just got back from SXSW 2010

Hey guys just got back from SXSW, absolutely amazing, saw lots of bands met loads of people and drank an awful lot of alcohol. Got to have a chat with Diplo which was a little bit nerve racking, he gave me alot of advice about performing live and producing. It is interesting to find out that he uses ableton and that is pretty much it. He only uses his laptop as well and mixes entirely inside the box. He likes to keep things as simple as possible and his attitude is that if it sounds good then it is. Which is my style entirely. was also interesting to find out how he created that sound on pon da flour which I have been trying to find out for ages, he used abletons built in sampler which is awesome.

I saw lots of bands and have never been to a festival where the sound was so consistently awe inspiring. I heard alot of new bands which are destined for big things in 2010, my tip would be on ten bears wo are also from manchester which is fab, at last were going to have a decent band from manc that isnt the courteeners....

made alot of contacts whilst out there and got the opportunity to work sound on one of the main stages in the convention center which will look great on the CV.

I am actually quite happy to be back in the UK really even though I miss the amazingness of Austin, but five days of heavy drinking was beginning to takes its tole on my body to be honest.

im really inspired at the moment and looking forward to make some new tunes and recording some new bands. Keep your eyes posted on this page for new updates and random ramblings I think are worthy for human consumption.

benx

new practise room

time for china have just moved into a new practise room on the outskirts of Bury, Manchester. The room is awesome, very grubby and in need of some TLC, but sizewise it fits us perfectly with even a little bit of room for us to have a little siting area. Equipment is pretty much set up, just waiting for a few bits and bobs. First practise in the new room tonite.

Jaca Studio sessions

Recently I have been in the studio with Julie Armstrong AKA "Jaca", You can find her at http://www.myspace.com/juliestolemyspace Check her out shes great. Together we spent two sessions in the studio recording three tracks. The first session was solely for recording all the instruments, and getting a really nice live vibe. The second session involved recording the vocals which was an absolute pleasure. I am really happy with the results we got. I havent heard back from Julie yet, so lets see what she says.

you can find the fruits of our labour in the player on the left and if you like what you here drop Julie a message

Ben

studio pics

time for china

Me and Ryan are currently working on a new set and loads of new songs for the band, the band is currently me and Ryan, with Ryan playing guitar and singing and myself playing synths and using Ableton to trigger loops and samples. The songs are are definite change in direction, much more electronic and dancy. But still with the catchy tunes. I think it really exciting myself and Im learning alot about performing live with my Mac.Ill keep putting songs up as I get them mixed to a standard ready for human consumption. We are also currently recording a EP of around 7 tracks which should be finished very soon, we have the songs finished. they just need a little sprinkling of fairy dust. Should be finished by the end of this month.

Ben

Hello

hey guys thought I'd start a blog as some kind of centre for me to put any new tracks up, whether my own, remixes or productions for other artists, just to get the music out there and try and advertise myself really, hope you enjoy the sounds. I'd love to work with any of you on any projects you have going. either production, remixing or anything really. Even if you just need someone to mix for you im your man. Drop me an email if your interested.

Im going to try update as often as possible with any projects im working on.

speak soon.

Hopefully 2010 can be a great year.

ben