Monthly Archives: February 2015

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Flog – Vol 6; Issue 3

Week three has passed.  There are only five full fays left to complete the February Album Writing Month challenge.  I’m two songs away.  Song number 13 has been written – I just need to record it.  I have some ideas for song number 14 which I will begin to explore as soon as I am finished recording song number 13.  So far, I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from various people.  I have to mention that the FAWMer known as @popmythology mentioned my song Eagle Landing on his weekly FAWM Blog of his favourite FAWM songs of the week.  Thanks so much @popmythology!

For my own part, I’ve been trying to keep up with my watchlist – with varying degrees of success.  I’ve finally passed into the FAWM Century Club (making at least 100 comments on other FAWMers songs).  I’m hoping to add to my FAWMling & ZONGBust totals (FAWMlings = first time FAWMers; ZONGBusting = Commenting on a song with Zero Comments (ZONG= Zero Comment Song)) in the next few days & on into March.

So, are there some great songs written during FAWM that I would recommend?  Well, here’s a few that sparked my imagination:

Klein Gitaar by Sapient I’m not normally a Metal fan, but this one is too cute to not appreciate.  Sapient & his little friend Ina did this great song together.  It has his normal Metal styling infused with her lovely vocals.  A great combination.  I’m liking the idea of Kinder Metal!

Bow To The Boatswain by Captain Vulpine The musical & theatrical genius that is Captain Vulpine has at last returned to FAWM & his output this year does not disappoint his rabid fans.  His wonderful mix of pirate lore, sea shanties, metal & vaudville knows no equal.  Bow To Boatswain is no exception.  The use of the Bosun’s Whistle along with the banjo & mandolin is wonderful.  And the lyrics scream out to be sung by every crowd – no matter their state of sobriety.

The Gorges Of Dalardes by Caterwauler Joanne Gabriel (a.k.a. Caterwauler) never ceases to amaze me with the way she is able to build vast vistas of sound that create images in your head.  And when she attaches these Soundscapes to an amazing story (as she has done for the past couple of FAWMs), you get a potent combination.  If her story doesn’t draw you in – her music definately will!

Insomniac by prsrose One of the few FAWMers who is building experimental songs in all sorts of inspiring ways.  This odd song has a sense of being uncomfortable, yet the chill textures sort of lull you into a sedated mood.  Its an amazing juxtaposition of senses created by a large array of tones & textures.

Aftermath by Electrocelte Another great concept album that tells a story.  Electorcelte fuses synth sounds with the organic tones of a traditional Scottish Bagpipe (he’s a Piper by trade).  This is the final chapter in the album’s story (song number 15 for Electrocelte so he has won the FAWM challenge!  Congrats Electrocelte!).  This song represents this album very well – tho, it might be a bit of a spoiler for those who want to listen to the whole story from the beginning.

That’s about it for this week.  I’ll probably do one more issue of this year’s FLOG, probably once FAWM is over.  Until next time…

See You In The Shadows…

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FLOG: Volume 6; Issue 2

FLOG: Volume 6; Issue 2

Definition: FLOG – FAWM Log: A log of the process undertaken by Candle during February Album Writing Month

Ten days in & I am currently working on song number 7.  So far, I’ve gotten some great feedback on my first six songs from a lot of familiar faces & some new (to me) FAWMers as well. Oh, I guess I should explain what a “FAWMer” is.  Basically a FAWMer is anyone participating in FAWM – either writing & posting songs for the challenge or those very few who simply comment on others work.  Thank you to everyone who has commented on my songs so far.  And I know I’ve fallen behind with commenting on my Watchlist (FAWMers I’m following), but I’m doing my best to keep up.

Every year I have people ask me about my setup & what exactly “Buzz” is.  Well, put simply, Jeskola Buzz (the full name of the program) is a modular compositional software based on the idea of “Machines”.  Basically, a Buzz project is an open canvas where you can insert Generator Machines (synths, instruments, &c…) & Effects Machines (choruses, flangers, reverbs, filters, &c…) & wire them up just about any way imaginable.  The workflow is based on Tracker Technology (for anyone familiar with FastTracker, ProTracker or even ImpulseTracker, you’ll know what I’m talking about).  Trackers basically take samples & allow you to key those samples in various tones to write songs.  The workflow is very different from DAW’s that most people are familiar with & takes a little getting used to for the unseasoned.  But Buzz is more then just a Tracker, it’s possibilities are endless with its modular approach to everything.  There is an entire community of developers creating new buzz machines all the time.  Buzz also supports VST & VSTi integration as well as the use of SoundFonts & other audio creation/processing plugin technologies.  I’ve been using Buzz as my main compositional software since 2005 (gods, its been ten years, doesn’t seem that long!) & have yet to find another piece of software that lets me be as creative.  Here’s a screenshot of one of my two Buzz Projects for my sixth FAWM 2015 song Jura Mountains:

Jura Mountains Ambience Project - JPEG

Hopefully this gives you an idea of how the modular machines work.  For more information about Jeskola Buzz, you can check out the Buzz community website:  www.buzzmachines.com

Anyway, I’m really happy at how far I’ve come so far this FAWM.  Six songs in eight days is pretty exciting.   As I said, I’m working on song number 7 which is going to be using some original audio from the Apollo 11 mission.  I’m really excited about it.  Anyway, stay tuned for more new songs & more ramblings in the next edition of my FLOG.  Until next time…

See You In The Shadows…

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FLOG – Vol 6; Issue 1

FLOG: Volume 6; Issue 1

Definition: FLOG – FAWM Log: A log of the process undertaken by Candle during February Album Writing Month

This is the sixth year that I have participated in February Album Writing Month (FAWM).  Two days in I already have written two of fourteen songs – on my way to completing the challenge.  You can check out the posted demos for both Lunar Groove & Mare Serenitatis on my FAWM Page.  And of course, leave me a comment below & let me know what you think of these new songs.

In the mean time, I’ve started work on Song # 3, tentatively tittled Spiritual Vigilante.  It’s a big departure from my normal sound, being heavily influenced by the blues. Plus, it starts off with some lyrics that flashed into my head as I was leaving work this afternoon.  I can say one thing for FAWM, it’s a great way to get the creative juices flowing.  Stay tuned here & at my FAWM Page for the latest updates on my process & the newest tunes to be posted as part of the FAWM 2015 challenge.

Until next time,

See You In The Shadows…