Key Of Grey

Photo courtesy of Grant MacDonald December 25th, 2009 - For those of you who celebrate Christmas, did you give or receive any cool music gear this year? Read More

December 1st, 2009 - Since I've added electro to the list of music genres I like, I've become much more interested in using Reason to produce music. Watching the various Reason tutorials on Youtube has gotten me hyped up to use Reason's built-in synthesizer Thor especially. There are so many great sounding presets that it's hard not to find a sound you'll like. As well, Reason's pattern-based effects are very powerful. The one part of Reason that's terrible, and I'm sure why Propellerhead ... Read More

Photo courtesy of Kufala November 3rd, 2009 - Many artists are choosing to release their music completely digitally these days, but there is still a case to be made for pressing physical CD's. For one, many fans want to have a physical object that represents their hard-earned dollars. As well, some people in the music industry aren't particularly internet savvy (you don't say!) and don't know how, or don't want, to visit the various sites you may have created an online EPK (electronic ... Read More

Photo courtesy of Steve Harris October 19th, 2009 - Yesterday, I was visiting Nijo-jo in Osaka which is a shogunate residence built in the 1600's. To alert the shogun to the presence of spies, the floors were constructed to be intentionally squeaky. As such, they are called "Nightingale Floors". I spent a good half an hour recording the sounds of tourists walking back and forth on the floors. People must have thought I was odd. I'm sure it's not even close to the oddest ... Read More

October 9th, 2009 - We're all adults here, but sometimes we still idolize those with talents we wish we had. Well maybe I shouldn't speak for everyone, but I still idolize, and am in awe of, people with extraordinary talent. I'll start off the fanboy-ism. I'm a Danny Elfman super fan. I haven't liked everything he's done, but he is capable of such a wide range of moods, and orchestrations, it's ridiculous. Who do you idolize? Read More

Photo courtesy of Taran Rampersad October 5th, 2009 - When I came here for vacation, I decided to bring my iTunes library which is housed in a semi-bulky external Firewire drive. Instead of bringing that drive however, I bought a small cheap USB-powered one. That got me thinking about how secure my song projects are. Although I have songs for clients that will probably never be used again, I'm still worried about losing them. I currently house them all on my local drive and ... Read More

Photo courtesy of uberculture September 18th, 2009 - I have an old pair of headphones that I love. I know their sonic characteristics very well and they've worn in quite nicely. The problem is that the very thin vinyl that covers the foam portions of the cup has begun to deteriorate badly. Every time I wear them, more of the vinyl flakes off and some gets stuck in my hair. Of course I don't even notice until I'm out eating dinner and a black ... Read More

Photo courtesy of Sony September 12th, 2009 - I was lucky coming to Osaka as I am staying with a musician and have full access to his instruments and home studio. Because of this, I only had to bring my laptop and my Sony PCM-D50, portable audio recorder (to record ambiences and song ideas while I'm here). I also brought my brand new wind screen for the recorder. I haven't tested it yet, but I'll post a review when I have. Do you ... Read More

Photo courtesy of fd September 2nd, 2009 - I've discussed why I use Logic before, and Joe Gilder over at HomeStudioCorner wrote a counterpoint to my article. I've also stated that I use different software for different jobs; I might use Reason, Ableton Live, Logic and Protools at any one time. Which DAW, dear reader, do you use and why? Do you use multiple software titles, or stick with one? If you were presented with a new DAW that looked better than what ... Read More