So last night I almost gave into temptation. I almost bought a Tenori-On. For those who don’t know what it is, just Google it (or if you follow the Microsoft sponsored Vampire Diaries, you can “Bing” it. But then again if you watch that drek, well stop reading this and go back to wasting your mind.) The Tenori-On came out a couple of years ago and it’s a magical device. It’s a chimera of good arty-minimalism design, a old school puzzle game and a music instrument. It should sit next to the Theremin, being a device that creates a superb sound and the result of sound, futuristic thinking.

Problem is, it’s a grand, at least to get down here in the Antipodes. I do not currently possess a spare wad of cold, hard lucre to throw away on such a device. I mean I could say goodbye any number of things that cost me money. Sadly I like where I live, I need a car to keep and Japan might still be a possibility.

This is all part of a project to create some music. The problem is that anyone can create music with a computer. There are hundreds of little, large and massive software packages that vary in complexity and strength. Most of which prove that you would never have to touch a string, fix a reed, or release a spit-valve to push out a track. More so, you would never really have to learn how to scratch or mix a pair of records on two turntables. Ableton Live would happily do all this for you, while you held down a key or two.

My whole point in all of this would be to use several different devices as instruments and actually create some music as if I was performing, not simply composing with clicks of the mouse. So far this is what I have collected: A Buddha Machine Mk I, 2 x Buddha Machines Mk II, 2x Buddhist chant machines, EHX Memory Man with Hazarai, 2 x Nintendo DS each with Korg DS10, and a Korg Kaos Pad 3 that’s on loan.

So far, I’m still experimenting. The Buddha Machines, when put through of looping effects of the Memory Man creates this nice ambient, almost choral sound. But getting the mix right still needs work. Not much though. Still working on stuff in the DS10 only because I keep finding new sounds and making more and more save files. So nothing recorded yet.

Lately, I’ve been listening to a stack of music that’s new to me, mostly instrumental stuff, like 65 Days of Static, Explosions in the Sky, Bela Bartok and Sir Elgar concertos. Along with Jonsi’s solo effort, the leaked Crystal Castles album, The Cinematic Orchestra, World’s End Girlfriend and the Jukebox Buddha album. Each worth listening.

I recently picked up a copy of Do Anything by Warren Ellis, along with a stack of free comic books from the Free Comic Book Day on Saturday. Still yet to read it. Though I read through the free Weathercraft teaser. Jim Woodring still blows my mind.

Anyway, it’s getting late

Night

I was listening to some Tom Waits’ Glitter and Doom album while I wrote this.