Get taught and learn but always teach yourself.

“Mechanically and specifically breed out any hint of creative thought.” – Zappa

For more info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lateralization_of_brain_function

photo credit: Eric James Sarmiento

Here’s an upcoming box from Mode Machines called SID. Apparently there’s some controversy over it’s design (link). Chris Randall took the photo above at NAMM. It should go for about $600 USD.

“SID is an 8-Bit desktop synthesizer with a double personality. It’s simplistic layout and ease of use delivers pleasure at the first touch and it’s familiar step sequencer will have you programming patterns and beats in no time. 3 expression knobs control the key features of each Patch for instant results. But don’t let it’s simplicity fool you: The supplied SID STUDIO SOFTWARE enables you to tweak every parameter under the hood! Draw and design your patches with instant feedback from the SID. Also check out the NERD-PANEL, a powerful interactive blueprint which enables you to address the chip one pin at a time – also a great educational tool.” – modemachines.com

For more info: modemachines.com

Disney was selling a Micky Mouse T-Shirt based on Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures album. Could it be some hip/depressed designer working there snuck this into the supply chain? It’s been pulled and therefore I must say these are instant collectibles. They may even fetch some big money on eBay.

“And in even odder news, the Disney Store… was, until today, selling a new t-shirt design based on the iconic Joy Division “Unknown Pleasures” album cover, with Mickey Mouse’s face inserted in those wavy lines. From Manchester to Mousechester!” – Boing Boing

via Boing Boing

I always enjoy these videos.

“Did it smell forever? Oh I kept taking the refrigerator apart…”

For more info: trashaudio.com

One of the most amazing concepts to get our heads around is the fact that in the future we will be printing our own 3D products. The RIAA is going to freak once we start printing and trading records. A MakerBot Thing-O-Matic starts at around $1100 USD. In the words of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, “Earl Grey hot.”.

“A 3D printed record for the Fisher-Price record player playing ‘Still Alive’ from Portal” – fastne55

For more info: store.makerbot.com/thing-o-matic-kit-mk7.html

via Engadget

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“? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?  ” – Wikipedia

For more info: wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Online_Piracy_Act

Everyone can be an artist and that’s ok. In fact it’s great. I’ve had no money and I’ve had a lot of money and it made no true difference in my personal happiness. What you share and leave behind on this earth is what matters. I wish my father created music albums. It would be a thrill now to hear him singing about what was important to him.

“The digital revolution of the last decade has unleashed creativity and talent in an unprecedented way, with unlimited opportunities. But does democratized culture mean better art or is true talent instead drowned out? This is the question addressed by PressPausePlay, a documentary film containing interviews with some of the world’s most influential creators of the digital era.” – presspauseplay.com

For more info: presspauseplay.com

My friend Collin Strange posted a link to a Tumblr blog called Goths up Trees which is photos of Goths in trees. Honestly this is what the internet was invented for. Let’s hope they keep adding to it.

“The goth subculture is a contemporary subculture found in many countries. It began in England during the early 1980s in the gothic rock scene, an offshoot of the post-punk genre. The goth subculture has survived much longer than others of the same era, and has continued to diversify.” – Wikipedia

For more info: gothsuptrees.tumblr.com

via Collin Strange

Depression is a battle many musicians fight. The darkness itself can be an incredible muse if it’s not debilitating. Listen to the great words of Leonard Cohen and let yourself be happy enough to produce your art.

“Good work is produced in spite of suffering… as a victory over suffering.” – Leonard Cohen

For more info: leonardcohen.com

Honestly this is almost the same reaction I have when I hear Dubstep.

“Dubstep rhythms are usually syncopated, and often shuffled or incorporating tuplets. The tempo is nearly always in the range of 138-142 beats per minute, with a clap or snare usually inserted every third beat in a bar.” – Wikipedia

For more info: skrillex.com

via mrtunes