Music: Mother, Brother, Secret Lover.

Many things have occurred to me over the past few weeks...

Because of being out of work, and being- almost in debt, I have immersed myself in music.  Mainly listening, but also writing.  Not sure what it is about music, but feels very safe; there is no demand or argument: it gives and takes away in equal measures.  2012 was a pretty slow year for music, and with 2013 promising releases from The National, Queens of the Stone Age, and Radiohead, amongst others; it is a very good year for music.

As a writer and singer, new music is important, as it gives ideas, inspiration, and a benchmark to aim for, when writing.  I have found myself completing an entire triple album's worth of material.  As a singer, I must have some sort of brain defect.  I can listen to a voice, a song, whatever.  I can hear it and replicvate the vocals; in some cases, perfectly after one listen.  It is hugely exciting as a singer, seeing just how huge you can make your voice; but also quite frustrating.

Even to record a simple track, it will take money.  I know what I can do; what I can achieve, but also how far away it is at the same time.  I am 30 in May and desperate to record and showcase exactly what I am capable of.  Realising that my 'dream' may be a long way away, is one of the worse realisations I have had.

For the meantime I will continue to write.  It keeps me focused, and is somewhere my brain needs to go, to escape things.  When the time does come that I can record; I just hope that my heart is still in it...

Psychoacoustics

"Pyschoacoustics"

Idea of the site:

There are quite a few music websites at the moment, between the iPhone, Facebook and the Internet. Most of them offer roughly the same things- music sharing, free downloads, and Internet radio access. There are a lot offering the same things, and quite a lot of things are not being considered. The idea of Psychoacoustics, is to pull all the exisiting qualities of these sites, together, as well as offering new features, and great networking opportunities- for free. The plan is to top Spotify, iTunes and the biggest sites, by offering what they do, plus much more besides. Specific areas and pages on the site will be named after musical figure, albums and events. For instance, a lyrics section will feature Bob Dylan's name and be themed around here. It is sort of like a music Disneyworld- different zones and characters. This makes it more interactive and interesting than most music sites and is engaging.

Interface:

By accessing

www.psychoacoustics.info, (website currently under planning/construction), you will be able to access the site. From there, there will be a home page. On the home page is a main design. It is an animation of a studio, called Psychoacoustics. It is designed like Abbey Road, and there is constant movement on the page. There will be a bank of about 200 different musicians, who will walk into the page and interact with each other; leave and enter the studio, and keep the user amused. The icons as well as the animation will be colourful and interesting and better designed than most of the music websites out there. The icons and options displayed on the homepage are as follows:

Chat:

There is a chat/Skype option where you can interact with any of your contacts or friends. This can be done via a Facebook-style message service, or Skype. When you add contacts- like Facebook or Twitter- you can chat with any of them at any given time.

Mail:

Your personal inbox; you can mail your contacts, as well as any musician or venue.

Search Engine:

This is a bespoke, specialist search engine. It is similar to Google but responds to questions and searches effectively, returning only relevant websites. It also can record via and audio, so if you were searching for a song title or name of song, it would be able to locate it. The search engine is able to answer specific music questions and ties together information and resources from Yahoo, Google and Bing.

Updates/Events:

This is a diary of important music events and updates specific to the user.

Music Player:

You will be able to create a playlist or jukebox of up to 2,000 songs.

Personal Profile:

You can create your own avatar, and enter all of your information. It is similar to Facebook, but more detailed, and upload photos, videos, and designs. I will go into more detail later, but on your personal profile, is all of your information, favourites, and links. The profile works like Twitter and Facebook but more in depth with fewer faults. I have described the social side of things in a previous mail.

1. Studio and Rehersals:

This is an animated studio and rehersal rooms (about 3 studios with control rooms and one rehersal space). Unlike sites where there are a list of features, you access the features via icons; so for instance you would click on a T.V. or a guitar to access the relevant feature. The tab on the interface is red, and will consist of different shades of red. The specific names and designs for each feature are to be decided, but are as follows:

Music video:

Here you can pitch ideas for music videos to bands, acts and labels. You can protect your idea and sell it for money or use it to gain points and exchange for a reward in the future. There is also a music video store, where you can access any video from any song, and search by genre, artist or time period. Also, there is a software where you can put ideas into and create videos through animation, film or various other techniques and apply them to your own songs.

Album cover:

Here you can view any album cover, ans search for it like the music videos. The features here allow you to design covers using animation, photography or a photography edit where you can mix and edit images and merge together to create incredible designs. From here you can publish them or share, or pitch ideas to bands looking for ideas.

Photography:

This is like Instagram where you can upload photos or designs and edit them, using hunreds of options. Here too you can search for photographers and view images, websites and famous images from music history.

Music video player:

This utilises YouTube where you can view music videos for free and have a favourites list, or share the video to social media.

Song disect/mix:

On this page, you can take any song- from rock to classical and dissect it. You can see what notes are played, and what instruments are played. This helps when writing songs and can learn easily about music. Also you can take sections of various songs and mix them together, and edit the sounds to create new songs.

Entrepeneur:

Here there are guides, links and ways to set up your own record label, festival, or music magazine. You can interact with others online, and get funding in order to set up your own business, and then network on site to attract users and business. Also you can invent new music ideas and instruments; design them on this page and pitch them.

Broadcast:

There is a software where you can design and broadcast your own podcast and radio station. Broadcast over the site or YouTube, play your own songs and broadcasts and get fans and followers as well.

License:

On here you can sell songs to T.V. and film companies and productions.

Band sites:

I will explain more on the registration but when bands and artists sign up they can create their own website and include a wealth of information, and make it easy to promote and get fans.

Sounds:

This is a sound library with thousands of sounds, effects and mixing options.

D.J:

If you are a D.J., here you can mix tracks, scratch and broadcast your own set, via the site and promote your gigs.

Home Studio.

This is a software where you can record vocals, instruments and effects and then send your songs to fans or broadcast the tracks online. There is also software for tuning instruments as well.

Recording and Production:

This allows you to record songs professionally and easily, and provides every technology a modern studio would. You can record vocals and instruments, mix and layer them, and create a professional sounding track. From there you produce the tracks, and broadcast them, and burn them onto C.D. It also allows for album covers to be printed and gives links to sites where you can buy C..D. case and additional software.

Rehersal and Live Room:

These are simulations of studio spaces where you can play live or rehearse. Via Skype you can jam with the rest of your band or solo and be seen by contacts and have your performance saved and shared. There are options for recording. There are guitar, drum, piano, vocal and orchestra options where you can similuate any guitar or piano etc and get the most realisitic sound possible. Unlike software where it is flattering, here you have to know how to play. Like Wii it reacts to touch and you can simulate yourself playing, as if it were real. From there you can either mess around or record the sounds, or join with others or your band members, and jam together. You can tune the instruments and it is as good as the actual instruments. You can do the same with vocals and record as many tracks as you like, and access different mics, and effects. It is able to work with recording so you can record full songs and albums using this. it is not to replace real life but more act as an easy way to share and record demos for when you are in the studio.

2. Bar and Venue:

The venue is downstairs of the studio and the bar upstairs. It is animated like the rest of the site and acts as a portal for socialising and broadcasting. The tab for this is green and appears with different shades of green on the interface.

Radio player.

You can access tens of thousands of digital stations from around the world and stream them live, as well as access archive broadcasts and songs.

Links:

There are links to all music magazines and publications, as well as music websites as well.

Donate:

Like PledgeMusic where you can donate to get album made, and respond to pitches. Artists can offer rewards or treats, and get a % of funds raised. Can network and swap and record vocals or write as well.

Share:

Due to revenue coming from advertisers and labels, the site can pay royalties to artists whose songs are downloaded, and means that songs can be downloaded free, but artists get paid.

Food and Drink:

Links to music venues, as well as music bars and cafes, anywhere in the world, and you can get alerts of any local to you as well as any events that are happening, and share them on the site.

Leagues and Competitions:

There are various leagues for new bands and directors etc. that are updated and points given to the winners. These charts refelct download amounts, most hits as well as popularity too and there are leagues and competitions for new and unsigned bands.

Music Fantasy League:

This is like football fantasy, but you choose a 5-piece band. You have to choose at least one drummer, and one singer, and can choose from any musician from history. You also select 2 songwriters as well and an album and song. There are various points awarded to each depending on how many times they have been downloaded and mentioned, and there is an overal league that updates each week.

Read and Write:

You can publish blogs and reviews of bands and gigs, and albums and publish them and share them, as well as gig reviews and album reviews.

Social:

There is a dating website and connection site for musicians, as well as connect and promote music charities. There are event postings and updates for your local area as well as internationally. You can also tie all of your contacts and friends in from other social sites into this one.

Connected:

Once you have created a profile you can search for potential band members or venues. When bands or acts register, like a dating website you answer various questions such as favourite music, bands and albums. If you are looking for someone you can either type in a search and the site matches people for you, or you can click on a map. From here you can click on any country or city and search for any member located in that area and contact them. There are sections where you can connect bands and venues, labels to acts and band members and bands together. If you make a successful match, you gain points that can be exchanged.

Actors:

This links actors to bands looking for people for music videos, and also can join actors together, who can share links and tips with regards to music, and best contacts and agents.

Contacts:

I have explained all of the social side, but the site works more like Twitter where you can 'add' any band or musical act, and follow their progress and updates. There is a LinkedIn style site too where you can connect with employers or contacts and build up a network of fans and followers which gives you greater opportunities.

Live:

You can broadcast live shows and gigs and stream concerts here and share them.

3. Living Room:

This tab will appear shades of yellow. The living room will consist of a sofa, chairs, jukebox and notice board as well.

Music download:

Like Spotify you can download any track for free, and either play them, or create your own playlists and sections. You can complie songs into albums and burn a C.D., or you can share songs via your phone or social websites. There are also links to Spotify and iTunes, as well as music apps too.

Promotion and Distrubuite:

You can listen to recommended music depending on your mood or find any new music depending on your tastes. You can then share them via social media, or you can promote new bands and artists, and share acts with promoters and venues, as well as labels. It works like ReverbNation but more in depth, and gives tools to find new music, as well as share and get your own voice heard easily.

Jukebox:

You can have a playlist of up to 2,000 songs, and play them, whenever you like.

Reference Library:

You can view information about every band, artist or album released. It is like Wikepidia where you can find out anything about music, and gives info about bands, videos, links and merchandise; which allows you access to new music, old music you may have forgotten about, and can access any information whenever you want.

Music Trends/Stats:

There are tables and graphs that show music trends, sales figures and stats relevant to you, that are updated daily.

Charts:

These are all of the charts from home and abroad, updated weekly, with links to all of the songs featured.

Search engine and lyric finder:

The search engine is also available here, but is a lryic finder, where you can type words or lyrics and it finds the song. Also you can input audio or video if you are unsure of the song or artists, and it will find out for you.

Pitch Zone:

If you have spare lyrics or ideas, you can pitch them and trade them with artists. You can earn points for anything that is bought from you, and you can pitch and find ideas for songs. Also you can pitch music, so if you have no lyrics you can match them, and also collaborate with people on site and join your music and lyrics together. From there you can create songs together and share them.

Music Notation and languages:

There is a software where you can learn music and translate your music into musical notes, so that it makes it easier to write music. There is a link to a language site where you can learn any one of 30 different languages for free. This makes it easier to communicate with international contacts as well as write and sing in a different language.

4. Bedroom and Kitchen:

This tab appears as different purple and the bedroom has a bed, wardrobe and table, T.V. etc; the kitchen is a smaller room connected to the room.

Updates:

You can access all of your updates, information and messages here- as well as directy from your personal profile.

T.V. zone:

This allows access to dozens of music T.V. channels as well as archived videos and shows as well, and relevant T.V. shows and performances.

Links:

There are links to music teachers, studios, websites and bars and venues; everything anyone could want.

Creative Zone:

You can chat with anyone; share ideas, stories, gig reviews as well as photography and videos etc.

5. "Acoustic Vinyl":

This is a specially designed shopping site. The animation is designed like a large Rough Trade store and the tab will be a specially designed one.

Music:

Search by genre, period or artists and find music from them to buy. It pulls together Amazon, iTunes and all music websites so you can compare prices for the album and gives you the most choice you can imagine.

DVDs and Merchandise:

You can search for DVDs and merchandise from any band. This gives you links to shopping sites as well as band sites, so again you can find the best deal.

Others:

You can purchase band and festival tickets, music books, apps and instruments. You can also purchase gift cards too.

Stores:

There are links to shopping websites as well as info for independant stores, with website and address details.

6. Join/Log-In:

This tab is in shades of black and grey.

Registration:

Different registrations. For casual user, browsing, solo, band, promoter, venue, label and other. They ask for different details and different lengths but all very simple and easy.

Log-in:

It allows a simple log in and a feature where you can log in to all of your music and soxial accounts at the same time.

7. About Us:

This tab is going to be detailed in shades of orange.

Studio history:

There is information- fake of course- of how it was set up in East London in 1969, and the story behind it. There is a 'mock' Vevo-style video and video history of the studio and founders. It is comical and is also like a guided tour.

About the site:

This is a serious description of what the site aims to do and how it will evolve.

Press and links:

This displays any links to relevant sites and partners, as well as software sites so you can create your own music website.

8. Music Player:

This tab will be in shades of blue. This ties together all of available and your downloaded music so you can play it ongoing and create smaller playlists.

9. Advertise With Us:

This tab is in shades of pink.

Adverts:

This is a seperate page where all adverts from sites, and venues can be displayed. This means it doesn't interfere with your profile or browsing but can access it any time from this site. Advertisers and sites pay to be published on the site. There are contact numbers and an online form if you want to advertise or subscribe.

10. Contacts/Links:

This tab is in shades of whites and grey.

Contacts:

This details all e mail and phone contacts for every department.

Enquiries:

Up to 6 different contact email and phone numbers depending on the query

Address:

This is the address of the H.Q. and map.

Social media:

This gives links to the Twitter and Facebook sites, as well as YouTube.

Feedback form:

Provide feedback on the site.

Suggestions box:

If you have any ideas for futures or designs, then let us know and will take into account.

FAQ and Troubleshoot:

If you have trouble with any part of the site there is support. Also an FAQ if you have a question and can report abuse or any issues day or night.

Designs and Features:

Points system/Profile:

As well as a detailed profile, on top of everything there is a points system. For every event you promote or song you share, a certain amount of points are awarded. When certain amount of points are awarded, you get a reward. These will mainly be cash prizes and increase in amount. For 100,000 points, a 'Fantasy Package' will be awarded, where you can meet any musician or have any experience you want paid for by the website. The profile will be displayed like an album cover, where there are track listing relating to each section (1-10), and details of everything you have done. There are also graphs displayed that represent your progress and updates.

Avatar and animation:

When you register you can create your ownj avatar, to give it the feel of a video game. You can personalise and update it as much as you like. As I said each section is named after a musician or album, to include everything from The Doors, Bohemian Rhapsody and Abbey Road. There will be animated of musicians interacting in each section, and great designs, to give the whole site a feel of a game, or as I mention, a sort of musical Disneyworld.

Ambition:

The idea is to raise money to improve the site constantly, and give royalties to all musicians whose music is downloaded. I want to top iTunes and Spotify and have everything any music lover or artist could ever hope to want. As a singer, who is curious about my vocal range, there are tools for that, recorders, and I can locate a band easily, as well as produce muci video ideas, and record songs.

Access and use:

Available on P.C., and can be downloaded to iPhone or your T.V. This means that anyone, anywhere can access and use it any time. There will be a virtual keyboard to type, and can be touchscreen, so if using it on T.V. makes it a lot faster.

Thank you x

More To Add To The Website Post...(with new name and slogan)

Young Universe:

"One Language... For All"

Interface:

In addition to the previous details, the interface involve quite a lot of movement. Shooting stars will be animated as well as satellites, and the planets will revolve. The Moon will be represented. It will replace the Sun during the evening. You can click on it, and will give different 'evening options' including different music, bar recommendations etc.

There will be a number of galaxies represented in purple, the stars will alternately glow red, and a satellite will be shown. The satellite will contain your music playlists or T.V./film stream, and can be viewed as you navigate the site.

Personal Profile:

This represents a very small section of the overall website. There would be a 'profile page' or front screen. This is a single design; there will be bespoke software where you can design various things. You can choose to produce a short animation; upload a filmed piece and edit it, or do similarly with a photo. There will also be an option to 'produce' a photo, sort of like an album cover. There will be other options but you can personalise as much as you like. Also included is an option to produce a stop motion piece, upload a song or a showreel, for instance.

Everyone can access everyone's front page, and like Twitter; you can choose to accept anyone, or on a person by person basis. The social website itself will be a new design. Facebook has too many white spaces; too many icons you don't need; icons repeated, as well as adverts all over the place. The chat function is basic and flawed; the mail feature is frustrating and limited, and the overall design is colourless, flat and disorganised.

With this website, the design is that of a skyscraper. The design fills the entire screen and utilises video game technology. You will see a tower, and a lift going through the centre, and a set amount of windows. At the base is an Entrance (where you click and see your own profile; more later). To the left is an intercom, and is the Chat feature. There are options to have certain people on the list, and can talk via messenger, or Skype, and is a lot more advanced than Facebook. To the right is a mail slot, and where you can access e mail. It works more like a personal e mail account, where you can save and file e mails, as well as link it with your own personal e mail account. There is animation, so you can see animated people 'deliver' mail, as well as ride up and down the lift. It is constant, and makes it more interesting.

The overall design is slick and modern, and you can choose from a different number of buildings/skyscrapers. There are no adverts, and no excess of icons. All space is used, and gets rid of having 'favourites' and cannot 'like' a band or product. You can create events, but adverts and photo sharing are restricted. If you want to see them you can. If you only want to see certain things, then you can as well. At the top of the skyscraper, is a helipad; so if anyone is a 'contact/friend' a helicopter comes down and they arrive into the 'building'. There are two flags on the roof. The left hand side can be personalised, to either a 'Diary' flag or 'Events' so you can rotate them as you see fit. The other flag will be a 'Music Player' or 'Film Player'. If you have a Song of the Day or PlayList, this is where you can access it. You can simply click on the flag and play songs, as you would Spotify, for instance. If you choose a Film Player you can watch a film or T.V. show. There is an option to produce a split screen so you can see both at the same time.

In the skyscraper are windows. This is where activities and updates are, but will fill up in each window. I am working on developing this a lot further and making it much more involved, but you can block windows (which draws blinds across); and the whole experience is much more modern, and exciting. You can customise the flag, the building, and choose what you want to see. There is 'weather', so when it is morning, the sun rises, and then sets. You can have rain, sun, cloud etc and will change, according to the weather of where you are currently. Unlike Facebook or Twitter it is not pure social content. It draws in all aspects of the site. For instance, if you are part of the Music, Film, Science, and History parts of the site, you can get updates that you want to read, and links the rest of the site into the social part. This means you can be updated of everything you need to know, as it happens. If you want to block out statuses and pictures and just hear about music, local happenings and news, you can do; like having your own website.

The individual profile consists of a hotel lobby; or the inside of the skyscraper. Using a feature where you can create your own avatar, you will walk into the lobby. There will be a reception area where you pick up your 'mail' (e-mail). There is a Guestbook where you access to update your basic info and links etc. There is a portrait on the wall, where you can access and update your photos and videos. There is also a T.V. where you can view and update your points and updates. It is simpler and less cluttered than Facebook with the three main icons. In the lobby is a Games Room, Restaurant, Gym, Cinema and Beauty Saloon that takes you to different features and pages. The main other feature is your own personal Room. When you click on it, you go up an escalator or a lift, and go inside. In here is a room with lots of visual props, based on your personal likes and interests. So for instance if you are interested in travel, there is a globe; C.D. player for music etc. This makes it easier to see updates relating to those individual sections.

In essence, the idea is to involve more real life. You can video chat to anyone; get local news etc. and block out anything meaningless or boring. It does not compel you to be glued to it, but gives a much-needed portal to learn things you need to know and keep abreast of things that really matter to you, and connect with people you need to. The idea is to have a core group who you can get along with, and like and less need to be 'friends' with any person, just for the hell of it!

Human Profile/Book of You:

This works in conjunction with the personal profile. It is a 'human representation' of you. You will create yourself, as an avatar. You can see yourself as a simulation, like Sims. On your personal profile, there is a section, where only you can access it. This shows your body but organs etc are highlighted. If for instance you learn chess or win a few games, it adds a colour/section to the Brain. If you pitch an invention or idea that adds to the brain. If you learn a new language it goes to the Tongue; music/singing to the Mouth; photography in the Eyes; charity contributions in the Heart. If you donate blood that contributes to Blood etc. The idea is to do as much as possible to contribute as much as possible to each organ. There will be points and rewards handed out at certain stages.

Like the body representation, there will be a Book of You. This would be represented in the form of graphs and graphics, inspired by the book Information Is Beautiful. There are various chapters and just chronicles your achievements, updates and work and puts them into the form of charts, graphs, pictures etc.

Other Features:

I am formulating ideas by the day, but are a few of several hundred, that will make their way onto the site.

Technology

: The idea would be, as well as being able to stream the site to T.V. or mobile, it will be touch screen. It works like a mobile where there will be a keyboard, and you can drag icons, sort of like iPhone mixed with C.S.I.! I am hoping it would be able to use 4G too. There will be a way where you can design applications and distribute them for free, or can tie in apps. via your iPhone, so they can be used on this site. Instead of paying users to design apps., points are awarded and mentions made. This way you can get them for free, but the creator is rewarded as well, and inspires future innovation.

Local

: A lot of older users may be more interested in what is happening in their town. For instance, if there is flooding on a particular road nearby, you can find out, and can find out the latest news and goings on where you live. If there is an event in your area, or a charity run for instance, you can distribute it to a wider audience, to raise funds, supporters and exposure. Where there are travel updates for example, or continued problems, such as flooding, you can link with the council. If there needs to be a storm grate, or flood protection on a particular road, you can link directly, based on observations and raise funds for it, via the site.

Science and Beyond:

I am working on an interactive feature with the Science, as well as the Natural History Museum. It will allow interactive exhibitions, as well as many of the features and exhibits to be streamed to the site, either as an animation, or as a video presentation. Sort of like a video game, where you can navigate and interact. Will try to build a 3D element too. This means anyone who cannot visit London or is disabled and cannot get there, will be able to enjoy it.

There will also be sections on astrology where you can 'visit' planets and constellations, interactively. It allows forums and discussions to take place, where you can post new theories and discuss topics, as well as science, you can talk about philosophy, dreams, big world issues etc. You can undertake experiments, and will be programmes where you can build vehicles and see how they work. There will be '00s of options in this section overall. There is also a Virtual Body, which will be yours, literally. You can enter your health info, and can alert you if any problems are detected and can also track blood pressure, sugar levels and information that needs to be monitored. If you have high blood pressure, and have another medical issue, it can alert you to possible future issues or illnesses, so you can beat them. It also links you to medical information all over the Internet. In

Search Engine

: As will as linking the website with a custom search engine (Google, Bing etc.); there will be an expanded search engine. Current search engines have a limit. If you type in 'songs that sound like Blowin' In The Wind', it might struggle to pin down relevent results. Using the various parts of the sites, as well as users, if you need to find out the above query; it uses the search engine, but connects with users and people who would know at the same time, so the results are more accurate and comprehensive. It is more responsive so if you type a sentence that starts 'which song contains..' or the query is quite brief, it makes it easier to get an answer. Similarly you can enter soundbites, photos into the search engine if you need to find relevant information, and will give you results.

Dictionary/encyclopedia:

There are comprehensive dictionaries to access, in English as well as over 30 other languages. Also there will be an encyclopedia available for free. You will be able to access information including Space, History, etc. and will have photos, pictures, graphs and video links and will be the equivalent of having a 1,500 page encyclopedia at your fingertips.

Languages:

I am trying to formulate a way of having comprehensive Rosetta Stone style language courses available for free, covering 30 different languages. Over 5 years I am aiming to learn 20 new languages and am aware how expensive it is to learn. I am hoping to employ experts and the site's users, as well as existing resources, in order to have full and detailed language courses available for anyone.

Everyone Can Live Forever:

Well... in theory. There are options where anyone can upload videos and blogs about their day to do life. Not so much as narcissism but as a record of that individual. I am researching ways of being able to have people's ideas and thoughts updated without their input, so based on entries and uploads, the site will update. The idea is that when someone dies, many decades in the future, their thoughts, voice and feelings can be accessed, so someone can theoretically 'live on' in computer form. It is less advanced than the idea of singularity, but will be a legitimate first attempt at being able to preserve thoughts and personalities in computer form.

Big World Issues

: Take the recent shootings in the U.S. The site is mainly set up to avoid as many of these issues as possible. The issue tends to be the lack of mental health care and help. The plan is to make sure, if someone is in trouble, or thinking of planning something like this, it connects with mental health providers, locally and internationally. Discussions can be had via Skype, appointments made, and information given. Also, people can connect with that person and try to prevent anything from taking place.

Similarly, issues like gun violence, racism, the enviroment, employment and illnesses are brought to a wider sphere, and it is hoped that through information, and productivity by members, issues are averted, and possible problems do not occur.

T.V./Film

: As well as better opportunities and ways to link for actors, there are also sections where you can create films. I have thought of a few short film ideas recently, and love them but not sure what to do. The site will allow for greater connection with filmmakers and fundraising portals, so these visions can be realised. There will be bespoke software where you can create films and ideas, or at the very least, be able to pitch ideas effectively.

There will be an option to write a joke or comical paragraph. It works like Twitter, where you have limited characters but you can submit a line or sentence. At the end of the day, a winner is announced, for the funniest submission and points are awarded.

Music

: This is one of the major focuses for me. I am thinking of new ideas but there are a few already. There is a section where you can write lyrics (handwrite or type) and put on the site. If you can't think of the music, or have them spare, this means somebody can pick them up, pair them together and a collaboration can take place. Or they can be given to a band, points are earned, and helps an act out. There will be software where you can compose music; be it orchestra, or guitars etc.- and either pitch it, or use it yourself.  Existing music can be played, and deconstructed, so you can see what notes were played, and what instruments. Also, I have often heard existing songs and lyrical ideas have come to mind. Here you can play a song, with lyrics playing, and replace them. From there you can compose music and make a new song that would sound different, but be inspired by existing ones! There are also songs that play and I think of a music video to go along with them. Obviously one may already exist. There is an option where you can create your own, and get permission from the band to use the song, or create one inspired by their song. You can create a basic version of the video via the site, copyright it, and pitch to filmmakers or if it is a new song/video, can pitch it to record labels.

The site will allow you to merge sounds. For instance you can isolate a Queens of the Stone guitar track, and also play Latin music. You can fuse these, and create a new sound, and can inspire a song idea. There will be options to produce music using bespoke software There will be guitars, drums, pianos, and orchestras etc. where you can practice and learn. It works like Rock Band, where you can play the instrument on the screen, and compose parts directly, to form a song. It helps you to learn an instrument, as well as making it easy to compose and record music or demo ideas.

Life Skills:

Like a Wikipedia source it will categorise everything you could need for life. It includes D.I.Y tips, and thousands of hints, guides and pages that can be accessed, with easy to follow pictures. It encourages people to learn new skills, and improve existing ones.

Inventions and Pitching

: In the last few days I have almost died a few times. Once when the sun was shining and forgot sunglasses and could not see where I was going. A few days later, there was ice on the windscreen and could not get it off without pulling over. I was frustrated. What if new car makers could install windscreen and windows, that at the press of a button could be blackened, to avoid accidents. Also have concocted a way of heating the outside of the windscreen so ice can be cleared on the move. Whilst visiting a sick friend, an idea arose. Have thought of something more advanced than Instagram where you can create your own photo, with any image or detail for free. I thought of an acting website, as well as several others. The idea is that there is a site you can pitch an idea but have copyright to the idea, but be able to connect with people who can move it forward and make it real. There are also discussion sections, so for instance any scientific discoveries or medical ideas are thought of, they can be shared and moved forward.

Love/Relationships:

A lot of men suck as relationships, and sex, and everything else (I'm told). The idea is that there is a more comprehensive dating site. It works like e-Harmony where it matches people more effectively but is a free site. There are articles and tips from publications like Ask Men and Cosmopolitan that give advice about sex, dating, relationships and love. It is like the encyclopedia where it has chapters and employs visual aids, video links and can be edited by anyone and updated with advice and help.

Motors:

As well as having reviews, advice and archives, there is a function where you can design your own car. It includes everything from the interior, to the name. You can also design or pitch innovations, technology or safety ideas and pitch them directly to car companies as well.

Charity Schemes:

This is a way for people to connect and launch charity schemes. These can include helping the homeless, volunteering at hospitals, or organising charity events. It connects users and people from around the world, making it easier to raise money, organise events and launch innovations to help as many people in need as possible.

Gaming:

As well as being an option to design your own, there is a whole library of classic and existing games, that you can download direct to your laptop or T.V. and play.

Nature:

Provides a full interactive service to everyone. You can view documentaries and simulations of under the sea, Antarctica, the jungles or anywhere in the world. It gives access to nature to those unable to experience it themselves and encourages people to get involved and experience it first hand.

Thoughts overall Jan. 2013:

As I mention, I am formulating new ideas, simulations and developments by the day and am going to try to make the site as all-inclusive and detailed as possible. I am not trying to bury Facebook and Twitter, but improve on both and have so much more to offer. The idea is not only to get every walk of life involved for free, but push people to be as good as possible. Through designing new programs, making networking easier, and encouraging charity, it is hoped that every individual will make as much an effort as possible to do as much as they can. I am keeping the social element, but trying to make it a small percentage of each person's experience and introduce people to sports, games, and worlds they have never considered or been unable to experience.

I am hoping that the introduction of 3D and 4G will play a part. I am hoping to have as many 3D simulators, and if possible make everything 3D. Depending on how the technology advances, it is hoped that it will be the 'norm' for households thus enhancing the overall experience. With 4D being a future possibility (for all), these, along with touch screen technology makes it simple, and fast- for everyone!

In addition to promoting creativity and charity in everyone, it is hoped the site can change lives and affect change. Given recent developments in employment, gun violence and racism, it is hoped that the site can help to change individuals responsible for crimes and make it easier for laws to be changed.

I have encountered too many awesome people, by accident on social media sites. It should be easier to meet great people and the site encourages and makes it possible. There are too many faults, flaws and limitations with Facebook, Twitter and social media; and the idea is to override this and make for a better, much fuller experience.

I'll Probably Change The Name Of It...

Per Mundum, that is.  But more on that, later.  Two things occurred this week: one involving songwriting, and the other revolved around charity.

Having just finished a sub-8 minute track (Black Majesty Blues), a smile came across me.  It fell into place; it was true and did not fail.  Room for an array of vocal runs and texture; a 2 minute section featuring a 40-piece orchestra; a 2 minute segment featuring a 16-piece one... as well as some deft ambition.  Sort of (in my mind, at least), a Paranoid Android-cum-Bohemian Rhapsody affair.  Great!  Not one of my best, but a song that caused me to become more ambitious about music than I'd been for many months.  I wondered where the hell I go from here?  Earlier this week I had tried to look for potential band members.  After a Google search and a fruitless 2 hour search, I was left frustrated.  It can't be THIS hard?!

A few days ago, I remember fondly spreading the news about the brilliant film Invisible Parents.  It was made to raise awareness of a big issue: the inequities of homosexual couples wanting to raise children.  It was a great little film for a wonderful cause, and something I only knew about because of my association with Kate Hollowood (who provided narration for the film).  I wondered how else I would have known about this film were it not for my connection with Kate.  It occurred to me that there were many other similarly worthy projects circulating the social highway.  Unless you know certain people... how do you find out about them?

This is where 'The Idea' comes in.  I may change the name to something less, Latin.  Or more monosyllabic.  Or something crazy.  It is a social website anyway... With a bit of support.  Below is the pitch/concept.

Name: Per Mundum (provisional).  Alternative name: 4thWorldSocial.

Concerns with social media: Social media sites seem to be limited at the moment.  Facebook is starting to stagnate, and Twitter is rather limited.  There are many drawbacks of each.  There is too much focus on the day-to-day thoughts of users.  Whilst integral to its success it is not exactly essential.  I spent a lot of time on Facebook and wait for something good to support or wait to read something I need to know.  The nature of the site revolves around either self-promotion or a mix of either banal declarations or worrying self-flagellation.  There are many adverts on my feed,  Adverts I didn't ask for, need, or it seems, get rid of.  I have had the pleasure of being able to promote Invisible Parents and new artist Chess via Facebook.  These are things that I needed to know.  As much as I love some of my Facebook posse, I do wonder what the point is.  I hate myself for posting some things.  Things that make me sound too sad, too worried, too self-obsessed.  But what else would I say?  What else would I do?  What else would anyone else write?  As pointless as it seems, there does seem to be no wider sphere- no real network opportunity or feature to keep you interested.  In addition it is a bit unreliable, slow, limited, with poor layout and many faults.  Twitter suffers the same faults.  While there are greater opportunities for networking and expansion, it seems no more essential.  For every one thing worth 're-tweeting' there is 5 things posted that have no place in my brain. 

As a songwriter, wannabe comedy writer and an unemployed, single guy looking to move to London; the point of social media should be to promote ambitions and rectify my empty qualities.  I want rag on them too much because I of course use them and feel that I wouldn't be able to communicate with my 'friends' any other way.  I understand that the sites have helped a great many people.  As a minimum they facilitate one's need to vent; to share; and to simply 'be heard'.  I just wonder how hard it would be to do more.

The site: The site is designed to retain the element of existing sites like Facebook and Twitter, but put greater emphasis or networking and promotion of good deeds, charity and good practice.  The way it would work would be that there is a front page/interface.  From there, would be a number of icons to navigate to.  Only one of them is marked 'Social'.  Users would be able to use the function in the same way as Twitter or Facebook but with a different, more updated design.  As well as this there will be 7 other option icons to choose from, including 'Music', 'Networking', 'News', 'Charity' and 'Technology'.  There will also be 43 other categories one can replace these icons with, ranging in nature from 'Film and TV' to 'Travel'.  These options will all be available on the interface but will be smaller icons and not larger like the other 7.   The idea is that anyone can connect with anyone in the world, without having to chance a friend request or search via Google.  If you want to see photos or information about any city in the world, you can.  If you want to find a band/music artist from any specific city in the world, you can.  If you want to donate money to a specific charity, you can.  It provides greater emphasis or sharing and goodwill, as well as making connections, and less on pure self promotion.  In fact the site rewards users who do good or promote someone else.  I often wonder when something like Invisible Parents is posted.  Why wouldn't every single person who saw it share it or like it?  It seems insane!

Down to some specifics:

Interface:

 After navigating to the web address the front screen would show a globe, surrounded by 8 planets (they would be around the edges of the globe.  In the background would be a black sky with 47 stars.  The logo for the website is down the bottom of the page and is designed to be informative, easy to navigate and easy to use.  The user can design each planet and each of the 7 would represent the main topics or points of interest.  Say for instance you wanted options involving music, acting, film, travel, social, charity and health; you could choose them as your 7 'planets'.  The topic for each would appear in the middle of the planet, and you can customise the look, colour and design of each.  Around the planets would be 47 stars.  These 'stars' are the remaining topics/icons.  These would range from technology, news and the most popular or asked for topics (as will be suggested by the public).  If for instance you wanted to change the topic of one of the planets, you would right-click on a star, and be able to swap their positions, and customise the interface.

Membership/Cost:

This is free.  The revenue would come from advertisers who want to advertise on the site.  The adverts would not show on the main profile, but at a separate page that can be viewed on everyone's interface.  So for instance if you wanted to view them there is a separate icon for advertisements.

Friends/Contacts:

You can access or view anyone's personal page around the world, and search for people by city/town or enter a search term.  If for instance you wanted to add someone as a music contact, there is an option to search by their favourite music, taste and location so you can connect with contacts more easily.  No one will be able to view personal or private information without being accepted.  A user can either accept everyone like you can on Twitter or set certain levels, so one would have to be accepted.  It is personal choice.

Personal Profile:  

Exact design and details under wraps, but works in similar way to Facebook where status can be posted and shared amongst friends.  The personal profile can be customised.  For instance it will allow you to design a sketch or portrait of your own design.  You can also put a video as your profile, or 'make' a photograph (so it would be like an album cover).  You can update it as much as possible and make enumerate changes so it has the appearance of a personal website.  Once you are 'accepted' you will be able to see past the front page and read statuses and personal information.

Access:

The joy is that you can locate certain people more easily.  One the interface is a globe.  One can click on a continent, and then a country; and then a city.  For instance if you were looking for a relative or 'band member' in New York you would go- North America-New York-choose from there.  That would bring up a list of everyone in that city, using that site.  If you were looking for a musician, it would show just musicians; actors, just actors etc.  You can narrow your search so if you want to find a homeless charity in Leeds, you would access the city via the globe, choose 'Charities' and select from a list of charity categories and be able to access them, like you would in Google, for instance.

Incentives/Differences:

 The differences are numerous.  The idea is to expand the subscription appeal so that it can access via TV.  In the same way as you can view certain sites and devices via TV it would be available this way so people such as the elderly; who may not be able to afford broadband or buy a laptop, can use it.  Similarly it can also be accessed in poorer countries, so that people can connect with each other more easily.  Like Google+ it tries to make searching easier but choosing a search engine as your 'custom search'.  So if you are posting a status about looking for a job, in say, London, the search engine will suggest links and websites to help out.  Similarly if someone was depressed and was sending a distressing status, the search engine and site ties the status and search together, and for instance would link it to someone who worked for The Samaritans. From there that person could directly contact the other.  The idea is to incorporate video chat as well so you can send e-mail, instant message or video chat.  It makes communication easier.  The search engine also suggests sites.  If you were looking for a casting director in Bradford and were searching via the 'Acting' icon, the search engine would suggest sites in addition to  connecting you to people.  There will be stricter privacy and security laws.  Anyone joining will have to scan or prove their I.D., either with a driver's license photo, or some proof of I.D.  This is to clamp down on child sex offenders posing as a teenager for instance.  If as well, someone is thinking of posting something racist or offensive, then the site picks up on key words and terms and sends a warning.  If the warning is not adhered to, that user will then be banned.  Also, if someone wants to send an update, it will not send unless the grammar, spelling and diction are correct.  Before each is sent, it will give a spellcheck and grammar check and will not send unless it is correct.  This is to correct poor English and right bad habits that are the core of social media.  It also gives direct access to police, so if an offensive terminology or status was posted or anything incendiary was posted, it would be forwarded to the local police, and would make it easier for people to be stopped and brought to justice.

   The incentives are a new idea.  The main purpose of the site is to promote philosophy and good deeds.  For instance, there is emphasis or promoting neighbourhood causes, helping to donate and promote charities, and helping people who may need it.  One was to do this is introducing a points system.  In for instance, a charity film was shared or 'liked', a certain amount of points is designated to that person.  There are more points for bigger deeds.  So if you share a video ir may earn you 100 points.  If you post one or create one it earns you 1,000, say. There is a rewards incentives so if you earn a certain amount of points, you will earn a reward.  If for instance you earn 1,000 points you make £1.  If you earn 100,000 you will earn £20.  If you earn 10,000,000, a top prize is awarded.  This will be a prize of your choice and will be a wish fulfilment.  So if you want to meet a certain celebrity or so a certain experience, this is arranged for that person.  This is just a guideline to points and rewards but the basic idea is to promote good habits.  The money given will be raised by advertising and sponsorship.  There is also a 'suggestions box' where users can suggest changes and improvements, as well as new categories and pages they'd like to see.  If any issues need correcting it makes it quicker and easier to do.

Music:

This is a key focus.  The idea is to make it easier for band members to connect, existing artists to connect to an audience, and for quicker and simpler interactions and networking.  There are many functions one can enjoy.  If you are looking for a band, say, you can find one easier.  When doing a profile, options are available to detail your music tastes and intentions, so if you are looking to form a band you say what type of person you want, age, location, as well as your musical tastes.  The other person can then search more accurately.  So if I wanted to find a guitarists in London who was influenced by Radiohead, Queens of The Stone Age and Bob Dylan, matches are shown.  If there are no exact matches then the 'best available' is displayed, so that you can still contact someone who is 'near perfect'.  I will explain the music profile bit at the bottom.  Also if you are a new rap artist in the U.S. and wanted to connect to people, that is easier.  MySpace and Facebook (and Twitter) do a truncated version of this.  If you want to promote yourself you can find people who like rap for instance.  So if on your music section you are influenced by rap and that forms the majority of your tastes, the site will then match you and ask if you want to connect to this artist.  From there you can see their page and contact them directly.  If you are looking for venues to play in as well you can search listings and venues.  If you are a promoter looking to get gigs for an indie band, you can set search terms so you can search for all venues that currently promote indie bands; you can then connect with that venue directly.  This is done via a search function, as well as the custom search engine too.  There is a function too where you can post blogs and updates.  These include album reviews, gig reviews or general blogs.  This allows new bands to be promoted and reviewed and if you were a band looking for a venue or audience, it will match up with blogs and reviews, searching for key words.  The music page is open to anyone: bands, promoters, venues or music-lovers and can be customised accordingly.  On the front page you can have a 'song of the day' which welcomes people in.  You can design your page as well however you like and gives many design options.  On an individual user's site there are different options.  You can create playlists, like in Spotify and create your own mix albums, design an album cover and inset.  Videos and songs can be accessed from Spotify, MySpace, YouTube or Facebook and Twitter.  You also have a jukebox where you can store up to 1,000 songs, like an iPod, and sort them by gene, year or by artist.  There are links to YouTube, MySpace etc as well as music magazines and websites, based on your musical tastes.  Users can post reviews and links to any artist or existing band accordingly.  You can join a music fantasy league which works in the same way as Fantasy Football, as well as access any radio station from any country.  The benefits come big for musicians.  If you are a new songwriter there are more options.  Links will be suggested to sites that may benefit you- vocal coaches, music sites.  Also you can video message and contact bands and musicians as well as access apps or software online such as online piano, music software and voice recorders etc.  If you are a band you can post lyrics and album details, gig details and make it easier to connect to fans and fellow musicians alike.  It works like MySpace, but means that rather than having to find a fan base via gigs and social network and direct them to MySpace, you can link with them directly on the one site.

Travel:

 This is aimed at everyone but gives great consideration to elderly or less privileged users.  The aim is so you can see photos, videos and information for anywhere within the world.  It allows people to view live feed, webcam and data stream from any city in the world.  people can also post in photos of holidays and locations that can be viewed as well as video.  There will be links to travel websites and hotels etc, as well as useful links.  If for instance you wanted to go to Italy, you would select it via a search.  It would then give you the option to choose a certain city or the country as a whole.  It will then match you to videos, photos and footage of that locations so you can watch it for fun or as a tool when selecting a holiday location.  There will be a function so a travel guide is provided for each country and city.  It is like a guidebook or reference guide where you can find out about hotels, hotspots etc, and is an interactive guide, with photos, advice, reviews and video clips.  If you are disabled, elderly, or live is a developing country it gives you a chance to see more of the world and connect with other users and live stream as well and see a world you might not have been able to see.

Charity:

 When I was promoting Invisible Parents, I thought how lucky I was to have come across it and whether I would have known about it, were I not friends with certain people.  There is an option where one can keep up to date with all charities and movements.  So if you wanted to find a charity for the elderly, it gives you the option to search for all of them and also directs you to any video promotions, charity events and such that are happening, so you can get involved.  If you wanted to donate to an African children's charity it updates you of those charities and the aim is to provide direct feed and photos of the country and people affected and shows how your money is being used and how you can make a difference.

Connections:

 This is multi functional.  This covers job searching, dating, missed connections and also finding lost people or trying to find family.  There is no separate dating website but if you are looking for a particular type of person it directs you to the best websites available.  Similarly, if you are looking for jobs, it provides a list of general sites as well as more specific sites, based upon your search words.  It utilises the search engine, so if you want a labourers job in Dulwich, it provides access to general sites- Jobsite, Reed, Gumtree etc, but also specific sites.  People can also place job adverts on the site and connect to potential employees/employers.   There is a section for missed connections.  There is a similar site in the U.S. where, if you have seen someone you fancied in a particular place; you post the details on this site, and if they see it, they can connect with you directly.  It is designed so if you do miss asking someone out or talking, you post details on this section and can be 'found' by them.

Technology/Apps.:

This section is trying to do similar to apps. where you can access an array of programmes for free.  At the moment there is an App Store where there are free apps. but you have to pay for most.  The idea is that you can access apps. from the App Store on this site and add them to your profile but also design your own on site.  It works the same as Apple but instead of being paid each time someone downloads your app. you get points instead and would then earn rewards or money via the site itself.  It means people can access all of them for free and will not need to buy particular phones or tablets.  In the same spirit the idea is to integrate the technology of the likes of Nexus, Blackberry, Iphone etc, but for free and for EVERYONE.  It should be something everyone can access not just those that can afford it.  The site will aim to have its own store where you can access practically anything depending on your needs and share it with friends.  If for instance you design a programme or promote it you earn a certain amount of points as well.

TV/Film:

 A less targeted approach but more for everyone.  It is aimed to have one place to see anything.  You will be able to watch any TV station from around the world, see old shows as well as current ones (like 4OD but on a worldwide scale) as well as films.  It also shows trailers of new TV and shows as well as be able to watch live TV.  So if you wanted to see an old episode of Seinfeld or Blackadder you can search for it, as well as any old film.  It also connects you to YouTube and film and TV websites that currently provide a similar service.

Health: 

This is designed to try to cut down on needless illness or death.  It is a comprehensive service so you can find information on any illness as well as post symptoms to try to help diagnosis.  There are many complaints that it takes too long to see doctors, there is poor diagnosis, and not enough information.  The main function is to pull existing websites together like Google+ as well as encourage interaction between users as well as doctors and people.  So for instance if you were experiencing a particular symptom or set of symptoms, you would type them in and be directed to web sites or answers you needed.  Also there would be boards and discussions between users who experience the same and will try to I would like it so that apps. or programmes can be designed to help diagnose and inform people.  Not to replace doctors but to make it easier to help yourself so for instance, taking blood pressure or heart rate.  This way it prevents needless doctors appointments and can help people too.

Overall/My Thinking:

I hate poor English.  I'm probably guilty of many crimes against English in this blog.  I don't want to keep doing this.  I am bored at looking at status updates.  I am feds up with having to look hard for genuinely good causes.  I am sick of the limitations and homogenic elements of social media.  I am looking for a band and hate how hard it is to connect to people in a similar position.  I am unemployed and it takes hours to search through half a dozen sites all saying the same thing.  I would like to be able to do more and see more of what I want to see.  I like Facebook more that Twitter but it doesn't thrill me or keep me hooked.  I spend too much time on there.  Not sure why but feel if I wasn't there I wouldn't hear from most of the people I am friends with on there.  I post stuff just to inform people I am still alive.  Facebook has too many glitches and is a bit old now; Twitter is too narrow and although it has great benefits it is too niche and will suffer the same fate.  Google+ is too specialised too.  It seems likely that it is not just me who wants more.

Social media needs to exist.  It is a way for people to connect and contact each other.  No matter what I say most people will not deviate from the current runners and want to stick with what they know.  That's fine.  I will as well.  What I am suggesting is that there should be more to do and see; more to help people, and make a difference.  That, to me, is the idea of social media.  People shouldn't ignore the outside world- it is more glorious than computers, social media and any phone or stupid Iphone technology people salivate over.  The plan is to encourage that through greater access to more people.  There is no way to encourage people to use the site and no way to stop people becoming obsessed.  The idea is to provide a third way; a site that balances self-promotion as well as kindness, networking and everything in-between in one place.  It seems long overdue and wholly possible.  I am sure that as I type there is someone putting something like this into place.  I can but try.

I just feel that if you are sitting at a laptop staring at the screen, there should be more to see and do than seeing who hates the cold, or who hates the new James Bond film.  Status updates are at once completely necessary and completely pretentious and unnecessary.  I don;t want to get rid of it, just sublimate the current status quo and tie it to the rest of the world.  Make everyone happy as it were.

So that is it.  In its infancy, mind you.  It is ambitious, but not impossible.  Taking out of the equation issues of cost and moving it forward, at the moment, I just need to see if the idea would have subscription potential.  What I have documented here is a basic version.  There are many features and characteristics, but want to give you a flavour of what could be on there.

Just wanted to know:

Would people support it?

What do you guys want from a social media site (that does not exist already)?

What do you think?

Let me know... please.  It's not for me to make money; it is to make people's (social) lives better.  If there is enough support then I will take it further and try to get the ball rolling.  The irony is that I doubt many will read this fully or share it... but fuck it, that's my point.  If I have to do it alone, I will.  I just want to see if people want something new, or are happy with what is already out there.  Let me know.

Thanks.

Sam.

New year; new music; renewed enthusiasm

(Firstly, excuse the sub-par formatting, layout and design.  Still getting to grips with things!) 2011 is 3 days from extinction and it was certainly an eventful one...

   London was nearly burnt to the ground, Colonel Gaddafi was killed, Jimmy Saville died and Peter Andre, unfortunately... didn't.  In the midst of so much upheaval, unrest, eventfulness and smug-faced, oil-chested Antipodal vileness, the U.K. needed a wonderful distraction.  To my mind the most sensational, life-affirming lift one can get is from music.

Music has the potency to heal relationships, ease depression, soothe the soul, and unite people.  It is sad, therefore, that there was really nothing on offer from the past year, that lived up to music's grand potential.

  On the plus side, there were some spectacular offerings.  Adele flew the flag proudly for Britain with '21': an album fuelled by thought-provoking, emotional songs and a sensational voice running through each.  One of my favourite bands, Wild Beasts, capitalised on the success of 'Two Dancers' with 'Smother': a continuation of form that demonstrated vast maturity, sensuality and surprise, cemented by Hayden Thorpe and Tom Fleming's encapsulating vocal performances.  The Arctic Monkeys, minus Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme in the captain's seat, produced another impressive album with the reliable mix of Alex Turner's mind-bending wordplay and the band's inimitable workmanship (most noticeably on 'Piledriver Waltz’).

  The year was also significantly enhanced by musical output from female artists as well.  In addition to Adele, Kate Bush returned with '50 Words For Snow' (her second offering of 2011)- showcasing why she is still one of the most revered artists of her generation.  Bjork also came up trumps with 'Biophilia', a sensational departure from 2007's Volta, that kept in tact her unique blend of eccentric phrasing, superb lyricism and that voice.  This album, along with P.J. Harvey's (Mercury Prize-winning) 'Let England Shake', kept critics and music fans salivating, and provided a small flicker of light, in an otherwise underwhelming year.

   To emphasise my point, my favourite album of 2011, Tom Waits' 'Bad As Me' didn't arrive until October of this year.  In addition Radiohead released 'King of Limbs', one of the most disappointing albums I have ever heard.  After the wonders provided in 2007's 'In Rainbows' hope was very high, but alas, to no avail.  It seemed like it was a year of missed opportunities and been-there-seen-it-done-it music.  Hmmmm!  Anyway, to 2012...  There is hope!

  It seems that albums rumoured for the coming year could break the curse of mediocrity that has pervaded the music scene as of late.  Muse return with a new album, hoping to best the rather average 'The Resistence'.  I have always been a huge fan and expect their 6th album to be a return to the form shown in 'Black Holes and Revelations'.  Arcade Fire have been rumoured to be releasing new material, as have Radiohead.  As anticlimactic as 'TKOL' was, new material being aired on YouTube and the like shows real potential and gives fans such as me, something to really savour.

  As well as all of that to look forward to there are going to be fresh releases from Alice In Chains, Paul Macartney, The Maccabees, and most excitingly, The National.  Here is a band I was unaware of until nary a few months ago, and have rued my ignorance.  I was surreptitiously introduced to them via a friend of mine and have been frantically catching up for lost time.  My personal favourite album of theirs 'High Violet' highlighted why they are so renowned amongst fans and critics alike.  In terms of their lyrics they cut to the heart like no other band and no matter who you are they seem to speak for and to you.  Songs such as 'England' and 'Bloodbuzz Ohio' I found particularly mesmerising.  It seems now, after a 2-year hiatus and equip with fresh ambition and the best drummer in indie music, they are back.  Two new songs have debuted on YouTube.  'Rylan' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf02SGcMPvo) and 'I Need My Girl' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSEPs3r1yMk&feature=relmfu) were performed live at the Glenn Gould Studio and they sound, well... marvellous.  Although they are both in their infancy and a little rough-around-the-edges, they hint at a potential frontrunner for 2012's album of the year.  Both tracks are quite melodic and serene, but dripping with emotion and tenderness.

   So then, things seem bright.  We are in the middle of a warm winter, we have the Olympic Games and the Diamond Jubilee to look forward to , and now it seems, a slew of great albums and new acts.  So long as London stays free from brainless arsonists, mindless terrorism is kept to a minimum, and the economy starts to dig its way from the grave then the next year could be one to remember.  And hey who knows, maybe Mr. Andre and Katie Price will reconcile, take a romantic hot air balloon ride during a thunderstorm and...

Well, one can hope!

Um... Hi

Hi.  I am a twenty-something-year-old called Sam- which you didn't know.  I am pretty tall, have brown hair and ressemble an American musician you probably don't know.  Here's what you do need to know: I am new to the world of blogging but have been intrigued and drawn in by the desire to... well, follow dreams.  Specifically write, record, and write about music.

Of course that requires a lot of work, and dedication, which is where the blog comes in.  In the coming weeks, and months I will be looking at new music, and generally trying to connect people out there to things and bands they perhaps have not or would not usually hear about.  Also I hope to join people together who are like minded in the pursuit of recording music.  And... well... anything else that comes to mind!  Or perhaps just moan about things I don't like- we shall see!

It is new, in its infancy, and all ready to go.  All that is left is things to write about...

Will anyone read it?  Will anyone respond out there?  Will this blog look slightly less crappy/more professional than it does now?  The answer to these questions and literally 7 more, will be revealed in due time. 

But for now... Hi!  I hope you are well this evening... welcome in x

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