Ninth track in the last ten days. Bit bored now, but haven't felt like doing anything else.
Just some simple blues twanging on my trusty 6-string. Only used two strings, bit of distortion and echo.
settle-down blues
DAY FIFTY-NINE
Slapped a beat on this one. Ten years ago I'd've been horrified. I used to painstakingly cut it up into bass drum, snare hihat etc and re-arrange, but here I've only slightly amended on 4th and 8th bars.
Played the bassline to the beat, but it still comes in rather abruptly. The beat works better in the second part where the guitar lines get more complicated.
breaking out
Played the bassline to the beat, but it still comes in rather abruptly. The beat works better in the second part where the guitar lines get more complicated.
breaking out
DAY FIFTY-EIGHT
http://bln.kr/8UA
6 and 12 string strumming with some weird phasar and sweep echo in the background. I'm struggling to think of names for tracks now. This one is called 'untitled'.
Someone posted this on twitter with no explanation or nuffink. It'd be lovely to randomly drive past this.
6 and 12 string strumming with some weird phasar and sweep echo in the background. I'm struggling to think of names for tracks now. This one is called 'untitled'.
Someone posted this on twitter with no explanation or nuffink. It'd be lovely to randomly drive past this.
DAY FIFTY-SEVEN
tH..argh. This track I kind of sung on. But lots of FX on the vocals, which are sparse and rubbish so you can't here them. It's an anti-folk track with similar 6 and 12 string lines overdubbed. Lets call it everything's fine.
Also, there was a face in my Espresso. I'm pretty sure it wasn't jesus, so I drank him.
Also, there was a face in my Espresso. I'm pretty sure it wasn't jesus, so I drank him.
DAY FIFTY-SIX
Went for Wooden Shjips style rolling bassline, and some no-wave style guitar. Guitar was too feedbacky with more than perfunctory twangs, so used my voice on the same tone to get the effect.
Arbitrarily called 'no love'. Well, Josie has decreed it's love week, like the crazed dictator she is. So there we are.
http://bln.kr/8Q3
Arbitrarily called 'no love'. Well, Josie has decreed it's love week, like the crazed dictator she is. So there we are.
http://bln.kr/8Q3
DAY FIFTY-FIVE
I tried to play a bit of guitar today, but wasn't in the mood and didn't find anything worth recording.
Shouldn't feel bad, I've recorded about 20 tracks now. Of variable quality, sure, but that's good going.
Shouldn't feel bad, I've recorded about 20 tracks now. Of variable quality, sure, but that's good going.
DAY FIFTY-FOUR
Is it possible to remix a track you've never heard? A track that might not even exist?
This album by Boards of Canada was apparently released to friends and family and has never been leaked.
The band put a discography of unreleased albums up on their website, with album covers, track titles and duration, catalogue number etc.
Some of the titles were remarkably evocative, and me being a huge fan, used to wonder what they sounded like.
The one that stuck with me was 'Infinite Lines of Colourful Sevens', it reminded me of a simple BBC BASIC program that filled the screen with coloured words.
I managed to get a Boards of Canada-esque bass sound using buzzsaw and u-vibe mods on my guitar. Then by reversing a guitar line, and another simple guitar line played forwards. I'm really pleased with how this turned out.
sevenism - Infinite Lines Of Colourful Sevens
This album by Boards of Canada was apparently released to friends and family and has never been leaked.
The band put a discography of unreleased albums up on their website, with album covers, track titles and duration, catalogue number etc.
Some of the titles were remarkably evocative, and me being a huge fan, used to wonder what they sounded like.
The one that stuck with me was 'Infinite Lines of Colourful Sevens', it reminded me of a simple BBC BASIC program that filled the screen with coloured words.
I managed to get a Boards of Canada-esque bass sound using buzzsaw and u-vibe mods on my guitar. Then by reversing a guitar line, and another simple guitar line played forwards. I'm really pleased with how this turned out.
sevenism - Infinite Lines Of Colourful Sevens
DAY FIFTY-THREE
A long ambient drone made by placing a guitar close to a speaker to create feedback, then carefully increasing distortion and amending wah, distortion tone, and bass and treble on sine chorus, so that it gradually shifts in tone and texture. Also some 12 string strumming very low down in the mix.
It sounds icy and crunchy hence the title:
frozen dew
It sounds icy and crunchy hence the title:
frozen dew
DAY FIFTY-TWO
This poster is always on the bus. It gets to me how bad it is.
I couldn't get a decent photo on my phone without looking weird, but it says 'no school uniforms, just great courses'. Its for a college.
The layout is bad, the faux-graffiti backdrop is pointless. There is no link between having to wear a uniform and the courses being great. Are you supposed to wear the course?
But my main gripe is the people. The girls are doing model smiles and model stances. And there is a man who appears to be wearing a school uniform. A shirt and tie. These are not students, a student is not going to wear a shirt and tie upon being told 'no school uniforms'. Those three on the right are too old to be teenage students.
Just that one on the left. Hey, they found a student. Isn't he cool, with his hair and his clothes, and his uncomfortable look? Punk Rock, that is in isn't it?
Also, recorded a quick track. Simple echoey bassline, distorted 12-string, and clean acoustic guitar. Its ok.
The Helvetica Scenario
I couldn't get a decent photo on my phone without looking weird, but it says 'no school uniforms, just great courses'. Its for a college.
The layout is bad, the faux-graffiti backdrop is pointless. There is no link between having to wear a uniform and the courses being great. Are you supposed to wear the course?
But my main gripe is the people. The girls are doing model smiles and model stances. And there is a man who appears to be wearing a school uniform. A shirt and tie. These are not students, a student is not going to wear a shirt and tie upon being told 'no school uniforms'. Those three on the right are too old to be teenage students.
Just that one on the left. Hey, they found a student. Isn't he cool, with his hair and his clothes, and his uncomfortable look? Punk Rock, that is in isn't it?
Also, recorded a quick track. Simple echoey bassline, distorted 12-string, and clean acoustic guitar. Its ok.
The Helvetica Scenario
DAY FIFTY-ONE
http://japanesetranslator.co.uk/your-name-in-japanese/?forename=James&style=1
My name in Kanji.
Looks better than my name in that ABC alphabet, whatever that's called.
Played a bit of guitar too, but didn't find anything worth recording.
My name in Kanji.
Looks better than my name in that ABC alphabet, whatever that's called.
Played a bit of guitar too, but didn't find anything worth recording.
DAY FIFTY!
Halfway through #100days:
15 drawings/arty things
13 photos
17 tracks recorded
1 poem
1 jar of marmalade
I like those stats! Am I half-way to becoming a better person?
Yes.
Actually, that's the wrong way to look at it. Being creative is important, because it's natural. As children we are always drawing and making things, and yet it's not a childish pursuit, but a human one.
Tried to go all out today, and record a track using all instruments at my disposal. But I was lying on my bed, trying to keep my eyes open, not wanting to do anything.
Glad I got up. I'm really pleased with this. So: simple bassline, fuzzy acoustic guitar, sparkly 12 string, and my out-of-tune voice humming for a bit.
It starts off like it's too slow, but once the 3 main parts are up it's ok. Reason it's slow is I wanted to add some augmented radio too (so had it at the same BPM as the echo), but it was too muffled in the mix. Listening back I should've used my voice more in this, it doesn't sound too bad. But hey, it's not bad for an hour and a half.
sevenism - halfway home
And it's an important lesson: regardless of how I feel, how little I want to do something, it's worth making the effort.
15 drawings/arty things
13 photos
17 tracks recorded
1 poem
1 jar of marmalade
I like those stats! Am I half-way to becoming a better person?
Yes.
Actually, that's the wrong way to look at it. Being creative is important, because it's natural. As children we are always drawing and making things, and yet it's not a childish pursuit, but a human one.
Tried to go all out today, and record a track using all instruments at my disposal. But I was lying on my bed, trying to keep my eyes open, not wanting to do anything.
Glad I got up. I'm really pleased with this. So: simple bassline, fuzzy acoustic guitar, sparkly 12 string, and my out-of-tune voice humming for a bit.
It starts off like it's too slow, but once the 3 main parts are up it's ok. Reason it's slow is I wanted to add some augmented radio too (so had it at the same BPM as the echo), but it was too muffled in the mix. Listening back I should've used my voice more in this, it doesn't sound too bad. But hey, it's not bad for an hour and a half.
sevenism - halfway home
And it's an important lesson: regardless of how I feel, how little I want to do something, it's worth making the effort.
DAY FORTY-NINE
I've wanted to do this for ages. Feed Classical music into guitar FX.
I had Radio 3 on, speaker close to a vocal mic, and just added a load of distortion, echo, and wah.
It's a lot of fun amending the wah while guessing where the music is going. On this take there's a load of speaking but it sounds cool.
sevenism - augmented radio
I had Radio 3 on, speaker close to a vocal mic, and just added a load of distortion, echo, and wah.
It's a lot of fun amending the wah while guessing where the music is going. On this take there's a load of speaking but it sounds cool.
sevenism - augmented radio
DAY FORTY-EIGHT
Recorded a quick track on both 6-string, and 12-string, guitar.
Wanted to use bass guitar too, but didn't have time to tune it up. I don't think my bass likes this cold weather.
Was trying to play the different parts out of phase but wasn't really paying attention to the metronome, so just comes out a bit lackadaisical. What the hell? I thought it was pronounced lax-adaisical. Dear me.
Anyway
Wanted to use bass guitar too, but didn't have time to tune it up. I don't think my bass likes this cold weather.
Was trying to play the different parts out of phase but wasn't really paying attention to the metronome, so just comes out a bit lackadaisical. What the hell? I thought it was pronounced lax-adaisical. Dear me.
Anyway
DAY FORTY-SEVEN
I made a card for ShakeHands MidWinter Day.
This is a traditional British celebration (and not at all made up by Graham Linehan to confuse Americans into thinking we have our own version of Thanksgiving). Fox-Rabbit is eaten by most people and games such as Tease Cheese and Shout Peter Stupid are played.
While it is seen as bad luck to actually shake hands on this day, observing others shaking hands is portentous as you get to watch 'the devil dance away'.
More details here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=188906458996
While it is seen as bad luck to actually shake hands on this day, observing others shaking hands is portentous as you get to watch 'the devil dance away'.
More details here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=188906458996
DAY FORTY-SIX
Despite using whisky instead of a lemon, too much sugar, and not simmering properly, I got what appears to be marmalade. OK, yes, it tastes more like golden syrup with a consistency to match, but I made it, and whatever it is, it tastes good on toast. 'tho not so good that I'll give any to people in the other flats to apologise for setting off the alarm so much.
Heckled a spammer too. This one seemed a cut above: it was translated into Italian, and it beat gmail spam detection which is pretty impressive. I like to try and match the feel of the original message, but haven't had a response until now.
Ciao!
Yours
Jamie
The English isn't as good in the second email, and it's pretty much the same email but in a different style. I love the phrase 'I opened for dialogue'. I checked the email address on google, no hits, but the domain is Russian, and I went into a flight of fancy about the Russian mafia googling me and finding where I live! Ridiculous, I know, but I didn't reply, and I've removed the user part of her email address.
Ach I say 'her' but it could be some guy who wrote those. Or maybe I'm just cynical, and have ruined my chances with Elena.
Heckled a spammer too. This one seemed a cut above: it was translated into Italian, and it beat gmail spam detection which is pretty impressive. I like to try and match the feel of the original message, but haven't had a response until now.
I do not know you...
Ciao!
Trovo la tua e-mail su internet e ho voluto scrivere per voi.
Tu non sai di me ... e non so voi ... Ma ho fiducia nel destino e mi auguro che il destino, mi dia una possibilita ....
Voglio trovare un tipo, uomo onesto e intelligente.
Il mio nome - Elena. La mia eta- 26 years.It e difficile da dire su di me. Se questo e di alcun interesse a voi, scrivete a me
Mi auguro, vedo la vostra lettera al piu presto. Nel seguente lettera che ho a dire su di me e di inviare le mie foto. Scrivi sulla mia email personale -@mail333.com ora scrivo con il lavoro e il mio capo non si sa in proposito. Cordiali saluti,
Elena.
Hello!
I find your email on internet and I wished to write to you.
You do not know me... and I do not know you... But I trust in destiny and I hope that destiny give me a chance....
I want to find a kind, honest and clever man.
My name - Elena. My age-26 years.It is difficult to tell about myself. If this is of any interest to you, write to me
I hope, I can see your letter soon. In the following letter I to tell about myself and send my photos. Write on my personal email -@mail333.com now I write with the work and my chief does not know about it. Sincerely,
Elena.
Ciao bella!
Your email it finds me.
Hope is only the love of life. And without hope where is destiny? and what is life?
I know nothing about you, and yet there is a familiarity within your words. I also am finding difficulty in talking about myself, and yet I feel you know me. I am 29, no it it is too soon, this cracked, winding path to my heart.
I await your response and cannot work until then.
Yours
Jamie
-------------
Hello Beautiful!
La tua e-mail che trova me.
La speranza è solo l'amore per la vita. E senza speranza, dove è il destino? e ciò che è vita?
La speranza è solo l'amore per la vita. E senza speranza, dove è il destino? e ciò che è vita?
Non so nulla di te, e tuttavia c'è una familiarità entro le tue parole. Anch'io sto trovando difficoltà a parlare di me, eppure mi sento mi conosci. Sono 29, no, è troppo presto, questo cracking, tortuosa strada al mio cuore.
Attendo le vostre risposte e non può lavorare fino ad allora.Yours
Jamie
Hi Jamie!! I have received your letter!! Certainly, it not a correct way of acquaintance. But I to trust in destiny. It is very original - to write it to the stranger. I to send the picture! If it was pleasant to you, if you to wish to continue acquaintance to answer me!!
Not to worry, I opened for dialogue.
If to you to like, I with pleasure will tell about myself and to send new pictures.
I will wait. Kisses Elena
Not to worry, I opened for dialogue.
If to you to like, I with pleasure will tell about myself and to send new pictures.
I will wait. Kisses Elena
The English isn't as good in the second email, and it's pretty much the same email but in a different style. I love the phrase 'I opened for dialogue'. I checked the email address on google, no hits, but the domain is Russian, and I went into a flight of fancy about the Russian mafia googling me and finding where I live! Ridiculous, I know, but I didn't reply, and I've removed the user part of her email address.
Ach I say 'her' but it could be some guy who wrote those. Or maybe I'm just cynical, and have ruined my chances with Elena.
DAY FORTY-FIVE
Finally got a microphone for my 12-string guitar. And it works nicely.
This track is really enjoyable to play, holding off the lower strings for as long as possible. I got a bit excited though, and played bits in the wrong order and it's a bit bum-notey once or twice.
solstice
I put two different types of echo on, which is why it sounds almost like a sitar.
Tried to make some whisky marmalade, but turned my back for a second and it boiled over, put the heat down, went to turn smoke alarm off, wouldn't go off, went back it had boiled over again, smoke everywhere, unset marmalade all over hobs, surfaces, washing machine, floor, and smoke alarm still going off.
Salvaged about a jar full, and when smoke had dispersed enough to re-enter kitchen, I tried again and it boiled over again. I don't have high hopes for marmalade on toast tomorrow morning.
This track is really enjoyable to play, holding off the lower strings for as long as possible. I got a bit excited though, and played bits in the wrong order and it's a bit bum-notey once or twice.
solstice
I put two different types of echo on, which is why it sounds almost like a sitar.
Tried to make some whisky marmalade, but turned my back for a second and it boiled over, put the heat down, went to turn smoke alarm off, wouldn't go off, went back it had boiled over again, smoke everywhere, unset marmalade all over hobs, surfaces, washing machine, floor, and smoke alarm still going off.
Salvaged about a jar full, and when smoke had dispersed enough to re-enter kitchen, I tried again and it boiled over again. I don't have high hopes for marmalade on toast tomorrow morning.
DAY FORTY-THREE
When I was at Primary School, aged about 10, I used to draw these weird polygon structures, impossible three-dimensional sprawls, and sometimes they'd end up looking like something. Some kid thought it would be 'rad' if I etched one of these designs into his skateboard but I knew I wouldnt've been able to.
Bored at work, I drew this. It ended up like a tortoise I think.
Also I did a track based on yesterdays bassline. Still doesn't work properly. Noisy, a bit atonal, and too similar to other stuff I've done:
headfog
Bored at work, I drew this. It ended up like a tortoise I think.
Also I did a track based on yesterdays bassline. Still doesn't work properly. Noisy, a bit atonal, and too similar to other stuff I've done:
headfog
DAY FORTY-ONE
Wrote a poem:
These ghosts of meaning,
Flicker like grace notes;
Virtual particles;
Mere logical flaws.
I like putting sciencey stuff in poems. it seems obtuse. This is about how sure we can be of our thoughts, feelings, perceptions; and how we're often wrong.
It's been getting to me recently. This democracy of opinion, judgments made with little, or no, thought.
Like Harlan Ellison said,
"Everybody has opinions: I have them, you have them. And we are all told from the moment we open our eyes, that everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. Well, that’s horsepuckey, of course. We are not entitled to our opinions; we are entitled to our informed opinions. Without research, without background, without understanding, it’s nothing. It’s just bibble-babble. It’s like a fart in a wind tunnel, folks."
DAY FORTY
This seems like a milestone. 40 days.
Another milestone: 5 days in a row recording tracks. This one didn't come out so well. I used a technique of recording one string at a time. So the bassline is one guitar string, then go back and record the high E string, then another string, and so on.
apparitions
I was setting up a hifi amp and needed some light to get to the tangle of wires. Used the flash on camera phone. Took a photo:
Another milestone: 5 days in a row recording tracks. This one didn't come out so well. I used a technique of recording one string at a time. So the bassline is one guitar string, then go back and record the high E string, then another string, and so on.
apparitions
I was setting up a hifi amp and needed some light to get to the tangle of wires. Used the flash on camera phone. Took a photo:
Somehow a little Hitler ghost popped his head out of the wall while I took the photo. There can be no other explanation, it's certainly not an upturned plug.
DAY THIRTY-NINE
Had a friend round and she wanted me to play something, but I went shy and couldn't really think of anything.
Later on I recorded another track, and I'm pleased with how it came out. Sounds like it's played on rhodes rather than guitar.Only problem was I didn't bother with metronome or bpm so wasn't sure when the bass should come in. Messed it up a little the third time.
stillness
I recorded this about 1.30am and outside it was still, just white snow on the ground, and the glow from street lights. I live on a main road and usually there's traffic, even at this time, but it was momentarily peaceful.
Later on I recorded another track, and I'm pleased with how it came out. Sounds like it's played on rhodes rather than guitar.Only problem was I didn't bother with metronome or bpm so wasn't sure when the bass should come in. Messed it up a little the third time.
stillness
I recorded this about 1.30am and outside it was still, just white snow on the ground, and the glow from street lights. I live on a main road and usually there's traffic, even at this time, but it was momentarily peaceful.
DAY THIRTY-EIGHT
Found a nice chord progression. Rather than play it properly, I just went back and overdubbed until the mistakes were a bit hidden. It gives it a nice quality. I wanted to sing over it but haven't really got the confidence or the lyrics.
the eden topology
The title is from a misread poster for a student theatre production. The actual title was far less interesting, and I've forgotten what it was.
I didn't want to do anything creative, wasn't in the mood, but I'm glad I made myself.
the eden topology
The title is from a misread poster for a student theatre production. The actual title was far less interesting, and I've forgotten what it was.
I didn't want to do anything creative, wasn't in the mood, but I'm glad I made myself.
DAY THIRTY-SEVEN
I was watching a film about Edith Piaf and was struck by how similar she seemed to an ex: the same brittle charisma and destructive nature. There was a phrase that reminded me of someone else too. And then, later, I saw another ex refer to her boyfriend as 'fiance' on facebook!
So recorded a slow acoustic track. Again, quick and imperfect, the building feedback didn't work exactly how I wanted, but the sense of melancholy comes through I think.
booyah
Got some more details about a tape a small American label are putting out though, so that's cool.
So recorded a slow acoustic track. Again, quick and imperfect, the building feedback didn't work exactly how I wanted, but the sense of melancholy comes through I think.
booyah
Got some more details about a tape a small American label are putting out though, so that's cool.
DAY THIRTY-SIX
Rushed a quick track out. I was plucking away while watching The Wire, and found a note sequence I liked.
Rather than work out how it should sound, I just recorded it and added lots of distortion and some sparkly echo.
sevenism - all that glitters
The baguette and the tape from yesterday had gone, but one of the gloves was still there. Iced snow somehow removed the context, it didn't seem imbued with sadness any more.
Rather than work out how it should sound, I just recorded it and added lots of distortion and some sparkly echo.
sevenism - all that glitters
The baguette and the tape from yesterday had gone, but one of the gloves was still there. Iced snow somehow removed the context, it didn't seem imbued with sadness any more.
DAY THIRTY-FIVE
Saw some odd things on the way to work.
Outside my house; a pristine baguette amidst a tangle of ivy. Dropped, I imagine, while rustling for keys then kicked slightly in annoyance.
And just outside of work; a cassette covered in ice. It's called 'The pros and cons of hitch hiking'! I can only imagine that someone had thrown the tape to the ground in anger, freezing cold, weighed down by a heavy backpack, the cons of hitch-hiking far outweighing the pros.
I also saw some discarded toddlers gloves at the bus-stop. Hopefully those weren't thrown down in anger. I didn't want to snap them, it didn't seem funny.
Outside my house; a pristine baguette amidst a tangle of ivy. Dropped, I imagine, while rustling for keys then kicked slightly in annoyance.
And just outside of work; a cassette covered in ice. It's called 'The pros and cons of hitch hiking'! I can only imagine that someone had thrown the tape to the ground in anger, freezing cold, weighed down by a heavy backpack, the cons of hitch-hiking far outweighing the pros.
I also saw some discarded toddlers gloves at the bus-stop. Hopefully those weren't thrown down in anger. I didn't want to snap them, it didn't seem funny.
DAY THIRTY-FOUR
Been working on a zine to collect a load of art together. It's the size of a cassette inlay card, so that constrains what can be done.
In the interests of self imposed constraints I used the leftover bits when you rip out notepad paper (what are they called? the leftovers from hole-punched paper are called chads so I'm gonna call them chets), where was I? So I used the chets from notebook paper to make up letters just by ripping them.
I did manage to make all the letters with single chets but it looks better with the O and D constructed 2 each. I think the serifs on the T and M look cool.
In the interests of self imposed constraints I used the leftover bits when you rip out notepad paper (what are they called? the leftovers from hole-punched paper are called chads so I'm gonna call them chets), where was I? So I used the chets from notebook paper to make up letters just by ripping them.
I did manage to make all the letters with single chets but it looks better with the O and D constructed 2 each. I think the serifs on the T and M look cool.
DAY THIRTY-THREE
Recorded a quick noisy guitar track. There's too much distortion on it, well, too much treble. But it was 2 am, and I was trying to get to bed early in preparation for work on monday.
It's the same notes as the track I've been working on on 12-string, but spread out, slowed down, fucked up.
brap brap
I forgot to get a mic again.
It's the same notes as the track I've been working on on 12-string, but spread out, slowed down, fucked up.
brap brap
I forgot to get a mic again.
DAY THIRTY-TWO
Really tired today so just had a go on my 12-string guitar. It has such a lovely, warm, tone. Must get a mic for it tomorrow.
Also, the last track I recorded was so awful (the oranges track) I think that put me off a bit too.
Also, the last track I recorded was so awful (the oranges track) I think that put me off a bit too.
DAY THIRTY-ONE
nEW yEARS eVE.
Oh whoops. Here we go again.
This project counts as a new years resolution I reckon. Ironically, I did nothing creative today.
My friends said I could count dancing creatively, and dressing creatively, as being creative but I'm not sure I agree. I dance like Usher/Justin Timberlake and I was dressed like a 20s gangster.
Oh whoops. Here we go again.
This project counts as a new years resolution I reckon. Ironically, I did nothing creative today.
My friends said I could count dancing creatively, and dressing creatively, as being creative but I'm not sure I agree. I dance like Usher/Justin Timberlake and I was dressed like a 20s gangster.
DAY THIRTY
I woke up anxious and unsettled. Which is really weird because I'm back at home and should be relaxed.
So in this state I recorded another quick track (about an hour).
yes!
I was trying to work out the colour of anxiety. I wasn't playing the blues; I wasn't playing the yellows (fear); and I wasn't playing the reds (anger).
Anxiety lies somewhere between fear and anger so I guess I'm playing the oranges. But that doesn't seem right. Orange is a relaxed, sassy, confident colour.
On the other hand, one of my parents friends is synaesthetic and perceives colours when hearing a word. My name 'Jamie' is orangey-red.
So in this state I recorded another quick track (about an hour).
yes!
I was trying to work out the colour of anxiety. I wasn't playing the blues; I wasn't playing the yellows (fear); and I wasn't playing the reds (anger).
Anxiety lies somewhere between fear and anger so I guess I'm playing the oranges. But that doesn't seem right. Orange is a relaxed, sassy, confident colour.
On the other hand, one of my parents friends is synaesthetic and perceives colours when hearing a word. My name 'Jamie' is orangey-red.
DAY TWENTY-NINE
Good to be back in my cold lonely flat.
It was so cold in the toilet that I could see my breath, and I couldn't go to the loo.
Anyway, a nice, frosty, echo-y bass & guitar ting:
crank it up!
It was so cold in the toilet that I could see my breath, and I couldn't go to the loo.
Anyway, a nice, frosty, echo-y bass & guitar ting:
crank it up!
DAY TWENTY-EIGHT
Did a cover for the drone n bass project I've been working on. Faburden is a 15th century musical term for bass drone.
This started off black and white like this:
...and ended up like this:
Basically, I go through iterations of saving in Paint, opening in Picture Viewer, enlarging, print screen, paste into Paint, resizing, saving in Paint. I gradually distorted the size so the main bit ends up cassette box size.
Paint pixelates the image and reduces contrast, whereas Picture Viewer smooths the pixels and creates a black border, so over a large number of iterations you get non-uniform blurring (the A's started off the same), and mixing of white and black borders (creating shades of grey).
So, in the same way, sound sources are distorted creating noise that was not there initially.
This started off black and white like this:
...and ended up like this:
Basically, I go through iterations of saving in Paint, opening in Picture Viewer, enlarging, print screen, paste into Paint, resizing, saving in Paint. I gradually distorted the size so the main bit ends up cassette box size.
Paint pixelates the image and reduces contrast, whereas Picture Viewer smooths the pixels and creates a black border, so over a large number of iterations you get non-uniform blurring (the A's started off the same), and mixing of white and black borders (creating shades of grey).
So, in the same way, sound sources are distorted creating noise that was not there initially.
DAY TWENTY-SEVEN
The tap in my parent's kitchen creates a beautiful lattice effect when water resonates at the right flow. You can't really see this here because of the inherent noise in a complex system. But in this instant it looks like a bubbling fluid metal or crystallized ice.
DAY TWENTY-SIX
Had a quick go with the watercolour paints. Relatively pleased with what amounts to the first time I've tried to paint something since childhood.
DAY TWENTY- FIVE
I got some watercolour paints, and all the accessories, from my parents today. But I didn't feel like painting.
Just did some strumming on the guitar.
Just did some strumming on the guitar.
DAY TWENTY-FOUR
Just played the guitar today. Again the same track, as I can't tune it in properly. Damn my reliance on technology. But at least it means I can practice it. It's too finger-picking complicated for my cack-handed fingers.
DAY TWENTY-THREE
Made my brother a christmas card and cut out a tree to stick in mums card because it's not actually a christmas card, but it has butterflies on it so that'll do.
This is the leftover cutout bit and the words for my brothers card.
Mum got a new string put in her guitar, which was nice. The guy in the shop wanted to put in all new strings because the strings are 20 odd years old, won't tune in, and are ready to break, but I was having none of that.
This is the leftover cutout bit and the words for my brothers card.
Mum got a new string put in her guitar, which was nice. The guy in the shop wanted to put in all new strings because the strings are 20 odd years old, won't tune in, and are ready to break, but I was having none of that.
DAY TWENTY-TWO
The sun was really bright today. I liked the way it shone through this cafetiere, creating a clear image, and shadow, on the telly.
Also, the brightness meant that you could see the individual droplets of water vapour in the steam of the coffee.
Also, the brightness meant that you could see the individual droplets of water vapour in the steam of the coffee.
DAY TWENTY-ONE
DAY TWENTY
At my parents for Christmas. Dug out mums dusty old guitar. The D string is missing, but that doesn't matter. I like the highs and lows. The middles are boring.
Surprisingly some of the strings are in tune. The ones I use most for the solstice track, so just been playing that. It's got quite a nice tone, but recording it on camera or phone doesn't really work.
Surprisingly some of the strings are in tune. The ones I use most for the solstice track, so just been playing that. It's got quite a nice tone, but recording it on camera or phone doesn't really work.
DAY NINETEEN
I was in Borders for their closing down sale. Something about the clamour, chaos, queues, empty shelves, and ugly shouting '70% off' signs put me off looking for anything.
I wandered round instead trying to find photos that encapsulated these elements.
People were laden with books like the world was running out. I didn't get a good shot of the pushchair full off books. I had to take the flash off because, as my friend pointed out, 'there are laws against that'.
The chaos is illustrated in these two pictures. In the mis-spelling of Psychology next to the correct spelling, and in the back left/front right confusion on this sign:
I was looking through a book, and an included postcard fell out, so I defaced it with a nice goodbye message. It seems more creative if I take an active role in what's being photographed.
I wandered round instead trying to find photos that encapsulated these elements.
People were laden with books like the world was running out. I didn't get a good shot of the pushchair full off books. I had to take the flash off because, as my friend pointed out, 'there are laws against that'.
The chaos is illustrated in these two pictures. In the mis-spelling of Psychology next to the correct spelling, and in the back left/front right confusion on this sign:
This member of staff found a quiet corner to hide. I like how the empty shelves render the scene devoid of context, almost abstract.
I was looking through a book, and an included postcard fell out, so I defaced it with a nice goodbye message. It seems more creative if I take an active role in what's being photographed.
DAY EIGHTEEN
Another quick one this. Got to leave for a train in an hour, and last minute preps.
Made from the detritus of a christmas card:
The next 10 days are gonna be really difficult to do something creative every day. I'm gonna be with friends til monday, so it might be things like vomiting up in a nice patten. My mums got an old spanish guitar that I can play around with. Hmm we'll see.
Made from the detritus of a christmas card:
The next 10 days are gonna be really difficult to do something creative every day. I'm gonna be with friends til monday, so it might be things like vomiting up in a nice patten. My mums got an old spanish guitar that I can play around with. Hmm we'll see.
DAY SEVENTEEN
One of the benefits of this project is it really lends itself to immediacy.
I was lying on my bed earlier, close enough to the window that it felt the snow would engulf me, yet I was safely ensconced in warmth and comfort.
What better way to replicate this feeling than with a noisy, jarring, atonal, disjointed blues track?
sevenism - first snow
I picked at the bass until I had a nice rhythm (3/4 tempo - time signature fans) and then just played guitar to it. I really like the idea of getting to know the track while you're recording it. Of working out how to play it the first time you're playing it. It's obvious I've done this.
I was lying on my bed earlier, close enough to the window that it felt the snow would engulf me, yet I was safely ensconced in warmth and comfort.
What better way to replicate this feeling than with a noisy, jarring, atonal, disjointed blues track?
sevenism - first snow
I picked at the bass until I had a nice rhythm (3/4 tempo - time signature fans) and then just played guitar to it. I really like the idea of getting to know the track while you're recording it. Of working out how to play it the first time you're playing it. It's obvious I've done this.
DAY SIXTEEN
In preparation for today's act of creativity I went out, got a bit drunk, then drew something while writing my diary. I think it's good how it looks like I've just drawn something really quickly as an afterthought.
This is Ondy, an evil demon cat. Look at those eyes. Look at the arrogance in that tail.
Coincidentally, 'ondy' is also the word that will supersede 'blog'. Thus it is decreed.
DAY FIFTEEN
Tried to record 12 string again, normalizing, then editing hiss out but without distorting it there was too much hiss. And I love hiss.
Recorded it instead on my trusty semi-acoustic, which I've been neglecting recently. Well I tried to but I can't get it right exactly. It sounds better on the 12 string because there's a false impression of intricacy, and there's notes you can't actually play.
sevenism - solstice (pt. II)
Recorded it instead on my trusty semi-acoustic, which I've been neglecting recently. Well I tried to but I can't get it right exactly. It sounds better on the 12 string because there's a false impression of intricacy, and there's notes you can't actually play.
sevenism - solstice (pt. II)
DAY FOURTEEN
So today's creative thing is I wrote a blog, but hey hey, before you say 'what? this dont count, you did nuffink' little do you know that I only started writing today, and all the previous entries were written just now in the present tense. The way I used 'today' all those times! Oh and I've created the character of 'you' when clearly you don't exist and no-one is reading. Hooray.
A friend said I should keep a note of what I've done and my initial reticence was only because I hate the word 'blog'. But then I'll scrobble on last.fm, tweet on twitter, and facebook on that other one. The internet knows that a stupid word is a memorable word.
Christ, I'm glad I've finished writing all these. It's taken the last hour and a half and my eyes hurt. I need to do something relaxing like play the guitar.
A friend said I should keep a note of what I've done and my initial reticence was only because I hate the word 'blog'. But then I'll scrobble on last.fm, tweet on twitter, and facebook on that other one. The internet knows that a stupid word is a memorable word.
Christ, I'm glad I've finished writing all these. It's taken the last hour and a half and my eyes hurt. I need to do something relaxing like play the guitar.
DAY THIRTEEN
I recorded my voice as a bassline today. I made a great tone in my guitar effects software that makes it sound like d&b and humming through the mic sounds great. i can't be bothered to upload it though, sorry.
I did this as well:
Humans are innately programmed to recognize faces, and this has the side effect that even simple designs can be viewed as a face gestalt. When I was a kid I always used to see owls in light switches.
I did this as well:
DAY TWELVE
i GOT CARRIED AWAY
Not again.
I got carried away doing music on the pc. I was searching for an old d&b track that was in my head that i knew would be good. I could only find it on cassette. But tape hiss is great for drone music!
Here we go
I didn't really do much, just added some extra effects. was planning to strip down to bass and filter that, but the beats aren't too hectic.
Not again.
I got carried away doing music on the pc. I was searching for an old d&b track that was in my head that i knew would be good. I could only find it on cassette. But tape hiss is great for drone music!
Here we go
I didn't really do much, just added some extra effects. was planning to strip down to bass and filter that, but the beats aren't too hectic.
DAY ELEVEN
There's loads of fake profiles on facebook. I'm playing a game on there where you need loads of neighbours so loads of people ask to be friends with people they don't know. Ridiculous, it's bad enough being friends with idiots you barely know. It's ok though because I only befriended hot girls.
Or those who change their picture to that of a hot girl in order to get friends.. Now I don't think this is Anna Fung. She only has 1 photo, and the name is a giveaway. I disintegrated the photo. Maybe it looks more like her.
Someone had posted 'so beautifull' (sic) under the original photo. His name is 'Savage Garden'. Bless him.
Or those who change their picture to that of a hot girl in order to get friends.. Now I don't think this is Anna Fung. She only has 1 photo, and the name is a giveaway. I disintegrated the photo. Maybe it looks more like her.
DAY TEN
I played guitar at breakfast, lunch and this evening. [insert joke about difficulty of playing guitar with knife and fork]
I conceived of a new musical project. Drum & Bass drone. Drone music tends to be an experimental logical progression that I've seen from a number of different routes - post rock, ambient, metal. And I was wondering how it could be done for D&B. I think distorting and filtering the separate elements in individual tracks (fx, drum, what else ah yes bass)
I used to make alot of D&B 10 years ago or so, and now I'm listening to lots of crazy ambient noise drone stuff, so I'm mix up a load of my old tracks, into a horrible mulch.
I conceived of a new musical project. Drum & Bass drone. Drone music tends to be an experimental logical progression that I've seen from a number of different routes - post rock, ambient, metal. And I was wondering how it could be done for D&B. I think distorting and filtering the separate elements in individual tracks (fx, drum, what else ah yes bass)
I used to make alot of D&B 10 years ago or so, and now I'm listening to lots of crazy ambient noise drone stuff, so I'm mix up a load of my old tracks, into a horrible mulch.
DAY NINE
I thought of the couplet 'goodbye six pack / hello heart attack' in reference to eating 4 pork pies and toast and not going to the gym.
Some people on facebook 'liked' it and someone did a 'lol', which made me think of people saying 'you're funny' straight-faced.
Some people on facebook 'liked' it and someone did a 'lol', which made me think of people saying 'you're funny' straight-faced.
DAY EIGHT
Hey, I held down the shift key for the title so no erroneous capitals today.
I read The Portable Frank by Jim Woodring today. Wonderful, life affirming, simple yet clever. And very individual.
I tried using a compressor and noise gate on the 12 string (the old git-ar) to record it better. Didn't work.
I read The Portable Frank by Jim Woodring today. Wonderful, life affirming, simple yet clever. And very individual.
I tried using a compressor and noise gate on the 12 string (the old git-ar) to record it better. Didn't work.
DAY SEVEN
All I did was this:
It's meant to say fuck compromise, but hey, it is in itself compromised. Ah well.
I think I'm fed up with compromise in art, with loss of individuality, with bullshit hollywood brainstormed demographic mulch. That sort of thing.
Oh also, I changed the font colour to a nicer blue. Ahhh.
It's meant to say fuck compromise, but hey, it is in itself compromised. Ah well.
I think I'm fed up with compromise in art, with loss of individuality, with bullshit hollywood brainstormed demographic mulch. That sort of thing.
Oh also, I changed the font colour to a nicer blue. Ahhh.
DAY SIX
tODAY i WATCHED oh for fuxake.
Ahem.
Today I watched 15 episodes of Japanese manga series Deathnote. A creative use of my time? No. OK.
I played guitar.
Oh i made a xmas card for someone too.
Oh i made a xmas card for someone too.
DAY FIVE
mY DAMMIT ..My boss gave me a microphone so I hooked it up in the studio (ok my front room) and tried to record my 12 string guitar. I say 'new' but its a beautiful old sigma gutar.. about 30 years old I think.
aNYWAY, Anyway, it's a vocal mic so doesnt pick up the high strings very well. no matter how close i get the mic.
DAY FOUR
i DREWQ A TURKEY. aGAIN, COPIED FROM ANOTHER . Arghh stupid caps lock.
Today I drew a turkey. Again it was copied from another 'photo'. I think I captured his sadness pretty well. Soon he will die.
DAY THREE
Oh yeah, Suppose I should say what I'm doing. Josie Long is doing this thing where she's spending 100 consecutive days doing something to be a better person. And encouraging others to do so. Yep, thats good explaining. Click one of those links up there to find out more.
Today, I had a piece of art on a wall in a pub. I got an email a copuple of weeks ago asking for peoples 'interpretation of an orange' winner goes on a beer bottle yadda yadda 10,000 bottles. So because I was onlione at the time I sent my entry back as quickly as possible, as a joke. No message just pow, orange. 5 minutes it took me.
Yep, thats it.
It didnt win. But it was in a shortlist of 13 out of 'nearly 200'. Some of the 13 were fucking awful, and I'm not saying that out of bitterness.
OK, so I didnt do that today so it doesn't count.
I played guitar.
DAY TWO
On this day, day 2, today, I played guitar. Hmm interesting. Hey though, it's a 12 string guitar, you can play different octaves at once. I didn't record anything because as yet I don't have a microphone.
DAY ONE
Today, I drew a baleen whale that I copied from another photo. I say 'another' because my arrogant, narcissistic subconscious thinks my picture is so good as to be comparable to a photo.
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