How technology changes hey! As does home decor. And I suppose new comfort is to be found in both.
About 20 plus years ago, in the early 2000s, my wife bought a tiny digital Pentax Optio camera. It had a very low pixel number, probably about 5, but it did have a tiny video capture capability with an internal microphone to capture sound on the video.
I wanted to capture a song I had just written. No iPads or iPhones existed then. So I sat down at the dining room table, set up the Optio camera and sang into it. I was a bit surprised at the sound quality. Not great. But I thought the recorded voice would be really tinny. I also seem to remember that it could only record for about a maximum of a minute at a time. Something to do with not realising it depended on quality of video choice. Higher quality image, less time recording availability. I had no idea there were choices! Well I did. But after a few recordings were made. Hence the two separate videos here to the first longer ‘November’ song. And then the short timing writing choices for the two Pink Hearts ditty songs.
These videos were found on Flickr a fair few months ago. I revisited and found I could download them. With the recent Apple home recording project presently being worked on, it made me chuckle. One extreme to another I suppose. What is ironic is that I struggled as much with this camera’s technical simplicity then as I am doing with the new Apple M2 recordings now.
However. Even though I struggle with technology. Modern day quality to be used in our own homes is a World apart from those early year 2000 days. How fast it has moved from a period of almost 25 years. Unbelievable. And where is it going to go over the next 25 years.
For example. These latter two whimsy catches were simply capturing silly videos on about 5 megapixels for imagery. A bunch of self drawn naive cartoon doodles were drawn into a cheap paper notebook to then turn the pages over as the camera recorded them as I sang the song in my head. And then off to the beach to capture moving dune grass that had pixelation quality that only 5 mega pixels at lower image quality choice, to allow longer recording choice, can realistically capture.
Then the nutty sequence of uploading the little videos to the laptop. Followed by:
First turning the laptop speakers down to block out sound. Secondly pointing the camera at the laptop screen to record the moving imagery without said sound. Thirdly singing into the camera whilst doing so. Fourthly uploading the whole new camera capture of images again with singing now added. Posted them to Flickr, where it is now current day downloaded back again into my iPad. And finally now uploaded to here on WordPress.
What a malarkey.
Anyway. Here is a blog theme to while away a bit of spare time on a Sunday morning. Technology, and decor, then and now. Hopefully puts a smile on your faces. Cheers.
AND FINALLY…..DECOR:
THE GUITAR VIDEOS UP TOP WERE RECORDED AT THE DINING ROOM TABLE. OUR DINING ROOM, THANKFULLY, LOOKS A BIT NICER NOWADAYS.
Gray Summers 
It is amazing how fast technology has improved in the last 25 years, Gray, I agree! I used to help my dad with tubes for TVs and radios when I was a child—I was fascinated with them! Later, I worked at RadoShack and became fascinated with transistors, capacitors, resistors, video cameras, and computers. But while I had wanted to build circuit boards (my first college course was in electronics), due to wearing eyeglasses, I was encouraged to go into software (and I did).
I’m thrilled you found these clips of your playing on Flickr. What a joy to see and hear from years past!
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You sounds as if you were surrounded by the types of technology that lots of musicians now look to get vintage sound. Valve amps, etc. Warmth in those days is now sought with modern alternatives. I had remembered these little camera recordings and it struck home how the opportunity of new recording is now on a completely different planet! Thank you and cheers Sheila.
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I’m in awe of your timing, and delicate chord shifts…you’re so gifted. plus adventurous, getting a crash course in all the amazing technology. I am looking forward to frail autumn 🍁 🎶
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Thanks cookie. Much appreciated. This afternoon I was singing this song into my old Shure SM58 microphone from the 1970s. Made in the USA. I thought it was only good for live vocals. Then I remembered we recorded all the XCerts songs, vocals and instruments, on the SM 58 and the SM57. So I bought a cheap inverter and new mic lead for allowing the XLR connection on the mic to be used with this new technology. I reckon I’ve seen more YouTube videos for directional advice, in the past few months, than I have for my whole life! But most YouTube uploaders using the Shure SM58 said it is perfect. Both for vocals and instruments. It is all condenser mics being used nowadays and they can cost an absolute fortune for a decent one.
I don’t know how you record your songs cookie. But I certainly found my voice much warmer and clearer on using this old mic this afternoon. Mind you, your unique voice has an amazing resonance capture anyway. Getting more confident now re: technical stuff and will get a few series of the basics to each song down over the month of June hopefully. Then the hard part of getting together with the guys. And then the mixing knowledge to build on.
I’m no guitarist using six strings at all really. I just play a very limited chord knowledge and change the sound in subtle ways. 😊 All the best cookie.
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a small amp. a mic I plug into it, sometimes. and my iPhone. that’s it. I got a distortion pedal for my birthday this year. I’m going to use it on my new songs. June.
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It sounds perfect. The compact and familiar equipment use in recording is very soulful. Gives a very comfortable and relaxing scenario. The little Shure MV88 mic was put into my brother’s iPhone and recorded the whole three of us in that rehearsal session a month or two ago. Sound result is great.
Listening to your songs cookie, it all works a treat. Distortion? You are reminding me of the early Tyrannosaurus Rex days when Marc Bolan went into distortion and electric guitar for his very early songs. Before his T.Rex days. Lofty Skies, Elemental Child, Jewel, etc. The sound of his songs off four of his early albums were my building blocks to my songwriting.
Nice to know you are positive with all this new journey cookie. Brilliant.
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Im in love with this lo-fi quality of the video and sound. the song on the video with the grass is especially amazing as the connected to the melody and the vibe video idea.v
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Thank you Victor. With recording voice it is difficult with new technological choices. I have been looking into YouTube videos on voice manipulation recently and really trying to avoid my own false vocal recorded results. This old capture on the cheap Pentax digital camera is very close to how my voice does sound in my own ears. The new Apple system technology has a list in ‘voice/audio off external microphone’ choices to change vocal style. It is very weird. I listened to a guy on YouTube put his voice through new technology and changed it to ‘box’ rapper style. His voice, in comparison when singing ‘clean/natural’ capture, sounded like a completely different singer. So it was nice hearing this Pink Hearts, etc. lo-fi quality to be honest. Basic ‘Summers’ singing. Cheers Victor. Your comment is much appreciated.
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Its very interesting but also sad what you said about the new technology. Im also connecting more to less modern technology when editing my images 😉
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Thank you for replying Victor. New computer based recording? It has its ups and downs at times. I bought the SM58 Shure microphone secondhand which was made in the USA in the 1970s. Because originals still sound amazing. Couple that to an old amplifier with its unique sound and record directly off the cabinet speakers. It has ambient sound that is in the air all around it. So, you just experiment with combinations I suppose.
My film photography was edited with the most basic computer system I seem to remember. Only a handful of options to use. Getting rid of dust spots on the image, changing contrast, framing the image, etc. Never touched Adobe or equivalent whatsoever. Cheers Victor.
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Gray, it’s wonderful that you maintain an interest in new technology despite the effort it requires. I share a similar experience: I was a ‘tech’ enthusiast in my youth, but as I age, I find myself slightly trailing. Nevertheless, I still dedicate time and energy to make the most of it, which the younger generation actually appreciates. 🙂
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Thank you Pascal. I suppose it is a massive learning curve and it requires a lot of investigation. I am a self proclaimed technophobe. Feeling very ill at ease in all of this. But biting the bullet is a necessity to get my/our songs out there. Especially with other musicians part of the project. If it was myself singing alone with an acoustic guitar it would have had considerations to adopt a different and simpler approach.
I’ve been watching YouTube videos of Pomplamoose Music which is very much a vibe of musicians getting together and having fun recording their songs. Worth a Quick Look Pascal. Short little one minute bursts of music as fun. That is how we were back in the 1970/80s. Sitting around and bouncing off each other. I would love that collective vibe again. Flying solo over the last 6 months has been quite lonely. Nice to have your buddies around you at times.
You yourself seem to have a very keen thirst for analysis in many arenas. I can imagine you seeking ‘tech’ with fervour. Bet you are very knowledgeable too. Cheers Pascal.
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My apologies, Gray, for the delayed response. Reading your blog is truly a delight. I often find myself revisiting it multiple times to fully grasp the content, as my knowledge of music isn’t quite enough to offer a detailed technical opinion. However, I’m captivated by your ability to navigate your path and your bravery in taking initiatives. Personally, I tend to be analytical and critical, seldom taking chances, perhaps due to being risk-averse. My analytical skills were sharpened in my youth through chess, where, much like in life, planning is essential before any action. Nevertheless, I’m not one to hesitate indefinitely and will make a decision when it’s required. Best regards, Gray.
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No apologies needed at all. And cheers for the positive energy regarding comment on enjoying my uploads. You and me both regarding technological knowledge. This is a sharp learning curve. Loved reading your self analysis. Gives a nice insight into your way to plan and succeed in your interests. Your last observation of not hesitating indefinitely shows a nature of wanting to realise and experience the reality of your enquiries. The ‘destination or the journey itself’ timing choice makes life exciting.
Chess was an interesting observation Pascal. I did play and didn’t mind losing through lack of insight. Lost many times against both average and serious players. No practice or study of opening moves were ever in my planning strategies. Just crossed fingers and hoped. Rather like music. You can’t plan a tune really. You just go for inspiration. Cheers Pascal. A very interesting comment. Enjoyed it immensely.
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