News Archive
News Nov. 29, 2009: Updates, Press, Interviews, etc
News Aug. 23, 2009: Review of "Desert Opuses" in Deaf Sparrow Zine
The review is here, an excellent one, 4.5 out of 5. Thank you Hansel and Deaf Sparrow!
News Aug. 9, 2009: New "Desert Opuses" Charts, Reviews, etc.
News Mar 7, 2010: Cheaper MP3's and Digital Albums
It
still feels kinda weird writing 2010-- I thought we were all supposed
to be driving around in flying cars by now, but for now, it's still
pretty cool that you can read this directly from anywhere in the world,
ain't it?
I've made the MP3 files 49 cents each for every song on "Desert Opuses" and "Night Songs", and made the digital albums available for $4.00. All digital stock must go! Well, technically there's no limit on digital stock, so really there's no excess surplus, but it sounds real fancy and business-like.
The reason that i've priced them as such, is because the costs of digital files really aren't that much, because you cut out the ink/ pressing/ shipping. I don't see any reason for anyone to be paying 10 bucks for a digital MP3 album, simply because the costs are minimized. Sure, there's the inherent cost of recording and gear and everything that's a part of making the record, but just the ink/ pressing/ shipping alone saves everyone some money.
The tracks are available through Cd Freedom/ Nimbit, ITunes, Napster, Amazon MP3, Rhapsody, EMusic. ITunes still charges 99 cents per track and there's nothing I can do about that, but that's their policy.
-Ry
I've made the MP3 files 49 cents each for every song on "Desert Opuses" and "Night Songs", and made the digital albums available for $4.00. All digital stock must go! Well, technically there's no limit on digital stock, so really there's no excess surplus, but it sounds real fancy and business-like.
The reason that i've priced them as such, is because the costs of digital files really aren't that much, because you cut out the ink/ pressing/ shipping. I don't see any reason for anyone to be paying 10 bucks for a digital MP3 album, simply because the costs are minimized. Sure, there's the inherent cost of recording and gear and everything that's a part of making the record, but just the ink/ pressing/ shipping alone saves everyone some money.
The tracks are available through Cd Freedom/ Nimbit, ITunes, Napster, Amazon MP3, Rhapsody, EMusic. ITunes still charges 99 cents per track and there's nothing I can do about that, but that's their policy.
-Ry
News Feb. 8, 2010: Still Working on New Album.....
I
thought that i'd update the site as it hasn't been updated for a couple
of months. It's definetely not for a lack of activity! "Endorphinated"
has been bumped to the album following
this next one. The next one is called "The Bermuda Triangle", and it's
an entirely instrumental album. The reason for this was because as much
as "Endorphinated" encompasses what I want it to, I felt that there
needed to be a bit of a buffer album in between the heaviosity of
"Desert Opuses", and the change of sonics and moods and textures on
"Endorphinated". It was too drastic of a change, i'd felt. This album,
I feel, is that bridge and transition--it's still pretty far out
sounding and weird and esoteric, but the heavy fuzz is generally scaled
back a bit for synths and other instrumentation. "Endorphinated"
makes alot more sense after this one in terms of the evolution of a band's catalogue.
It's still pretty heavy in mood at times, though I think that the vibe of terror on past albums has been replaced by more of a haunting vibe, when it does surface. It's generally a fairly optimistic, sunnier sounding type of record.
I had some instrumental songs kicking around, and they didn't quite fit on the last couple of albums, and they also didn't fit on "Endorphinated". They seemed to have their own thing and sort of dictated having their own record, or never seeing the light of day at all. There's alot more lead guitar and solos on this record. Some songs were older, some are brand new. I sort of make it a priority to revisit an older unrecorded or previously demoed song and there's one on here, too. The release will be a limited edition with hand painted artwork, and hopefully finished in the next couple of months.
It's still pretty heavy in mood at times, though I think that the vibe of terror on past albums has been replaced by more of a haunting vibe, when it does surface. It's generally a fairly optimistic, sunnier sounding type of record.
I had some instrumental songs kicking around, and they didn't quite fit on the last couple of albums, and they also didn't fit on "Endorphinated". They seemed to have their own thing and sort of dictated having their own record, or never seeing the light of day at all. There's alot more lead guitar and solos on this record. Some songs were older, some are brand new. I sort of make it a priority to revisit an older unrecorded or previously demoed song and there's one on here, too. The release will be a limited edition with hand painted artwork, and hopefully finished in the next couple of months.
News Nov. 29, 2009: Updates, Press, Interviews, etc
"The
Ruins of the Pyramids" is featured on a Classic Rock Magazine space
rock sampler cd with December 2009's issue--featuring a holographic
Pink Floyd cover and a tribute to Dickie Peterson (Blue Cheer), it fits
right in, I think. Thanks goes out to Sleazegrinder.
"Desert Opuses" was the album of the week at Heavy Planet for Sept. 1. Thanks goes out to Reg.
There's some new reviews and interviews up in the press section--some a few months old that i've been meaning to put up in the meantime. Thanks to all involved for their time and efforts.
Also, much thanks to Tombstone and Spacey Kitty at the Crawlspace/ Melting Space Dreams/ Takilma FM for the excellent support.
Last but not least, the new album coming up next year is quite a change from what I think is expected, but it's needed to continue to push boundaries. You can read more about it here.
There's some new reviews and interviews up in the press section--some a few months old that i've been meaning to put up in the meantime. Thanks to all involved for their time and efforts.
Also, much thanks to Tombstone and Spacey Kitty at the Crawlspace/ Melting Space Dreams/ Takilma FM for the excellent support.
Last but not least, the new album coming up next year is quite a change from what I think is expected, but it's needed to continue to push boundaries. You can read more about it here.
News Aug. 23, 2009: Review of "Desert Opuses" in Deaf Sparrow Zine
The review is here, an excellent one, 4.5 out of 5. Thank you Hansel and Deaf Sparrow!
News Aug. 9, 2009: New "Desert Opuses" Charts, Reviews, etc.
Thanks to Scott at Lowcut for this one! Four cuts/ stars.
Jerry Kranitz played "Headphone Opus" on the July 14, 2009 Aural Innovations show, and Aural Innovations is pretty much one of, if not the most well respected psych shows around. Thanks, Jerry!
It's #3 on the loud charts on CFRU Guelph's charts. Thanks goes out to CFRU!
Also, I forgot that there was a HWE track on last year's Bad Acid Tab 7. Apparently, alot of places are sold out (Catacomb records is; StonerRock doesn't seem to have it anymore either). It's a cd/ dvd and PDF magazine multimedia thing that's super cool, it has a bunch of psych/ stoner/ experimental bands, going globally from a vast range of locations. Check it out if you can find it....I think that there's still some available right from Bad Acid's MySpace site.
Jerry Kranitz played "Headphone Opus" on the July 14, 2009 Aural Innovations show, and Aural Innovations is pretty much one of, if not the most well respected psych shows around. Thanks, Jerry!
It's #3 on the loud charts on CFRU Guelph's charts. Thanks goes out to CFRU!
Also, I forgot that there was a HWE track on last year's Bad Acid Tab 7. Apparently, alot of places are sold out (Catacomb records is; StonerRock doesn't seem to have it anymore either). It's a cd/ dvd and PDF magazine multimedia thing that's super cool, it has a bunch of psych/ stoner/ experimental bands, going globally from a vast range of locations. Check it out if you can find it....I think that there's still some available right from Bad Acid's MySpace site.
News Aug. 4, 2009: Reviews, Interviews, Accolades, Deals
I've compiled a bunch of reviews and interviews that i've done or got over the last few months:
Stoner Rock/ The Obelisk review
Stylus Magazine review
Uptown Magazine review
The Obelisk interview
Interview with Uptown Magazine
Interview with The Uniter
Radio charts:
Earshot top 200 campus radio albums for June 2009 (#96)
Earshot top 200 campus radio albums for May 2009 (#93)
Thanks to everyone involved! I would start by name, but i'm gonna forget some key people so you know who you are. If you write somewhere or are interested in a promo for radio on a good show somewhere, don't hesitate to ask for a promo.
I've compiled a bunch of reviews and interviews that i've done or got over the last few months:
Stoner Rock/ The Obelisk review
Stylus Magazine review
Uptown Magazine review
The Obelisk interview
Interview with Uptown Magazine
Interview with The Uniter
Radio charts:
Earshot top 200 campus radio albums for June 2009 (#96)
Earshot top 200 campus radio albums for May 2009 (#93)
Thanks to everyone involved! I would start by name, but i'm gonna forget some key people so you know who you are. If you write somewhere or are interested in a promo for radio on a good show somewhere, don't hesitate to ask for a promo.
Also, for a short time, if you buy the "Desert Opuses" vinyl, you get the cd for free!
News: June 23, 2009-- Performance at the Graffiti Gallery in Winnipeg on Friday, June 26
I'll be playing a rare non-HWE gig with The Broken Orchestra of Winnipeg, and it will be improvised stuff. I love the power of improvisation, and despite my inclinations towards guitar, i'll be playing some noise generator stuff on MicroKorg, as well as some percussion, so it should be pretty intense, and I look forward to feeding off of the spontaneous energy of the band members. The band has some really great and far out stuff, as they've been around for awhile.
I'll be playing a rare non-HWE gig with The Broken Orchestra of Winnipeg, and it will be improvised stuff. I love the power of improvisation, and despite my inclinations towards guitar, i'll be playing some noise generator stuff on MicroKorg, as well as some percussion, so it should be pretty intense, and I look forward to feeding off of the spontaneous energy of the band members. The band has some really great and far out stuff, as they've been around for awhile.
News
April 8, 2009-- "Desert Opuses" cds have arrived
The cd version has two songs that aren't on the vinyl: "Evilution" and "Stripped Ruins", and there's a few ways that the cd and vinyl version differ--including some different art designs and layout. They're $16 CDN including shipping, worldwide. Purchase the vinyl and cd, and save: $25 CDN, including shipping, worldwide.
Purchase "Desert Opuses" now--vinyl or cd-- and get a limited edition download for a "Mountains Of the Pharoahs" 5 song EP, including one new song, one song dating back to the "Night Songs" sessions roughly from 2004, one atmospheric demo song going back to 1997, and an orchestral remix of "Mountains of the Pharoahs". Also included are photos of scratch lyric sheets and some other information about the songs on how they were written and mixed, as well as some other technical information.
The cd version has two songs that aren't on the vinyl: "Evilution" and "Stripped Ruins", and there's a few ways that the cd and vinyl version differ--including some different art designs and layout. They're $16 CDN including shipping, worldwide. Purchase the vinyl and cd, and save: $25 CDN, including shipping, worldwide.
Purchase "Desert Opuses" now--vinyl or cd-- and get a limited edition download for a "Mountains Of the Pharoahs" 5 song EP, including one new song, one song dating back to the "Night Songs" sessions roughly from 2004, one atmospheric demo song going back to 1997, and an orchestral remix of "Mountains of the Pharoahs". Also included are photos of scratch lyric sheets and some other information about the songs on how they were written and mixed, as well as some other technical information.
News Dec. 21, 2008-- Special Offer
Buy "Desert Opuses" now and get entered into a limited time draw to win a special test pressing of "Desert Opuses", featuring one of a kind freehand custom drawn artwork, as well as custom hand cut lettering on the front jacket. There are only five test pressings, all on black vinyl, and this edition is the only one in existence with this custom drawn artwork, truly making it individualistic.
Buy "Desert Opuses" now and get entered into a limited time draw to win a special test pressing of "Desert Opuses", featuring one of a kind freehand custom drawn artwork, as well as custom hand cut lettering on the front jacket. There are only five test pressings, all on black vinyl, and this edition is the only one in existence with this custom drawn artwork, truly making it individualistic.
News Nov. 30,
2008-- Review
of "Night Songs" in Load
of Noise Zine
"High Watt Electrocutions – Night Songs
(Introspection Records)
The simple title of this album conveys much about the sound of High Watt Electrocutions as does the way every song relates to a specific time in one long conceptual night. The album was recorded over a number of years and took seven years to finally be released, the result is an epic 15 track album filled with more instruments than an astronomy lab. The atmosphere produced as the first few songs sound out is one of dusk forming before your very eyes whilst you enjoy the evening with close friends. The songs possess a progressive 70’s influence as the runtime unfolds and the music revolves around calming, tranquil passages before becoming slightly heavier around track six ‘Electric Midnight – Scene 1’. That title is revealing also as much of the album has a cinematic feel such is the emotive power and grand scale achieved on most of the tracks. This is a diverse and original work and there is plenty to experience on this album should you require a mellow chill out; and who doesn’t in these strange times?"
"High Watt Electrocutions – Night Songs
(Introspection Records)
The simple title of this album conveys much about the sound of High Watt Electrocutions as does the way every song relates to a specific time in one long conceptual night. The album was recorded over a number of years and took seven years to finally be released, the result is an epic 15 track album filled with more instruments than an astronomy lab. The atmosphere produced as the first few songs sound out is one of dusk forming before your very eyes whilst you enjoy the evening with close friends. The songs possess a progressive 70’s influence as the runtime unfolds and the music revolves around calming, tranquil passages before becoming slightly heavier around track six ‘Electric Midnight – Scene 1’. That title is revealing also as much of the album has a cinematic feel such is the emotive power and grand scale achieved on most of the tracks. This is a diverse and original work and there is plenty to experience on this album should you require a mellow chill out; and who doesn’t in these strange times?"
News
Nov.
8, 2008--Major
Long Overdue Update:
Okay, this is a
long writeup! Bear with me here, but it's been so long since any sort
of update of news for any fans or the interested, and some have asked
me about the vinyl and other things, so i'll try to cover all the
bases. So here we go....
The vinyl for "Desert Opuses" is now available, for $14. It's currently available only online through the official website here, and MySpace. It's pressed on 140
gram weight vinyl, which is a bit heavier
than
normal
weight vinyl, it's on
translucent gold vinyl, and it's limited to 400 copies. Seeing as that there's a desert/ Middle Eastern thing, I thought that it would be a nice touch to have the vinyl be the color of the sun and sand. John Golden (Melvins, High On Fire, Sonic Youth, etc) mastered it and did a
great job. The art design also turned out really well (thanks to Loren Stevenson!), and my worries were that the jackets colors would be different once they were printed. They turned out to be bang on, and that's great. (read more...)
Okay, this is a
long writeup! Bear with me here, but it's been so long since any sort
of update of news for any fans or the interested, and some have asked
me about the vinyl and other things, so i'll try to cover all the
bases. So here we go....The vinyl for "Desert Opuses" is now available, for $14. It's currently available only online through the official website here, and MySpace. It's pressed on 140
gram weight vinyl, which is a bit heavier
than
normal
weight vinyl, it's on translucent gold vinyl, and it's limited to 400 copies. Seeing as that there's a desert/ Middle Eastern thing, I thought that it would be a nice touch to have the vinyl be the color of the sun and sand. John Golden (Melvins, High On Fire, Sonic Youth, etc) mastered it and did a
great job. The art design also turned out really well (thanks to Loren Stevenson!), and my worries were that the jackets colors would be different once they were printed. They turned out to be bang on, and that's great. (read more...)
News
Sept. 27/ 2008--New review of "Night Songs" in Concrete Web (thanks to Peter):
"Night Songs is my introduction to Winnipeg, Canada's odd collaboration High Watt Electrocutions, featuring fifteen compositions covering a nice range of ambient/psych/drone music that is slightly similar to some of Spiritualized/Spacemen 3 works. Combining drifting, pulsing shoegaze style guitars with a deliciously Neil Young ‘Dead Man’-like twang to them and liquid bubbling. They use a variety of relatively slow beats and rhythm patterns, overlaying it with tranquil acoustic washes and noisy synth effects. Most of the Night Songs transition smoothly from one to the next, making this very much a full trip experience. High Watt Electrocutions’ sound is diverse and not always immediately accessible, but that’s one of its strong points. It’s the kind of music that grows on you, revealing new dimensions every time you tune into it.
High Watt Electrocutions is very successful in creating a calming, lush and warm, though somewhat disturbed album, recommended for headphones during the late night. A truly excellent and strange release.
92/100
Cosmicmasseur."
"Night Songs is my introduction to Winnipeg, Canada's odd collaboration High Watt Electrocutions, featuring fifteen compositions covering a nice range of ambient/psych/drone music that is slightly similar to some of Spiritualized/Spacemen 3 works. Combining drifting, pulsing shoegaze style guitars with a deliciously Neil Young ‘Dead Man’-like twang to them and liquid bubbling. They use a variety of relatively slow beats and rhythm patterns, overlaying it with tranquil acoustic washes and noisy synth effects. Most of the Night Songs transition smoothly from one to the next, making this very much a full trip experience. High Watt Electrocutions’ sound is diverse and not always immediately accessible, but that’s one of its strong points. It’s the kind of music that grows on you, revealing new dimensions every time you tune into it.
High Watt Electrocutions is very successful in creating a calming, lush and warm, though somewhat disturbed album, recommended for headphones during the late night. A truly excellent and strange release.
92/100
Cosmicmasseur."
"The Bermuda Triangle"Released in 2010. 500 copies, hand painted artwork, signed and numbered.
"Desert
Opuses"
Released in
2008/2009 Released on translucent 140 gram gold vinyl and
limited to 400 copies.
Also available on cd.
Also available on cd.
"Night
Songs"Released
in 2007
Full tracks available at Last Fm
The official High Watt Electrocutions' MySpace page:
Click here
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