Key Of Grey

Photo courtesy of Joi February 8th, 2010 - As I struggle to finish material for my RPM Challenge album, I find myself frustrated that I can't get what I hear in my head, out into the real world. Perhaps I'm rusty, perhaps I'm overthinking it, probably both. I've written about the problem with too many options, and I know that the RPM Challenge is supposed to force you into a timeline, which theoretically simplifies your mental process. Unfortunately, I'm finding it easier said ... Read More

Photo courtesy of RobotSkirts January 29th, 2010 - Today I thought I'd write about a topic that's been bothering me for a while. There is an attitude out there that a real musician plays real instruments; that individuals playing on a Monome, an MPC, or turntables, aren't real musicians because they're just "button mashing" or "making noise". That's bullshit. I would be considered a traditional musician; my interest in electronic music and turntablism is pretty recent. My parents had it in their mind that ... Read More

January 4th, 2009 - As a classically trained pianist, my formative years were spent learning to play as a soloist. I needed to play as a one man band; kind of a lone wolf. In most situations, a classical pianist is playing by himself, save for the odd duet. Even when playing concertos, classical pianists tend to be off in their own world, leaving the conductor to wrangle the rest of the orchestra. As you might imagine, it was quite a rude awakening ... Read More

October 25th, 2009 - I'm not that great of a guitarist. I was content with the skill level I had because it allowed me to track a decent rhythm guitar for songwriting, but being in the company of so many great guitarists in Japan made me realize that good enough isn't good enough. I really enjoy playing guitar and I've decided to work towards becoming a great player. To achieve this goal, one of methods I've been using to get my technique back, ... Read More