So i am band-less.
Although i am working away with Adam on Five Points. My urge to play live has come back a lot quicker than i thought it might. And so here i am looking for a band to form/join.
If anyone knows anyone or wants to join me in forming a new project/band whatever mail me:
michaelalp@hotmail.co.uk
With regards to style i am open. But really keen to start something doom/sludge orientated. Perhaps we can go from there but it's a starting point i would be really interested in resting my roots in as i have big love for the genre. Think of bands like Sabbath (Obviously), Kylesa, Clutch, Earth, Mastodon, Clagg, Iron Monkey, Electric Wizard, Charger... even black metal orientated doom sounds like Alter Of Plagues etc... Basically these are bands i like but i don't necessarily want to to sound like them. I want to create something new and exciting.
I have demo's and ideas to play you if you should need them. Get in touch if it sounds like your sort of thing.
Mikey
29 Nov 2011
18 Nov 2011
The Music Production Show
Hello there,
Hope you're all good. Prepping for winter i hope. It's been a warm November but i am sure that will change. As a certain popular HBO show will tell you 'WINTER IS COMING'. And i suppose to a lesser extent Arnold Schwarzenegger will tell you ' A FREEZE IS COMING' but the less said about that the better.
Last week me and my trusty partner in crime Adam Ever decided to mosey on down to The Music Production Show at Emirates Stadium. It's the first time i had ever attended anything like this, and with me being what can only be described as a "n00b" to all things production, it was quite a lot to take in. But i did enjoy it. Whilst i won't be winning a grammy any time soon, I do know my way around Logic to a certain extent, and can certainly put together a believable demo. I find it is a learning process and i love learning about it as i go along. So going to something like this and absorbing other peoples knowledge and immersing myself in the technology used, new and old, is most definitely the way forward for me.
At times i did feel as though i was in the deep end and the very nice people at the booths where at times perhaps (with a smile) unknowingly trying to sell me things i knew nothing about. A few things did take my fancy though. It was inescapable to notice that almost every booth by every brand had at least 1 of not more iPads powering something or acting as a controller for something. I was quite taken back by the functionality of the Yamaha apps that were powering synthesizers. The usability was astounding and the iPads where taylor made for musicians/producers seeking flexible, reliable, portably controllers in the vain of the popular'Korg Kaoss Pads'. What's more the apps were retailing at between £2-£3 for some of them. Whilst some of the uses still felt a bit gimmicky, as time goes on and the tablets become more powerful and the processors can handle more powerful functions. I really do believe they will become more ubiquitous in making music. Things are already moving so quickly. The first iPad came out in April 2010 and already we are in a situation where i can plug in my guitar and use GarageBand to throw together a complete (albeit rough) demo track. Now cast your mind forward 5 years... It's exciting to think of the possibilities.
Certainly a way forward and i believe it will open the door for so many more people to become involved in making music, which can only be a good thing in my opinion.
The whole experince also gave me a chance to play around on various synths and gadgets i wouldn't usually have an opportunity to play with. I was particularly fond of the Yamaha Tenori-On.
Whilst a hefty 'brand-new' price tag of £873 is quite frankly over-priced. It was a very cool gadget and would be great for improv live performances. YouTube 'Little Boots' live performances for some examples. At a lower price tag i would definitely consider one.
It also helped me build a list of what i need to get my home studio to a better standard and i now have a healthy list that should leave me broke for the next year or two. Pending that inevitable lottery win of course.
I shall end by saying that if you have even a remote interest in home recording, or you are a recording artist that goes to a studio to make their EP's/Demos' etc... I can't recommend something like this enough. It's a great way to learn 'hands-on' about new gear and technology that will inevitably effect the way you make and record music. If you are putting all your trust in a studio engineer to produce your record then thats great! But is not not better to have a little knowledge yourself so you know what is possible and how to achieve the best results? After all it's your sound, not theirs. I am not saying you need to tell him/her how to do their job. But having even a little knowledge will make it more of a collaboration. Which can only be good for the music you are trying to make, no?
Leave comments and thoughts below. Always good to hear other peoples opinions.
As is now tradition, i shall leave you with a song. This week it's from my friends in Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster who's new album 'Exegesis' is imminent. And i look forward to seeing them In London Bridge on 3rd December.
Hope you're all good. Prepping for winter i hope. It's been a warm November but i am sure that will change. As a certain popular HBO show will tell you 'WINTER IS COMING'. And i suppose to a lesser extent Arnold Schwarzenegger will tell you ' A FREEZE IS COMING' but the less said about that the better.
Last week me and my trusty partner in crime Adam Ever decided to mosey on down to The Music Production Show at Emirates Stadium. It's the first time i had ever attended anything like this, and with me being what can only be described as a "n00b" to all things production, it was quite a lot to take in. But i did enjoy it. Whilst i won't be winning a grammy any time soon, I do know my way around Logic to a certain extent, and can certainly put together a believable demo. I find it is a learning process and i love learning about it as i go along. So going to something like this and absorbing other peoples knowledge and immersing myself in the technology used, new and old, is most definitely the way forward for me.
At times i did feel as though i was in the deep end and the very nice people at the booths where at times perhaps (with a smile) unknowingly trying to sell me things i knew nothing about. A few things did take my fancy though. It was inescapable to notice that almost every booth by every brand had at least 1 of not more iPads powering something or acting as a controller for something. I was quite taken back by the functionality of the Yamaha apps that were powering synthesizers. The usability was astounding and the iPads where taylor made for musicians/producers seeking flexible, reliable, portably controllers in the vain of the popular'Korg Kaoss Pads'. What's more the apps were retailing at between £2-£3 for some of them. Whilst some of the uses still felt a bit gimmicky, as time goes on and the tablets become more powerful and the processors can handle more powerful functions. I really do believe they will become more ubiquitous in making music. Things are already moving so quickly. The first iPad came out in April 2010 and already we are in a situation where i can plug in my guitar and use GarageBand to throw together a complete (albeit rough) demo track. Now cast your mind forward 5 years... It's exciting to think of the possibilities.
Certainly a way forward and i believe it will open the door for so many more people to become involved in making music, which can only be a good thing in my opinion.
The whole experince also gave me a chance to play around on various synths and gadgets i wouldn't usually have an opportunity to play with. I was particularly fond of the Yamaha Tenori-On.
Whilst a hefty 'brand-new' price tag of £873 is quite frankly over-priced. It was a very cool gadget and would be great for improv live performances. YouTube 'Little Boots' live performances for some examples. At a lower price tag i would definitely consider one.
It also helped me build a list of what i need to get my home studio to a better standard and i now have a healthy list that should leave me broke for the next year or two. Pending that inevitable lottery win of course.
I shall end by saying that if you have even a remote interest in home recording, or you are a recording artist that goes to a studio to make their EP's/Demos' etc... I can't recommend something like this enough. It's a great way to learn 'hands-on' about new gear and technology that will inevitably effect the way you make and record music. If you are putting all your trust in a studio engineer to produce your record then thats great! But is not not better to have a little knowledge yourself so you know what is possible and how to achieve the best results? After all it's your sound, not theirs. I am not saying you need to tell him/her how to do their job. But having even a little knowledge will make it more of a collaboration. Which can only be good for the music you are trying to make, no?
Leave comments and thoughts below. Always good to hear other peoples opinions.
As is now tradition, i shall leave you with a song. This week it's from my friends in Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster who's new album 'Exegesis' is imminent. And i look forward to seeing them In London Bridge on 3rd December.
11 Nov 2011
Updates, FGH, undernightsky and some waffle...
Well thats it. 'From Great Height' is no more. I am sure that anyone who has found their way here has more than likely already read the official statement i posted online over at the 'FGH Blog'. So i won't bang on about it much more. But i felt i should probably just say a few things on my personal blog.
I felt it was the right time for us to draw a line under things. We had been working towards a common goal for close to 5 years and whilst we had achieved many great things, things i don't take for granted. Things that however small, it's important to realise that a lot of start up bands never get their music beyond their local venue and 10 of their mates. That we got to play our music to new people and be played on respected rock radio stations, appear in mainstream rock press, among other things is something i am immensly proud of.
However, creatively i felt like i had hit a wall and i was no longer writing for myself but writing for the band. I felt like for the most part i was writing what other people wanted to hear rather than what i wanted to hear. The irony of course is that i believe we were still writing great music. It's just not something i think i could have carried on with and convincingly give my all to. And i have never been about trying to cheat people. Underground/unsigned bands clearly don't do this for money or fame. So once you strip that away, all you really have left is integrity and i wasn't willing to compromise that.
But this is not the end of my musical journey oh no...! Five Points Of Articulation is full steam ahead. Me and Adam have all but finished the writing phase. Four brand new songs coming your way very soon. We are currently in the demo phase, just correlating ideas and trying to develop a sound that we are happy with. We are very close though. You can hear our first completed demo track here by the way. It gives you a good taste of what we are about. I have always been a big fan of artist such as Trent Reznor, Jesu, TV On The Radio and the film soundtracks of people like Nick Cave, Clint Mansell. Hopefully a little of that filters through in the new stuff, mixed with our own style and ideas.
Further to this i will be jumping back on the undernightsky horse. I have some unfinished demo's i really should get on with. I believe music can be both "pop" and "art" and not always at the same time. UNS was always art to me. The music is very personal to me and comes from some very deep emotions. For that reason it really is a labour of love but perhaps not something i was as willing to share as i thought i was. I listen to the stuff a lot on my headphones but have been reluctant to put it out. More so than i thought i would be. But i think the feelings that lead to them songs being written have faded a bit now and perhaps now is the right time to put them out there.
aaaaaaaaaand finally i have the bubblings of a new project. It consits of a few unreleased demo's i made that i originally intended to be 'From Great Height' tracks. We never got to rehearse them as a band though and usually before that happens the songs tend to be quite Michael-centric. For better of for worse, who knows? But i was really keen on these particular tracks and felt they would have pushed us in a new direction. These tracks are written. They just need to be re-recorded (You would be shocked if you heard the chop-shop loop based demos). I am just trying to work out what to do with vocals. I might even give it a stab myself. Never tried singing on my own tracks before. Could be interesting. Could be terrible. I won't know until i try i suppose.
I shall leave you with with a video of a track that i have been caining on my iPod recently. Great production, great song, great video. She is a legend in her own time if you ask me.
I felt it was the right time for us to draw a line under things. We had been working towards a common goal for close to 5 years and whilst we had achieved many great things, things i don't take for granted. Things that however small, it's important to realise that a lot of start up bands never get their music beyond their local venue and 10 of their mates. That we got to play our music to new people and be played on respected rock radio stations, appear in mainstream rock press, among other things is something i am immensly proud of.
However, creatively i felt like i had hit a wall and i was no longer writing for myself but writing for the band. I felt like for the most part i was writing what other people wanted to hear rather than what i wanted to hear. The irony of course is that i believe we were still writing great music. It's just not something i think i could have carried on with and convincingly give my all to. And i have never been about trying to cheat people. Underground/unsigned bands clearly don't do this for money or fame. So once you strip that away, all you really have left is integrity and i wasn't willing to compromise that.
But this is not the end of my musical journey oh no...! Five Points Of Articulation is full steam ahead. Me and Adam have all but finished the writing phase. Four brand new songs coming your way very soon. We are currently in the demo phase, just correlating ideas and trying to develop a sound that we are happy with. We are very close though. You can hear our first completed demo track here by the way. It gives you a good taste of what we are about. I have always been a big fan of artist such as Trent Reznor, Jesu, TV On The Radio and the film soundtracks of people like Nick Cave, Clint Mansell. Hopefully a little of that filters through in the new stuff, mixed with our own style and ideas.
Further to this i will be jumping back on the undernightsky horse. I have some unfinished demo's i really should get on with. I believe music can be both "pop" and "art" and not always at the same time. UNS was always art to me. The music is very personal to me and comes from some very deep emotions. For that reason it really is a labour of love but perhaps not something i was as willing to share as i thought i was. I listen to the stuff a lot on my headphones but have been reluctant to put it out. More so than i thought i would be. But i think the feelings that lead to them songs being written have faded a bit now and perhaps now is the right time to put them out there.
aaaaaaaaaand finally i have the bubblings of a new project. It consits of a few unreleased demo's i made that i originally intended to be 'From Great Height' tracks. We never got to rehearse them as a band though and usually before that happens the songs tend to be quite Michael-centric. For better of for worse, who knows? But i was really keen on these particular tracks and felt they would have pushed us in a new direction. These tracks are written. They just need to be re-recorded (You would be shocked if you heard the chop-shop loop based demos). I am just trying to work out what to do with vocals. I might even give it a stab myself. Never tried singing on my own tracks before. Could be interesting. Could be terrible. I won't know until i try i suppose.
I shall leave you with with a video of a track that i have been caining on my iPod recently. Great production, great song, great video. She is a legend in her own time if you ask me.
20 Sept 2011
'FPOA' Update
And here lands the very first demo for new project 'Five Points of Articulation'. We are a two piece, and the other member is my long time collaborator and FGH front-man 'Adam Ever'.
Hope you enjoy this first demo. Take it for what it is. It will probably change in places and undergo a few more re-writes but it is complete in it's feel and vibe. and it will certainly give you a clear indication of our current direction. I like to think of it as a 'post-rock film score'.
Let me know what you think and feel free to follow us and share the track with your friends.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fivepointsofarticulation
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/FPOAofficial
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/FPOAofficial
Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/FPOAofficial
Hope you enjoy this first demo. Take it for what it is. It will probably change in places and undergo a few more re-writes but it is complete in it's feel and vibe. and it will certainly give you a clear indication of our current direction. I like to think of it as a 'post-rock film score'.
Let me know what you think and feel free to follow us and share the track with your friends.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fivepointsofarticulation
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/FPOAofficial
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/FPOAofficial
Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/FPOAofficial
14 Sept 2011
From Great Height - Disciple
Here is the trailer for FGH's forthcoming EP 'Disciple'. It's going to be a 5-track(er), so a decent sized EP.
We start recording this Thursday. Head on over to www.fromgreatheight.com for more info, news and videos.
Mikey
We start recording this Thursday. Head on over to www.fromgreatheight.com for more info, news and videos.
Mikey
7 Sept 2011
30 Aug 2011
***LDNRTS YouTube***
Following on from the track here is a YouTube version of my attempt at some drone. Feel free to spread it around if you like it.
It's also available as a free download from my soundcloud page
Mikey
It's also available as a free download from my soundcloud page
Mikey
***LDNRTS YouTube***
Following on form the track here is a YouTube version of my attempt at some drone. Feel free to spread it around if you like it.
Mikey
Mikey
14 Aug 2011
"I just felt like runnin'"
Just felt like bashing out some noise, let out some aggression. Really nothing more to it. So if you like a bit of drone, experimental sound sort of stuff listen away. The rest of you might want to scoff and say this isn't music..... But you would be right.
LDNRTS by undernightsky
LDNRTS by undernightsky
8 Aug 2011
***Enfield Riots***
WOW so last night got pretty mad around Enfield.
I live literally in the town. With the location of the riots/looting being a 2/3 minute walk from my front door. I am safe and everything turned out okay for me (Not so much can be said for local businesses). I did retreat to my Mums house a bit down the road, mainly because i live above retail and was concerned in case it became a target for rioters. After seeing the destruction in Tottenham the night before i didn't want to take a chance.
The whole situation is pretty crazy. I can't condone the violence and looting but in my opinion it certainly represents the anti-consumerism anti- authoritarian stance that today's governments are forcing today's youth into. And where is Cameron? Who knows. People who say this hasn't been coming are quite blind and perhaps have not been exposed to the anger and frustrations that are held by kids in under privileged areas of London. Perhaps they don't realise what it's like to feel as though you have no voice.
Violence is not the way to solve it. Education, re-education even, and positive action and change for good is the way forward. But violence and crime is the only way these kids know how to voice themselves. it's society's failing in not giving them the necessary tools to articulate themselves properly. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but lets not forget who was parenting these youths. Every apple has a tree.
Hopefully this will be the start of a positive revolution so that in 25 years my kids won't have to see this in their streets. But unfortunately even my faith in authority has dwindled to the point of doubt.
In terms of song writing i am taking my anger and frustrations and turning them into something positive. New music. I have some lyrics and the bare bones structure sorted for the next 'undernightsky' track. I think i am going to fast track this one and get it out there as soon as possible. For me it represents the whole situation perfectly.
Finally a last thought goes to all those families and businesses affected by the looting and burnings. It's really horrible and something i can't possibly begin to comprehend. I can't sympathise enough.
I live literally in the town. With the location of the riots/looting being a 2/3 minute walk from my front door. I am safe and everything turned out okay for me (Not so much can be said for local businesses). I did retreat to my Mums house a bit down the road, mainly because i live above retail and was concerned in case it became a target for rioters. After seeing the destruction in Tottenham the night before i didn't want to take a chance.
The whole situation is pretty crazy. I can't condone the violence and looting but in my opinion it certainly represents the anti-consumerism anti- authoritarian stance that today's governments are forcing today's youth into. And where is Cameron? Who knows. People who say this hasn't been coming are quite blind and perhaps have not been exposed to the anger and frustrations that are held by kids in under privileged areas of London. Perhaps they don't realise what it's like to feel as though you have no voice.
Violence is not the way to solve it. Education, re-education even, and positive action and change for good is the way forward. But violence and crime is the only way these kids know how to voice themselves. it's society's failing in not giving them the necessary tools to articulate themselves properly. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but lets not forget who was parenting these youths. Every apple has a tree.
Hopefully this will be the start of a positive revolution so that in 25 years my kids won't have to see this in their streets. But unfortunately even my faith in authority has dwindled to the point of doubt.
In terms of song writing i am taking my anger and frustrations and turning them into something positive. New music. I have some lyrics and the bare bones structure sorted for the next 'undernightsky' track. I think i am going to fast track this one and get it out there as soon as possible. For me it represents the whole situation perfectly.
Finally a last thought goes to all those families and businesses affected by the looting and burnings. It's really horrible and something i can't possibly begin to comprehend. I can't sympathise enough.
2 Aug 2011
***NEXT UP***
Good afternoon all,
Just a quick link to my next show. It will again be with the FGH boys. This time we are supporting our good friends in Talanas in preperation for their Bloodstock 2011 appearance. Try to get down early, we are on first followed by the awesome 'Spires' (who i am really looking forward to seeing), with Talanas headlining. This will be their first London show and is not to be missed! (Click the picture below to be taken to the facebook events page)
Proof indeed that his is most definately "Da Metulz". See you there,
MikeyFGH
Just a quick link to my next show. It will again be with the FGH boys. This time we are supporting our good friends in Talanas in preperation for their Bloodstock 2011 appearance. Try to get down early, we are on first followed by the awesome 'Spires' (who i am really looking forward to seeing), with Talanas headlining. This will be their first London show and is not to be missed! (Click the picture below to be taken to the facebook events page)
Heer are some vids for those unfamiliar with the bands.
Proof indeed that his is most definately "Da Metulz". See you there,
MikeyFGH
27 Jul 2011
FGH @ Louder Clouds w/ Laps, Quadrilles and Death By Orchestra.
Hello all,
My band 'From Great Height' are playing in Old Street this coming Friday. It would be great to see some faces down there! (click the picture to be directed to the facebook event page)
It's over at 'Roadtrip Bar' at 243 Old Street, N1. Entry is £6/£4 before 8pm 18+ Only (Might be wise to bring I.D.). Closest tube is Old Street. Below is a map of the location.
My band 'From Great Height' are playing in Old Street this coming Friday. It would be great to see some faces down there! (click the picture to be directed to the facebook event page)
It's over at 'Roadtrip Bar' at 243 Old Street, N1. Entry is £6/£4 before 8pm 18+ Only (Might be wise to bring I.D.). Closest tube is Old Street. Below is a map of the location.
22 Jul 2011
Sad scenes in Oslo
Just seeing the news unfold about the explosion in Norway. Very sad/tragic whats happened there, even though little is known about the how's and why's at this moment in time.
I was in Kings Cross on the day of the London Bombings and although i wasn't hurt and no one i knew was hurt it was still horrifying to see with my own eyes the damage and destruction caused. I hope this explosion wasn't a terrorist attack, but either way its terrible that anyone has to lose their lives in such a way.
My thoughts go out to those families effected over there.
Mikey
How are you using Facebook these days?
I have a quick question for you all,
I am using Facebook less and less these days for personal social networking and instead using it mainly for maintaining the 'From Great Height Page'.
I have always previously seen Facebook as my main social network and the one i tried to keep private. But now with the addition of twitter (which i love) and Google+ (which i am fast becoming a big fan of) is it time for me to open up my facebook page a bit and use it more as a marketing tool? I have always kept my 'Friends List' strictly people i know or i have had actually contact with' where as twitter is a different mind set.
Am i going about this wrong? If FB is people main outlet for social network maybe i should be using FB more effectively to try and reach my potential fanbase?
I like the idea of holding something back. Having somewhere i can use just to contact friends and family, Google+ will allow me to do both at the same time leading me to think this is going to be my preference from now on. So is it time for to open the gates? What do you think? How are you using Facebook?
MikeyFGH
I am using Facebook less and less these days for personal social networking and instead using it mainly for maintaining the 'From Great Height Page'.
I have always previously seen Facebook as my main social network and the one i tried to keep private. But now with the addition of twitter (which i love) and Google+ (which i am fast becoming a big fan of) is it time for me to open up my facebook page a bit and use it more as a marketing tool? I have always kept my 'Friends List' strictly people i know or i have had actually contact with' where as twitter is a different mind set.
Am i going about this wrong? If FB is people main outlet for social network maybe i should be using FB more effectively to try and reach my potential fanbase?
I like the idea of holding something back. Having somewhere i can use just to contact friends and family, Google+ will allow me to do both at the same time leading me to think this is going to be my preference from now on. So is it time for to open the gates? What do you think? How are you using Facebook?
MikeyFGH
19 Jul 2011
Will my music collection die with me?
Hello all,
Just a quick thought I had today. I am quite excited about the prospect of iCloud and can't wait to make use of having my music wherever I want whenever I want without having to worry that my external HD doesn't blow up. Further to that I am quite happy to pay for the privilege.
But I did have a thought. whilst a lot of my music might get lost in time, or perhaps simply go out of fashion. There is also a lot of music by classic artists that one assumes future generations will still want to listen to. Your Black Sabbath's, U2's, Lynyrd Skynyrd's, The Beatles among countless others, will always have appeal because they make genre defining music. Classic sounds that don't get old.
In the past vinyl's and even CD's will have been passed down in the family ( i know that i have a few of my families old vinyl's in the collection, this isn't really feasible with password protected encrypted iTunes accounts that will die with me. Even if I was to back up the music on a hard drive? Do i really expect that drive to have a 20/30 year life? No. I don't even expect it to outlast my life time. I could back them all on to CD. But then with the added cost and time consumption i might as well just buy CD's from now on which completely misses the point the ease digital music allows us.
I suppose that those big marquee artists will be making money for their labels for a long time coming. As far as i can see it's 1 nil to the record labels. Again.
What do you think? Do you think that your children/grandchildren will be missing out by not having your old records. CD's and tapes? Be cool to hear your thoughts on this or any stories about vintage music you 'came in to'.
Mikey
Just a quick thought I had today. I am quite excited about the prospect of iCloud and can't wait to make use of having my music wherever I want whenever I want without having to worry that my external HD doesn't blow up. Further to that I am quite happy to pay for the privilege.
But I did have a thought. whilst a lot of my music might get lost in time, or perhaps simply go out of fashion. There is also a lot of music by classic artists that one assumes future generations will still want to listen to. Your Black Sabbath's, U2's, Lynyrd Skynyrd's, The Beatles among countless others, will always have appeal because they make genre defining music. Classic sounds that don't get old.
In the past vinyl's and even CD's will have been passed down in the family ( i know that i have a few of my families old vinyl's in the collection, this isn't really feasible with password protected encrypted iTunes accounts that will die with me. Even if I was to back up the music on a hard drive? Do i really expect that drive to have a 20/30 year life? No. I don't even expect it to outlast my life time. I could back them all on to CD. But then with the added cost and time consumption i might as well just buy CD's from now on which completely misses the point the ease digital music allows us.
I suppose that those big marquee artists will be making money for their labels for a long time coming. As far as i can see it's 1 nil to the record labels. Again.
What do you think? Do you think that your children/grandchildren will be missing out by not having your old records. CD's and tapes? Be cool to hear your thoughts on this or any stories about vintage music you 'came in to'.
Mikey
14 Jul 2011
***Opeth @ Brixton Academy***
Could not be more excited to go and see Opeth in November at the Brixton Academy. Saw them at High Voltage last year. Was into them a little before but after that show i really dug in to the back catalogue. This should be a top gig. I can't wait.
If you don't have the 'Live at the Royal Albert Hall' DVD it's definitely worth picking up. it comes with an audio CD too. Well worth the money.
If you don't have the 'Live at the Royal Albert Hall' DVD it's definitely worth picking up. it comes with an audio CD too. Well worth the money.
13 Jul 2011
***Follow me over on Google+***
Hello,
So i am fully on Google+ now. I am all familiar with it's features now and enjoying the site. If your a user feel free to follow me by visiting my profile by clicking the picture below.
Have a Google+ profile? What do you think? Like it?
11 Jul 2011
***Google+ initial thoughts***
Been using Google+ for a day now. I am impressed so far. Took a while to "get it" as is to be expected. I am sure i will learn more about using it as the time goes on. But it has a nice feel at the moment. Has a cult-y vibe due to the 'invite only' thing which always helps. I assume thats clever marketing on Googles part there.
I really like the idea of categorizing people you follow. Sort of like having twitter lists on facebook. I like the twitter idea of 'lists' but i rarely use them as i found them to clunky and time consuming. The idea of 'circles' certainly works for me though.
I suppose time will tell if it works out. It has all the open doors it needs to 'work'. i guess it just depends on the uptake once it is open to all.
Two things i hope google realizes -
1. If i want online gaming i will play COD. Not Farmville. Please don't go down that route.
2. Although some sort of music integration would be welcomed please don't take it to far. If you make it too easy for musicians/bands to spam then they will, and thats a sure fire way to kill yourself (Hello MySpace). I like the idea that at the moment it forces you to network online the 'right' way.
Thats my two cents,
MIkeyFGH
7 Jul 2011
***DJ Fresh - Louder (Flyte One Remix)***
Hey everyone.
Some shameless promotion right here on behalf of my good mate. But not without merit. Tim (Flyte One) Storey drummer with 'From Great Height' has produced this awesome remix of DJ fresh's Louder (that one off the Lucazade advert and currently number 1 in the UK iTunes download charts).
Not a Dubstep aficionado or much dance music for that matter. But i know what i like and this is epic and powerful and i know that he creates music for the love of it. And it comes through in spades in most of his music.
If you are a fan of Dubstep or Drum'n'Bass or awesome new music in general then have a listen over at his soundcloud page. And his remix is below.
5 Jul 2011
Some thoughts on the MySpace take-over
The reason MySpace failed is cause musicians do not want to acquire other musicians instead of fans (and let's face it, MySpace did pretty much become BandSpace). They want to acquire like minded music fans willing to listen to new stuff and interact to build an online relationship.
This is why I believe a musician based social network is doomed to fail. Hopefully Justin Timberlake don't take this route.
I think some sort of talent competition could be a great idea though. Perhaps the highest rated people in their chosen genres get tv time? It forces bands to promote to gain fans but still I don't see how that would stop the infinite stream of band spam which almost killed MySpace first time round. It's a tough one. Too tough for me.
I really can't see a happy ending for MySpace at the moment. Hopefully I am wrong. I wish it no harm.
What do you guys think?
This is why I believe a musician based social network is doomed to fail. Hopefully Justin Timberlake don't take this route.
I think some sort of talent competition could be a great idea though. Perhaps the highest rated people in their chosen genres get tv time? It forces bands to promote to gain fans but still I don't see how that would stop the infinite stream of band spam which almost killed MySpace first time round. It's a tough one. Too tough for me.
I really can't see a happy ending for MySpace at the moment. Hopefully I am wrong. I wish it no harm.
What do you guys think?
Location:London,United Kingdom
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