Robotic Girl Next Door CoverRobotic Girl Next Door
Released in 2002, Robotic Girl Next Door was my first album signed to a record label.
I had done a handful of self-published releases at this time (Discogs), including two compilations.
Overall, this album was my most well-received work. I recall the post-creation feeling that I would never top it. So many elements conspired in its creation. From the timing and relative popularity of this style of music to me working a 4-day work week. I certainly have never topped its appeal to average listeners.
I had the audience, the time, the drive, and the know-how. The flower cover was a reference to this perfect timing and total synergy. A rare event of peaceful creativity. I was secure; nothing was bothering me; I was, for once, untroubled, not worried or striving, I just was, and I knew it.
A perennial favourite. Anyone who is into this type of music seems to like it.
Process
The album is made from three primary sound sources. My voice, a Nintendo, and loading files as raw audio data. Almost all of the synthesizer sounds on the album are just my voice cut down to single-cycle waveforms. Most of the percussion sounds are samples from Nintendo games.
I remember two innovations that occurred during the writing of this album.
1) I can't remember who said it or where I read it, but if you want to make your album sound "hi-fi," you must use stereo. While I think you can make good-sounding albums without a strong use of stereo, they will never evoke the same feeling of high fidelity.
2) At some point in the writing process of this album, melodic writing broke open for me. I could just write melody after melody with no issues, and I can still do that to this day. 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, bars I don't care I can write a melody to fit!
