Episode 108

The Hope of a New System

Published on: 7th June, 2024

Episode 108: The Hope of a New System

This week's episode is a new journey in a new direction, or an old direction revisited. I can not remember which way we've already been at this point. I have gotten a little frustrated with some perceived staleness on my part. Programming beats and bass lines and all the other parts note by note on the grid has felt more and more strangled. At least those are the words I will describe the feeling today.

That being said, they only person who can make me change my ways is myself. So this week's episode is performed in segments, one track at a time. When the track sounds good, I moved on to the next track, and began putting new wrinkles on the composition. I did this for each instrument. Throwing little mixing tricks to enhance each sound and texture until it felt strongly like a wildly epic journey.

This is not a dance track. This is not meant to groove to, this is meant to think to. To sit and feel to, perhaps to sit and drive to. It is definitely not a sleeping song, it is too full of peaks and valleys, ebbs and flows, tension and release to be a sleeping song.

This is also the start of a bunch of trumpet voicings. I am feeling pretty strongly lately about how I need to be playing more horn. Much more horn and worrying less and less about lyrics and vocals. I am quite happy with abstracts and the mathematics of removing the one for one communication that the vocabulary of narratives via vocals demands.

Sit back, relax and let the story unfold within your head.

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About the Podcast

Living Room Music
I established this podcast as a personal writing challenge, aiming to continually push myself to explore the depths of music creation. To maintain this drive, I've set a self-imposed publishing deadline every Friday at 6 PM EST.
Rather than seeking fame or fortune, my main goal is to discover music that resonates with me, something I haven't experienced before. Throughout this journey, I immerse myself in a wide array of electronic music, drawing inspiration from various sources to infuse fresh ideas into my own compositions. I relish experimenting with novel techniques and tonalities, always on the lookout for unique sounds.
My work embraces the mathematical intricacies of music theory, exploring new ways to manipulate sounds and embracing the spirit of improvisation. Above all, my music is a celebration of joy and love for the creative process, capturing the essence of fun and passion in playing and crafting melodies.
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About your host

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Nathan Eckenrode

From the womb to the stage, N8K99's life has been a symphony of diverse musical experiences. His journey began with melodies echoing in his mother's womb during her piano recitals and evolved through debates over musical alphabets in kindergarten. N8K99's early classical training under his mother's tutelage seamlessly transitioned into a passion for the improvisational freedom of Free Jazz, idolizing legends like Maynard Ferguson, Miles Davis, and Chet Baker. His teenage curiosity led him to a pawn shop guitar, igniting a spark that would illuminate his path through various musical endeavors.
Post-Navy life found N8K99 in Jacksonville, Florida, where punk rock's raw energy collided with his burgeoning talent, resulting in a series of ephemeral bands. New York City called next, presenting a harsh reality of talent and competition. His days oscillated between roles as a PA, bike messenger, book mover, and the occasional subway busker, honing his skills in the city's vibrant music scene. A chance encounter with Wu Tang Clan during a jam session marked a turning point, embedding a sense of belonging within the industry's fabric.
N8K99's musical style defies categorization, a testament to his journey across genres and geographies. His sound is an eclectic blend, rooted in classical music theory, adorned with jazz improvisation, and electrified by electronic production. He finds solace and challenge in his podcast, "Living Room Music by N8K99," a weekly expedition into new musical territories, collaborating with local Hip Hop artists, exploring emotional tones, and experimenting with various modalities.
Despite his mastery, N8K99 remains the industry's "invisible man," focusing on the art rather than the fame. His elusive double album "Chromatic Depression" whispers of his presence in the digital music realm, but it's his dedication to the craft that truly defines him. N8K99's vision extends beyond personal acclaim; through Eckenrode Muziekopname, he aspires to elevate Jacksonville's local talent, creating a digital collective to champion and disseminate their artistry globally.
With his feet firmly planted in Jacksonville, N8K99 envisions a future of continued musical exploration with his band Radio Poets, his podcast, and EM. His ambition is not of glittering fame but of a sustainable, fulfilling musical journey, evolving as a Middle Class musician who navigates the industry's tides with a whimsical yet determined spirit.