Category Archives: Music

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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…

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Yogurt Specials

I know: it’s cheesy.  It reminds me of that scene from Space Balls where Yogurt shows the heroes his secret vault which is full of movie merchandise.  And he gives them that big speech about: “Merchandising! Where the real money from the movie is made!”  Basically, slap your name & logo on anything that you can & try to sell it.

Well, I’m unapologetic.  I’m following the “Yogurt’s Money Thru Merchandising” formula.  So I slapped the Vibrations album cover on a bunch of stuff (t-shirts, USB sticks, etc…) & put them up for sale – just to see what happens.  Maybe I can sell one or two of these “Yogurt Specials” & put the money toward some hard-copy versions of Vibrations.  Or maybe a new guitar pedal…

Anyway, I would love for it for you to at least have a laugh at my cheesy attempt to make some money (it’s why I still have a day job – I don’t make a living from my music).  And if you were kind enough to actually buy one of these lovely items, I would be forever grateful.  But now I just sound like a desperate used-car salesman.  Oh well, have a laugh at my “Yogurt Specials” & may the Schwartz be with you!

The Official Candle Store

See You In The Shadows…

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Working Together…

Musicians & people who surround them are a very community minded bunch.  Not only do bands & artists promote humanitarian & social causes, but they also try their best to help each other out.  A true spirit of kinship is shared amongst musicians – no matter what instrument they play or what genre of music they write or perform. Most musicians are a caring bunch of people.  Here are some examples of this: tour support; cross promotion; bands & artists covering & remixing songs & most notably when artists & bands collaborate with each other.

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UNCANNY MASTERPIECE

Indeed, King Crimson’s debut album is an Uncanny Masterpiece. It is an album most people have never heard of – let alone listened to. But it has been a huge influence on so many artists and bands since its release in 1969. If you get the chance, listen to this album. You will not be sorry. Better yet, if you can get it on vinyl, the experiænce will be even greater!

Vinyl Connection's avatar

IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

A reflection in two parts by a grateful subject

I

Has there been a more spine tingling opening to an album than the beginning of In The Court Of The Crimson King? An interstellar wind approaches from the depths of nowhere, fades, then explodes into one of the monolithic riffs of rock. A moment later a distorted Dalek voice rasps out of the speakers.

Cat’s foot iron claw

Neuro-surgeons scream for more

At paranoia’s poison door

Twenty-first century schizoid man

In the central section the sax shrieks and wails as Michael Giles percussion clatters underneath. The pace accelerates with some scat unison playing before an angular, jarring guitar solo from Robert Fripp, spurred on by Greg Lake’s prancing bass. Some squalling Ian McDonald sax, another running interlude, then we return, as we must, to that riff again.

Death seed blind man’s greed

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