Actual Retirement

Yes, I think this is it. I'd been supposedly winding down for a while yet the review work has gradually increased and the library music decreased proportionally. Well, as of now I'm going to do it - just a trickle of modular reviews (because they don't take long and are still hugely enjoyable) and even there, hopefully, replacement writers will let me off the hook, eventually. They say if I want to do more or come back, I can, which is very kind.

Sound On Sound has been very good to me over the years and it's wise that I retire while they still like what/how I write and before my world weariness spills into the text. Maybe one too many 303 clones has speeded this up but I've been ready to do something new for a while. For now this means finishing the editing of Future Art Factory for paperback, writing the new one, exploring the Lake District (as I always planned) and other projects bubbling around in my head. I have lots of ideas but little urgency. Spending time with Pat without having to schedule it between review writing or learning some new piece of gear for the next review, that will be bliss. Heck, we might even buy a camper van. I'm a lucky guy and I know it.

Superbooth taught me that I hate airports just as much as ever. More. Good to see everyone though, the people are always more interesting than the gear. I missed Steve Schroyder and Spyra though, which is a shame. Hadn't known Steve was there until too late.

Today I began reading 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' again. It's not a book I get bored with.

I should cut the grass. But I like the dandelions. They are bright and cheerful and bring many bees. So I'll let it grow.

Approx 1 month to the Frome gig. I have a vague idea what I'll do, which is more than enough. Basil is going to join me on stage with his Synthi, so that's nice. And today is sunny.

Some random new shots just because I like pix.

DSI very kindly sent me 2 replacement pots for free even though synth no longer in warranty. Thanks guys!

Mike, master of the highbrow eyebrow

And I didn't even tell you my tale of the Berghain and my invitation to join a 6-man orgy, did I?
Probably for the best...

Oto Bam, Superbooth, Push Turn Move

Yes a new toy

The kind of reverb I always dreamed about actually, can't leave the big ambient setting alone ;)

Off to Berlin for Superbooth tomorrow. Have packed black t-shirts, iPad, camera, portable recording device. Can't think of anything else to fill my little bag so I might put another bag inside. Cunning eh?
Looking forward to the gear but more to the people this time, many of whom I've not seen in too long.

And of course Mike, Kim and I can talk about this:

http://www.pushturnmove.com/

Which reached its target in about an hour!

Fun, fun, fun ahead!

Podcast and odds and sods

I didn't pick the tracks but I quite like the collection. Seems to be more coherent than a list I'd have picked. It's a collection that highlights my Berlin roots I guess, which is fair enough.

It is further evidence that I am better in collaboration than solo.

https://www.mixcloud.com/DrExistenz/electronic-oddities-47-paul-nagle/?play=fb&fb_action_ids=354251594971674&fb_action_types=mixcloud%3Aupload

Thought for the day: thoroughly exploring a small setup is infinitely more fun and worthwhile than simple plate spinning. Why did I not dare this before? Actually worth a mention here that I always work best when I am deprived of resources. Splitting studio into sections or identities makes so much sense. Amazing it took editing my own novel to see that. Heh!

https://soundcloud.com/smokyfrog/aitches-and-spleen

Pootling along

A landmark of sorts, I'm exactly half-way through the edit/rewrite of Future Art Factory. Ruthlessly deleting (most of) the embarrassing parts is proving to be energising. Even enough to put the new novel to one side mentally. I think writing Bogus Realities has helped a lot. Amazing to think I started FAF in 2003. I also wonder if anyone will ever suss what it's about?

Things going well generally. I have a week alone soon to get lots done (I hope) and have more ideas now than for a long time. Must have been getting in a rut.

Swapped my CS30 for a Pro2. Very happy too. The Pro2 has a jittery knob which I'll have to get sorted sometime. Hope I get time to learn it properly soon but what I've discovered so far is very promising.

Poor Jasper has blood dripping from his willy. More arse troubles apparently. Antibiotics but other things can be done if that doesn't work. Vet says he's in good nick for 15yo and puts it down to keeping his  bollocks. Hasn't helped me...

Typical (ambient) recording session.

Tim in full flow lit in Kryptonite - sorry Aira - green. Less ambient.