Corner of the Mind

Resurfacing

2010-06-03T16:43:00.000-04:00

So I've been pretty darn busy.

But I miss my moderately non-confrontational opinions owning some stock in the Internet machine, so I'm going to make a conscious effort to try and get some regular blog posts back in. As things are settling into a routine (no less busy by any means, but far more predictable) I'd like to get active on here once again. Sharing links of awesome things and throwing up the random crap that leaks out of my brainwaves.

Keep watching this space. Things will happen.

-Tom

Alec and Tom's Fantastic Journey

2010-05-22T06:49:00.001-04:00

Check it out. The entire new film, "Alec and Tom's Fantastic Journey," is on Youtube. :)

NOTE: Best viewed in FULLSCREEN.

PART 1:

PART 2:

PART 3:

Alec and Tom's Fantastic Journey TRAILER

2010-05-13T04:11:00.004-04:00

(Watch on YouTube)

So...yeah. Only one MASSIVE 3D scene left to stage and render, then some short intro/outro animations, and the first full-length feature film from Revolution Studios (also first non-school-related project) is complete. Hopefully by the titular Alec's birthday.

I'm excited.

(Note: For those of you keeping track at home, this is where it started last FEBRUARY.)

Still Here

2010-05-02T18:01:00.000-04:00

Seeing as it's been a little while, I just wanted to clarify that I'm still alive and kicking. I'm currently underway with many things, that pushed the regular drawings and music aside momentarily. I think you'll like what's coming. :)

Shepard and Miranda

2010-04-21T00:56:00.001-04:00

This was more experimental than anything. Maybe I'll redo it and dedicate more time and effort someday.

I'm always screwing with techniques. The gritty noise and heavy blurs were style choices, just trying to emulate the same feel as the game (which uses similar effects during cinematics). The big thing here was instead of an ink layer over a penciled layer (like the last post's Shepard Infiltrator image) a heavily darkened pencil layer sat on top. It was...interesting. Loved being able to erase mistakes, and I love the way it looks, but it made coloring hell. I'll probably go back to using an ink layer, but it was a fun trial.

Most of you probably don't care about that art tech crap, but if you do, its there :D

FEEDBACK. I demand it, now. No more asking nicely. (Renegade +7)

Shepard (Infiltrator)

2010-04-20T17:48:00.000-04:00

So I just completed my first playthrough of Mass Effect 2...I have nothing to say except that for the thousands of perfect-score reviews its received...I agree.

Anyway, I felt obligated to draw my absolutely epic, stealth-based rogue Shepard.

Three cheers for tactical cloaking and rapid-fire sniper rifles.

He ended up phenomenally neutral...50/50 paragon and renegade. A friendly, if private, leader of a devoted crew. Dream team was with Miranda and Garrus. We tore things up.

I'm now running through with an almost entirely renegade female Shepard adept...and its blowing my mind.

More delicious, epic, intense fun from Bioware, who have solidified a section of my heart. Go buy. Go play.

Artistically, I was subtly trying some new things with this picture. I'm not sure how I feel about these techniques, but its definitely not negative. Progress through experimentation. More drawings soon.

Colebrook Chronicle Video Newscast

2010-04-16T10:16:00.000-04:00

The result of one of the most frantic, exciting, busiest weeks of my life:

The Colebrook Chronicle is a newspaper started by my parents almost ten years ago. It has been an active, ever-growing news source for the entire northern New Hampshire region. Just recently they began a video newscast segment, in a traditional "film reel" text/video style.

Long story short, after a freak moment of inspiration, ideas were tossed around, and the idea for a full-fledged video newscast was born. :)

This will, of course, be consuming a heavy part of my time, but I refuse to let it detract in any way from my art and music (and video/animation...but you didn't hear that from me) pursuits. Updates will be fewer and further between, but still guaranteed. I learned a long time ago that I can't NOT be creating something, or I kind of explode and it gets very messy having to clean that up.

Real Things will return to regular updates (with a slightly improved, grittier art style), as well as getting back into Renegade and other endeavors. Keep on visiting cornerofthemind.co.cc to stay up to date on those.

See you all soon!

Scheduled Disappearance

2010-04-12T02:15:00.001-04:00

Well, okay, it's more random than it sounds, but I figure if I announce it early enough, I can pass it off as pre-planned.

I'm going to be pretty heavily occupied with some things in the coming weeks (and, I'm hoping, for quite a bit into the future, if everything goes well). I will NOT be stopping with art and music, so get that silly, silly notion out of your head.

However, updates will be a bit fewer and further between from Corner of the Mind, but its for very good, exciting, stimulating reasons. I'll do my best to fit updates and words of wisdom between things, so keep on checking your favorite CotM.

In the meantime, download my FREE new electronica CD "Sleepless" and/or shell out a few bucks for Broken Bells debut album. It is ENTIRELY worth it, track for track.

SLEEPLESS Release!

2010-04-08T19:55:00.000-04:00

CORNER OF THE MIND presents the release of "Sleepless," a completely free, genre-twisting pack of electronica for your late-night listening pleasure.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD:
1. Go to http://cornerofthemind.netau.net/music.html for album art/tracklist.
2. Click "DOWNLOAD SLEEPLESS" (it's pretty hard to miss)
3. You will be taken to RapidShare, where the file is hosted. Click "Free User" if you're a newcomer.
4. Wait for the file to queue up, and download when its available.
5. At this point, depending on your internet connection, you may or may not have time to make a sandwich.
6. When done, you will have to unzip the file.
7. Place it on your portable music device/media player of choice and enjoy.

This is a new concept for me, so PLEASE LET ME KNOW OF ANY BUGS/ISSUES: nonconformist317@gmail.com.

Select tracks will also be available on the official MySpace page and ReverbNation.

Thank you so much for the patience and support, and enjoy the trip into the mind of a musical insomniac :)

SLEEPLESS Promo

2010-04-06T19:23:00.002-04:00

30 second promo clip for SLEEPLESS:

4.8.2010

2010-04-03T22:31:00.000-04:00

Filler

2010-04-01T03:38:00.001-04:00

"Where's Sleepless?"
I...uh...

Hey, look, a catchy song with a killer video!

Record Makers Promo from CreativeApplications.Net on Vimeo.

Nah, seriously, I'll let go of her, I promise.

Music MySpace Profile

2010-03-31T02:06:00.001-04:00

Hook on up.

http://www.myspace.com/cornerofthemind

This brings back memories. Back in summer 2007 I set up a similar profile under the name "Apathetic Meltdown." Definitely a distinct sound with that project, lots of classic rock, 60s, Queens of the Stone Age influence...something that I'd like to return to and update with the upcoming rock album. But that's April's mission. And May's. And...probably this summer. That's going to be a big one.

In the meantime...as a special treat, there's a few 30 second clips from "Sleepless" on the MySpace. Enjoy!

(Yes, I know I've missed the past few Twisted Tuesdays. I've been a little preoccupied lately, y'know?)

"Tik Tok (Tom's 8-Bit Remix)"

2010-03-30T15:48:00.000-04:00

Okay, well, its more 16-bit Sega era. I stumbled on a Commodore-esque VST plugin while working on Sleepless and this sort of happened. Fun little tune to pass the time until I decide to let go of Sleepless ;)

"Sleepless" Coming Soon

2010-03-30T00:09:00.000-04:00

It's in the last steps. Soon...

Pancakes, updates

2010-03-28T14:41:00.001-04:00

"I had an ex-girlfriend; when we were breaking up — one of the few endings of a relationship that was a bit contentious — one of her parting shots was having her tell me she never liked my pancakes. I thought that was very cruel. Insult my sexual prowess, my intellect, but not my pancakes." - Moby

I simply had to quote this once I saw it. I can relate to every inch of that. No wonder I look up to him. :)

The full N.Y. Times article is an entertaining, if short, little read. Definitely helps me feel better about the "produce-music-in-my-bedroom" deal.

On a slightly-related aside, I need to get my hands on Plastic Beach.

Today should include (but is not limited to) some experimentation with illustration techniques. Particularly for Real Things, but kind of all around too. I realize it's been a while since a new Renegade has surfaced, but rest assured, that's still going strong. Certain things just tend to prioritize. I also feel like I'm juggling a musical, as well as visual, revolution. At least its all on the same side of the brain.

Speaking of which, there's a rock/prog/tomstyle (?) album in the works. I'm straying from the electronica on that one, for the most part, as I'm hoping to produce songs that can maybe be performed live by a single guy with a guitar. HOWEVER...as I can't stop myself from destroying minds with monotonous techno riffs, I'm thinking, if anyone's interested, in collecting/producing a full electronica album as well? That's not too pretentious of me, is it? Some little "hey, free download, enjoy the tunes" deal, I'm sure.

Would there be an interest in that? Comment, if you like. Or hit me up on my Facebook. I'd love to know if I'm doing this for anyone besides myself and my personal headbanging giggles. Thanks!

"To Kingdom Come"

2010-03-27T01:01:00.000-04:00

I felt kind of metal tonight.

So this happened. Huge props to Matt for the title.

Getting a chuggy sound out of my Stratocaster is a trip and a half, but I think I finally succeeded.

Uptime

2010-03-26T10:22:00.001-04:00

In time, fate smiled upon Tom. Websites returned to an operable status, and things were normal. And all was good.

[random]

After 8 straight hours of mental nonsense, I'm starting to wonder if I set unreachably high standards, both of myself and especially in romantic interests. Is this normal? More on this later, maybe.
[/random]

Downtime UPDATE

2010-03-25T18:19:00.001-04:00

(Quoted from webhost) "Server #27 is running FSCK - We are currently running a file system check and optimization (FSCK) on the Server #27. Server will start operating normally again in 2-3 hours."

So...y'know.

In the meantime, I tested out my new camera with a little improv on Buckethead's "Big Sur Moon." This has to be one of the most enjoyable riffs to play in the history of tricky enjoyable riffs.

Downtime

2010-03-25T16:11:00.001-04:00

As far as I can tell, CorneroftheMind.co.cc is currently down. This is a good as time as any to do some gritty behind-the-scenes site work, so in the meantime all updates will be posted on here.

Those that missed last night's new "Real Things" can read it here.

I'd also like to say that, after much deliberation, we have a winner:

She's standing strong, at least. Sweet, tangy, and smooth. Very chuggable. No complaints from me.

[EDIT] Happy 75th Post...already?!

REAL THINGS #6

2010-03-24T23:35:00.000-04:00

Real Things #6 - "Sleepless" is up.

Cute, scant-clothed girl has trouble with basic human function. Anxiety follows.

Comment it, if you like it. :)

This strip was significantly easier than the last one. Having pens that work is nice. I realize I make this a more difficult process than it has to be, but I really enjoy the hand-drawn look over the pre-generated "template" style that you seem to see everywhere else. Plus, it allows more cinematic freedom with the angles.

Time makes everything shinier, that's for sure.

Time for me to make like Zoe and be an insomniac for a few hours, to the upbeat grooves of Jaga Jazzist. (Great video, highly recommended that you watch.)

"Awakening" Drawings

2010-03-23T23:51:00.000-04:00

New illustrations, inspired by the characters of "Dragon Age: Awakening."

They're all at the bottom. Check 'em out. (The drawings section in general got a pretty decent overhaul...images should be more aesthetically pleasing now.)

Time to chill. I missed drawing, and I need to gear up for another "Real Things." Perhaps not so complicated of a setup this time around.

Awoken

2010-03-22T22:31:00.000-04:00

So, ah, yeah, in just a week, I completed Awakening with my signature character, Tumaros.

Well worth it. A fun, twisting, thoughtful addition to an already epic journey. Character portraits to come.

"The Rebellion Killed The Queen"

2010-03-21T22:16:00.000-04:00

Catchy, upbeat title, don't you think? More steampunk industro awesomesauce in the same vein as last week's "1892"

I like to have little stories, themes, and scenarios behind everything I do. It helps with the total immersion and motivation. This I imagine would be the soundtrack to the underground rebellion (led by the famous Silas and Maria) taking the crown in a midnight assassination wave. Of course, the resulting anarchy goes awry.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Songs like this are the definition of having fun with noise.

"Rock Tonight"

2010-03-20T19:08:00.000-04:00

Raw, filthy, grungy rock and roll fun. Nothing more.

(Sheesh, that sounded nothing like my voice. Still fun, though.)

I'm seeing a semblance of an album come together. It's an old theme/concept, but it just might still work.

I'm probably going to nap. I wish I understood why I was so tired these past few days. Anyone else feeling inexplicably lethargic?

Rock Tonight

Do you feel what I’m feelin'
Do you hear what I’m hearin'
Do you know what I’m thinking
I got something on my mind

And it’s alright
And you’re alright

Do you know what I’m after
Hah, of course you do
Could it be that I’m not the only one
Who feels it rushing tonight
Do you wanna get it goin’
Do you wanna get inside it, YEAH

And it’s alright
And you’re on fire tonight

I’m waiting for you to make a move, yeah
Don’t stop now ’cause I’m getting in the groove
I’m willing to give it all tonight
Lets get started, I’m feeling just right
Let shake it until the sunrise
Make it break it tonight’s a do or die
I’m feeling kinda like I
Wanna rock and roll tonight

What, don’t stop now
You’re breakin all my concentration
What, baby, just lose it to the music
Don’t stop it rock it cock it till you drop it, yeah

And it’s alright
And you’re alright!

I’m waiting for you to make a move, yeah
Don’t stop now ’cause I’m getting in the groove
I’m willing to give it all tonight
Lets get started, I’m feeling just right
Let shake it until the sunrise
Make it break it tonight’s a do or die
I’m feeling kinda like I
Wanna rock and roll tonight

WHOO

I’m waiting for you to make a move, yeah
Don’t stop now ’cause I’m getting in the groove
I’m willing to give it all tonight
Lets get started, I’m feeling just right
Let shake it until the sunrise
Make it break it tonight’s a do or die
I’m feeling kinda like I
Wanna rock and roll tonight

Awakening

2010-03-20T09:32:00.000-04:00

Aw, hell. Dragon Age: Awakening is a fun expansion so far. More political intrigue, more unforgettable characters, more humor, more terror, more skills, and most of all...MOAR DARKSPAWNS.

Seriously though. Heavy politics and heavy lore. (SPOILER) I was absolutely moved by a scene that involved walking through the ghosts of casteless dwarves rising up as heroes in the face of abandonment. Chilling and dramatic. (/SPOILER)

As much as I loved the original cast (Alistair and Morrigan have become interchangeable with "cool quirky guy" and "cold-hearted kitty drowner" in everyday language), the crew this time around is just as interesting. And I'm sure I haven't even come across all possible party members yet.

Character portraits are a guarantee. Watch for them. And more music? Maybe even tonight.

Creativity is random. I follow its lead.

It's been a while since I've done the obligatory music video closer. As with thirty billion other people, I can totally relate to this great song:

"She Was Dead"

2010-03-18T21:21:00.000-04:00

Ah, finally. Enough experimentation, THIS is the sound I really want to emulate. Everything else is a lot of fun, but when I truly play music, from my mind and my heart, THIS is what it sounds like.

"She Was Dead"

This is a trippy one. For a few reasons. Obviously I had some fun with the sounds, but besides some pretty heavy reverb, everything you hear is natural instruments...guitar, bass, and drums, tweaked and distorted for ultimate unease.

The subject matter of this song (if you can say there is one) is the darkest of anything I've ever done. Most of this was written one night after a friend of mine was explaining her first experience with drugs, and the following nightmarish panic attack. That theme in general hits me harder than, really, anything else. The self-imposed alteration of your reality, the "escape" and the dependence of substances.

I personally have never had a drink of alcohol or a single hit of any drug, and that's because I escape enough in my own world. I've never felt the need to run or hide from anything. It's a concept that I can't understand, but I realize to each their own, and I won't lecture or discriminate.

Musically, this has a lot of roots in SNOW/BEAR, the improv jam project Alec and I maintain. Although I went in this with a set melody in mind, some of it was on-the-spot and very SNOW/BEAR sounding.

As I said before, I feel this is my truest sound. When I pick up a guitar to just "play whatever," this is what tends to come out. Maybe not always this dark, but definitely in the same progressive/rock stylings. If I were to do an album, it would probably be a mix of things like this and "Downstairs."

Hope everyone finds something they enjoy about this song. It's a little out there, best for putting on in the dark and getting lost. Light up, or do some acid, if you need to.

"Silas and Maria"

2010-03-18T15:24:00.000-04:00

"Silas and Maria." Revolutionaries of the Victorian underground. Whoo. Moar steampunks!!

For the full experience, view while listening to "1892." :)

As I mentioned before, my good friend Matt was really the one who initated this current jump into the futuro-victoro world. Make sure to check out his (far better) steampunk mercenary drawing:

So now I'm officially 20, and such. It's cool. :)

"1892"

2010-03-16T01:46:00.000-04:00

Steampunk-industro tune. I credit Matt Crafton entirely for this one. He put the idea in my head.

Steampunk is something that's not too solidly classified in music, besides being generally industrial. This is my personal take on what I feel the soundtrack of such a world would be like. Contrasted against my other stuff, it feels so...dirty...rusty. Mission accomplished.

"Whoa, hold up there, mister Tom sir, what's this steampunk thing?"

Imagine if you will that instead of the great, electronic, digital world that we live in today, steam power and the Industrial Revolution were still the powers at work in our world. The Victorian Age of the modern day.

Zeppelins fill the air, computers are analog-based, and smoke chokes the sky in a nightmarish, dystopian future. That above picture fits the images in my mind perfectly when I was recording this.

On the plus side...

So, y'know, that's kinda attractive.

I have a love/hate relationship with steampunk, as is demonstrated by this song. Industry terrifies me, cogs and metal and giant trains populate some of my darkest nightmares. Which is what makes it so delicious.

More information on an entirely reliable source.

Okay, time to take a break from music. I think five or six songs of ENTIRELY different genres is good for a while. The rest has to build up for a potential album.

I also turn 20 tomorrow.

"Still" (Foo Fighters Cover)

2010-03-15T20:34:00.000-04:00

Alright, alright. For those of you who want to hear more Tom singing, more guitar, more rock, and more love songs. Another "heavily Tomified" cover.

BLAH BLAH USELESS TRIVIA:
The first verse/chorus is almost an exact replica of the original song. The whole original tune carries on that way, pretty depressing and tragic. So I decided to add a little rock and roll. :)

Well, in hindsight, this sounds WAY more country than I planned. Whatever works, I suppose.

"Sophia"

2010-03-15T14:49:00.001-04:00

Pretentious? Maybe. But I thought this came out pretty darn good.

"Sophia," a little play on "Philosophy." A sort of gothic, classical, orchestral sounding piece. The essential and chilling vocal comes from Moonslayer's "Pie Jesu Domine."

The irony is I was making music like this when I was about 10 years old, long before I ever picked up a guitar. It feels good to return to an old love, as well as jump into the three-chord power punk every now and then.

One tune that's been popping around is "Still" by Foo Fighters. A cover of that may surface, probably pretty loyal to the original. Though I tend to work very much on the fly, so anything could happen.

The ideas of an album (or...albums?) have been really enticing lately. Even if I release it entirely digitally, maybe a multi-"disc" set, featuring each genre. One big problem is that it's a little bit difficult to perform things like the electronica/orchestral pieces live, but the rock stuff is plausible. Concepts, concepts, concepts.

For the art followers out there, don't worry, the comics and drawings are far from dead. :)

Y'know, I'd love to be hearing some feedback on this stuff. I will only get better through experience and critique, and I'd love to know if anyone wants to hear more of one thing or another. Thank you.

"Renegade" (Song)

2010-03-15T02:08:00.000-04:00

This music thing just isn't stopping.

Behold, the theme for "Renegade," my sci-fi comic series:

This was inspired by a few things. First off, the absolutely chilling sample is courtesy of DJAerith's "An Empty Dark Cloudy World." Simply too good of a vocal to go untouched. Secondly, as with the comic itself, a lot of influence comes from Firefly and Cowboy Bebop's respective soundtracks.

But mostly this comes from the influence and imagery of a good friend of mine, who I'd like to dedicate this song to.

I've mentioned Matt Crafton before when he very kindly featured one of my songs on his blog. A conceptual genius, I envy his ability to transfer the dark and emotionally deep reaches of space into prose and picture. As I mentioned in an earlier post (ha, ironically, also on Renegade), he was a primary influence in helping me decide that I wanted to take my creations to a more serious level. He's also been there right up through to today, offering LOLs and wisdom and feedback left and right. I hope he knows that it does not go unappreciated. Thanks, man :)

Seriously, check out his site. And his deviantArt.

"MFTR"

2010-03-14T14:02:00.000-04:00

Continuing on my trance fix, here's a juicy anthemic hand-clapper. Very Daft Punk.

If I was a DJ, this song would be my signature. I want to see people lose it to this jam.

Oh, and "MFTR" stands for Mother Flippin' Trance Rave. :)

"The Good Track"

2010-03-13T12:52:00.000-05:00

New song, an electro-chillout house tune, heavily inspired by the unbeatable works of Moby.

This is what I like to call "session" music...the perfect tune to loop in the background while you work or relax.

The vocal clip is "Trinity" by mhyst. Definitely made me want to work with samples more in the future.

I stand by what I said before...there's a little bit of everything in my world. :)

REAL THINGS #5

2010-03-13T02:02:00.000-05:00

Real Things #5, "Real Digital Love," is finally done. Read and comment. :)

Man. Can someone explain to me why this one was so difficult to do?

I'm guessing it had to do with the heavy music focus this week, but I found myself stumbling through this one. Mostly the outlining, really. Of course, I found out about halfway through that one of my pens was quite dead, so who knows.

Either way, I'm determined to stick to this as a regularly-updated comic series. It's the outlet I've always wanted for these gags and stories. I'm just excited to really get some of the deeper plots underway.

Truth be told, I've only been awake for a few hours, so my night is far from over. Time to jump deep into the internet pool and swim around for a bit.

To some sexy tunes, I might add:

"Tumaros" (song)

2010-03-09T21:39:00.000-05:00

Another orchestral soundtrack/theme piece, this one for my long-lasting alias, Tumaros.

Seven movements:
- Intro
- Treesoar (his heritage)
- Attack on Elf Ridge
- The Wanderer's Song I - Lament/II - Dance
- Ranger
- Treesoar (Reprise)
- Dark Memory (the battle theme)

For those who don't know, Tumaros has been my fantasy/roleplay/alter-ego character for years. His history is a long one, but essentially he's a wood elf prince who was forced to leave his home as a child after it came under attack and was destroyed, and grew up as a solitary ranger in the woods. He starts off as a witty, excited adventurer and becomes a worn, experienced adventurer during his journeys, but never loses his flash for humor.

TRIVIA: The little melody used for the Lament piece (about 3:30 in) was one of the first original things I ever wrote for music. It was nice to hear it in a full setting.

And good god, I love Celtic music. So yes, the whole theme has a very Celtic overtone.

Hope you enjoy :) Make sure you catch up on today's earlier post, if you haven't.

TWISTED TUESDAY 5

2010-03-09T16:38:00.000-05:00

Let me just say that this week's "Twisted Tuesday" feature is the new Alice in Wonderland, currently in theaters.

Tim Burton's imagining of Alice in Wonderland was one of the tastiest, most deranged visions, that had me smiling and giggling with demented glee from start to finish. The little bitlets of the March Hare, my personal favorite slice of the mad pie, did NOT disappoint. Lots of Coraline influences in there, I thought.

An excellent character story that delivered a solid, cohesive plot (if a bit cliched at the end, but I am NEVER one to turn down an epic, gritty, dingy-skied battle). Johnny Depp's surprisingly thoughtful Mad Hatter shared the stage very evenly with such fellow Underlandlings as the drawling caterpillar (whom I kept waiting to yell "Potter!"), a truly peeved Red Queen, Saruman/Dooku as The Jabberwocky, and one bad ass Knave of Hearts. His long, exaggerated design was so personally appealing that I'm sure there's a drawing of him to come.

I had my complaints, though very few and far between (What was that dance at the end? I couldn't help but feel that it immediately dated the movie to the present day) and I'm already eagerly awaiting this new addition to my collection. A well-executed adult take on a true childhood fantasy.

PREVIOUS FEATURES:
2.9.2010 - "Ptikobj"
2.16.2010 - "Plickey and Muto"
2.23.2010 - "The New Music"
3.2.2010 - "Danzing"

There may or may not be another update tonight. After this past break, the concepts are once again stumbling over themselves to escape my head. Especially with...

- A sudden burst of musical influence
- The inspirational dementia hanging over from Alice in Wonderland
- The ever-growing Real Things
- New concepts for a possible series stemming from Renegade
- Fantasy works
- And, of course, the Secret Birthday Project ATFJ.

It's never quiet here. Silent, maybe, but inactivity is M.I.A.

White's Theme

2010-03-05T23:27:00.001-05:00

Whoa.

So I just completed a 7-minute orchestral piece. "White's Theme."

GEEKY (TRUE) DEFINITION:
White is a blood mage I created in Dragon Age. The character immediately grew on me as the concept of a "fallen anti-hero." Someday I'd like to do a story/comic/something about this character, but essentially, White is a freakish, albino human (hence the nickname) who was born with extraordinary magic skills. He always loved and cherished his powers, and secretly dabbled in the darkest arts of magic. Although proving to be a hero during the events of "Dragon Age: Origins," he slowly corrupted his soul in his search for immortality and POWER, UNLIMITED POWER and ultimately transformed into the ultimate archmage villain type guy. Basically the Anakin Skywalker of Dragon Age.

SIMPLE DEFINITION:
White is this dude I made up who was once a good guy but then turned evil. This is a song about him.

It's split up into five movements: Overture/Origin/The Hero/Obsession/Battle Within, each detailing the different emotions/sides of the character.

Overture - A basic taste of what you're gonna hear.
Origin - White's tortured past.
The Hero - White's REAL theme. In a movie, you'd hear this when he was on screen.
Obsession - The intoxicating allure of dark magic. White's "research" theme, and ultimate downfall.
Battle Within - Both White's battlefield theme, and internal struggle between light and dark.

(For those who've played DA, "Origin" is my take on the Mage Tower, in particular the conflict between the Templars (the trumpets) and the enchanters (the organ)).

This was my first true take on an orchestral song, especially with the movements, recurring themes, motifs, and such. I always loved complicated, thoughtful soundtracks and things, so I tried to include that. For example, the piano represents White; the horns represent the foundations, the law, the Templars/Chantry; the celesta represents the mysterious curiosity of magic, etc.

This was fun. I'd love to do more things like this. I hope you enjoy.

ReverbNation

2010-03-04T22:39:00.000-05:00

So now I'm making music over at ReverbNation. There you can hear (in stunning, futuristic HI-DEF) and even download my songs as I upload them.

In particular you can hear my latest songs from today...a dark trance cover of the techno classic "Popcorn," and an original guitar/piano piece called "Raining Down." Couldn't get more opposite, and all in the same day.

Enjoy! :)

New Song: "Data"

2010-03-04T02:30:00.000-05:00

Yeah, so, I felt like doing an 8 minute electronica piece tonight.

Let's get a few things straight about my techno interests:

I love monotonous, endlessly repeating riffs.
I love occasional sudden shocks.
I LOVE high-energy trance synth loops.

Compared to "Ten Million Slaves" and "Downstairs," this just further proves that I like to do a little bit of everything. :)

The original, high-quality version is definitely a treat in headphones. No downloads as of yet, but I'll get them out there soon. In the meantime, just spam the Youtube vids.

Comments!

2010-03-03T16:38:00.000-05:00

Continuing my efforts to centralize everything on my homepage, each "Real Things" strip now has a comment/feedback form below that anyone can access.

It's brand new, so bug testing is underway.

This is all like building a house. Foundation, the skeletal crossbeams, a little bit of drywall, a little bit of insulation...items of furniture here and there...that lamp that you got for Christmas that you just don't know what to do with and it ends up in the garage unnoticed until little Billy trips over it playing basketball with his third grade buddies and you rush him to the hospital for a few stitches and get in a fight over why the hell you held on to this lamp in the first place if its only causing trouble but you feel guilty about tossing it so you end up with a broken lamp in your bedroom held together with duct tape and regret.

Or something.

REAL THINGS #4

2010-03-03T02:50:00.000-05:00

Real Things #4: "Prescription" is online now over at Corner of the Mind. It's kind of like Dante's Inferno of health.

Also, Jacob decided to up and start his own blog, "J. Redbeard, /epic." So, yeah, something else to follow. :)

Enjoy!

"Downstairs"

2010-03-02T13:27:00.001-05:00

New song. Vocals? Ayeee...

There's an interesting story to this song.

Almost every song I write has lyrics, but they're generally mass-relateable. This one's definitely far more personal. My own "breakup song," I suppose.

The instrumentation was actually done about a year ago, when I was in the middle of a relationship. The only lyric was a half-chorus shred: "She's standing downstairs with a look on her face / That says 'I can't wait for the world to end.'" Besides that, there wasn't really too much to it. Just a groovin', rockin' tune that sounded suspiciously rushed, like the soundtrack to a chase.

Towards the end of that relationship, my then-girlfriend began quoting that little lyric on Facebook statuses and such. We were stumbling towards the end, and without getting into any details, it all kind of cracked in one night.

That was over half a year ago. Until recently, I haven't given this song much thought, but I finally decided (still in pajamas, mind you) to do something that needed to be done...and bring the tune full circle. I wrote and recorded the rest of lyrics this morning.

The biggest irony is that I unintentionally fore-wrote our end.

I don't think back very much on that relationship. At least, not bitterly. So no, this song isn't supposed to be any kind of "HEY. UP YOURS." We went separate ways, broke on mutual terms, and this is my sort of my own epilogue.

So, Alicia, if you see this, here you go. Hope you're doing well.

LYRICS:
I've been hearing
Rumors on the street
That you've been up to
Something discreet behind my back

Where you been going?
What have you been doing, girl?
Will you tell me everything?
Will you tell me where you were last night?

[chorus]
She's standing downstairs with a look on her face
That says "I can't wait for the world to end."
He's up at the top, saying "Don't be afraid,
Watch me now, I'm gonna play pretend."

She's heading downstairs with a look on her face
That says "I can't wait for it all to end."
He's up at the top, saying "Just go away,
Watch me now, we're gonna play pretend."

Ohh, what happened?
Did I do something wrong?
Lately I've noticed
That we haven't been getting along

Ever since you met him
You've been going over to his place
But baby it's alright
I've been thinking on leaving you anyway

[chorus]
She's standing downstairs with a look on her face
That says "I can't wait for the world to end."
He's up at the top, saying "Don't be afraid,
Watch me now, we're gonna play pretend."

She's heading downstairs with a look on her face
That says "I can't wait for it all to end."
He's up at the top, saying "Just go away,
Watch me now, we're gonna play pretend."

I'm askin'
You're tellin'

I'm screamin'
You're yellin'

You're cryin'
You're heavin'

It's all right
I'm leavin'

Tonight is
Our last night

Let's say our
Goodbyes now

I'm heading
Out the door

It's been fun
It's over

1, 2, 3, 4!

[chorus]
She's standing downstairs with a look on her face
That says "I can't wait for the world to end."
He's up at the top, saying "Don't be afraid,
Watch me now, we're gonna play pretend."

She's out the door and she's driving away
Moving along to someone new
She's running away, run away, runaway
Deal with it the way you always do

Run away, run away!

TWISTED TUESDAY 4

2010-03-02T09:43:00.000-05:00

No comment.

Thanks to Sean for this one.

PREVIOUS FEATURES:
2.9.2010 - "Ptikobj"
2.16.2010 - "Plickey and Muto"
2.23.2010 - "The New Music"

...and "Mercedes."

2010-03-02T01:36:00.001-05:00

Had enough time to throw in one more drawing tonight.

So this is how it went...Dangle's friend Hunta saw the picture I drew of him and asked for his own, so I did. Which led to me playing cupid with the above image, a surprise gift for a ladyfriend of Hunta's.

All I know is that I draw stuff, and it's fun.

Sleep is fun, too. I'm gonna go explore that now. :)

"Hunta" and Dragon Age

2010-03-01T22:33:00.001-05:00

Another portrait request, inspired by Dangle's.

I should start charging for these, but right now the experience/recognition is more important. Portfolio material, I suppose.

I also would like to geek out for a moment, here. Fellow fantasy buffs, in particular Dragon Age fans...the amazing Irma Ahmed/"Aimo" has the (enviable) luck of working with lead DA writer David Gaider on a fascinating short comic from a leftover scene. Those who have played will really be blown away that such a scene would happen, and the true weight of it. (Warning: INCREDIBLE spoilers from the later part of the game.)

You can read the full comic, "The Revelation," here.

Makes me want to get back to some of my own Dragon Age works. Keep an eye open. :)

~~That's it for tonight though.~~ See you for tomorrow's Twisted Tuesday.

One Hundred? ALREADY?

2010-03-01T18:48:00.000-05:00

This was a great surprise. The website hasn't even been up a week yet, and already over a hundred views! Very cool.

Let's see...a new drawing, of my friend Daniel "Dangleo"...

And more thanks go out to Matt Crafton, for unexpectedly featuring me on his blog! Also very cool.

This may be the first of two posts tonight, it's a busy one over here. I'm out for now.

RENEGADE: TGILB 7, 8, AND 9!

2010-03-01T04:27:00.000-05:00

It's F.A.Q. time!

1) Whoa Tom, you've been quiet lately. A few days ago you promised a new page of "Renegade." What the hell?

A: Ah, yes. See, it's worth it, because now you not only get one new page, but three. Feel free to click here and enjoy them.

2) Nice. Are these still going on your deviantArt?

A: Yup!

3) Okay, well, I'm scrolling through these "Renegade" pages, and I'm noticing a definite change in certain things. Like Jenarra.

A: That's what happens when you develop your drawing style as you're working on a project. Hopefully, when this current "issue" of Renegade is done, I'd like to redo the first few pages to match the current style.

4) "Issue?"

A: Renegade is fun, and I love these characters. I'd like to do some more stories, as long as there's an audience.

5) HI YES I M A DIEHARD STAR WARS FAN N I NOTICE THAT U ONL HAV UMANS ALWAYS HUMANS NOTHING BUT HUMANS LIKE WHERES MY TWILEKS MAN O MY JAWAS OR CTHREEPIOS

A: K MORE ROBOTS. (Seriously though.)

6) So when's the next one coming out?

A: *Sigh.*

Before I head tonight, I'd like to give a special shout-out to my friend Matt Crafton. A fellow art buddy, he has his own slice of internet over at his homepage, as well as his deviantArt, and of course, his blog, "Thinking Out Loud." I highly encourage that you check him out, especially for his distinctive sci-fi portraits, creatures, and general badass concepts. A year ago, he personally inspired me and helped me up on my feet with this whole drawing-scribbles-on-paper nonsense that I seem to be doing all the time now. So I would say I owe you a thanks, buddy. :)

I'd also like to point your attention to his most recent post, a poignant, thoughtful muse entitled "The Wheel In The Sky." Please, give it a read, it's worth your time.

Thanks again, and enjoy the new pages of Renegade. I'm going to get a few days of sleep.

"Renegade" Teaser

2010-02-27T23:15:00.000-05:00

"Renegade" in progress...

ATFJ

2010-02-27T02:12:00.000-05:00

Not much to say, except here's a teaser of the "Secret Birthday Project," a.k.a. "ATFJ," for Alec's birthday this May.

(deviantArt)

I'll let you draw your own conclusions. This is going to be a funny one.

REAL THINGS #3, New Drawing

2010-02-26T14:59:00.000-05:00

First off, Real Things #3 is up...

And a new drawing, inspired by a spark of an idea from Alec.

Things are gonna be a little haphazard as I get everything sorted out. I picked the worst day to upload these, as the deviantArt sites went up last night before I left for my job; the actual website was updated at around 8 this morning, before I fell dead asleep; and now everything's being refined and plugged appropriately.

It's such a great feeling to have my own homepage, I tell you what.

[UPDATED] Temporary Downtime

2010-02-25T12:20:00.002-05:00

EDIT: 3:07 PM - Everything seems to be back to normal. Now if it could stop snowing so violently outside...I feel like I'm in a snow globe.

Quick update, just to let you know that I am aware of the (sigh, already?) downtime on cornerofthemind.co.cc. Apparently its undergoing a routine "new site check" sort of deal, so I suppose in a few hours it should be fully armed and operational.

Regular post (and new drawings) tonight. In the meantime...

Corner of the Mind Official Website!

2010-02-24T23:01:00.000-05:00

Those of you who follow my Facebook happenings know that I've been working my fingers down to bloody stubs today over this website, which I can happily say seems to be up and running.

It's live over at cornerofthemind.co.cc. Click!

There's bound to be some bugs and dead links, and obviously the music section is like an abandoned hotel, but now that the (huuuurrrgghhh) core of the site is done, uploading the smaller updates should be easy.

In time, a dot com. But for now, .co.cc is a decent and short enough suffix. Besides, you'll just be adding the page to your favorites anyway, right? :D

This marks a pretty heavy step in solidifying my pursuits. It's fascinating to see my tentacles spreading out across the interwebs bit by bit, and at the same absolutely terrifying. Let's just hope that something comes of this, and I'm not just shouting to the wind.

TWISTED TUESDAY 3

2010-02-23T14:36:00.000-05:00

Hup! It's another Twisted Tuesday at Corner of the Mind.

Since so many heavy things came out of the past weekend in yesterday's posts (three of them, full of art, music, and stories) this week's feature is a bit milder. It's a good time to catch up on all the happenings over here.

I'm one of a (surprisingly large) group of people who absolutely loves old, decrepit buildings. The deader, the better. So when I stumbled on this video that eerily blends abandoned Russian architecture with grating, sludgy electronica, I nearly wet myself with excitement.

"The New Music" also stands as an excellent testament to what you can really do with Flash animation, something I've dabbled in quite a bit. It marries photography with digital post-work to provide a living, breathing journey through these echoing ruins. Whether it's the gentle sprinkle of dust settling in a ray of sunlight or the ominous flight of a hot air balloon over the trees, the experience is a tasty trip.

"The New Music" on Newgrounds.

PREVIOUS FEATURES:
2.9.2010 - "Ptikobj"
2.16.2010 - "Plickey and Muto"

"Ten Million Slaves"

2010-02-22T18:01:00.000-05:00

I'm so sorry for destroying this song.

In all seriousness though, this is my take on Otis Taylor's "Ten Million Slaves." I gave it a heavy dose of the current Tom formula: Design a repeating hook, loop endlessly, rise and fall in intensity and pour a dreamscape guitar lead over the whole mess.

My next step in music is throwing convention out the window and getting rid of the verse/chorus/bridge comfort zone. Believe it or not, that's simplifying it.

Everything you hear is me. The three guitars, bass, and drums. I love having total control of the sound.

Alright. It's time to hide away again and pump out some more stuff. Read today's earlier posts, if you haven't yet.

Whoa. [Part 2/2]

2010-02-22T15:11:00.000-05:00

Okay. There have been three moments in my life where I was stunned silent by the pure awesomeness of someone's presence. Meeting and having my picture with J.K. Rowling, seeing President Obama, and last night having the privilege of being entertained by, shaking the hand of, and talking with the world's greatest guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel.

It's pretty clear that I wasn't able to form words at that moment. What a memory. His performance delivered from the moment he walked out to the moment, many hours later, that he left. As my dad put it, it felt like he was in our own living room, exchanging just a great night of music, tales, and talent.

I also had the pleasure of chatting with the EXTREMELY talented up-and-coming Anthony Snape, who opened for the legendary Emmanuel.

Still having trouble thinking or speaking at this point, but I managed to exchange some great words with Snape about the power of music and the joy of communicating messages. It's great to know that I'm not the only one that believes music is one of the many ways of conveying things, whether its a feeling, a memory, a thought...that's why we do it. That's why we tell stories, that's why we write, and draw, and paint, and sing. That's why I do what I do, and that's why I love what other people do. Art. Life.

Don't get me wrong, making a few bucks from it is a nice perk.

Progress.

So that should cover everything from the past weekend. Phenomenal memories to inspire for an entire lifetime. Time to get cracking...I've got art to create. :)

Whoa. [Part 1/2]

2010-02-22T14:41:00.001-05:00

(deviantArt)

Lots to report on, so it's a two-parter.

First off, of course, strip #2 of Real Things. This was a fun mixed-media work that reminded me of parodies I would do back in high school.

The "nothin but tator tots in this house" line cracks me up more than anything in this strip. Not sure why.

The title and basic theory to this strip is a reference to this absolute gem.Watch it.

As far as other production things, I finally up and bought one of those delightful and versatile art mannequins. It's probably painfully obvious that I love to draw characters, so this should help speed up the process. I'm getting a little tired of contorting in front of the mirror to get the poses down. ;)

As usual, when I'm left alone with my thoughts, a thousand concepts are born. Mostly ideas for Real Things or side projects relating to the series. Exciting stuff, I promise. I'm also working on a secret project for my best friend's birthday. That...is going to be interesting.

I'm also working on a (completely butchered) version of Otis Taylor's "Ten Million Slaves."

Weekend Break

2010-02-20T05:32:00.000-05:00

"The March Hare will be much the most interesting, and perhaps as this is May it won't be raving mad -- at least not so mad as it was in March."

Everyone's all up and excited over the undeniably excellent Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, but I'm looking forward my personal favorite in the upcoming Tim Burton imagining of Alice in Wonderland.

So no updates this weekend. I'm headed to Burlington, VT to see guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel. I think my head might explode when he walks out on stage.

See you on Monday morning, with a brand new Real Things!

Growth: An Unexpectedly Existential Post?

2010-02-18T17:41:00.000-05:00

(deviantArt)

My buddy Forrest requested a special pic. :)

These are becoming easier and easier to draw. This didn't even take an hour from pre-sketch to post-production. Guess drawing really does involve muscle memory. It may also have to do with the fact that I've drawn the "arms crossed" pose more times than I can count.

I'd like to think my style has really begun to distinguish itself. Not as a particularly unique look, but consistent. And images finally translate 100% from my head to the paper in front of me.

I've been thinking lately about how things have changed, so drastically, in the past few years.

First off, literally, in the art field...

From 2004's "Roberto Boxman," an MSPainted character born in the corner of my Algebra notes that frequented my earliest high school flash presentations.

To 2007's updated flash cartoons...

To 2009's discovery of pen tablets...

To, well, today.

I could be wrong, but I'd like to think time = progress.

And then of course there's the other kind of change. The "real" kind. I learned a lot about people, life, and philosophy in the past few years. All I can really say is that "Real Things" will provide an excellent outlet for the lessons and messages taken from these experiences.

People fascinate me. The characters that inhabit our every day are the greatest stars in the most fascinating series ever written.

Oh, Real Things #2 is done. But you're going to have to wait until Sunday night for that. :)

Another delivery night. But this time, there's something more on my mind.

sup dawg i herd u didnt liek forming babby but i accidentally in ur base

2010-02-17T21:58:00.000-05:00

For starters, an unassuming preview of Real Things strip #2.

Which, surprisingly, has little to do with the overall joke. But "aww" anyway. :)

For no real reason, I just spend a good portion of the past day researching interweb memes and updating my MySpace. Things have been mostly brewing in the conceptual field, so take this time to catch up on Renegade, see the latest Twisted Tuesday video, or check out the debut of Real Things, if you haven't yet.

I woke up with this song playing, very loudly, in my head. No complaints.

TWISTED TUESDAY 2 (and back online)

2010-02-16T15:46:00.000-05:00

So this week really shot me in the foot, first with buying Mass Effect 2 and finding out its unplayable on my current system, having to shell out some money for miscellaneous things, being preoccupied with multiple musical events/performances, and this whole mess with the internet exploding.

As much as this has thrown a wrench in my heavily internet-based gears, I've managed to get Real Things up and out, continue Renegade, and work (as much as possible) on plotting out a website. Progress!

Today's Twisted Tuesday feature comes from the depths of the late 90s. I'm not sure if anyone remembers Lycos's now-defunct Animation Express, but I'm pretty sure the first flash cartoons I ever saw were on there. And then of course, Shockwave.com was THE place. But that's a collection for another week.

After Animation Express went offline, I longingly sought out the original cartoons, many of which seemingly disappeared from the face of the digital earth. But very recently, one of the legendary contributors, Ed Beals, brought his collection to the modern age of YouTube. Another artist where I could feature a number of his works in the "twisted" theme, here's a delightful romp through the robotic(?) world of Plickey and Muto.

Like the last video, a bit warped in imagery, and the sound is fittingly unsettling. But it's cute and innocent in its own way.

Make sure to check out some of his other Plickey and Muto adventures. :)

PREVIOUS FEATURES:
2.9.2010 - David Firth's "Ptikobj"

"Real Things" Begins.

2010-02-15T12:00:00.001-05:00

(deviantArt)

At long last, "Real Things" comes out of development hell.

The idea for a dark, satirical, real-life graphic series has been a part of my life since I learned how to tell stories. About half a year ago, the first ideas for "Real Things" were born...the characters, and the twisting, warped plot that ties the whole world together. That has a little ways to go before you even see the makings of it, but you might be surprised. Almost a romantic dramedy-thriller, with a taste of the surreal. A little bit of something for everyone.

The ultimate goal is a regularly (weekly?) updated webcomic. We'll see how that evolves over time. It's time for a website.

It'll be fun. :) Hopefully you'll join in on the ride.

As far as the strip itself, this is pretty much my first experience with a Starbucks.

"Renegade" Page 6

2010-02-14T07:13:00.002-05:00

(deviantArt)

Still working on getting back up to speed. Sorry to have apparently fallen off of the face of the earth. This lull has been a bit of a blessing in disguise, as I've been focusing all my attentions on art and bouncing around between different musical performances.

I've been painfully uploading images to deviantArt...it still takes a good few hours, and even longer to get a picture on here. Sounds to me like there's never been a better time to check it out, and get a sneak peek at three of the characters in the upcoming graphic series "Real Things" :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

M.I.A.

2010-02-13T00:45:00.000-05:00

Short post, but just wanted to catch everyone up to speed...internet exceeded its bandwidth the other day, and I've been going without. Which, admittedly, has been tough. Such is the modern age. :) BUT it is slowly and surely returning, as am I. Lots of catching up ahead.

In the meantime, "Real Things" has shown up on the drawing board once again. More details on that, and everything else, in the next few days.

Until then, another great deviantArt meme.

TWISTED TUESDAY

2010-02-09T20:39:00.002-05:00

Today marks the first "Twisted Tuesday," a trend that I aim to keep up every week.

Over the years, I've amassed a huge collection of videos, links, and other material that's odd, weird, strange, warped, creepy, and just plain twisted. And as a child, I was always told to share.

WARNING: The links I will be sharing CAN get graphic, or even genuinely terrifying. I'll do my best to give a heads-up as to what you can expect.

Our first video comes from the master of twisted imagery himself, David Firth. Arguably most famous for his Salad Fingers series, his animations range from the dark and surreal to the dry and witty. I credit him for unintentionally influencing a lot of my interests, especially my love for Boards of Canada and the surreal. A modern Dali, perhaps.

I could post every one of his videos, and I'm sure a Salad Fingers featurette is in the pipeline, but for now, here's a relatively innocent to Firth's stream-of-consciousness style.

"Sock 2: Ptikobj," part of a series of similar videos, where he translates the world of dreams (rather accurately, in my opinion) into a watchable form. A little weird on the eyes, but nonviolent and fun.

More David Firth gems can be found on his Youtube or his website.

"Darth Dave"

2010-02-08T22:49:00.000-05:00

(deviantArt)

Cheap-as-free commission for my buddy Dave as a cyborg-sith Star Wars badass.

Apologies...I'm sure he has a far better name than "Darth Dave," but that was my nickname for this project and it stuck. :)

The outfit design was a mix of various Sith robe designs and my own little twists. I'd love to see this guy and Zed go head-to-head.

This was a BLAST to draw. I love character drawings. I live for the challenge of conveying a personality in an image.

That's a lot of updates for one day...don't forget to catch up on Renegade, and please vote in the poll at the right. Thanks :)

Art Poll

2010-02-08T18:22:00.000-05:00

No real reasoning behind this, I'm just curious. What would you like to see more of?

- Fantasy works (Dragon Age, Lord of the Rings, D&D, general sword and sorcery)

- Sci-Fi (Renegade, Star Wars, things that go explodey pow boom whoosh through space)

- Realistic (everyday humor, real-life scenarios and images)

- Surreal (true "corner of the mind" twisted things) I realize I don't have much of my surreal works up, hopefully over the course of the night I can dig up some old drawings and get those on.

Or something completely different?

(Don't forget to catch up on Renegade, and while you're at it feel free to browse around my deviantArt. It's friendly.)

"Renegade" Page 5

2010-02-08T00:41:00.000-05:00

(deviantArt)

There are some people out there who just will NOT take no for an answer. Jenarra is one of these people.

The difference between this page and page 2, completed just over a week ago, is incredible. All in the technique (and having the pleasure of drawing the same characters multiple times, in multiple angles. That really makes them come to life in my head.)

Spam it up with comments. I'm curious as to how everyone is feeling so far with the characters, the story, the style, etc.

On a personal trivia note, Zed's face in the bottom left panel is very close to my own "Sonofa..." expression.

Tonight's video, an EXCELLENT song by a just plain fun group, but in particular a good soundtrack for the Renegade crew. "Outsiders" by Franz Ferdinand:

Is something burning in the oven?

2010-02-07T04:48:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the dead space. I took a few days off.

In other news, "Something, Something, Something, Dark Side" was not only a spot-on Empire Strikes Back parody (in true Family Guy style), but a great cultural parody as well. Another thumbs up to Seth, Seth, and Co.

Alright. Link-spam over. Serious stuff tomorrow.

"Renegade" Page 4

2010-02-05T08:09:00.000-05:00

(deviantArt)

Hooray for extremely minimal, contrived character development techniques! And darkness! LOTS OF DARKNESS! I want this ship to come across as lonely and isolate as possible. Except of course until a certain Jenarra stumbles upon it...

Just to put a bug in your ear, lots of ideas have been bouncing around recently. Keep an eye open in the future for some exciting projects. :)

I can haz make sleep times now?

Business Man!

2010-02-03T19:13:00.000-05:00

I like to do a quick warm-up before I work on bigger projects (currently "Renegade"), but this doodle was too much to just toss aside.

(deviantArt)

Business Man, with his Utility Case and Cellphone of Justice. Saving the world one deal-sealing handshake at a time.

RENEGADE: TGILB Page 4 tonight. Watch for it. Tell your friends.

CD Cover Meme

2010-02-02T05:43:00.000-05:00

I'm probably the only person in the world that plays with design to relax.

Inspired by a favorite meme from last year, I returned to the "Random CD Cover" project.

The general theory is that, using a random system of Wikipedia entries, Flickr images, and such, you're given the cover, band, and title of an album, and it's up to you to assemble them as you see fit in your photo editing program of choice. My only regret was not having as many font files as I used to, with this computer still being relatively new.

Anyway, as my overactive, overimaginative mind tends to work, I've even formed genres and styles for each band based on the final image. For example, last year produced Weird Al-alike Jul Låg's "That Is The Fact:"

So tonight's results ended up...varied, to say the least.

The earthy folk group Procedural Knowledge and their free spirited "The Scene Of An Accident."

Sappy poppy stupid good fun dance trio Ondobe Constituency and their late 90s "Open to Hurt."

After breaking away from rockstar fame, Ben Dark switches gears with his solo piano/guitar work "Honest Enough."

Alt-metal newcomers Shaft show songwriting maturity in their second album, "We Wake In Despair."

Eclectic coffehouse groove at its best from jazz crooner The Maltby Collection in "Reason For Living."

Prog rock project Ketchikan Gateway Borough never fail to disappoint, and "Knowledge Speaks, Wisdom Listens." is no exception. (You know what? Hell with these guys, just go listen to SNOW/BEAR.)

Another fun experiment. Always good to keep in artistic shape.

Credit for the absolutely stunning cover pictures:

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3

Image 4

Image 5

Image 6

Mission accomplished. Time to get some sleep.

Groundhog Day!

2010-02-01T23:27:00.000-05:00

(deviantArt)

Seriously, how does this holiday work? The groundhog sees his shadow and it means 25 more shopping days until we turn the clocks back?

Up this way, it's snow until late April. That's how it works. I can depend on that.

DeviantArt is home to many fun and entertaining memes. I finally decided to grab one and fill it out.

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The premise was that you had to put your entire song library on shuffle, and draw a picture for each song as it came up, using ONLY that song as inspiration for the image.

1. The Sky Is Fallin' - Queens of the Stone Age

-- Love this song, and the whole "desert" theme of the album.

2. Pale Horses - Moby

-- Chilling. I might make this into a larger picture someday

3. It's All Too Much - The Beatles

-- Turned out a bit more 80s than 60s, but whatever. It's still chaotic enough to get the point across. :)

4. When You Were Young - The Killers

-- Definitely inspired by the music video.

5. The Leaving Song Pt. 2 - AFI

-- Boy, haven't heard this in years.

6. Smokes Quantity - Boards of Canada

-- Not even sure what the final picture's supposed to be, but if that doesn't say BoC I don't know what does.

7. Nocturne - Andy McKee

-- Beautiful song. Video below.

8. Time To Start - Blue Man Group

-- Inspired by their "How To Be A Rockstar" performances.

9. Sleeping Sun - Nightwish

-- This admittedly could have been more epic.

10. New Year's Day - U2

-- An over-stylized Bono.

Surprisingly lots of fun working only with the tablet and Photoshop. Definitely a good exercise in different styles and new techniques. This is definitely my personal artistic Renaissance. It makes me want to dig up some old drawings from school and redo them, or touch them up.

After all that text, I'm sorry, but no "Renegade" page tonight. That Groundhog Day comic actually took a lot more out of me than I thought it would. I also need a night off. Tomorrow though. I promise. :)

Tonight's video is "Nocturne" by Andy McKee, a vastly underrated guitarist.

"Renegade" Page 3

2010-02-01T06:42:00.000-05:00

(deviantArt)

Shit, that was a long night of work, but it was ABSOLUTELY worth it. To me, this page looks vastly different than the previous one, especially with the (in my opinion) better illustrations, the backgrounds, the angles...there's a lot at play here. And of course it's fun to do :)

A minor speed bump, though...the pens are finally starting to go. Shopping trip!

Yes, I promise, Zed appears in the next page. Really.

Alec and Tom - Office Wars

2010-01-31T18:43:00.000-05:00

(deviantArt)

Lolz.

I know, this isn't the third page of "Renegade," but this was an important test for a different strategy. I'm sure this doesn't matter to anyone but me, but I learned a valuable lesson.

I'm aiming to get page 3 out before I go to sleep (which can be roughly 4 a.m.), so keep an eye open. The best bet is to check tomorrow morning.

Tonight's video has been the soundtrack to "Renegade" so far, DJ Shadow's "Fixed Income."

"Renegade" Takes Flight!

2010-01-31T02:35:00.000-05:00

My day started off something like this:

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And that was it.

...Alright, alright.

(deviantArt)

Pages 1 and 2 of "RENEGADE: The Girl I Left Behind" are done!

This...is all still very new, so bear with me. First off, I haven't tackled a serious comic like this before, especially not a 10+ pager! The story is...well, admittedly, very cliche, but for a reason. Mostly I'm treating this as a personal experiment, on many levels.

First off, obviously, the art. On the drawing level, lots of new ideas, odd perspectives...I'm really looking to push what I know beyond the "character portrait" angle I tend to do. I also apologize for the lack of background...we'll see how that flies. For now, consider it a character piece. Also, the colors...I'm hoping to convey the dingy, lonely spaceship floating on through the stars.

The first panel on page 2 kind of irks me, and it was mostly due to the size I chose to draw at. Lesson learned, and new strategy for page 3.

I'm also looking at the more social side of it...hype, interest, storytelling techniques...I'm curious about it all. ESPECIALLY pertaining to future projects I'd like to undertake.

Page 3 tomorrow? We'll see :)

If you haven't seen it yet, consider my post from this morning your daily video(s). I'm out!

The Difference...

2010-01-30T14:08:00.000-05:00

Short post, expect a much bigger update later tonight (and probably a sudden onslaught of drawings), but this was a discovery that I just had to share.

People of the world, allow me to present the difference (almost) ten years makes.

Semi-risque "Let's Party" video of 2001, Pink's "Get The Party Started:"

Semi-risque "Let's Party" video of 2009, the friggen GORGEOUS Ke$ha's "Tik Tok:"

Now there's a great way to get a look at the past decade. Sexy.

See you tonight.

Hitler Meme: Fegelein Strikes Back

2010-01-28T20:01:00.001-05:00

Hard at work on "Renegade."

To fill the dead space, more Hitler Vs. Fegelein videos. This time, it's serious. (Heavy language, heavier humor.)

For those of you curious about the backstory behind the meme, they're cleverly subtitled clips from the German film "Downfall."

Birth of "Renegade"

2010-01-27T21:09:00.000-05:00

(deviantArt)

So it's official. Zed and his band of space pirates has been brought to life.

"Renegade," the aptly-named starship and home of three runaways: Captain Zed, the quiet but witty ex-jedi outlaw; First Mate Solomon, the muscular, branded fugitive; and Navigator Keela, the adorably fierce thief/con artist.

Time to start storyboarding and pumping the comic. Teaser: It's tentatively titled "The Girl I Left Behind."

Excitement abounds.

Pittsburg's Winter Carnival 2010

2010-01-26T16:27:00.002-05:00

A splendid time was guaranteed for all.

Lots of credit to Danielle for relentlessly hosting the whole thing through absolute exhaustion, and Robbie Major (who makes a thousand appearances above) especially for the "Grr-Ah" sequence:

Pittsburg School's annual Winter Carnival, home to many unforgettable antics through the years. Two years out of the fray and the events are just as fun, especially going as photographer and professional fan.

This is one of the last few years it'll be like this, though. Pretty soon, I won't know anyone in the school, and these events will be far less personal.

Until then, no complaints from me. I love these people, and I always will.

In the art field, perhaps some drawings later tonight. This "short" Zed comic has grown to 10+ pages in its first storyboard, so it should be pretty interesting. I'm excited to see it come together, I haven't done a full multi-page "comic" since I was a little kid, and never about sci-fi space pirates. Hooray for new things! :)

Your daily video(s). An old meme, but a good one. And damn funny. Watch them in order for maximum LOLZ, and then get out there and look up more if you like. There's millions.

"That damn dog's gonna get it. He stole my pants."

2010-01-25T23:31:00.001-05:00

No drawing tonight, so here's Cat J.

I know I said this would be it for Star Wars and sci-fi for a while, but Zed has been on my mind ever since I drew him. I found myself in the shower (where all great ideas are born) imagining various scenarios and fleshing out the character and, as my buddy Matt Crafton put it, his "band of merry men."

So...it looks like a short comic is coming together. Taking a little bit of Firefly, a little bit of Cowboy Bebop, thrown together in the endless Star Wars universe, it should be a fun little tale. Updates on that as it comes along.

"Night by Night" by Chromeo. It's like someone turned the "win" dial all the way up:

Green Day Characters

2010-01-24T21:13:00.001-05:00

I love, love, love, love, love Green Day.

Now that we're all on the same page, I've always had a huge interest in the original characters of Green Day's latest albums, American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown. [Note: cliche ahead] They were the reason I made it through sophomore year of school.

So here's some small little fan art card-type illustrations of Jesus of Suburbia, Saint Jimmy, and Christian and Gloria, as they exist in my mind. As usual, they're also available for your commenting pleasure on my deviantArt page (which is finally being populated with the strange doodles that cover my art desk)

I'll never get over how similar Christian and Gloria are to me and my last girlfriend, but we won't go into that.

Keeping with tradition AND theme, tonight's video is an EXCELLENT fan-made video for "East Jesus Nowhere." My god, it's badass.

Winter Carnival Ball

2010-01-24T14:15:00.001-05:00

What a night. Big shout out to the whole crew, especially the lovely Ashley, Danielle, and Jensen. :)

So...much...Jersey Shore...fist-pumping...

Rock on, Pittsburg.

(edited 6:50 PM with more zany and potentially incriminating pictures)

Ashley/Race for the Quad

2010-01-23T17:33:00.000-05:00

(deviantArt)

Another short post. As usual, a new drawing, this time a portrait for a friend, the ever-adorable Ashley Desrochers.

Also a quick sketch, "Race for the Quad," the antics of me and Alec in the fast-paced freeware FPS Sauerbraten.

I'm out, there's a dance at the old school tonight and I'm looking forward to the distraction :)

New Header

2010-01-21T22:34:00.000-05:00

(deviantArt)

Nothing too big to report. New header/picture, stylized to fit the feel of 3:27 A.M. on a Friday morning. Those of you who don't know, I'm the delivery boy for the Colebrook Chronicle. Every week I get on my bicycle and pedal 99.4 miles halfway down the state to pick up the papers, put them in my basket, and pedal back, throwing them on the freshly mowed lawns of Mr. Jones and Mrs. Smith with a chipper "Good morning to you!"

Well, instead of a bike, it's the warm, dark air of a Dodge Stratus, with a lock on 99.1 (whatever, whenever.). And the coffee pictured above is one of a dozen.

It's a fun job. I'm the only one out on the road (besides the occasional Schwan's delivery trucks...do those guys ever sleep?). The radio spins the best tunes, and is responsible for getting me into "current" music again. And it's prime time for me. I'm nocturnal by nature.

Alright. Another day, another drawing.

In music news, after three years, I finally figured out the secret to playing this astounding Buckethead song. Most likely a recording or a video to come. Later.

An Unhealthy Friendship

2010-01-20T21:41:00.000-05:00

(deviantArt)

Tumaros Treesoar, Kevin the Decimator, and Carl the dog. Mercenaries, troublemakers, adventurers, companions, outlaws. BFFLs.

For some unknown reason, the quick and sharp elvish ranger Tumaros has teamed up with the brutal, violent, headstrong Kevin and his faithful hound Carl. The brainchild of the ever-epic Alec Biron, Kevin is a hilarious parody of bloodthirsty overeager warriors in fantasy. In his misadventures in Dragon Age, Kevin has already angered/injured/killed most of his teammates, but damn it he gets the job done!

Thanks to the beauty of Dragon Age's toolset, perhaps someday in the future some hilarious Tumaros/Kevin videos might surface. Or perhaps an entire mod implementing the destructive duo...?

In the meantime, this comic from a month back will have to do:

So I guess I've started a few traditions. This pic-a-day thing seems to be helping work through my giant pile of drawing ideas, and its great exercise. Pretty soon, I'm hoping to get a webcomic off the ground. Problem is, it's a twisted, dark "story" that I'll be loosely following, so I want to make sure it comes out right. Expect to see lots of that in the near future, as well as more Dragon Age characters and a couple other non-fantasy pieces. Fun stuff.

On the other side of my world, I've been traveling to my old school this week to help their band class record. This has been some awesome practice with production, especially since I'm not making the music for once. As simple as it is, it's also been fun, and I wonder if it's something I could do for a job. Something to sleep on.

As usual, a closing video. This is the reason why I want a looping pedal. I'm out.

"Zed"

2010-01-20T01:50:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay, I know I said no more Star Wars, but I had to get this guy out. As my buddy Sean coined it, a "renegade jedi," a strange hybrid of bounty hunter/smuggler/sith-hunting badassery. With one eye. Yarr.

So, yeah, he's a space cowboy, and my little addition to the endless SW universe.

Just a reminder that I am posting all of these on my deviantArt, and I'm fishing for comments here. Good, bad, or even a "yeah, saw it." All very welcome. Thank you.

Back to bigger, more meaningful posts tomorrow (I hope.) Later.

I have a crush on Padmé.

2010-01-18T19:58:00.000-05:00

SpikeTV has been playing the Star Wars prequel films ALL DAY LONG. I couldn't help myself. Leia may be sexy, but her mom was the original badass chick-in-white.

Plus, Natalie Portman's hot. Seriously.

Alright. Brief journey into sci-fi was fun. Back to Dragon Age fanboy mode.

"Aerin" Inked and Colored

2010-01-17T23:14:00.000-05:00

Not too bad for a first-ever work with pen. Colors and post-effects done in PS CS4. Definitely could have done some more cleanup on the finer details, but I wanted to see the end product quickly. Excitement takes priority. :)

My only question is if I should add some simple one-layer shading, or leave it as is with the flat, solid colors. Suggestions?

Yes.

2010-01-17T15:35:00.000-05:00

Awesome.

So a trip to the "big city" yesterday proved to be the most productive shopping experience in the past few years. Besides the necessities, guitar strings and pencils and such, I am now FINALLY up to speed with the rest of the world and proudly own a printer/copier/scanner/toaster. But more importantly, I also bought some Micron pens (as per the suggestion of the ever-awesome Michele Johnsen) and can hopefully start comfortably inking my works. If I'm not too far off target, all of these new additions will hopefully land me the results I've been looking for since I was born...nice, effective, clean, cartoony works. It's a 72-step process, and everything's constantly in flux, but...well, anything's possible.

Following the tradition that I've apparently stuck with since the first post, here's a great and haunting throwback to the music I heard everywhere growing up. Dedicated to anyone else who's "been there."

"Aerin" Work In Progress

2010-01-14T16:31:00.001-05:00

So it's a work in progress, but here's a drawing of "Aerin," one of my characters in the fantasy epic RPG Dragon Age: Origins. Buy it, if you haven't yet. That's a rant for another time. :)

I'm trying to find the best way to ink and color my works. Despite having a capable tablet, nothing can compare to the freedom of drawing with a pencil on paper. Just look at my math notes from high school. Anyway, if anyone has any advice, its more than welcome.

More than likely, I'm going to be buying a scanner soon, so hopefully that'll help out the process. We'll see.

Short post, but here's a spoiler-filled promo for the best fantasy tale since Lord of the Rings:

Later.

All Night Long

2010-01-13T04:50:00.001-05:00

As has become the weekly tradition, Alec and I have once again recorded another jam session under the banner of SNOW/BEAR, our experimental, multi-genre musical outlet. So far, the songs have ranged from progressive rock, to thrash metal, to smooth jazz, to euro-dance, to orchestral scores; usually all in the same three-hour frame.

Tonight, however, we found ourselves delving into uncharted territory. That is, until the sexy, promiscuous, bacon-scented "All Night Long."

Yeah, hip-hop. Just add it to the growing list of genres. This project has become an excellent breeding ground for the fresh and the unfamiliar. Perhaps there's a future for SNOW/BEAR, but for now, it's just two musicians making it up as they go along.

In other news, has anyone else found that current music is actually pretty decent? Some time after 2005 I decided to shy away from the Top 40 hits, but with gems like Vedera's "Satisfy" or Train's radio-cycling "Hey, Soul Sister"...hell, even Lady GaGa...music is easy, catchy, and FUN. No complaints if this is the direction we're headed.

That being said, I will never betray my love for the obscure and the innovative. Later.

BLOG!

2010-01-11T18:37:00.000-05:00

Ha! Blogs.

So I'm going out on a limb here and saying that this is going to be a regularly updated and hopefully somewhat entertaining collection of the things I'd like to contribute to the world...music, art, and opinions.

Currently, I'm in that wonderful conceptual stage. Judging from the amount of Post-its surrounding my monitor like flower petals, I have at least two dozen projects waiting to be finished. These include songs, illustrations, stories, videos, cartoons, and the occasional collaboration with my partner in crime, Alec.

Stuff that's out there right now can be seen on my slightly-outdated deviantArt account, and most of you already know me through my Facebook profile.

If you have more than a few minutes, or you're looking for something to (probably) fall asleep to, you can also check out Feeding, a song from the stream-of-consciousness side project SNOW/BEAR created by me and Alec.

Now that the awkward first post is out of the way, I'm off.