Label

I've wanted to have a play with one of these since they were first announced ages ago. While the RD-8 and RD-9 are "clones" of a single machine, the LM Drum has six different kits and is also a sampler.

This is some of the best work I've done and am really proud of.

When I used to make music and upload it to the old mp3.com back in 99/00 I used to create a lot of melodic acid where the 303 lines would be just a component and not the main focus. A few of the tracks on this EP are returning to that kind of feel.

I'm really trying to develop a more minimal 80's style but struggle to find the right vibe. I always want to add more to a track to fill it out as I'm never really comfortable with a pared back approach. I need to become more confident with space and basic grooves, being more hypnotic than varied.

It'll come.

"I've been very creative in a short space of time; it's not really burn out but like all the ideas have come out at once and left me a bit empty."

I feel like I need something to give me a push in a new direction but don't know exactly what that is or where it will take me.

Acid Worship was definitely the start but that's gone down a bit of a dead end. I'm hoping that the strange noises I've been sampling from the Syncussion take root somewhere in my subconscious and provide the spark I need.

Yesterday saw the arrival of a new mount for the "Producer Series" devices (Behringer Crave, Edge & Grind) and I decided to completely strip down the "studio" ¹ and reorganise it all.

Previously, I didn't have everything out all at once and spent a lot of time moving things about. The aim is to make it easier and more flexible but that will still involve moving cables around depending on what I want to use.

I don't have enough channels on the audio interfaces to leave everything always connected. Ideally, my next purchase should be a new multi-port interface but even the "cheap" one is more than the next synth on my wishlist.

Still, the way things are arranged, and actually labelling cables so I know what's what, will help.

Curiously, I've sorted out all the power leads but haven't reconnected all the midi cables. I don't know what's holding me back. Maybe it's just procrastination — if I can't use it all (because it's not connected) then I've got a ready made excuse for not producing something new. If everything is ready to go then a lack of ideas is all on me.

I probably just need a break to recharge the creative batteries.

I have, however, spent a couple of hours this evening working on something that I started last night: a new blissed out, trancey #acid track.

I'm putting the MS-1 to good use.

The session didn't go well — things weren't flowing. So, after a few hours of scrolling through presets I gave up.

After tea, I thought I'd have another try but instead wote almost a complete new track and finished it this morning. That's just the way it goes sometimes.

Here's a quick snippet:

#acid

# The new track is called "Self Doubt" and is now live on Bandcamp.

# So happy that Southampton FC will be back in the Premier League next season. Must admit to also having a bit of trepidation after our last season there. Much to be done over the summer but let's enjoy it for now! 🔴⚪🔴⚽