on the newness of years
January 12th, 2008
During 2007 I learned a great deal about what what thrills me in music, both as a listener and as a music-maker.
I’ve become entirely enamoured of Creative Commons music sharing, the netlabel movement, and of artist/audience relationships less built on fan worship and built more on a spirit of mutual exchange.
Through the vlog videos of pataphysicist Sam Rensiew, whose blip.tv videos frequently sample from my work and that of other NSI artists, I am constantly reminded of the importance of observing what is about us to see as if what we see has value in and of itself.
Through the music of electronica artist Cagey House, I recapture some of the joy and whimsy that always attracts me about music.
I am impressed with artists like Issa and Kristin Hersh, who are seeking new ways to market music to audiences weary of digital rights management and record company hegemonies.
My own artistic 2007 provided many exciting moments, from having songs played on Canadian and Dutch public radio, to the continued success of NSI, and on through the fun of interacting on-line with artists, collaborators and friends. I fell in love with a simple shareware synth, while also discovering that my inner pop star has not yet quite popped.
I am looking forward during this year 2008 towards taking concrete steps to become a better listener, a more effective advocate for a sharing culture, and to make music that other people find fun to enjoy.