah, I know FLAC and OGG is better, but my Rhomba doesn't support those formats) in my usual random way; picking titles based on mood, weather, room temperature and any other factors affecting me at the moment.
3) I finally got around to mounting two lamps that I've had laying around since I got my apartment; whether it was laziness, absentmindedness or whatever, I don't know why it took so long. Anyway, they're very nice lamps that are know giving me much needed bedside illumination and working light in my home studio.
4) I disassembled my old and (t)rusty Windows desktop PC and sold the parts to my foolish - sorry, beloved - younger brother, who - in his usual businessmanlike manner - has sold the thing off to a friend and probaly made more money off it than he payed me for the parts to begin with. R, you sneaky little brat, I love you nonetheless.
5) Yesterday, I helped T move some of his heavier stuff to his new apartment, and was once more reminded of just how insanely heavy a washing machine - even the slimline model - is. Heck, his sofa was a total pushover compared to that little thing. Anyway, my heart and thoughts is with T today, as he is without his internet connection AND his Mac at the moment. Hang in there, man!
And thus endeth my week.
1) I watched Röyksopp live last Sunday at Rockefeller; the boys have turned into a very smooth and professional live act, even if I'm not their biggest fan. The LED-scroller backdrop was cool, though.
2) I've started the somewhat tedious job of transfering my CD collection to mp3 (yeah, yeah, I know FLAC and OGG is better, but my Rhomba doesn't support those formats) in my usual random way; picking titles based on mood, weather, room temperature and any other factors affecting me at the moment.
3) I finally got around to mounting two lamps that I've had laying around since I got my apartment; whether it was laziness, absentmindedness or whatever, I don't know why it took so long. Anyway, they're very nice lamps that are know giving me much needed bedside illumination and working light in my home studio.
4) I disassembled my old and (t)rusty Windows desktop PC and sold the parts to my foolish - sorry, beloved - younger brother, who - in his usual businessmanlike manner - has sold the thing off to a friend and probaly made more money off it than he payed me for the parts to begin with. R, you sneaky little brat, I love you nonetheless.
5) Yesterday, I helped T move some of his heavier stuff to his new apartment, and was once more reminded of just how insanely heavy a washing machine - even the slimline model - is. Heck, his sofa was a total pushover compared to that little thing. Anyway, my heart and thoughts is with T today, as he is without his internet connection AND his Mac at the moment. Hang in there, man!
And thus endeth my week.
23.11.05
Gives "Surf Rock" A New Meaning
Worst. Idea. Ever.
I do suspect this is a joke. But if it isn't.... Come on! Shouldn't you guys be working on my new Intel-powered Powerbook?!
Hrmph.
I do suspect this is a joke. But if it isn't.... Come on! Shouldn't you guys be working on my new Intel-powered Powerbook?!
Hrmph.
The House Got Me
Wow. It's not often I get so totally engulfed in a book as I've recently become with Mark Z. Danielewski's "House of Leaves" - even though, like my mother, I practically consume books when I start reading them. Anyway, get this; last night, having read through the most thrilling part of the book (so far), I went to bed and actually couldn't sleep for a good while.
The imagery from the book still clear in my head, it almost felt like a little bit of Johnny Truant's paranoia was reeking out from between the pages and into my very own bedroom, making the darkness a little darker, the shadows a little longer and the LEDs blinking from my wi-fi router just slightly more irregular (hey, I AM a geek, after all)...
It was a great feeling, I haven't been "disturbed" by a book for a long, long time.
Of course, it could have been those two cups of coffee I had an hour earlier.
Oh, and there seems to have been a small update to the Dionaea House website. Clickety.
The imagery from the book still clear in my head, it almost felt like a little bit of Johnny Truant's paranoia was reeking out from between the pages and into my very own bedroom, making the darkness a little darker, the shadows a little longer and the LEDs blinking from my wi-fi router just slightly more irregular (hey, I AM a geek, after all)...
It was a great feeling, I haven't been "disturbed" by a book for a long, long time.
Of course, it could have been those two cups of coffee I had an hour earlier.
Oh, and there seems to have been a small update to the Dionaea House website. Clickety.
18.11.05
I'm Only In It For The Money
As some of you may have noticed, dear readers (both of you), I'm a bit into the music-making thingie. Strictly for the love and the hell of it, of course, which kind of makes today a bit special;
My music-making compadre, T, informs me that we have received our first payment from Tono (the Norwegian equivalent to Ascap) for radio-play of our music. Hooray! Now that we're wallowing in cold, hard cash (sounds a bit uncomfortable, really) we'll soon start making crap, meaningless and soul-less music to please the Great Evil Record Company (TM) that will soon own our souls. Where did we go wrong? When did we lose touch with what we're doing? The humanity of it all!
Then again, I guess a hundred bucks (600 Norwegian Crowns) isn't quite enough to make us sell out just yet.
Or is it? Nah, just kidding...
Or am I? Muahahahaha....
No really, I AM kidding.
My music-making compadre, T, informs me that we have received our first payment from Tono (the Norwegian equivalent to Ascap) for radio-play of our music. Hooray! Now that we're wallowing in cold, hard cash (sounds a bit uncomfortable, really) we'll soon start making crap, meaningless and soul-less music to please the Great Evil Record Company (TM) that will soon own our souls. Where did we go wrong? When did we lose touch with what we're doing? The humanity of it all!
Then again, I guess a hundred bucks (600 Norwegian Crowns) isn't quite enough to make us sell out just yet.
Or is it? Nah, just kidding...
Or am I? Muahahahaha....
No really, I AM kidding.
4.11.05
The Friday List: Top 5 80s Cartoons
Ah yes, the 80s. Mostly remembered for its music, horrible clothes and dubious hairstyles. No no, please, no justifications; I was there. Hey, don't get me wrong, it was a great time to grow up and I have many fond memories (and some truly disturbing photos) from the time.
So, I find it only fair to do a list of my favourite 80s Saturday morning cartoons. Here goes:
1. Thundercats. I loved this show; the drama, the action and the hot... uhm.. furry chick. A simple premise (scary mummy-like being does bad things, tough and well-trimmed cat-man hybrids set things right) that nevertheless worked very well.
2. Transformers. Whoever came up with this concept truly understood how a boy's mind work: Cars and robots. Simple, yet brilliant. Cars and robots. Story? I'm sorry... I was distracted by all those cars and robots.
3. Masters of the Universe. I was never as much a fan of the cartoon as of the actual action figures, but I recognize the impact it had. Later on, I discovered it was basically "Conan Light" but it was fun anyway. The testosterone levels, man!
4. Inspector Gadget. Ok, so it was pretty goofy, but it was great fun, and the gadgets and the car (oh boy, that car) were really cool. Clearly inspired by Peter Sellers' "Inspector Clouseau", it also had the most memorable theme song EVER.
5. Super-Ted. Well, maybe not the coolest of shows, but at least this was one show me and my kid brother could agree on watching together (and the one show mum would let us watch due to its morally correct and mostly non-violent content)
So, I find it only fair to do a list of my favourite 80s Saturday morning cartoons. Here goes:
1. Thundercats. I loved this show; the drama, the action and the hot... uhm.. furry chick. A simple premise (scary mummy-like being does bad things, tough and well-trimmed cat-man hybrids set things right) that nevertheless worked very well.
2. Transformers. Whoever came up with this concept truly understood how a boy's mind work: Cars and robots. Simple, yet brilliant. Cars and robots. Story? I'm sorry... I was distracted by all those cars and robots.
3. Masters of the Universe. I was never as much a fan of the cartoon as of the actual action figures, but I recognize the impact it had. Later on, I discovered it was basically "Conan Light" but it was fun anyway. The testosterone levels, man!
4. Inspector Gadget. Ok, so it was pretty goofy, but it was great fun, and the gadgets and the car (oh boy, that car) were really cool. Clearly inspired by Peter Sellers' "Inspector Clouseau", it also had the most memorable theme song EVER.
5. Super-Ted. Well, maybe not the coolest of shows, but at least this was one show me and my kid brother could agree on watching together (and the one show mum would let us watch due to its morally correct and mostly non-violent content)
31.10.05
Boo! (Hiss!)
It's that time of the year again. Pumpkin pie, trick or treating, fancy costumes. Now, don't get me wrong, I haven't got anything against Halloween as such it's just that...
...it is NOT a Norwegian tradition. Not by a longshot. Heck, it's so fresh, even I remember when nobody knew about (or cared about, for that matter) this imported "thing". The Norwegian equivalent, Julebukk, has existed for ages and yet nobody seems to remember that, at least not here in the city.
Hey, I am all for kids stuffing their faces with candy once in a while, but not on Halloween - not here in Norway, anyway. Besides, when the kids go julebukk, they have to EARN their goodies by singing Christmas carols, and we all know that working for your candy builds character.
And this has nothing at all to do with the fact that I never got to go trick or treating when I was a kid.
...it is NOT a Norwegian tradition. Not by a longshot. Heck, it's so fresh, even I remember when nobody knew about (or cared about, for that matter) this imported "thing". The Norwegian equivalent, Julebukk, has existed for ages and yet nobody seems to remember that, at least not here in the city.
Hey, I am all for kids stuffing their faces with candy once in a while, but not on Halloween - not here in Norway, anyway. Besides, when the kids go julebukk, they have to EARN their goodies by singing Christmas carols, and we all know that working for your candy builds character.
And this has nothing at all to do with the fact that I never got to go trick or treating when I was a kid.
29.10.05
The Saturday List: Things that made me happy this week
Hah, I strike back! My last posting was so grumpy I actually felt kinda bad about it today, so here's a list over things that made me happy this week:
1. An... acquaintance... supplied me with a heap of beer (24 x 0.33l boxes) at a very comfortable price. Not that I'm much of a drinker, but the Norwegian prices for beer? Pfft!
2. Winter came and went again VERY quickly. Yeah, no kidding: Tuesday it was -5 degrees Celcius and snow on the ground, yesterday it was all gone and a warm (well, warmish) wind of +12 degrees swept across town. Marlboro coat back on its hanger for now.
3. I got "Lost" season 1, "Firefly", "Batman Begins" and "Princess Blade" on DVD. Woohoo!
4. I discovered Antony and the Johnsons (thanks, Kristian!): Holy smokes! Superb stuff, makes me happy, sad and somewhat uneasy all at the same time.
There you go; I'm not that grumpy after all. Of course, it COULD be the cheap beer talking...
1. An... acquaintance... supplied me with a heap of beer (24 x 0.33l boxes) at a very comfortable price. Not that I'm much of a drinker, but the Norwegian prices for beer? Pfft!
2. Winter came and went again VERY quickly. Yeah, no kidding: Tuesday it was -5 degrees Celcius and snow on the ground, yesterday it was all gone and a warm (well, warmish) wind of +12 degrees swept across town. Marlboro coat back on its hanger for now.
3. I got "Lost" season 1, "Firefly", "Batman Begins" and "Princess Blade" on DVD. Woohoo!
4. I discovered Antony and the Johnsons (thanks, Kristian!): Holy smokes! Superb stuff, makes me happy, sad and somewhat uneasy all at the same time.
There you go; I'm not that grumpy after all. Of course, it COULD be the cheap beer talking...
28.10.05
21.10.05
The Friday List: Music To (Virtually) Kill To
Ok, so you've fired up your favourite shooter, stocked up on your beverage of choice, turned the lights down and the sound up: What music to shoot-dodge in Max Payne 2 to, waste Zombies in Doom 3 to, or kill mercenaries in Far Cry to? Here are my suggestions:
"I don't wanna be me" - Type 0 Negative. After playing the "Cinema 2" mod for Max Payne 2, this is the de facto shoot'em up tune for me. Rocks hard!
"Ricochet" - Bionic Jive. I first heard these guys on the "Transporter" trailer a couple of years back. Good stuff.
"Here to stay" - Korn. My little bro' suggested this one, so I'll just have to take his word for it.
"Du Hast" - Rammstein. Come on, it works with ANYTHING involving guns: games, movies, comic books. Wünderbar.
"Damn Me" - Deathstars. Ok, so they're so over the top it hurts, but the Swedish death-pop'ers can make some pretty cool riffs. Great for background music in "Doom 3".
"Shock" - Fear Factory. When that guitar kicks in 00:32, I can see myself playing Quake 4 - if I actually had it. A perfect mix of metal and sci-fi.
Suggestions?
"I don't wanna be me" - Type 0 Negative. After playing the "Cinema 2" mod for Max Payne 2, this is the de facto shoot'em up tune for me. Rocks hard!
"Ricochet" - Bionic Jive. I first heard these guys on the "Transporter" trailer a couple of years back. Good stuff.
"Here to stay" - Korn. My little bro' suggested this one, so I'll just have to take his word for it.
"Du Hast" - Rammstein. Come on, it works with ANYTHING involving guns: games, movies, comic books. Wünderbar.
"Damn Me" - Deathstars. Ok, so they're so over the top it hurts, but the Swedish death-pop'ers can make some pretty cool riffs. Great for background music in "Doom 3".
"Shock" - Fear Factory. When that guitar kicks in 00:32, I can see myself playing Quake 4 - if I actually had it. A perfect mix of metal and sci-fi.
Suggestions?
14.10.05
The Friday List: Things to do on a Friday Night when you have to go to work the next day
1. Write stupid Blog entries. Mwahahahahahah.
2. Watch the latest "Lost" episode.
3. Enjoy a nice, hot cup of Earl Grey while watching said episode of "Lost" or - if there is no latest episode of "Lost" to enjoy - re-reading "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy".
4. Scouring the interweb for strange facts, fresh music and cheap DVDs.
5. Watch the "Apple Special Event" broadcast.
2. Watch the latest "Lost" episode.
3. Enjoy a nice, hot cup of Earl Grey while watching said episode of "Lost" or - if there is no latest episode of "Lost" to enjoy - re-reading "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy".
4. Scouring the interweb for strange facts, fresh music and cheap DVDs.
5. Watch the "Apple Special Event" broadcast.
13.10.05
A Great Big Thing
Ooook, so.... like, wow. This is a really, really good hoax. I mean, seriously good. So good, I almost felt a little scared watching it:
Tsunami uncovers giant skeleton
Man, that thing is huge! I refuse to believe this is real (even if I'd like to), but if it is - How the heck did you know, Roald Dahl?!
Wow. I need some coffee.
Tsunami uncovers giant skeleton
Man, that thing is huge! I refuse to believe this is real (even if I'd like to), but if it is - How the heck did you know, Roald Dahl?!
Wow. I need some coffee.
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