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Wow. Super dope. Yeah I definitely gotta see some more of this. ‘Specially some cool vid footage. Keep up the work.

Personally, I think this album is long overdue. It’s not like your busy or anything (haha). Stop blogging and get back to work! ((cracks whip))

You have the same haircut as justin beiber ;) (low blow, I know)

Thanks for the update; I always appreciate when an artist takes the time to shed some light on their progress- especially if it’s written using more than 140 characters.

When I’m working on music, I too find it difficult to avoid the “muddling” of original ideas. There are always those awesome parts that come out of nowhere, then you start adding more and it can feel like it loses focus.

From my experience, it seems you have to go through those periods in order to come out with a solid track in the end- be it a small vignette or a full-fledged song. For me, it sort of goes back to the whole minimalism philosophy: if you find the composition is cluttered or is losing it’s original purpose, take things away until it breaks. Sometimes you’ll go back through and mute a track and think “This doesn’t need to be here.” I usually then add more, take away, add more, take away- all while trying to maintain that original purpose. I feel that eventually, if not immediately, the song begins to get back on track.

Whatever you do, don’t rush the music, because it’ll show in the end product. Sometimes all music needs is a bit of time worked into it to make it really shine.

Personally, I’d rather wait 10 years for an artist to put out a front-to-back timeless classic instead of getting sub-standard music on a more frequent basis. Portishead took what, 11 years to release ‘Third’? In my opinion, the album is nothing short of genius from the opening foreign dialogue to the closing guitar-turned-boat-horn sound. It seems like every part was refined until anything more (or less) would break the sound.

I know this amount of time and thought can be detrimental to some types of music, but instrumental electronic music is all about the vibe and feeling. It seems like stuff like that can’t be rushed. Sometimes it takes a bad day to get you to a point where you’ll write something tape-worthy. Sometimes it takes an awesome week. I feel like a lot of people forget that time and the life experience that comes with it are just as important elements to a song/album as instrumentation and composition. Without time, there’s no story to be told.

As always, thanks for another great post. Good luck on the album- I’m sure it will be nothing short of classic. Take your time, we all know it’ll be well worth it.

Audio geek side note… I want a RE-201 so bad! I’ve only had the opportunity to mess with them at friends’ houses. They’re reasonably priced on eBay, I may have to grab one in the next few weeks.

Hi Scott!
I am so excited about the new album, and you’ve already got a prospective buyer here – I’m going to get a copy first thing!
This may sound like a dumb question, so bear with me. I have played guitar for years, and I’ve always wanted to do recordings like this, but I’ve never known where to start. Is there any advice you might have for someone who would like to start doing their own recording? What would be the first step?
Thanks for posting all this, and I’m really looking forward to the new record!
-Will

Love the pictures – great insight into the process, and beautifully captured as well. Although I admit it does make me all the more anxious for the release. :) Thanks for sharing!

this my friend, is why we love you. :)

Very nice work Scott, that Oberheim looks awesome by the way. I’m sure this album is going to be your best yet. I wish more artists would blend guitar with electronic. Not just speaking of riffs, but more melodious patterns and what have you. Good luck with everything!

Exciting–thank you for taking the time to post this

Very much looking forward to the final product and getting a glimpse of the making of. It’s inspiring to hear how you go through your creative process, so thanks for sharing that!

What kind of chair is that? Looks comfy! :)

Also thanks!

OK I just saw the review of the chair.. hehe :)

take your time, take your time. we are all stoked for the release, but we can wait.

Great shots! I’m really looking forward to the new album. iTunes store here I come :)

Cannot WAIT to hear what you’ve been creating!!

oh, and +1 for the anchor steam!

This is awesome!
Admire your music and art! Can’t wait~

I have the Boss/ Roland RE-20 twin pedal. Personally don’t think it sounds anything like the real space echo. I don’t think the real space echo is terribly expensive, but they’re a pain the maintain.

That last shot is awesome. Is that Herman Miller chair still working out well?

Just give me a taste, man, just a taste. All I need’s just a little taste, then I’ll come back with money for the rest, but just a little taste to hold me over, Scott, please.

Thanks for the insight into how you do things man. I’m loving Past is Prologue right now and cant wait for this. When the album comes out flip me a PR mail and I’ll do an announce over at my blog. Cheers.

Looking forward to it!

Try not to lose yourself in a process. Songs can be great without al that deley and reverb, 64 canal for one song. Try not to produce for fans, “hit the wall” becouse of it. Couse I have a feeling that Coastal Brake was all about the fans, and what they expect from you. And I dont feel that songs like some others..I can almost feel the nervousness, you felt, while making it.

Respectfully, Matija.

I bow in front of these great artists and i wish for them to always be patient and succeed in their art.

Just a regular, everyday, normal MUSICAL GENIUS

Scott, thank you very much for taking the time to provide this perspective. I’m greatly looking forward to seeing you in San Fran.

Since I don’t know where your suggestion box is I’m going to create one within this comment:
How about you have a place to pre-order the album, and for all the fans of your music/work we get -oh say a bonus poster or t-shirt or something!
Excellent idea, if I do say so myself.

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love your art and music, but I feel like I’ve been waiting for the new album for at least 6 years now. I’ve been growing more impatient along with my expectations for your sophomore album. Sunrise Projector came out in 2004. Since then you’ve only released 6 new songs. I realize you’re quite the busy man. I just think new material is long overdue. Satiate your dedicated fans’ hunger! I know your production style has evolved over the years. I recall you mentioning it took almost as long to create the song Coastal Brake as it did for you to finish your entire first album. There’s a lovable scrappy aesthetic to Sunrise Projector that can’t be found on your recent single. What I’ve always loved about your art and music is its timeless feel and your ability to seamlessly blend modern and retro styles. I just hope this extra wait isn’t because you’re focusing too heavily on shimmery and glossy production. You don’t want to lose the nostalgic tone that got me hooked in the first place.

hey Scott, I just found out about this blog and I just want to say I love your music. Great mood, great music, great production. I’d love to know what synth you used for that signature lo-fi bell sound that is all over Past is prologue (in the disconnect or cloud generator for example). If you want to share that is :). All the best, and wishes of a great 2011!