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Live video stuff, project work and pa testing part 4...5?

On the one hand, video cameras are smaller and accessible and you can send the files to one another over the magic airwaves.

On the other hand, the cameras are now 4K resolution and the data so big that we're back to handing each other physical media.

Unless the macintosh won't speak to the external hard drive.

Or the jerry-rigged memory stick.

Thus requiring a trip to office works for a brand spanking new USB stick.

This is the glamorous world of video making.

blue-house-usb-memory-sticks-1tb-usb.jpg_350x350.jpg

After attempt #1 went um...the way it did...attempt 2 is now at file swapping stage.

This is taking so looong omg.

Working on it.

Meanwhile, new projects are forming.

I have the greatest love for my colleagues in the muso world. Just a small couple of minor notes.

1. answer your phone/email

2. no I am not going to wait for Muso Time to get on with stuff LOL.

(sigh)

Tonight we're running another test on the array PA.

I'm already in the Yes camp for the array PA, but another usage test will not hurt.

Work continues.

Live video attempt 2 went OK

YAY!

Thanks to Denys & Svetlana.

Shout outs to Sue, Paul, Lindsay, Richard, Sam, JT and his missus, Dr Rock, Di and all the cellar dwellers who joined us.

With Michael Hawke and Jo there, we did a 3 part version of Helplessly Hoping ahhh....so nice.

It's going to take a few goes to get this right.

Also a big thanks to Pete at Rentacam. You crazy man.

This show marked another step towards the Show We'd Like To Do, a project where we put together all the guests we like to work with and do the songs that only really sparkle when we add that extra element.

Having additional acoustic, Mando and Sax made things pop. Having the extra vocals was also nice.

I continue to be amazed that I get to do this, and when the sound comes together, it's quite wonderful.

We continue to mutate. Excellent.

As the live video moves through editing, I'll post some bits.

I'm an Artist, but I would prefer if you treat me like a Plumber

When you hire an Artist, Band or a Performer, have agreed to a price and they turn up on time, do their job and act as a professional supplier of service, what they earn belongs to them. Not you.

Paying what you have agreed to is not 'optional'; it's their money. They have earned it.

Holding out the promise of future work, or future benefit, is not material. It's their money, in your pocket.

Reach in, take it out and hand it to them. It's simple.

If you can't, talk to them about it. Work out a deal like you would with any other supplier.

Treat a Band, Performer or Artist with the same professional courtesy you would provide to a plumber, electrician or your own staff. Bands, Artists & Performers are not second class citizens.

Artists, assert your rights.

#selfpropelledartists

Stormcellar at Marrickville Bowlo Sun 14 Apr with Jo Fitzgerald & Michael Hawke

Full house on stage and we're filming.

First writing session for the next batch

Friday was a rough day. Mr Wizard and I were making our first attempts at the next batch of writing.

After a few fallow months, it takes a bit to get the writing muscle working again.

We recorded guide tracks, argued about chords and structure, as things should be.

Later that afternoon, when Oskar went onwards, Mr Wizard helped me do what needed to be done.

A rough day indeed.

It is good to be moving again.

There are multiple musical projects on the board and no rush.

When I think about writing at this time in history, it makes me stop to think a little longer.

So much is going on that heralds the proper commencement of the 21st Century.

Music has changed with the world, with tech. We've been fortunate to be out in the Zone, where the change is happening.

It affects what we do, what we write. This last decade has been a journey following the old pilgrimage trails. Now, it's where to from here. What's truly useful? What work can we do that will have utility?

Re-doing the 20th century's tales over and over seems like willful ignorance of what's going on around us.

A mate said to me the other day 'don't be too political, be switzerland, you're not a folk band!'

I dunno. Brother Bill thought we were and I agree.

Yet, I have the wiser words of the masters in my ear.

'The master, being wise in all things, said nothing'

Over 2017-2018 we made an effort to provide an alternative to the constant media drumbeat of doom. The 5D project was particularly introspective, Safe Harbour/Rogue State very locally focused.

A time out.

Mr Wizard said, as we worked the other day 'it's about the phrase' and by that I take him to mean the 'useful words'.

In this moment, where we are as a Humanity, what useful things can we add?

It's been on my mind a lot, fostered by the memory of Rick Lyons and his teaching.

It's good that it's hard to find the right things. It's good to take the thought-time. There's a relationship between inspiration and perspiration, we'll keep working on it.

Meanwhile, I miss my dang dog.