For anyone interested in keeping up with what I am doing, I have decided to create a Twitter! Oh my. I likely won’t be updating this anymore since I’m not much of a blogger. To get updates please check me out here from now on:
http://twitter.com/shapelessshadow
Best,
Brian
My life has been pretty crazy lately in a lot of ways. All of which good if I say so myself. I have relocated to Brooklyn, New York to pursue a Master’s degree from NYU studying Music Technology. What is that you ask? It’s computer-based music programming and nerdy crap that most people have no interest in (rightfully so, it’s incredibly dorky stuff). Regardless, I feel more like a displaced Akron-ite thrown into some strange parallel universe where everything is just a bit more complicated but it’s been a pretty amazing adventure so far. I’d post pictures but I have no camera at this point which needs to change. I am in Williamsburg specifically, which yes is just as hip and snooty as the press makes it out to be. It’s also a center for a really great art scene that apparently is a big deal in this country. I am eager to start playing some shows here and see what the reception is like for experimental music.
Just bought one of these things not too long ago and have been working hard to create the craziest live set possible using it. I feel like a kid on Christmas day…every day
Lots of new material coming up as well so stay tuned
It’s been quite a while since I’ve updated this page but I figured why not post some sweet promo photos from a while back! These were taken by Kyle Kutuchief and Tim Fitzwater who both collaborate on an awesome Akron-based photo-blog:
http://chiefsourcephotography.blogspot.com/
Unfortunately my fog machine decided to break right before taking the photos but aside from that everything went great. Kyle and Tim are both awesome guys and working with them was definitely a pleasure. If you live in Akron and need photos done these are the guys for the job. Check em out!
I rarely take the time anymore to check out new artists or albums, but I decided to quit being a bum and download a couple new ones since I can only listen to the same crap for so long before I go insane. It used to be so exciting to hear new music but now it just seems more of a like a chore sometimes. I think in high school I hit my peak of “music awareness.” Now I know what I like and I don’t care much to hear the latest and greatest indie band. I must be getting old. Regardless, here are a couple new releases that I’ve been really enjoying.
Autechre - Oversteps
I owe a lot to the guys in Autechre. Their new album is a masterpiece to me because it really blends the crazy with the melodic. The last 2 albums by them were just a little too out there for me, but this one is so great. The reverb is lush and everywhere on this record, and the song structures are interesting and at times unpredictable. It’s unlikely I would be as interested in making electronic music if this band didn’t exist. This album is a great place to start your journey into the world of Autechre or experimental electronic music in general.
Blithe Field - Beautiful Wave ‘74
Blithe Field is probably my favorite “local” artist I’ve heard in a long time. I had the pleasure of playing with him a while back and he writes such great minimal arrangements it makes me long for simplicity. I love artists like him because I have such a hard time letting instruments breathe and have space. Blithe Field is a master of making every part count, but never overdoing anything. This album is full of great samples and nice chopping up of acoustic instruments. Highly recommended
The EP is finally finished and available for free to whoever wants it. It feels both satisfying and sort of disappointing to finally be done with the album. I’ve invested over a year’s worth of time into it and it’s hard to let go of something that has been an ongoing process for so long. Regardless, I don’t feel there is much more that can really be done so it is definitely time to move on and begin new things. I want to thank Paul Coates who designed the artwork and my awesome new website www.shapelessshadow.com. I met Paul a while back and he is not only an outstanding person but immensely creative and patient as well. Check out his company’s website here:
http://www.pixelpiemedia.co.uk
I hope you all enjoy the record as much as I enjoyed making it. Look out for new dates in the future as well as some promo pics. Take care
-Brian
[video]
Welcome to the home of all things related to Shapeless Shadow. Here I will post music, videos, pictures, and anything else that I may find interesting. This blog is dedicated to not only my music but also my views of this fine world that we live in. Enjoy.