This Week On My iPod (Vancouver Olympic 2010 Fever)

This has been the soundtrack of the week so far…

1. Massive Attack- Heligoland LP (#1 because after last night its my new late night friend)

2. Surfer Blood-Astro Coast LP (after seeing them on KEXP.org, I want to hear more. see you guys live!)

3. Flying Lotus-July Heat Mix & Los Angeles LP (fantastic set at Gossip last night. Olympic 2010 Vancouver fever, baby)

4. The Holy Ghost- The Deep End (Day School Dub) remix of Curses! & Nancy Wang track. (I just can’t get enough of Holy Ghost right now. give me more)

5. John Foxx-Metamatics

Magnetic Fields May Explore Brave Newer World Of Synthesizers | CHARTattack

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via Magnetic Fields May Explore Brave Newer World Of Synthesizers | CHARTattack.

A Look Inside the Richard Spi Studio…

After building a house, a new business, raising my 2 boys and traveling everywhere, I finally got my project studio set-up.  I’ve been given a hard time by many of my friends to finally put some of my music out for listening.  2010 is going to be the year that I do that.  I’ve played bits and pieces of tracks for lots of friends, the lovely wife, and family and I always get the same response,…When are you finally going to finish something?  So, here it is,…I promise that this is the year I will finish some of these tracks.

The Richard Spi Basement Studio

Fantastic Documentary On Brian Eno From The BBC

Make sure to join the Junkies Beat group!  This is a great documentary of a legend…

John Foxx-Metamatics (1980) Getting Lots of Airplay

I’ve been a fan of John Foxx for many years.  His minimalistic approach on Metamatics was influential to me beyond words.

I recently purchased a limited edition Metamatics on CD to replace the vinyl that had gone missing over the years.  A week ago I was blasting it in my project studio when my son came in to have a listen.  Without prompting it has become the most played album in our home and car.  He has claimed it as his own and now says I want to hear CD1 or CD2(bonus tracks).  Naturally, as with most 5 year old boys play it again, again, and again is par for the course.  To most people this would seem a problem since we live in a world where access to hundreds/thousands of tracks is possible via iPods and other Mp3 devices.  Nonetheless, with every listen I am reminded why he was influential to artist like Gary Numan. I’m also reminded over and over again about what a great influence he was and is to me still.   I have had other influences and still do, but John Foxx is at the top of the stack

His minimalist approach is not only evident in the music but also the gear he used.  He reportedly only used 8 tracks for the tracks.  The primary synthesizer was an ARP Odyssey, Roland CR-78, Elka String Synthesizer, MXR doubler/flanger, Roland Space Echo 301, and a Minimoog occasionally.

The synth work on this album is impeccable and the string sounds he achieved are to me, legendary. If you get some time listen to this album, do so. The futuristic and Ballardian aspects have never been more apparent to me than here.

The engineer is Gareth Jones of Depeche Mode and Daniel Miller fame.  Brilliant!

Billy Currie (Ultravox) claimed that they didn’t get along because John Foxx was too artsy.  I bet today he cannot deny how important Metamatics has become and how well it has stood the test of time.

He is currently in the studio working with Benge (the great synth collector and artist)  I look forward to that.

1974 Mini Korg 700s

1974 Mini Korg 700s

My wife purchased this synth for me today. Or rather, she let me purchase it!

I’ll post a review soon, but my initial thoughts are that this synth is worth every penny. 2 oscillators with some great flexibility. All I keep thinking about is about The Human Leagues-Travelogue & Reproduction. However, more than anything the sound of The Normal’s-Warm Leatherette. Daniel Miller, you have influenced me more than anyone! I can’t wait to make some choonz with this bad boy.

Akai Unveils the APC20 Ableton Controller

Akai APC20

Looks like Akai realized that the Novation Launchpad has had an impact on the Live controller front. So, allow me to introduce you to the new Akai APC20. I’m loving the Novation Launchpad though.

Akai Professional worked in partnership with software developer Ableton to create the APC20, the second control surface created by Akai Professional for performance with Ableton Live software. Like the APC40, adding the APC20 transforms the user’s experience from one of constructing tracks with a keyboard and mouse to composing and performing with a seamless, fully integrated hardware/software musical system.

The APC20 retains many of the APC40′s most popular features and capabilities, while shrinking the physical footprint and adding interesting new capabilities. The smaller size enables musicians to perform in less space and makes setting up multiple controllers and devices easier. Power users can use the APC20 in conjunction with an APC40 to expand their track and clip controls.

Like the APC40, the APC20 centers on its five-by-eight Clip Launch grid. This bank of multicolor triggers not only start and stop clips playing in Live, they also show cells’ status in the software – whether a clip is loaded or not, whether it is playing or not, record-armed status and more. Clip Stop triggers, transport controls and faders round out the control surface. Users can switch the APC20′s faders between volume control, pan, sends and three different user-mapped modes. A new Note Mode enables musicians to use the Clip Launch buttons to control virtual instruments and Ableton Live’s Drum Rack.

Because Akai Professional and Ableton designed the APC20 for use with Ableton Live software, the system is truly plug and play, although advanced Live users will appreciate that the APC20 enables them to remap every one of its controls to suit their own style.

The APC20 will be available from pro audio and musical instrument retailers in January 2010. It has a U.S. Retail Price of $299.00 and an estimated street price of $199.00

Find out more about it here…

Welcoming the 2010 New Year With Lots of Good Content

Stay tuned this year for a lot more coverage of events, concerts & great news stories. Lots of things going on with Richard Spi this year. I’ll also be adding a new section entitled iPhone Concert Shots where, you guessed it, I’ll be posting all the pictures from my exploits at concerts. Starting with some of the great shots I got last year in 2009. So, stay tuned and get ready for a fun ride.

Thom Yorke Performing The Present Tense @ Latitude Festival UK 2009

Thom Yorke, you never fail to impress me. This was the first time I heard this track-today. I hope you will enjoy it too.

Thank you.