Seven semi-random thoughts by Ian Rogers

Seven semi-random thoughts on working at The Edge:

#1 My girlfriend never ever tires of suggesting we employ an Aerosmith covers band for the The Edge foyer. This covers band, according to her, will perform a mantra-like set  made up entirely of Aerosmith’s 1993 comeback hit ‘Livin’ On The Edge‘ . Accordingly, my day-a-week Catalyst position at the facility is referred to as such  ‘Are you livin’ on the edge tomorrow or is it Thursday, I forget?’

#2 The facility is gleaming. Everything is polished, buffed, painted, fresh and new. The floors squeek, the place even smells kind of good. Except our offices in the basement which look exactly like where I imagines roadies live when they’re not at work. It’s a place where you can park your motorbike IN the office. I like it.

#3 The Edge launch last firday night was a surprise hit. Up until the day of the event, we were a secret facility like ASIO (sans firearms) or the Branch Davidians (sans firearms). But people came in droves, listened to the speeches and watched the bands. DZ were a highlight as were the Nunukul Yuggera dancers who opened the event. The potential embodied by the space was what was really on display; it’s not difficult to imagine regular events like the launch happening and I think they’d work. Brisbane needs a space that can reach out to broader public (as SLQ can) but is pushing a more innovative, inclusive and experimental agenda (like we are).

#4 I’ve been thinking a lot about doom metal lately, I recommend it. It’s not better than playing it, just different. Over the opening weekend, I conducted a workshop on using software application Ableton Live to make drone/doom metal . It makes sense to me. Of all of heavy metal’s vast sub-genres, doom and drone strike me as the most democratic and accessible to the lay person. For example, Slayer sound great but can you teach a stranger to play it? No you can’t. But doom! Doom is for everyone.

(Ableton Live interface image courtesy of apple shift 3)

#5 The above workshop centred around a recent project I’ve been working on: the wiring together of a multi-sample patch of my No Anchor rig in Ableton Live. The thing is still coming together but the test model is sounding suitable good/horrible (horrible in a good way). I have plans to release it on the unsuspecting world soon, so check back shortly.

#6 Conversation following my workshop:

Attendee: ‘You sound like you want to build an doom metal army. Are you building an army?’

Me: ‘Yes.’

Attendee: ‘What would you position be in this army? Colonel?’

Me: ‘Wizard King.’

#7 We have a show coming up. It’s called Show Pony and will be held in our main auditorium on Saturday March 13th at 4pm. I’ll be playing some metal (on a computer and maybe dressed as wizard, maybe - I’m considering it) and my fellow Catalysts will be performing/showcasing as well. It’s completely free.

Filed Under: Sound

Tags: Catalysts, doom metal, drone, ian rogers, music, rants, Sound