Volume 2

Posts 26-50
Saturday, September 15, 2007
to
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
SA T U R D A Y , SE P T E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 0 7

Collector's Corner #7

Which came first, this gooey relic or the Metal XOR project name?

The first major project to be named from the Studio was Mune Mud, which was a
play on the words Moon Mud. And based on that play on words, a song was
recorded in 1991 called "Moon Mud" that appeared on the Olympus album. But
were both of those titles inspired by this little gem?

No. In fact, this was found in a store in Union Station a few years after the Studio
had been using the term Moon Mud. So it was purchased and placed in the Metal
XOR Studio Museum in honor of the project and song.

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 5:47 AM 0 comments

Labels: Collector's Corner
SU N D A Y , SE P T E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 0 7

Album of the Week #4: Nine Days Wonder

Project name: NueroMud

Album name: Nine Days Wonder
Release date: November 1995
Release format: cassette
Studio name: Metal XOR Studio

Tracks:
1. Total Conversion
2. Sunrise
3. Eloqui de Sleep
4. Song of Songs
5. Down In My (Synth mix)
6. Blue Rust
7. A Dreamworld (Acoustic)
8. Blue Wish
9. Legacy of the Harvester
10. Magic:
11. Lumia
12. Blind
13. For All Sheep (Pt 1)
14. S.N.O.W. Hear (Redemption mix)
15. Carmen
16. No Bunker
17. Wreck of It All
18. At the Last (Extended)

This was the second NueroMud album released. There were many songs recorded
for this album, including a few milestones for the Studio. This album was the first
to have a "cover" song (a remake of a song recorded by someone else). The band
Anything Box had a song called "Carmen" and that song was recorded and put on
this album. The other first was the use of someone else's lyrics on a Metal XOR
album. A friend of the Studio provided the lyrics for "Blind" and the reverse spoken
word on "Lumina".

The above scan lists a couple of songs that were cut from the final album. It also
lists the final three choices for the album title. The two titles that were not used
were Scented Journey and This Too Shall Pass.

By now the Studio had been named Metal XOR. It was a studio built in the
basement of the house Jason was renting at the time.

There is not much to say about this album. It, like the first NueroMud album
...Libra 971, had a limited release so not many people even know it exists.

There are plans to eventually re-release this album on CD, most likely containing
extra tracks of demos or unreleased songs.

Next week's Album of the Week: Devis Tortura by NueroMorgue from 1993.

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 7:03 PM 0 comments

Labels: Album of the Week
M O N D A Y , SE P T E M B E R 1 7 , 2 0 0 7

Studio News: A New Project?

A new project? A new album?

I had an idea today. I haven't decided if I want to pursue it yet. It would be a big
commitment on my part, but one I feel is needed. What is this idea? Read the next
paragraph to find out.

A marathon music month. Huh? Starting October 1 and ending October 31, my
spare time will be nothing but music. The goal is to see how much material can be
produced in just my free time (usually the hour or two after everyone else in the
house is asleep) over the course of thirty-one days. Ideally I would like all songs to
be completely finished within that one-month time period, but if post-production
is needed I can do that in November.

I would like to have a new album out by the end of the year. And if I can dedicate
every spare minute to this project, I think I can do it. Some things to consider if I
decide to attempt this:

It would require a new project name. This will not be Mune Mud!
Preparation of new hardware and software. My recording computer and new
recording software will need to be fine-tuned and ready to go within two
weeks.
Inspiration will need to be found. It's hard to record music if I'm "not in the
mood."
An album theme. With it being autumn and the month of spooks and ghouls,
should I give the album a horror/spooky theme?
A new album title will be needed. This will best be determined after the
songs are completed.
Should samples be collected? Will the album be sample-heavy or just
instruments and vocals? I need to decide.
Will it be just me making the music or should I have others involved?
Should I start collecting song titles now or let the inspiration come as the
songs are recorded?
 Will it be mostly electronic instruments or will the guitar play a big part?

I will mull this idea over for the next few days. Can I give up all of my other
hobbies for one month to concentrate on music? That's what I am trying to decide.
Even though it would be really hard to not watch movies or play PC games or read
books/comics or any of my other hobbies, I really think something very cool could
come out of this. It may be something very different but it could be cool
nonetheless.

And of course if I decide to do this, this blog will be full of information regarding
the project. . . as it's being created!

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 12:52 PM 0 comments

Labels: Studio News
T U E SD A Y , SE P T E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 7

A Look Back...

In 1995, Jason was part of a team of several people who started a project that
pooled their individual talents to come up with something creative, whether that
be something audio, visual, or in print. Jason's contribution to the group was his
music/audio skills.

To announce the team's start-up, a couple of members of the group put together
the first issue of the Timely Creative newsletter that would have articles written
by team members and highlight projects they were working on. Above is the front
cover of issue #1. It was a 4-page issue basically calling all members together for
their first meeting to decide which direction they were going to go.

One of the team's first proposed projects was a commercial for a local company. A
storyboard and rough script were created but the team fell apart before it could
be completed. And this was the only issue of the newsletter completed.

On the cover of the newsletter, above the word SUPERTRAMP, is a field that says
"Jason's new release." This was referring to the recently released NueroMud album
Nine Days Wonder. This was one of the few instances of advertising for a Metal
XOR Studio album.

The name of the team and the newsletter was Timely Creative. The member of
the group that had the video production studio in his home has since moved to
California and continues to do work under that same name. The rest of the group
have been scattered across the country.
Posted by - Mune Mud - at 7:54 AM 0 comments
Labels: A Look Back
W E D N E SD A Y , SE P T E M B E R 1 9 , 2 0 0 7

Project Spotlight #4: Who is Nikki Watson?

Mrs. Mune Mud. That is who Nikki Watson is.

With Nikki's vocal talent and Jason's attempt at music, it was natural for these two
to be married in 2000. For two years before that, Nikki had recorded vocals to a
few songs recorded at the Studio. A small collection of these was compiled on a CD
under the project name 'Nikki and Jason Watson' and was released in 2001 as an EP
titled Love Songs.

They also collaborated on a couple of songs that Nikki sung at their church.

There is always talk of more material from the team. But schedules are hard to
match and being in a family of four now, their time is limited more than ever.

Next week: Who is Paige Watson?

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 5:10 AM 0 comments

Labels: Project Spotlight
T H U R SD A Y , SE P T E M B E R 2 0 , 2 0 0 7

Studio News: New Project Progress

After watching some of the 1922 silent film Nosferatu yesterday, I have decided to
move forward on plans to record a new album in October.

I started a file of possible titles and ideas. A couple of song titles I'm kicking
around are "100,000 Miles Away", "The Land of Phantoms", "Plastic Mask", and
more. The album is starting to take on a dark, horror, creepy feel. But then again,
I haven't recorded any music for it yet. So who knows?

The Studio equipment was fired up last nite and a quick test song called "Fog Test
1" was recorded. I will "practice" with my equipment for the next week or so to get
back into the swing of things. So on October 1 I can dig in and start recording new
songs.

I will keep the blog updated as to the progress of this project...

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 7:30 AM 0 comments

Labels: Studio News
F R I D A Y , SE P T E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 0 7

This Day in Studio History

It was September 21, 1996, when Harry, Jason, and Jimmy got together in a
driveway and recorded an outdoor jam session as the group Isthmus. This session
became the second Isthmus album, Lambskin Temple.

For most of the songs Harry was on guitar, Jason on bass, and Jimmy on drums.
Jason sang most of the songs. The album was released on November 19 of that
year.
Posted by - Mune Mud - at 5:55 AM 0 comments
Labels: This Day in History
SA T U R D A Y , SE P T E M B E R 2 2 , 2 0 0 7

Collector's Corner #8

Track #16 on Mune Mud's Sleep State F album from 1997 was called "Biobot." From
where did the inspiration for this song come?

This page is from the July 1997 issue of National Geographic. It is from an article
called "Robot Revolution" that discusses the different fields of science that robot
technology has been applied and new developments in robot technology. The
above scan shows a picture of an insect with a circuit board attached to its back to
control its movements. The bold type on the right side of the page explains the
picture. In that explanation is the term "biobot" and that is where the title and
theme of the song came from.

A copy of this magazine now resides in the Library Wing of the Metal XOR Studio
Museum.
Posted by - Mune Mud - at 8:01 AM 0 comments
Labels: Collector's Corner
SU N D A Y , SE P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 0 7

Album of the Week #5: Devis Tortura

Project name: NueroMorgue

Album name: Devis Tortura
Release date: December 14, 1993
Release format: cassette
Studio name: none

Tracks:
1. Second Sunday Song
2. Ataxia
3. Breathe in the Fire
4. Smolder w/o Name
5. Vision of Immortality
6. Two-Tone Rhythm Kill
7. Lack of Motivation
8. Familiar Noise
9. Holy War [Extended]
10. Imitation of Voyage
11. Return to Dust
12. Palace
13. Plane Crash
14. The Silver Cord
15. RYO [Live]
16. Johnny T.
17. Star Part

Mune Mud had been around for a few years by now. So when this album was
released it attracted a whole new audience. This was the music that was too heavy
or weird for the traditional Mune Mud style. The title is a botched up version of
Latin meaning "torture device", which could refer to the album itself being torture
(for some people) to listen to.

The only guest musician was Jimmy who provided additional vocals on "Two-Tone
Rhythm Kill." A music video was even shot for this song which showed Jason and
Jimmy outrageously costumed and lip-syncing the song in the Studio. There were
many samples taken from various songs and sound effects tapes in the Studio used
on this album. And Jason got real experimental with the 4-track recorder by
changing recording speeds, backwards recording, etc.

This album was heavily influenced by Faith Mo More, Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, and
many other techno/industrial/heavy metal bands.

The album cover was hand-drawn by Jason and showed stones with runes and
various mysterious symbols on it. It was the first (and possibly the only) hand-
drawn album cover the Studio has released.

This album had an accompanying book titled "Devastation and Minim Opi." It was a
main story and several short stories that linked all the songs together and
contained every lyric on the album hidden within the stories. The last page of the
book was a full-page drawing by Gargoyle titled "Primordial Water and Lotus"
(watch for it as an upcoming Collector's Corner post).

There are plans to re-release this album on CD, possibly as a 2-disc set with extras
that include demos, unused tracks, and alternate versions. There is almost enough
material to release a second full-length NueroMorge album but that project has
been on hold for years.
Next week's Album of the Week: E. Phantasmata by NueroMorgue from 1994.
Posted by - Mune Mud - at 9:33 PM 0 comments
Labels: Album of the Week
M O N D A Y , SE P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 0 7

Collector's Corner #9

This is a drawing from 1994 by Jason titled Primordial Water and Lotus.

This was used as the last page in the book "Devastation and Minim Opi" that
accompanied the 1993 NueroMorgue album Devis Tortura. It contains many hidden
things and various refereneces to NueroMorgue songs.

A section of the drawing was also used as the album cover for the 1994
NueroMorgue EP E. Phantasmata.

The drawing is on display in the Modern Art Wing of the Metal XOR Studio Museum.
Posted by - Mune Mud - at 7:54 AM 0 comments
Labels: Collector's Corner
T U E SD A Y , SE P T E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 0 7

Article: Recording Techniques

Metal XOR Studio has undergone many hardware and software changes throughout
the years. From primitive recording with minimal equipment to state-of-the-art
digital recording, this is a brief history of how Metal XOR songs have been recorded
over the last 17 years.

1. The first recording technique used introduced a lot of noise into the songs. This
was the recording process: the first layer was recorded to a standard cassette tape
using a regular cassette deck. This first layer was usually the drum track
(sometimes with the keyboard playing along with the drums). Then the first tape
would be played back on another cassette deck and an instrument would be played
along with the tape in real-time and recorded to a second tape. Then the second
tape, now consisting of the first two layers together, would be played and another
instrument or vocals would be added in real-time and recorded to a third tape. By
this third generation the first layer of music was usually real muddy and the
recording itself was very noisy and muffled. So most songs did not go beyond the
third layer.

2. In 1991 a 4-track recorder was purchased and multi-track recording became

much cleaner and more tracks could be recorded. Using certain techniques a song
could now have six to seven clean tracks. This is how the vast majority of songs
were recorded in the Studio.

3. A sequencer unit was purchased to connect the synthesizer, drum machine, and
sound modules together via MIDI. The sequencer would be programmed to play
each instrument and when it was time to record, [play] was pressed on the
sequencer and all of the instruments would play at once and the music track would
be recorded to the 4-track recorder. Then the guitar(s) and vocals would be
recorded.

4. The sequencer unit was replaced with a computer program called CakeWalk.
Now songs were much easier to program and there were more MIDI options to take
advantage of. These songs were recorded to 4-track and vocals and guitars were
added on the 4-track recorder.

5. A new version of CakeWalk was used, one that could handle both MIDI and audio
files. So now the instruments could be controlled via the computer and the vocals
and guitars could be recorded into the computer and everything could be played
back at the same time. But it was all still being recorded to the 4-track recorder.

6. A new program called Cool Edit was then used to record audio into the
computer. So now all instruments and audio tracks from CakeWalk could be
recorded directly in the computer as a .wav file. Now there was no need for the 4-
track cassette recorder.

7. The sounds from the synthesizer and sound modules were good, but not very
realistic sounding. So today a program called Reason is now being used. It has
sampled sounds from various instruments for realistic sounding instruments. I also
has a vast array of synthesized sounds and drums.

8. The program Audition (formerly called Cool Edit) is now used as a multi-track
recorder in the computer. All instrument sounds are played using Reason and
recorded into Audition. Then all guitars and vocals are recorded in Audition as
separate tracks. So now the quality is all first generation and very clean and the
number of tracks available is only limited by the amount of processing power the
computer has.

Books could be written about each of the steps above, but this article was to
provide a snapshot of the evolution of recording techniques used throughout the
years.

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 7:28 AM 0 comments

Labels: Article
W E D N E SD A Y , SE P T E M B E R 2 6 , 2 0 0 7

Project Spotlight #5: Who is Paige Watson?

Paige is the 3-year old daughter of Jason and Nikki.

Paige's music career began in early 2006 when she was recorded singing some of
her favorite songs. Over the course of the next year she was recorded several more
times. From those recording sessions songs were compiled to create her first CD. It
was released last month as My First Album.

Plans are to record her again throughout the upcoming year so by this time next
year she will have a second CD released.

She has also recently begun learning to play the piano. She is taking lessons in the
Studio itself. So look forward to hearing her play her own music as well as singing
in the coming years.

Next week: What is Isthmus?

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 5:47 AM 0 comments

Labels: Project Spotlight
T H U R SD A Y , SE P T E M B E R 2 7 , 2 0 0 7

Collector's Corner #10

In the early days of the Studio when there was a lot of public foot-traffic going
past the Studio door, a sign was created that had a flashing light on it. When the
light was on, everyone knew not to come into the Studio for there was recording
going on inside.

This sign was used in the early to mid-90's, before the Studio was called Metal
XOR. It wasn't until the Studio moved from that location to a different house that
the sign was retired.

Since then, Studio grave robbers have looted the flashing light so all that remains
in the Electronics Wing of the Metal XOR Studio Museum is the sign itself.
Posted by - Mune Mud - at 12:03 PM 0 comments
Labels: Collector's Corner
F R I D A Y , SE P T E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 0 7

Collector's Corner #11

This is the schematic of the proposed second version of Metal XOR Studio... Metal
XOR-B.

Metal XOR Studio was built in the basement of a house Jason rented from 1994-
1996. Many songs were recorded in what later became known as Metal XOR-A. But
when moisture and dampness started affecting the equipment, it was quickly
realized a new studio had to be built.

The above scan is the schematic blueprint for the two systems that would be
needed in the new Metal XOR-B Studio. The main drawing shows the audio
connections needed and how to hook up all the audio cables. The drawing at the
bottom of the page shows the MIDI hookup, the data connections between the
equipment.

This drawing was completed in the fall of 1995. It was soon after that the Studio
was moved upstairs to the main floor and Metal XOR-B was created.

The original drawing now resides in the Studio Blueprint and Redesign Wing of the
Metal XOR Studio Museum.

* Additional note - when Jason moved from the rental house, Metal XOR-C was
built at the new house. And in 1999 when he moved to his current house, Metal
XOR-D was built. Since XOR-D was built, there have been a few "rebuilds" and
"revisions" to the Studio, so those designations became known as XOR-D1, XOR-D2,
etc.

Update: for more information, see the Studio Chapter feature.

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 9:04 AM 0 comments
Labels: Collector's Corner
SA T U R D A Y , SE P T E M B E R 2 9 , 2 0 0 7

Studio News: New Project Cancelled

October is rapidly approaching!

Rumors of an album being recorded during the month of October are rampant. This
post will quell all rumors and provide the community with the facts it deserves.

A decision has been made as to whether to dedicate ALL free time in October to
the recording of a new album. After an idea file was created (which rapidly grew)
listing song ideas and song titles, after several recording sessions dedicated to
getting hardware and software set up properly for a whirlwind month of recording
took place, after all meetings and Studio events were canceled or postponed in
October to make dedicated time for recording, a decision has been made.

There will not be an album recorded in October. While doing all of the above in
preparation for the album, it was realized that the logistics of such a project make
it too hard to accomplish at this time. Unfortunately, to keep to the original
theme and mood of the album, it will be another year before it can be attempted
again. But that's not to say it won't be attempted for a different type of album
before then.

So we'll see how the new year goes as far as a new recording project. I'm sure
something will materialize!

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 9:43 PM 0 comments

Labels: Studio News
SU N D A Y , SE P T E M B E R 3 0 , 2 0 0 7

Album of the Week #6: E. Phantasmata

Project name: NueroMorgue

Album name: E. Phantasmata
Release date: April 5, 1994
Release format: cassette
Studio name: Circle IX Studio

Tracks:
1. Searching for Lore (demo)
2. Hush
3. Lack of Motivation (2nd demo)
4. Familiar Noise (remix)
5. Lothario's Absence (demo)
6. Palace (1st demo)
7. Vade Mecum

Around the time this album was released, the Studio was experimenting with the
shorter EP albums. Instead of a full-length tape, these used cut-down tapes that
lasted only 15-20 minutes per side. After the success of NueroMorgue's Devis
Tortura album from the previous year, it was decided to release a NueroMorgue
EP. The EP contained new tracks, demos, and alternate versions of Devis Tortura
tracks.
* Notice the name E. Phantasmata is a play on words that uses the letters E and P
to begin each word (since this was an "EP" album).

The outside of the album cover was a section taken from the Jason Watson
drawing "Primordial Water and Lotus."

The inside of the album cover listed the seven tracks. It also stated that
"NueroMorgue is Gargoyle". The cover art drawing was also credited to Gargoyle.

This album was released when the Studio was still known as Circle IX Studio.

This EP may eventually find its way to CD. It has been considered to be part of a 2-
disc NueroMorgue retrospective cataloging the two NueroMorgue albums along with
unused tracks, demos, and alternate versions of songs.

Next week's Album of the Week: Binary Pipedream from 1994.

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 9:47 PM 0 comments

Labels: Album of the Week
M O N D AY , O CT O BE R 1 , 2 0 0 7

State of the Studio #2: October '07

October. The best month of the year. And this is what’s happening at the Studio. .
.

As stated in a previous post, there will be no October album recorded this year.
Hopefully that will happen next year. There were a few demo songs recorded
while getting the equipment ready for the album, but they were just short test
songs that can possibly be turned into something grander in the future.

There are plans to record Paige singing again any day now. That will be the first
session for her new album scheduled to be released a year from now. And her
piano lessons are progressing nicely.

Plans are still in development of a more efficient recording method in the Studio.
The creation of music is set up great at the moment. But when it comes time to
actually record the music to tape or hard drive, it’s still quite a difficult task.
That’s one reason the October album was postponed. Hopefully soon the
equipment will be set up for easier recording.

This blog continues to churn out daily posts. Plans for this month include continued
Collector’s Corner features, more Albums of the Week, more Project Spotlights,
and additional articles including features on Studio singles that have been released
and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this blog.

In other words, although music output is low, things are still moving and shaking at
Metal XOR Studio!!!

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 11:43 AM 0 comments

Labels: State of the Studio
T U E SD A Y , O C T O B E R 2 , 2 0 0 7

Collector's Corner #12

This is an ultra-rare publicity poster for the Metal XOR project called Parvo.

It was the year 2000. The future had arrived. Technology, the field of medicine,
and food preparation had come so far in humanity's lifetime. So why not advance
music?

This was the first Metal XOR project to solely use a computer in making its music.
Using a program called CakeWalk, two songs were started but never progressed
beyond the demo stage. Maybe the world wasn't ready for Parvo. Or maybe Parvo
wasn't ready for the world.

It was during this short time period that a publicity poster was designed to
announce to the world the arrival of Parvo. The above poster was created on May
17, 2000. It hung in the Studio for quite some time, but when it was realized that
the project had been canned, the poster was filed away. It was found recently and
now resides in the Music-Projects-That-Never-Had-A-Chance-To-Succeed Poster
Wing of the Metal XOR Museum.
Posted by - Mune Mud - at 10:19 AM 0 comments
Labels: Collector's Corner
W E D N E SD A Y , O C T O B E R 3 , 2 0 0 7

Project Spotlight #6: What is Isthmus?

On February 5, 1995, Harry took his synthesizer to Jason's house and they had a
jam session in the new Metal XOR Studio that was still under construction in the
basement. Jason played guitar and Harry played his synth for most of the jam.
After hearing the tapes from that session, it was decided it could be released as an
album. More than a year later, after doing some clean-up work and adding a few
tracks (mostly drums), the album was released as Electric Field Donut on July 9,
1996. It took a while to settle on a band name, but the winner was Isthmus. The
scan below shows some of the other names that were considered for the new
band.

For months Electric Field Donut was listened to and reviewed. It was not bad for a
"live" recording of two people goofing around. Could it happen again? They
recorded another session on September 21, 1996. This time they had a drummer,
Jimmy. Harry played guitar and Jason played bass. They recorded in Jason's
driveway and the album became Lambskin Temple. It was released on November
19, 1996.

On December 10, 1996, Harry and Jason recorded a jam session of Christmas songs
in Harry's chuch. This time they had Tim S. playing drums. The album was an utter
failure, not much good came of this effort. It was called New Mexico Igloo.
On May 6, 1997, a very limited release of the Isthmus EP Ideas was released. This
was a collection of tracks recorded during the Electric Field Donut session that did
not appear on that album. And there is a good reason for that. These were really
B-quality pieces of music.

But the band redeemed itself with the world-wide critically acclaimed 1998
release of Parabolic Dish Festival. It was recorded on May 22, 1998. Jimmy was
back on drums, Harry played guitar, and Jason was on bass. After the traditional
cleaning up and adding of musical and sound effect tracks, the first album of the
two-album set was released on July 21, 1998. The second album was released on
March 23, 1999. This was their most productive jam session to date and the one
that all jam sessions have been compared to. There is a Parabolic Dish Festival
Special Edition that has been in the works for years, but it has not been released
yet. Maybe we will see it on its 10th anniversary next year. . .

Although the players keep changing, the official Isthmus line-up is Harry, Jason,
and Jimmy. And although they have played various parts on their albums, the main
instrumentation is Harry on guitar, Jason on bass, and Jimmy on drums. Harry and
Jason provide most of the vocals.

They have not had a jam session since the 1998 PDF marathon session, but an
Isthmus reunion is not out of the question.

Prior to the creation and naming of the group in 1995, Jason and Harry had played
together for years in various bands and with various people. But there exist
bootleg recordings of just the two of them playing songs. Those have been adopted
as early Isthmus recordings (even before there was an Isthmus). None of those
recordings have been officially released. Yet.

Updates:
On April 15, 2008, the first Isthmus video was released. It was for the song "Lost in
Detroit (Free II)" from their 1998 album Parabolic Dish Festival Volume 1.

On May 8, 2008, their second video was released. It was for the song "Flathead
Midget", also from their 1998 album Parabolic Dish Festival Volume 1.
For years the 10th Anniversary Edition of Parabolic Dish Festival has been
discussed. Finally in 2008 the project was finished. It was released on May 22,
exactly ten years to the day that the songs were recorded. Talks have already
begun about an Ultimate Edition of the album for a future release.

Next week: What is Binary Pipedream?

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 5:34 AM 0 comments
Labels: Project Spotlight
T H U R SD A Y , O C T O B E R 4 , 2 0 0 7

Blog News: Featured Categories

A new feature has been added to this blog site. At the bottom of the right-hand
tool bar is a new section called Categories. This organizes all posts into common-
themed groups.

For example, if someone enjoys the Collector's Corner feature, they can now click
on "Collector's Corner" in the Categories box and the page will refresh to show all
Collector's Corner posts.

As this site and its companion site, Metal XOR Studio Information Source, continue
to improve, there will be posts to explain the site improvements.

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 7:33 AM 0 comments

Labels: Blog News
F RI D AY , O CT O BE R 5 , 2 0 0 7

Studio News: Recording Session

On Tuesday, October 2, Paige returned to the recording studio for her first singing
session since the release of her debut album, My First Album, back in August.

It was a new equipment setup including a new mic into a different recording
computer. The session lasted about 8-9 minutes, which is the typical length. She
recorded four new songs that did not appear on her first album.

When asked how the session went, Produce Jason had this to say, "She did great.
The new songs are longer than most of her earlier recordings. She's learning more
songs that have multiple verses. The problem with the session was the equipment.
It was a new setup and the levels turned out very low. I can probably boost the
levels and apply some noise reduction, but I will definitely look for a different
recording solution before the next session."

Plans are to record her once a month so by this time next year her second album
will be released.

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 5:51 AM 0 comments

Labels: Studio News
SA T U R D A Y , O C T O B E R 6 , 2 0 0 7

Listen Online!

The third song available for listening is from a project called Parvo. It was a
project that was started to create music solely with a computer. There were two
songs started but they never got past the demo stage.

The first song started was called "Distemper". There were three different demos of
the song using various arrangements. The one posted here was the longest version.
It was labeled "demo 1a".

Click here to listen to the song.

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 5:38 AM 0 comments

Labels: Listen Online
SU N D A Y , O C T O B E R 7 , 2 0 0 7

Album of the Week #7: Binary Pipedream

Project name: Binary Pipedream

Album name: Binary Pipedream
Release date: September 6, 1994
Release format: cassette
Studio name: Circle IX Studio

Tracks:
1. JC's Suckin' Eggs (with Harry, as Young Herbage)
2. Two-Tone Rhythm Kill (with Jimmy, as NueroMorgue)
3. King Song (with Joe, as Mune Mud)
4. Pedestal Song (with Jimmy, as NueroMud)
5. Willy's Spring Theme (with Jimmy)
6. 5 Oz. of Milk (with Jimmy)
7. All Die (with Harry)
8. The One-Liner (with Joe, as Mune Mud)
9. Go Disco! (with Darrin, as Mune Mud)
10. Stream Dream (with Brad, as Mune Mud)

The Studio has always enjoyed having guest musicians come in to record various
parts of songs, usually vocals. So this was an EP collection of the early songs that
had guest musicians perform. These songs came from various projects including
Mune Mud, NueroMud, Young Herbage, and more.

The musicians that are featured on the album are Harry, Jimmy, Joe, Darrin, and
Brad.

The cover was done using a label machine for the project name on the spine and a
computer for the digital date on the front. And there is a secret message hidden in
those 0's and 1's.

This album had a very limited release so not many people knew it had come out.
There are no plans of re-releasing this album on CD. It will probably remain hidden
away forever.

Next week's Album of the Week: Purging the Great Abyss by ORC from 1999.
Posted by - Mune Mud - at 6:53 AM 0 comments
Labels: Album of the Week
M O N D AY , O CT O BE R 8 , 2 0 0 7

Article: Blog Behind-the-Scenes

This article will give a quick glimpse into what it takes to maintain this blog.

The first step when the blog was created was to also create an Excel file to keep a
schedule for blog posts. This file extends out till the end of the year. After the two
regular weekly features were established (Album of the Week and Project
Spotlight), the schedule was filled out for those two days for the next couple of
months. So right now I already know what the Project Spotlight will be for the last
week of November!

That left five empty days a week. I try to have one or two Collector’s Corners a
week. For that feature I scan in three or four items at a time and use those for the
next week or two. Special articles can be written at any time.

With this blog site I can create a draft of a post and then publish it to the site
whenever I want to. So right now there are four or five posts started (or finished)
just waiting for their post date to arrive. Then I can go in and publish them to the
site.

Staying organized and keeping a few days ahead of the posts is the key to this
blog. It does not take a vast amount of time either, usually just a couple hours a
week. I have already posted a lot of information to this site and I should have
enough to easily make it to the end of the year. I am also always trying to think of
new features to post. And I am in negotiations with another studio to start a new
project in early 2008, so if that happens there will be a lot more information to
report on.

I also maintain the Metal XOR Studio Information Source website which posts
interviews and mp3’s that can be downloaded or listened to.
So stay tuned. The blog is here for a while…

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 5:56 AM 0 comments

Labels: Article
T U E SD A Y , O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 0 7

Blog News: 50th Post

This is post #50!!!

The original intent of this blog was to have a weekly post regarding noteworthy
happenings at the Studio. But as the posting quickly began, it was evident that
there was more info that could be shared here. So the Project Spotlight and
Album of the Week features began. And there was a lot more info than just that,
so it turned out to be a daily blog posting either news from the Studio or things
from the past.

Coincidentally today also happens to be the anniversary of the birth of the founder
and CEO of Metal XOR Studios. So all of us here at the blog would like to wish a big
happy birthday to me.

See you in another 50 posts. . .

Posted by - Mune Mud - at 5:49 AM 0 comments

Labels: Blog News

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