Chimp Spanner's Blog

Massive Summer Update!

2011-06-21T11:56:00.002+01:00

According to this website, I'm still 26...and that just won't do! I think it's time for a major revamp. But until then, I'll fill you in on the goings on of the past few months.

First of all, Chimp Spanner now has a live band! Paul Ortiz (that's me), Jim Hughes, Adam Swan and Boris Le Gal hit the road for the first Chimp Spanner tour with Aliases and Cyclamen back in April, and it couldn't have gone better. If we had any doubts that an instrumental progressive project could hold its own against heavy technical vocal based bands, they were soon dismissed.

Now, on to the next big bit of news: we're touring the UK again in September with TesseracT and Uneven Structure. This isn't one you want to miss guys, so check out the link below for all the venue locations and gig dates.

http://www.holdtightpr.com/news/article/tesseract-announce-uk-tour-with-chimp-spanner-and-uneven-structure

Lastly, as usual, new material is on the way! Anyone that knows me knows how particular I am about my songs, usually at the expense of speed. But with over an hour of assorted material, there's more than enough here for the upcoming EP and full length which will follow.

Thanks for being patient during this uncharacteristic musical blackout - I'm going to try and get some teaser clips/tracking videos together so you can at least hear what's in store.

That's all for now!

Drummers - come get your click tracks!

2010-12-22T22:39:00.002Z

As promised, but in a slightly late manner, here are three tracks from the album with irritating click tracks and no drums. If you require a different mix or anything like that, just get in touch using the contact form. I'm kind of new to this ^^

Bad Code
Harvey Wallbanger
The Mirror

I'm guessing you will all have the complete versions, but if you don't, let me know and I'll send them over. Have fun, and I look forward to seeing some cool videos/hearing some cool recordings!

Imperium Vorago now available on iTunes!

2010-12-22T13:45:00.005Z

Enough of you have asked for it so, here it is - the first Chimp Spanner release, "Imperium Vorago" from way back when in 2004! Most of the songs on it are even older than that!

You can get it on iTunes here!

I've already had a few people asking if there are plans to release it physically...honestly, I don't think so. Obviously nothing is ruled out! But I can tell you that as things stand, the next physical release will be 100% new! And hopefully quite soon!

Oh and lastly, for those of you who don't use iTunes, Imperium Vorago will be coming to Amazon MP3, Spotify and We7 early next year!

Chimp Spanner goes live! Kinda. Next year. Hopefully.

2010-12-16T14:26:00.008Z

Well it's been a long time since I updated this thing. The Winds of Plague tour with Monuments was absolutely killer, and has given me some invaluable live experience not to mention some extreme fun-times! The new album is progressing slowly, but with a new POD to tinker with, no doubt inspiration will strike eventually.

In the meantime, however, I'm going to want to be playing a few select shows next year. Perhaps one or two UK tours, and eventually (if I can get enough of you guys behind me) some dates in Europe and perhaps even the States. However, I'm getting ahead of myself as first of all I need...

...a drummer! I'm not looking at doing show after show after show. It's the kind of set that will need a certain audience, playing with certain bands. So the aim, at least initially, is to do fewer better shows, rather than a ton of not so good ones.

As some of you might know I'm based in Colchester, so 2-3 hours travel time would be ideal.

So, what I will do is after the weekend, I'm going to release two drum-less tracks (with metronome) from the album. If you need the original full songs, please get in touch with me using the Contact link and I can send you the tracks privately.

In the meantime, if you have a YouTube account showcasing your drumming, please send these to me! You can either use the contact form, or post it on my wall at www.facebook.com/chimpspanner

I think that's it for now. More news after the weekend!x

Euroblast

2010-10-26T10:21:00.003+01:00

Well, Euroblast has come and gone, and what else can I say except...what an amazing weekend! It was great to see so many of you come from near and far to check out all the music on offer (and there was a lot of it), and even better to finally get to meet some of you in person!

Also major congratulations to both Uneven Structure, and Aliases, both of who played their first shows, and totally tore the place up in the process!

Thanks must go to John Sprich for organizing the event, and the team of wonderful people he put together to see to everything from sound and lighting...to soup and chili. I couldn't have felt more welcome in your country, so thank you all!

Next up it's the Winds of Plague tour playing second guitar in Monuments. No doubt I'll see some of you again in Cologne. Now to mentally prepare myself for 6000 miles of van ride...

Chimp Spanner tee's now available!

2010-10-16T02:13:00.005+01:00

Well, enough of you asked for it! So, thanks to the good folk at Basick, you can now get your hands on some official Chimp Spanner tee shirts!

http://basickrecords.bigcartel.com/artist/chimp-spanner

And to pre-empt your question...yes, they ship world wide!

Basick's 5th Birthday Party

2010-09-27T17:24:00.004+01:00

Hey all! Apologies for the silence of late - as I'm sure some of you know I've been practicing for my first ever live show at the Basick Records 5th Birthday which took place this Saturday just gone.

Firstly I've gotta say a HUGE thank you to everyone who turned up. The atmosphere and vibe was incredible, and it meant the world to know that you guys and girls were right behind me and Monuments. It made us play better for it, and it made the night something really special. So thank you!

The reaction to the set has been fantastic too. I know there's a lot of work to be done, and it's given me a whole new perspective on my own music, and on what so many other musicians are doing out there day in, day out. But for a first show, I couldn't be happier. There will be video...and there will be clangers. But it'll be something amazing to look back on when this thing is really rolling, and I'm thrilled so many of you were there to be a part of that first step!

So until I've managed to edit, here's a short clip that's doing the rounds on the 'Tube. First song. First show. Crazy times.

Chimp Spanner and Monuments jamming The Mirror

2010-09-04T17:34:00.002+01:00

Hey all! Here's a little something for the weekend - me and the guys from Monuments jamming The Mirror. It's the first jam of the day so, a little rough in places. Still need to get channel switching sorted but, it's all coming together! More videos to come soon :]

Album update, and live monkey business!

2010-09-03T09:46:00.003+01:00

Figured this place was looking a little stagnant so I'd best update you guys on some important goings on!

First of all, I may have been a little eager in suggesting I'd have an album out by the end of this year ;] But come on, who didn't see that coming?! As some of you might've noticed there has been a steady-ish stream of WIPs so, it does exist! I just haven't had the time to work on it solidly lately because...

...I've been living up at Studio 33 with the lads from Monuments rehearsing for my first two live shows, as well as their Winds of Plague European tour which I'm helping out with in return for them letting me borrow an entire band! As to where you can catch the Chimp set:

September 25th @ Luton SU (Free event - contact Basick Records on Facebook to find out more)
October 23rd @ Euroblast Festival in Cologne

This will literally be my first time out live guys so, I don't know what to expect but I'm going to have fun, and I hope anyone that comes along will do too! These are first, not-so-baby steps towards, perhaps, a full time live band. We'll see...

A huge thanks to everyone who has been buying the album, joining in the Facebook fun times and generally showing awesome support. And hopefully I'll get to meet some of you soon!

Harvey Wallbanger - the TAB!

2010-07-24T15:32:00.004+01:00

Figured I would share this with you all as I know there are a lot of people who have asked for tabs of this track, and it's pretty fun to play! It's guitar only, and just rhythm. I also haven't made TABs before so, if there are any goofs well...just let me know! But I think it all checks out :]

Download Here

Have fun - hopefully the whole album will be available in time and it can find a home on the website!

Production Diary

2010-07-21T12:25:00.002+01:00

Those of you with a keen eye will have noticed that there is a new link up top, called 'Diary'. No, it's not a place for me to pour my heart out like a love sick teenager - instead, I'll be recording as much of the writing/tracking/mixing process as possible and posting it up there as it progresses. Bookmark it or subscribe to the feed and prepare for some total geekout material...

Chimp Spanner interview in Classic Rock: Prog

2010-07-15T18:09:00.004+01:00

Readers of Classic Rock presents Prog will have noticed that 'Under One Sky' made it onto the cover disc of the last issue. This issue you'll find an interview by Dom Lawson and a picture of yours-truly so offensively large, you can practically count the hairs in my beard. On sale now!

A massive thank you to Dom for the immensley kind words, and to James at Hold Tight! PR for getting the album out to the right ears. Have a good evening everyone!

New site...and a fresh start!

2010-07-14T15:51:00.003+01:00

Why didn't anyone tell me the old site looked so bad? You guys placate me too much. The new site is here and while still missing some bells and whistles, it's generally nicer to look at. There are a few things still yet to come - a Downloads area (including TABs), a tidied up Media section, and sadly Imperium Vorago has once again bitten the dust. But it will be back! I'm sourcing some nifty dual CD cases so in future, double orders will come in one -uncracked- case.

As for news, Euroblast is still looming on the horizon and all is set for October. I've recently forged a simian alliance with the good folk over at Toontrack, so expect a whole bunch of tests and clips and WIPs. And also, I'm very pleased to announce I am on board team Roland. This does indeed mean what you think it means...no more keyboard drumming.

That's all for now. The site will be added to slowly but surely. Again. If you have any problems with the site, or the store, just head over to the contact form.

Bernie Rico Jr endorses Chimp Spanner

2010-03-22T21:25:00.003Z

Hey all! You might have seen/heard a few rumblings here and there but, it's official:

http://www.ricojrguitars.com/news.php

"Bernie Rico Jr Guitars is honored and delighted to post this endorsement of alliance with Paul Antonio Ortiz : Chimp Spanner. One of the many great perks of being in the guitar industry is the gift of meeting unique artists and the honor of hearing their music. Another perk is working with these artists on crafting their very personal handmade guitars. Last month we were given a release for review titled "At the Dream's Edge". The music explodes in your ears. If we had to sum up what we heard on this album in one word the word would have to be WOW.

Paul is an intensely gifted musician/guitarist and an architect of an unusual blend of music which merges Metal and Fusion with a plethora of other eclectic musical styles. The cuts on this album go from surreal and atmospheric to poly rhythmic and melodic heavy metal within a moments notice. The technique surrounding his playing coupled with his incredible ability to compose, orchestrate and deliver mind altering music is an awe inspiring experience.

It is truly a delight to work with Paul on making him custom guitars. We salute you and your creativity Paul and look forward to working with you in the future.

Bernie Rico Jr."

An absolutely gigantic thank you must go to Keith Merrow (if you haven't heard his music, please do so now.........done? Cool!) for helping to arrange this, and to Bernie for choosing to get directly involved in the development of artists both established, and up-and-coming. It's truly refreshing, and I can't wait to get my hands on these instruments and play the hell out of them!

You can find out more about his custom shop guitars at the link above.

Chimp Spanner signs to Basick Records

2010-03-05T12:01:00.002Z

Hey everyone! I'm extremely pleased to announce that At the Dream's Edge will be officially released on Basick Records, on April 12th, 2010!

You can read the official announcement here!

I'll gradually be replacing the videos - this, btw, is why they had to come down - with newer, better ones, including songs that you won't have seen played before!

So thanks for your patience while I bring this all together. In the meantime, feel free to come and say hi at www.facebook.com/chimpspanner to keep up to date with all the latest goings on, and once again an absolutely gigantic thank you to those of you who supported me, and the album so far. Here's to a fantastic 2010!

- Paul

Missing Videos...

2010-03-03T19:04:00.001Z

.Hey all!

Just a quick note regarding the missing videos from my YouTube account as I've had a lot of people asking me where they've gone!

I'm currently redoing the videos, for reasons which will hopefully be a bit clearer very soon :) Expect the first one to be up by the end of the week, with more to come including a Terminus video (not sure what I'll do about all the ambience...suggestions on a post card).

But in any case, apologies to anyone who has been trying to get to the videos or people who have subscribed to my channel only to find everything gone. Cheers for your patience, and I hope the new videos will make up for it!

- Paul

"Untitled" (2010) Pt 1

2010-01-03T13:49:00.009Z

Hey everyone! So I thought seeing how I never did get around to writing those articles (notice how I cunningly removed the links?) I'd go through all the steps involved in the making of the next album ambitiously scheduled for the end of 2010. That way, it keeps things interesting, and it will also force me to make some progress as you'll all know when I've not been working ;) I also now own a camcorder! So expect to see plenty of tracking videos, and a hilarious blooper reel. Okay. Maybe not that last one.

So here's my new template. Real exciting isn't it. I'm going to be doing things quite differently this time around. With "At the Dream's Edge" I was writing, arranging, tracking, mixing and producing all at once. At the time I thought it was pretty neat, but in reality it made re-writing any part of a song an absolute nightmare, as the songs would degenerate into a tangled mess of automation lanes and parts and odds and ends. I had no option to re-amp, so I was stuck with the tone I tracked with. And my CPU was constantly hovering around 60% or so, limiting the type and complexity of the synths I could use. So for the next CD I'm going to attempt to do things way more traditionally, and split up all the processes:

Writing
Practicing
Tracking
Mixing
Producing/Mastering

So this template is where it will all start! I've made a bunch of tracks prefixed with "T". These are just going to be scratch tracks, no doubt with a lot of dropping in, copy and pasting, etc. I'll use them to learn/practice from when I'm happy with the arrangement. I'm hoping this way I'll be able to get out of the "sets of 4" trap, and do things because I want to...not just because they involve the least faffing around.

Those folder tracks will be the final takes. Each one has two tracks within it; wet, and dry. The wet track will just serve as a placeholder so I can record something vaguely amp-y sounding and listen back to it without using any CPU. The dry track will be the unprocessed signal of the guitar so I can re-amp later. Here's a look at it in the mixer:

Having the dry take at -inf doesn't affect what gets recorded. I've just done this so I don't have to listen to the uninspiring fart sound created by bone dry rhythm guitar. You'll also notice that I've got 3 input buses. This is how they're set up/routed:

I've set the X3 to output dry guitar over SPDIF (so there's no loss in quality) and the fully effected sound over 1/4" Line Outs. I've kept a stereo input bus in there so I can work out solo sections whilst hiding behind masses of reverb/delay. Makes me feel safe. Of course, using the old method I could've just tracked with send effects - so it does have its advantages but in the short tests I've done, there's a really noticeable difference in my playing when there's no latency present. Speaking of which, one last thing I've done is route the analog inputs directly to outputs 1/2:

Before, if I wanted to hear guitar I had to:

Have Cubase open
Create a track
Arm it
Monitor it (with 3 - 5ms of base latency, + whatever is added by additional plugins)

This way, all I have to do is turn the volume up on the guitar and start playing with zero latency. Much better. The only downsides I can foresee are:

[::] Reverbs/delays are going to sound mighty sucky, as the tails will be 'printed' to the take. If I stop recording, the effect stops too.

[::] Things like wah/whammy pedal will not get recorded on the dry take. Might have to automate these in later. But we'll see.

So, that's it for now. It's taken a little while to put the template together. Next up, I'll go into a bit more detail regarding the drums, and try and get a test video done and dusted!

Imperium Vorago now available for digital download

2009-12-30T11:22:00.003Z

A small update - I've just uploaded my first CD, Imperium Vorago (2004) for digital download. You can get it for £5.00 here!

For people overseas!

2009-12-29T12:09:00.002Z

Hey all - I hope everyone had a great Christmas! It was nice to have a rest but I'm kind of looking forward to picking up the pace again. So much to be done! Anyway, just a quick note regarding overseas orders placed before Christmas.

If you haven't received your CD(s) yet, there are a couple of reasons why this may be: some orders were placed on, or after the date for last Christmas post in the UK. So while they were taken to the post office the day they came in, they might not have left them straight away. We also had some pretty crazy snowfall and anyone who knows anything about England knows, all it takes is a little bad weather to bring this place to a grinding halt!

So, that said, post should be operating as usual starting from today (yesterday was a bank holiday). If you placed your order before Christmas, and it doesn't arrive within 5 - 10 days please just let me know and I will send another out to you right away. I can also arrange for free download links if you want to listen to the album ahead of its arrival.

Hopefully there shouldn't be too many of you still waiting but, if you are - thanks so much for being patient!

- Paul

At the Dream's Edge, now available for digital download!

2009-12-19T18:06:00.003Z

Hey all! It's taken a little while to sort, but the new album is now available to buy as a digital download direct to your computer as 320kpbs MP3! If you're already at the site, you can find a link to buy at the top of this page, otherwise point your browser here. As usual, any problems - just shoot me a message using the contact form :]

- Paul

International orders

2009-12-18T12:24:00.003Z

Hey everyone! Just a quick update for those of you outside of the UK who haven't received your CD's yet - there are various cutoff dates around Christmas after which anything posted won't leave the country until the start of January. For Australia, I think it was half a week or so before I put the word out about the CD. For America, it was pretty much bang on, so it remains to be seen if some made it in time. Otherwise, if you're still waiting, your CD is on its way :]

If, after Christmas, it still hasn't arrived, please let me know. I'll be posting an update here as soon as I hear they're starting to filter through to other countries, so that should give you an idea of whether anything has gone awry or not.

Thanks again for the patience and more importantly for the incredible support! It's been an absolutely amazing start (almost!) to the new year because of it!

- Paul

One more update:

2009-12-10T19:25:00.003Z

I've added a new item: At the Dream's Edge + Imperium Vorago. If you've already bought one with separate postage, please get in touch with me and I can either arrange for a discount on the postage/price of the next release, or PayPal you back the difference! Just use the contact form on this website!

Orders for At the Dream's Edge

2009-12-10T12:55:00.002Z

First of all I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has ordered so far. The response has been absolutely awesome, and as I've said on a few forums, way better than could have imagined :] It's also meant it's been a bit of a mammoth task to get it all flowing but the first wave is out today. So apologies for those of you who ordered on the very first day and still haven't received it yet. Your orders are all being seen to in the order that they came in and it will get much, much quicker.

Thanks so much again for the support, and for the patience. As a side note I'll also be releasing some exclusive downloads just for you guys - possibly EP length if all goes to plan. So keep an eye on your emails!x

"At the Dream's Edge" - ready for order :]

2009-12-08T02:34:00.003Z

Okay...short version: it's done! You can buy my second CD "At the Dream's Edge" here. Be sure to choose your location - it's the only way I can counter for postage at the moment but I'll work on something a little more elegant soon! I'm also in the process of sorting out online distribution, so if CD isn't your scene - no worries! Best bet is to follow me on Twitter and you'll know the second it's available at iTunes/Amazon etc.

I would like to say an unbelievably massive thank you to the many people from all over the world who have put up with my glacial rate of progress and stayed enthusiastic about this CD over the last few years - you all know who you are! The support and appreciation of my music (even when I'd effectively stopped making it!) has been beyond kickass.

So, play it loud, spread the word and most importantly, enjoy the music!

- Paul

For the curious, an interview!

2009-11-25T17:10:00.002Z

I took a few minutes out to answer 10 questions for Chris of Spinelanguage, and you can check it out here! Enjoy :]

"Under One Sky" finished and uploaded...

2009-11-20T00:14:00.003Z

And of course, with me "finished" doesn't quite mean "finished" :) But there are only a couple of small tweaks to be made before it's CD ready. So much for holding out until the CD is ready!

"Harvey Wallbanger" - a video for your eyes!

2009-11-15T02:00:00.001Z

Tune in to BBC Radio Essex tonight, 7PM GMT

2009-11-13T18:56:00.003Z

Just a quicky to let you know that you can catch the song "At the Dream's Edge" tonight on BBC Radio Essex's Introducing/Unsigned hour @ 7pm! Very pleased to get some air time for a 3rd week now, so once again a massive thanks to the DJ's for picking my song! So if you're by a radio, tune in, enjoy the music, and by all means text or mail some monkey love to the station!x

**Edit: you can also send any comments or requests to essex.introducing@bbc.co.uk!

2009-11-09T11:35:00.003Z

Thought I'd take the quickest of breaks from recording to say a huge thanks to all of the people who took the time to listen to Supererogation on BBC Essex's 'Introducing' on Friday. I've had some really great feedback, so it's much appreciated. Also a huge thanks to the DJ's Mike and Ollie for choosing the song for a second week!

If you missed the show you can listen here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p004xz0s/Essex_Introtducing_06_11_2009/

Cheers again - hopefully there will be more Chimp on the airwaves soon :] Now, back to work!

Last update before super happy CD time!

2009-11-04T19:14:00.002Z

Hey all - okay first up, there's a new track uploaded called "Far From Home" (some of you may know it as SRMV, an old clip that was kicking around for the longest time!). It's going to be a prelude to Terminus on the new CD, and the back story ties up quite nicely. Should sound pretty cool.

Now - as for 'At the Dream's Edge', I'm at the point of having only 2 more tracks to push past the 3 - 4 minute mark and then it's done! There are a few things I'd like to include if I can, but I'm setting myself a deadline here. 5 years is long enough. So, this will be the last update until the CD is ready to buy. I'll sit on the new finished songs until then, so hopefully there will be some nice surprises!

So it's back to the studio (see: bedroom) to get this done. Wish me luck :)

A nice little surprise...

2009-10-30T18:42:00.004Z

For anyone in or around Essex, you can catch 'Supererogation' tonight at 7pm during the 'Introducing' Unsigned hour on BBC Essex! Perhaps go for a drive, whack it on, and pretend you're in a flying taxi/delorian/other :]

New track finished (well...99%) and uploaded...

2009-10-02T14:23:00.009+01:00

Hey all! I've uploaded a fairly complete version of a new song 'Harvey Wallbanger' (although I have other titles in mind for it!). You can find it at MySpace and Soundclick. A few things are likely to change but I'm impatient...and at least it'll leave an element of surprise when it's on the CD ;]

Oh and also, I thought I'd just share some test renders I put together to get a feel for the theme and artwork to go with it. I tried to put them in this post but completely butchered it, so they'll be over in the downloads area!

AMC 3 released

2009-09-28T21:09:00.002+01:00

The final pack in the Ambient Metal Constructions series is now available at Producerloops.com! You can check out an audio demo and a free 30MB sampler here.

Work has already started on the next sample pack...sufficed to say, it's going to be completely different. But I'll keep quiet on that one until it's ready. Enjoy!

"At the Dream's Edge" - Progress

2009-09-25T11:06:00.005+01:00

Here we go - a makeshift track listing, and progress update. Almost there...I can feel it. And it feels good. Like an awesome sneeze.

Supererogation [ finished + extended intro ]
Yellow Jacket [ 30% ]
All Roads Lead Here [ 85% ]
Probe's Day Out [ 30% ]
At the Dream's Edge [ finished ]
The Mirror [ finished ]
Harvey Wallbanger [ finished ]
Bad Code [ finished ]
Welcome to the Fold [ 75% ]
Mad Touch [ 30% ]
A Song for Heroes [ 90% ]
Terminus [ finished ]
Under One Sky [ 75% ]
All Good Things [ finished ]

As a maybe, "SRMV" should make an appearance but only if I can past the intro.

The order might change, as might some of the titles, and there might be a couple of new additions in the form of some ambient/mellow tracks but, that's more or less it!

I say it on a regular basis, but a huge thanks as always to the people who continue to buy my first CD, and remain patient with me and my terrible rate of progress. It's been a really long time coming but I hope it's going to be worth the wait. Now to make the final push...

New rough/demo clip uploaded

2009-09-20T12:14:00.003+01:00

The product of a little midnight riffing - not entirely sure where this is going to fit in with the other material, but I already have some cheesy and strangely upbeat melodies in mind for it. For now the second half is just the first repeated but I'll think of something cooler :] Enjoy!

"Harvey Wallbanger" Soundclick Player

A quick/important note regarding Ambient Metal Constructions

2009-09-12T10:13:00.003+01:00

I've had a few messages from people who have spotted this riff from my Soundclick page in various places. I actually ended up recycling this idea and using it as part of the Ambient Metal Constructions pack, which is sold as a royalty free song construction set, so nothing has been infringed upon. I'll add a note to the upload later on today just to clarify this - either that or take it down completely. Not sure which yet!

I'm ever grateful to people who take the time to let me know when my ideas do crop up in unexpected places, and it's been of great help to me many times. If you do think you've spotted something chimpy, by all means PM or email me! If you have any questions over the usage of sample packs, your best bet is to contact Producerloops directly.

Chimp's August Update...

2009-08-20T16:37:00.007+01:00

Hey all - just a little bit of news for this month. First of all, my Ambient Metal Constructions 2 sample pack was recently reviewed in Music Tech Magazine. I'm expecting one from Keys Magazine (Germany) also, but in the meantime you can check out the review, listen to some demos and buy the product at the Producerloops website. For anyone wondering what exactly it is...think Legos. But instead of plastic bricks, pirate ships and those neat satellite dish things, it's small chunks of guitar, bass, drum and synth loops.

Secondly I'm pleased to announce that I've just signed a publishing agreement with Giant Client Publishing/In The Groove Music. Their clients have included ESPN, BMW, MTV, CBS and more companies with more acronyms than I care to remember! Does this mean Chimp Spanner will be the soundtrack to the next Hoverboard Championships? Who knows. But hopefully the year ahead will prove...interesting.

For now it's back to work. Keep an ear out for a new song at the weekend!

New song uploaded

2009-06-30T20:37:00.003+01:00

Hey all - you can hear the latest track from the new album, "At the Dream's Edge" at MySpace and Soundclick! Still a few adjustments to be made but I'm close to putting this one to bed. Enjoy!

Update on patch issues, and Computer Music reviews AMC2!

2009-06-29T11:47:00.004+01:00

It's been quite a while since I added anything to the site, so here's a quick update!

First of all I've had a few emails regarding my Line6 patches not working with the XT series, but it now seems to just be a software issue. The patches will not work with Line6 Edit, but they will work with Gearbox, on the XT/Pro/Live. The dual tone patches, of course, will require the X3.

Next up, 'Ambient Metal Constructions 2', my second sample pack with Producer Loops, has received an 8/10 from this months Computer Music; it's great to see that there's room for heavier music in the sample market alongside mainstream styles! So feel free to head on over there and check out the demo clips. All Producer Loops products are available as direct downloads so it can be yours in just a few minutes.

Lastly, the new album is still in progress and is up to about 50 minutes. I'll have at least one new track to upload by the end of the week. Work slowed down on it briefly while I've been preparing some of the tracks for a potentially exciting new venture...but more on that when it's good to go!

That's all for now, and as always, thanks for your patience with the new material!

IE6 issues

2009-05-28T11:36:00.002+01:00

Just a quick update - I've altered the site to be compatible with Internet Explorer 6. It turns out it doesn't support transparent .png's, so I've had to switch to .gif. The banner is slightly less attractive but it's a fair trade off for people being able to read the site! Any other display issues, just let me know.

Professional Services page finished + showreel clip

2009-05-25T19:26:00.005+01:00

Click here to check it out. The showreel contains some stuff you might have already heard, but I'll be uploading some new material when I get the chance!

All Roads Lead Here - a work in progress update...

2009-05-23T11:02:00.010+01:00

Just a small teaser clip of the new (and almost finished) track, All Roads Lead Here. I'll put it up at the MySpace and SoundClick sites too but the .com gets it first!

[ Download ]

Enjoy!

Better late than never...

2009-05-20T13:54:00.009+01:00

The Chimp now has a blog! I feel so mainstream all of a sudden...

Anyway, some general news - work is picking up again on the new album, and the total number of finished tracks is standing at around 6 (7 at a push) plus a handful of 50-75% finished songs, so it's fast approaching album length!

The next step is naming the sucker; I might even open it up for suggestions so if you've got any awesome ideas just shoot me a message using the contact form.

It's been suggested that as well as patch/tone downloads I should also include TAB files, so keep an eye out for those.

Lastly, you can now buy bottled Chimp! By which, of course, I mean the second installment of the Ambient Metal Constructions series at Producerloops.com. You can check out demos as well as a staggering number of other royalty free sample products.

That's all for now!