Just needed a little Push...

So one of the reasons I bailed out half way through #100HappyDays was because some of the things that make me happy take longer than a single day. For example, making music.

Those of you who have been following my adventures to date will recall my posting a link to a song (or track) I've made over here, the first I've finished in a very long time. Given one of my hopes in being here was to tap into my creative side a bit more, it was a thrill to finish something and share it with the world.

Added to that thrill is the inspiration that comes from Mike Monday, a former DJ and music producer who now runs a program called Start Now Finish Fast. The program is focussed on helping electronic music makers get past the many barriers, real and imagined, to success and increase their output and enjoyment. The tools this program equips you with go far beyond just making music, but rather any pursuit you set your mind to, really. Any of you creative types should really consider checking it out. But in short, we learn by doing, and essentially fail our way to success.

In order to increase my efficiency, I made the decision to purchase a Push controller, for use with Ableton Live music making and performance software, which I have been using for around 8 years now. They were having a sale, and I decided somehwat spur-of-the-moment to bite the bullet and get one.

The package awaiting payment
of import tax. Biro for scale.

For a minute I regretted the decision. Despite my best efforts, including enlisting the help of an Indonesian local, there was no information to be found on the internet to help determine import duties on bringing this gear in to Indonesia (thanks for nothing, Indonesia Postal Services). Turns out to be around 35% - on a package weighing 4.2 kgms and valued at $USD 500+. Total import tax of about 1.75 million idr - about $AUD 160. Youch.

A few pics of the device below.

Charlie can't keep his hands off the pretty lights.

In short, this is a music creation tool, with the coloured buttons used to play and sequence drum sounds, or play musical scales using a very clever grid layout, as pictured above under Charlie's stubby little fingers. I wasn't sure just how much this would speed up my workflow. But I can tell you now, it is significant. I won't bore you with the details - feel free to ask if you are interested. But suffice to say, I made what I think is the best piece I've ever done in about half a day (not including another day spent mixing and polishing). Making music has never been so quick or fun.

Anyway (tl;dr) - below is a link to my first creative effort using Push. It's still far from perfect (he says after every thing he ever does!), but if Mike Monday's advice is true, then this is a pretty sweet failure on the way to a win. It's a progressive house club track, so if that's not your bag feel free to tune out now. But for those who don't mind it deep, dark and long, turn off the lights, chuck on your headphones with some decent volume and let this take you for a ride.

Cheers