Enslave Your Senses

Some pictures from the event where I exhibited my piece 'Deaf To' have been uploaded to my myspace profile.

The event went really well and I'm really grateful to those who took the time to listen to my piece and leave me comments in the comment book.

I've learn't a lot through this experience.

In the weeks building up to the event I was incredibly nervous, worried about my piece and how it would be received by people. Although my nerves faded once the show started, I was still anxious to know what people were thinking of my piece, essentially, whether they thought it was good or bad.

But I've realised now that you can't really say whether a piece like this is good or bad. And it doesn't really matter what other people think anyway.

What's important to me is that I had an idea that I cared about, that I wanted to express, and that I managed to create a piece of music or art that I was proud of.

And in that, I feel I have been incredibly successful.

Pre-Show Nerves

I'm getting incredibly nervous ahead of Enslave Your Senses this weekend.

I think that everything is finished and everything is ready. When I think of everything that I need to do, I'm pretty sure I've done everything, but something keeps nagging me, telling me I've forgotten about something, or that something isn't quite ready.

I'm also nervous about how my piece will be received. I've never done anything like this before, not publicly anyway. I have a terrible feeling that I'll get everything set up, everything ready, everything exactly the way that I want it, but people just won't get it, they won't understand exactly why they should be listening to my piece.

I keep telling myself why I have created this piece, the intentions behind it, and I'm fully confident that I have realised those intentions to the best of my ability.

Although I've listened to the piece over and over again and am starting to become sick of it, I am proud of it and I guess I just need to be confident and proud to exhibit my work. If people don't get it or question some of the ideas then I will have to be ready and prepared to provide answers to those questions, prove the work to them.

Hopefully most people will see exactly where I'm coming from and will enjoy the experience of listening to the piece.

I'm setting up the piece in the venue tomorrow morning and will upload an MP3 of the piece to my myspace at some point in the afternoon.

Deaf To...

Deaf Too... is the title of a piece I will be exhibiting at Enslave Your Senses, an Art festival taking place in Bath next weekend.

Below is the text that will be accompanying the musical piece.

A note from the artist;

I live next to a busy road. There is the constant sound of passing traffic.

But early on a Sunday morning, before the rest of the world has woken up, I notice that I can hear the sound of birds singing outside, the gentle hum of the refrigerator, the trickle of water through the pipes below the sink, and the soft breathing of my sleeping partner.

I wanted to create a piece of music using some of these sounds that are so quiet, they are drowned out of our everyday lives.

I also wanted to use some sounds that we hear so constantly, we no longer notice their presence.

If we listen very closely to the world around us, the spaces we inhabit, we will hear a multitude of rich, intensely detailed sounds that we have either become too accustomed to, or are otherwise masked by the louder sounds around us.

Plug Post

I'm writing this post for no reason other than to point you in the direction of my Myspace which I have recently updated with new music, as detailed in a previous post.

My new track, Bath City Test Piece can be found here

or

www.myspace.com/oliverowenmusicworld

Bath City Test Piece

This is the title of the first track uploaded to my new myspace.

It's a minimal house inspired piece created from samples recorded around the City of Bath.

This is the first major musical piece I have had to produce as part of my course in Creative Musical Technology and I have learnt a lot about my strengths and weaknesses in creating it.

I have learnt a huge amount about recording in outdoor, public spaces, about editing and manipulating samples and about arranging and structuring the percussive elements of a 'dance' track.

I am incredibly pleased and I guess you could say proud of the results. It's not perfect but achieving perfection was never part of the task. This piece is definitely better then anything similar I have done before so in terms of artistic development, it's being great.

I feel ready to move on from what I have done with this piece, taking with me the lessons I have learnt, and am incredibly excited about working on some more, minimal style compositions where I can explore to a greater extent some of the ideas presented in 'Bath City Test Piece'.

Another project nearing completion now is my 'Deaf To...' piece for the Enslave Your Senses art festival held in Bath on the 22nd/23rd of May. This is a soundscape using incredibly quiet, unnoticed/ignored sounds which I have recorded, amplified and arranged. I will be uploading this piece to the myspace soon.

This Blog This Blogger

I've been maintaining this blog for a while now.

I started it whilst working in a fairly dull office job as a place to vent some creative tensions whilst sat for long hours in front of a computer, not having any access to myspace or facebook.

It became a place to discuss my music, my ideas, and a place to promote the work I was doing at the time.

I took great pleasure in developing the words I wanted to use, honing my skills as a writer and a thinker.

In a world that didn't really care about creativity, about ideas and beliefs, this blog was a little online sanctuary.

I can't really say that this is still the case.

My posts are less frequent then before - I just don't seem to find the time to write here anymore. When I do, I don't care so much about the quality of what I'm saying, I don't take the time to structure my writing or to word things as they should be.

So what's changed?

I'm in an academic and a creative environment now - a complete contrast to where I was two years ago. And I don't find myself sat for long hours in front of a computer with nothing to do - if I'm at a computer, I'm making music, or writing an essay.

I also keep my own, personal, real life journal now. Its made of hand made, thick, quality paper and is bound in a thick leather cover. I try to write something a couple of times a week, just to keep note of what I've been doing and how things have affected me. I look forward to reading back through it one day.

Most recently however, I've started micro-blogging on Twitter.

It's taken me about two years to catch up with the rest of the world but I've finally succumbed and become obsessed with blogging my opinions, my day to day activities, in 140 characters or less.

There's something really great about the word limit, the instant nature of it, chose your words carefully but quickly.

Some people think that Twitter is the final nail in the coffin of written word, of prose and structure. Perhaps. But more importantly, it has forced me as a writer to think carefully about what I want to say, exactly what it is that's on my mind, and the instant and throwaway nature of it all just makes me aware that what I say had better be good, because in about a minutes time something will be coming along to replace it, pushing my thoughts to the bottom of the pile.

find me @oliverjowen

I will, of course, continue to run this blog - perhaps improve the quality with some lengthier, more thought out pieces.

Bath

This was a bit of an experiment for me trying to get some interesting panoramic images. The images will also form part of the content of a music piece that is made using samples recorded around Bath.

I like the general effect in this picture but it is definitely a crude attempt - better attempts will follow soon I hope.

Being a Photographer

Yesterday I took some pictures of a model that Trish and one of her colleagues had styled for a hairdressing competition.

They had done a really good job on the hair and thankfully it was a lovely, bright sunny day so we were able to get some great photos around Bath. I think they stand a good chance in the competition.

As I walked home, feeling pretty pleased with the images I had captured, I began to wonder what role I had played, as photographer, in the days proceedings.

The model was attractive, she had been styled well and the lighting and scenery was great for shooting in. All I did was adjust the settings on the camera to get a good exposure and framed some shots.

To those who have never used a good quality camera then this would probably seem challenging and I'm sure they would struggle to achieve the quality of photos that I did, however, my training in photography is pretty basic and I wouldn't even call myself a serious amateur. I don't think it would take very much for someone who was keen to learn to be able to match my skills very quickly.

So what was I really bringing to the session? My photographers eye? Knowing when an image looks OK and when it looks great? The ability to frame and compose an image so that it works? And how do I make the jump from guy able to get good shots under the circumstances of yesterdays shoot, and master photographer, able to consistently produce inspiring images?

The images are still sitting on my camera at the moment but at some point in the next couple of days I will transfer them to my laptop and will upload a favourite to this blog along with other examples of my photography.

Oliver Owen Music World

Today I will be delving back into the world of Myspace as I try and inject some much needed life into my online, musical presence.

I set up a Myspace music profile about 6 months ago as I tried to launch a new musical project, Tapper. I poured loads of energy into writing, recording and creating the online profile, but after a while, I kinda realised that there were other things I wanted to be doing. The Tapper project, although fun for a while, just didn't have enough long term interest for me.

So the profile has been sitting redundant for a fair few months now as I try and figure out where to go next.

As part of a University assignment I need to showcase some of my work online, through a Myspace profile or similar.

This requirement has given me the push to get the profile up and running again, functioning as a more general outlet for all of my musical projects for the time being.

I'm interested to see how I get on in what will be my third attempt at Myspacing. I wonder how well the profile will work, showcasing such a wide variety of music.

www.myspace.com/oliverowenmusicworld

Optimism

I'm reading a book at the moment about one mans quest for optimism.

At first, I felt the book was a pretty weak attempt at creating a lightweight, humorous read for people simply looking to pass the time.

However, as I often find with reading, if you persevere and force yourself to keep on reading, you get rewarded. The book is really starting to explore some interesting ideas to do with optimism, positive thinking and creating your own destiny.

The problem with a lot of these ideas is that to most people, they sound like silly, hippy, peace and love rubbish.

But this stuff actually works - it's completely true.

I don't want to take up time explaining why I believe it to be true, but I suggest you try it - for the next few weeks, remain positive. Try to look for the best in everything and tackle problems with a cool head. It'll make you happier.

Liquid Soap

Have just finished the filming of the first two episodes of Liquid Soap.

We were scheduled to shoot for two days but due to a few delays, we also had to do some shooting yesterday as well.

The days were long and tiring, not only from having to hold a boom mic up for long periods, but also mentally tiring from intensely listening and concentrating for long periods.

It's only when you have to listen intently for long stretches of time that you realise how little time you actually spend listening in your everyday life. Today I simply cannot handle anymore intake of audio data to my brain.

I really enjoyed my time on the Liquid Soap set and learnt a lot during the experience. By the third day I was happy enough, and felt confident enough, to take lead of the sound recording and felt that I could deliver what was needed for the filming.

I have decided upon two rules for success in the sound recording for film industry. These rules also apply to other industries, and to life in general I guess.

Firstly, remain patient and calm at all times. On a set, things can get confusing and stressful, but in order to produce good work, you have to be able to rise above that and retain your focus. I also noticed that a lot of decisions will get made without informing the sound team and in order to react to these decisions, you have to keep an awareness of what is happening around you.

Secondly, and I keep bringing this idea up on this blog, quality must never be sacrificed. As a creative individual, you have an original idea of what you want to create, and you must see that through and sacrifice nothing. That'll do simply will not do!

I can't wait for our next shoot which is in a couple of weeks time.

Is High Culture Doomed?

Thankfully no.

The Internet has put cultural decisions directly into the hands of those who wish to experience whatever we think of as High Culture.

Read blogs, subscribe to podcasts, e-zines, discuss things in forums and form your own opinions using the information available.

It doesn't matter what such and such who writes for the guardian thinks anymore. It doesn't matter who has topped Radio 4s playlist this month.

High Culture is not doomed - it has been released from its commercial shackles. The old ways of the media are doomed.

(This post is a revision of a revision of a draft that just wasn't working. It might not make any sense but that's OK, I hope the main point I'm making is kind of clear-ish.)

Secret Project

I'm a little embarrassed that I describe lots of projects in this blog which I intend to work on, then don't. There are countless posts explaining exciting things that I am about to work on but strangely, there are never follow up posts giving details of how these projects are coming along - this is because I probably never actually start them and definitely never finish them.

There is one project however that I have been considering for a while now. It's a mammoth project that I have no training for, have never done anything similar to it before and if I was to explain the project to people, they would probably think I was going slightly crazy. Either that or they would just instantly dismiss the idea thinking that I was simply talking rubbish.

So for that reason, I have started work on a project, and I'm going to keep it entirely secret to save myself any embarrassment. The first anyone will here about it is when it's finished. And then they will be amazed.

Podcasts

Just investigating, and listening to some podcasts.

I can't believe that there is an entire wealth of interesting and funny material, all available for free, in the form of podcasts online.

Podcasts have been around for ages, but this is the first time I've ever sat down and listened to some. I wonder how many other people are the same as me, knowing what they are and where to find them but never bothering to look them up?

I think I will definitely be spending more of my time enjoying the material available on these podcast sites.

That Won't Do

I watched Avatar 3D the other day and was completely blown away.

I know the film is already old news to most people and 3D has been around for ages but this was a brand new experience for me.

Firstly, ignore everyone who tells you that the plot for Avatar is lacking - they are wrong. The story is incredibly relevant and poses a huge amount of questions which we should all be asking ourselves. Especially considering what's currently happening between the UK and Argentina over oil.

But the thing that really struck me about the whole experience was that, if you want to create something that grabs peoples attention, makes them think, but above all, transports them to another place, then "that'll do" just isn't a phrase you can use.

Yes Avatar had a huge budget to play about with, but I'm convinced that even with a small, independent budget, a powerful and captivating work could had been made because quality isn't always about money - it's about attitude to work, about pushing yourself and your creative practice so that the end goal is a complete realisation of your initial intention. There is no room for compromise.

Avatar 3D taught me a lot about the quality of my own work and what I consider to be good enough.

Jumping Off Bridges

A little while ago I started working on a few pieces of music for a short film called 'Jumping Off Bridges'.

I can't remember whether I have spoken about the project here or not, but it is definitely turning out to be quite a challenge. I've never done anything on this scale before.

The other evening I had my second meeting with the films director where I showed him some of the rough demos I had produced and had a little chat about exactly where to head with the seeds of ideas that I had.

It was a really positive exchange - he seemed pleased with the ideas that I had and more importantly, was honest about the elements he wanted changing. I now have a really clear idea of what it is that I need to do next.

This afternoon I have been working on some music for one of the scenes where we both felt my initial ideas needed tweaking - the results are already sounding exciting and much more developed then in my rough demos.

Although I mustn't get too carried away with myself, or over complacent, a certain amount of confidence over my work and it's direction is essential for this type of project. I'm really excited to see how the finished film will turn out with my music accompanying it, although I mustn't kid myself that there isn't a hell of a lot of work to do in the meantime.

Burial

I am constantly about 6 - 12 months behind the rest of popular culture when it comes to music. I'm OK with that though, I think music, as well as other art forms, should be absorbed in an organic fashion, as they become a part of, and relevant to your life.

Anyway, I listened to Burials first album the other week.

At first I think I was trying too hard to analyze the details in his music, and because of this I entirely missed the point of what his music is about. I didn't think it was that great.

However, when I sat back and let the music, the sounds, the just glide over me, I began to understand the mood and sense of space that is create ambiences d in his music.

There's a lesson to be learn there about listening habits.

But more importantly, I have now become fascinated with creating a sense of space in my music - Burial is a master of it and I want to be one too.

So far I am having great success, carefully moulding field recordings into beautiful snippets of space and ambiance.

It isn't the quickest of processes by it really works.

Experimentation

Over this last week, I have been experimenting with different samples and rhythm structures.

Some times the experiments provide useful results and the process moves forward.

Mainly though, they have led me nowhere and I find myself starting again from scratch the next day.

This is perhaps the first time in my life that I have worked in such a carefree, exploratory way.

I can see that this way of working may well stick with me. I love how, even if I do not make any measurable progress, I am constantly learning what doesn't work, then attacking the process from a fresh, and usually better angle the next day.

After a week of experimenting with different structures of sounds within a single loop, I have started to get some material that sounds a hundred times more interesting then anything I have made before.

Open Mic Finder

Martin asked me the other week to mention his new open mic finding tool.

It pretty much does what it says on the tin - it allows you to find out about open mic nights being held in different areas. Martin has covered all of the angles so if you are thinking about attending one of the open mics listed on the site, you can travel assured that your time will not be wasted.

I've made it pretty clear to people over the last year or so that I think open mic nights are invaluable to performers hoping to develop their craft.

This tool could be especially useful for acts wanting to promote a gig in a new town in an old fashioned, personal way, instead of just spamming everyone on facebook.

From an audiences point of view, there is nothing better then fresh performers turning up to play at your local open mic night, often injecting a fresh take on things, and some much needed energy to the proceedings.

However, be warned, open mic nights often rely on tight knit communities of performers, regularly patting each other on the back after weekly poor performances. Respect, and the right to play, has to be earned.

So get out there and start earning it.

Good Tuning

On Monday night I played one of the worst open mic performances ever.

Basically I was lazy and didn't bother to tune up before I went onstage. I then proceeded to play a poor set where both my guitar and my singing was out of tune.

I guess it boils down to playing the same thing too much and no longer caring what people think of my music.

Monday night was embarrassing and a bit of a wake up call. I learnt from my mistakes and was determined to make sure that the gig I had last night would be much much better. It was.

I spent the whole day gently warming up, preparing my equipment and mentally preparing myself for the show. I was completely focused and knew what I wanted to do, how I wanted to deliver my songs and, despite some nerves, I was feeling confident that I would put on a good performance.

Thank you to those who came to The Porter last night - I hope you enjoyed watching the show as much as I enjoyed playing.

I have learnt a lot this week about performing.

Time

I've just got a job in a bar in Bath.

This means that I have lost 20 hours a week of music making and coursework time.

The thing is, before I started working, when I had tons of free time, I didn't have much drive to do anything. I spent hours just killing time, putting off coursework etc. Despite having all the time in the world, I didn't actually manage to get that much done.

However, now that my time is much more limited, I am planning when to do the things I need to do. I feel much more focused and I think I'm actually going to get more done.

It probably helps that I've got some great projects on the go at the moment that I'm really enjoying working on. My head is buzzing with ideas on where to take things and I've got a feeling that I may produce some of my best work yet. It's definitely looking that way at the moment.

Appledore No No

I received an email the other day to inform me that my proposal for The Appledore Arts festival was unsuccessful. I can't really say that I'm surprised but I am definitely disappointed - it would have been a great piece of work and a great experience.

However, I have decided that I will complete an adapted version of the project that will focus instead on the city of Bath.

I'm not intending this new piece to be realised as a sound installation this time but simply as maybe two tracks of audio, one as a soundscape and the other as something more rhythmical using smaller samples to form some percussive loops.

If the weather is OK, I am hoping to get out and start recording tomorrow.

Groundswell

Dan playing at last weeks open mic night.

I really want to go to open mic tonight, however, both my girlfriend and Dan are away meaning I will be going on my own. I would like to think that this would be OK, open mic is the sort of place where everyone goes to enjoy music and I would surely find some nice people to sit and chat to. I'm afraid I don't believe this to be the case though.

New Songs And New Thinking

So far, 2010 has been a genuinely creative time for me. I know I was resolving to do more but what I have experienced so far has been completely genuine, coming out of nowhere.

I wrote a new song a few days ago which, although simplistic in it's nature, has felt like a gate being opened and has allowed tons of new ideas to come flooding out of me.

I have also been listening to lots of David Sylvian on lastfm and can feel his music having influence on me.

I'm thinking of a drastic overhaul to the Tapper project. I'm happy with the general idea and the quality of the songs, I just think I may have been approaching the production and realisation of the songs from the wrong angle.

After toying with some of the songs in a more acoustic form, I am questioning whether the ultra synthetic edge the tracks are taking at the moment is the best way for them to sound. Over the next few weeks, I'm really gonna try and find time to sit down and re-work the songs and see what else I can produce.

A Brand New Age

Happy new year.

My two resolutions for 2010 are to listen to more new music and to make more music.

I didn't bother coming up with healthy eating or lifestyle ones - nobody ever keeps to them - but I did think that the two I've settled on are things that I need to do and will certainly make my life better.

So to get things rolling I have set up an account on last fm. From here I will be able to promote my new music, and will also be able to check out new acts. Great.

So to find music by myself, you need visit - Tapper profile on last fm
and - Tapper profile on myspace.

And while you're there, be sure to check out some music by other acts - if you find anything interesting then let me know.