Hey all.  We're almost there.  I know... being in limbo sucks ass.  Believe me, I've known the frustration of having to wait an irritatingly long time to find out if all the hard work, creative energy, love, and dedication you just put into your recording or mixing project is going to be recognized, understood or appreciated in the way you want it to be.  I've done my fair share of mixing songs for people, on spec, and then I've sent that work 3,000 miles away to be poked, prodded, and judged by the artist/label/mgmnt company/etc, only to find myself a week later wondering ...

Hey everyone, Thanks for all of your amazing work.  I think it's safe to say this project totally kicked ass, and I'm SO glad we did it!  Thanks to everyone at Indaba for being so cool, and for creating such an amazing place for us to all come and work on music!  Right now the band is currently pouring over the submissions, listening and re-listening, in an effort to make sure everyone's remix is given a proper hearing.  There's a lot of music to chose from, in a lot of different styles, and a lot of agreeing that we (my band) has to do.  So, judging may take another w...

Hey everyone!  So it's almost that time... the end of the contest is near [Boo! Hoo! :( ].  It's time to get all of your unfinished mixes finished and submitted.  So, if you're been in "obsessive tweaking mode", keep in mind that it doesn't have to be perfect right now.  Go ahead and submit a rough mix.  If your version is chosen, you will be given as much extra time as you need, after the contest, to make final tweaks and adjustments.  So, don't sweat the small stuff... stop editing those annoying plugin parameters, and make your submissions before time runs out....

Hey so, I just wanted to say, if any of you guys have questions or comments about the songs (or the remixes), or just want to send me a rambling message about the spiritual nature of macaroni and cheese, or simply to say "Hey, what's up?", and introduce yourself, you don't have to feel weird about it.  It's all good.  That's why I'm here.  I've gotten a whole whack of contact requests since the project started, but only received a handful of greetings and messages.  Anyway, I'd like to hear more from you guys about what you're working on, so don't be strangers, message me. ...

We just played a show in Toronto last night at Lee's Palace.  The show was filmed and recorded for a live DVD release (due out on EMI and Woz Records sometime next year)  At the same time, at the end of the show, we shot a live performance video for the song "Star Baby."  EMI wanted it because Star Baby is going to be the new single in Canada (also on Modern Rock radio in the US).  The thing is, since the version on the album was a bit too "light" and "pop" sounding for Canadian radio (which is primarily Rock), as well as for Modern Rock stations in the US, we went into the...

I know this has nothing to do with anything, but I just wanted to say that I think Steve Marriott was totally amazing.  Who's Steve Marriott, you ask?  Exactly!  Steve Marriott is one of the most interesting (and least acclaimed) rock stars of all time.  That's why I'm posting these links.  Man, what a voice! Say No More (Live) Black Coffee Itchycoo Park Rolling Over Tin Soldier Happy Days Toytown Afterglow Lazy Sunday Afternoon   If anyone has some links to someone who they think is great, but who never got their full due in life...  please post them. I, for...

So, the consensus is that you guys are totally kicking the living liquid shit out of these remixes, by the way.  I knew this was going to be cool, but I'm blown away, as are the folks at Indaba.  Everybody is (the band, the label, the fans that are watching from the sidelines, the press, etc).  I get about 10 emails a day from people that are like "Dude... the shit coming out of this is rediculous.  Did you hear XYZ remix?"  A LOT of people are watching this contest with interest, and you guys are blowing more than a few minds.  I just thought I'd let you know... ...

Okay, so I've been thinking about this a little and I figured I should post about it.  As you work on these songs keep in mind that in many instances it will make the most sense to get rid of, or totally rework, certain original parts (whether guitar parts, bass lines, or vocal lines... etc) that don't work within the context of your new mix. That's totally okay, fully expected, and it's certainly not going to offend anybody in my band when their original part doesn't make the cut; we already have that album. This is the Indaba album; your album. I believe this project will have the best ...

Hey all, So, somebody just sent me a message asking what touring was like, and how hard it was to keep up with the progress everyone is making on the Studio Access remixes. I guess the truthful answer is; it's tough... but I'm doing my best.  We're currently on tour in the US.  Last night we played in San Diego.  We didn't get back to our hotel until around 3:30am (asleep by 4am or so), and had to be up early this morning to drive to Bakersfield, CA (where we are right now).  Our tour schedule is densely packed.  Usually we wake up around 7 or 8am to do local morning r...

I'm in a hotel room in San Diego right now, heading out to play a gig at Brick by Brick... and the band's kind of yelling at me to hurry up.  But, I was just listening to the Blackbird remixes and they sound killer.  I'll blog more tonight about it, after the show.  Keep up the good work everyone! John