Google Goes Social
Lots of interesting things coming from Google lately.
Wave was pretty cool, although I think it’ll take quite a feat for it to actually see widespread use. I tested it out a bit with some friends and it’s still extremely buggy. Large text files, for example, seem to make it explode. That’s a deal-breaker for me until it’s fixed.
Buzz, on the other hand, seems like it might be more immediately useful. I’ve been interested in a social network aggregator for a while, but haven’t been able to find something I like. Buzz integrates my gmail (along with its contacts) with anything else I might be interested in following.
If Buzz integrates with blogs outside of Blogger, I think it might become extremely useful as a distribution tool.
“The Finger” Touches on True Performance
Native Instruments has released a new Reaktor ensemble called The Finger. It’s based on the live setup of Tim Exile, and looks like an absolute blast to play. With little-to-no preproduction, it looks possible to create entirely improvised electronica performances. I’m reminded of Dick Van Dyke, but with a little Depeche Mode thrown in for good measure.
Check out this link for videos of Tim performing with and explaining his setup.
Classic ReBirth Tracks
The glory that is YouTube recently helped me rediscover a small part of my lost youth. I figured it might be nice to share, but first a little background.
My first experience with making music was with ReBirth, the original software music application from Propellerheads. If you’re unfamiliar with the software, it was basically an emulation of two TB-303 bassline synths along with two TR-909 drum machines. All the sequencing was done using chained step sequences.
Dialogg: Trent Reznor
Nine Inch Nails is one of those bands that’s been in the public consciousness so long that it’s impossible for me to imagine a world without Trent and his crew. That’s why it’s so cool that he’s still pushing the industry to be more than it is. Plus, the guy is fucking brilliant when it comes to production and programming.
This video is from digg.com, part of a new series of interviews based on user-submitted questions which are chosen digg-fashion.
Welcome to davidkain.com v2.0
Davidkain.com has been completely demolished and strung back together. I’m trying to keep things as simple as possible now, so hopefully that means more updates and easier navigation. Check out the Music page to hear the latest tracks.