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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 less 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.

1. a fancy name for everything being set up on a couple of tables in the spare room ↩

My phone contract expired in February and the device is all paid up. I can upgrade at any point (and the obvious choice would be the Samsung Galaxy 25 Ultra) but I haven't felt the need to. That's not to say I don't want to change phones — I do — but I don't feel compelled to immediately pull the trigger on the latest and greatest.

I wrote back in September that I was interested in moving to a Google Pixel (it would be the 10 series) but I am intrigued by Nothing's phones, eagerly awaiting news of their Phone (3). The Phone (3a) Pro was interesting but not quite there. The flagship version of the 3 series will hopefully be worth a look.

I don't use the AI features on my current phone, barring a little image editing, but Nothing's "Essential Space" feature really appeals to me. Having a single place for on-the-go notes, reminders etc. analysed and auto-categorised by AI could be really handy and I'm already thinking of a few ways that I could use such a thing.

I'm forgetful and disorganised. Even when I have a notebook or other means of recording things I forget to use them or don't always have them with me. Having something as simple as pressing a button then letting the tool do the work sounds ideal. Nothing (pardon the pun) too complicated that puts barriers in the way of use.