Black Meringue

Persistence Makes The Prism Makes The Full Spectrum, Pt. 6

2012-01-27T23:12:00.009-05:00

I want to change the world. I want to move people to want to better themselves. I want to help people to want to discover and face their fears. I want to show people that they can innovate from within.

Some day soon, I anticipate being an established role model who others can look to for example. In the meantime, I have to better myself by illuminating each of my own fears and facing them. I have to innovate from within. I have to change and grow until I become truly dependable.

I'm hurt. I need help. I can't be in dark places with negative people. Until I am one piece (with facets), I have to actively care for myself more than I do for others. Not all heroes are like Captain America. Some of us have to come up with the experiment ourselves. And trial and error indeed has its consequences.

I'm persistent. But I don't feel I've got much more to prove before it's my time.

Persistence Makes The Prism Makes The Full Spectrum, Pt. 5

2012-01-26T21:15:00.001-05:00

An other diversion, of which it can be harder to rise above, is love. My being polyamorous can make this additionally trying. Others don't understand and don't believe that concurrently loving more than one person in an intimate way can be legitimately genuine (and natural). The "cake and eat it, too" phrase gets tossed around. "Slut" gets tossed around as well. For being pansexual, I've been accused of being greedy... whatever that means.

Life doesn't wait for an opening. It steamrolls like a manic Pokémon. A part of me wishes I could doff this new love, but it feels like it belongs to me. I'm afraid of losing it. Even before I'm assured that it's mine.

Persistence Makes The Prism Makes The Full Spectrum, Pt. 4

2012-01-25T22:26:00.003-05:00

Remember the climax of "Back to The Future Ⅲ", when the colored presto logs were used to propel the locomotive (and DMC-12) to 88 mph?

As part of my absolution, I've recently committed to a strict (but robust) meal plan. The transition is jarring, because—despite my wisdom—I have continued to allow my typical depreciated energy levels to go unnoticed. Suddenly, the yellow presto log is in. My senses are acute. My mind is racing. But there's a downside (which should seem obvious). My nihilistic thoughts and feral emotions are ripping me to shreds with greater proficiency.

Focussing on my one-step-at-a-time personal restoration has become more difficult.

Persistence Makes The Prism Makes The Full Spectrum, Pt. 3

2012-01-24T20:00:00.006-05:00

In September (2011), I really screwed up. I was processing a significant recent event, and it had been suggested to me by a loving relative that I was not then in a mental state to be moving too much too soon in new directions without suffering needless consequence. It was suggested that I needed more time. I failed to heed the warning. Honestly, though, I had a strong enough sense that what was being told to me was true, I should have been willing to rely on my own compass.

I allowed myself to be influenced negatively. I fell back on bad habits. It lasted into the new year.

I'm sorry... ... I'm saying that to myself.

Persistence Makes The Prism Makes The Full Spectrum, Pt. 2

2012-01-23T18:08:00.002-05:00

I have tried to make my artistic expression come across as overtly emotional but devil-may-care if not happy-go-lucky. During the last three years, I have tried to make my music and its related promotional material appear to be a dream of mine. A fanciful ambition. My neurosis has allowed for cracks in the façade, revealing inconsistencies. The reality of the situation is that my interest in the arts has almost always been exclusively coupled to my need for self therapy. It's not fun. An end result can be entertaining, often in a beguiling way, but the process is vital to my well-being.

Persistence Makes The Prism Makes The Full Spectrum, Pt. 1

2012-01-22T23:08:00.004-05:00

I admit, I maneuver myself into having to handle circumstances which typically cause me pain and suffering. I don't enjoy the pain or suffering. I do it because there are times I can feel as though I am deserving of punishment. A lot of that feeling is relative to my abuse at the hands of my mother. But, some, I feel I relate practically to bad decisions I've made which have enabled hurt.

Separate from my habit of self destruction, there is a need for me to revisit specific events and find answers to various questions which come to mind.

Largo

2011-08-20T17:20:00.007-04:00

I am sorry for the delay between updates. As I have mentioned, this life-changing move was a crash landing... and I have had to make sacrifices. I won't beat around the bush; the biggest sacrifice has been a financial one. I was not financially prepared for this move, nor was I financially stable. So, from Day 1 of this 'new life', money has been a very serious issue. For those who have lived through similar experiences, I'm sure you can understand how even a decent job can become a source of understated inconvenience when the resulting income's scrutinization becomes necessitated.

Stress devours time.

With that blemish restated, let's move on to what's going nicely.

I do love the work I do. I enjoy talking to my customers about entertainment media, and helping them to fully appreciate their values in entertainment media. I have regular customers who ask for me, wait for my personal service specifically. It's nice. A good friend of mine once said he didn't think I could cut it in a high pressure retail position. My personal sales figures have consistently outshone those of my coworkers (and regional average), with some of my best results being more than three times the national average. It's nice to be able to feel that kind of professional pride. Don't get me wrong, though: my greater interest lies in the heart-to-heart and impassioning aspects of my position. Still, it's a big deal to me to be able to say that I've achieved balance and am good at my job overall.

Mastering the audio for 5.2 has indeed begun. I find that, in the extended absence of immersing myself in music, my ears (and aural preferences) have changed. It's just like riding a bike... if every time you got on it, your feet and hands were shaped differently. When I buckled down, 2.4's twelve tracks took only two weeks to complete. So, take heart. I'll likely put out a twelve-track online vendor edition of 5.2, shortly followed by a deluxe sixteen-track Official Carrot Factory Website exclusive (at high fidelity).

The place I'm now living in is great. It's bright, clean, and big. There are oversized windowsills which my cats are in-love with. And there's a real "dead of night" quality to it that's a stark contrast from where I was last living. My bedroom and living room windows overlook a gorgeous forested park. There aren't any tall buildings in the area, so sunrises and sunsets are particularly beautiful. I have yet to usurp the virginity of my new oven. But it's a promise that keeps me motivated.

Allow me to tell you a little bit about my day, yesterday:

I woke up early. I showered and had breakfast. I got my lunch, work clothes, and iPod ready. I went to work, and worked from 7:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.. After work, I went out with a couple of coworkers. We three caught up, hung out, chatted about random things. It was cool. We went to a restaurant I suggested, and had fake meat. It was good. When I got back home, I called my Aunt and we talked on the phone for a while. Then there was a robust amount of sleep.

The point of the story is that I'd never been one to live a 'normal' or simple kind of life. My art, my music, and my interaction with followers is important. However, after this crash landing, and being on my own for the first time, and having such a scorch mark on my financial credit... something simple and stable has become tantamount to everything else. I'm focussing on creating a balanced foundation on which I shall build the rest of my wonderful life. I've poked my head out of the curtain―now, you can see me―but it's really not my time yet. There's still a lot of work to do.

Rest assured, 5.2 is on its way. I'm stating only that my energy is presently limited to having to be thoughtfully managed. I can't afford the energy, money, or time to be making music videos, redesigning the website, arranging photo shoots, collaborating with other artists, drawing comic strips, mastering music, dating, taking care of two 'children', volunteering for youth work, and taking care of myself... while already working ridiculous hours at a job, trying to get in black with the angry suits. ... The bigger surprises are coming, largo.

Ghastly Freedom

2011-07-02T15:26:00.004-04:00

So it's one of those things where one isn't sure how far is too far. And I recognize that friends and potential friends of The Carrot Factory may not want to venture into TMI territory. But I would hate to be misunderstood, and saying nothing would certainly leave a lot of room for that to happen. Here goes:

I have recently moved into a space of my own... on my own and through my own actions. I have never lived on my own before. The place I was last living in was a literal nightmare. And many people close to me asked me the same sort of question...

"Why would you choose to put yourself through that?"

"Why are you still there?"

"Why don't you just move?"

I am not a masochist. There was an old and destructive relationship involved. It was an abusive relationship. Despite what seemed logical, I chose what felt moral and tried as hard (and for as long) as I could to make or be a change. Evidently, I failed. My patience may be otherworldly but I did finally get to the point of saying, "Enough is enough!"

While preparing for my final departure I felt the need to retreat into myself.

Music, visual art, dramatic expression, and existential studies have always been a deep-hearted passion of mine, but my passion is what suffered the most during that painful time. I had been irked by how it has likely seemed as though I had only "released an album... dicked off after that". Really, it has been torture not feeling safe enough to create & express.

But my care for others shines like an acetylene torch and I felt I had to try... and try... and try. In the end, I realized how disrespected I am (by the other party) and wondered how my effort could ever find any worth.

So, here I am. It's almost as though I have to start over and introduce myself all over again, because I've never had a chance to breathe and choose for myself without that swell of negativity eating out my head and my heart. It really did make me a bit crazy. But that person doesn't deserve me. And I deserve this real life.

Expect a great many things from me. Expect passionate songs. Expect exciting website refashioning. Expect to encounter more of my wonderfully eccentric side. Expect a balance of art and living. ... Although, one might argue that living is an art. While some people don't have the gift, I intend to fully appreciate mine.

I'll need a little more time to decompress and dispose of the negative baggage.

Stay tuned.

The Creative Process

2011-06-02T09:52:00.006-04:00

I don't have any medals, trophies, certificates, or diplomas to show for the dozens of years during which I have been here. I haven't set any records (of which I am aware). I don't have a group of friends. I don't have a loving family. But, what I do have is a strong sense of accomplishment. What I do have is a growing sense of pride.

The creative process, which emerged in the nick of time to save my life... nearly 20 years ago... took me along what felt like the longest possible route to developing a unique life to call my own. My individual definition of an artist has become: one who treats the heartfelt imagination as life itself, and considers each dream a precious child to be nurtured.

And I don't believe it could ever be right to abandon or abort a living child.

So it is that I dreamed. I let my imagination work in tandem with my instinct(s). Love rose above other feelings and seemed to rule all. This made for great songwriting. This made for good shoulders for others to cry upon. I was used plenty.

Then the creative process met its match. I also have the mathematical method by my side. These two took long to marry, but a persistent therapy has shown them truth. I benefit. I'm nearly a real boy. No strings. Warm and whole.

I owe thanks to few, but a few to whom I shall give it. That is the step after this present one.

You should know what it feels like to know yourself.

Spare any change...?

2011-05-03T22:54:00.005-04:00

I'm kinda' hoping that this will be my only political blog entry.

It seems to me that many Canadians remain glazed, and are glossing over a seldom acknowledged truth, which is that power both can be transfigured and is held by each and all. Regardless of who or what group is instated, we each and all retain our individual potential for free thought and action. Stop, if you're thinking I'm referring to anarchy. I am referring only to the impact we each and all may have (at any given moment) on every thing around us. You believe in change so brightly? Be the change. Venture outside of your comfort zone and inspire those you meet to perceive more of what you perceive. If you haven't yet figured out how to accomplish this... you've just been suggested a new hobby.

Apathy has damaged the hope of many. We're all to blame. There is seldom a time when there is nothing else we can do.

Take care and hold on. And do/say more. Be the change.

The Power

2011-04-27T22:00:00.005-04:00

Pretty much the two most exciting things to happen so far this year: today, I finally started drinking water again after weeks of being dehydrated but very-not thirsty; today, I changed laundry detergent brands.

I'm building up my passionate ideas for future projects within a magnificently large and beautiful pustule of creativity. Honestly, I could move tomorrow, and I want to move before picking up where I've left off with important projects. But there are all of these OCD-sired questions of timing and "what's best".

My day job is going fantastically (basically one of the most accredited salespeople in the entire region). I'm getting along with all of my coworkers, balancing a hefty social life with some strict responsibility, and saving more money than I can believe. Out of anyone I know, I'm in the best financial situation.

So―and, no, I'm not gloating... I'm only trying to put things into perspective―I'm at a true crossroads. Those who paint crossroads to be a fork or of a hand-countable number of options deserve a kick in the teeth. How dare they have misled me all this time. It's scary. A real life of my own? Really? Finally?

Up to me, eh? Of course it is. Damn right, it is! /* cue tumbleweed */

Anyway, a worthwhile mention in the vein of carrots and factories is that the whole album of 2.4 is available for free (and in HIGH quality audio) through the official website. If you haven't, maybe you should check it out.

http://www.The-Carrot-Factory.com/Hi-Fi.html

Take care.

Syntax Guessing

2011-02-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

Looks like the second album will be piggybacked by the third. Just as I'd decided against waiting for the vocal tracks to be ready (instead, 5.2 will be comprised of 18 instrumental tracks), my computer decided that it did not want to go on living in this world. I've been doing pretty well, financially, and had already been thinking of getting a new computer. Unfortunately, in rapid succession, my only working pair of studio headphones decided that they did not want to go on living in this world without my computer.

Having to replace both a high-end media computer and high-end studio headphones is going to set me back in more ways than one. And I'm still independent on this project. Cross your fingers for my asking my boss for a raise, eh?

Meanwhile, a coworker is enthusiastic about putting together a street team to promote both her own and my music. Hopefully, this spring may be the second coming of 2.4. It'd be nice to feel a few drops of relief just to keep the inspiration motivated through to 'step 3', 'step 4', and so on. Tell your friends: someone honest is trying to make exciting original music!

And, yeah, I am still trying to push for this project to be more about an overall effect/impression than simply a listening experience. The website is being polished up wherever practical but I anticipate some noticeable changes in this quarter.

Take care! ♥

The Sprouting

2010-09-09T13:15:00.002-04:00

A wonderful thing has been happening. A close contact of mine has been exposing me to music and musical ideas that I have never before encountered. Part of this wonderful feeling is the influence that this contact and his experience is having on my creative perspective. I will allow this influence to chaperone the mastering of my second album (5.2). I may even collaborate with my contact on remixing a few of 5.2's tracks. The main addition would be live bass and/or electric guitar.

What isn't so wonderful is the consequent delay of 5.2's release. Out of compromise, I will try to release periodic singles and new material in the form of free downloads. The Carrot Factory is being realized more as an overall art project rather than a musical endeavor. Future changes will reflect this realization.

Thank you for following us on this journey. It has truly only just begun.

I've been asked to promise to not write blog entries in the voice of a "Star Trek: The Next Generation" character. I promise.

Get Busy Like Bunnies

2010-08-12T15:14:00.000-04:00

There are several updates to the official website. Aesthetics: the argyle pattern was switched to a drop shadow. The clickable images on the Pictures page now float/load over the current browser window with the option to cycle through. The Biography was reformatted and rewritten. And the Music page has a link to our new twitter page!

A link to one of the House of Lords remixes is hiding on the official website.

Today, an extended trial (3-day) advertising campaign will begin on facebook. Last week's first run provided 36,278 impressions out of an estimated potential 45,000 within 24 hours.

წ

Candid

2010-07-01T16:08:00.003-04:00

One of the human elements I try to exemplify is the virtue of honesty. At this juncture, I will be honest and admit that my musical (ensuing artistic) endeavors are not in the phase in which I had hoped they would be. The reason for this is relatively simple: as an individual, my personal life had been 'out of control' for too long. One of the other human elements I try to exemplify is the virtue of balance. However, my strong desire to unite the practical with the ethereal has yet to prove itself strong enough. My creative work has suffered.

Where I live, and the lifestyle in which I live, are inadequate for the furthering of my individual prosperity. Nevertheless, my strong desire to unite the practical with the ethereal is getting stronger. One of the living constituents I exemplify is evolution. I look forward to the next phase. I hope for the best, and plan for the worst.

Large Frame

2010-04-25T19:44:00.009-04:00

Welcome back to The Carrot Factory!

It's been eight months since the last update. Much has occurred:

2.4 is now available in physical form via Amazon's Disc on Demand feature. Digital downloads of the album are now available in the Nokia Music Store (EU). 2 .4 remains available in iTunes (in all iTunes-supported regions), the LimeWire Store, IMVU, and on Amie Street. iPhone ringtones will be available soon.

5.2 is well underway, and samples can be found on iLike or The Carrot Factory's facebook page.

A deluxe edition EP of 2 .4 is being remixed exclusively for the House of Lords salon. Nevertheless, if you're clever, you may just find a link to one or two of those high quality (320 kbps) tracks within The Carrot Factory's official website.

Throughout the summer, standard demos of 2 .4 will be handed out in downtown Toronto by The Carrot Factory's street team.

Watch for new promotional videos and behind-the-scenes clips on The Carrot Factory's YouTube channel.

You may have already noticed that The Carrot Factory's official website features an updated look. Feedback is always appreciated... on visual content, functionality, and―of course―the music.

Thank you for being a fan, providing your support, and believing in this up-and-coming artist.

The Carrot Factory loves you!

The Toilet of Song

2009-08-11T14:40:00.013-04:00

I received my first 1-star (out of a possible 5) rating today in the iTunes Store. I didn't take it personally. Rather, I was confused. I'd been expecting that my music would receive a bevy of reactions, but 1 star is like it being said that there isn't anything there of merit to be appreciated. This rating came without a review. Go figure.

Fans of rock, I think, could find some merit in "Quark", "When You Get Bored", or "Halfway 'round The World". Fans of hip hop could find some merit in "Knuckles"... at least. Fans of typical dance, I think, could find some merit in "Make it Work" or "Chocolate Syrup". While anyone searching for something unique, I definitely think, could find some merit in any of my debut album's 12 tracks... particularly "Late" and "Zanctif".

I'm proud of the work I've done. Capturing emotions doesn't seem a very easy thing to do, but it's what I've accomplished with 2.4. If someone doesn't like my album, it may mean that they don't like my emotions. And I can understand that. Still, this rogue 1-star rating is suspicious at a time when I am being bombarded by selected spam. I know who is having the spam sent to me; perhaps I know who this 1-star rating is from as well.

What matters is that I have made my music to satisfy a need within myself. I share my music in the hope of providing an example of a person who has embraced their fears. And I have supporters. I have lovers. My haters merely complete the picture, and put my expression into the light of reality. Thank you, hater. I appreciate your 1-star rating.

Now, as a treat for my friends, I feel inclined to supply my own personal details for the tracks of 2.4. This is mostly for audiophiles who are obsessive about their music labeling (as I am). It seems contradictory―I don't usually accept labels―but I can appreciate labels which promote a true open diversity. Here we go:

1. Tricky Notion (Shifty Mix) 127 BPM Filter Disco

2. Something Wicked (Version 2.0) 119 BPM Dark House
3. Late 128 BPM Electro House
4. Quark 127 BPM Fusion
5. When You Get Bored (D's Grown Child Remix) 77 BPM Electrotech
6. Halfway 'round The World 127 BPM Tribal House
7. Knuckles '09 103 BPM Deep Funk
8. Make It Work 119 BPM Electrotech
9. Chocolate Syrup (The Carrot Factory Remix) 127 BPM Fidget House
10. Let Me Break Your Heart (Dub Mix) 127 BPM Dub
11. Zanctif 131 BPM Ambient Techno (Composer: David J. Williston)
12. Another Love 128 BPM Electro House

What the hell am I doing?

2009-08-06T16:00:00.001-04:00

...

Appreciation

2009-07-11T16:41:00.017-04:00

My love,

I just saw my album for sale. And, I became stunned. Even now, I'm shaking. You know of every place where I've been up and down. And, you know I wasn't sure if I'd ever make it even near this far. But... here I am. I've finally accomplished/completed something. For the very first time in my life, I feel like an accomplished and unbroken person. And, it's you, glowing in my mind. Because it's you who provided me with the tools, spoke softly with a certain encouragement, and loved me with so much fire, the world was hazy.

I thank you, with all of my heart. You lured me into proving something to myself. It's proven.

With love, trust, and respect...

Bunny

Echolocation

2009-06-29T01:00:00.005-04:00

Welcome to my update!

I sometimes "twiddle my thumbs" and end up with random new music when I am unsure of what to do next. For the results, check out my music on facebook or iLike. Now, don't get me wrong... I am fully aware that there are things that I could be doing. I could be removing the vandalised photographs from my website, and replacing them with some newly-taken pictures. But I'm still enduring obsessive compulsive disorder, and that makes me want to do things in a certain order. Hence, I am waiting for a couple of pieces to fall into place. My music should be available for purchase in a matter of days. Once I have the fully encoded files to work with, I can restore my MySpace profile. Also, I'll start selling physical albums (firstly handling the pre-orders). The other thing that's just up in the air is live performance. I can do (modest) live performances now; that's one of my wild cards. We'll see.

You can surely imagine I'm not picking dollar, dollar, bills, y'all off of trees in the meantime.

R.I.P., Michael Jackson. I hope to be a good ember in the fire you've kindled.

Bounce

2009-06-16T23:59:00.001-04:00

I have become quite the authority on rejection. While I will spare you the gory details, I did just handle my first major professional rejection. And, my reaction? I scurried around the bend and found myself another way in apace. There is no time to waste when I have got a life to live, you know.

Thanks to this slap on my good cheek, I have perceived the means to wind up with my music on more platforms than I had originally intended. You will soon be able to find my music available for download/purchase on iTunes (in all supported regions), IMVU, Amie Street, and the LimeWire Store.

My street team is gestating. Ha.

Anyway, the music video for "This Invisible Feeling" has been set aside in favour of something I think will be a little more thrilling... at least, more fulfilling for me. It is a new song.

"TWO-hundred Combo!"

2009-05-17T01:00:00.000-04:00

The Carrot Factory has posted their second music video on YouTube: "Armour" (2009). :o)

"Pecan Pie" (2009) reached 100 views quickly and has received great praise. Check it out, if you haven't already.

Once the YouTube channel is established and has a significant following, there will be a contest. Fans/viewers will be invited to create their own dance-off video for "Make it Work". A second track may be offered as an alternative. The top three candidates will be featured on The Carrot Factory's website. And the winning video shall be named the 'official' music video for "Make it Work". Stay tuned for more details!

Also, for those in the know... "This Invisible Feeling" (a classic DJ epH song) will be the next music video. But, don't get too excited just yet... It's probably going to take a lot of planning. And a crew.

Thank you for reading. :o) and, don't forget to subscribe on YouTube, become a fan on facebook, MySpace (there will be much more on there after the album is published), and iLike.

GAH! DON'T EAT MY PIE!!

2009-05-08T00:00:00.007-04:00

Anyone who reads my blog gets an early warning: DON'T EAT THE PIE FROM MY MUSIC VIDEO RECIPE!! Honestly, this song ("Pecan Pie") is two and a half years old, so I haven't got the slightest clue as to where it is that I got the recipe from. Doesn't work. No, it wasn't a fun day at the office as I desperately tried to one-man the music video shoot... only to discover that something in the foundation wasn't sitting right. The pie came out relatively appealing. But, it was deception.

Once the video & single are released, I'll detail the wrong-doings point by point (from the lyrics). I'm thinking that I may try to correct these errors and post a functional recipe to go along with the release. Yay! My debut single & music video come with pie!! And you can eat it! Well... the end.

Wait! I guess I should say, um... it'll be out soon. The pie.

You know I feel good. :o)

2009-04-21T19:43:00.006-04:00

Two months ago, I wanted the website to be clean, efficient, and protracted. I wanted my biography to speak with imagery I thought that a prelude should conjure. I wanted my music to be displayed as confident, established, and yet fun & inviting. I wanted my pictures to evoke an unspoken history of character. And I wanted the website to show off my pluck, my eccentricities, and my ardor.

Well... I could go on about my lateness. And I could talk about the hardships that held me back. But I'd rather just ring the bell.

Order up.

Bang-on! Like when guns go off accidentally.

2009-04-07T06:45:00.004-04:00

Okay. So, I had to leave my previous residence with haste and had not planned the move all the way through. This led to a lot of stress, which was made worse by a surprise brush with xylene poisoning that only settled at chemical pneumonia. A few other surprise letdowns picked at my spirit like an overly-anxious crow.

Personal issues aside, I have made fantastic―truly―progress on the website and offer to Apple. It has become a wild goose chase (director, distributor, SAG, director, local contacts, etc.) to clear the talent for the rights to use an audio sample in one of my pieces of music. Really, it's fun, though. I feel so involved in an industry I'm not yet a part of; my initial infiltration is a success! The album ("2.4") is otherwise done. Everything is remastered. The artwork is done. I got my company's ISBN prefix & ISRC codes.

Next up is the music video for "Pecan Pie".

Then, it's off to the races. ...hell-yeah.

10 seconds and counting...

2009-03-07T10:05:00.000-05:00

Every artist has their ups and downs, I am certain. There are creative times and dry times. I may not have been dry for some time, but I have lacked direction and focus. It has been very hard to manage myself in my personal life while still maintaining my art. After all... I remain a novice until proven otherwise. Yet, finally, I am integrating what have long been missing pieces: confidence, stability, self-control, and faith. Sexy Confidence dashes onto the court to replace what was mostly bravado. An old friend I had never met, Stability, is traded to me for Hysteria. Self-Control gives support from the bench, and Faith does a silent shout at the sideline. Vagueness condensed, it seems like vagary... but I am growing up in my art.

My company is official and houses my label & artist name(s).

I am near completion of my first album.

Exciting times. And I never thought I would see it. But I do.

iTunes and You

2008-12-31T16:16:00.004-05:00

I hope there is an "iTunes and you". Otherwise, I'm wasting my time. A great challenge has been presented to me: getting my music into the iTunes Store.

While I still remain adversely stated in the vein of turning expression into profit... I feel more and more defeated with each ounce of strength spent on stocking shelves with milk, educating customers on alpine trekking, or sweeping up popcorn from beneath theatre seats. My life is meant to be spent on something much more impactful. I wish to overcome the dread of rental fees and see beyond the wallet, back to my childhood dreams. My voice can't be heard unless there are people willing to listen. People aren't willing to listen unless I have done a good job of enticing their ears. I cannot do a good job of entertaining and engaging people's hearts and minds unless I have a heart and a mind of my own left to salvage. The menial tasks of what jobs I get offered drain the life out of me and make me feel worthless. And yet, the rent must be paid.

So my challenge is to keep up with everything, rise above the torment of still waiting, do more and more with my spirit, and get noticed on a higher level... once and for all. I want to get in the door and make myself known. Then, I can spread what I have that's been labeled "unique". 'cuz I want to share.

But, first things first... "Wiggle your big toe.".

Revelations Make My Face Look Concerned

2008-12-18T15:50:00.004-05:00

My music has turned out to be predominantly binaural, almost exclusively armchair listening, and would need to be remastered a third (and, in some cases, fourth) time in order to satisfy the needs of a diverse market. To remaster my music with this new "requirement" in mind, I would have to find myself with some new studio speakers... = money I don't have. One of the brighter tones is that my extensive research has narrowed my musical style down to being something rather cutting edge. How sharp of an edge I provide is subjective, but the overall objectively-defined style is desirable among audiophiles.

So, the question(s) remain(s):

Do I want to make music for the masses? Should I only embrace the fans who love my music for what it bears inherently?

I understand much better now the snobby nature of certain painters, actors, and other artists & performers. When one manifests something made of one's self, one knows this truth and reality. However... any observer, unaware of how it came to be, may be ignorant to the deeper meaning and innocent of the understanding of any delicate craft's solicitation. They should not be cast aside. My hope is that there is some connection still. And I hope a greater number of people may be able to connect with my manifestations than seems practical to be expected at this time.

A Shade of Green

2008-11-26T16:05:00.001-05:00

Wow! What a difference some days can make. As has turned out to be the case for the last seven years, my music production utilities have all been installed incorrectly. Now, having reinstalled them with full functionality, I am pleasantly surprised to have found more to the sample library than had previously been revealed. My sound cache has tripled to nearly 24,000 samples! Quite a difference. Most of these sounds are also the airy and expansive layers, keys, and synths I have been longing for. Some of these sounds, I don't remember having ever heard before. Very exciting. Speed is almost go, with a couple of minor things to take care of before I am finally completely prepared to make of myself my own product.

I am back to exercising my vocal range on a daily basis. My headphones are with me. The technology is at my command.

DJ epH: The New Frontier

2008-10-21T14:58:00.009-04:00

It has been many years now since I first began taking a serious interest in producing my own original music. Way back in the summer of 1998, I could never have dreamt I would be feeling this close to making music professionally and being recognised globally. But I tinkered and toyed with hip-hop, dance, rave and techno compositions with a passion. Eight years ago, I had friends dipping & diving to the sounds of "TimeBomb" (unreleased), a skippy and relentless hip-hop instrumental with house undertones. Five years ago, I wrote love songs for a friend who said my lyrics made more sense than anything on the radio. Three years ago, a guy from London commented on "The Panda" (posted on NewGrounds.com, under the alias 'JPhoenix84'): "Cracking ch-une. Just had it blasting out of my student house in sunny England. Put it on loop and kicked the football around with some mates. 10/10 from us lot here! Just enough sound, not too cranky, not too whiney, not too tinny... just right. Keep up the good work! Maybe send this to Giles Peterson at Radio 1. His Worldwide DNB show loves this kinda stuff...". Around the same time, I also started a petition (included with my demo). This petition was for simply giving my relatively unconventional and uneasy creations a chance at airplay. One supporter wrote, "Dave is a GREAT artist. I've played some of his music for some of my friends, and they were completely hooked. epH, if you make it, you'll have groupies in no time!". My music has been used in a highly-rated "Counter-Strike" parody, a sleek-looking shooter game reminiscent of "Galaga", and an additional short parody animation (all found on NewGrounds.com).

My inspiration has come from many different sources. What I want is to share something out of the ordinary, from my heart & soul...

Stay tuned for news, release dates, and an inside look at my creative process!