This page covers a bunch of frequently asked questions, and also a handful of basic questions that you might potentially want to know the answer to.
How can I get in contact with you for whatever reason?
I respond to most every direct message on Facebook or Twitter.
What do you use to make your music?
The DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) I use is FL Studio 10. As far as extra plugins for the program go, I use far too many different synthesizers and effects to possibly list them all or be able to tell you which are my favourites.
Hardware I use: AKAI MPK Mini controller, Novation Mininova Synthesizer/vocoder, Samsung Galaxy Note 8, RØDE NT1-A condenser microphone, Tascam DR-05 field recorder, Alesis DM10 electronic drum kit, ESP LTD MH-1000M electric guitar, Hotone Heart Attack amplifier, Alien Brain by B. Whelan, Heil Talk Box, Electro Harmonix Bassballs effects pedal, Mooer Reecho effects pedal, DRTONE DST-101 effects pedal, DRTONE DLY-101 effects pedal, Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 audio interface, Adam F7 monitor speakers, Sennheiser HD 558 open-back headphones, Audio Technica ATH-M50 White closed-back headphones.
Can I use your music in my game?
Yes, I'd love that, just be sure to credit accordingly! Though if you are planning to sell your product, I ask to be contacted directly beforehand. Also I'd probably really love to play it, so let me know about it!
Can I use your music in my Youtube video(s)?
Yes, so long as proper credit is given, such as providing a link to find more of my work or the song(s) used.
Can I use your music in my DVD?
Probably, though since a DVD is normally sold, I'd like you to get in contact with me directly.
Can I use your music in my sex tape?
Yes, providing you get the tempo juuust right. I'll also uh, need to see it first... for approval.
Can I use your music in a DJ mix?
Yes. I'd also love to hear it, if it's available to listen to on the internet. Credit isn't necessary if you're performing live to an audience as this is impractical, though obviously, due credit should be given if a setlist is ever posted.
Can I remix your music/use it in a mashup?
Yes, with due credit! I'd also love to hear the final product! And contact me first if you plan to sell it.
Can I sample parts of your music in an original piece?
Yes, go for it! Good sampling is a great way of building on the shoulders of other pieces of music. You're free to use any piece of my music for sampling. Credit is not required, though also not discouraged. If you're selling the music, this is also fine. If you use a significant amount of my music in your piece, consider first if it better falls into the previous question about remixes and mashups.
Can we collab?
I enjoy collaborating with others, but I can't give a definite answer. I've only really been able to get into a collaboration if I know the other person well, and so we'll have chemistry and a good time working with each other, knowing how to embrace each other's strengths and fortify each other's weaknesses, or just having the confidence to mess around. Chances are, if I don't know you or your style very well, collaborating isn't the first thing we should be doing together.
I can't afford to/am unable to buy any of your paid music, what do?
Piracy is one option, getting in contact with me is another! I'm more than open to providing my music to those who wish to support me but can't for whatever reason. I know how it goes.
Can I send your music to my friend?
Yes, by all means.
Why so many aliases?
It's fun! I make a lot of music in many different styles. While they all are primarily electronic, they vary from dance to ambient to metal to farting. I originally began as just one project, General Mumble, and this alias evolved fairly quickly through a number of styles and back, from space music to dance to digital hardcore to drum and bass. The idea behind the aliases is that I can better focus my attention on, for instance, an album full of ambience without worrying that it'll feel out of place as General Mumble. It also helps fans of my music know roughly what they're in for when a new album is released, so they can choose to check it out, or not, if they aren't a fan of that style.
The idea to have multiple aliases each with an assigned character, who are all signed under one "label" came from the same idea adopted by Lapfox Trax.
Do you still make "pony music"?
Yes. No matter how much I may or may not feel like creating a particular kind of music at a given time, I'm not ever going to simply declare that I'll "quit" a certain type or theme of music. If I were to drift away from any type of music, it'd happen naturally over time, but I could easily feel like creating it again any time. This fluctuation has happened with My Little Pony themed music.
Can I get your music on iTunes?
Well, that entirely depends on what you mean by "get". If you wish to purchase my music via the iTunes store, no. My music is not available on the iTunes store. but the MP3 files that you download to your computer from my Bandcamp or Soundcloud or Youtube or wherever can be imported into iTunes using the "File>Add File to Library..." function. The location or wording of this function may differ across iTunes versions or operating systems, but should be the same in principle. From there, you can navigate to where you downloaded the MP3(s) and add them to your library, allowing you to listen to them in iTunes on your computer, or on your Apple device after syncing.
The choice to avoid iTunes store is because Bandcamp offers a much more powerful, fair and social platform for creators and consumers alike, taking a substantially smaller cut of each purchase, allowing for total freedom over set prices, merchandise offers, and other stuff. Not to mention that Bandcamp works great as a homepage.
Can I listen to your music via Spotify?
Nope. At this moment I'm very much conflicted about Spotify. One one hand, it's awful as far as payment for artists is concerned. This is what I know from a few trusted individuals - I don't actually know the figures myself. On the other hand, it's a great platform for checking out new artists and sharing music you like with others, and it makes listening to any artist as easy as opening the program and searching. But, while that might sound great, it also makes music a bit "throwaway". I use Spotify as a listener from time to time to find or sample new music that I might purchase in the future, but many use Spotify as their main source of music digesting because it's very convenient. While this isn't by any means wrong, it's certainly not ideal for the artist. It can become a case of "why should I directly support the artist by purchasing music when I can just listen to it here as much as I want?". Maybe not in such harsh words, but you get the idea.
There's also the added problem that getting music on Spotify isn't as easy as 1,2,3. I simply release too much music to be able to think about uploading it to Spotify as well as Bandcamp.
Why are some of your CDs unlimited, and some limited?
There's few things I enjoy more than putting together, and subsequently getting hold of, physical versions of my music. So, when I can, I'll put as much effort into a product as it can get.
Landmark releases of mine that I feel are particularly standout, or that have previously become very popular, will be released via limited edition first. I'll want these to have fancy packaging of some sort, be it a multi-panel digipak, glossy finish, bigger booklet, or other bespoke options. Bells and whistles like these are typically only available through short-run duplication companies - companies that will make 50/100/150/200 etc. copies and send them directly to me (meaning I can also further personalise them and/or sign them) at a fixed, single cost. These are an investment, and because I need to sell a minimum amount of these to break even, they are only reserved for products I'm confident will sell decently, or that really, REALLY deserve the extra effort.
More albums are available as unlimited than limited edition, and here's why...
Unlimited-run CDs are handled by an automatic service such as Createspace or Kunaki. These services allow me to upload my music and artwork to their system at no cost. This is why more of these unlimited-run products exist, because I get to make a sweet product at absolutely no risk of losing out.
These services have a couple downsides, however. They only have one packaging option, and while they are still presentable, aren't as customisable. They're unlimited because they're made-to-order, which is the biggest difference. Every time an order is placed, one CD is made, by the service, and then shipped to the buyer, by the service. This means that I don't handle any of the orders myself, so the interaction between myself and the buyer is gone. It is still, however, a great way to support me, and a great way to get products on to CD that won't otherwise sell enough to be worth investing in other, more ambitious options.
I bought an unlimited-run CD of yours and want it signed, what do?
Because these aren't handled by me, I can't sign it when you make the purchase. However, if you get in contact with me once it has arrived in your hands, we can arrange for you to ship it to me and I'll do whatever you want me to do to it. Not the best process, but I'm more than happy to do this.
I'll have to ask that you cover postage costs for both ways, though.
I want to get rid of a CD or cassette of yours. Can I sell it?
Yes. If for any reason you want or need to get rid of a CD or cassette of mine, be it getting rid of a CD collection, moving house and selling old things, or you suddenly decide the music is actually pretty bad, you can sell it. You could even get in contact with me, I'd consider buying it back to sell it on again myself, providing it is in good condition.