Key Of Grey

August 29th, 2010 - Way back when first started this site in 2008, I talked briefly about how video games like Guitar Hero or Rockband, might inspire a whole new generation of musicians. Well I just wanted to share that I met one. Today, I recorded a demo for a young man who is going to give Dave Mustaine (of Megadeth) a CD this Friday. He started playing Guitar Hero, mastered all the songs on Expert Mode, which got him interested in learning ... Read More

Photo courtesy of Sanyo July 22nd, 2010 - Sanyo's Eneloop series is one of the best bets for rechargeable batteries. Thanks to 300Guitars (great site for guitar tech by the way), I found out that they've expanded to the very niche market of guitar pedals. The Pedal Juice, is a lithium ion rechargeable battery pack that will run 9v to all your guitar pedals. It has two output jacks that you can use to daisy chain power to all your pedals. Sanyo says ... Read More

June 22nd, 2010 - Okay, it seems a little weird to be editorializing on a game but Harmonix's Rockband series is something different. Introducing what Konami did 10 years ago with the Guitar/Drum/Keyboard Mania series, to an American audience at the right time allowed Harmonix to tap into a video game market that isn't just for kids anymore. A decade ago, only children and hardcore gamers played video games. But contemporary consoles like the Wii and games tailored to subjects suitable for families ... Read More

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