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November 28, 2005
how to cut up a breakbeat using a tracker
Over on Kuro5hin there's a rather tasty looking article on how to use a tracker. It's pitched at a music nerd not necessarily a musician and will give you the hookup with various trackers that are worthwhile to get into. Trackers are something that I've heard of, but never really used, as they always seemed pretty hardcore and inaccessible. After reading this article it seems like something that is worth a go for the easily distracted music nerd. LSDJ for gameboy doesn't get a mention, but that's a darling amongst the 8-bit set.
"Even if it turns out you don't particularly enjoy this type of music or sequencer, learning to cut a breakbeat in a tracker is an excellent way for nerds to dive into creating music. No musical training is required to, literally, hack this particular breakbeat and you walk away with the fundamentals necessary for further electronic musical exploration."
You should go and read it because it's a good read. the author of this fine article is trotch. Extra credit reading: Wikipedia page on trackers
Posted by funnelbc at 09:59 PM | Comments (0)
free vst effect: chrissy free
It's for Windows only at this point in time, but it.. "gives you lo-fi audio processing for a variety of modern sounds.." translation: it makes with the funky sound. Is it Chrissy Amphlett i see there? I think it might be. And I think i'm clearly in Janky territory with the design of the interface, but you can't argue with that price. (Mostly because if you do, Chrissy will come around and beat you with a kettle cord). I particularly like the purple lightning bolt.
Here's a feature list.
* Lo-fi-section allows user to downgrade audio-fidelity
* "Catfight" feature creates digital aliasing effects ranging from mild to wild
* "Sweep" section for smoothing out the lo-fi edge
* "Touch" voice-saturation
* Adjustable low-cut
* Mono or stereo operation
Get it free from zensoundcheck.com Via harmony central
Posted by funnelbc at 06:18 PM | Comments (0)
fakescience music store followup
(pic shamelessly nicked from the San Francisco Journal - don't sue me! I'm nice!)
Well, the fake science music store which i wrote about here is up and running. I absolutely love the concept of this, $2US an EP and $5US gets you a longplayer. No janky digital rights management, as fake science and their artists understand that music lovers are happy to pay for music and that DRM kills kittens. It really does.
Read this and tell me it doesnt make you feel good:
"These are some of our favorite bands, and we think they will be yours too. We wanted to create a place where our customers would be considered patrons of the arts rather than consumers. What this means is that you know that your money will go directly to the artists you care about, and that you won't be treated like a thief by being sold encrypted files."
Hell yes. There's also a rather nice writeup by the san-francisco journal that probably doesn't use the words "janky" or "kills kittens", but it's still pretty good. Which explains the concept a little better than I would have anyway.
I truly think this sort of thing is a progressive place for music lovers and artists who want a better deal for each other. Amazing respect to the fake science crew for making it happen.
Go get yourself some fresh music: fakescience
Posted by funnelbc at 05:57 PM | Comments (0)
wolfmother lp
I've been up so many goddamn nights in a row working late recently it seems I spend much more time infront of the computer working than I spend living a real life. One reason I haven't minded working like an absolute dog recently is Wolfmother. Their debut album rocks the 70's metal style so much.
Once apon a time when I took myself too seriously I probably wouldn't of let myself enjoy this album because it references earlier music so faithfully that I would dismissed it as gimmick rock. Ala. the darkness. But then I learnt to relax and rock the hell out. This album is colossal, and every rock fan should have it. The sound is thunderous, the bass line is simple and intense, vocals and weedy and ozzy inspired and it's absolutely spot on. The organ sounds on Mind's eye are eye watering. Miss out on this at your peril, its damned fine.
Who gives a shit if its ironic or post-rock or what the hell, disengage your critical faculties and enjoy this for what it is, absolutely amazing rock.
I give it 5 busted speaker grilles out of 5.
Posted by funnelbc at 09:28 AM | Comments (0)
November 03, 2005
ilounge releases their holiday ipod guide
Once again the iLounge iPod guide (formerly iPod lounge) is available to download for free. It's got stacks of ipod related goodness, basically its a magazine that you can download for free.
If you're remotely interested in ipods then this is essential. It's free and excellent. Well done iLounge!
iLounge Holiday Buyers Guide 2005-2006
Posted by funnelbc at 03:30 PM | Comments (0)
avoid sony music cds
Not just because they've got Jessica Simpson signed, although that should be reason enough. El-reg points us towards: "Removing Sony's CD 'rootkit' kills Windows". Basically if you use the bundled PC player that comes with the hyrid audio CDs it installs shit which, when you remove it can make it difficult to restore normal CD audio playing capabilities.
Theres a technical (but well written so it's pretty easy going) read at Sysinternals which explains the nuts and bolts. I was initially sceptical, but after reading it, the level of invasiveness and outright illegality of installing software that (until recently) isn't even mentioned in the EULA.. It's beyond scandalous. You can bet there will be sod all coverage in the mainstream on this one, but this is a big issue. Sony can get knotted. DRM that is this clumbsy, invasive and destructive in the event of the user wanting to remove it is abosolutely unacceptable. Get knotted Sony Music.
Sysinternals Blog - Sony CD 'rootkit' kills Windows Thanks Dylan! for story link.
Posted by funnelbc at 09:30 AM | Comments (1)
November 02, 2005
fake science to be launching online store
Forget iTunes. Well, let it slip back into a haze of foggy recollection perhaps. CDM has the word that Fake Science wile be setting up a new way for indy artists and labels to hawk their wares online.
Here's the skinny as written by Peter "I got blister on my fingers" Kirn.
# $2 per EP (5 songs or less) / $5 per LP
# 60% of the money goes direct to the artist
# High-quality MP3s with no nasty DRM
More on this as they make their official announcement Friday.
I was only just wishing for such a service online a little while ago. This sort of thing could really take off, providing music that pays the artists, and without restricting customers should appeal to music lovers and musicians alike. Will update with details as they come to hand.
Fake Science website announcement regarding this should happen on Friday via Create Digital Music
Posted by funnelbc at 07:54 AM | Comments (0)