I’ve seen this name around Vancouver for forever.. but I never checked it out.. awesome.

Blok Modular

A pretty neat and simple modular synthesizer. It’s kind of a half way point between a regular VST and something like Reaktor. It is very capable for techno related sounds, but I am certain it could be used for much more. What I like about it is it’s simplicity. You can snap together a nice patch in a few minutes. The limited, 8 external controls really help you decide what is necessary to control your patch as opposed to giving you unlimited options.

While “experienced” users will be wanting more control over things, It’s more challenging and rewarding, and likely more interesting to create something within limitations as opposed to limitless possibilities.

“The reason why people write songs is to break out of the narrow constraints of the self, and share their pain and joy with others.”
— Haruki Murakami

Calculated X @ Systems of Romance

So, in between bouts of Lego Batman with my CA, I have been constructing the thumper daffodil theme. The design will definitely take us into CSS2/3 territory, with a modest amount of javascript.. I am still pondering what to do about IE6, and whether or not i want to debug for it.. or just give a crippled version with a desperate plea to upgrade.

The shop is coming along. There will be FLAC versions of the Winnie the Shit albums ($8 each, $18 for all three), a collection of Unreleased/Rare Spark tracks, and of course a new album from Thumper Daffodil. Vincent Parker is designing the covers for the FLAC release of the Winnie the Shit albums.

Vincent is a well known, and reputable poster designer, signed to the Run Riot record label, and recently won the national laptop DJ Battle in Seattle, Washington. I am excited, as the Winnie albums never received proper cover treatment.

I’ve been working on thumper’s video playback engine today. Instead of opting for the status-quo you-tube video or JLWplayer, I decided I would build my own, with all the pimped-out futuristic features I want. When it’s done I will post it here for anyone to download and use.

In January 2010 a new website was created. This was it.

There is hope in the air and many ideas in my mind. 27 minutes after installation this is nothing much. Around me are the tools of art I have collected and mastered. I will create things to go here. Some, will just be for the experience, and some for commerce, but all of them will be given my full attention.

A clean slate.