Tue 20 May 2003
As I was doing my morning stroll on various news sites, I found this amusing reply to a Linux article on why you should not use Linux and use Microsoft products instead. In anycase, I got a chuckle out of it (geek humor) 
Click below to read it.
(more…)
Tue 29 Apr 2003
Yesterday, Apple announced three new music related items: iTunes Music Store, iTunes and a new iPod.
The iTunes Music Store allows users to download music in the AAC format for $0.99 per song. The service currently offers 200,000 tracks and the interface looks very intuitive. Search by keyword, genre, artist or album. Click on a tune, get a full-quality 30 second sample (very nice) and click buy to finalize the transaction.
Unfortunately, the store is currently only available to Macintosh users using the latest iTunes 4 software. The latest iTunes software also includes automatic synchronization with the new iPod, AAC MPEG-4 Audio support, music sharing, smart playlists and CD burning.
The newest iPod line is a completely new design. The new iPods start at $299 for a 10GB model and go up to $499 for a 30GB model. The devices are .62 inches thick and 5.6 ounces - weighing less than 2 compact discs.
Features include a backlit display, all-touch interface (no actual buttons?), docking station to charge & sync quick and easily via Firewire or optional USB 2.0. Support for MP3 up to 320kbps, MP3 variable bit rate, WAV and AAC is included standard.
In addition to playing music, the iPod also has a built in Solitaire, Brick and Parachute games, contacts database, calendar a to-do list. alarm clock and note-list reader for reading downloading text on the screen.
The 15GB and 30GB models come with the iPod docking station, wired remote control and carrying case with belt clip. These are optional with the 10GB model (though if you want even two of them, its worth it to buy the 15GB model).
The Apple Store is having a iPod / iTunes release party on Friday between 6 and 10pm .. they will have the new iPods in stock, free posters, drawing for a JBL sound system and a DJ.
Mon 17 Feb 2003
I was surfing around and came across the following music related applications for Linux. While I haven’t had a chance to try them out, they look very promising.
GNU LilyPond - An application that prints out sheet music. Check out the print out samples .. very very nicely done.
Denemo - This is a frontend to GNU LilyPond that allows visual editing of the score. I’d assume it would create the definition file that is required by LilyPond and then allow LilyPond to print out the sheet music.
RoseGarden-4 - An attractive, user-friendly MIDI and audio sequencer, notation editor and general-purpose music composition and editing application for Linux. This application sounds and looks similar to applications such as Cakewalk, Sonar and Cubase.
CheeseTracker - A ‘tracker’ for Linux. Tracking was extremely popular in the early-mid 1990s and was used extensively in game soundtracks. CheeseTracker is an Impulse Tracker clone with lots of extras such as reverb, filters, chorus, etc.
Planet CCRAM Package Collection - A listing of various sound and music applications for Linux.
Granted, these applications are still “in-the-works” but its definitely nice to see projects such as RoseGarden being undertaken in the open source community.
Mon 12 Aug 2002
Interference will be playing at Chandler Center for the Arts on August 17th for the Intel Benefit Show. We will be playing U2’s Walk On — I’ll be on the keys .. For additional information, email me at interference@smashedbug.com
Wed 29 May 2002
Here are some tewns that I recorded yesterday .. not the greatest quality .. but alais, something to listen to .. light jazz shietz..
Here are a few more songs added June 4th … Much better quality than the first two.