'Project_ X' online

9 MAY 2009:
'Project_X', my latest album has just gone online as a free download.
Split into 4 parts, it runs at just over 30 minutes, taking in all styles of music. Dub, Ambient electronica, Rock, Pop and Ballroom are mixed with instrumental soundscapes; artists from all over the world have contributed spoken word, lead vocals, arrangements, live drums, guitars, you name it. We even managed to pull off a 13 strong choir on part one!
It's FREE at www.nickhopkin.com to download where you can stream the audio and read about 'Project_X' in more detail.

Thanks.

Project_X Update

Well, all files are back from contributors all over the world; they range from people with commercial studios, to people who've aired their lungs into dictaphones, laptops and mp3 players. And it's all sounding fantastic.

I just have to edit a few bits of audio and place them, and then I'm at mixing stage. The website is half done and I've signed up with various networking sites. So come join me at Reverbnation, iSound, LastFm, Unsigned, Myspace, Virb, Purevolume and Facebook, and keep checking www.nickhopkin.com for news!

Join my mailing list to be the first to know...

Learning to Live.

I feel Alive. For the first time in a long time, I'm feeling peace within. I don't particularly enjoy getting up in the morning, but once up I love the sound of the birds, the warmth of the Spring sun. I'm enjoying where We live, in fact, I love it. I'm expressing myself creatively, and enjoying home life.

Project_X is still a labour of love. Contributions are starting to come back, and other files are being sent out for collaboration. Just part 4 to write and record, then the basic structure will be all complete. Just all files to edit, then a mix...!

I predict it'll be ready for the summer, by the time all the artwork and the website is done. But it ain't half exciting!

Learning to live again.

Project_X Update

I'm staring to get sections back from contributors and so far everything sounds great!

I'm building a choir for one short section, hoping to get as many people as I can singing the chorus. If you fancy joining in, contact me - nick at nickhopkin dot com - and i'll send you a link to some files to download. Look forward to your contribution.

That's about it on the news front. Over and out.

PROJECT_X

Ok, so I've been a bit slack on the blog front but very busy. Christmas and the flu have passed now, so it's on to decorating all the bedrooms in the house. Exhaustion kicking in now after one room, and surrounded by chaos.

Musically, 'Project_x' (working title) is taking shape. It's a big project I started in late November, with the idea of writing a long piece of music incorpoating lots of styles and involving lots of musical people I know. So far I have 2 parts written, which run at 25 minutes, taking in ambient electronica, dub, heavy rock, ballroom and spoken word, with soundscapes built from odd noises and homemade samples as well as live musicians.I have contributors from Brighton UK, Ireland, Mexico and Russia so far, with more collaborators in the pipeline. It's coming together really well and starting to sound great.

When complete it will be available online for free with artwork.

Watch this space... email me if you want to get involved.

November 2008...

So what's new?
Lots. I got married. We've got another baby on the way. I'm under the care of a new Doctor, Dr. F, who so far not only gives a shit but I also leave his 'mood clinic' feeling positive about the future. This is good. I've taken part in some research into Bipolar Disorder being carried out by Cardiff and Birmingham Universities. They're studying the genetics and possible influence on mood disorders. I've been working on a big musical project which has been writing itself; I'm planning to include lots of friends playing various instruments and singing. If I haven't asked you and you want in, then email me.

Been listening to the new NIN album, 'The Slip', which is available as a free download at www.nin.com. And Travis/DJ AM's 'Fix your face' album , also downloadable free on their myspace page. Eighties Matchbox are touring in Dec and should have some new songs out soon.

Re-discovered Murphy's stout. Still enjoying Laphroaig whiskey.

Drums, new music and wobbles.

Waking up most days and feeling like crying for no particular reason suggests that I may be hitting a depression. It's usual for this time of year but still unnerving. I hate feeling like this, on the edge. It's not too serious yet, I'm aware of it, but feel completely exhausted constantly and fairly wobbly in general. I'm still feeling calm within myself and am enjoying our new surroundings as much as the day we moved here. I still love watching the buzzards surf the air above the mountains to the back of our house.

Musically I've been really creative, with lots of new ideas flying out of my brain. I finished some collaborations and remixes with/for people which are over on my music page for free. I've been exchanging files with people re. finishing some other songs and am planning a big collective collaborative project. Drop me a mail if you fancy getting involved.

This month has seen me rediscovering my love of drums. I've been trying to date an old Premier red sparkle kit I've had since I was a teenager. It's in pieces and in need of lots of repair. So far I've placed the snare drum as a 1966/67 Royal Ace, and some of the other drums fit this period, others don't! There's info and pics of old Premier kits here.

Our wedding plans are all together with just a week to go. We found a suit to fit Daddy Long Legs and even tracked down a yellow tie to match my hair. So all systems go for 1st November.

I finally finished 'Cash', the book, and now plan to finish the Joe Meek book I started earlier this year. I've made contact with my new CMHT, which was the most positive meeting I've had in years. Thankyou Steve. I have an appointment at the 'Mood Clinic' next week, so will have to start posting more about progress there.

That's it for now. Thanks for reading.