Torn JPGs

HAHA.

































Cassandra found this little dude somewhere online. It makes my day a little brighter.

TENORI-ON

In my internet wanderings, I came across the Tenori-on; a gadget released in 2007 from Yamaha. It blew my mind after watching Jim O'Rourke play an improvised musical number on the synth. The Tenori-on, according to Yamaha, is a "A 16x16 matrix of LED switches allows everyone to play music intuitively, creating a "visible music" interface". It looks space-age and definitely a neat toy to tinker with, and it is now added to the "what i'm doing with my OSAP money" list. You can also discover more about this instrument on Yamaha's website.

Coincidentally, someone led me to this site featuring a tone matrix, where you can use a similar instrument online and manipulate sounds into crazy, yet melodic techno beats looping into infinity. Another similar site using the tone matrix is Hobnox, where you can create looped sounds with various pedals, drum machines, and mixers. It's an entertaining attempt at re-creating the reality of music, with the input/output cables, etc.

I had a lot of fun playing around with these user friendly music creation sites. I also wanted to note that fanny packs are making their scheduled rounds and are coming back full force.

Sound Hugs

Songs that wrap you up in warmth.

It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it feels so good.

It's like when you see old friend you haven't seen in ages; one that knows you so well, you both just pick up right where you left off.

I heard about William Fitzsimmons about 3 years ago when I first discovered Ingrid Michaelson. I didn't take the time to listen to his offerings, but the other day I came across an article on NPR discussing his newest album. I took a gander to his myspace and listened to a few tracks.

It was a hug of sound.

I fell in love with the story of his life; how he was surrounded by music his entire life, and brought up by blind parents. I wonder what I would have been like if my parents were musical? Is it socialization or psychology? These kinds of people lead me to think about the old nature/nurture debate, and it's true that it is a combination of both; but I can't help but wonder how much of an influence our parents have, especially in musical families?

William Fitzsimmons
http://www.myspace.com/williamfitzsimmons

Also, this made me laugh:


Only $32!? I'm in.

Ambient Awareness

I stumbled across these two articles on the internet, and even though I wouldn't actually read both articles to the full extent, they were a definite source of entertainment. I should mention that I didn't 'stumble' on these articles, they were found when I typed, "I don't get twitter" into google.

Here are the results:

I'm So Totally, Digitally Close to You
By: Clive Thompson
Sept 5, 2008
NY Times

Second Article to sum up the first:
(The most entertaining one)

If you don't "get" Facebook and Twitter, read this NY Times article
By: Jeremy Liew
Sept 8, 2008
Lightspeed Venture Partners

I always thought ambient awareness was having the knowledge of who Brian Eno is.
Apparently not.
Although you really should have that kind of ambient awareness.

Tarot Sport

Fuck Buttons' new album is being mastered. Curious to see where their new sounds have taken them.

http://www.myspace.com/fuckbuttons

Is War as Old as Gravity?

Is War as old as Gravity?

If I love Peace, do I have to love the trees?

Are there animals that like peace and animals that like war?

Is Peace quiet?

Is making war an instinct that we inherit from our ancient farming ancestors?

Were farmers the first Warriors?

Do we Love without thinking?

Do we do the right thing without thinking?

When children fight with their brothers & sisters, are they learning about war?

How do we test the limits of our bodies without war?

Why do they compare war to a man, and peace to a woman?

Peace is unpredictable.

Why is dangerous to say: never forget?

Track: War & Peace (Aoki Takamasa Remix)

Music and Words concept: Ryuichi Sakamoto
Words: Arto Lindsay

Album: Bricolages

Artwork: Banksy
www.banksy.co.uk/outdoors/horizontal_1.htm