Integrity is the key, sun comes up, rain falls down.
The sounds I make, people come to hear, eternally grateful.
There is something important to be said.
An open letter.
As an artist and as a human being in general, one of the the things in life I hold dear is integrity. If one makes a artwork, writes something, says something, if you truly believe it, or believe in it, you should be able to stick to your guns. If a commercial concern rears it's head, if a 'dumbing down' to the lowest common denominator is requested, if you project something that you don't believe in, you have lost the integrity of the original intention. It's not always easy and sometimes things are forced out that you feel you are no longer in control of. I think most people can spot bullshit, some choose to ignore it and accept it for what it is. Others are repelled. A minor few don't realise or don't care.
I admire those who withdraw completely from something they feel has been compromised, but I also admire those who try and fight for what they think is right. Like I say it's not always easy. What has all this got to do with anything? It's just something I've been thinking about lately. It's something I've always believed. And every now and then certain occurrences bring it into focus. Say and do what you mean. I, like everyone else have opinions and views and I'll defend them if need be. But if one truly believes in what they do and say, anything I or anyone else says should not make a difference in the long run should it?
It is a delicate balance though. Because one should not just 'hear what you want to hear'. Often opinions that differ from your own, stick in your craw. You can take on board other's opinions, thoughts and suggestions. But in the end, the decision is yours. I have for the past 5 or so years, tried to keep my cynicism at bay. It's a difficult path. It's much easier to have a blanket response to everything, cover up the quirks of existence with a dark cloth of ignorance or impatience. What I attempt (and am not always successful with) is to try look at things on a case by case basis. This can take time and patience and will sometimes mean 'life' passes in front of you. The life that passes though will often be one of 'instant opinions', superficial glances, a Wikipedia world.
I do like the fact that the Internet is fast and we can get information instantly. I like advances in technology and I use it regularly. I like a life of easy access, virtual communication. But it's not the be-all, end-all and it's not that faster = better. I would subscribe in many ways to the opinions of 'The Long Now'.
So to close the rant...I think it's important to look at all sides if you can, take on board things where you can and where you think it's relevant, but ultimately it's up to you.
I was honoured to be part of the 6a/Amplified Sound Art showcase on Friday, July 17 and was in awesome company.
My project mumble(speak) performed along with Soundtracks Will Dissolve, Cycle, Matt Neidra and Scot/Andrew. It was a cool mix of sounds and I was able to also launch the second mumble(speak) studio album "having learnt a few things about people".
Part 2 of the 6a/Amplifed Sound Art showcase was again something I was happy to be asked to be the featured artist. This one-night only event was called 'Haunted Micro Voices' and was located at the abandoned Battery beneath Princes Park in Battery Point. The space, full of it's own mood and connotations was installed with 3 surround sound elements, one of which was recorded site specifically,
some dim lights and fog. The space itself did the work, I just amplified (pun intended) the mood. Not that it was an easy work to create and install, but the challenges were worth it. We had close to 180 people through during the 3 hours it was open, a steady drove of folks, some who came specifically for the work, others curious about the space (you can actually visit the battery if you take a Hobart Ghost Tour) and a combination of the two. I was very happy with the final work and the responses.
Below is a 'walk through' recording of the sounds in the various rooms with some images.
Thanks 6a, Andrew, Amplified and especially to Tricky who re-worked the posters and took some fantastic images.
Upcoming:
On August 29 as DJ Broken Tiny, I will be performing a set at 'Brand New Second Hand', Ben Crothers (aka DJ BTC) monthly DJ nights at The Brisbane Hotel. The theme for the evening is 'Europe' so I will be playing a set containing Krautrock, other Euro-prog and electronics. Should be fun.
I'm currently co-organising a show in late September called 'Black Sunday' presented by Sound Klub, an evening of experi-metal and dark drones. More details as it comes to hand.
And just to end with, Brian Wilson - 'Surf's Up (demo)'.
Take care of each other.
