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Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread

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Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-02-14 17:12:16


At 2/12/25 12:51 PM, Cyberdevil wrote:Heeey some Swedish furnishing for the studio too! XD Cool to hear; looking forward to seeing that cover! For sure, tis fun to be along for the ride, to greatness and vibe!


Indeed indeed! Lots of IKEA stuff in this house now XD Pencilling all done for that cover now too. Time to start on pens and final shading next week I recon :)


Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

BBS Signature

Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-03 11:51:17


March 2025 Patreon & News Post: Better Than The Book and studio build updates, "Is This What We Want?" collaborative "silent" album protesting UK A.I. laws, more videos + more!


Hi everyone and hope you're having a great start to spring. It's been a super busy month over here with some trips in between working frantically to get this Better Than The Book album ready for release (more on that in a moment), and getting the studio set up too (also more on that in a moment). More news to share along with some more videos as usual so let's get to it!


First of all an update on how Better Than The Book's upcoming album preparations are going! It's been much slower than I'd hoped for many reasons but things are getting there (It's a HUGE project). Album credits are mostly drafted up along with the finalised lyric sheets on Bandcamp and the artwork is well on the way to completion too! As it stands all the final penciling is finished, all the final line-work penning is done too, and it's just some shading, clean-up and lettering left to take care of before it's time to take it to the scanner. After that there'll be some cropping and digital clean-up to do and very thankfully, my twin Eamon has lent me one of his old graphics tablets to help with that. Thanks Eamon! I'm sure this'll make things much easier than my usual mouse clean-up. I cannot wait to share this artwork with you as much like the audio, I think it's my best yet (certainly from an attention to detail point of view) and is going to blow your socks off! If you're $10 Patreon supporter though, you've got a sneak peek collection of work in progress, non-draft artwork photos to look forward to this time. Hope you enjoy it!


Next up on the news, some more studio updates. Again this has been slow progress for many reasons including ordering a flat packed shelf but finding a piece missing and then having to wait an extra 2 weeks for this tiny part to arrive to finish it... With that finally sorted though, the studio is now well equipped with a load of shelves at the back filled with vinyls, CDs, Magazines, charms, files/admin stuff, art supplies, tools, spare parts, manga and more! Next up will be to sort the final few acoustic tiles so I can get this room fully treated and calibrated! I'm playing around a bit with stands too for all the instruments to be effectively out on display and ready to use (while taking up as little room as possible) but that's proving a little difficult at the moment... I'll get to it when I can (Better Than The Book artwork is top priority at the moment)! On top of that after a visit down south to the overwhelmingly generous Martin (who I'm really not sure where I'd be musically without), I have now finally (after almost a decade living without one) acquired a full 88note (controller) keyboard again, as he had recently upgraded his own and wanted his old one to go to a good new home. It's been amazing to finally be able to play piano with the fully compass of the keyboard again, and after some catch-up practice I'm positive I'll be recording some proper piano compositions again very soon! Oh and before anyone asks, no piano and organ are not the same. They're more akin to a spoon and a fork (for lack of a better analogy). Fun times a'commin'!


Next and an interesting piece of news which I think everyone should know about, especially those of you making ANY creative content (artwork, music, writing, etc...) in the UK specifically. In February, myself and over 1000 musicians jointly released a "silent" album title "Is This What We Want?" to protest the UK government's planned changes to copyright law, which would essentially hand the life's work of the country's musicians (and more) to AI companies for free, without compensation, consent, or any real framework implemented to opt out. Not only are they stealing from musicians and artist as above, but they're using our work and passion to train models which aim to replace us. This is unacceptable.


"Is This What We Want?" is an album of recordings of empty studios, which is a stark illustration of the impact it'll have on the music industry and musicians if the government's plans go ahead. You can listen to and read all about it here and all profits from the album will be donated to a musician's charity. You can also see a list of all the "contributors" to the album where I'm listed as Jabun alongside such musicians as Damon Albarn, Imogen Heap, Hans Zimmer and many more people. On a side note, if you're into field recordings and ambient sounds, it's actually a very cool album musically (though harrowing). Here's to hoping it gets the message across to the UK Government:


iu_1362558_1338520.webp


https://www.isthiswhatwewant.com/


Track list:

1) The

2) British

3) Government

4) Must

5) Not

6) Legalise

7) Music

8) Theft

9) To

10) Benefit

11) AI

12) Companies


Finally for this months news it's the usual video round up! I didn't actually meet my recording target (again) last month, and with this April marking a full 2 years of releasing 2 video a week consistently and without break, I'll be announcing a reduction / step back from "content creation" after that 2 year mark. Details to come, but in the mean time here's the update playlist and a list of the latest additions:



https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWEmqIhrNPvQTBoOjZdKLgL4ecTvLz6sm


  • New Studio Part 4: IT'S ALL HERE
  • Jazz Bass Series Parallel Mod Tone Test
  • Testing Guitar with Ashdown Bass amp
  • The Seeker - The Who Guitar & Vocal Cover (Rush Feedback)
  • Crunch guitar tone on Ashdown Bass amp
  • Cleaner guitar tone on Ashdown Bass amp
  • Messy Combo Organ Jams through my Ashdown Bass amp
  • Combo organ through Leslie AND Bass amp at the same time!


This coming month we're back to some slide guitar and alternative tunings, playing some bass with the whammy pedal, and more! Hope you're looking forward to it!


That about wraps things up for this post! I'll be trying to finish the artwork for Better Than The Book's upcoming album soon which also means the second single will be due very soon too! On top of that there's a tonne of stuff still to do setting up the studio, as well as admin to prep for the BTTB album release. No shortage of busy times at the moment, but exciting stuff to come soon! Until then, thanks as always for supporting my music and more however you can and hope you enjoy what's to come! Take care!


$1 Rewards: https://www.patreon.com/posts/123307878

$10 Rewards: https://www.patreon.com/posts/123216355

Reward Archives: https://www.patreon.com/posts/50344842

Find out more: https://www.patreon.com/NickStanding


Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

BBS Signature

Had not heard about the UK government's planned changes to copyright law at all, sounds pretty draconian; definitely hope this (and reasoning, common sense, etc etc) puts a stop to such folly... but what an awesome collaborative artist initiative to be involved in! Curious what the process contributing to that was like? Does everyone play a part in the audio, or is it more so a list of names + a smaller assortment of individual studios?


Either way very cool... definitely did not expect to see you share in the production of a creative musical score with legends like Hans Zimmer this month!!! *mind blown*


Somewhat dwarves other ongoing news here but: looking forward to that big album reveal too; all good news overall!


BBS Signature

Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-04 18:40:49


At 3/4/25 12:00 PM, Cyberdevil wrote:Had not heard about the UK government's planned changes to copyright law at all, sounds pretty draconian; definitely hope this (and reasoning, common sense, etc etc) puts a stop to such folly... but what an awesome collaborative artist initiative to be involved in! Curious what the process contributing to that was like? Does everyone play a part in the audio, or is it more so a list of names + a smaller assortment of individual studios? Either way very cool... definitely did not expect to see you share in the production of a creative musical score with legends like Hans Zimmer this month!!! *mind blown* Somewhat dwarves other ongoing news here but: looking forward to that big album reveal too; all good news overall!


Yeah things are pretty dire at the moment, and it kind of undermines the whole point of copyright in the first place so I really hope it gets the message across well. Unfortunately yeah, my contribution was just a name in the credits (and I could only pick one name to be listed as rather than have Better Than The Book separately). I'm not actually sure which artists contributed to the recordings. I think one of the points was that it was supposed to be anonymous in a sense, though there are rumours that Kate Bush was involved. I imagine the logistics of having to collate over a thousand contributed records (and in such a short time to get it out quick enough to protest) would be a nightmare so just having my name in there amongst some of the greats is a real honour :)


I actually heard about the protest through one of my rights organisations, either PRS or PPL, and all I needed to do was to send an email the organiser showing my support and requesting to be a part of it by adding my name. On a separate mass organised protest though, I did write a letter to my current local MP about the issue asking for fairer treatment of creatives regards UK A.I. Legislation. Gotta do my part :)


Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

BBS Signature

At 3/4/25 06:40 PM, Jabun wrote:Yeah things are pretty dire at the moment, and it kind of undermines the whole point of copyright in the first place so I really hope it gets the message across well. Unfortunately yeah, my contribution was just a name in the credits (and I could only pick one name to be listed as rather than have Better Than The Book separately). I'm not actually sure which artists contributed to the recordings. I think one of the points was that it was supposed to be anonymous in a sense, though there are rumours that Kate Bush was involved. I imagine the logistics of having to collate over a thousand contributed records (and in such a short time to get it out quick enough to protest) would be a nightmare so just having my name in there amongst some of the greats is a real honour :)


Trying to discern differences in studio ambience between tracks made me wonder if it was actually just the single studio for all, they seemed pretty alike, though that seems unlikely. How many studios actually had their cameo here very cool. Definitely would've been a gargantuan task to include everyone...


I actually heard about the protest through one of my rights organisations, either PRS or PPL, and all I needed to do was to send an email the organiser showing my support and requesting to be a part of it by adding my name. On a separate mass organised protest though, I did write a letter to my current local MP about the issue asking for fairer treatment of creatives regards UK A.I. Legislation. Gotta do my part :)


Oh if it was PPL I might've gotten that send-out too, ought read those a bit more carefully! Nicely done with the letter too, do hope they stop this.


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Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-06 18:32:52


At 3/6/25 01:09 PM, Cyberdevil wrote:Trying to discern differences in studio ambience between tracks made me wonder if it was actually just the single studio for all, they seemed pretty alike, though that seems unlikely. How many studios actually had their cameo here very cool. Definitely would've been a gargantuan task to include everyone...


I definitely felt some differences in the "room tone" between all the tracks. If not each track being a completely different studio then potentially different rooms in the same big studio for some tracks at least though? :)


Oh if it was PPL I might've gotten that send-out too, ought read those a bit more carefully! Nicely done with the letter too, do hope they stop this.


Maybe! I don't usually read in detail but I do have a skim through rather than just delete them XD It may or may not have included you since you're technically not a UK artist? Yup Hopefully something good comes out of it. At this point I don't think there's any stopping generative A.I. content (for better or worse), but at least I hope them make it fairer for the creators they're training from and the artists who have essentially built the framework for their existence.


Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

BBS Signature

At 3/6/25 06:32 PM, Jabun wrote:I definitely felt some differences in the "room tone" between all the tracks. If not each track being a completely different studio then potentially different rooms in the same big studio for some tracks at least though? :)


Mmm that could be. I'm sure you pick up much more nuance than I do here too, though admittedly I skimmed a little, haven't yet (not sure if I will, though it would be an easy type of album to have in the background) listened in full...


Maybe! I don't usually read in detail but I do have a skim through rather than just delete them XD It may or may not have included you since you're technically not a UK artist? Yup Hopefully something good comes out of it. At this point I don't think there's any stopping generative A.I. content (for better or worse), but at least I hope them make it fairer for the creators they're training from and the artists who have essentially built the framework for their existence.


Was thinking as I wrote that maybe inclusion was reserved for registered UK artists regardless, it'd make sense if it was. :) I did read through 'em newsletters initially, the pace and quantities of various send-out's as such has increased a bit much alas, I don't read most I'm not so affiliated with now, only if a title piques my interest. And probably do miss some good things.


Yeah, I hope so. I'm having a wavering time embracing chatGPT (and the like) in daily dues and work myself, it can be a great assistant, but it also somehow feels just wrong to start relying on/help grow a technology that may eventually overtake my skillsets entirely... in computer-related work I wonder if it's just an inevitability, like being able to Google something when you need more information, it seems like it'll become a part of everyday processes whether we want it to or not, and so it may be best make the most of it. But still.


Music and more animated media though, that seems a potentially very different field, I wonder how much AI and human will intermingle, if it'll seep into all production tools as well as the medium itself, or finally be regulated; limited to certain areas of said work...


Maybe it won't, but ultimately there really is something special in all art that's human. Like why are acoustic performances always the most gripping ones? Feels like even if AI masters the 'craft' it oughtn't be able to really encompass the 'spirit' of it. Or if it somehow still does, the fact that it's AI will allow less connection anyway, music's a very human thing...


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Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-10 11:25:45


At 3/8/25 12:42 PM, Cyberdevil wrote:Mmm that could be. I'm sure you pick up much more nuance than I do here too, though admittedly I skimmed a little, haven't yet (not sure if I will, though it would be an easy type of album to have in the background) listened in full...


It's worth a listen, and indeed, easy to lose that 50minutes in background vibes while working :)


Was thinking as I wrote that maybe inclusion was reserved for registered UK artists regardless, it'd make sense if it was. :) I did read through 'em newsletters initially, the pace and quantities of various send-out's as such has increased a bit much alas, I don't read most I'm not so affiliated with now, only if a title piques my interest. And probably do miss some good things.


I know the feeling re the the abundance of newsletters. Mostly a skimmer myself too, occasionally unsubscribe to those less relevant now (if they've made it easy to do so)


Yeah, I hope so. I'm having a wavering time embracing chatGPT (and the like) in daily dues and work myself, it can be a great assistant, but it also somehow feels just wrong to start relying on/help grow a technology that may eventually overtake my skillsets entirely... in computer-related work I wonder if it's just an inevitability, like being able to Google something when you need more information, it seems like it'll become a part of everyday processes whether we want it to or not, and so it may be best make the most of it. But still. Music and more animated media though, that seems a potentially very different field, I wonder how much AI and human will intermingle, if it'll seep into all production tools as well as the medium itself, or finally be regulated; limited to certain areas of said work...


I really do think there are some great uses for A.I. but it seems we're generally focused on so the (IMO) not so great uses for it like replacing creativity or creative skill. There's a lot that can be said about the "Google Generation" who basically has the world's knowledge at their fingertips in their pocket, but I do feal that maybe in these latest developments, rather than replacing factual knowledge will be replacing skillsets, like the creative arts or programming, especially in the digitally recorded media.


Maybe it won't, but ultimately there really is something special in all art that's human. Like why are acoustic performances always the most gripping ones? Feels like even if AI masters the 'craft' it oughtn't be able to really encompass the 'spirit' of it. Or if it somehow still does, the fact that it's AI will allow less connection anyway, music's a very human thing...


It's crazy what even non-a.i. corrections etc... can do in a "live" performance situation. I agree with what you said that indeed those unplugged and intimate performances, or those handdrawn / painted pictures can be the most captivating. Spirit is subjective I guess? What is "art" anyway? XD I do feel it's a very human thing though, at least the enjoying of it should remain that way :)


Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

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At 3/10/25 11:25 AM, Jabun wrote:It's worth a listen, and indeed, easy to lose that 50minutes in background vibes while working :)


I suppose I shall pause my endless queue of background podcasts; try this instead a while, good to know. :)


I know the feeling re the the abundance of newsletters. Mostly a skimmer myself too, occasionally unsubscribe to those less relevant now (if they've made it easy to do so)


Indeed, occasionally I hit a breaking point and go on a purge of unnecessary newsletters too. XD Slowly but surely they somehow start adding up again... some I wonder if I haven't unsubscribed from already, it's like they just pause a while and then decide to add you back in again...


I really do think there are some great uses for A.I. but it seems we're generally focused on so the (IMO) not so great uses for it like replacing creativity or creative skill. There's a lot that can be said about the "Google Generation" who basically has the world's knowledge at their fingertips in their pocket, but I do feal that maybe in these latest developments, rather than replacing factual knowledge will be replacing skillsets, like the creative arts or programming, especially in the digitally recorded media.


Indeed. The question I ponder in my case too I think is: what defines a creative skill? Webdesign work for example relies on a lot of structural programming that AI's great with too, but if it helps with a part of it, then it replaces a part of your skillset as well, and it seems similar to the structural help you could get in other areas. Like surely noise removal isn't a creative skill, so if you just use AI for that. But start with one thing and it's easy to get into more, I imagine when there's pressure on the business it's all too easy to start getting assistance with more and more things in the realm of production, or in aspects of drawing, or in adding in keyframes to smooth existing animation, there are so many productive little steps that could ultimately end up entirely dehumanizing any artform out there, and ultimately they are all a business, so if some are willing to use AI and some arten't, it'll be increasingly difficult for those who don't compromise with any aspects of what they do to compete. I'm not sure where the line between 'help' and 'replacement' really goes.


Yeah, information's been the selling-point for a while now, maybe that's shifting, maybe the big market really is functionality now. We have the info, we just have to find better and better ways of processing and using it.


It's crazy what even non-a.i. corrections etc... can do in a "live" performance situation. I agree with what you said that indeed those unplugged and intimate performances, or those handdrawn / painted pictures can be the most captivating. Spirit is subjective I guess? What is "art" anyway? XD I do feel it's a very human thing though, at least the enjoying of it should remain that way :)


In the case of music, I was listening to this podcast recently with Smashing Pumpkins singer, where he correlated to the emotions in a performance to the frequencies used. That basically some singers are just so much better at drawing on frequencies that correlate to certain emotions, like there are frequencies you associate with sorrow, more than a voice itself. Plus the foundation of our world is built on frequencies, so it's like we tap into the building blocks of the universe when we channel sound a certain way. Something such. He phrased it better.


Spirit's surely subjective too, and changing, it seems in how you don't gravitate to old things always for their aesthetics as much as for their grandeur, maybe since there's less a visual connection between times...


Yeah it does seem that way. :) Though plants and animals seem to enjoy good music too! Or at least: certain frequencies.


And yes, agree, humans ought for sure be the lead controller on artistry.


BBS Signature

Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-12 06:34:14


At 3/11/25 10:11 AM, Cyberdevil wrote:It's like they just pause a while and then decide to add you back in again...


I know that feeling too XD


Indeed. The question I ponder in my case too I think is: what defines a creative skill? Webdesign work for example relies on a lot of structural programming that AI's great with too, but if it helps with a part of it, then it replaces a part of your skillset as well, and it seems similar to the structural help you could get in other areas. Like surely noise removal isn't a creative skill, so if you just use AI for that. But start with one thing and it's easy to get into more, I imagine when there's pressure on the business it's all too easy to start getting assistance with more and more things in the realm of production, or in aspects of drawing, or in adding in keyframes to smooth existing animation, there are so many productive little steps that could ultimately end up entirely dehumanizing any artform out there, and ultimately they are all a business, so if some are willing to use AI and some arten't, it'll be increasingly difficult for those who don't compromise with any aspects of what they do to compete. I'm not sure where the line between 'help' and 'replacement' really goes.


I guess what it comes do to in the end is that A.I. is a tool whether you want to embrace it or not, but you have the choice as to which areas you'd want to embrace as to make your life easier, or not to as to keep that more hands-on control and maintain a useful skillset. The problem, as you say is the cutting of costs when viewed from a business point of view (not to mention the detatchment from human-ness when it comes to creating what should be expressive pieces rather than technical ones.


Yeah, information's been the selling-point for a while now, maybe that's shifting, maybe the big market really is functionality now. We have the info, we just have to find better and better ways of processing and using it.


Agreed


In the case of music, I was listening to this podcast recently with Smashing Pumpkins singer, where he correlated to the emotions in a performance to the frequencies used. That basically some singers are just so much better at drawing on frequencies that correlate to certain emotions, like there are frequencies you associate with sorrow, more than a voice itself. Plus the foundation of our world is built on frequencies, so it's like we tap into the building blocks of the universe when we channel sound a certain way. Something such. He phrased it better. Spirit's surely subjective too, and changing, it seems in how you don't gravitate to old things always for their aesthetics as much as for their grandeur, maybe since there's less a visual connection between times... Yeah it does seem that way. :) Though plants and animals seem to enjoy good music too! Or at least: certain frequencies. And yes, agree, humans ought for sure be the lead controller on artistry.


Not sure if frequencies is the right term (over simplification of things?) but I get what you mean :) Too true that this stuff isn't just a human thing, though it definitely doesn't feel like something we can just delegate to algorithms and machine learning :)


Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

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At 3/12/25 06:34 AM, Jabun wrote:I know that feeling too XD


Sometimes I really think they actually don't remove you at all. XD


I guess what it comes do to in the end is that A.I. is a tool whether you want to embrace it or not, but you have the choice as to which areas you'd want to embrace as to make your life easier, or not to as to keep that more hands-on control and maintain a useful skillset. The problem, as you say is the cutting of costs when viewed from a business point of view (not to mention the detatchment from human-ness when it comes to creating what should be expressive pieces rather than technical ones.


Mhm, indeed, it becomes a matter of principles and ethics beyond simply the practical aspects, it's up to you how far you want to take it... though unfortunately to some extent also up to companies in large how much they want AI incorporated into; what it becomes a professional norm to use it for. Yeah, the cutting costs thing seems the biggest danger in AI use potentially just going way out of control; getting integrated with everything...


Agreed


*solemn nods!*


Not sure if frequencies is the right term (over simplification of things?) but I get what you mean :) Too true that this stuff isn't just a human thing, though it definitely doesn't feel like something we can just delegate to algorithms and machine learning :)


Well I did mean the literal frequencies. :) And how they interact with us on a physical level beyond the psychological correlations you get from the sound you perceive yourself. We're all electrical beings after all. For example a quick Google mentions Bruce Tainio found the optimal frequency for the human body is 62-70 MHz.


That's not exactly what I'm talking about in regard to how different frequencies in voices potentially have an effect on how your mind actually perceives the intent, but the actual frequency possibly going beyond what you can perceive consciously when it comes to association was the idea they explored in the pod, as I understood it. Which is fascinating.


I think it's probably a matter of both, but either way the emotion definitely seems like a human thing, it's like we can convey soul, whether there's an actual formula to it or no I hope that's never systemized AI-wise either way...


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Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-13 09:29:37


At 3/12/25 10:12 AM, Cyberdevil wrote:Sometimes I really think they actually don't remove you at all. XD


I know that feeling too XD Various nods re the A.I. stuff too


Well I did mean the literal frequencies. :) And how they interact with us on a physical level beyond the psychological correlations you get from the sound you perceive yourself. We're all electrical beings after all. For example a quick Google mentions Bruce Tainio found the optimal frequency for the human body is 62-70 MHz. That's not exactly what I'm talking about in regard to how different frequencies in voices potentially have an effect on how your mind actually perceives the intent, but the actual frequency possibly going beyond what you can perceive consciously when it comes to association was the idea they explored in the pod, as I understood it. Which is fascinating.


Ah, you did mean that! Fair dos XD


I think it's probably a matter of both, but either way the emotion definitely seems like a human thing, it's like we can convey soul, whether there's an actual formula to it or no I hope that's never systemized AI-wise either way...


Only time will tell I guess! That'd be quite the breakthrough. I guess this comes towards the ideas of Artificial Intelligence vs, Inorganic actual intelligence. Kinda depends on one's definition of soul too XD That's a whole different kettle of fish though!


Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

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At 3/13/25 09:29 AM, Jabun wrote:I know that feeling too XD Various nods re the A.I. stuff too

Ah, you did mean that! Fair dos XD


I'd send a podcast link if I thought you had time for long conversations, but I assume time's in all too sparse supply over there. ;) And background listening isn't so easy when you're actually working with sound...


Only time will tell I guess! That'd be quite the breakthrough. I guess this comes towards the ideas of Artificial Intelligence vs, Inorganic actual intelligence. Kinda depends on one's definition of soul too XD That's a whole different kettle of fish though!


Mmm it would be, development's going so fast too, however advanced AI gets I wouldn't really be surprised anymore... but yeah, the soul's hard to define, possibly impossible to recreate, though emulate maybe, like how current VR really does seem able to challenge the basis for our perception of what's real and not...


Interesting times to live in.


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Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-18 17:24:21


At 3/18/25 12:45 PM, Cyberdevil wrote:I'd send a podcast link if I thought you had time for long conversations, but I assume time's in all too sparse supply over there. ;) And background listening isn't so easy when you're actually working with sound...


That's a fair shout and you're indeed correct XD Lots of listening time over here already!


Mmm it would be, development's going so fast too, however advanced AI gets I wouldn't really be surprised anymore... but yeah, the soul's hard to define, possibly impossible to recreate, though emulate maybe, like how current VR really does seem able to challenge the basis for our perception of what's real and not... Interesting times to live in.


Agreed on the sentiments. I guess only time will tell...



Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

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Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-24 11:45:35


Announcing the 2nd single and title track "Side Character In My Own Life" from Better Than The Book's upcoming 3rd full-length album! Check out the album art and join me for the premier on YouTube on Friday March 28th at 8pm GMT!

Hi everyone and hope you're having a great start to spring 2025! It's almost time for another big music release and I'm

super happy to finally announce the next single (and title track) from Better Than The Book's upcoming 3rd full-length album Side Character In My Own Life! The track will be premiering on YouTube on Friday March 28th at 8pm GMT before

the digital download goes live on Bandcamp! Come join for another premier on YouTube:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcAvNmSILp8

Subscribe to JabunAudio to keep updated and in the loop:

https://www.youtube.com/@JabunAudio

And read more on the Bandcamp page below:

https://betterthanthebook.bandcamp.com/track/side-character-in-my-own-life

Not only that, but I'm super happy to finally reveal the album cover artwork and I really think it's my best piece of art yet! It's all hand drawn in pencils and inks with just some light digital touchups! What does it all mean?! Things will start falling into place when you hear the new single on Friday! I hope you get a kick out of it!


iu_1373234_1338520.webp

(I'll upload it to the art portal when the album drops)


More details to come soon, but in the meantime, Bandcamp pre-orders are now open along with the first single Plot Holes (Radio Edit) ready to download, and I'll be updating the page with credits, extra information and more as things progress! I still don't have a concrete release date just yet, but I'm still aiming for spring / early summer this year and more will be revealed come Friday! Check out the track list for the new album below and I hope you're looking forward to all the music still to come:

https://betterthanthebook.bandcamp.com/album/side-character-in-my-own-life

Better Than The Book - Side Character In My Own Life

01 - 2020 Was A Write-off, But What Comes Next?

02 - Side Character In My Own Life

03 - Mood Swings

04 - Red Kite

05 - Rewrite

06 - Don't Be Too Hard On Yourself

07 - Hold Me Tight

08 - Bump In The Night

09 - Plot Holes

10 - You'll Never Be Too Old For This

Bonus Tracks

11 - Hearts Racing Backwards

12 - Plot Holes (Alternative Version)

13 - Hold Me Tight (Non-Acoustic)

14 - Side Character In My Own Life (Acoustic)

+ Additional Radio Edits for Tracks 07, 08, 09 & 10

Written, performed and produced by Nick Standing [Jabun]

Recorded, mixed and mastered at JabunAudio by Nick Standing [Jabun]

Artwork, images and photography by Nick Standing [Jabun]

No generative A.I. tools were used in the creation of this album.

More album credits and special thanks are to come but for now I'd like to extend an immediate thanks to my family and

friends (both online and offline) for their support and a big thanks to the current supporters on Patreon with extra mention to $10+ patrons: Nathan Puray, and Michael White! Thank you all so much for your help and support in making my musical dreams a reality! You folks are amazing!

Of course my supporters on Patreon are celebrating today with some rewards! All patrons will be receiving the

full-sized high resolution album cover art today and the new mp3 single when it comes out on Friday, but for the $10 patrons, you have FULL early release access to the entire Side Character In My Own Life album today, including

artwork, mp3s and WAVs and all bonus tracks! If any of that sounds good to you, then consider becoming a patron for as little as $1 today, and remember you'll be getting the full back-catalogue of rewards for your tier when you join, including the full Better Than The Book, Jabun and Nick Standing discographies, bonus Patreon exclusives and much more! Find out more below:

$1 Rewards: https://www.patreon.com/posts/124775784

$10 Rewards: https://www.patreon.com/posts/124775779

Reward Archives: https://www.patreon.com/posts/50344842

Find out more: https://www.patreon.com/NickStanding

That about wraps things up for this post and I'll be back on Friday for the Side Character In My Own Life single launch and

more Patreon rewards! Until then, I hope you enjoy the album art (and new album if you're a $10 patron) and thanks as always for supporting Better Than The Book and my music however you can! Mark your calendars for Friday March 28th at 8pm GMT and see you on Friday!


Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

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Finally the grand reveal is here! :D This album cover certainly turned out the dopest one yet, so much detail, and fun details at that. Throwbacks to the past, hopes for the future, a crowd ghastly and super...


Looking forward to that official launch and release party.


At 3/24/25 11:45 AM, Jabun wrote:Friday March 28th at 8pm GMT and see you on Friday!


Perfect time! I'll be there.


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Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-25 07:09:16


At 3/25/25 05:01 AM, Cyberdevil wrote:Finally the grand reveal is here! :D This album cover certainly turned out the dopest one yet, so much detail, and fun details at that. Throwbacks to the past, hopes for the future, a crowd ghastly and super... Looking forward to that official launch and release party. Perfect time! I'll be there.


Thanks so much CD! Indeed I'm super pleased with it :) I guess that premier is 9pm your time? Looking forward to seeing you there!


Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

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At 3/25/25 07:09 AM, Jabun wrote:Thanks so much CD! Indeed I'm super pleased with it :) I guess that premier is 9pm your time? Looking forward to seeing you there!


Oh I forgot about the +1 on timezones! Good note, shall adjust calender scribble... till then indeed!


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Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-25 11:16:12


At 3/25/25 10:44 AM, Cyberdevil wrote:Oh I forgot about the +1 on timezones! Good note, shall adjust calender scribble... till then indeed!


Hehe XD If in doubt I guess just check the video link and it'll let you know how many hours etc... at left when it gets closer to the time. At least the way your time zone works you're more likely to be early than late (I think?) :) Good to be aware indeed!



Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

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At 3/25/25 11:16 AM, Jabun wrote:Hehe XD If in doubt I guess just check the video link and it'll let you know how many hours etc... at left when it gets closer to the time. At least the way your time zone works you're more likely to be early than late (I think?) :) Good to be aware indeed!


Right, I'd probably have been made aware of the timezone difference then if naught earlier. XD Indeed seems YT's synced to my timezone, 9 PM there... good to know too. Indeed, would've just been there a tad bit too early, but TY for the note either way!


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Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-28 16:58:19


The 2nd single and title track "Side Character In My Own Life" from Better Than The Book's upcoming 3rd full-length album has been released! Listen now along with the first single "Plot Holes", pre-order the album on Bandcamp, and get even more as a patron (including full early access to the album)!


Hi everyone and hope you're having a great start to spring 2025! It's time for another big music release and I'm super happy to finally share the next single (and title track) from Better Than The Book's upcoming 3rd full-length album Side Character In My Own Life! Check it out along with the album cover art below and I hope it blows you away!


Bandcamp: https://betterthanthebook.bandcamp.com/track/side-character-in-my-own-life


YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcAvNmSILp8


And it's here on Newgrounds as well:



iu_1375435_1338520.webp


Side Character In My Own Life (the song) is an honest mental deep dive into trying navigate this crazy music industry (especially) as an introvert and at the same time coming to terms with the pandemic shoving all plans aside just when I thought things were starting to look up. It discusses stage fright, anxieties about sharing that art you worked so hard on with the world, feeling like you're not in control and just watching your own life from the sidelines, and not being able to get a word in to get your voice heard (amongst other things). If I'm being candid, musically this track is really my take on a Zebrahead vibe (one of my biggest influences) and I'm really pleased with how it turned out, from my rap delivery (definitely helped working with @Cyberdevil while I was writing this album), to the album artwork which was hand drawn in pen and pencil before some digital touch-ups (and I think is my best yet)! You'll no doubt see the lyrical scenes from Side Character In My Own Life in the artwork while there's also a tonne of lyrical references to find from all the other songs on the album too (at least one per song). All will become clear when you hear it in full)! I hope you enjoy and can find something relatable in both the song and the artwork!


The Side Character In My Own life album is more or less a snapshot of the time in my life since Hopes and Dreams, and with another 5 years of performance, writing, audio engineering and production experience under my belt, I really believe this is my best collective release to date! With the album cover art finished now, apart from some promo preparation and album credits to sort the album is almost ready to be released BUT I thought I'd go all out this time by announcing that along with the usual digital release of the album, I've been working on a simultaneous CD and VINYL release for this album too! As it stands, I've found a service, audio has been provided and I just need to finish off the packaging art and order test prints to check everything is good to go! It's very exciting times and if this all goes well I hope to go back through the BTTB (and Jabun) discographies over the next year or so to bring all my main album project (where possible) to physical media! More details to come soon. Get excited!


In the mean time, Bandcamp pre-orders are now open along with the Side Character In My Own Life and Plot Holes (Radio Edit) single ready to download, and I'll be updating the page with credits, extra information and more as things progress! Due to the lead times on the physical releases, I still don't have a concrete release date just yet, but I'm still aiming for spring / early summer this year and will be announcing the release date (and physical release details) when the 3rd and final pre-release single arrives soon! Check out the track list for the new album below and there's a lot of music still to come:


https://betterthanthebook.bandcamp.com/album/side-character-in-my-own-life


Better Than The Book - Side Character In My Own Life


01 - 2020 Was A Write-off, But What Comes Next?

02 - Side Character In My Own Life

03 - Mood Swings

04 - Red Kite

05 - Rewrite


06 - Don't Be Too Hard On Yourself

07 - Hold Me Tight

08 - Bump In The Night

09 - Plot Holes

10 - You'll Never Be Too Old For This


Bonus Tracks


11 - Hearts Racing Backwards

12 - Plot Holes (Alternative Version)

13 - Hold Me Tight (Non-Acoustic)

14 - Side Character In My Own Life (Acoustic)


+ Additional Radio Edits for Tracks 07, 08, 09 & 10


Written, performed and produced by Nick Standing [Jabun]

Recorded, mixed and mastered at JabunAudio by Nick Standing [Jabun]

Artwork, images and photography by Nick Standing [Jabun]


No generative A.I. tools were used in the creation of this album.


More album credits and special thanks are to come but for now I'd like to extend an immediate thanks to my family and friends (both online and offline) for their support and a big thanks to the current supporters on Patreon with extra mention to $10+ patrons: Nathan Puray, and Michael White! Thank you all so much for your help and support in making my musical dreams a reality! You folks are amazing!


Of course my supporters on Patreon are celebrating today with the full download package of the Side Character In My Own Life single which includes Mp3s and artwork, but for the $10 patrons, you have FULL early release access to the entire Side Character In My Own Life album, including artwork, mp3 and WAVs and all bonus tracks right now! If any of that sounds good to you, then consider becoming a patron for as little as $1 today, and remember you'll be getting the full back-catalogue of rewards for your tier when you join, including the full Better Than The Book, Jabun and Nick Standing discographies, bonus Patreon exclusives and much more! Find out more below:


$1 Rewards: https://www.patreon.com/posts/124775794

$10 Rewards: https://www.patreon.com/posts/124775793​

Reward Archives: https://www.patreon.com/posts/50344842

Find out more: https://www.patreon.com/NickStanding


That about wraps things up for this post and I'll be back in a few days for the usual monthly round-up of news! More Better Than The Book is coming soon as I prepare for this biggest album launch yet and after hearing Side Character In My Own Life and Plot Holes I hope you're as hyped as I am for the rest of the album (and I hope you early access $10 patrons get a kick out of it before anyone else)! Until the next and final pre-release single launch and more, I hope you enjoy the new music and thanks as always for supporting Better Than The Book and my music however you can! Take care and get ready for a ska-punk filled summer!


Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

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Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-29 07:55:42


At 3/28/25 04:58 PM, Jabun wrote:The 2nd single and title track "Side Character In My Own Life" from Better Than The Book's upcoming 3rd full-length album has been released!


Such a good one too! Looking forward to the third and final, and the grand release after that!


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Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-29 10:30:10


At 3/29/25 07:55 AM, Cyberdevil wrote:Such a good one too! Looking forward to the third and final, and the grand release after that!


Thanks so much CD! Looks like it got a front page feature too. I wonder if I can make the triple single front page combo?! We shall see :D


Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

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At 3/29/25 10:30 AM, Jabun wrote:
At 3/29/25 07:55 AM, Cyberdevil wrote:Such a good one too! Looking forward to the third and final, and the grand release after that!

Thanks so much CD! Looks like it got a front page feature too. I wonder if I can make the triple single front page combo?! We shall see :D


Nice! Congrats on that! Here's hoping. :) There's probably a portion of luck involved just with the right people having to be around to notice and frontpage around release time, if the time's just right it seems very possible it'd get one too!


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Response to Jabun's Music & Patreon Thread 2025-03-29 12:40:05


At 3/29/25 12:07 PM, Cyberdevil wrote:Nice! Congrats on that! Here's hoping. :) There's probably a portion of luck involved just with the right people having to be around to notice and frontpage around release time, if the time's just right it seems very possible it'd get one too!


Cheers! Indeed I recon that's the case too. Fingers crossed for next time :D


Audio Services Website:JabunAudio // PATREON

"Making dynamic, clean and punchy masters that'll encourage people to turn up your music, rather than turn it down"

BBS Signature