computer music interests?

[hardbop200]

I've always been really interested in making music with computers, and I'm curious if there are others in Texarkana that are interested in the same thing. I think it would be fun to find a bar somewhere that offered WIFI and get together for a *very* informal meeting to hack, play, and show off stuff that we find interesting. Carry some desktop speakers, a cheap mixer, everyone hook up their laptops and MIDI controllers, and have a good time "geeking out" on music technology.

Just to give you an idea of the scope, this wouldn't be your usual "I plug my guitar in and record," although there's nothing wrong with that...this would be more like so (some proposed ideas of mine, other ideas welcome):

Talk of operating systems and various techniques involved in making music, hacking (NOT cracking!), etc.;
Jamming with loops;
VSTi/VST/LADSPA/DSSI plugin usage;
Building embedded systems for music usage live;
Abelton Live techniques/usage; (this is something I would love to know more about!)
Computer synthesis - what synthesizers do you use? Do you build patches in Reaktor, whysynth, etc.?
Circuit bending toy synths;

...and so on. Hit me up if this sounds interesting to you. If I get 5+ responses, I'll start digging around to see what is available out there in terms of venue. If no one feels qualified to contribute but is interested in learning some of this stuff, I'll be happy to do the legwork in attempting to get someone from out-of-town to do some informal clinics, etc.

This subject is not likely to be interesting to most, but I'd still like to get a feel for what's going on out there.

Thanks all!

Josh

[SmittyG]

I'm very interested in the looping stuff. My upcoming CD was recorded in Sony Acid Pro with me combining my bass lines on top of looped elements--sort of an electronica based jam fest. A lot of times, I just pull in a loop and start slicing and dicing to see what I can end up with. I know I've just barely touched on what is possible with this technology so I would love to get with others to see how far I could take this.

[hardbop200]

I know I've just barely touched on what is possible with this technology so I would love to get with others to see how far I could take this.

Yea, and I for sure don't want to give anyone the impression that I'm 100% on top of the music tech scene, but still I felt it was time to open up the discussion. What I don't want is a "digital recording clinic," not because those things are bad, but because they exist everywhere. I'm looking to cater to more niche stuff, maybe a little more tech and less music, but interesting, where we can all grow our skills and find a good outlet via ones and zeros.

[Xmax]

well, I'm like Roger, I don't know that I could contribute anything, but I' d like to see this.

just a side story, Brian Jefferies and I were both interested in doing the Commodore/sequencer thing back in the '80's. he got me to buy a com. 64 then upgrade to a 128. I had a drum machine and a 360 bass unit that I could hook up to my ensonic and do things through midi. somehow it never caught on with me. I gravitated to live sound. it's just where I think the best. Speaker design, formating processors and so on is far more interesting to me. I guess we all have our place in life called our "comfort Zone", and that wasn't mine. even now, sit me down to a 96 channel SSL worth 300,000 and I'm at home. but put me in front of a pro tools unit and tell me to do this and that, and I'm probably gonna tell you I'm going out for a beer......I am certified to do digital video on Adobe, but even that holds very little interest to me.

this sounds interesting, and I'm in. I'd like to see what your doing and the formats and so on, but I probably won't be a every nighter. I like the idea though. It's a good one Josh!!

[Xmax]

Hey Josh.

Jimmy and I were wondering if you've ever gotten any further on this project. We, especially me, would like to see exactly what your doing in regards to certain things and how you use them and relate them to the live setting.

I'm looking to get into some modules for live stuff and he and I were both thinking about a midi module situation where you set up patches to use live with the mods. AND, have it work reliably. I've got several friends that do it, in the studio but not live.

I think we all have something to share is some regards, so it might be nice to just get together and see what we have to share sometime.

I used to live in Memphis for several years and LOVED to go to STRINGS and THINGS on Union to see all the cool keys that were out. I do wish we had a place here in town that catered a little more to the local keyboardist. I know they are expensive and there are not as many key players as there are gtr pickers(does that mean it takes LESS of us to do the SAME as them??) but it would be nice to be able to get together and brainstorm or share and see the how and why fores on some of this stuff.

My house is available if your willing. I've got plenty of room and pa. Let us know Josh!! Or anybody else for that matter.....

[SmittyG]

I'm hoping this gets off the ground as well. For once, I am so damn ignorant on the subject (which isn't that unusual), and full well know the level of my ignorance (which is pretty damn rare), that I can support the cause but would be of no use in putting anything together.

[onebigorangecomputer]

I am always late for the party. zzzzzzzzzzzz but a couple years ago me and a few friends started the Texarkana Institute of Technology. Long story short we wound up doing a circuit bending workshop at a Hacker Conference in NYC http://thenexthope.org/.. Some Pics
http://www.onebigorangecomputer.com/gal ... itemId=256

video me at :38 all %$@# up http://vimeo.com/1391301

another vid the stupid puppet playing with the left overs


circuit bending is basically taking anything that makes noise electronically and rigging it to make other noise. My favorite and the crowd's by far was the 12 inch tickle-me-dildo we made for this dudes stage performance in NYC. use your imagination, it was referenced in various news outlets.

anyways will post some of my toys to this electronic thread.

If anyone wants a tour of the """""""""studio"""""""""" or wants to make some noise/jam message me.

[Honest Texan]

Brian Jefferies and I were both interested in doing the Commodore/sequencer thing back in the '80's. he got me to buy a com. 64 then upgrade to a 128.

Was that a Commodore 64 or VIC20? VIC = Very Intelligent Computer..

I had both. Learned BASIC programming skills on those things that I use to this day.

[scott]

I've always been really interested in making music with computers, and I'm curious if there are others in Texarkana that are interested in the same thing. I think it would be fun to find a bar somewhere that offered WIFI and get together for a *very* informal meeting to hack, play, and show off stuff that we find interesting. Carry some desktop speakers, a cheap mixer, everyone hook up their laptops and MIDI controllers, and have a good time "geeking out" on music technology.

Hopkin's has WIFI, BTW.

[Rebel_Yell]

I would be interested in something like this, but I wouldn't be able to contribute much as all my recording stuff is done on my living room computer, and my wife probably wouldn't let me drag our desktop out to a bar with me for the night.