New Mixes begun, new contributor coming soon!!!

Matt and I are at the halfway point of our second mix. I'll admit that this mix was a lot harder than the first. The last mix seemed to flow quickly, if I felt stuck I'd just shuffle my iPod. This mix isn't as ecclectic, it's a bit more focused and instead of new artists, most of these guys are familiar, or at least the sounds seem to recall the pop charts of a generation past. It's funny, but I never thought about this mix thing ever being difficult. But I've been agonizing over the first few picks, especially finding the right reply to Waits' "Downtown Train"

There is a new contributor, Grand Alto, The Big C. himself, coming on board soon... here are some words....

This month Gered asked if I would be interested in making a “correspondence mix”. I was intrigued to make a mix with Gered based off of the many conversations about new bands and concerts we have had in the past. Also since I was a young kid (dubbing mixes to skateboard to) I have been a fan of the art, but a collaboration mix is different. Comparable to a chess game, one reacts to their opponent’s move by evaluating all possible outcomes of their own potential move. What elements of your opponent’s song will cause your brain to react and what will be an appropriate countermove?

I delayed a while before picking the first song of the mix. Most of it was procrastination, but some of it was actually thinking about my first move. I chose the song “I and Love and You” by the Avett Brothers, which leads off their new album of the same title. The elements that make up this song are very calming to me; the soft piano, restrained drums, and vocal melody. “Oh Brooklyn, Brooklyn, take me in”, he sings. The song feels to me like a warm blanket on a cold, cold night. Like a soothing glass of hot green tea or that first glass of red wine with dinner. I believe that starting off calmly is a good idea, giving the listener time to settle in, then building up and slowing down energy as the mix goes on. Now that I have finally kicked off this mix, I believe it is your move, sir.

You can take the italics out of you want.

Regards,

Big C

Look out for his posts, and links to hear his music and see his artwork...