Self-marketing as Default – a Critique
There's this sentiment about being in arts and entertainment (aka, "the culture industry", or one large corner of it) that goes like "If you don't have the time and energy…
It’s the Russians, I Tell You!
A while back, I started watching music industry documentaries again, many of which were about working as a recording artist and/or as a producer – there was a definite "record…
Degrowing Technology
Modular enthusiasts, 2011: Oh wow, the thing just went bloop! Modular enthusiasts, 2021: Oh wow, I just got the LFO to tempo sync! Modular enthusiasts, 2031: I know we're all…
Confessions of a Reluctant Synth Nerd
I'm nearing the end of a first round of getting patching things and such on a computer in my hands, as well as a lot of what proceeded that for…
Some Thoughts on “Free” Software and Creativity
I've been thinking about ways to frame "Free software is actually paid software, including literally (if not somewhat deceptively) that" which doesn't piss people off, even if people disagree. Which…
“Aspiring Artists Should Get a Day Job” Is a Bad Take
First off, because it needs to be said: if you're a serious artist, it's ok to not want to make a living as one. As for people who don't make…
Being an Influencer, and the Costs Therein
Https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/08/style/creator-burnout-social-media.html When I read articles like this, it's hard not to feel like the whole experiment around social media – in terms of communities, not in terms of the companies…
Free Improv and the Jazz Police
Oh, sweet irony. If you improvise music: listen to Miles. trust your own voice and talent first, over whatever people tell you to do, badly. I've been an improviser for…
Bang on a Log
Some days, I want to have a four track recorder and an instrument, and nothing else. Or just my voice. Knowing that if the most common forms of digital music…
Introduction
Greetings and welcome, fellow robots. Waves a bio-mechanical pseudopod This is going to be a "process and social critique" blog about using technology to write and produce music. I'll be…