Dreams of Electric Sheep
Dedicated to two great minds, Robert Moog and Philip K. Dick. Recently, I read the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and felt inspired to create some sci-fi themed music. These incredible Moog synthesizers gave me the exact sounds I was looking for. I hope you enjoy the short video and check out some of my other work here!
For this video Moog Rumba I wanted to try something different then what I’ve done in the past. Recently I updated to Ableton Live 11 and I thought it would be cool to try some afro-cuban rhythms that have always been a big influence on me in music. I decided to try a rumba inspired beat on the DFAM and see how it goes, since there are only eight steps in the sequence I went with a half time version. I might try using the Mother-32 next time for the beat because it would give me more room to work with, but I figured this was a start. I’m happy with how the sound turned out the Subharmonicon, Matriarch, and Grandmother blended nicely with the other semi-modular synthesizers; it really gave the whole song a different feel. I look forward to trying more of these great rhythmic patterns in the future. Check out my other videos here!
I recently purchased a new Moog Matriarch for my home studio and couldn’t wait to make a video showing off this amazing piece of hardware. The synthesizer really lives up to the hype, there are so many endless possibilities figured I needed to start somewhere. This performance uses a Am7 Fmaj7 Dm7 Cmaj7 chord progress on the Matriarch. Then I combined the DFAM, Subharmonicon, and Mother-32 for some backing on the track. On the Mother-32 I did a simple sequence in Am7 and then had the Subharmonicon play a 64-step progression of 16-steps root notes A F D C. Lastly I used the Grandmother for the lead melody and solo which gave me the ability to perform it live. Thanks for checking out this video looking forward to creating many more. If you have any questions please post them in the comments below and I’ll respond when I can!
Writing a new song using the Moog Subharmonicon and Grandmother. I watched a video from the Moog Demo Library yesterday and learned a simple patch. It allows Sequencer 2 to control Voltage Oscillator 1 in addition to Sequencer 1. This patch expands the Subharmonicon’s functionality by combing the two sequencers to control the instruments pitch. I modified it a little though by not using the eighth-note equal-tempered scale so I could pick the exact pitches I want. Also I turned both of my Sub-Oscillators to fifty percent. A patch like this is great for extending the sequencers length on the Subharmonicon, and I really enjoy what it has added to the song! If you like this video check out some of my other ones here.
Today, I was visited by this beautiful male Imperial moth (Eacles imperialis ). They are one of the largest and most prolific moth species in the United States. We see them quite often in North Georgia, and their calm behavior make this particular species of moth perfect for photography.
I was able to relocate him from under our outdoor spotlight to a leaf. This allowed me to use my handy Manfrotto tripod, and a Canon 35mm macro lens, to capture the close-up shot. It’s difficult to get well lit macro shots, but the built-in light on the Canon lens takes care of this. If you enjoy macro photography, and are in the market for a lens, I would definitely check out this one. I have come across two of these moths this year, along with some Luna moths, hopefully I will be fortunate and see a few more before the season is over!
Recently, I purchased a Moog Grandmother after dreaming about owning one for years. When it was first released, there was a lot of hype about it’s capabilities, built-in arpeggiator, incredible spring reverb, and semi-modular functionality. The Grandmother was a price point accessible synthesizer for all skill levels without cutting any corners, and I’m here to say, it has really stood up to it’s reputation. At first glance you can’t miss the slick retro look and 41 patch points covering the front panel, but digging deeper you find a well crafted keyboard with great response, a sustain fader for peak control, and lots of options for creating your truly unique sound. There are no presets on this synthesizer only relatively limitless options for discovery and exploration. I took some time to record a couple tracks in Ableton to see what the synth sounds like mixed together, and it did not disappoint!
I spotted this magnificent Red-shouldered hawk yesterday sitting on a tree branch in the summer rain. We have a few that live in this area, but it’s difficult to tell whether or not you’re seeing the same one. The coloring on their feathers helps them blend flawlessly into the foliage, and if you’re lucky enough to see one, it’s rare to notice any unique features that distinguish it from another.
Usually it’s the size of the bird that stands out the most, we do have some considerably larger females that frequent this area. They’re easier to see through the forest than the males and tend to be hunting small rodents or snake which we have plenty of here. Watching these incredible creatures soar through the air and swooping down to the forest floor is such a treat and I feel very lucky to have been able to capture a few Red-shouldered hawk close-ups on camera over the last few years.
I recorded tonight’s full Sturgeon moon on my Canon EOS Rebel T3i camera with the 70-300mm lens. Afternoon thunderstorms brought heavy rains to North Georgia but cleared out just in time for the show! If you like this shot check out some of my other photographs here.
Happy Fourth of July everyone! Here’s  another Ableton drum rack to celebrate this great holiday. The rack is comprised of samples from a 7-key coconut shell Kalimba. This instrument also goes by different names around the world such as the Mbira and thumb piano. I hope you enjoy this new tool in you kit. Please share what you make with it in the comments!
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I was able to catch the Full Strawberry Moon on video last Friday enjoy!