MrGrumpyMonkeyI might be in the minority here, but I'm not a huge fan of the Psytrance artist #Astrix 
Konaa mac Nessa
Are they a psychedelic visual artist? Or Psytrance as in the music genre?
@mrgrumpymonkey I'm not familiar with them.
Are they a psychedelic visual artist? Or Psytrance as in the music genre?
Are they a psychedelic visual artist? Or Psytrance as in the music genre?
@KmacNessa The musical artist. It's not that it's bad, it's just that it sounds generic to me. I dunno. Perhaps it would be a good introduction to someone who's never heard the Psytrance genre before. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@mrgrumpymonkey I suppose I'll paruse out of curiosity. 
Is it on the fast beat club side?
Right now, I'm on a Twin Gazelle kick while I draw
I'm not sure what genre she is, beyond some form of techno.
My fluffy son has no respect for the process..
@KmacNessa I'd put it on the faster side of the rhythm. 150+ BPM probably. It's not difficult to listen to. Probably more entertaining under different circumstances. But sitting at my desk listening to it is just boring I suppose. Far better options out there to keep my brain neurons happy dancing, that's for sure.
As for the drawing, it sure does look 'techno-ish' for sure. Along with a form of incect I suppose. Does it wear RGB lighting? 
@mrgrumpymonkey
Well… I clicked 10 different songs to give Astrix a fair shot - and I have to say, I see what you mean.
Even the ones I thought were alright didn’t necessarily stand out to me when compared to all the other instrumental techno ambiance on YouTube.
The underbeats seemed very repetitive, only really broken up with the occasional club-style build-up/beat drop, and some “New age starseed” sprinkled in.
@KmacNessa That's more than I expected. There are just better 'electronic' musical artists out there. But for some reason, the ones that get the 'special marketing treatment' are those that sound the same. Kind of sad, because there's far better music out there, and the masses just don't get to listen to it. I could only imagine what the world would be like if 'good music' was the standard and not 'average at best'. Oh well.
@mrgrumpymonkey I 100% agree. The top names seem to be risk-averse and tend to stick to formulaic mixes, at least compared to the more indie names, in my opinion.
I am not sure if it is something that has always been the case naturally, or if it is an unfortunate ouroboros effect of what mainstream marketing/ sponsors are willing to back versus taking a chance on something that pushes the boundaries.
@KmacNessa I rarely do shopping on my own these days, but I wandered into a Walmart in order to get the last things I needed for a road trip, and the music there was so unoffensive, that it was offensive. 
I ended up asking a worker how he stays sane. His response was 'ear buds'. So he's listening to the shit he wants to. I'd go insane in that environment too. I know this might make me sound lazy, but I have others do my shopping for me, so I don't have to listen to that garbage. 
I ended up asking a worker how he stays sane. His response was 'ear buds'. So he's listening to the shit he wants to. I'd go insane in that environment too. I know this might make me sound lazy, but I have others do my shopping for me, so I don't have to listen to that garbage. @mrgrumpymonkey Describing mundane music as so unoffensive that it is offensive is the best description for that shite. Full disclosure, I audibly laughed. 🤣
Earbuds are a brilliant way to get around that - hats off to them.
Did you manage to get everything you need for your trip?
@KmacNessa I do believe I have most aspects of this road trip covered. I'm far more prepared this time around than ever, but I'm still a nervous wreck. It's not like I haven't done a road trip before, but I usually did it for someone else. If that makes sense. This time around, I'm taking things into my own hand and road tripping for myself. Plus I intend on fully transitioning within the next couple of months. I'm stressed, but weed will help.
@mrgrumpymonkey It's understandable to be nervous, especially when traveling solo.
Remember to stay hydrated and take breaks to keep your legs/ feet from stiffening up.
It's easy to psych yourself out and try to push through when it's just you.
Congrats by the way! That's a huge life milestone coming up! 
@mrgrumpymonkey The heavy use of AI was also a bit of a turn-off for me, but I know I’m being a curmudgeonly dinosaur on that opinion.
Now, if you had a light show going, heavy subwoofers, and were chemically enhanced, shall we say? Then, I could see how it could be a fun time. 
@KmacNessa The 'A.I.' visuals are a turn off, I will agree. Most of the time I select 'don't recommend' or hide anything with that visual style on Youtube. Always digging through the slop to find something good. It's always been like this though.
Otherwise, I'd probably enjoy my time at a festival with some weed on hand. 
@mrgrumpymonkey Oh! In retrospect, my prior text was a tad muddy.
Gazelle Twin is one of the musicians I've had on repeat as of late. It would probably help if I didn't flip her name.
The droid is just some Moebius-esc nonsense for the hell of it.
I was trying to minimize humanoid vibes in silhouette, so I’ll take insectoid.
I haven't done a coloured version yet, so sure. Let's say it's got RGB rave lights. 😂
@KmacNessa You can only explain so much within 500 characters of text.
I have never heard of Gazell Twin. Guess I have something new for my ears to engage with. From what I've heard, which is just the first couple of songs from the 'UnFlesh' album are giving me some heavy Aphex Twin vibes. And the visuals are creepy. I'll keep listening and report back.
If this is what you listen to, I think I understand you're artistic visual style a bit better. Both the music and your art are unique.
@KmacNessa Do you happen to be a fan of 'Aphex Twin' by chance? This was the first thing that came to mind after listening to the 'Unflesh' album.
I'll say that I've not heard of this artist before, but I'm now glad I have. This was better than I expected and am now following their bandcamp page. I'll keep listening to more of this music and share it with my small 'discord' community and on here.
@mrgrumpymonkey I am indeed a fan. That’s actually how I came across Gazelle Twin. Gazelle Twin's song Black Dog feat. Gary Numan was on one of the YouTube genre playlists while I was listening to Aphex Twin, and I've been hooked ever since. 
I’m glad you're enjoying the music too. ☺️
@KmacNessa Hell yeah!!! Nice to meet a fellow weirdo like me.
@mrgrumpymonkey Cheers! ☺️ 🍻
@mrgrumpymonkey Thank you very much! I’m more than happy to be in the same category as Gazelle twin. 
In terms of a dream soundtrack, that is the vibe I would gravitate to - I’m glad that comes through in the visuals. ☺️
@KmacNessa I'm reporting back. I listened to more of Gazelle Twin over on Bandcamp. I think I like this stuff. I probably won't listen to it often, but under the right circumstances and mood, I'd probably listen again.
@mrgrumpymonkey That’s understandable. It's pretty out there for background work music, for instance.
What are your thoughts on John Carpenter style synth?
What are your thoughts on John Carpenter style synth?
@KmacNessa Would you be willing to provide me a reference? I know 'who' John Carpenter is, but I'm unfamiliar with the soundscape. I should really watch 'The Thing' now that you brought that name up.
@mrgrumpymonkey Certainly! I'll grab you a link while I'm on break.
I haven't seen the movie, The Thing, in over 15 years. So I don't remember how well it holds up.
I do remember liking the practical effects, but that's about all I can solidly recall.
Mayhaps we should both watch it and then compare notes. 🍿
@KmacNessa That might give me an actual reason to view a film. All be it, that probably won't happen until I get back from my road trip. I did recently acquire a copy though, so I'll add it to the list of films I plan on watching in the future.
@mrgrumpymonkey A movie night could be a nice way to unwind after your trip.
In the meantime - Safe travels!
In the meantime - Safe travels!
@mrgrumpymonkey
There's some variation in the John Carpenter-esque music style, but I’d say this is a good summation.
2.5 Hour John Carpenter Style Retro Synth MIX // Royalty Free Copyright Safe Music
@KmacNessa I'll give this a listen now and check back in later with my thoughts. All be it, this is giving me Retro Synth vibes, so I'll probably enjoy it.
@mrgrumpymonkey No rush, the music will be here when you get back.😉
I'd describe John Carpenter's music style as rooted in the late 1970s to 1980s era of retro synth horror. 💀 🎶
I'd describe John Carpenter's music style as rooted in the late 1970s to 1980s era of retro synth horror. 💀 🎶