Friday, November 30, 2007
I wake up late
Good morning fuckheads! That's right, it's my blog and I can swear if I want to. Rodney and I woke up at the crack of noon today and we're currently rocking out to some Black Sun Empire and CNN with the sound turned down. Gotta make some food, do some chores and then play a little poker. I start a new job at Sterling Rice (the web site sucks, they're working on a new one) in Boulder on Monday so gotta enjoy the last fancy free weekday of my unemployment. Yes, we have a new blog system and I'll be turning on the Helmutcam more often too. Probably during the day both tomorrow and Sunday. Lots of pH10 news coming soon.
New Blog
Okay, new blog system.
The current status of the new record is:
A) The name is 'Well Connected'. This is taken from the hidden song on our first album 'Sci-Fidelity'. This track featured the entire Trumystic Sound System and was so called as a tribute to the ridiculous talent that these guys brought to the track. Although 'Helmutvision' as a concept was intended to be a record full of various contributors, it ended up being Pete Miser, Jase Mason (scratch on Intro) and Shane Digital (co-producer on Think It Through). This new disk has a wide array of peeps and really represents that Well Connected concept.
B) It's 90% done. Final production remains on a couple of tracks and all tracks need to be mixed. We'll book a mastering date early next year.
C) Release date sometime Spring 2008.
The current status of the new record is:
A) The name is 'Well Connected'. This is taken from the hidden song on our first album 'Sci-Fidelity'. This track featured the entire Trumystic Sound System and was so called as a tribute to the ridiculous talent that these guys brought to the track. Although 'Helmutvision' as a concept was intended to be a record full of various contributors, it ended up being Pete Miser, Jase Mason (scratch on Intro) and Shane Digital (co-producer on Think It Through). This new disk has a wide array of peeps and really represents that Well Connected concept.
B) It's 90% done. Final production remains on a couple of tracks and all tracks need to be mixed. We'll book a mastering date early next year.
C) Release date sometime Spring 2008.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The making of a
Below is the Helmutplex studio log from 03/04. It's a naked and often ridiculous chronicling of the creation of the Helmutvision full length. It was captured from an old blog service that is outdated and doesn't allow comments. To be honest, after re-reading all of this, I am inspired to finish up the new album and it's got me looking forward to the process of releasing a new record. Go ahead, make fun.
11/29/07
:: Tuesday, April 19, 2005 ::
Whoa, it's been a long time since I wrote something in the blog. To say Recone Helmut has been laying low lately is a gross understatement. We've had some good shows in the past few months but I had to take a much needed break from the studio. That's over now. I've started itching to get creative again and have already started dicking around with some ideas. Check back to the MEDIA page for sneak peaks from time to time (the Yigal track is still up there at the moment) and check the web site for updates on upcoming collaborations.
:: Recone 11:10 AM [+] ::
We've just heard that "Needless to Say" from the new album is being featured in the next issue of 'Future Music' and will be included on the CD that comes with the magazine... just some more news this week.
:: Recone 1:41 PM [+] ::
:: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 ::
We've just heard that "Needless to Say" from the new album is being featured in the next issue of 'Future Music' and will be included on the CD that comes with the magazine... just some more news this week.
:: Recone 1:41 PM [+] ::
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The Halloween party was great. The new team of SyBO and Helmut has seriously cemented itself. Check for pictures on the Media page soon.
Looks like pH10 will be playing Wonderland at the next major party currently planned for early 2005. More info coming soon.
The final task related to the release of Helmutvision has been completed. Station IDs were sent to every radio station charting the record (including several #1 spots on RPM charts) and with that, we wash our hands of this beast. More rewarding than anything else I've done in my live and I wouldnt trade the experience for anything - but jesus christ that was a lot of work. Now to start playing more shows and book a little tour or two. Call us for booking info.
This is the current list. If your station is missing let us know.
KTUH - 90.3 FM, Honolulu HI
WERS - 88.9 FM, Boston MA
WNYU - 89.1 FM, New York NY
KPSU - 98.3 FM, Portland OR
KBFR - 95.3 FM, Boulder CO
WRSU - 88.7 FM, New Brunswick NJ
KCPR - 91.3 FM, San Lois Obispo CA
WEFT - 90.1 FM, Champaign IL
KCSB - 91.9 FM, Santa Barbera CA
KUCR - 88.3 FM, Riverside CA
WMUC - 88.1 FM, College Park MD
CIUT - 89.5 FM, Toronto ON
KUOM - 770 AM, Minneapolis MN
KAOS - 89.3 FM - Olympia WA
KTEK - 88.7 FM, Socorro NM
CJSF - 93.9 FM, Burnaby BC
KVCU - 1190 FM, Boulder CO
WFMU - 91.1 FM, Hoboken NJ
WRIU - 90.3 FM, Kingston RI
WTJU - 91.1 FM, Charlottesville VI
WSYC - 88.7 FM, Shippensburg PA
KDHX - 88.1 FM, St. Louis MO
KTXT - 88.1 FM, Lubbock TX
KMSC - 1500 AM, Moorhead MN
KENU - 1300 AM, Auburn WA
WRPI - 91.5 FM, Troy NY
WSIA - 88.9 FM, Staten Island NY
WTCC - 90.7 FM, Springfield MA
BSR - 88.1 FM, Providence RI
WREK - 91.1 FM, Atlanta GA
WMHC - 91.5 FM, South Hadley MA
WUML - 91.5 FM, Lowell MA
CFBX - 92.5 FM, Kamloops BC
WRVU - 91.1 FM, Nashville TN
:: Recone 5:10 PM [+] ::
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Alright. College radio is the coolest thing in the world. The enthusiasm and unabridged zeal these kids have for music is very refreshing. Helmutvision is charting on over 20 stations and we finally got our first NUMBER 1 on an RPM chart. I'll post all of the stations here in a couple of days. Be sure to call and make those requests where ever you are.
:: Recone
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Hello everyone. We are just finishing up the massive task of sending 300 disks to our independent radio friends. SyBO did all of the work on this one... I just stuffed the envelopes and paid for the stamps. We are obviously hoping for lots of airplay... Just gotta wait and see!
I am still working on distribution for the record. It's a pain in the ass. More on that soon.
Since all of the hard wotk on Helmutvision is done, I have started working on a couple of side projects. First, I am mixing the new Socks and Sandals record (Clarks new band) and Jo-Vortec brought over some of his Reason tracks to work on - great stuff.
Check the cam!
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The party was a great success. I feel relieved and excited. pH10 is open for business again. I am already talking to Jason BK about doing another party together in October. Check the helmutplex.com for pictures soon.
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I am god damn tired. Sarah and I have been practicing a lot and trying to get everything in place to launch the new pH10. Everything from outfits to helmets to samplers have been overhauled or replaced since the last time pH10 was on a stage. Staff has shifted and the entire approach has changed. One thing remains however, we just want to throw a good party - that's all that matters. And the time is upon us. The CD release party for Helmutvision is this Saturday. I am scared shitless and excited as hell.
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whoa! check out the pic on the helmutcam. SyBO and I were trying out the new strobe helmut setup - linked to a foot switch. Hell yeah :-).
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Sarah and I have been working on the live show every night for several weeks now - she's really starting to get it - starting to have fun with it.
I'm starting to get excited about getting back on stage. Should be a fun time. Sent out about 100 invitations to industry people around NYC. We'll see who shows...
I am off work today and tomorrow, will be in the studio most of that time and through the weekend. Check in and say hi.
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...working on live show... lots more to do... will report more as developments arise...
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By the way - since i am off until Tuesday and will be in the studio nonstop, I'll keep the camera on until further notice. Check in often and IM to say hi...
:: Recone
May 20th, ten days for the live show to be completed. Sarah is heading to
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The artwork is done, the master is done and the whole thing has been send to
Anyway, i feel great and I'm really looking forward to the summer. I'll probably announce a release date and start sending promo packs to press and radio within a month. Stay tuned!
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The artwork for 'Helmutvision' is ALMOST finished. Brian Romero outdid himself this time - outfuckingstanding. My estimation is that the master will go in the mail to the manufacturing plant early next week and the disks will be in our hands by the end of May. This should give us plenty of time to get promo packs to press and radio far ahead of the August release date. There is a TREMENDOUS amount of work to be done on the new live show. I am starting from scratch in a lot of ways and it's already causing some stress. The studio cam will be turned back on (been dark for about a month while I took a much needed break to play lots of xbox) while I get to work on this monster. In order to get ready for the July 3rd release party, I'll be in the studio every night and weekend for the next two months. Check in and say hi.
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It's over. Mastering went really well. We partied our asses off all weekend. I'm just waiting on the artwork at this point. Stay posted.
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IT'S MASTERING DAY! Just a few more hours before we are bound for
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It's my Bithday! 28 again and feeling great. SYB and I are going out for dinner and a night on the town - looking forward to that. Plus, just after
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I just realized it's been a year since I started this blog.
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It's done. Helmutvision is completed. All tracks are mixed down in nice, neat little 24 bit files - waiting for mastering. Now, the work on the live show begins. I'll have a lot of updates on this in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
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HAHA! Got the lyrics from Pete for the final track today. I have to work in the morning but I am so amped I am banging it together right now. Check the cam! It's hair-band-head-banger / studio-slave-mix-master man!
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We have a mastering date! On April 2nd I will make the short drive over the
Sarah and I sat down and actually listened to the entire CD together the other night. I had been keeping it from her for several months so much of it was new to her. I was nervous and couldn't wait to get her response. She loved it. It made my whole weekend.
We actually have one more song to finish. I am waiting for the vocals from Pete and should have it done in a few weeks.
The album art has not been started yet but we have a concept and Brian promised me it would be done by the end of the month. It should be pretty bad ass :-).
Fuck record labels. I have decided to release this disk on my own. I just need to score a small distro deal. Working on it.
That's all for now...
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Went to Roni Size Thursday night. Flavorpill put us on the comp list. Here is the review I wrote for them:
I'm not new to this. I've been watching people spin Jungle records in clubs for nearly ten years. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm jaded but I'm not easily exited. Roni Size at Avalon was exciting.
I couldn't get a read on Avalon at first. The sound system looked like it should sound good (four huge stacks of subs, more than enough main cabinets hanging from the ceilings) but it didn't. Muddy and lacking any definition, I was less than enthused. By the end of the second warm up DJ, the system started waking up. I made my way to the floor and parked right in front of the minivan sized subs. These are my peoples. The crowd was excellent and it only got better the closer one got to the bass. By the time Size came on I was grabbing people by the head and bouncing around in a circle with a giant grin on my face. It was that good. The sound seemed to get better and better for the first 30 minutes of his set - once it got loud enough to start distorting (just a hair), they left it alone. This place sounds good. I mean, the kind of bass that rattles your brain around in your head and blurs your fucking vision. I love it loud baby, and these guys got me covered.
Roni was on, no doubt about it. The pair of MCs were doing their thing too. Very rehearsed and not overdoing it. What can I say, this is Roni Size, of course the set was on point. Still, for me, the star of this show was the sound system. Amazing.
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Well, we have a record... almost. There are two tracks still in the development phase - I'll fill you in on that real soon. So, I would say we are still on track to be finished in March. I've sent several promo packs to labels and have had more responses than expected - however - i think we'll probably end up releasing this album ourselves. Went to the Knob Records party on The Frying Pan last night and we decided that's where we'll do the Helmutvision release party. More info coming. Back to work at Saatchi tomorrow - really dreading it but gotta make that cake. Stay tuned.
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Most of the mixes are done. Over the next couple of days I'll be doing some final tweaks and then referencing each mix on as many different systems as I can. I am pretty happy with how each track came out.... I normally hate everything by the time it gets to this point 'cause I've heard it so much... but shit sounds pretty good. I am anxious to get all these tracks mastered cause then you really know what you've got.
Sarah is coming up this weekend and I'm really looking forward to seeing her - it's been a week.
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The mixes are coming along. Spencer came over a couple of nights ago and gave me some good feedback. I should have all the actualy mixing done tonight and then will start to go over each track with a fine tooth comb- deciding on all the final tweaks.
:: Recone 2:58 PM [+] ::
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I am upstate now. The web cam wont update until I get back. I have a little mixing room setup in my moms house here in
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So. I am on a 3 week break from work and will update the blog at least once a day. I am trying to get some unfinished tracks completed and recorded before I go up to
I sent about 60 packs to labels this past week. I am really hoping we get some bites. I would like to get this finding a label thing off my fucking plate. I mean, I am prepared to release 'Helmutvision' myself but I a good little label with reasonable distro and connections would be nice - let me focus on getting the live show retooled.
Lots more to report but it's beer thirty. See you on the cam tomorrow.
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As you can tell the new web site has launched. I bet you thought it would never happen! That's what you get for doubting me!
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NEW WEB SITE IS READY! We will launch it on new years day but you can check it out NOW.
http://www.helmutplex.com/new_site
let me know what you think aight!
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What a month! Sorry for neglecting you my lovely blog readers but I will make it up to you in the near future. The new pH10 web site is about to launch and we will have a sneak peak just for the blog readers. I would like feedback! Look here in a couple of days for the link. Lots more news to come...
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Check the latest reviews:
Splendid Magazine - (Good one, well written)
1340 Magazine - (a nice little review)
Get Underground Magazine (I like this a lot because of the reader comments)
Smother Magazine - (good short review)
Wave Magazine - (a bit hacked up for space but a decent interview - pdf format)
:: Recone 12:51 AM [+] ::
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Recone Helmut and long lost yellowish brother Pete Miser have been busy little beavers since the last post. Please read on for the latest haps and updates:
1 - The lead single from the upcoming pH10 record ‘Helmutvision’ is killin’ it on the college/indy charts. Twenty Two US and Canadian stations are charting the single and several others are playing it on specialty shows. The chances are good that a local station has the disk so don’t forget to make those requests. Buy it here.
2 - Speaking of college radio, Recone Helmut and Dr. Tucson are doing a
3 - Progress on the new pH10 full length is grinding along. Eight of eleven tracks are in some stage of completion and the whole project should wrap up by March of 2004. Pete Miser will appear on 4 big songs and the chemistry between R.H. and P.M. has become a bit of a phe-nom-e-non. Cover art will be provided by Brian Romero – of Needless to Say fame.
4 - The new pH10 online headquarters is FINALLY getting close. I hope to go live with the new web site by the second week of December. It’s a clean and simple design with just enough flair to look fly. I’ll drop a quick note on the list once its off the ground.
5 - Last but not least, the entire pH10 catalog is finally available online at cdstreet.com. We have everything from the original 4 song demo to the latest single. Supplies are limited!
:: Recone
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Working on yet another track with Pete. Looks like there will be 4 total Pete Miser/Recone Helmut tracks on the new pH10 record. Everytime I write a track for someone (Ish, Dr.
Also, my main sampler shit the bed this past weekend. I have to bring it to the EMU service place this week. Shouldn't put me too far behind schedule.
I am taking off the first two weeks of 2004 to take a trip upstate for some mixing. Just trying to get as many tracks as possible done by then. After that, the record should be about 75% done. Jesus I am slow!
Work still sucks but my attitude is better about the whole thing.... not letting it bother me as much.
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So much for updating every couple of days. Anyway, I am happy to announce that the pH10 catalog of releases is now available for sale in one place online.
http://www.cdstreet.com/artists/pH10
You can buy all of our CDs (i might add the Deffender vinyl singles too) including our self released 4 song demo.
Coming soon: A list of all stations playing/charting the 'Needless to Say' single.
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SOO BUSY. I have been laming out on this blogger and people have been letting me know so I'll try to hit it every other day from now on.
pH10 has been chosen to participate in a production competition between DnBscene.com and DnBforum.com. Two
I am working on a new track for Ish. The last one I gave him was originals written for a hip hop album I made this past summer and he said it didn't sound like it fit with the direction of Helmutvision. So, I am working on getting him another one. I really want him to MC on one track for the album so this has become a priority.
Other projects include- Follow-up with Radio stations, follow-up with publications, updating the web site, migrating from MP3.com to a new hosting service and learning all the new gear I've bought over the past four months.
By the way - Needless to Say has been posted for sale on CDStreet. Go here to buy - http://www.cdstreet.com/artists/ph10.
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Single news: 300 singles have been sent to college and indy radio around the country (several stations have started charting the disk). 150 singles have been sent to electronic friendly press throughout the world. All fan requests for free copies have been filled.
Studio News: Helmutplex Studio has moved around the corner on Judge st. All is up and running. It was an unexpected move that went smoothly thanks to the help of some friends.
Also: For the first time ever Helmutplex is running all legit software. Several thousand dollars has been spent on - Sound Forge, Acid, CD Architect, Batch Converter, Recycle, T-Racks, Cubase SX and Waves plugs ins. The Helmut finally pays financial tribute to the companies that help him make music.
Helmut News: I am charged on the response we keep getting from people regarding 'Needless to Say'. Radio peeps really seem to dig it - now I'm just hoping for some good press and a label to step up.
CURRENT WORK: I am working on the 2600 funkus remix right now and tomorrow I'll be tinkering with this lame ass website. It looks as though I am on my own again with this thing. Can anyone lend a design hand?
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All is working again. Everyone that requested a Needless to Say single should look for it in the mail this coming week.... I am working on the 2600 Funkus remix right now, its coming along nicely. I realize the 'Todays Project' thingy hasnt changed in like 2 months but I'll fix that today.
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Hello all. There seems to be something wrong with the electropolis ftp site so i cant upload pics from the web cam... should be fixed soon.
:: Recone 12:34 AM [+] ::
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Finished the 'Tell me Why' Pete Miser remix. Pete has heard it and loves it. So, thats one more down. Saw Trumystic with Dr.
Our mailers are almost done for the huge list of independant radio that will recieve the 'Needless to Say' single. I am so anxious to see how this little track plays (with the word 'shit' three times and all) on the radio. The press mailers will be done this week and everything will go out at once next week. I'll send an email to our mailing list offering a free copy to all who respond.
big days ahead :-)
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VERY productive weekend. All the propaganda is printed and sorted. Once the CDs are deliverd next week, the mailings will begin. Also, we have some pH10 family members working on remixes for the full length, finally have a working track delivered to Dr.
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We have added the gas, checked the oil and primed the carb., its time now to start this beast and see what happens. Sarah and I are taking the entire weekend to get the pH10 promotion machine back up to race ready condition and we are in full swing as I write this. We are assembling a lean and mean list of 400 independant radio stations, 100 or so strong label contacts, another 200-300 press contacts along with managers, booking agents etc etc. Anyone we think might dig the single and be able to help take pH10 further in the future. Check us out on the cam.
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The single is being pressed as I type this! I called Pete Miser and said "dude, with all the samples in yo shit, you must have a pretty tolerant pressing plant - who is it?" He told me about this place in
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Well, blackouts are nice.
Long story short - Diskmakers Blows. They rejected the single because there are samples from a popular movie in the 'Helmut Theme'. So, I found another place that (I think) will press the disk for me. The package was sitting in my office waiting for Fed Ex to come when the lights went out. So, Monday morning I'll send the disk with the art to
Getting lots of work done on the full length. Recording the Intro song now and should have that mixed by the end of the weekend.
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Well, the cd is off to the pressing plant. For the next couple of days I'll just hope that they dont catch the samples (most wont press music with samples these days) and continue to work on the rest of the album. I am getting along nicely despite long periods of away time - going upstate to see Mark Melville etc etc. By the end of this week I should hit the half way mark having 5 out 10 tracks mixed. Once the single gets delivered I'll have a couple of weeks of office type work ahead of me. Getting all the propaganda that goes into the press pack written and printed up etc. By the middle of next month I hope to have all of the singles sent out to labels, press and radio stations. Its a lot of grunt work but its fun too.
Check the cam all week as I'll be on every night.
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Feeling pretty tired lately. A little overextended. But, things are getting done so... fuck it. Alan the mastering guy has been very ill and hasnt gotten my revisions/enhanced portion finished yet. This means the single is still not off to Diskmakers. Im not too worried about it, it'll get done soon enough. In the mean time I am working hard on the rest of the album. I got 'The Red Arrow' recorded and mixed and I'll have the intro to the album (will end up being the new live intro too) just about done. I'll probably call that "Happy Pocket" or "Pocket Face"... I dunno, something with pocket in it. I havenet been upstate in a month and it sucks. I am going to stay with Mark at his parents house this coming weekend. We'll swim, shoot the targets, drink some beers... it'll be nice. I am bringing my bike back with me so I can ride to work everyday again - I really need the exercise. Oh yeah, we got 'Featured Review of the Week' at DnBscene.com. Its a UK based drum and bass site that accepts mp3s from smaller acts and reviews them in a forum sort of style - "As if to prove that drum and bass is truly a global phenomenon, Brooklyn boys ph10 lay down an infectious MC-driven beat fest that just oozes American ghetto cool."
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Single Update: I requested some more bass on both tracks as they sounded a little thin on some systems. All of the content for the enhanced portion of the disk has been submitted - so right now I am waiting on a revision of the master, the multimedia authoring and the final artwork. Still on schedule.
It's funny, I have noticed lately that as soon as you make a track with some commercial appeal (that people think could do well in the semi-mainstream) everyone has an opinion about it. I mean, the friggin thing isn’t even released yet and I'm hearing how I should have done this and that differently, the edit could be more radio friendly, you have to do your promo pack a certain way.... blah blah blah. That shit cracks me up... :-)
Studio Update: God damn system drive on my Cubase machine gave up the ghost. I am pretty much fully backed up but this stalled the progress on "The Red Arrow" and downed the studio for the last two days. The new drive came in today so I'll be getting that working tonight. By the weekend this track should be done and I'll be moving on to one of the others. I feel like my momentum has taken a hit but I should be back on track by Saturday or Sunday.
Helmut Update: Feeling pretty good - anxious to get the single pressed and off my plate.
Sarah and I booked a flight to
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Another track finished and recorded. I am just getting the last parts of 'The Red Arrrow' into the cubase machine and will start mixing it this week. Then I'll concentrate on the intro track and the remix of 2600 funkus. Should be done with those by the end of august which will put me half way done with the full length - on the road to an early 2004 release.
As for the single, the art is finished and looks great. Since we decided to do an enhanced CD, it's going to take Alan about a week to work up the interface and burn another master. We are including a promo pH10 movie with a cool little interface etc. So - we should be getting this thing to Diskmakers sometime next week, which means we'll have the disks toward the end of August - provided they dont nab me for the samples and refuse to press it. As soon as they arrive I'll start sending to press, radio and labels. The official release date is TBD but i am thinking the end of October.
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Always a pleasure visiting West Westside Music. I reccomend anyone in the area (or not in the area) needing mastering to give them a call. Anyway, the mastering is done (i might have him add a little bottom to the second half of the first song but thats a minor revision) and the art is almost done - so we should be getting this sucker to the pressing plant by next week. By the way, Alan at Westside offered to do an 'enhanced' CD for no extra charge - this means you can pop the disk in your computer and watch the pH10 promo movie and link straight to the web page etc. ... should be pretty friggin cool.
:: Recone 1:59 PM [+] ::
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Nice. Just stuffed the pre-master CD in an envalope and overnighted it to Westside music for mastering. They like to have the files loaded up the night before so it doenst slow down your session. I'll be there on Wednesday at 11am - should only take 2-3 hours to get it done since my mixes are already so dope :-). Then, once the art is done, the whole package gets sent to Diskmakers. I'm not sure what's up with Dr.
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Tonight:
Taking the night off - 007 Nightfire (XBOX) really needs to get finished tonight :-). No work tomorrow so I have a nice long weekend - sitting here playing video games, drinking sauza and lime and just relaxing my ass off. Tomorrow I am going to do some web site maintenance and work on the FUD song. Now that the single is done, I'll be hitting the rest of the tracks one by one and FUD is top on the list. Have some studio time with Dr.
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Another excellent and productive weekend! The final mixes for the Needless to Say single are DONE! They are burned to CD and I am listening on various systems here and there to make sure nothing is weird.... The artwork is almost done too, just some tweaks here and there. My mastering session is booked for next week on the 16th so... baring anything weird, we are on shedule for a september/october release. Also - I am loving that new SAC-2.2 thing, so much better than mouse mixing.
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Did the photo shoot for the single last night with Pete Miser. Went okay, got some shit Brian can use for reference. Bought a SAC-2.2 control surface last week - LOOK HERE - arrived yesterday morning and I am starting to learn how it all works. Mostly it's used as an interface between me and Cubase. No more mouse mixing... Since I am so tactile it actualy helps me mix and makes it a more enjoyable task. I sold some old shit to raise the money (remember I am trying to save :-)). Work really blows. I have decided that one year from yesterday is my last day at Saatchi. I dont know what I'll do for money but I'll figure something out. The single will be in the can by the end of this weekend. I am bringing my rig upstate (leaving tomorrow night) to do the radio edits etc etc and will come back with a pre master ready to go. There are lots of places to reference a mix up there (my old boom box, my mothers kick ass stereo, car stereos) so i can get that done too. The cross reference is so god damn important, and so many people skip it. Feeling really good about the two tracks on the single and REALLY cant wait to get it mastered.
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Good week, lots of work getting done. The FUD track with samples from the 1960s tv show 'The Thunderbirds' will be recorded and ready to mix by next week. I am working on that today and tomorrow. I have a meeting with Dr.
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Fuckng rained ALL weekend. We stayed in
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Took the day off, played sick, got lots done. Went to Pete Miser studios yesterday, spent some time with homeboy. He re-wrote part of his chorus for Needless to Say. No major change to the song just a small addition. Nailed down a date with Dr.
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Action packed weekend. Played the Knitting Factory Friday night, saw BLACKALICIOUS last night and today I am heading over to MIDI Mania to do some mixes with Ish. I'll probably be there all day but will be on the cam later.... hit me up with a instant message ya heard!
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In case you aren't on the pH10 mailing list, here is the update email that went out today:
pH10 Updates:
-The single is right on schedule and will be ready for mastering in about a month. The single is slated for release in September and will feature "Needless to Say (420db)" with Pete Miser, the "Helmut theme" and a presently un-named track featuring MistaIsh. A limited run of 1000 CDs will be divided between independent/college radio, press, record labels and select record shops around the country.
-The full length (our third full length release) should be ready sometime this winter. The complete line up is as follows: Pete Miser, Shane Digital, Dr. Tucson, Jase Mason, Mistaish, Divaship, Soothsayer and
-The web site has taken quite a bit longer than we expected but I think we are getting close. I don't have an estimate but sooner or later you'll go to the pH10 web site and it'll finally look good!
-pH10 is participating in the "What the Fu--?" performance this Friday at the Knitting Factory. It is described as "A Vaudeville Cabaret featuring epic battles between DJs the universe over, all vying for control of the ONE RECORD. And only you, the audience, decides who wins!" Check out the web site for more info, it should be pretty damn cool. I am playing 4 new tracks.
-The studio web cam and web log are running non stop so come to pH10 HQ and check it out.
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The Helmut song is done. I am going to record it this weekend and start mixing right away. Tomorrow is the Blackkat event that was rained out last weekend. Its accross from the federal court house in foley square. This event has been organized as a protest against the Rave Act and Cabaret Laws. pH10 is an official sponsor. Go here for info http://www.blackkat.org
This coming week I'll be putting the new record asside and concentrating on getting ready for a show on Friday the 13th, go here for info http://www.brooklyntheaterunderground.com/
Life is grand.
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Talked to Reggie (Soothsayer) yesterday, he said he was going to bring himself and Kirsty (Divaship) over to Helmutplex next week to lay down the scratch vocals for their track. I'll post the time and date when he lets me know. I'll have the cam on.
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Jesus. I have been blowing this blog thing off big time huh. Well, here are some updates. The rough mixes for 'Needless to say (420db)' and 'Dark Helmut' are done. I'll spend the next week or two tweaking and listening to the mixes on different systems etc. There is just one more track going on the single and that’s the song from Ish. I really need to call his ass and find out how that's coming along. Either way I am booking a mastering session for this single in mid July. Brian has a great concept for the cover art and that should be done by next month. The web page is creeping along and should be up in a couple of weeks (I know I have been saying that for months). Dr.
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Hello all. I have some important updates that I'll hit you up with later. Right now I just wanted to drop a little note letting everyone know that we are back in
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Hello all - its been a week since I wrote in the blog. Just lazy I guess. I spent the last 5 days working on the 'intro' for the record which inlcudes scratching work by Jase Mason. I am really happy with how it is coming along and I think it'll be a strong way to start the CD. The Pete Miser track is mixed and I am booking some time in Ish's control room to do the final mix. Its not that I dont trust my home studio, I just want to be able to get the track good and loud, air out the sounds n shit and i cant do that here. I'll bring this track and the Upended Bigwheel track over there once its done and do them both at the same time. SOME NEWS: Ish has found a Russian female rapper to get on the track that Pearly Gates was supposed to do. She is supposed to be really talented and has already started working on it. Also, I went to see Trumystic last night and ran into Dr.
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We spent the weekend upstate helping my mom with yard work and some other stuff. I didnt get much work done until last night when I did about 4 hours of mixing. The Pete Miser track should be ready for a trial mixdown by the end of the week. I'll burn it and listen to it on an many systems as I can and make notes. In the meantime I'll be working on the second track that goes on the single - 'Upended Bigwheel'. Not much news these days.... just trying to bang this shit together. I'm on the cam, check it!
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Its raining like crazy here in the big shitty. I went to Pete Miser studios today and checked out the mans digs. Not bad, it surprised me how much of his work is done on the computer... No fat analog synths or old space echo type shit, just a G4 and some vocal outboard gear. Amazing what homeboy can do what that little bit of gear. Anyway, I picked up the vocal tracks for the remix and I'll get working on that as soon as "Needless to Say" is done. Also, I got my new Juno 106 this morning. I am very happy with the condition its in and it SOUNDS great. I feel like a hole in my heart has been filled :-).
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That last post sounds really whiny. Oh well, I must have been cranky or something. The truth is I do feel lucky to have a decent job right now and I dont hate
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Pete Miser track will be tracked out into Cubase SX by tonight. I'll start mixing it right away and hope to have a mastering session booked by the end of the month. I am back to work now and needless to say its a huge bummer being here all day long after all the freedom i enjoyed these past two months. Its a real eye opener being away from this environment for so long and then coming back - i tell ya, it's really helped me take stock of things. Fuck corporate
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Got the Novation K Station last night... playing with it today. I think its pretty bad ass and might replace both of the Bass Stations. It'll be nice to get rid of those noisy, unreliable little bastards. We'll see... Working on Pete Miser track today. Tomorrow I'll start tracking it out into Cubase and then start mixing it nights after work. Check the cam and IM me if you like.
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It really hit me today that my break is over. I am back to work Monday and its got me scrambling for another way to make money - so i can quit that toxic lifestyle. If anyone knows of a good way to work from home and make decent cash, let me know. If only i were a women with eggs to sell! Someone help me! On a posative note, Sarah and I saw Pete Miser tonight. He is so fucking good live, I mean a real pro. Good show. Right now I am working on the 2600 Funkus remix and its coming along beautifuly. Check me out on the cam!
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Have been working on a remix of '2600 Funkus' for the new record. Going to see Pete Miser tonight at SOBs. If you are in
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Good weekend. Went to
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The Pete Miser track is all but done. I am creating an MP3 of it this afternoon and will send it to Pete for some notes. Once I finalze the arrangement I'll get it recorded and start mixing it down. I have decided to use this track as the first single to be released (mostly as a promo) this summer - create some buzz for the record. I would like to include the Helmut theme track and Ish's Hip Hop track on the single too... watin' on you ISH!
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Pete Miser track coming together NICELY.... I dont want to upload this track because I want it to be a complete surprise when its released. I am starting to dread the return to work on the 5th. I am no where near done with this record and could really use another month or two off. I was actualy thinking that I could quit if I really wanted to - cash in my 401k, sell everything thats not related to music and just wash my hands of the whole corporate day job bullshit. Let me know what you think... lets have a vote!
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Big weekend. Got the Vocal tracks from Pete Miser and without giving anything away - the shit is going to be DOPE! Also, we scored a big ol' tektronix color laser printer from a friend for NOTHING so that's pretty cool. I am working the first of two Pete Miser tracks today - Late session,
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Working on the Helmut track all day. Sarah is doing a Burts Bees facial.
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It's TV night! The biggest screen is in the studio so we are camped in here for the night.... hence the cam shot.
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Well, Rogue couldnt fix it so i brought it home and sampled all the sounds i needed while it worked (it works for an hour or so). I'll find another one or buy one of the new Novation products to replace it. The Helmut track is coming along nicely... check out 'Todays Project'.
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My beloved Super Bass Station is in the hands of Rogue Music synth doctors. I hope they can save her. Yesterday was one of those chore days. I had a million things to do other than sit and work on tunes so I did it all in one day. So now, my plump ass is planted in front of the computer for the rest of the week. Today (and probably tomorrow) I am working on The Helmut Theme. Since I am back home I can upload new work to the site again so look for that....
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BACK IN
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Have you seen the movie "Space Balls"? I wont waste words explaining.... just listen to todays project.
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Holy fucking shit! My Bass Station just died! I use it for lots of dirty acidy type shit but its only on 3 or 4 new tracks and I can probably replace those sounds with something from another synth... but shit this is a pain in the ass! Anyway, Spencer is supposed to come over tonight to listen to some shit and then we'll probably go have a pint. Today I was told that the new web site should be ready to go live in three weeks - so stay tuned for that. Right now I am working on the track that will be the remix of a Pete Miser tune. Its one of the songs with the bass station sounds so I am looking for a way around that. I still cant upload new stuff to the 'today's project' thing so dont even bother... I'll get a crossover cable tomorrow which will allow me to upload from the audio workstation...
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hello all. Sarah and I had a really nice weekend up here in the sticks. We are all sore n shit from the first bike ride of the year... I have the cam up and working but for some reason cant get it to look very good in this room. Anyway, its up so people can stop saying I am laming out being 'off the air'. I finally found a copy of Spaceballs the movie and I'm going to sample all of the helmet references tonight. A friend of mine (Spencer) is coming over to hear the latest stuff - look for him on the cam later. Today I saw early stages of the new pH10 web site and let me tell you its DOPE! I cant wait till that shit goes live... really looking forward to it.
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hello all. Sarah and I had a really nice weekend up here in the sticks. We are all sore n shit from the first bike ride of the year... I have the cam up and working but for some reason cant get it to look very good in this room. Anyway, its up so people can stop saying I lamed out last week when I was 'off the air'. I finally found a copy of Spaceballs the movie and I'm going to sample all of the helmut references tonight. A friend of mine (Spencer) is coming over tonight I think to hear the latest stuff - look for him on the cam later.
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oh yeah - about the 'Listen to Todays Project' link. My audio machine has no modem in it so while I am up here in
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The intro is all but done. Today I'll burn a copy of the song itself and then another disk with all the samples on it for Jase to scratch over the track. He'll record his scratch work and then send it back to me on a disk. Once those scratch samples are slotted into the song, it'll be finished - I think its going to be really good. Sarah is here and brought with her one of my web cams. I have it up and running but Monday is when I'll turn it back on full time. I am going to send out an update email to the mailing list letting peeps know how things are going and who is doing what on the record. Hopefully the weather will get better here in the hudson valley so we can get on the ol mountain bikes and get dirty... we'll see i guess.
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I have been trying to put together an 'Intro' track for the record for the last couple of days. I didnt really like the stuff i was coming up with until last night when I had a little break through. Its coming together now - and I'll probably call Jase tonight to see if he can use his pioneer CD turntable thingy to scracth some samples for me. I want to take interview samples from various TV and radio spots we have done and have them scratched over a slow but heavy beat.... with a nasty synth thing happenin. I have all but the scratch parts so there you go. On another note - I am currently watching several SH-101s and Juno 106s on ebay cause there are a couple of tracks that really need that real analog synth sound and I dont have the gear to do it. If I get good deals I'll buy both. Its weird not being on the cam. There is no easy way to get that working (until this weekend) so its just off for now. Stay in touch everyone....
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Hello people. Trumystic were amazing as usual Friday night. It was nice to see those guys and listen to all their new material. Sarah and I took it easy yesterday but back to work today setting up the mobile studio here in
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The Pete Miser meeting went really well - super nice guy and down as hell. He has committed to writing vocals for one track and offered the vocal track of any song on his new record for a remix track. I feel great about this.... Now I am just packing the gear and getting ready to go up and see Trumystic. I am not sure how I'll deal with the web cam while I am in
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Damn its early. Today is a big day. I am meeting Pete Miser for breakfast, then packing up half the studio and heading up to
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Just booked a meeting with Pete Miser (www.petemiser.com) tomorrow at 11am. Gonna sign his talented ass up for at least one song :-).
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Well, we got the parts re-recorded and the track already sounds great. I am up and running bright and early again. Today I am just chugging along, trying to get some loops cleaned up and piecing together the Shane track. We are heading upstate tomorrow night to see Trumystic play at the Rhinecliff Hotel - and then chill for the weekend - I am trying to get lots done before we jet.
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:: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 ::
Big Shane cancelled on me last night so he is coming today around 2pm. I am already up and working today. Trying to establish a new schedule of getting up early, working all day and then coordinating with peeps at night- go to shows etc. I dont wanna burn out and I think its better for me to have an organized work day. We'll see if I can stick to it
:-).
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:: Tuesday, March 25, 2003 ::
Dr. Tucson leaves today and he will be missed. We got a lot of stuff done and had a lot of fun in the process. Sometimes I think I need to move the whole studio back to Denver in order to be close to my old friends.... Ah, I just need some sleep; I get sentimental when I'm tired :-). Today I am beginging to prepare for the move to Tivoli this weekend. I am going up for 7-10 days to take advantage of the empty house. I can mix and do arrangements all day long and no one can hear me... too good to be true. The cam will be on all day - IM me and say hi.
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:: Monday, March 24, 2003 ::
People keep asking me what the deal is with the new web page. All I can say is that it's coming and we should have some significant uploads by the end of the month. It'll be worth the wait.
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:: Sunday, March 23, 2003 ::
Another good day of work... Shane is coming over this coming week so we can re-record some parts. Ish called, said 'Pearly Gates' will have his vocals ready this week. He is doing a straight up hip hop track for me. They'll be 2 hip hop tracks on the next record featuring Brooklyn talent. Right now, me and Dr. Tucson are chillin' playing Serious Sam on the net - fucking people up :-).
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:: Saturday, March 22, 2003 ::
Good morning. Will be working on the Shane Digital track again today and hope to have something to upload by tonight. I am taking tomorrow off so today will be a full 12 hour workday. Look for Recone Helmut and Dr. Tucson on the cam all day.
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Went to see Pete Miser tonight. Dropped him a CD with new tracks on it. I am hoping he vibes with one or two and wants to do vocals. We'll see. The Shane Digital track is coming along nicely - thats todays project. I havent uploaded it yet cause its not ready but look on the cam page soon...
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:: Thursday, March 20, 2003 ::
I tried to sleep last night... I REALLY DID! Anyway, Doc Tucson and I are throwing loops around the room via ethernet cables and wathing CNN with the sound off -and our jaws open. Its a bad day my friends this is true but the music must be made and I'm just the man to do it. Drop us an email or IM today and let us know you are out there.
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:: Wednesday, March 19, 2003 ::
5pm and just waking up. Havent been sleeping a lot so I guess I needed to catch up. Dr. Tucson and I worked a full day Yesterday got lots done. We are going to the Staples now for some blank disks and other crap. We'll work till about 12-1 tonight so check the cam.
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:: Tuesday, March 18, 2003 ::
Whoo. long friggin' session today. Learning Sonar fast and liking it. Still has that cakewalk intuitive interface but sports some serious improvements - makes being in the studio all day even more enjoyable :-). Dr. Tucson is still with his fam, will probably see him tomorrow. Hopefully we'll see the Trumystic crew this week too - need to lay out some scratch vocals n whatnot. Stay tuned.
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:: Monday, March 17, 2003 ::
Good morning. We ended up taking yesterday off. Dr. Tucson went to see some family and Sarah and I slept and watched TV all day. Back to work today though. I am migrating from Cakewalk (been using it for about 7 years) to the new Sonar 2 package for all my MIDI sequencing. Anyone have experience with that program? Looking forward to playing around with that....
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Working like crazy. went to Rogue today to try out the Virus C and look for a Juno 106. The Virus was amazing but 1400 bones is a little steep for me right now. They didnt have a Juno so if anyone out there is selling one please let me know. The Doctor and I set him up an XP audio workstation for loop editing and general 'studio b' work - you can see it on the cam. We'll probably go at it another hour or so and then retire to the lounge for some cable and munchies. Tomorrow is my birthday so we'll only work half a day and then have some fun on the town. Drop us a note...
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Doc. Tucson is here! He's sleeping on the couch but I am up working. We spent some time shopping on ebay, playing pinball and talking about the great LD-50. Anyway, if Melvile were here it would be a real hoot. Trying to get a lot of work done tonight and tomorrow so that I can chill on my birthday (saturday).
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Just been recovering from last night - jeezus. Doc
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Oh man, too fun. I'll let Big Shane tell you-"Yo shit is all gizzzzzood. I hope he doesn't kick me out of the lab too soon. Straight up hoook up, the sound is all good, man o' man!!!!! letz get crizzizazy wit this shit." - You heard him, see that, I told you he was cool :-).
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:: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 ::
Yawn. Late session today. Shane will be here around 6pm. We're working on a track called "TVLand". Just confirmed that Dr. Tucson will be here tomorrow through next week. He is bringing his bass and a moogerfooger - cant beat that shit.
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Around 3am I opened a bottle of wine. Around 3:20, i got tired of relaxing and started working again. It's almost 6, the bottle is gone and I am finaly tired. I'll probably sleep 'till Shane gets here - around 3pm... So, look for me then.
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What a day - met with Jase, and had a Recycle fueled meltdown. Lots of progress though so all is well. Ending a 14 hour day with a glass (or bottle) of wine and some Tech TV. See you all tomorrow when we have Shane Digital bringing his big ass in the studio.
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:: Tuesday, March 11, 2003 ::
Good morning. In the studio today is Jase Mason. A local 'turntablist', beat-boxer and party organizer, he's here to pick a track and check out the Helmutplex. Also, I just heard that the one and only Dr. Tucson could be here as early as this weekend- stay tuned.
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:: Monday, March 10, 2003 ::
One day down. Not too bad. Got a lot of work done. Talked to lots of people about the record and the cam. Tomorrow we have Jase Mason in the studio sometime in the afternoon. He is doing scratching on some tracks.
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Hello everyone. I'm not sure why the web cam looks so blurry... working on it.
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I am using this Blogger service because I can post to this log when I am up in Tivoli. I'll be up there at least two weeks this month mixing. My mom lives up there in Spring and Summer but in Winter her house is empty... perfect place to set up and make noise.
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Test 1,2,3.... it's 4:15am and I'm working on the web site.... does this web log work?
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