Tent Sin Towards

I have no pretenses. Although I was once payed to play harmonica, I am a total amateur in all musical endeavors. This is not sophisticated songwriting. The two words I would use to describe my recording equipment are "cheap" and "cheesy". These tracks are demo quality at best. I even make several audible mistakes, and couldn't be bothered to correct them. By sharing my work with the world, I don't expect to make the cover of Rolling Stone, land a recording contract, or even hear back from anybody saying they love my songs.

I love my songs. I write and play music because I enjoy it. I record tunes to get them out of my head. I put them on my web site to share them with whomever wants them. There are no ulterior motives.

The modern music industry leaves a lot to be desired. File sharing may have been an exciting episode in subversion and I believe it led to an expansive appreciation of music, but its epoch has all but passed because illicit use of people's copyrighted product is not compatible with the way our economy works. Vent your dissatisfaction with the RIAA, who I've disdained since their unjust attacks on OLGA, but one organization doesn't corner the market on greed. I can get equally sickened with the sense of entitlement that has Don Henley believing his grandchildren should continue to reap financial benefits from the work he did thirty years ago.

Take it to the limit 27 more times...

To me, the single worst effect of the way we make a business of writing and performing songs is that, while record executives can repeatedly prop up arbitrary and mediocre talent with studio wizardry and extravagant publicity campaigns, the efforts of the average person responding to a primal desire to express himself and create pleasing sounds make him come off as a poseur to a public programmed by consumption. It's time to get naked and unashamed.

Obviously, mine is not a conventional album. It does not aim to earn your acclaim or open your wallet. Under the terms of the license, you are free to copy, distribute, or perform any of these songs free of charge. As with my open source software, I plan to make it a transparent and educational exercise, explaining in detail over time how I made music. Unlike a commercial album, I will release every single. Here's the next one:

Nothing on the Bottom

by Hilfiger Tout

I dedicate this number to Burak, B², and anybody else who has been there. Also available: a Swahili translation to my gospel example, available by verse, chapter, book, or file of LDIF updates.

This web site is a testament to individuality. You may not find what you want amid the content, but there are literally billions of other places to look on the web for satisfaction. What you won't find elsewhere is what's here. Enjoy, and have a Merry Christmas!