In the ever changing, never ending adventure that is my work, I’ve recently found myself writing and producing for a few Latin artists. It’s great and I love it but there’s one small thing: I don’t speak Spanish beyond being able to order a taco at Las Palmas! I love being the only gringo in the studio, or sitting down to do a track and not having a clue as to what the lyric is about (at first- I’m learning as I go…) The good thing is it’s all turning out well. It’s also a great illustration of how music can bridge the gap between any two things that are seemingly non-compatible.

I’ve started working on a project called Tactus Cartel, and I’m trés excited about it as it’s very much my own creative vision, I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s a solo record, but I am the driving force behind the production and writing. There will be other honorary members of the Cartel of course; I trust my instincts but collaboration sometimes yields a higher quality result. The first of the honorary members is Dave over at Bristow Design- he’s helping with visuals and probably writing as well. The second honorary member is Paul, although he doesn’t know it yet. My main goal with Tactus Cartel is expression- it’s a moody electronic/ambient/pop sound that lends itself and is primarily aimed to film and television. What you’ll hear is basically what happens when I sit down and make music without the usual input from label/a&r/management/radio/marketing/wardrobe/catering… Not that input and collaboration with the label side is bad- it’s a necessary element in creating something that everyone can be excited about.
While I’ve had this project in mind for sometime, I’m just finding the time and creative vision to pursue it. Creating something that is rooted deeply within yourself and then putting it out for public consumption is highly exciting and at the same time quite unsettling, but the initial response has been wonderful. Perhaps it’s because I finally have something to offer in the songs I am writing, or maybe people are drawn to purity as far as artistic expression. Well, perhaps that last thought is a bit utopian but here’s to hope.

Hotels are inspiring. Let me restate that: nice hotels are inspiring. Leave the TV for another day- I love sitting down in front of a big window and building a track. Looking out over a city at night is almost always inspiring- the lights and the abstract motion of cars on roads below help filter the days’ events. I started the track for ReBuild on a night such as this- I remember singing the vocal idea right into the built-in mic of my powerbook. Sounded awful, with the fan noise and the track coming back through the speakers, but it was there when I got home. Home is better than hotels, but I don’t mind a good hotel.

I just flew home from Orlando today, so I’m thinking of my unofficial audit of the TSA. I fly somewhat frequently, so I’ve decided to conduct the following test: every time I pass through security, I leave a bottle of water in my backpack. (Just for the record- bringing a bottle of water, or any amount of liquid over two ounces, is prohibited). I haven’t conducted the test enough to generate a percentage, but I’ll just say I’ve had bottled water to drink on several flights. Yesterday I forgot to carry water, but fortunately for me the TSA agent confiscated my shaving cream- my fault for leaving it in my carry-on. This morning I carried orange juice in the outside mesh pocket of my bag. Kudos to the Orlando TSA for allowing my juice to go by unnoticed.

I’ve started the assembly of a WSG. In addition to the normal circuit, I’m going to attempt a few extra modifications. My grand plan is to document the construction, then use it in a few tracks for all to hear. Yes, making my own analogue sound generator does make me a nerd, but I’ve been a nerd for some time now. I’m just a cool nerd. Who among you would NOT relish taking a bunch of random electrical components and, armed with a solder gun and vu meter, form a unique noise making device that boasts a totally analogue signal path? See, you’re a nerd also. I’m putting mine into a small suitcase-type enclosure, in Synthi style.

Writing about the Synthi makes me think of EMS. Check out the website for some cool old-skool photos. Looking through the list of great EMS synths reminds me of London- one of the first EMS synths was even named the Portabello at first. What is it about London that fascinates me? Of all the places I’ve visited, London is where I would return first. Something about the city resonates with me, and I feel more at home there than I do in my own city. The pace, the diversity, the underground, the history, the style, the curry… if you go, skip the traditional tourist stuff for a while and simply walk around. One of my favourite things to do is buy a brie sandwich; my customary London lunch- one Brie and tomato sandwich around noon- has the ability to sustain me well into the evening, and it makes for an inexpensive (£2) lunch. And don’t forget the Punjab on Neal Street. One thing about the UK- it seems there is a higher level of preparedness on the part of the audio teams in clubs. They take what they do seriously and it makes for a great experience.

I’m reading again (it’s a book which should be read and re-read) the book Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. What a powerhouse book! Some say Foster goes to far over to the side of mysticism, but I disagree. True progress often involves breaking through the norms of what is acceptable and living in such a way that may attract skepticism. This book is full of concrete, practical information on deepening your spiritual life. Having just completed the chapter on simplicity, I’m struck at how that concept can and should cover all aspects of life. A simple life is a peaceful life, a life free of distraction. A life free of distraction is a productive life. That sounds good to me.