Tapes

*originally posted on "What's Protocol?*

So over the last year (?) or so cassette tapes have been making a comeback, mainly throughout the indie music scene. I’ve been thinking about this a bit lately, trying to understand why the audio format most widely accepted as the WORST ever has had a resurgence, so I did a little internet browsing. Apparently some companies have been putting out tapes due to the elderly population never upgrading to CDs, but that isn’t exactly the demographic I was thinking about.

Another article quotes someone as saying “tapes are great because they have a really nice warm and fuzzy sound.” That “warm fuzzy sound” is the tape hiss that drove audiophiles crazy and assisted people in NOT wanting to listen to them, but I do get what the quoted meant. Tapes just had/have this unique character to them, in both the tangible cassette and their sound quality. Additionally, they posses a sort of nostalgia that has become increasing popular among hipsters and independent music (actually maybe all of music). Anyway, it’s my belief that tapes completely fit the mold of this current shift to nostalgia. Polaroids, fanny packs, retro this and that, cassette tapes…it just makes sense.

Additionally, tapes fit into the DIY (do-it-yourself) state that the music industry has turned towards. Think about it, a garage band or bedroom producer creating music at their house probably can’t afford that great of equipment (or at least that’s the image of it anyway) so if they are working with dated equipment, and have a throwback band/artist image, putting something out on a tape fits right in with their antiquated mold. Another article mentions the fact that many touring bands drive older vans with tape decks, while some of their fans have shitty cars with decks in them as well. So these bands can trade and sell tapes among their peers, which also makes sense.

To be honest, before looking into this at all, I thought this was pretty lame and just another retro gimmick, but after I thought about it I changed my mind and happen to think it’s actually pretty cool. I’m already a big fan of vinyl and have been collecting old (and some new) records for about 2 years, and a do like “retro” things quite a bit (especially sneakers) so I guess I can accept the idea of tapes being put out as well. Now I just need a taper player….

*And you know, speaking of the whole nostalgia thing, I can remember when I used to make radio mixtapes of my favorite songs on the nightly “Hot 9 at 9″ countdown on 98.5KRZ. Those were the days*

Bloggin' - I'm back !!!!!!!!

Let me tell you. I miss putting up my stupid little pictures, my "witty" little comments, my new music and old music posts, my "that guy" of the day, and all the other random nonesense I put on here.

I've been really busy lately and haven't had the time to upkeep this site. If not for anyone elses' enjoyment but my own, I really do miss it.

I guess I should explain what's been going on. Sure. Why not?

Welp, I graduated college and after not knowing what the hell else to do, I figured I would move home and try and save up some money. So after a few weeks of sitting around thinking of what kind of job to get (because like an asshole I hadn't been looking for jobs before I graduated..although I must say I had an internship that continued on after I graduated so I was focused on that...and of course getting the HELL out of school).

So, after sitting around planning on getting some terrible job at a restaurant or something I thought I'd try to do something at least relatively related to my interests. SO around the beginning of June I got a job at a local music venue. I dig music. Alot. So i wanted to be around it. I'm just a doorman/janitor/runner/whateverelsethey need. But hopefully I will start booking some shows, PLUS having this job has lead to some other good things happening as well (I'll get to that).

SO. I get this job, then I go on vacation for a week.

During that time I get a call from a fellow whom I was supposed to have a different internship with this Summer (and live in LA) but it fell through and did not work out. A long story short..I get offered another part time job, which I can do from my home during the day...and still work at the music venue at night/ occasionally when they need me for other things.

So most of my time has consisted of staring at a computer screen all day, then running off to the club, and then coming back to finish up my work from home.

Because I often want to throw my computer out the window, I haven't had the time to post much on this site.

BUT. I'm not finished!

So for the past 2 or so months I've been working a lot, saving up some money, doing pretty okay and staying busy but not really having any direction other than, as I said, saving up some money (which I guess is okay for now?)

BUT then! A friend I've known for a number of years contacted me, after I had shown a good deal of interest in his band and asked me to be his/their tour manager. Using some experience from my job at the music venue, and a term a new-found acquaintance from another band told me, I consider myself a sort of "Swiss Army knife/Janitor" - I do a little bit of everything, I got all the keys, I come in early, clean up, stay late...you get the idea. I'm really enjoying this so far and I've got faith that we are going somewhere with this thing. Additionally, working at the venue has brought up a few opportunities for the band.

So as I said before, I've been busy. Which is kind of a first for me. I don't really know where exactly I'm heading right now but hopefully it's somewhere good. Anyway, I'm definitely up for the trip.

Here's to the future.

I am going to try and hopefully keep this updated a little more frequently.

For now, It's good to be back
-b Funk

b Funkin' The Beach

Sorry about the lack of posts this past week. My family and I went on a little vacation to the Avalon this past week. Figured I'd go and enjoy the beach and ocean before they are completely ruined by this oil spill ridiculousness.

Oh well, I'm back in action. I need to regroup and you'll be getting some new posts soon.


-b Funk

bFunk Plays DJ

YO WHATUP WORLD IT'S DJ kiTTiE PhA$E!!!!!!!!!!
(just kidding)

So today I was playing DJ.

So what, I don't have the equipment (because I don't have any money) but I can always pretend....right?

Anyway, check out my mix. You'll notice the first Crookers track from yesterday's post (I really dug it).

Go and dance around if you'd like
Or cry if you think it's terrible.