Loved the direction of this missive - was reading through some of
the early 2025 predictions from a year ago and something that came was this idea of “re-wilding” our social space specifically talking about the ideas of retreating and reclaiming the terms around social media. It made me think one of the risks we have in these times of rapid change is looking too much within just our industry and not a the wider trends. Fundamentally we are business driven as much by the desires and emergent behaviours in wider culture but rarely is that the discussion - all supply far less getting deep in the weeds on demand side.
Had to look that up. With Eastwood no less - didn't realise they were still going! I had a Johnny Ramone-style B&W Mosrite copy from them many years ago. Wasn't bad; think back then price was the leading factor so the build quality wasn't all that great. Sounds like they have improved since though!
I think the quality varied depending on where they were manufactured- I had a Korean Wandre Doris from them that was a very nice instrument (regret selling it) but I think the univoxes were Chinese-made and not of the same quality. The Tenor is a lovely instrument tho I have to say
After reading Nina Simone’s Gum web it came out how ever many b years ago, I promptly purchased a half-dozen copies to send to friends. So good. Thanks for reminding me. ❤️🔥🍬
I can't say my heart is bleeding for James Hype, when he has to employ an "extra content person" on top of his two video people. Maybe that's harsh.... but I did enjoy his video. Darren - merry Christmas, thanks for all the interesting writing this year.
Great as ever, Darren. There are so many cool music communities popping up all over the place and across the country. I invited to a label launch at Aaja in Deptford the other day and it was great! Some live medieval game of thrones type music by the bar (with dancers!), live radio in another room and Jungle and Hardcore pumping out of the vinyl store. Amazing! Would happily invest in that. Also totally agree with you on AI. I like trying to make good Jungle in Suno - not there yet but it is fun - and watching my colleague Sound of Fractures literally triple his productivity using AI. Hope you are having a restful and joyful holiday season.
I remember a time when ABBA’s music was being frowned upon because it was just studio music, not live. The critics completely overlooked the innovative compositions the group could create because they worked with modern equipment in a studio. Now, they're all classic songs.
Interesting, and beautifully written Darren!
Thank you 🙏🏻
Loved the direction of this missive - was reading through some of
the early 2025 predictions from a year ago and something that came was this idea of “re-wilding” our social space specifically talking about the ideas of retreating and reclaiming the terms around social media. It made me think one of the risks we have in these times of rapid change is looking too much within just our industry and not a the wider trends. Fundamentally we are business driven as much by the desires and emergent behaviours in wider culture but rarely is that the discussion - all supply far less getting deep in the weeds on demand side.
Amen sir!
That’s another copy of ‘Nina Simone’s Gum’ sold!
Funnily enough I recently bought a Warren Ellis tenor guitar which is an awesomely cool instrument
Had to look that up. With Eastwood no less - didn't realise they were still going! I had a Johnny Ramone-style B&W Mosrite copy from them many years ago. Wasn't bad; think back then price was the leading factor so the build quality wasn't all that great. Sounds like they have improved since though!
I think the quality varied depending on where they were manufactured- I had a Korean Wandre Doris from them that was a very nice instrument (regret selling it) but I think the univoxes were Chinese-made and not of the same quality. The Tenor is a lovely instrument tho I have to say
Their logo is horrible though
After reading Nina Simone’s Gum web it came out how ever many b years ago, I promptly purchased a half-dozen copies to send to friends. So good. Thanks for reminding me. ❤️🔥🍬
I can't say my heart is bleeding for James Hype, when he has to employ an "extra content person" on top of his two video people. Maybe that's harsh.... but I did enjoy his video. Darren - merry Christmas, thanks for all the interesting writing this year.
Great as ever, Darren. There are so many cool music communities popping up all over the place and across the country. I invited to a label launch at Aaja in Deptford the other day and it was great! Some live medieval game of thrones type music by the bar (with dancers!), live radio in another room and Jungle and Hardcore pumping out of the vinyl store. Amazing! Would happily invest in that. Also totally agree with you on AI. I like trying to make good Jungle in Suno - not there yet but it is fun - and watching my colleague Sound of Fractures literally triple his productivity using AI. Hope you are having a restful and joyful holiday season.
Warren Elli’s book treat for Xmas is in! Thanks for sharing so much this year, again!
I remember a time when ABBA’s music was being frowned upon because it was just studio music, not live. The critics completely overlooked the innovative compositions the group could create because they worked with modern equipment in a studio. Now, they're all classic songs.