Recorded straight through in three passes — drums, vocals, acid — it features the RD-8 on 808 duties, a TD-3, and the LM Drum for the vocal samples.

Low down and dirty, simple but never boring.

This is the way!

While I haven't got anything new to share today, you can get 25% off everything using the code bcfaug26 😊

Get yourself a bargain and you'll be helping me immensely.

Thanks.

P.S. More news to come soon...

It's lead me to think about my workflows for the two types of recording.

I hugely prefer the process of recording with hardware, probably because it's a lot more tactile and I get into a better flow.

The Launchpad XL has definitely helped when making tracks purely in software, but it's still not a comparable experience.

I needlessly fuss over insignificant details in software. I'm trying to resist the urge but being out of that flow gives more space for fiddling with things that probably don't need to be fiddled with.

What's strange is that trying to mix a software-only track always seems to be harder. They always feel muddier, with less body, even though you would expect things to be more crisp when working in the box.

The particular track I'm struggling with has layers spanning the frequency spectrum but, even with some judicious EQ, things want to blend too much. I seem to struggle with the low end more than seems typical, especially kicks.

I'm going to strip back all effects and concentrate on the raw sounds, gradually reintroducing processing in stages to get the right blend.

The other software-only track doesn't have this problem, but then it doesn't use a kick drum.

The reaction to the silver machine EP was resoundingly positive, especially for the title track, so thanks to everyone who has supported it in any way. It's much appreciated.

Things have been a bit quiet since then, but I am currently working on a couple of new things which I'm excited about.

As always, I don't know what format the next release will be — it depends on how things go and what I get done. I'm not setting any particular timescales.

The next release might be a Subvert exclusive (at least for a period) but I'm still undecided on this. Subvert is still a young platform with room to improve.

Thanks to a few recent sales, I'm up to nearly 20% of the "next synth purchase" fund — it's all enabled by you and all sales purely support ongoing music production.

I hope to have another update soon. Until then, stay squelchy 🫠

A new collection of unforgiving acid tracks. First, let us begin by bowing our heads for an acid prayer before the music takes control.

Raw and uncompromising, the titular track takes us back to the old days when clubs weren't about ego. Inspired by the Hawkwind track of the same name.

'pHreak pHonk pHunk' provides gritty, glitchy 808 and melodic cowbells in an ode to acid phonk. Is that a thing? If not, it is now.

'the pattern isn't there' is aggressive acid, entering firmly in bird-tweeting territory. This should come with a government health warning.

Forget perfection. Forget clinical production. Just experience acid as it's meant to be. Rough and in your face.

Available on Bandcamp and Subvert

Subvert, the cooperative-owned music marketplace, is officially live today! And yours truly is there as a founding member.

I have, so far, uploaded a recent selection of releases with plans to upload most of my tracks.

Subvert is different. Subvert is for the people, by the people, where every member is part owner.

It allows for "member tier" pricing so that you can offer fellow members a reduced price. You don't have to be a member to browse and buy but it has benefits.

I hope you'll join me there.

I don't want to continue putting things out in 1s & 2s so will likely wait until I've got three or four tracks together, at least.

This release combines pre and post breakdown tracks into a musical continuum. It is, therefore, very personal in nature.

I was originally only going to release "once the tears..." but "plastic smack" became something equally beautiful and I felt the deserved to be released together.

The shape of sunrise is an ode to coming out of the dark and seeing the way forward towards a more positive future.