April 6, 2026

Flashback to August 2006, when @mewofficial played @greekberkeley. Pictured with Jonas Bjerre, Silas Utke Graae Jørgensen, and Bastian Juel. #mew #mewband #alternativerock #danishband #crappyvideo

March 28, 2026

Long before streaming and long before CDs (but before cassettes and after records), there was the 8-track tape. Push a button to jump to a different track. No rewinding either. Plus, lug them around in these cases. #8track #8tracktapes #8tracktape #8tracks

March 21, 2026

Hot day. In-N-Out vanilla shake. #milkshake #food #hot #innout

February 28, 2026

Awesome show last night meeting & watching @davidjhaskins (Love and Rockets, Bauhaus) perform with @lol.tolhurst (The Cure), @swanversionbm, and @trestles.sc + @janewiedlin (the Go-Go's). Well done, @eventsantacruz and @hwy17_studios! #rocklegends #localbands #santacruz

February 26, 2026

I'm so effing honored that "Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" won two California Music Video Awards! 🥇🥇1) Special Achievement Award Winner: The Trippy Award and 2) Viewers Choice Award: The Chip E. Best EDM or Dance Music Award. I had a great time at the event and met some excellent people! 👌 Thanks to @monkeywarholmusic & L.Z. Anna (illustrator). #californiamusicvideoawards #electronica #electronicmusic #musicvideoawards #musicawards CMVFA

February 20, 2026

I'm so effing honored that "Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" won two California Music Video Awards! 🥇🥇1) Special Achievement Award Winner: The Trippy Award and 2) Viewers Choice Award: The Chip E. Best EDM or Dance Music Award. I had a great time at the event and met some excellent people! 👌 Thanks to @monkeywarholmusic & L.Z. Anna (illustrator). #californiamusicvideoawards #electronica #electronicmusic #musicvideoawards #musicawards CMVFA

February 16, 2026

Two years ago MirrorBridge was released. FOLLOW HIji RR here - Subscribe on YouTube @hijirr : https://www.youtube.com/@hijirr #alternativemusic #electronicrock #indierock #electronicrockartist #alternativerock electronica alternativerockmusic electronicmusic synthrock

January 7, 2026

VOTE NOW! "Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" has been nominated in several categories of the California Music Video AWARDS. Take a moment to vote for HIji RR right now (link in bio): www.votingmusic.com THANK YOU for your support. #electronica #electronicmusic #musicvideoawards #musicawards #CMVFA

December 25, 2025

Merry Christmas! Now, to get some music out of this new retro-machine. #c64 #c64u #commodore #commodore64 #commodore64u @officialcommodore xmas feliznavidad christmas merrychristmas sidmusic electronicmusic retromusic

December 4, 2025

Time in #chicago. #houseofblues #houseofblueschicago #lamarsorrento @hobchicago

November 29, 2025

Hello, Columbus, Ohio. #ohio #columbus #columbusoh #columbusohio #xmastree #christmas #xmas #christmaslights #xmaslights

November 28, 2025

It's time to feel jolly! 🎅 Santa has a message! "HIji RR vs Monkey Warhol" is available on all major platforms! It's the PERFECT holiday gift! More info in bio. #alternativemusic #electronicrock #klausforchristmas #indierock #electronicrockartist #alternativerock #electronica #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #synthrock #santa #santaclaus #merryxmas #christmas #merrychristmas #xmas #navidad #feliznavidad #papanoel #papánoel #navidad2025

November 21, 2025

"Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" be spinning on the radio thanks to @kssusparky . #alternativemusic #electronicrock #indierock #electronicrockartist #alternativerock #electronica #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #synthrock #Robots #Sacramento @sacstate @spinitronradio

November 14, 2025

Thanks, @thebuzzyband ! "HIji RR vs Monkey Warhol" is AVAILABLE NOW! Learn more via bio links. #alternativemusic #electronicrock #indierock #electronicrockartist #alternativerock #newmusic #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #synthrock

November 6, 2025

READ the full review of "HIji RR vs Monkey Warhol" by @oliverzuritamx over at @expansionradial 's website ! #alternativemusic #electronicrock #indierock #electronicrockartist #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #synthrock #newwave #newmusic #newartist

October 31, 2025

Have an awesome #Halloween ! 🤣 @masters #furryshorts #furryshort #loincloth #loincloths #buffed #buffedup #motu #mastersoftheuniverse #he-man #powersword #heman #grayskull #powerofgrayskull

October 27, 2025

He's back... For #Halloween. IYKYK

October 10, 2025

GRATITUDE to Debbie from @thefuturehomeband ! Listen to the "HIji RR vs Monkey Warhol" e.p. - OUT NOW! Buy now (or stream it!) MORE INFO: Link in bio or https://www.hijirr.com #alternativemusic #electronicrock #indierock #electronicrockartist #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #synthrock #newwave #newmusic #newartist

October 4, 2025

New interview with HIji RR and @monkeywarholmusic this Monday via The Lowdown & @madwaspradio LISTEN: www.madwaspradio.com #alternativemusic #electronicrock #indierock #electronicrockartist #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #synthrock #newwave #newmusic #newartist #radio #radiointerview #internetradio

October 3, 2025

MANY THANKS to Kanye East for the shout out! The "HIji RR vs Monkey Warhol" e.p. is out now! Buy now (or stream it!) MORE INFO in bio. #alternativemusic #electronicrock #indierock #electronicrockartist #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #synthrock #newwave #newmusic #newartist #kanyeeast #thakanyeeast #thekanyeeast #mikemanik #themikemanik

September 19, 2025

Thanks to Chain D.L.K. for the mention! "HIji RR vs Monkey Warhol" is out October 3rd. Pre-save now: link in bio. #electronicmusic #electropop #synthpop #synthrock #synthmusic #technopop #newmusic

September 7, 2025

Lyric video for "Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" released on YouTube.

October 3, 2025

The 5 track e.p. from HIji RR and Monkey Warhol releases October 3rd at midnight! PRE-SAVE NOW! #alternativemusic #electronicrock #indierock #electronicrockartist #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #synthrock #newwave @monkeywarholmusic

September 3, 2025

PUNK ROCK Museum

August 24, 2025

"Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" -> SLOWED -> SPED UP -> REVERSED versions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HIjiRR #newmusic #newmusicalert #newrelease #electronicrock #electronicpop #electronicmusic #indierock #indiepop #indiemusic #alternativerock #alternativepop #alternativemusic #altrock #altpop #altmusic #synthrock #synthpop #synthmusic @monkeywarholmusic

August 24, 2025

Slowed, Sped Up, and Reversed versions "Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" released on YouTube.

August 5, 2025

Old stomping grounds are food for the soul. #woodlake #woodlakeca

July 29, 2025

"Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" + music video + 2x remixes are AVAILABLE NOW. Check BIO! #newmusic #newmusicalert #newrelease #electronicrock #electronicpop #electronicmusic #indierock #indiepop #indiemusic #alternativerock #alternativepop #alternativemusic #altrock #altpop #altmusic #synthrock #synthpop #synthmusic @monkeywarholmusic

July 22, 2025

The biggest concha I've ever had (so far)... and it was good. #food #pandulce #newmusic

July 11, 2025

Celebrating the release of "Lucky Stars" with a Slurpee. You should celebrate too. #newmusic #SlurpeeDay #7ElevenDay #FreeSlurpeeDay #alternativemusic @slurpee @7eleven

July 11, 2025

New single, remixes, + music video for "Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" released today!

July 11, 2025

"Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" + music video + 2x remixes are AVAILABLE NOW. Check BIO! #newmusic #newmusicfriday #newmusicalert #newrelease #electronicrock #electronicpop #electronicmusic #indierock #indiepop #indiemusic #alternativerock #alternativepop #alternativemusic #altrock #altpop #altmusic #synthrock #synthpop #synthmusic Monkey Warhol

June 27, 2025

"Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" --- the single + 2x remixes available July 11th at midnight! PRE-SAVE NOW: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/hijirr/lucky-stars #electronicrock #indierock #electronicrockartist #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #synthrock #newwave @monkeywarholmusic

June 22, 2025

PRE-SAVE NOW: "Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" - Available July 11th at midnight! https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/hijirr/lucky-stars #electronicrock #indierock #electronicrockartist #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #synthrock #newwave @monkeywarholmusic

June 13, 2025

Available July 11th at midnight "Lucky Stars (feat. Monkey Warhol)" PRE-SAVE NOW! https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/hijirr/lucky-stars #electronicrock #indierock #electronicrockartist #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #synthrock #newwave @monkeywarholmusic

June 8, 2025

Awesome meeting @majortroublemusic after his session tonight at @santacruzrecording , hosted by @lowdeka.music !

May 20, 2025

Ambiguity... #portland #portlandoregon #portlandmusic

April 8, 2025

"Don't Mix Too Fine" music video recut for 16:9 aspect ratio (landscape view) now available on YouTube. https://youtu.be/pZKg2B4suMI #acura #rsx #acurarsx #acuraintegra #integratyper #dragrace #dragracing

April 7, 2025

Not here to do any investigations... #investigate #alternativemusic #alternativerock #privateinvestigator

March 29, 2025

Tonight, I experienced @wenbin_lyu 's incredible "Germination", as performed by @goldenstateyouthorchestra and conducted by Dr. Yun Song Tay. Later, Stephen Tavani. #orchestra #youthorchestra

March 25, 2025

Saying "hello" to the great city of Nashville. #nashville #musicculture

March 14, 2025

New music is on its way... collaborating with @monkeywarholmusic #electronicrock #alternativemusic #synthpop #electronica #indiemusic #newmusic #goodmusic

February 5, 2025

Copy+paste/click-thru time. Check out this new interview with @monkeywarholmusic . Read closely, and you will see news about new music. 😎 https://mostlyminnesota.com/2025/01/31/5-questions-with-monkey-warhol-aka-todd-millenacker/ #electronicrock #alternativemusic #synthpop #electronica #indiemusic

January 4, 2025

Being educated at a @usaarchery competition. #archery #archerycompetition #electronicrock #electronicmusic #alternativerock #alternativemusic #indiemusic #indierock

December 26, 2024

Just finished the @rickrubin and @neil_strauss book, The Creative Act. It details the practices we follow, have forgotten, or have taken for granted in pursuit of channeling our creative works. Obviously... Recommended for all and thanks to the authors for spotlighting and documented the act(s) of being creative. #artists #musicians #creativity #book #ebook #ebookreader #steamdeck #alternativerock #electronicrock #electronicmusic #indiemusic

December 24, 2024

Celebrating with @sam.the.spartan . IYKYK #electronicrock #electronicmusic #indiemusic #indierock #alternativerock #merrychristmas #merryxmas #happyholidays #seasonsgreetings #christmastree #xmastree #christmastradition

December 19, 2024

Thanks for a great day, Marseille! #france #marseille #alternativerock #electronicrock #electronicmusic #indiemusic #indierock

December 6, 2024

Everyone focused on @spotify wrapped --- meanwhile, I've spent 2024 focused on @youtube and @youtubemusic . Thanks for the support! https://youtube.com/@hijirr #alternativerock #electronicrock #electronicmusic #indiemusic #2025 #2024

December 6, 2024

Everyone focused on @spotify wrapped --- meanwhile, I've spent 2024 focused on @youtube and @youtubemusic . Thanks for the support! https://youtube.com/@hijirr #alternativerock #electronicrock #electronicmusic #indiemusic #2025 #2024

November 13, 2024

Another number...

October 31, 2024

He wants out, but I'm not ready. #halloween #happyhalloween

July 1, 2024

There's a new track-by-track review of "MirrorBridge" on Indie Music Spot! https://indiemusicspot.com/hiji-rr-mirrorbridge-a-review/ #newmusic #electronicmusic #synthpop #electronicrock

June 19, 2024

Meet Sam the Spartan: trail runner, obstacle course racer, & longtime collaborator on HIji RR projects. Full video on YouTube. #spartan #spartanrace #trailrunner #trailrun #obstaclecourse #electronicrock #alternativerock

May 31, 2024

A long overdue photo post, but I ran into an old friend who had the role of Foley Fish (of course, doing all the live Foley work) at a spring performance of SpongeBob! Good seeing you again, Josh!

May 18, 2024

Meet Michael: musician, motorbiker, and collaborator of HIji RR. #electronicrock #electronicrockartist #electronica #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #synthpop #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #electronicmusician

May 8, 2024

"Way of Life (Basic)" by HIji RR music video on YT now live! Also, streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc. #alternativerock #alternativerockmusic #electronicrock #acousticguitar #musicvideo #musician #hijirr #acoustic #indierock #electronicrockartist #newmusic #electronicmusic

May 7, 2024

The music video for "Way of Life (Basic)" is released today! Watch now.

April 29, 2024

Excellent show by @ajrbrothers at @chase_center - performance and AV.

April 29, 2024

Watching the talented @deanlewis opening for @ajrbrothers! @chase_center

March 9, 2024

Meet Todd, musician and collaborator of HIji RR. #electronicrock #electronicrockartist #electronica #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #synthpop #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #electronicmusician

February 20, 2024

Learn about the person behind the sample used on "Don't Mix Too Fine". #electronicrock #electronicrockartist #electronica #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #synthpop #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #behindthescenes #behindthesong

February 16, 2024

"MirrorBridge" is streaming now! Featuring "Another Number" and other great tracks. Learn more via bio link. #electronicrock #electronicrockartist #electronica #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #synthpop #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic

February 12, 2024

MirrorBridge streams this Friday, Feb. 16th. Learn more via link in bio. #electronicrock #electronica #indierock #alternativerock #newmusic #synthpop #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic

February 4, 2024

"MirrorBridge" streams Feb. 16th. Pre-save now! Follow links in bio for more info. #alternativerock #alternative #synthpop #rock #electronicrock #electronicmusic #newrelease #indierock #indierockmusic #indierockmusician #electronicrockmusic #electronicrockmusician

January 22, 2024

Thanks for the support New Rock 104.1 and HomeGrown (Josh Tehee)! #alternativerock #electronicrock #synthrock #indiemusic #newrocksundays

January 15, 2024

New interview @ Music Buzz Online. Copy + Paste + GO! --> https://musicbuzzonline.com/interview-with-hiji-rr/ #electronicrock #synthpop #alternativerock

January 10, 2024

TikTok page has been set up. Follow here.

January 5, 2024

NEW music video: HIji RR - "Another Number". CHECK YouTube! Pre-save now to stream! #alternativerock #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #electronicrock #musicvideo #musician #anothernumber #hijirr

January 5, 2024

NEW music video for "Another Number". Check it out on YOUTUBE and queue up the streaming release! https://youtu.be/eg2ZNzBaGgQ #alternativerock #alternativerockmusic #electronicmusic #electronicrock #musicvideo #musician #anothernumber #hijirr

December 25, 2023

Loving the Donner Hush-X on Xmas Day. Also, the blasphemy of me not having removed the tag or plastic film on the pickups! #guitar

June 6, 2023

I'm live on Meta's Threads now. Follow my online profile.

June 2, 2023

"Dark as You" and its remixes are now available for streaming on all platforms.

May 19, 2023

"Shine Alive" and its remixes are now streaming on all platforms.

October 25, 2022

HIji is now HIji RR.

September 6, 2006

Relief. That's the best way I can describe how I'm feeling right now. I just got done entirely reworking a track... AFTER I THOUGHT I HAD FINISHED IT. I can't tell how incredibly frustrating, yet delighted I feel - I guess it equals out to relief. Let me explain. I've had this track "FF" (codename) that I've been working on. It was supposed to be a slow, calm and sensitive song, but I really couldn't make it work. I got it to the point of being all those things, but someone, the mood just didn't fit my voice. Even though it was done, I felt that it could ruin the album -- whether it ultimately would or wouldn't would be hard for me to tell right now since I'm in the middle of everything, but as it stood, my gut told me that it wasn't going to fit. Though, I loved the melody, the beat, but the mood/ energy wasn't there. So, in a panic frenzy I spent the latter part of the weekend reworking it - starting with the bridge. That came first, and I felt something: a shred of mystery overcast by that tingling feeling inside. Whenever this happens, I know I'm on to something. So, I kept at it ... going to sleep at 2:30AM and waking up the next morning at 8:45am to keep working. By the time I was done, the track was reworked (albeit with rough performances that need to be cleaned up), and the end result is the complete opposite of what I was going for, and it works! It is rocking, emotional, and all the while, the melody is still there. I don't know what it is or sometimes why I don't listen to myself. I spent months trying to get this track to work, and I was just trying to make it something that its not. When that happens, things don't work. And, I SHOULD NEVER DO THAT, but I'm too stubborn sometimes, and in those occasions, I have to fall in order to learn. So, this time I around, I followed my emotions (and that tingling feeling), and basically let the track take a life of its own, and in the end, it just works! So, for me, this spells relief. This track has been holding me back, and now I feeling comfortable moving on to other tracks with more dedication. Peace.

August 7, 2006

Go watch this movie: An Inconvenient Truth. I knew that global warming was happening, but until I had seen this movie, I wasn't convinced that we played a large role in it.

June 15, 2006

So... What makes a good song? I ask myself that very same question every time I work on a song from the in-progress album. As you know already, I have already reworked individual songs several times. I do this to the point that I am happy with them. But, how do I know when to rework it? Well, I will "complete" it - at least I think I do -, and in these situations, I tend to feel that something is off or is missing. So, then I end up redoing it. Sometimes from scratch, and other times, reworking certain elements. I know the song is right when I listen to it, and I "feel" something and I find myself listening to it over and over again. I know... it must be very difficult for you to understand or feel what I am feeling when working on these songs considering you haven't heard any of it, and it's killing me not having it done, but it's killing me more not being able to share it with you. I could share individual songs, but really, I want to present it all as one nice package. And, I will be happy when that happens, but it's not happening today, tomorrow, or even in the next couple of months. Hopefully, by the end of this year. Thanks.

March 10, 2006

Let me talk a little bit about the drum tracks. As has been done thus far with previous albums, I'm not using live drums. There's a couple of reasons for this. The first is that I have a goal to do the next album entirely on my own - like the first album, but contrary to the last two where I had peeps come in to contribute. (Believe me, I had to turn away EXTREMELY talented musicians who asked if they could participate, but I had to stick to my goal.) So, not knowing how to play the drums myself (yet), I looked once again to produce drums tracks through a computer. Do I use a drum machine? No. That's where I'm going with this. Tracks have always been written from the ground up; with the exception of perhaps one remix, I've never used a pre-written pattern and loop. So, every note you hear on a drum track - from the kick drum to the tom-tom to the high hats - has come out from my head. Again, no preset loops or patterns were used. That said, I'm beginning to realize that I tend to write drum tracks that sound like a four-armed android with soul playing the drum set.

January 29, 2006

So, why is it taking so long? I don't remember if I answered this beforehand (and I'm not up looking around to see if I have), but I suppose I'm being extremely picky. I'm not like other musicians where a really good song can be created in a short amount of time. In most of my experiences, I end up honing or completely rewriting parts or an entire song before it ends up where I want it to be. For example, I may end up writing a song, recording all the instruments, and then it comes time to record the vocals. I put down a couple of test tracks for the vocals, and guess what? They suck. Not necessarily because of my vocal abilities, but more so in the ways of how the vocal melody is written or the emotion I'm putting into them. Maybe it could have been that it was a fun vocal to sing, but it doesn't sound good on "tape." So, I try to work with it. If I can't get it right or don't feel anything in the end, that usually means the line is not going to work. So, I try to rewrite the vocal melody. Sometimes, that solution works, and its magic. If it doesn't, that means there's something more serious at hand that I have to fix, and the solution could either involve rewriting and rerecording (which is a challenge in itself) certain instruments or ... the big doozie of them all ... rewriting the entire song so everything fits together just fine. Mind the situation, it all feeds off of creative energy (inspiration and drive) for any of this to happen, and these days, that's a rarity that only appears when it feels like it. (So, I have to wait for it to come around.) Before you know it, I've restarted an entire song when, just previously, I was 90% of the way there. Now, imagine having to go through this 3-5 with each song, and if you think about it, there is typically 9-14 songs on an album. So, that's why it takes so long.

January 24, 2006

My head hurts and my ears are tired. OUCH! I'm trying to mix down a song right now, and I'm hoping that I have the right mix down. It's one of those songs that sounds good, but has to be spot on with the balance of instruments and vox. Or, maybe I'm just being too picky. I don't want to rush any of the songs, but I can't stand working on one for too long before I becoming too subjective and too critical, and I could end up mucking it up.

November 4, 2005

Well, it's been awhile since my last entry. What have I been up to? It's really hard to pin an answer on that. Life, I suppose. Inevitably, that means I've fallen behind schedule on the album. BUT things have still progressed, but as a slower rate. The songs I have completed are ROCK SOLID. I just love them, and I listen to them over and over again, but then I have to remind myself, "Hey, you've still got other songs to finish." So, really, most of my time on the album has been spent fine tuning those other tracks. That said, I've finished another song, an instrument, which I think is really spot on. Now, I'm trying to finish another track. THIS track has been somewhat of thorn in my side. I've gone through several iterations of it ... so much that I've got two version as vastly different -- one being more pop oriented and one being very layered & album oriented. And, this last month or two, I've been jumping between the two... each time thinking I've run into a road block of growth. So, I jump to the other one, and then back to the other. I think I've finally settled on the non-pop version. It doesn't help that I had a COMPLETELY different version done months ago, and in the end, I wasn't happy with it. So, that was the original version which is now off the drawing board (which, in turn, was different from the original acoustic version I had created.) So, as you can tell, I've had this thorn to deal with. The great part, though, is that this thorn is coming from a lovely rose.

September 14, 2005

You thought I had forgotten, didn't you? Well, I haven't because I'm in it.

July 30, 2005

Before I forget, I'm jotting some notes down here for you guys & gals. Been working on and off on the new album. This month has been especially busy with other items in life; so, that's taken away from my time on the album. Don't fret... Since this last real message, another song has been completed, and I have been doing some pre-production work for the first video from this album. Now, I'm trying to do a lot of things simultaneously this time around -- not linearly. So, a lot of things that would normally be done AFTER the album are being done during the making of;for example, Mr. Del Geronimo has returned again to be the photographer taking the pics. As I already mentioned, I'm doing some pre-production work for the music video to accompany the first single. Now, before anybody jumps the gun, this doesn't mean the album will be done ASAP. I'm about 60% into it, but definitely on track. But, I want to get a lot of this other stuff done so I can concentrate fully on the album's release once it's done; again, this is opposite of 1) getting the album done and then 2) immediately jumping into "music video", "picture taking" or "remix" mode. I just want to appreciate that album is done when the time comes. With that said, I'm working on another track as I write this... Well, I'm taking a break to write this. This is more of a basic guitar, drum, bass, vocals song. No... it's not a traditional rock song as it has a good chorus, melody, etc. to it. I'm just letting ya know when instrumentation is being used. I wanted this song, at the very least, to be synth-less (well, minus the bass and drums!) Anyhow, I hope this all made sense to you. As you can tell, my brain is going about a million miles an hour. So much to think about, and i have to keep the candle burning....

July 9, 2005

Working away... Longer update soon.

May 31, 2005

Two months later, and here I am with another update. So, sorry for taking so long to write! Things have progressed nicely. It's just that I needed a break. Friends, family and a social life in general were paying the price so I could be secluded away to work on this album. Unfortunate as it is, that also plays a role in a vicious cycle as I need to keep active with other things to keep the creative juices flowing. (In other words, working on the album had made me anti-social, but being anti-social drys up the creative juices.) Good news is that I feel recharged and ready to get back into the swing of things. The album is about 45% done... which is very good progress; so, I'm on track. Best of all, the new songs sound great! Some of the best stuff I've ever put together. Stay tuned...

March 31, 2005

One more song down. It took me a little longer than I thought it would. Compared to the other tracks done so far, this one is more quiet, subtle, and personal. So, it needed that extra detail, and its worth it because I think the track came out beautifully. My plan now is to go back to those initial 3 songs, and fix a few vocal things that are driving me nutz -- think of this in the same light as "pickup shots" for movies. It shouldn't be a whole lot of work; maybe, a day or two. Then, I can get back to working on some new trax. In other news, I've been juggling a remix I've been working on for the Mystechs; they've got some spunk - so, make sure to visit their site. In any case, I'm liking how the remix is turning out.

March 6, 2005

Hi again. Three songs down... many more to go. Progress is being made on the next album. Some of the production is a pain in the ass with having to redo vox or guitar parts over and over and over and over and over until I get it the way they need to sound good. Of course, the payoff is a good song in the end. Essentially, things are sounding good, but I'll leave it at that. :) In other news, you have undoubtedly noticed a site blackout that began on February 25th. This is to wind things down from the old into more of a state of neutralness so you will be ready for the good things to come in the next phase. L8s.

January 20, 2005

Here's a quick update. I've been working hard at finishing the first song for the new album; think Massive Attack meets The Killingtons. Yeah, it's a wierd combo if you're familiar with those bands. Anyhow, I'm really working hard on this, but trying to take a simpler route overall with the music... I mean, with "Soul Rift", that was such a big monolithic thing... I've done that... been there. Now, I'm concentrating on the basics of the song. "Does this guitar part fit here? Or would it world better there? Does the vocal sound better this way or that way? What makes the song sound best?" I think you get the idea. Once I get this song done, I look forward to having it be the first milestone in the development of this album. Everything is written... now, I'm in production mode. Back to work... Thanks for sticking around. Talk to you soon.

November 2, 2002

The "Plastic Metal" music video is out! Click here to watch it.

October 22, 2002

Some people just don't get my music. Click HERE to read my latest statement.

September 29, 2002

Masochist Halo is now known as M-Halo.

September 15, 2002

Haven't read the Soul Rift album reviews? No worries as I've just put them all up! Click here.

September 12, 2002

The "Plastic Metal" single is out! Download the MP3s now! The single features guitarist Steve Corral. Included on the single are remixes by Adrian Johnson of Rustcycle and Jimi Bartlett of Fixture.

September 11, 2002

[Image of American flag waving]

August 25, 2002

Added in the Newsletter Archives into the about section. Updated the messageboard.

August 19, 2002

Artwork and video credits are up for the "Plastic Metal" single! Read up before the audio and video singles are released! Shooting for the "Plastic Metal" video wrapped up this past weekend. Cheers and many thanks to all those involved. The project has now moved into the editing/post-production phase. I'll keep ya posted. Fans of the vocalist featured on the track "Synthesize My Love" off of the Soul Rift album (good ole Hillary!) can visit her newly launched site by clicking here or by going to http://www.hillarybeth.com. As a side note, the site was designed and built by me.

August 16, 2002

The next single from "Soul Rift" will be the electronica-metal "Plastic Metal" track featuring Steve Corral on lead guitars -- included will be three remixes. A video is also in the works under the direction of Jeff Gottlieb of Video Penguin and director Armen Dilanchian. Stay tuned for more details!!! Last month's issue of Alternative Press (dated August) carried a 1/2 page ad -- take a peek around if you've got that issue! In the current Gothic Beauty magazine, there should be an ad in there as well -- I'm told there is a review of "Soul Rift" in there too, but I have yet to see the issue. ;) I've dropped the price of "Soul Rift" from $9.99 to $6.99!! London folk, you can pick up the album in Tower in the Picadilly Circus area. The live band is assembled. Now, we just need to find reasonably-priced rehearsal space!

July 26, 2002

Been on a little hiatus... New news in the works... Keep an eye and ear out!

May 24, 2002

CHAIN D.L.K. Reviews "Soul Rift" "The distorted guitars, vivid vocals and the dark synthpop atmospheres make SOUL RIFT his best record." says CHAIN D.L.K . Isn't it fantastic? It's another positive review that helps confirm that all the hard work I've put into the album is paying off. I believe in "Soul Rift" more now than ever!! "Soul Rift" in Las Vegas, baby! Las Vegas people can now buy "Soul Rift" at the Tower Records/ Good Guys on Sahara Avenue OR the CD Warehouse on Decatur Boulevard. So, between all the gambling, partying, and visiting of "gentleman's clubs", take the time to swing by one of the two shops to buy a copy. Everyone else can pick up a copy at their local Streetlight Records, Tower, CD Warehouse, Music For a Song, Amoeba OR Amazon.com.

May 11, 2002

Zero Magazine reviews "Soul Rift"! Here's a clip: "...definitely a nice change of pace from the same old, same old." Zero Magazine is a BIG bay area publication covering the rock scene of San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and Sacramento! Be sure to pick up the May-June issue featuring Skin Lab and Cannibal Corpse at your local record shop including Streetlight, CD Warehouse and Amoeba! Also, while flipping through the pages, keep an eye out for the 1/2 page advertisement!! Buying "Soul Rift" just got that much easier because now you pick it up via AMAZON.COM as well as Amoeba on Haight in San Francisco.

April 30, 2002

Audio samples of the metal-influenced "Plastic Metal" and melancholy "Backlash" are up! The Soul Rift album invades Tower Records in (Fresno, CA), Streetlight Records in (San Francisco, CA [Market St.]), and Ragin' Records in (Visalia, CA). Ragin' was the place I used to go to in high school to do my CD shopping. It also happens to be a part of Weezer history.

April 22, 2002

Additional "Soul Rift" clips are up: "Malicious" and "Mental Disease" (featuring William Jeske)! Click here to hear them!! The new album continues to get stocked in Northern California stores including CD Wherehouse, Tower Records, Streetlight Records and Music For a Song. Finally, read up on the bios for the Soul Rift collaborators: Hillary Bernstein, Steve Corral, and William Jeske.