Welcome to Fantom Island, where iLL-Literacy's legend finds its habitat. If you've happened upon this portal, may we be as bold as to assert that nested in you is a healthy curiosity. Whether you were drawn here by the Slanted i at this page's 1-o-clock, the quick flash of during loading, or simply because you have a click-happy finger – you've arrived. HihowRUhi?
The peculiar thing about Fantom Island is that it is but a mirage – an Imaginary oasis isolated in the confines of our brainwaves. We shall gradually reveal morsels of our folklore here, so please visit often. To return, simply bring your Imagination as your passport.
Fantom Island
TUESDAY TOSS UP: On learning the MPC
When I was in the 6th grade I attended Marching On, my school district’s annual musical. I saw all the 5th graders who had taken percussion over the course of the past year, and thought to myself “Dammit, the Drizzletron! You should’ve taken percussion! Now it’s too late, you old fogey!” (I continue to use the word fogey) Since then, I’ve surrendered a number of potential skills due to thinking that I was “too old” – DJing, breakdancing, guitar, and muffin making come to mind right now. Of course, the notion of being “too old” is a farce, unless you’re talking about getting your diaper changed for you. Ah yes, there comes a certain point in every young adult’s life when they must learn to change their own diaper…otherwise it’s just creepy.
With that said, I’ve decided to take up the MPC (a digital drum machine that enlists the use of samples). I’ve been tangoing with it for the last 5-odd years, but my insecurities with keeping a rhythm (pshh, Asians) has deterred me from doing much more than the sound effects I played for the opening song in ’08′s Natural Electricity Tour.
But HARK! The pre-SXSW atomic explosion of a rehearsal space that used to be our living room:
With so many musical robots staring you at the face, how does one resist plugging their fingers into their sonic sweetnesses? One does not. And so I’m finally ignoring all the hindrances set by my offbeat discoordination, and getting down. I’ve got 8 days to get good enough to impress at the country’s largest music conference. I WON’T NOT HAPPEN! Rehearsal footage coming soon, via Rafael Casal‘s suggestion.
And though I may have years to go before I get to connoisseur status, one can always dream of becoming a master. My latest source of inspiration? Fellow golden earthling Nosaj Thing:
Damn thy angelic fingers!
