In today's episode, I'm building on what I started discussing last week as I continue to make a dark synth track to accompany one of the many hunting scenes in The Thirteenth Hour prequel, A Shadow in the Moonlight, about a cursed hunter who has to spend eternity hunting an enchanted deer.  

I've wanted to learn to use a desktop based DAW to make and edit music so am using this track as a way to do that.  I've settled on the free web-based program Bandlab, which is supposedly the easiest one to start using, though I will say that I have found none of the ones I have tried intuitive or especially user friendly.  That said, connecting a keyboard to the computer has helped a great deal, and I expect that the initially hassle will have longer term payoffs in terms of flexibility and range of tools at my fingertips when making new tracks than I would have doing it all analog.  So, I'm trying to not throw my hands up in frustration and go back to what I know since the whole point was to learn how to use a DAW in order to make this track.

In addition, I have been experimenting with another digital tool called Nauk Nauk to make short videos of the toys I've made.  The app is basically generative AI specific to action figures and making them move.  I'm not super for or against this kind of technology, and while I touch on some of the operational pros and cons of using this kind of tech (at least from what I can see), this is one I can get behind.  Who doesn't want to see their toys come to life? Especially ones you've made!  Case in point - this one of Beverly Switzler is my favorite so far: https://www.tiktok.com/@13thhr/video/7547184629434813710?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7547583918360708621

Thanks for listening!

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Once Upon a Dream, the second Thirteenth Hour soundtrack, is now out in digital form and on CD!  

It is out on most major streaming services such as Bandcamp, Spotify, and YouTube Music.  (If you have no preference, I recommend Bandcamp since there is a bonus track there and you will eventually be able to find tapes and special editions of the album there as well.)  The CDs are out now!

-Check out the pixelart music videos that are out so far from the album:

-->Logan's Sunrise Workout: www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7SM1RgsLiM

-->Forward: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9VgILr1TDc

-->Nightsky Stargazing: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S0p3jKRTBo

-->Aurora's Rainy Day Mix: https://youtu.be/zwqPmypBysk

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

•  Signup for the mailing list for a free special edition podcast, a demo copy of The Thirteenth Hour, and access to retro 80s soundtrack!
• Like what you see or hear? Consider supporting the show over at Thirteenth Hour Arts on Patreon or adding to my virtual tip jar over at Ko-fi.
• Join the Thirteenth Hour Arts Group over on Facebook, a growing community of creative people.
• Have this podcast conveniently delivered to you each week on Spotify,  iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, Tunein, and Googleplay Music.
• Follow The Thirteenth Hour’s Instagram pages: @the13thhr for your random postings on ninjas, martial arts, archery, flips, breakdancing, fantasy art and and @the13thhr.ost for more 80s music, movies, and songs from The Thirteenth Hour books and soundtrack.
• Listen to Long Ago Not So Far Away, the Thirteenth Hour soundtrack online at: https://joshuablum.bandcamp.com/ or Spotify.  Join the mailing list for a digital free copy.  You can also get it on CD or tape.
• Website: https://13thhr.wordpress.com
• Book trailer: http://bit.ly/1VhJhXY
• Interested in reading and reviewing The Thirteenth Hour for a free book?  Just email me at writejoshuablum@gmail.com for more details!