The 'Nick Able Music' Blog

9 years ago today

2012-01-02T12:22:00.004Z

Today, the 3nd Janurary 2012 marks 9 years since i left the UK, traveled to India to live and study with the legendary Maestro Ravi Shankar in New Delhi.

So much has happened in the past 9 years and the time spent with my Guru (Guru-ji is the term we use to address the teacher) has taught me so much, and continues to have an impact on my daily life.

Thinking back it was a very exiting but terrifying journey. Id never really traveled before apart from one trip to the USA and one family holiday when i was about 12. To make matters worse my fight from Newcastle to New Delhi via Amsterdam was delayed for 12 hours! I was stuck in Schiphol Airport with not much to do apart from think about what was ahead of me. When i finally arrived in New Delhi i was stunned, the first thing that hit me, just as i stepped out the plane was the smell. When i got my luggage and made my way to the exit i was shocked yet again by the several hundred people outside, many of whom came over to me in a very forceful manner, taking my bags, trying to get me into their taxi etc. It was complete madness! I was picked up by Guruji's driver and taken to The Ravi Shankar Centre, the title given to The Shankars home where i would be living for the next 4 months. It was early afternoon, sun shining and upon arrival i met Guruji for the first time. I was taken to my room which was very basic compared to the rest of the house. I had a single bed, three shelves and a bathroom with a shower and a bucket. The walls were bare apart from one framed photograph of Guruji. It was clear this was a place made for serious practice and study of music, nothing else. I smiled to myself when i went into the bathroom to put out my personal items and found some plastic toy bugs, spiders and cockroaches in the sink! The Shankars has placed them there to try to scare me as id shown a big fear of big bugs and was worried id see a lot of them in India! I was told to rest as id had a long journey and i spent the evening settling in.

The next morning i was told to come to the music room at 11am, where id meet with Guruji for my first lesson. I was loaned a sitar as mine was being made and would take some time. I went into the music room very nervous, Guruji was sat on the carpet along with Kenji Ota, another student from Japan, and Gaurav Mazumdar, a senior student of Guruji who would be coaching me in the first few weeks.

Guruji's first words to me, once i sat on the floor opposite him with the sitar on my lap were

'Ok lets see what you can do'

My jaw dropped.

Stay tuned for more soon...

New Endorsements!

2011-08-05T16:27:00.003+01:00

I'm really pleased to announce that i am now endorsed by IK Multimedia and Arobas Music-Guitar Pro!!

Thanks so much to both these companies for their support!

New Project!

2011-07-17T12:21:00.002+01:00

Library Album | Teaser Trailer from Dominik Johnson on Vimeo.

Collaborating with fellow Ethnic/World musician on a new Library Album. Here is a short trailer featuring the musicians and producers who are taking part in the project.

Ravi Shankar Celebrating His 10th Decade!

2011-06-07T17:04:00.004+01:00

Tomorrow night in Manchester at the Bridgewater Hall, Maestro Ravi Shankar, my Guru will be performing a concert in celebration of his 10th Decade. Im very happy and proud to be part of this event, its been over 8 years since i went to India and became a disciple of Ravi Shankar where i began studying sitar and indian classical music.

Continuum wins 'Best of IFF'11' at Immersive Film Festival 2011

2011-05-28T14:56:00.006+01:00

Continuum won 'Best of IFF'11' in the short film category at this years Immersive Film Festival in Portugal. For more information see here

The work has also been programmed at the 'Fulldome Festival 2011', taking place at the Zeiss Planetarium, Jena, Germany from 12-14 May.

New Endorsement from Toontrack!

2011-04-23T15:43:00.004+01:00

Im happy to announce that i am now endorsed by Toontrack! Ill be using all their plug-ins in my work from now on and will also be doing some tutorials on EZDrummer, Superior Drummer, EZ Mix etc etc. Please click here to visit the Toontrack website.

Anoushka Shankar 'Rise' Tour- Europe, Summer 2006

2011-04-23T15:27:00.000+01:00

YouTube channel for Nick Able Music

2011-04-23T15:22:00.003+01:00

Still not managed to get back into the habit of updating the blog on a regular basis. However, i am now starting to upload videos to my YouTube channel. I have about 20 DV tapes to edit, as well as footage from my camera so theres plenty on its way. Ill also be doing some tuition videos for guitar, sitar and music production.

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the channel to get updates when i upload a new video as i wont be posting each one here. Thanks!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpNS_EOkbN0

Continuum 2011 Screenings

2011-02-14T18:13:00.011Z

Continuum has been programmed into this years Newcastle Science Festival on 14th March at Centre for Life where it will be sharing an evening with the preview of 'Primitive Streak'. The work has also been programmed at Fulldome Festival UK 2011, (12th - 13th March). The event will be held at Thinktank Birmingham and has been coordinated by Plymouth based organisation GaiaNova.

The work has also been submitted to the International Fulldome Festival in Portugal and The 5th Fulldome Festival at the Jena Zeiss Planetarium in Germany.

For a Fulldome UK 2011 press release, click here

Download Newcastle Science Festival 2011 brochure here

Ravi and Anoushka Shankar Live at Salisbury Cathedral in 2003

2011-02-04T09:59:00.001Z

From my first ever tour with Ravi (Guruji) and Anoushka Shankar back in 2003! This clip is from Salisbury Cathedral where we did a special concert.

What's on my desk (or sofa) today???

2011-01-20T21:51:00.003Z

Two brilliant books on guitar technique. These books are by far some of the best available for guitar studies.

New Update January 2011

2011-01-20T21:39:00.003Z

Well..again its been a loooong time since i updated the blog. Just not got back into the swing of it but i will be updating it regularly from now on. While im at it, does anyone out there know if a good app to upload direct from iPhoto?? It would make it sooo much easier for me since i already upload to Facebook, Flickr etc direct from iPhoto.

Anyways my first post is my current reading pile...Quadrivium, The Optimum Nutrition Bible, Multiple Streams of Income, Introducing NLP, Dragons Den, A Dictionary, The Dawn of Indian Music in the West and Derren Browns latest book....in addition to this im also working through Tony Robbins Get The Edge and Personal Power 2 audio courses...

Whats on my desk today???

2010-10-19T10:59:00.001+01:00

New Update

2010-10-19T10:41:00.002+01:00

Hi readers and friends. Its been a while since i updated the blog. Its been a busy last few months. Did a great tour with Anoushka Shankar back in April/May allover the USA and Europe. Halfway through the tour my MacBook Pro laptop died which caused alot of problems for my work, as you can imagine. Will post some photos from the past few months work and activities before getting back into the swing of updating the blog as regularly as possible. I also have created a Flickr account where i have started uploading alot more photos- its much easier as there is a direct upload button from within iPhoto. Check it out here.

Photos from Changeling at Globe Gallery

2010-06-28T19:22:00.003+01:00

Photos by Andrzej Wojtas

Changeling to be shown at Globe Gallery, click here for information

Changeling

2010-06-28T19:20:00.000+01:00

Changeling from Paul Grimmer on Vimeo.

A portal to an unspecific place opens to reveal glimpses of a body form that constantly mutates. Changeling explores themes of control, ambiguity and the constructed self, challenging and transforming perceptions of beauty and perfection.

Peer through the looking glass into another world, an unseen world, some things seem familiar, some strange, like a dream. Here, in this other world a body moves, in and out of focus, suspended, opening and closing, forming and re-forming, seeking perfection, struggling to fit between ends always unknown.

Changeling is a gallery adaptation of the fulldome work Continuum and part of a larger body of work Mutations. The work was developed during residencies with the Medical Research Council, Virology Unit, Glasgow (2008), Allenheads Contemporary Arts, Northumberland (2009) and Dance City, Newcastle (2009).

Supported by: Allenheads Contemporary Arts, Arts Council England, Dance City, Globe Gallery & Medical Research Council.

After Effects Editor: Andrzej Wojtas
Sound Composition: Nick Able

Continuum

2010-06-28T18:58:00.002+01:00

Continuum from Paul Grimmer on Vimeo.

Continuum is an immersive fulldome video work with 5.1 surround soundscape created specifically for immersive planetarium environments. The work is a meditation on notions of beauty, perfection and difference focusing on a body, physically and digitally modified and transformed. As the body moves in and out of focus, suspended, it is glimpsed, not seen, taken apart, re-ordered and replicated into new, exotic forms. The work was developed during residencies with the Medical Research Council, Virology Unit (Glasgow 2008), Allenheads Contemporary Arts (Northumberland 2009) and Dance City (Newcastle upon Tyne 2009).

Mentor/Outside Eye: Fiona Wright
Movement Research/Director of Photography: Wendy Erickson
Camera: Ian Bailey
Camera Assistant: Aaron Blenkin
Grip: Paul Kemp
Lighting: James Froment
Prosthetic and Make Up: Satinder Chumber
Costume Design: Jo Brossman
Technical Support: Daniel Barella
Storyboards: Paul Grimmer
Editor: Andrzej Wojtas
Dome Technician: Chris Hudson (Centre for Life)
Audio Production & Sound Design: Nick Able, Benjamin Freeth
Engineering, Mix and Master: Nick Able
Additional Engineering: Benjamin Freeth
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered: Nick Able Music Studio
Additional Recording: Culture Lab, Newburn Surgery
Filmed at: Dance City

New Update

2010-06-28T18:49:00.002+01:00

Friends,

Not been updating the blog for a while now. Been very busy with Anoushka- two months touring the USA and Europe. My laptop died whilst on the European tour which left me helpless! Took a while to get things up to date upon my arrival home, transferring files to Mac Pro, backing up data etc etc. Now in London with Anoushka and got new laptop so i can start to update the blog again whilst im on my travels. Going to make the updates less frequent though as i find it very time consuming (can anyone recommend a good plug in for iPhoto to make updates easier??). Also because i have TWO new websites coming out very soon. They have been delayed somewhat due to my laptop problems as i had planned to spend the month of the European tour updating and adding all the content. Also i recently made a Flickr account where i will start to upload many of my photos- there is a great feature in iPhoto that enables a direct upload so its much easier for me to use and i can upload alot of photos compared to this! I still hope you all continue to visit the blog as it will feature content not displayed on other sites.

Please bookmark and check these other sites...

http://www.flickr.com/people/nickablemusic/

http://www.youtube.com/user/nickablemusic

Also follow me on Twitter @NickAble

Warm Regards,

Nick.

Continuum Press Release

2010-05-21T15:54:00.002+01:00

Photo by Colin Davison

Public preview of:

Continuum
A fulldome video art work by Paul Grimmer
Featuring a commissioned 5.1 surround soundscape by Nick Able and Benjamin Freeth

‘Continuum’ will preview at the Planetarium, Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne on Friday 25th June as part of ‘Identity Masquerade’ between 18:30 - 21:00.

Newcastle based artist Paul Grimmer will be premiering his new video work in the unique immersive environment of the Planetarium at Newcastle’s Centre for Life. Grimmer developed the work during artist residencies with the Medical Research Council, Virology Unit in Glasgow (2008) and Allenheads Contemporary Arts in rural Northumberland (2009).

‘Continuum’ has been created specifically for the 10-metre diameter hemispherical screen at Centre for Life’s Planetarium, the largest in the region. Created with support from the development team at Life, ‘Continuum’ uses fulldome technology to create an immersive experience for the viewer, placing them inside of the work. The Centre is currently celebrating 10 years of excellence in the field of genetic research, which has been another influence for Grimmer’s work.

The artist says...

“The work explores the gaps between what we see and understand and what remains unseen and incomprehensible. ‘Continuum’ imagines another world, perhaps a microscopic world, like that of the virus or one that is as unimaginably vast as the universe. These extremes can only be visualised with the help of science and yet retain a sense of wonder and magic, they live in the imagination”

“Certain genetic mutations manifest themselves visibly, others are invisible but are mutations nonetheless. To the virus mutation is key to survival. Viruses are deadly and dangerous, yet highly ordered and beautiful, I am interested in these dualities”

“The Planetarium is designed and best equipped to display astronomical information and 3D animation. Learning how to adapt video for this setting was extremely challenging but also exciting as it offers a unique level of immersion for the viewer”

Complementing the visuals is a 5.1 surround soundscape produced and mixed for the planetarium by composer and musician Nick Able and multi-media artist and musician Benjamin Freeth, both based in Newcastle. The soundscape was created with support from Culture Lab and Newburn Surgery where recordings were gathered from the artist’s body as source material.

During his residency at Allenheads Grimmer contacted prosthetics sculptor Satinder Chumber with a strange request, to make him a tail. This unusual body modification was to be worn during the video shoot for Continuum. The transformation also involved the artist being painted gold from head to foot, creating a body both beautiful and grotesque. Working with movement, researched and developed at Dance City (2009), ‘Continuum’ explores mutation, difference and notions of beauty.

Project supported by:
Allenheads Contemporary Arts, Arts Council England, Centre for Life, Culture Lab, Dance City, Medical Research Council, Newburn Surgery, Newcastle Science Festival 2010

Location:
Life Science Centre, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 4EP
For directions see - http://www.life.org.uk/life-science-centre/visit-us

Tickets:
Tickets for the ‘Identity Masquerade’ event cost £5 and are available from Centre for Life, for bookings contact: Niamh on 01912438223

For further information, full resolution images or interviews contact:
Paul Grimmer on 07919568432 or at paul@paulgrimmer.co.uk

www.paulgrimmer.co.uk

Sailing in the Bay Area...

2010-05-11T21:08:00.003+01:00

I feel like im in the film 'Dead Calm'- but where's Nicole Kidman????

Two and a half days off in San Francisco

2010-05-11T20:50:00.003+01:00

Jordan Rudess at Pyramind- San Francisco

2010-05-11T20:27:00.003+01:00

Jordan Rudess and Moldover
Jordan performing on his iPhone
Wizbot- Jordan's iPad/iPhone App.
Sneak view of a new App Jordan is designing, inspired by the Haken Continuum!! Cant wait to try this!!

Apple's iPad!!!

2010-04-26T05:59:00.003+01:00

The Apple iPad is a great little device. I must admit when it first came out i was somewhat disappointed. No iSight camera, and its basically a large iPod Touch. However, upon seeing and holding one in my hands...i LOVE it....needless to say i wont be coming home with one. But when Apple bring out the 2nd Generation, ill be getting one for sure!!

Arrival in San Francisco after 3 shows in a row!

2010-04-26T05:55:00.002+01:00

Our hotel in San Francisco- The Fairmont
View from the room 1
View from the room 2
Lobby
Soo many hills....

Too bad the TV here in the US isnt worth watching....could of been useful...

2010-04-26T05:53:00.001+01:00

Even more Venue stuff...sooo many venues.....

2010-04-26T05:49:00.003+01:00

Chicago- Schaumberg..Stunning
Stage all ready to go....

Plenty of EQ then...

More Venue stuff....

2010-04-26T05:45:00.001+01:00

Cheese????!!

2010-04-26T05:43:00.003+01:00

At least we know where to find the Cheese........

Gordon Ramsey????

2010-04-26T05:43:00.002+01:00

More hotel stuff....

2010-04-26T05:35:00.003+01:00

Lobby at the Fairmont Hotel- San Fransisco
Lobby at the Renaissance Chicago
Lobby at Renaissance Chicago..cont
Lobby at Renaissance Chicago...cont....
Atrium at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Hotel rooms

2010-04-26T05:31:00.002+01:00

Chicago- Renaissance Hotel
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Hotel Ivy Minneapolis

More venues

2010-04-26T05:27:00.004+01:00

Augusta, Georgia

Tour Bus!!!

2010-04-26T05:15:00.002+01:00

In my little bunk
My bunk
12 bunks
I love the tour bus! So much more relaxing to travel this way with all our luggage and instruments. Its a nightmare for us at the airport. This bus is like a luxury hotel and has two living areas, kitchen, bathroom. 12 bunks each with their own TV and DVD player.

Venue in DC

2010-04-26T05:10:00.003+01:00

Usually on each tour there are one or two shows that are at a different kind of venue. Mostly its all concert halls or a festival. Here we perform at the Sixth and I Historic Synagouge. Other artists who have performed here recently are Imogen Heap and Bryan Adams. Stunning place.

The view from the room in Washington DC

2010-04-26T05:09:00.000+01:00

Hmmm...glad i don't pay the bills on tour....

2010-04-26T05:07:00.002+01:00

Venues

2010-04-26T05:04:00.002+01:00

Norfolk, Virginia

Sitar crack!!!!

2010-04-26T04:59:00.002+01:00

Anoushka's main sitar is cracked!! We have no idea how it happened, as we now buy a seat on all flights for the instrument its unlikely its been something at the airport. Two other sitar's were flown out while this goes back to be repaired.

New youtube channel

2010-04-16T15:32:00.003+01:00

My new youtube channel is here!!

Lots of cool stuff to be added over the next few weeks from the past 7 years of working as a musician and composer, from worldwide travels and tours, to projects to technical stuff and LOTS more. Please check it out here. Subscribe and add me as a friend.

Enjoy!

Digital City Fellowships

2010-04-16T01:51:00.001+01:00

A great short clip made my Loday Gonpo- Creative Director at the IDI and Digital City Fellowships scheme i was part of in 2009. See the video here

Anoushka Shankar Project USA and Canada Tour 2010- Sudakshini

2010-04-15T19:14:00.004+01:00

The view from my position on stage

First show in Decorah, Iowa.

For the next 2 months i will be touring with Anoushka Shankar. We have shows in the USA, Canada and Europe. Dates and booking information can be found here. Soon i will launch two new websites and a youtube channel. Watch this space.

Cool Cars

2010-04-15T19:11:00.002+01:00

Some cool cars in the parking lot outside hotel.

Heading to Encinitas, California.

2010-04-13T04:25:00.004+01:00

Taking off at LAX, heading to San Diego.
You can just see the Hollywood sign in the hills.
San Diego
This is someone's house!
Encinitas

TV Arte Lounge Show- Berlin, Germany.

2010-04-12T19:53:00.002+01:00

Graffiti allover the set, infact graffiti is allover Berlin!

TV Arte Lounge Show- Berlin, Germany.

2010-04-12T19:48:00.001+01:00

Our spot on the stage
Loads of people!! TV is crazy!

Nick Able Music- Branding design by European Animal

2010-03-09T19:41:00.003Z

Here we have the final design for the Branding for my new website and company- Nick Able Music. The website will be ready by early April. Watch this space!!!

The Elvis Tour comes to town

2010-03-09T19:33:00.002Z

Set up takes around 6 hours!!

Set up and ready to go!

I spent the morning here at Metro Arena with my good friend and legendary Audio Engineer- Howie Lindeman. Howie was doing the Front of House (FOH) sound on the tour and invited me to the show. Elvis isn't my thing at all but had a great time with Howie and really enjoyed the concert!

Elvis!!!

2010-03-09T19:24:00.002Z

Not into Elvis at all but really enjoyed this show!
Backstage- can't wait to get back out on tour!!
Me with Howie Lindeman- renowned Audio Engineer and good friend. Howie has worked with many of the worlds greatest artists- John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith...the list goes on, and on....

Matt Case Photography

2010-03-09T19:14:00.002Z

Photography by the wonderful Matt Case. We did three photoshoots across a period of about 3 months, all imagery to be used for my upcoming website and online materials.

All photography © Matt Case

'Continuum'- the final, finished Logic session

2010-03-09T19:08:00.002Z

Here we have the final Logic session for 'Continuum'.

Setting up to mix in 5.1 at the Planetarium

2010-03-09T17:17:00.002Z

Hooking up my MOTU to the Planetarium 5.1 system

Another Toy in the studio

2010-03-09T17:16:00.002Z

Transferring my iPhoto library-almost 25,000 photos!!!

2010-03-09T17:12:00.001Z

You don't want to know how long this took! And i have a FAST computer!! zzzzzzzzz

A new machine joins me in the studio

2010-03-09T17:10:00.001Z

Anoushka Shankar Project USA and European Tour 2010

2010-02-15T22:30:00.005Z

Today i accepted Anoushka Shankar's USA/Canada and European Tour!! This will be around my 10th tour in 7 years. This coincides with my Guru- Maestro Ravi Shankar's 90th birthday celebrations!!! Got alot of work to get finished before i go!!

Dates here

http://anoushkashankar.com/tour_html.php

Hope to see some of you there! Please come and say hi...

Anoushka Shankar Project headlining WOMAD Festival in 2006.

L-R- Leo Dombecki (Piano), Tanmoy Bose (Tabla), Anoushka Shankar (Sitar), Ravichandra Kulur (Flute, percussion), Pirashanna Thevarajah (Mridangam, Percussion), Nick Able (Laptop).

Configuring the ProTools HD set up in Culture Lab for 5.1 mixing

2010-02-13T21:25:00.002Z

Working in the Control Room

Icon D Command Desk

Checking out the Planetarium, prepping for Mixing 'Continuum'

2010-02-13T21:17:00.005Z

The position of the Sub/LFE- powerful enough to easily blow you out your seat!! Just a shame we aren't using it to its full power for this piece!

More Flamenco recording- the studio kit!

2010-02-13T21:07:00.003Z

RMC Mic Pre's
SSL
Two Focustire Liquid Channel's!
Universal Audio!
Boogie Mk 1

Recording some Flamenco!!

2010-02-13T20:59:00.002Z

Main workstation in studio

Lluis Lleó Oller
Paco Bethencourt LLobet and Mary Adine Lambourne

'Continuum' Official Press Release details and imagery

2010-01-20T14:14:00.003Z

Photography by Daniel Barella

Continuum

"Blending mythological and scientific imagery, the project explores mutation, transformation and difference, notions of beauty and the struggle for perfection. Peering through the looking glass into another world somewhere between the familiar and the unknown."

By Paul Grimmer

with an original 5.1 Soundscape by Nick Able and Benjamin Freeth

Continuum will be presented at After Dark: Designer Bodies, part of Newcastle Sciencefest at Centre For Life.

After Dark: Designer BodiesDate/Time: Thursday, March 18, 2010 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Venue: Planetarium, Centre For Life, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Free tickets available now from:http://newcastlesciencefest-efbnen.eventbrite.com/

'Continuum'- almost done with the arrangement, sounding great!

2010-01-20T14:08:00.002Z

Recording additional guitars with my 7 string Schecter. Using a bow to create layers of drones.

Working on the final arrangement with the brief close to hand.

Indian and World Music for Events and Weddings

2010-01-20T13:48:00.002Z

I am now taking bookings for small and medium sized events. weddings, corporate functions, private functions etc. New website and myspace will be up soon with video and audio examples. Any booking or enquiry please contact me at nickable01@hotmail.com

Out of action!!!

2010-01-20T13:43:00.002Z

My Apple 30" HD Cinema Display is OUT OF ACTION!! A real bad thing for me right now, right in the middle of several projects. The stand is damaged due to wear and tear. Cant be replaced or repaired. The only option is to use it with a VESTA wall mount, but the way my studio is set up thats not possible. So its getting sold and a new one is coming in. Just waiting a few days as i have a feeling Steve Jobs is going to announce a new design at the Keynote next week. Last time i updated my MacBook Pro, a week later the new ones came out!! Grrrr

Sound Design for 'Continuum'

2010-01-20T13:39:00.002Z

Working on the laptop with Spectrasonics Atmospheres- an incredible virtual instrument plug in. Getting more sounds for 'Continuum' and using them as a base to design new sounds to use in the piece.

European Animal- to start work on my upcoming website any day!

2010-01-13T20:26:00.004Z

Check out the website of European Animal, who will be working on designing my upcoming website, and working on the branding for my company 'Nick Able Music'.

This website is well overdue had has had a few setbacks in getting started. Look forward to starting on it and getting it out there!!

http://www.europeananimal.co.uk/

Another new toy for the studio

2010-01-11T19:33:00.002Z

Starting to arrange the first drafts for 'Continuum' in Logic Pro

2010-01-10T19:25:00.003Z

Starting to populate the arrangement with all kinds of wierd and wonderful sounds! I spent a day or so working in Ableton Live, doing Sound Design for this project. Taking pre-recorded material obtained from the Newburn Surgery, and other sounds from the Logic library. I played with them, using all the editing tools available until they started to change into what i was wanting to hear. From there they were imported into Logic and used in this first section, doing yet more editing to get them just right. Some of the sounds i worked with were Heartbeats, Pulse's, Debris Falling, Frying Bacon, Pouring Milk onto Cereal, Gurgling Water, all of these were treated with heavy Sound Design to change them into 'internal body' sounds. Ben and myself had 3 sessions following this and we included some sounds he worked on with Reaktor and MAX/MSP's Lloop.

First drafts for the piece. Going off the first brief given by Paul Grimmer, i sat with Logic and started to gather sounds to map out the first section of the piece.

Please check out more about this project...

http://paulgrimmer.blogspot.com/

http://dm.ncl.ac.uk/benfreeth/blog/

The snow is here for Christmas!! Woo Hoo!!

2010-01-01T19:13:00.002Z

The gigantic trampoline and swing are out of action, but.....who needs them when its snowing and you have a SLEDGE!!!?

Working in my studio

2010-01-01T19:09:00.003Z

This is 1/3 of my studio, looking onto the main workstation and desk where i spent most of my time writing, composing and researching for my work. The equipment at the main desk changes from project to project. Right now im working alot with 5.1 surround sound so you can see some of the surround monitoring. All the instruments i use are on the other side of the room and dotted around the house.

Another great guitar joins me in the studio!

2010-01-01T18:52:00.003Z

Godin Multiac Jazz. This was loaned to me by a great friend to use for the 'Continuum' project. Such a fantastic guitar!!! I am proud to be endorsed by Godin Guitars!

http://www.godinguitars.com/endorsees.htm
The Multiac Jazz alongside my own LGXT (SA). I wanted to use a Godin that had the Roland 16 pin to MIDI output with a fixed bridge (mine is a floating trem) so i could do alot of altered tunings and record the regular guitar with the MIDI and the acoustic piezo.

What's on my desk today???

2010-01-01T18:42:00.002Z

A great book that i have been meaning to get for some time. Some of this book was written around the same time i was in Delhi, living and studying sitar and indian classical music from my guru, Maestro Ravi Shankar. Although the author, Peter Lavezzoli was around the Shankar residence the same time as myself, i never met him until a concert we did in Escondido, CA well after the book was released. This book conjures up many memories for me of the time i spent in India.

A nice guitar joins me in the studio.....

2010-01-01T18:38:00.002Z

Ibanez Jem 7V WH. The signature guitar of Steve Vai. Joins me in the studio, not for recording...but...for a photo shoot. Watch this space for photos.

Doing some Sound Design for 'Continuum' with Ableton Live

2010-01-01T18:27:00.002Z

In darkness, trying to get in the mood and create an atmosphere in the studio for creating some very dark, dissonant sounds to be used in the first section of the Soundscape.
Sound Design using the recordings obtained at the surgery. Taking the raw sounds and morphing them using different effects, cutting, reversing and other powerful editing tools to create new sounds.

Recording Session for 'Through the Looking Glass' now re-named to 'CONTINUUM'

2009-12-30T15:24:00.003Z

Recording at Newburn Surgery in the attempt to obtain internal body sounds to use in the soundscape. We used very specialist mic's and direct recordings from the fetal ultrasound doppler machine.

The FINAL (did i say final??) wiring of my 5.1 monitoring system!!

2009-12-21T22:34:00.004Z

After buying my Blue Sky 5.1 Media Desk many months ago, i only just managed to get it fully wired up and all the wiring under the floors etc etc. Id bought the system right in the middle of a major renovation and re-decoration to my studio at home. So it was temporarily set up then took back down, then up again for the 'Black Sea of Trees' project. So id bought various types of wire, some which was very expensive. In the end i had about 4 different types of wire, some which had been painstakingly fed under the floor and carpets. I finally bought some of the best wire available in a 25 meter roll, threw the other wire away and sat for almost a full day wiring this whole system up!!! Already, after buying the 5.1 set up im well on my way into my 2nd 5.1 composition project, which i was commissioned based on the success of the 1st!!

In this picture you can see my Mac Pro and the 5.1 LFE- or Sub Woofer as its commonly known. All of the wiring comes from each of the speakers, into the rear of the Sub. From the Sub the connections (XLR or Jack) go to my multichannel soundcard, MOTU Traveller. You can also see some ( yes just some ) of the wires!! It took me a good couple hours to tidy and arrange all the wiring, cables, power supplys etc etc! I must say, i truly HATE wires!!!

Working on a new piece ive been commissioned to compose

2009-12-21T22:30:00.003Z

Working in Logic Pro on a new piece ive been commissioned to compose. Just sketching out a few ideas and getting a feel for what im trying to look for in the sound. This is a big project and ill be posting regular updates from now following the process from start to finish....Those of you out there who are audio engineers, yes i know the automation is a little rough...remember i did say this was a sketch ;-)

Main writing desk at my home studio

2009-12-21T22:24:00.003Z

This is the main writing desk at my studio which is still under construction. One of two desks in the room. This hosts the main computer and hard drive storage and backup. Apple Mac Pro, 2TB, External LaCie drives up to 1TB, Apple 30" Cinema HD Display, MOTU interface, Roland MIDI interface, Stereo Monitoring, 5.1 Blue Sky Media Desk Monitoring, Novation SL Mk 2, a whole bunch of software and plug ins.

'Through the Looking Glass' a new project ive been specially commissioned by Paul Grimmer to compose a 5.1 soundscape for, along with Benjamin Freeth.

2009-12-12T19:35:00.005Z

'Through the Looking Glass' a unique audio visual work specifically created for the Planetarium at the Life Centre in Newcastle. To be premiered at the 2010 Science Festival. I have been commissioned (along with Benjamin Freeth) to compose a 5.1 soundscape for the visual piece. The entire concept and project has been created by the wonderful artist Paul Grimmer.

Read about it here....

http://paulgrimmer.blogspot.com/

Photos to be added soon. I got started on this project this week and will be adding posts soon.

Working with Ben Freeth we will record internal body sounds, record and morph real instruments to create a unique electroacoustic ambient 5.1 piece.

Svapnagata Festival -rehearsals and show at Sadlers Wells

2009-12-04T15:52:00.002Z

Aftershow party. L-R- Pirashanna Thevarajah (Mridhangam, Percussion), Me, Anoushka Shankar (Sitar), Asa Kubiak (Aerialist), Mythili Prakash (Bharata-natyam)
Beautiful stage design and set up

The venue- Sadlers Wells, minutes before the doors opened. This was a sold out show!

Svapnagata Festival -rehearsals

2009-12-04T15:31:00.004Z

We rehearsed for 5 days at a Circus Training Centre! The only place we were able to hire that had the right equipment.

Three incredible talents together- Anoushka Shankar (Sitar), Asa Kubiak (Aerialist) and Mythili Prakash (Bharata-natyam)
Unbelievable!! Check out http://asa.jetsets.jp/

Another new toy!! Novation Remote SL Mk 2

2009-11-18T14:25:00.004Z

Many thanks to Novation Music UK.

The WORST thing about being self-employed!!

2009-11-18T14:20:00.003Z

Trying out a Double Bass!!

2009-11-18T14:05:00.002Z

My good mate, Rich Smith. Bass Player and Musician.

A new arrival to my studio

2009-11-18T13:58:00.002Z

Carvin VL100- Steve Vai Signature Amp.

More from the Planetarium.....

2009-11-18T13:44:00.003Z

Computer to control the sound and video.
Just a small part of the racks of equipment to control the audio and video!!

A visit to the Planetarium at the Life Centre for a 5.1 project next year!

2009-11-18T13:34:00.004Z

Checking the monitor placement

The dome
Under the dome, they played us a short show to get an idea of what it does. Really immersive!!

Culture Lab- Relaunch Event/Party

2009-11-18T13:29:00.003Z

Prof Atau Tanaka
Motion Capture Equipment

St Mary's Lighthouse, Whitley bay.

2009-11-18T11:01:00.004Z

I often take my 3 year old daughter to the Lighthouse at Whitley bay. We love it there. This time we decided to go inside and up to the top!

What's on my desk today????

2009-10-24T23:19:00.005+01:00

A great shot from Soundcheck at Kioi Hall, Tokyo Japan

2009-10-24T23:09:00.002+01:00

An old vintage Piano...if only we could get it out the building!

2009-10-24T22:59:00.003+01:00

Video Editing Suite @ Culture Lab

2009-10-24T22:48:00.004+01:00

7.1 Video editing suite at Culture Lab.
4 of the 8 Genelec speakers in this studio
Hmm..we ran into a few problems setting up the Final Cut Pro with 5.1...im not a Final Cut user so i was clueless, however i managed to do it alone after the technicians failed to figure it out!! Maybe i should become a technician!?
The Genelec Sub/LFE, Mac G5 and LaCie 2.5 TB RAID Drive...what a monster drive!!!

'Black Sea of Trees' at Public Announcement, Dance City tonight at 7.30pm. With Surface Area Dance Theatre.

2009-10-02T13:21:00.004+01:00

Mixing the 'Black Sea of Trees' at the performance space in Dance City.

'Black Sea of Trees' Pro-Tools Mixing Session 01- sneak peak

2009-09-27T21:51:00.005+01:00

Please bear in mind this is just the audio from my personal digital camera in the control room and NOT the audio from the mix ;-)

Matt Case Photography- Black Sea of Trees work in progress

2009-09-27T21:47:00.004+01:00

Mixing session

First recording session

Oh Dear! Pro-Tools Mix dumped, TWO days before the event. Mixing from complete scratch in Logic...eeeek

2009-09-27T21:43:00.004+01:00

Surround Balancers in Logic
Surround automation

'Black Sea of Trees' Pro-Tools 5.1 final mix!!

2009-09-21T20:10:00.002+01:00

Bouncing the mix down to a 5.1 .wav

'Black Sea of Trees' Logic Stereo Mix 01

2009-09-21T20:06:00.003+01:00

Three!! Yes THREE types of EQ on ONE track!!!
Automating the mix

India Calling! Ravi Shankar Centre Ensemble, curated by Ravi Shankar and Anoushka Shankar Project. Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles.

2009-09-20T14:06:00.008+01:00

International concert of the decade at this incredible venue! (this is just a photo of the venue only, not a soundcheck or performance by any of the artists from this show)

http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/performance_detail.cfm?id=4163

Black Sea of Trees

2009-09-20T13:19:00.002+01:00