At 6 am I awoke naturally, there was barely a man made sound. The ocean was singing its glorious tune as it lapped lazily at the shore, almost as if the lack of an audience gave nature an opportunity to take it easy. I laid there and considered just how lucky I am to have that soundtrack and how convenient it is that last nights drunks won’t rise till much later. I think I made twenty minutes before a car passed and probably another 20 before the next one, that’s a rural Sunday for you. As I lay drinking my tea and just taking pleasure in the sounds that surround me I detected another sound. Under the sound of the ocean was another tone, softer but insistent. The sound was that of brushing, like a groom brushing his steed. It wasn’t a visiting horse but the sound of the street sweeper, the sole humanity in sight, grooming the town for another day.

Not for the first time I looked out of my window and considered that our street cleaner may be luckier than we think. A job without stress or concern, simple targets and no decision making all performed with the most awesome backdrop. The wages may not be great and I still don’t think it is a job for me but then I don’t think the rat race is for him.

Thank goodness there actually is a way of turning it off.

Go into Settings, then scroll down to sounds, then go right down to the bottom and switch the “keyboard sounds” off.

Now we all can be silent when it is needed most…

Definition: (chiefly literary, of a sound) loud and resonant, reverberating, with a mournful tone, esp. in a lament; sound having an excessive and esp. plaintive quality; (rare use) beating, dashing, as waves

Usage: “the plangent sound of a harpsichord”, “a plangent, haunting melody”, “the funeral’s plangent hymn”

Origin: Latin, ‘plangens’, present participle of ‘plangere’ (to strike, lament), first known use 1858

Sources: Wiktionary, Wikipedia, Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, Oxford English Dictionary

A new word and its unique story, every day
Follow on twitter: @GraemeBrownWpg

The above are simply short samples of the tracks (except track one, ‘Identity Theft’, which is available in full), with the recording in its entirety being available easily through our bandcamp (http://blank-room.bandcamp.com).  Any proceedings go straight toward the artists and, as always, will be well spent on future recordings!

Click the image to listen on SoundCloud

“Simply…” is a 12-song instrumental beat suite featuring some new sounds from Fess Grandiose. In grandiose fashion, the set includes some sample-heavy production laced with classic Funk and Soul bits and breaks, crafted right here at the Kimball House.

TRACK LIST:
01. “Casanova Shit”
02. “Struggle…”
03. “New New Vehicle, Baby”
04. “Mega Munchies”
05. “Hang Over Love”
06. “More…”
07. “Easy To Understand”
08. “Du Film” (Feat. Jeals)
09. “Don’t Tweak”
10. “Smooth Windy Groove…”
11. “Vegas…”
12. “Summer Lies…”

I admit I’m not a connoisseur of music. In fact, most times, I can’t even identify the genre a song might belong to.

What first gets my attention is the music itself. And when I’m sufficiently intrigued, I listen closely to the lyrics, and the ones with wonderful lyrics – profound or simple, become a part of my ‘music’. While I admit that’s a rather silly way of appreciating music, I should also thank various movies and TV shows for introducing me to some good ‘situational’ music.

In this case, it was the film Watchmen that introduced me to Simon and Garfunkel’s classic: ‘The Sound of Silence.’

If someone had said to me,”Hear my words, that I might teach you. Take my arms, that I might reach you.”, my life might have been a little different. I’m going to include the lyrics of the song here because every line is amazing, and every verse is profound.

Lyrics of The Sounds of Silence:

Hello darkness, my old friend
I’ve come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence

In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
‘Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence

And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence

“Fools”, said I, “You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you”
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed
In the wells of silence

And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls”
And whispered in the sounds of silence

———————————————————————————————————

Video credit: Sandrine Dusoleil, one of the many talented editors on YouTube.

All music written, performed and produced by my brother Scott Tyrrell and I.

If you’re that way inclined, please show Havok’s association – ‘GWA’ – some support through their site or on facebook!

Below is merely a little sample, unfortunately – but you can hear the track in its entirety through iTunes from the link at the bottom.  Any proceeds go directly to the artists and are well spent on further recordings!  All vocals written and performed by Rough Drafts, all music composed, performed and produced by myself and Rough Drafts.

Buy on iTunes

Rough Drafts and I performing in Apr. 2012
Photo by Gary Stafford (http://www.garystafford.co.uk)
© All Rights Reserved

قمنا بإختيار 3 أشخاص لكي ينقل لكم كل شخص وجهة نظره من جهته الخاصة فإخترنا الشاب ( سعدون ) لنقل معاناته كشاب متعلم جامعي لا يجد جهة عمل تقبل به كموظف إلا جانب حرمانهم من حقهم في الأوراق الثبوتية والمسكن الجيد وغيرها من المعاناة التي يواجهونها ، كما أيضا قمنا بمقابلة ( أم سعود ) وهي إمرأة كبيرة في السن تقوم ببيع بعض الملابس والأقمشة البسيطة بجانب جمعية تيماء وهي تعتبر المعيلة الوحيدة لأبنائها الستة وتقوم بنقل ألامها ومأساتها من جانبها كأم بدون لأبنائها البدون أيتام الأب، كما أيضا قمنا بمقابلة ( فهد ) وهو طفل صغير في العمر لا يتجاوز الثالثة عشر يعمل كبائع متجول لكي يكسب بعض النقود التي يساعد فيها عائلته ولا يرتاد المدرسة بسبب عجز عائلته عن دفع تكاليف دراسته فأخبرنا أن حلمه أن يرتاد المدرسة كباقي أصدقائه وأن يترك العمل الذي يعاني فيه الكثير

لرؤية مشروعنا النهائي والموقع الذي قمنا بعمله يرجى الضغط هنا 

على أمل أن يحاز على إعجابكم ويعكس لكم القضية بصورة جيدة

Bluezone Corporation releases ‘Autobots – Transformers Sound Effects’ a new sound library featuring 288 altered mechanical, hydraulic and electric sound effects for video game sound designers, music production and multimedia projects. This cutting-edge collection of sound effects features an incredible array of world class robotic sound design elements, incorporating SFX as: footsteps, heavy / light impacts, movements and transforming elements, shutdowns and startups, textures, mutations, textured / robot war voices, single / complex weapons and more.

More info, demo and download: www.bluezone-corporation.com

Have a look neath my microscope/Single cell visions divide and see
Bumping absorbing/Zooming in closer
The natural order of society
Happy creatures/Waving “hi”
Have I mistook the lessons from skooling/All along fooling myself
Asking questions/different answers to what this world is all about
Make a note to myself/Running the list down
Interaction/Survival and fitness
Peeling back an onion layer
Russian dolls that go on for ever
Smaller and smaller to quantum bits
Into the microcosmic scene
Who’s staring back at me?
The submarine serene beneath the summer scene of a Neptune man
Oh, the tangerine supreme the vitamin C surreal panoram
Every thought creates a vibration/wearing secrets on your sleave
Giving cause for great celebration/My love for you and your love for me
Atom’s evening wear/Helix strands in hair
Primordial fizz/There’s none stranger than this

(c)barbmca

Music is my life. I cannot drive two blocks without having the radio on.  I grew up in a home where my parents listened to a variety of music and I was allowed to also explore music styles for myself and listen to what made me happy.  My parents had many records and cassette tapes (hey, I was a child of the 80s) that I would pour through.  My two favorite records as a child came from each parent:

From my dad:                                                              From my mom:

My other favorites were a Foghat Album (“Fool for the City”) of my dad’s and when I was particularly small, a record album that was my mom’s when she was little that had all kinds of familiar kid-friendly songs such as “He’s Got the Whole World (In His Hands),” “Alouette,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Do Re Mi,” among others. Culture Club with Boy George sang “Karma Chameleon” and George Michael’s “Faith” was heavily listened to. My very first album of my very own came when on my fifth birthday when my dad bought me not only a dress, but also a Dire Straits 45rpm record that played my very favorite song at that time, “Walk of Life.”

My fondest earlier memories of music came when I was even younger than five.  I absolutely loved Tina Turner’s hit, “What’s Love Got to Do.”  My dad hated that song and would wrinkle his nose when it was played but I didn’t care. It was my anthem at age four! Another favorite song from their record collection was “Islands in the Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.

My mom listened to mostly pop and my dad listened to mostly rock. In 1993 country music blew up the music industry and it seemed that everyone was now listening to New Country 93 (radio station). The radio station at home and in the car with my parents was now mostly tuned to country. Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Patty Loveless…it was all popular and all the rage.

The one person whose musical tastes stayed consistent was my grandma, my mother’s mom.  From her is where I learned about classical music, Johnny Mathis and Nat King Cole.  For many years she had an 8-track in her car and as a child I would listen to oldies that would make us both crack up laughing together, such as “Yakkity-Yack (Don’t Talk Back),” “They’re Coming to Take Me Away Ha-Ha,” and “Smoke, Smoke Smoke That Cigarette.”

In third and fourth grade a new revolution in music hit the teen girl’s scene. New Kids on the Block were the hottest boys in denim jackets and Reeboks that us girls had ever seen. Danny, Donnie, Joe, Jordan and Jon were the stuff tween girls dreamt about. “Hangin’ Tough” and “Step by Step” were blasting from tape decks across America. I had NKOTB posters and magazines with them gracing the cover.  My elementary school girlfriends and I would listen to their music at recess whenever one of the girls brought a portable tape player with her (usually in a rad 80s color like mint green or bubblegum pink with mint green trim).

But, as fads fade, so did NKOTB and middle school brought different kinds of music my way. Of course, country was still very popular but some of my friends had began listening to another station as well, 104.7 KDUK. It was fantastic! En Vogue, TLC, Haddaway, Jon Secada, Mariah Carey, Kriss Kross, Naughty by Nature…the list goes on. School dances in middle school led to boys and girls slow-dancing to Toni Braxton and Boyz II Men. When not leaning against the wall in shyness, we danced to upbeat tunes like “Whoomp There It Is” by the Tag Team and “Here Comes the Hot Stepper” by Ini Kamoze.  104.7 KDUK was now my favorite station and after school I would play the radio for hours in my room alone. It was just me and my music and although middle school was traumatic for me, I had the escape of my radio. Ever so often, I would still dig into my parents’ music collection and either listen to my favorites from earlier years or try a new genre or band.  In middle school I was not yet a dedicated fan of hard rock so I would usually skip over Motley Crue or AC/DC. I loved one song from the group Outfield “Your Love” and “Free Falling” by Tom Petty. I liked Pat Benatar, Billy Idol, Creedence Clearwater and Europe’s “Final Countdown.” The Police’s “Synchronicity” album kicked butt and I wore that album out as well. My mom had gotten into the music of Harry Connick, Jr. and I too appreciated this new sound that I had never really heard before.

In middle school I decided to join band and choir. I loved listening to music so much I figured that creating and playing it would be equally as endearing. I played the clarinet in band but did not really enjoy it so much. My passion, I discovered, was singing. At that time, I was terribly anxious and my self-esteem was not high enough to feel confident singing solos like some of the other girls who had beautiful voices. Even those who did not sound so great, I still felt jealous that I did not have their confidence. I loved performing on stage for concerts even though it was the soloists who were the superstars, in my opinion.

It was not until ninth grade when my favorite genre of all appeared in my life and forever changed me. I was into acting and one day up in the actors’ green room, where costumes and props are stored, I was with a classmate checking all the stuff out when a song came on the radio that I had never heard before. The sound and style was unfamiliar and I immediately loved it. I asked my classmate, a dramatic, heavy-eyelinered and “outside-of-the-box” kind of girl in mannerisms and appearance replied that it was “Lump” by 90s alternative grunge band, The Presidents of the United States of America. I made sure to note the station and then it was 95.3 KNRQ (now 97.9) and as soon as I got home that day, my radio remained fixed on the alternative rock station. I recall the first time I ever heard Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” and desperately attempted to record that song onto a cassette tape for what seemed like forever until I finally got it- but was irritated that the DJ would not shut up over the beginning of the song. This was my life outside of school: music. I would record song after song and make mixed tapes that went with me in my Walkman everywhere- in the car, on the bus, while riding my bike…I had a tape player even out in the shed that the basketball hoop was fixed on so that I could listen to music while I shot hoops, which was also nearly every day.  I was in choir in high school as well but still lacked confidence to be a soloist. My voice was improving and I was learning how to control and project my voice and which vocal ranges were best for me. I was formerly a soprano and now can’t sing as well at a higher pitch. I would consider myself today to be a mezzo-soprano, which is considered medium-range for females.

After high school and through the rest of the years leading up through present time, with different boyfriends, jobs, hobbies, I began to appreciate a very diverse musical buffet. As I formerly enjoyed New Country 93 and 104.7 KDUK, I listened to them less often and now, I never listen to 104.7 and only listen to country if it comes from someone else’s radio. I no longer like Tina Turner or Shania Twain. I still love my 90s alternative rock and listen primarily still to 97.9 KNRQ.  I love 80s hair bands like Motley Crue, Whitesnake and Poison where as before, I could not stand them. I love hard rock, classic rock and soft rock. I enjoy New Age like Enya or Kitaro for relaxation. I will use nature sounds to help me sleep or sometimes when counseling a client. The newest genre I am in love with is dubstep, a type of electronic music with heavy “bass drops” that make my heart pound and my body move to the beat without even realizing its happening. Sometimes when I clean I put on some Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Doris Day. At times when I need a positive, uplifting moment I listen to a Christian radio station, as sometimes my depressive state just doesn’t want to tolerate songs about sex, drugs, strippers, death or love (as in, relationship/breaking up types of love). In every genre of music, there is sure to be something, even one single song, that I will appreciate. Opera, bluegrass, rap, folk…my lesser-favorite genres- will surely have something I can appreciate.

As a counseling intern at the Johnson Unit, a psychiatric inpatient crisis unit, I implemented and ran a group based on music therapy. It was actually one of the two most popular groups there. The other was art therapy by another clinician. I designed a CD with about 15 60-second sound bytes, dimmed the lights and  instructed patients to write down on their handout any and all feelings related to that piece of music or sound. Triggers, good or bad memories, goosebumps, sadness, energy…whatever. Then, each patient had the opportunity to share what they wrote. Then, it was on to the next 60-second segment. I made sure to put music and sound clips on the CD that were not purposefully trigger-inducing, such as a wolf howling, glass breaking, gunfire, a baby crying…examples of tracks I used were African drumming, a cat purring, chimes, cello music, a short piece from A Charlie Brown Christmas, tropical “luau-style” music, ocean waves…it was awesome for me to teach others about sounds and how to use them therapeutically and it was equally as great to hear the patients’ own feelings and interpretations of each piece. The visuals that some described when hearing a piece and seeing the colors, landscape and imagining the smells that they pictured in their own heads was stunning. There were some patients who were triggered occasionally. One time I had a piece that sounded like a jungle environment and a man who fought in Vietnam was triggered and had a flashback of being in Vietnam and creeping through the lush jungle habitat and being scared to death of fighting the Vietnamese. So, even sounds that sound serene and calming may not be to some people and instead of calming them might produce anxiety. At the beginning of the group each week I would go over the handout I created and have a brief dialogue with patients about what types of music they like as well as using music as a powerful therapy tool. I explained how influential music is and how drastically it will affect your mood. Music can enhance or alter your mood and behavior and when used for self-care, it has the potential to do more harm than good. In my early years, or at least high school through my mid-2os, I did the typical listen-to-sad-songs routine after a breakup. The music made me feel worse, not better. It exacerbated my depression and sadness and longing to have my boyfriend back.  I figured out in my late 20s that for me, I needed uplifting music to get me through times of pain. This is why I like Christian music, whether it is rock, pop or worship. I don’t have to worry about hearing a song about a breakup or physical intimacy. It is inspiring and uplifting and gives me hope. Contrary to this, when I am angry or about to blow up at people, I do listen to “angry” or heavier rock, such as “Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit or Rage Against the Machine. It increases my adrenaline, which for some people might make them angrier, but for me, it produces a euphoric calming effect.  My father wants Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” played at his funeral someday and now I am no longer listen to this song because it induces sadness, for I know that one day I will be listening to it in memory of my deceased father. I avoid songs that bring me bad memories or triggers me. If I was in a bad relationship or was part of someone’s life who hurt me and certain songs were played during those times, I will have to change the channel if I hear a particular song that reminds me of the person who hurt me. There are two songs by the Eagles that make me shudder, even though I like that band. But, those two songs by them cause a negative reaction inside of me.

Fact: if you get goosebumps or tingly when you hear a piece of music, it is due to the surge of dopamine (feel-good chemical) that your brain sends when you hear something pleasing.  For some, the incredible emotional and proud surge of dopamine may arise when hearing our national anthem at a baseball game.  I experience this often when listening to dubstep.

Only recently I have been able to finally step out of my shell and sing on stage in front of crowds. In fact, if I am doing karaoke and the establishment is practically empty and I am singing a song, I tend to perform worse than if a larger crowd was there.  I would go watch karaoke singers in the past and, like in middle school, have a longing to be able to perform by myself. One night a few years ago, my best friend and I went to watch karaoke and I am not sure if the alcohol finally gave me courage or if it was the encouragement of others, but I decided to get up there and sing my very first karaoke song- one from the 90s by Lisa Loeb called “Stay.” My best friend was excited for me and exclaimed, “I never knew you had such a good voice!” That extra boost of confidence helped me sing one more song that night.  The next karaoke moment occurred with prodding from a friend I was with, albeit a pushy friend who signed me up to sing without my consent and when my name was announced to go on stage, I didn’t want to look pathetic, so I got up there and belted out Alanis Morrisette’s ”You Oughta Know” to a cheering crowd.  The sound guy came up to me afterwards and invited me to the band studio to do some recording for fun. Again, that gave me another shot of confidence. One year later, I sing karaoke regularly and have a range of song styles I sing, but always make sure to pick a song in the mezzo-soprano vocal range. I never sing a song that I know I don’t have a voice for.  For instance, I can’t do Mariah Carey because her songs are too high-pitched. I also learned that I don’t do slower Whitney Houston-style ballads well because my voice sounds better when I “belt out” a tune, rather than croon.  I sing from my diaphragm, which took a long time to learn how to do and therefore can sing power ballad styles quite well. I always start with a song that doesn’t require much warm-up and sometimes will pick a song depending on the crowd type. I also choose songs where I can closely imitate the original singer and therefore I personally don’t sing tunes by male singers. For fun and to be goofy, I dueted with my aunt recently “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey and it was definitely not my best song, but we were the last ones in a small bar and sang the last song before closing so it was fine. Unlike me, there are people who will sing whatever song they want to sing, regardless whether it matches their vocal range and pitch. That’s cool. Karaoke has no rules and it’s all about fun. For me, it is exhilarating and stress-relieving and I get impatient waiting for my next turn on stage- a complete 180 from when I used to be painfully shy about singing alone in front of others! I love it when I am singing a song and people are singing along with me in the crowd or clapping or dancing. That means that they are enjoying what I am performing and it’s a big confidence booster. I appreciate the compliments I always receive afterwards. Most of all, I am pleased not so much with my singing ability, but that I was able to reach a dream of singing on stage when in the past I thought I would never be able to do it. Granted, this is karaoke and I am not famous nor do I have a local band of my own, although I am considering making that a goal as well.

]]> http://unspokenstyle.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/them-crooked-vultures-spinning-in-daffodils-live-rock-werchter-2010/ Fri, 17 May 2013 18:32:20 +0000 Jason Lenox http://unspokenstyle.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/them-crooked-vultures-spinning-in-daffodils-live-rock-werchter-2010/ ]]> http://mediafort.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/extensive-trailer-breakdown-kick-ass-2/ Fri, 17 May 2013 18:21:08 +0000 sophielmm http://mediafort.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/extensive-trailer-breakdown-kick-ass-2/ We are introduced to the two main characters at the start of the trailer, as they are training up. This also serves to introduce the two characters together. The music is upbeat and quirky, matching the style of the film. The colour and lighting is bright and clear, showing that these two characters are on the good side. It also serves to show the films sense of humour. We are then introduced to the films main character, to give a more thorough introduction and to establish his role in the film. The films co-star is also introduced more in depth as her role is established in the film. We see the characters going about their lives, showing them working together. The music is still upbeat, with a sense of action, to reflect what is happening on screen. New characters are introduced, and we are shown how they relate to the main characters, and what role they play in the film. We see the main characters and the new ones working together, further establishing their role in the film. The feel of the film becomes more surrealistic and chaotic, matching the music. The main plot point comes in with the main villain of the film, giving a motive for his actions. This is where the music begins to become more intense and starts building. The colour, and lighting is dark, to reflect the anger and sinister feelings that the character feels. We then see the villain begin to take action, by creating an alter-ego. Showing the villain teaming up with others and also hiring thugs to help spread destruction and chaos. The music beings to be very fast-paced, to match the action. Although they are causing trouble, it doesn’t affect the main characters until this scene, where the main conflict starts. This is where the main characters realise how serious the problem is with the villain. Trouble arises for the protagonists in the form of terror and authority crack down. Often in action films, authority figures, such as government officials and police forces mistakenly try and take down the heros, thinking that they are the threat. The trailer also reveals personal problems with the main character, to make him more complex and realistic to the audience. The colour here is more washed out and de-saturated, further adding to the mood of the scene. The music becomes melancholy and slow. The character finds himself in danger, and has to find a way out of it. The music matches the mood and seriousness of the scene, as well as the colour, which is dark and moody. The hero gets out of danger with the help of others, and faces the threat of abandoning the idea of helping take down the villain. They then realise that they have to defeat the antagonist as if they don’t, then nobody will. Motivation sets in as they prepare for the showdown. The lighting gets brighter to reflect this and the music picks up again. Everyone teams up to take down the villain, in a showdown at the end of the trailer. The colours become more intense, creating the sense that the film is about to become even more intense. The hero and the villain face against each other. In this frame, you can clearly see that thought has gone into the colour of the costumes, with the villains being black, with leather and harsh features, whereas the hero’s costume is bright and simple. We briefly see them fighting, which takes the trailer up to its climax. At this point, the music is quick, high-tempo and intense. The slow motion with the fight scenes shows the audience that the climax is harsh, action packed and dramatic. The title card punches on to the screen, revealing the name of the film. The bright colours against the dark background makes it stand out, and the texture in the font gives it a grungy, action feel. The yellow and red colours, even though it isn’t obvious, creates a subliminal sense of danger and ruthlessness. Another title card comes up, tantalising the audience that the film is coming soon, even though we don’t know when. The words are in the same font as the title of the film for continuity. The last title card comes up showing the main cast of the film and also some of the crew, like the director and producers. At the bottom, a link goes to a Facebook page where fans can get updates on the film. ]]> http://unspokenstyle.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/queens-of-the-stone-age-if-i-had-a-tail-my-god-is-the-sun-live-at-dwdd/ Fri, 17 May 2013 17:11:33 +0000 Jason Lenox http://unspokenstyle.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/queens-of-the-stone-age-if-i-had-a-tail-my-god-is-the-sun-live-at-dwdd/ ]]> http://youtopiantimes.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/navanax-ink/ Fri, 17 May 2013 15:04:38 +0000 rxsloan http://youtopiantimes.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/navanax-ink/

NAVANAX INK™

19 Minutes of lost audio …… FOUND. Along with several more HOURS UPON HOURS