Contents:

I. Don't Give Up Until It's Over EP

II. Art Inspired Music Contest

III. Alesis Strike Pro SE Demos

IV. Some Music Videos For Fun

I. Don't Give Up Until It Is Over EP

lmao, this EP. Back in January, Droid hosted Jamuary. This was an event in which Newgrounds musicians were inspired to write one song a day, everyday, for one month. I have so much respect for the artists that participated, even if only for a day or two. Had collaborated with [sampled] several other artists: Leavesz, Ketyri, MilkyPossum. Also wrote an OST for Bleak-Creep. I sought out permissions to include samples on my album late in March. They were all fast to respond and polite about the use of their samples. Honestly, I could have contacted them in February but am so fucking lazy. I'm debating filing for an extension on my taxes this year so I don't have to worry about them until October- I'M SO FUCKING LAZY.

(bandcamp)(newgrounds)

Shout out to some of the other artists I noticed during the event such as Casper, metalblinga, DiosselMusic, ChordsInMotion, vermeen, BeepBoxClock, TheVodouQueen, jacklehamster, trashalias, spun-earth, KamskiSketchi, Screch, Carf... and honestly anyone I just missed. Stopped myself from copy/pasting everyone in the thread when I mostly just remember Casper, metalblinga, Droid, and a few others from past events whose names are etched into my brain because they are awesome people. Newgrounds can be a furious smattering of talented artists and trying to cram in the time necessary to listen to everyone is a sad exercise in futility. More than that, I just don't participate in events often enough. Am personally quite reclusive, skittish, and animal like. On that note...

II. Art Inspired Music Contest

I've talked to random-storykeeper about joining the judges for the Art Inspired Music contest this year and will drop a review for everyone that participates. If you ever wanted an in depth music review detailing ideas, techniques, methods, theory, or just random stupid thoughts... I'm your girl. I don't often volunteer to do events that are super time consuming. I joined the panel for the AIM judges years ago and loved the experience. It's time to rejoin the fold and drop some super long reviews that make people question the quality of their headphones <3

If you are unaware of the Art Inspired Music contest, keep your eyes open for it in the coming weeks. Here is a link to the current info, projections for the contest start date is due mid April. My birthday is the 9th by the way, celebrate it by writing some killer music for the AIM. Challenge yourselves and dig for art subs that push you well outside of your comfort zones as opposed to finding an artist or sub that suits your personal styles.

Graphic artists are lovely people to make friends with. A good honest attempt at an OST for some graphic art could lead to fascinating relationships in future years. I've been commissioning graphic artists recently for things like album covers, website skins, and art swaps. Newgrounds is always at it's strongest when artists reach out and touch each other consensually.

III. Alesis Strike Pro SE Demos

I've started to record material with a recently purchased Alesis Strike Pro SE electronic drum kit. I'll include two short demo videos for funzorz, recorded straight to the drum module. I'll post more videos like this in the future, higher res. Just trying to get my drumming arms back into shape first:

These sounds and drum samples were all included in the module sound bank. Still just building kits with those built-in sounds. The module operates off an SD card, putting my own samples on these machines will be splendid... eventually. You can set up samples to play sequentially one after the other but I have no idea how to do that yet. I can put one-off sounds onto the card but will eventually start translating some of my songs into those sequential samples. I'm also just enjoying the opportunity to play the drums again. I moved into an RV with an aspie almost five years ago. Setting up an acoustic kit has not been an option for years AND IT'S BEEN DRIVING ME CRAZY. You think I started beat-boxing because I love mouth music? NO, I SOLD MY DRUM KIT IN 2012 SO I COULD DRIVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND SLEEP WITH PEOPLE TWICE MY AGE. I BEAT-BOX BECAUSE I HAD NO DRUMS AND THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. I AM GOING TO PLAY DRUMS EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE, NO ONE CAN STOP ME.

*cough*

IV. Some Music Videos For Fun

So obviously I love my new drum kit. I hope to eventually cross something between the technical drumming skills of Louis Cole and the accessibility of French Kiwi Juice. These are two of my favorite artists at the moment:

You can watch these two all day, they have such amazing funk. Another artist with some serious style points is Newgrounds Trumpet guru and old friend, Mihai Sorohan. LOOK AT HIM:

There are so many talented people that cruise through Newgrounds and disappear over the years. This website doesn't retain all of it's talent because to be totally honest, there isn't a whole lot in the way of upward mobility here. It's a small ecosystem of creative dynamos and Newgrounds is lucky to have experienced people like Sorohan roll through from time to time. The creative world can feel stifling and sometimes elite. In the absence of "elite," this website manages to exude an underground, cult-like environment. Someone recently called me mistress and I'm too conflicted to correct them because it just jives with the nature of this website and I'm way too easily amused by it. I'm giving all of you permission to start calling me mistress, if only because of the new album. Mistress demands you go listen to it.

I also have a Newgrounds playlist featuring all 30 songs free of charge. I'd say something humiliating about downloading tracks for free vs buying them from bandcamp but my heart isn't 100% into this whole mistress thing. There are way too many kids running around this hentai website and I don't necessarily want to encourage bad behavior D:

Oh fuck, more jazz:

Also, this band again because yes:

...and finally, something funny:

Thank you for stopping by and dropping emoticons on this post despite it's questionable value to humanity. I could have donated energy or money to something useful but instead stayed up late, posted music videos, and drawings of my friends riding racoons. Shout out to Ketyri and Bleak-Creep for keeping it real, riding raccoons into the sunset with me <3 <3