The Time Between Then And Now

Since I last wrote to you, endless voi- I mean Internet, some good things have happened and not many bad things at all. Might I divulge.

I mean to write  post on this topic a while back, but after many drafts, I could tell I either wasn't in a writing mood, or I'd lost touch with the flow from my mind to my fingers, but now I'm here, let's give another try.

I dedicate this paragraph to Aaran Colbourne. He styled my hair such beauty and diligence, I feel that he deserves this. He worked long and hard on my head, overcoming obstacles and powering through issues, I commend him for what he has done to and for me. Thank you Arran Colbourne, the world needs more people, nay heroes, like you.

New topic.

I bought I MIDI keyboard. Well, really Taylor Dalton bought it and I payed him back, but it is in my possession. Now this may not sound like something to be thrilled about, but for me, this is the best thing that could have happened. My musical urge just burst open in an explosion of virtual instruments, my creative juices turned from a trickling flow into this incredible turbulent flux exciting me to no end.

After a few days of this, I suddenly realised how happy I was. I was just so incredibly happy, nothing was bringing me down, the odd thing I'd see on FaceBook of Katie writing something completely unrelated to me would get me down for about two minutes, then I'd be back to playing guitar or emulating a piano or what have you. I just felt good.

So I decided to apply for a Music course. (How was that for a decent segue?!)

After the arduous process of going through the VTAC website, downloading forms, filling them out, mailing them, all I can do now is wait and prepare my audition. I hate to admit it, but I'm actually quite nervous. I applied as a guitarist, which I don't believe is my best instrument at all, i'm by far a better bassist, but it's the instrument I'm most involved with at the moment so I figured it could only help me in my band endeavours.

After a few night of not playing music, and searching the internet for something interesting, I discovered a small community, and with that community was some small netlabels, PistonSource Records and Running Jump Records, which both highly intrigued me, mainly PistonSource due to it's use of Pixel's PxTone software because I myself use Pixel's Software to make music.

I did some research into netlabels, finding out legal mumbo jumbo, how to start one up, the reasons to own or join one, all that jazz, and eventually, and I though to myself "I've been looking for a way to represent local bands without looking like a stupid sweater who just wants to be in with band members by starting a promotions FaceBook page. This is perfect."

So I did.

I'm slowly working on where I want to go with the whole thing, but so far I'm going to be promoting and hosting my own music, I have a few people in mind who wouldn't be apposed to me hosting their music either. The whole thing's non-profit anyhow so really, no one has anything to lose by joining me.

Also recently, the cousin whom I refer to as Aidan, decided to begin a blawg of his own, traditionally referring to it as his blog, the 'correct' spelling one might say. Here he commands the english language like no other, with the though patterns to match. I envy his ability to write in such a fluent manner, to be able to convey such thoughts in clear and precise words. I will remain endlessly jealous of his mind. I recommend keeping an eye on his (dare I type it this way) blog. He WILL make you think.

Other than that, the internet at home has been shitty, so I havent been able to Skype call with Emmi, which bums me, but really, that's the only bad thing to have happened since I last deposited my thoughts.

Thank you for reading, I hope you stay and read again some time.
'til next time.
Matt.

Your Say.

From today, I no longer have faith in the minds of the masses.

I used to read the Herald Sun, ever since I was about twelve I'd say, not exactly daily, but when I got chance I'd scan through for anything interesting. Ever since I began, my favourite section was the Your Say section (That being it's current name, I'm not sure if it had another name previously, I think it may have). As of recent I've had less chances to glance through the Sun but I'd always look through the Your Say section first.

For those unfamiliar, the Your Say section is basically the part of the paper where they publish things people write, email or text in to the Sun. I think it was a silly idea to allow people to text in their opinion on matters, or at least I believe so.

I used to highly enjoy reading what people had to say on serious matters, giving me new perspectives on stories I'd read and what not, but slowly, the content began to deteriorate, along with the content of the newspaper itself. They began to focus on more trivial and whitespace filler news. What used to be a footnote in the corner of an odd page now became very close to front page news. Then the people who wrote in became dumber.

At this point, all the Your Say section has become is a public internet forum that gets printed. All it is is people bickering at each other, trying to set off one another, making idiotic remarks just looking for reactions. If I read another 'Got a problem with our state, then get out' submission, I'm going to hunt down and kill whoever wrote it in. Matter just aren't that fucking simple. You really think that's helping us look like a decent country by saying 'Don't like what we do? Then fuck off.'? Holy fucking Sol, some people are stupid.

In retrospect, it was the texting that ruined that section, that and the idiotic society we live in, where truly important matters don't seem to matter at all. I look forward to death sometimes.

'til next time,
Matt.

Names For These Things Are Slowly Becoming Harder.

Last weekend I travelled up to Rye to pay my grandma a visit. Usually when this happens, the time spent there is uneventful and boring, which she full acknowledges, but we're guilted into heading up there because 'it may be the last time we see her' which is a legitimate reason I suppose, but really, the amount of times I hear the same reason... Anyway...

But this time, the time spent there was a bit different. Much more interesting that usual. So much so that I may have come out of there with a new perspective of my grandmother.

Living in Rye, my grandma live extremely close to the beach. Beaches are things I've rarely been interested in. I don't enjoy sand, nor do I enjoy salt water very much. Boats, jet skis or surfing have never really interested me either. If anything, the thing I find most interesting about beaches are piers. I realised this when I decided to take a walk before the last bit of sunshine for the day slipped away. Walking around Rye helped get a better view of what a beachside suburb is like. I'm used to seeing these things from behind the car window.

Of course, I wasn't to thrilled with what I saw of Rye. Not much for music there, but coming out of there with a view was something at least. I probably wouldn't live there myself, but I can understand why people would want to live there. It's quaint. Not bustling or overly busy. Relaxed. The kind of place someone could imagine retiring to.

After my return to my grandma's abode, there was a lot of sitting wondering what to do, unavoidable when you're sitting in a house that isn't yours with no internet access sadly. In her lounge room (of sorts) she has this very cool old record player which I'd never played with before. I decided to peruse through all her records, something I'd done many times before, but this time, one certain record caught my eye, one I'd never seen before.

So I took a picture of it.

Incase you can't read it, it's called 'Phases of the Moon; Traditional Chinese Music'.

I had no idea my grandma was into such music. I asked if she minded me playing it so I could have a listen. She didn't mind. I'd listened to many eastern traditional musics, but Chinese was yet to protrude my ear canals.

I can't say that I was disappointed. This compilation of tunes from various provinces and times of China really got me hooked on the composition of the pieces, which varied in their own ways, but remained fairly similar within a few aspects. This record is actually available for download in various places around the internet if you know where to look.

I also may have caught a case of the vinyl bug. The feeling of being able to touch the music in a way was just... intriguing. Sadly, it's horribly hipster of me to like anything old. Damn you judging public, you've ruined yet another interest of mine.

Lawljokes, you think I actually care what you think? Gotcha my silly headed reader. I'd call you friend but I might not actually know you and I can't guarantee I'd like you.

Other than that, things are okay. I've emotionally reconstructed myself and I'm ready to kick life's ass. Time to be a functioning human being. Oh also, I don't think I told you, but I lost my job at the printing factory, but not to worry, I've also gotten over that. Except for Whitey, I miss Whitey. Rock on my friend, rock on.

'til next time.
Matt.