Postcards from a Past life - Free Debut E.P.!
 
Another year has come and gone, a great time to take a look back and take stock of what has been achieved and make plans for improvement in the new year.  In general it was a very productive year here, in some cases despite setbacks and problems.  But things were taken in a couple of new directions and all indications seem to be that this was the right move.  Here's a quick recap of what happened:

- Paul E. Phonics was introduced and a series of demos were put online.  Feedback was pretty good so everything seemed to be right on track.  Work began on a debut E.P.
- As more time and attention was given to Paul E. Phonics the amount of time and energy left for Fine Print Pariah diminished and it was clear that a choice would soon have to be made.
- By early May the debut E.P. from Paul E. Phonics looked like it was ready to go and the release date of June 1, 2010 was set.  This was obviously a premature decision and a few setbacks in the final stages of production forced the re-sheduling of the release to June 15, 2010.
- The Shock & Awe E.P. was released and shortly after 5th Estate Music was profiled on a major German music blog, Schallgrenzen.de
- An important goal was to have some sort of release show and arrangements were made with a local record store to do this in mid-June.  This date had to be re-scheduled at the last minute due to a conflict with the store owner's schedule.
- The show was re-scheduled for mid-July but was cancelled yet again at the last minute due to the owner of the store taking ill.
- The release show was re-scheduled again and finally took place on Sept. 4 but was only a minimal success considering that the release was long past, the promotional effect of the Schallgrenzen review had long worn off and people were basically tired of going out after a very long World Cup.  At least that was my take on it.  But it was a lot of fun and the performance was good even if I do say so myself.
- Work continued on a follow up E.P. with the goal of getting it out before the end of the year.
- In October it was obvious that Fine Print Pariah didn't really fit into the grand scheme anymore and the decision was made to put the project on "permanent hiatus".
- In November a project I had in mind for a long time finally was made real and "Union Of Resonance" was launched.  Four installments were completed with many more to come in 2011.
- Also in November I was contacted by Lee Crisman of Pluto Radio and asked to do some hosting.  I figured this would be a one time only thing but it has worked into a regular gig with more to come in 2011.
- And finally, although it went right down to the wire (and to be honest, there were many times when I thought it wouldn't happen) the second E.P. "The Chameleon" was released on Dec. 16.

So as you can see, it has been quite an eventful year here.  I'm definitely looking forward to the holidays for a bit of r & r and a chance to get organized before the start of what should prove to be an even more eventful year for 5th Estate Music.  Expect more music from Paul E. Phonics, more random creativity on Union Of Resonance and, if everything works out, a brand new project!

Happy Holidays and all the best in 2011!


Add Comment
 
Evolve, evolve! 08/04/2010
 
Motivated to check in here again and bring things up to date a bit.  The summer here has been so fantastic and things are looking up so it is a good time to write a bit and put it all in perspective.

The first thing to announce is the new date for the Paul E. Phonics release show.  After the first date was re-scheduled and the seconed cancelled at the last minute a third attempt will be made on Sept. 4, 2010.  Third time is a charm as they say!

Work has also begun on a follow-up E.P. and if all goes well that will be released before the end of the year.  You can also look forward to a few more live shows from Paul E. Phonics in 2010, dates coming soon.

On a slightly sombre note, the future of Fine Print Pariah is pretty uncertain at the moment.  The majority of energy and resources here are being poured into Paul E. Phonics right now which hasn't left much time for getting a live band into shape.  But you never know what will happen, perhaps FPP will be rejuvenated in some way, perhaps in a slightly different form and with a slightly different sound.  We'll see how things go.

And things are evolving in other directions here too.  A brand new project is in the works and will be introduced in a few months, the third addition - or dimension - to 5th Estate Music. Exactly what form this new project will take is not yet clear but it will be more than just music.  The goal is for this to be an onging "work in progress" with frequent output outside the traditional restraints of  "albums" or "E.P." (or "singles" for that matter).

So that's it.  Lot's going on here behind the scenes that will be out there for all to see, hear and experience this autumn.   Stay tuned!
Add Comment