J.J. Flash is no longer going by that name. He's just Rob Joeckel now and he's still the best man I've found for the job. Here we see him, sweltering in the heat of his newly unfinished studio. It has a way to go, but enough to make a masterpiece. It was hot that summer day and there was no a/c, but we stuck it out.

We laid allot of vocals that day. More than I thought I would... it gave it somewhat of a Gregorian chant feel in the end.

Yes...those are dots on my Fantom S. I've stated here before that I don't know how to play, so those colored dots are my "idiot dot" system where I literally play by numbers and color codes. Here is another shot of some of the equipment used that day.

So the song, "Consecrate, anthem of the athame" is about 85%-90% done. It needs a few more things and about one more visit. If I looked at it in terms of days, we've only spent 8 days in the studio. Another two and that means that the new average for a song start to finish is 10 days.

"Consecrate: Anthem of the athame", was first dumped onto CD from the first session on 7/17/05. Now it's a year later and I'm going back in this weekend. I do so in hopes of finally wrapping this little ditty the Hell up. That's one monkey that will be off my back as I take off Saturday and Sunday from work to really work!

Now comes the whirlwind of recording dates as I try to wrap up at least 3 completed demo songs for Fall shopping to the major labels. The home studio is pretty much complete so with my new keyboardist Marc Kahn who used to open for the Grateful Dead in the 70's. this project just may get it's ass to bed on time.

I'll keep you posted on the results by next week. Wish me a broken leg.

People ask me, what's it take to make a good home studio. Well, I've been trying my damndest to duplicate my engineer, J.J. Flash's studio for my own home production. So to answer that question and it's secondary, "Hey Darkstar, what kind of recording studio/equipment do you have?", I decided to show you what I have so far, which I believe would be a rather impressive bit of equipment.

After all, this is a music related site, right?

First, we start with the instrumentation/workstation. I'm reposting my pic of my machine.

Then we'll need a computer like my tricked out Dell e310:

1 gig RAM, 3gig processor, 60GB hd... you get the idea.

First of all, "fans" is such a generic term to me. It's cold and impersonal. You're not fans. You're my brood, my brethren, my kindred, my supporters, my D'Sari Knights, my friends.

Let me give you a rundown as to what's going on at the Citadel Sinister Sanctum Sanctorum:

I'm was thinking again... This is dangerous for me. Since "Epica" is a term used for some Euro Metal bands and "American Epica" is not very original... I was thinking.

What if the whole musical projects name was changed to "Theatrica"? It would still be an Epical movement, but the music would be called "Theatrica". Anyone care to chime in with a thought on that?

Developments

I've been a ball of misery lately, so it's time to bring back the days of happy thoughts. So far, materially, I'm doing rather well. I have a new Dell Supercomputer I've yet to hook up because I have a new glass computer table which I'd have to take apart the old one (which probably would fall with one good kick, it's so desheveled).

Then there's the new closet organizer system I have to install. My life suffers from allot of disorganization.

Oh! So let me tell you about this whole computer plan. Once again, I am attempting to recreate an engineers recording studio in my house. This time, with some more up to date equipment. I got this wicked Dell computer. 1GB RAM, Pentium 4 3.4Ghz processor, 80GB hard drive, 13 slot memory card reader, DVDRW and an additional DVD slave drive...pretty sweet looking machine. Now comes the search for the right software. Reason 3 and Q-Base are on the "must get" list. Plus a pair of audio monitors. I'm thinking Roland. It keeps it in the family with the Fantom-S.

In conversations with the reluctant muse, it's come to my attention that the agenda is forming in a pattern. First, the marketing strategy needed a tag line. Tag lines are the key. So when it comes to the music, the tag line will be: "Epical:the soundtrack to life". It's that simple.

The pattern of musical song production and the Epical movement are beginning to move in synergy. I was opining over what the third song of the demo would be. We have "Darkside", which sort of invites you to investigate the Epical movement and accept that maybe our lives need something "more", to cope with the "less" we given. Then there's "Consecrate, anthem of the Athame" which delves into the celebration of the ethereal biproduct. Now I
think I finally have the third part of the puzzle. This could very well be the "it" song. Whether it will be the prequel or sequel for Consecrate is debateable because I only have the chorus so far. It's in develeopment, but it is also based on Epical and metaphysical and quantum-physical philosophy.

Boggled yet? In a way, so am I. You see, for the past three years, I've been plagued by a very otherwordly tune that floats in my head yet has no lyrics. I've been trying to figure out what to do with it, but it merely sits and burns within, haunting my mind like voices in my head.

Now I think I can marry it to a concept and make it work. The muse would tell me that I had not written "THE" song yet...but I think we just might have it. That song that just touches everyone. The one everyone will use for either a personal anthem or merely as a life guide. Either way, this one will be be a winner.

What a year this has been. I swear, I believe that those who oppose my musical mission must have some sort of Darkstar voodoo doll on me. Yes, there have been many setbacks... Like the other week, I took off work on 12/10 and 12/11 to go back into the studio, but the night before, my Engineer tells me that the boiler broke, so that means there would be soot and banging all during recording... Let alone no heat in the whole place. Then there's the financial constraints this year... But I'm looking past all that materialistic crap. MMV did bring a few good points. I've gotten some headway with the songs planning and recording. The latest project (Consecrate) is more than a
concept or an idea now...

It's starting to take shape. The second secret site for the Epical movement is coming along nicely (but that amusement park is not officially open yet). I got somewhat of a raise at work so I can afford to invest a little more time into getting things moving faster. I'm going for a more streamlined plan now (you might call these "resolutions":

Year MMVI:

Finally fix my friggin car, Sinistar.

This year, I want things to become organized. I'm tired of saying the same shit every year and never getting it done. I'm about to hit one of those milestones in my life and I'd like these done and accomplished beforehand. It should not have taken over a year to get Consecrate done. It should not have been a year in between the first recording session and the second. There can be no mistakes this year.

End of line. More in MMVI. Stay tuned true believer!

Ok... This is where we're at. First of all, if you're wondering where I've been and where's my annual Shocktober message...then I guess this will have to suffice.

Last week I went back in studio with Wonder Rob A.K.A. J.J. Flash. He's becoming the master of beats and samples. Like what they called "cut creators" in the 80's only not using turntables. Its all computer programs and edits now.

I went there this time to lay down the vocals on "Consecrate: Anthem of the athame". Now let me tell you where this became a Mission Impossible.

It started with the usual 2 hour drive there. Only it had been torrentially raining. SO much so, I heard that the weatherman said if this was snow, the precipitation would have added up to FIVE FEET of snow.Flooding. You don't see flooding like this that often. The kind of flooding that makes you think you'll need an Ark. In some area's it was a little like Hurricane Katrina hit again. So anyway...the 2 hour trip ended up more like FIVE hours.

So I'm frazzled...it was dark now and rainy. We get in and I kibutz a bit. Talk about the project and start laying out ideas for yet round III of Consecrate.

My voice. It's rather odd. It has an uncanny knack for mimicing people. I guess you might say I can be somewhat the impressionist. This may sound good, but not for singing. One day I could mimic Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode, another day I'll sing like Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues and so on. It all depends on the song I'm singing. Always attempting to match tone for tone, the artist who's song I'm singing. So basically, I've been unsure of my own voice tone.

When I DO sing what I think is my own voice, it's mildly operatic. I can't really do that hard rough sandy growling snarl voice that's out today. I'm not good at grit. It makes me cough. I'm a smooth crooner type of guy. I wonder...

See, the songs I've been writing are on the ethereal side and all, but I'd like a little grit.My dilemma lies in the fact that that would also make me sound like what? Every OTHER band or singer. The Epical Sound, atypical as it is, cannot be filled with typical sounds.

Thusly I've decided to accept my own voice as unique. If haunting is what we're going for, then I should accentuate that, rather than try to go for the rough and raw. I really have to ignore what's out there already because, well...that's what it's all about. Being totally different. Not that conforming non-conformist type of difference, either... But the kind of difference that actually SOUNDS like you've never heard anything like this before.

Oh ...and another realization? I have officially decided to scrub the original "Darkside" and start all over again. It took me awhile to let it go... But I trust my new Engineer like Picard trusted Geordi... If he says it could have been a bigger opus, then I say "make it so!"He wants radio ready from the start, and I say "yes". So, I'll be gearing up for a redux. As to when would come after I finish "Consecrate".

re:Consecrate
I tell ya, these days... song production isn't what it used to be. I think I know why. In the old days, I'd write a song and practically to the letter it was created. Only it wasn't very good. Somewhat like when I attempt to apply makeup on women (don't ask... I went through a few "I can make you over" phases). In the end, they all ended up looking like cheap hookers in transvestite makeup. (Ever notice crossdressers can't put on make up to save their life? It's like they're a cartoon of women). Oh yea... What that has to do with my tunage.... Well, with the help of J.J. Flash, he stops me from the cheese board. Only one problem now... Now there's music with lyrics and melody that no longer fit. The song outgrew itself. I must now restructure the entire wording AND the tune. It's alot of tweaks and more for me to re-learn...but in the end, this'll beat Darkside. Oh...did I tell you Rob (J.J.Flash) thinks I should redo Darkside? OY! I think I should continue going forward before I return to completely taking a journey once travelled again.

Y'know...it's OK to comment on here. I'm tired of my only comments being for penis enlargement pills, online poker, Oreck vacuums and other spam. I'm not an ogre, I won't bite.

What a strange weekend THAT was. For two days I was immersed in the studio with J.J. Flash (a.k.a. Rob Joeckel ).

Now as a conceptualist, I need a support team. If I was Marilyn Manson, I'd have my Twiggy Ramirez. If I was Meatloaf, I'd have my Jim Steinman. However, I have neither. Twiggy was more of a muse, Steinman was more of the key collaborator. The more I look back at last weekend, the more I see I may have found my Steinman.

What am I getting at? Ok. In those two days in the heat of the summer, we built a masterpiece of a skeleton. Never have I fallen in love with the mere raw dump of unmixed tracks. I usually go home and hate it for weeks. The first version was so....not there. I KNEW the first tracks we recorded last December would eat at me, so I went in with the idea to scrap pretty much everything but the drums and the second verse and chorus. Nope. We practically rebuilt it ALL.
Before I bore you with details, with which you still would have no idea about what I'm blathering about, let me try to describe in words the ride this mere instrumental takes you on.

Ok... Tomorrow we get started. To give you a quick idea of what goes on, it starts out simple. I go in... I'm instantly confused. I must try to extract every abstract concept from my brain and then see if I can get it onto tracks.

Funny... It was supposed to rain which is why I was going up Saturday morning... But I may as well stick with the plan. It's better to be refreshed in the morning than to be wiped in the Friday night into the overnight.

I'm not ready for this. This whole kitten business has really messed things up in that right. I mean... Sure...it's a good thing that I saved them, but it couldn't have happened at a worse time. Maybe it's a test of my resolve and dedication... Maybe it's just trying to see if I can handle a little stress.

So...90% unprepared, I go into record without the thought of how to get the mojo to flow. Maybe it's a "go with the flow" thing. I don't know. Maybe it's supposed to come together like the times I feel I'm channeling some dead musicians through my nontalented fingers. I have no idea. All I know is that this is it. I just don't want to come back hating it like I did the first run.

Meanwhile... Here's another pic of my life in the unglamorous world of demo recording:

Ok... A break from all this kitten caboodle for a moment. Like the Space shuttle, my original launch time of 019:00h 07.15.05 is delayed. We figured it best to a) not begin driving 127 miles to my engineers studio near Boston at night when thunderstorms are predicted.
b) Not to do this after working all day. How good would I be trying to get it together then?

Although I thought I'd save time, I'd probably be wiped if I worked, drove, checked in and then tried to set up. Bleh. Later on, I'll post pics when I get home of the environments I'll be experiencing.

I'm just wondering how this will turn out. I thought I was impressed by my first attempt at this song. Maybe I was just impressed that I was actually off my ass tracking again. As days and weeks went by, I began to loathe it and tear it down, using it as an example of what NOT to do this go round. There will be many changes.

More of an essence than ever, time is the constant enemy. My time grows short as my windows of opportunity seem to be closing about me. The Engineer I'd been working with has decided he hates his job, they gave him a more demanding position and now he searches for another. I may be able to help him with that... But time slips away in the meantime.

I think we all waste time. Too much time is spent discussing plans in committee rather than formulating a feasible working system quickly and acting on it. What is the saying? "The best laid plans of mice and men"? I've spent years planning Epica... Growing it from the seed of my original "Goth-funk" project. Only in all that time I wasted even more time by not doing anything to prepare for the inevitable launch of the Epican genre. Now I feel like I'm scrambling against time to fill in all the blanks as the sands of time in my mind run out.

This happens every year as the rite of ascension approaches. Only each annual rite brings me further away from the golden fleece.

The issue is more than just producing the music. It's the entire package. It's the mind, the body and the spirit. It's the tomes and philosophy behind Epica. It's the image, the clothes, the attitude, the website, a band...the muse. It's a lot of shit for several to do let alone one man to do.

Then there's the monkey day job. It takes far too much of my time. There's that word again: time. We the workforce and the executives would all like us to be able to go to 4 day work weeks (considering the hours we put in).. But we are understaffed and the stupid company expands with no one to work it's expansions. So where's the time to do what must be done? I'm at work at this moment. Luckily I can afford the down time to do a bit of writing...although it's not as much as I'd like.

I suppose, if life was easy... It would be trouble free and EVERYONE would be good at it, eh?

I have flaws. I know that. Everyone does. I'm not a god, thus I am not infalible. Lately, I find I lack the drive and pride I had in my earlier years. I lack the same emotional commitment I had say...10...maybe 15 years ago.Especially back during the first project. Now I'm older...a bit more cynical...more seasoned, only not seasoned to the right taste.

I was a different man 10 years ago. I had a greater metaphysical drive, a greater sense of self worth. I felt better about myself mentally, physically and metaphysically. Now as the years go on, I feel it's harder to recapture those days. And there in lies the problem. No, you CAN'T go home again.

Let me tell you how I was. I was arrogant, yes, but that was arrogance from confidence. Now it's just bitter obnoxiousness. I used to hate the conservative right wing and yuppie scum...then I went into a corporate suit and tie job and became the mindless automaton....jaded into my job which, though it deals with new people on a daily basis, I find myself often running on auto-pilot.

I was never very satisfied with things in the old days, and fueled my drive. When I was in that frame of mind, if I was drawing something and it wasn't working out, I'd destroy it and start again. I'm like that now still, only I don't do anything about it. If I hate it, I just stop working on it...hoping the next time I come back to it, it will be get better. That's very complacent of me.

These days, I'm more susceptible to negative thoughts and drives and comments. When I was younger, my belief process was greater.

Only it's an odd type of victory. I've been after a serious workstation for over a year. I was debating between the Korg Triton, the Yamaha Motif and the Roland Fantom S. Don't ask me why. I mean it's not like I'm a keyboardist, so to speak... But I tinker. The type of tinkering that helped develop "Darkside". I tinker in that "play it by ear" sense. I work out the notes for each and every track. Now in the past I was doing my tinkering on a (now don't laugh) Concertmate 900 or something. It was the top of the line keyboard from Radio Shack made by Casio. It had Midi-out capability, layering , transposing , synth type sound mixing and all that jazz... But it was still a Casio. I remember when my old music partner told me he thought the sound was a little "toyish". I thought it was good then. What the hell did I know? I mean, let's face it. I'm not a keyboardist. I know nothing about keyboards like I should. But this is more than a keyboard... It's a workstation. Darkside utilized the Korg Triton as it's sound source/ workstation. The Fantom will allow my sick little demented mind to create things I only hear in my head. I can work on samples and wave forms and all kinds of odd sounds. I can cut up movie sound effects and turn them into percussion. I can track it all on this machine like a mini recording studio as it has a built in mixer with USB out to a cpu to burn onto CD. I may not even need PARIS anymore! It's worth it for the sampling it does anyway. It does this thing (now you know I'm not a keyboardist when I start with a sentence like: "It does this thing...") where you play a track of music into it, and it can chop it up into 16 different assignable note samples.

Ok...if you're reading this and tilting your head, I'll spell it out this way (since there's no sound here): Let's say I record onto the Fantom, a minutes worth of a piece of music from a CD. Let's call the sequence or notes and beats 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. Now, with the sampling activated, it will listen to the notes and break them up into 16 bite sized morsels that can be manipulated by speed and pitch and played like new notes using that pad of orange keys you see on the right of unit in the picture below.
So the notes could be played into a new song like this :6 3 4 91 7 3 3 3 2 7 10 10 2 8 . Same notes, just moved
around like puzzle pieces.

Ok... I know to some, that may sound like a waste of $1300. But that's the funny part. When the unit came out it was like $2500. Recently it went down to $1500 + tax at Sam Ash. That would have totaled probably $1631.24 at 8.75 tax. I was going to do it 'til I checked Ebay (gotta love Ebay) and found one brand new in a box with 30 day warranty for $1299 + $37 shipping. I think I could deal with saving $300, don't you?

Now the kicker here is... The reason for the price break was that the unit has a new big brother. The color screen, 1 gig version: Fantom X (Malcoms brother?) . Now should I be the type who says "Oh man! Now I have an obsolete version?!?" Naaah... I think this is more than enough to do what I need to do. Now I just can't wait to get my creative mad little hands on it! I guess, like a "quality pre-owned certified vehicle", I should be happy to make superstar sounds on budget money. See the extended entry to read the specs straight from the Roland website.

I can say I'm pretty psyched! Look out world! Darkstar has a new weapon in his arsenal!

Day of the Fours.
Well...it's 04/04/04. This actually means nothing, but I'll be a senior citizen during the next day of the Fours which would be 04/04/44.

Ok...the boot camp development is still slow. I've been rescheduling the days I'm to go in the studio to work on Killer Tune. The only good is that each time I reschedule, I retool the song. I've revamped the chorus yet AGAIN, but this time I feel I've developed a definate hook for this one.

I have another team who wants to help me work on the demo development. I'm getting a good deal though. With this new group I can work 3 times a s fast and lay tracks. I think I'll probably go on to "Consecrate" as I don't think it's that intricate. It's raw and gutteral so it's easy to get to know a new crew that way. I figure I will have 2 more songs by July. What I'd love is an October release. If I had the luxury to spend 2 months straight making a whole album... I'd puound out like 10 AMAZING tunes.

In the meantime... everything's on hold for another week. I can dive back into things after Easter.

Ok...month 2 of boot camp has begun and I'm nowhere closer than before. I don't count minor victories as they are far and few between. It's one thing to want to try to change the world. Another is having the plan to actually do it. I have the plan, yet I am alone in this endeavor. I have no cabinet of advisors, no like minded musicians and currently no muse to aid in guidance. Those who have suggestions may or may not hold the right ones. I have several musicians I can work with, yet they all have issues that don't necessarily mesh with mine. I have one keyboardist/guitarist I want to audition who works with me, yet he has no instruments anymore. My main one who worked on "Darkside" with me, just got engaged (see prior entry) so I don't know how reliable that will be...and I have another at work who just doesn't seem to get it. By "doesn't seem to get it", I mean, his philosophy on music is rather "old school". He has 80's hair band mentality where they only sang escapist songs about the flights of fancy of sex drugs and rock and roll. That's too 20th Century. That went out when angry angst driven grunge took over and killed hair band metal. Now it's the 21st Century and most music is angry and angst driven.

For those who don't know, Epican music is one step beyond simple mindless rage. It's lyrics are thought provoking tales of woe that no one else would probably write or sing about. The 7 deadly sins are often a great fodder for some songs. Ethereal topics like the paranormal, occultism, fetishism, substance dependence and twisted realities are another. Add also songs of brutal horrific gore and oddities that though they may sound far-fetched, are actual happenings. And THERE'S the rub. These are the dark parts of life that NO ONE wants to sing about. People are too afraid of offending anyone. Afraid of the media. Afraid of the religious right. Afraid of Tipper Gore and the Bush regime. I'm personally looking to make any friends out there. I WANT people to hate me as much as others love me. I'm looking to bridge gaps between several generations. Age isn't a factor. I sing for the thinking mind. I sing for those who aren't afraid of challenging the status quo and what's wrong with it.

Back to the problem at hand, I can't find anyone who understands what I'm after. I've come across so many talented people, however, there's no spark of endarkenment. I can't find a kindred soul to work with. Like the one guy at work. I've HEARD him play. I've HEARD his music and I must say he's a phenomenal musician!! However, although he wants to collaborate, his vision is not the same as mine. He's not onboard to join a project that was painstakingly thought out in all aspects. He's not onboard because he believes in what the projects emotional energy is. In fact I have no idea why he would be on board in the first place. I like the guy, I like his playing, but I don't want just someone to play music. I want an impassioned endarkened artist who feels as I do, who has quirks, who is flawed and who exudes sheer genius because of such.

So my problems go on. I have a head full of songs exploding from my brain and I can't seem to either get time to put them into a computer (save for a Pocket PC music composition program called Syntrax...sort of a portable 8 track Cakewalk) or to get together with someone to work the songs out.

New songs or snippets are created daily...they plague me like they come from somewhere not of this earth. Chorus' usually. The "hook" as they call it. Ideas flow that must leave my mind. The other day I was designing formal wear and stage outfits. Talk about the cart before the horse!

If I'm having problems convincing other musicians of the validity and severity of the project and how far this can really go...how am I supposed to convince the music world that I have that "new sound" they've been craving for, let alone the "new voice of the prophet of mans angst"?

Then there's the other evil: Time management. I have no time for anything. When I had a muse, it was said that I should have my blinders on and block out all distractions until the goal was achieved. I can be weak at times. Martyrdom is not my forté. I have weaknesses to things. I don't go out anymore (however, it's about time I went out and began hunting for some sort of endarkened band),and I don't waste time on things and spend allot of time researching the people of the world who are the stories of Epica. Time and fates have been against me in ways...domestically. Many different obstacles are thrown my way and try to overwhelm me. But I will remain undaunted. They try to hit hard too. Firing tragedy after tragedy...and the worst part is, these tragedies have no songs in them!

Y'know what I need? It's been suggested that I look for young music major interns who need a project for finals or something. Two good things can come of that. I either get free musicians or I find like minded bandmates. Either way, they will not be forgotten when it comes time to sign contracts and produce post-production work for whatever label I traverse to.

I have entertainment lawyers I need to call, however I'd like more product before I decide to get involved in taking up their time. Unlike my brothers idea of selling a single, I'm in this to make a statement...not just make a single then go back to washing cars or something. People do not realize... I'd be leaving a very good paying steady job of 10 years for this...so suffice it to say, I'm not doing this on a whim, for I'm in this with a mission and purpose to release GOOD MUSIC back into the world. It's about the love of music. The essence of an artist.

Funny. "Good music. " The problem right there is: Good music is in the ear of the listener. Good music is usually bought on a large scale and then when it IS bought on a large scale, then that is "popular" music. I spit on popular music. I HATE pop music, probably because I fault it for the downfall of the music industry.

I have no intention of screwing this up. But the planning to implementation stages are taking too much time. Time. The enemy of all musicians. Time to work on the music whole-heartedly. Time to tinker with my programs. Time to get together with whatever means I have to lay tracks. Time to play "catch up" with whatever competition I have, whether it's been on my side of the tracks or on the other, they are the ones who have taken strides forward as I stay unduly stagnant.

Oh yea... Boot Camp is fun, boys and girls...and I've only just started. I completely rewrote my current project all the while my present keyboardist was out of the country. I feel like a race horse stuck in the chute before the race starts. I'm antsy to get things moving. Then my issues with instant gratification and typical human male weakness will vanish. I need to actually DO something with this music or I'll go mad. It must come out. Progress... That's what I want. I want accomplishments. I want to work hard on creation. In all the arts I've been involved in, it's creation I enjoy most.

My ramble is going in waaay too many directions... I will close now. I think frustration is setting in.

Why was I given such gifts and talents and yet, without proper support, I fear they may become wasted in this lifetime?

Lords of endarkenment...
hear my pleas...
guide me to the path
of prophetic heraldry...

Remember in a prior blog called Captains Blog Suplemental on D'Sari Date 09.30.03? It talked about the "mockumentary". Then Merlin from the Spectre crew posted a comment about how it looked and sounded better than I thought (mind you, I haven't seen any of the raw footage that he had, let alone the preliminary edits) and that it actually is a growing role in the film. I spoke to Weapon (Brian Smith, the star and focus of this film) and he told me that the segment has grown larger than I thought. As it would seem, parts are being spliced between the two of us where we have similar opinions on music.

Now, here's the fun part. I have to go get out my 8mm and take 20 second micro movies or stills to use as segués. The fun will be me as a mini director finding spooky locations to film myself in my various stages of stage gear and make-up (maybe). Can anyone recommend a good castle or cemetary I can try for a location? We DO have a comments button at the bottom of each blog posted, y'know.

This time,with me filming these parts, I get to do the angles I wanted to see and wear some of the gear I had purchased online, yet never made it to the house in time for the first shoot. It seems the first interview was stodgy , shot wise, because it was all in the same seated position. It seems this will give it a more epic movie/music video style. I suppose one cannot judge a project on speculation. The sum of the parts as a whole is what's to be determined.

I have a few ideas of locations. I don't live very far from Sleepy Hollow (yes THAT Sleepy Hollow). And a few castles within a 20 mile radius...

The poster looks cool in it's latest rendition. Maybe I'll upload it as a link so you guys can play "Guess which one is Darkstar!"

View image

(The "Mockumentary")

Here's a funny. A few weeks ago, I did this "mockumentary" with my engineer. It's about his life and battle with death. He has a form of cancer that threatened his existence. Now somehow he ended up hooking up with a some documentary producer. They'll be shopping it to PBS. The reason why I call it a "mockumentary" is because it seems to have very odd if not funny parts to it. In this film, I was brought in with anyone else who recorded there with him into his studio. Now because I'm such a ...colorful character, He wanted me to bring all the little trinkets of doom I had at home (or at least as many as i could transport legally). We made a sort of "set" where we created this illusion of a character of Darkstar that is so off the wall that he needs these dark trinkets in the studio to make him feel at home so he could create music better. C'mon folks, music is in the heart. No amount of props can change what's in my mind.

So anyway... This guy asks me questions while I'm all done up in pseudo stage gear. I hated the camera angle. The stills make me look like I have a watermelon for a head. Reminder: Next time...look in the camera first or view pre-shots before commiting to film. There's another life lesson.

I'm actually embarrassed by the shot they have of me on the movie poster. I didn't want anyone to see it. If my mom sees it, she'll think I have elephantitis.

Yesterday I get an IM from the engineer. They want me to send stills that I would like to be placed in the movie for the segment breaks. Well at least I have a way to right SOME of the wrongs there. I plan to dress up in some new gear and take digital shots I LIKE. We may post a few if they are up to standard. So if anyone was wondering why there are no pictures in the images page...it's because there are no recent ones. I could always post 10 year old ones. I really don't LOOK that different.

About the questions:
This guy asked me who the D'Sari were and how this religion came to be. It's not a friggin' religion folks. I'm no cult leader. My music does not promote the drinking of tainted Kool-Aid®. I'm a man. I'm a man with a mission to tell the stories no one else wants to. My kind of controversy will be shrouded in palatable music that your MOM or DAD might sing if they didn't stop to review the lyrics. It's dramatic. It's exciting. It's EPIC. It will leave you in awe. It will move anyone under 45 and over 12. It will be the topic of conversation. Tipper Gore wil have my picture on the same wall with Ozzy, Twisted Sister, Marilyn Manson and Eminem. But it is NOT some cult babble. It is by the people FOR the people.

So anyway...this guy asks me where the vampires are.if they bit him in the ass he'd know. I tell him that vampires aren't real. Now think for a moment. What self respecting vampire would actually ADMIT he IS one on film? I really will not discuss the topics of Vampires or Werewolves or Occult practice or Satanism or any of my such views in some silly documentary that in my opinion was out to possibly exploit me or make a fool out of me. I filmed that movie "tongue in cheek". They wanted a character....I GAVE them one. Believe me, the REAL Darkstar is much more amusing than that depiction of the shell in that film. The real fun will be trying to decipher what it is I'm really saying in all that gobbledegook I'm spewing. Find the real message like finding Waldo. That'll be the fun. The TRUE D'Sari know what the deal is.

The part I really liked was when I had to lip sync to my song at the mic as if I was recording live.

The part I hated was this idiotic "show and tell' segment he made me do with all the props I brought. I mean...I really didn't feel like bringing them, but they thought it would add life or character to myself and the film. I think they just wanted me to be the Jerry Springer guest of the film. SEE what happens when you're misunderstood?

So...when it comes out...it comes out. If you see it... Don't take it seriously. Well...ok...maybe HALF seriously.