I'm going to post some random jams on the tubes pretty soon. As soon as I have something interesting to share, I promise to share it.
I finally finished Disorganized Fun. It was a blast to work on, and I have to thank my friend "McFeezy" for giving me some company tackling that project. If you're like me, the hardest part about being solo is working alone, so it's always a blast to have like-minded company chillin w/ ya. Which makes me want to give this advice, for what it's worth.. All you need are a couple of really good friends. If you don't have a hundred fans to give you feedback, that's perfectly cool. Find the people who generally enjoy what you do and give you honest feedback at the same time. It's tricky though.. Some people try too hard to give feedback (saying too much, with great intentions of course), and some just jive with whatever you put out even if it's not up to your standards. Always go with your own gut in the end, but listening to others reactions can also give you some direction and new ideas. So make sure you REALLY appreciate those in your small feedback circle, whatever your art may be. Thank them a lot, and if you appreciate something they do, make sure you spend some time genuinely checking out their stuff and being encouraging.
I have a few more songs to wrap up on my album. I'm not "holding out", it's just the nature of how it is right now. Throwing Fire, the STS9 collab, and Disorganized Fun will be a blast, I think. Those are pretty much done, as with a few other random tunes. The "outer space jam" is still in the works and right now I'm working on "messin w/ a guitar sound". Trying to capture the guitar without it being so murky by the time I lay it over the rest of the beat in FL Studio. I'm using Edison now in FL. It's helping my workflow being able to drag WAV's from that directly into the project instead of recording in the old Adobe Audition 1.0 and then importing those WAV's. Huge thanks to Didier from FL Studio for encouraging me to try it that way.
I was fortunate enough to have met Papa Roach again last week when they played a show close to home. Their show was excellent and they were a blast to hang with. I admire those guys - they're extremely hard workers and they appreciate tons of music. Backstage they were bumping some classic Dre on vinyl. We discussed me doing a remix - I'm all for it. Might approach it like I did with STS9 and write more of my own tune based on their drums and possibly Jacoby's vocals.
Thanks for the continued patience. This is the summer of my second CD. If not, I will record 1 youtubes per day for 3 months after I shave my head, all except for the very back where I will grow a really long rat tail.
Almost forgot: I turned in my final version of the Jenkees/STS9 Collab today after working on it all day. More news on that as soon as I know something, but it should be available soon and I'll tell you where you can get it. It'll be for a good cause. I'm pumped to be a part of that.
If you buy 2 or more physical CD's, I will unwrap the plastic and sign them
Disorganized Fun sounds awesome, can't wait to hear it and the rest! Looking forward to your new cd a lot :)
Hey man love your stuff especialy disorganised fun :)
hello there
My boyfriend and I are HUGE fans! You are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!! I plan on buying your CD soon!
It's nice and all that the CD is finally getting released, I just hope it'll kickstart something new for ya, you deserve it man.
I'd also try and learn something from the long delay of the CD, not that I'm impatient for it, but the time you spent trying to "perfect" the songs on it, would have probably been used on doing new things, and playing with new stuff for the next CD.
Not sure if I'm saying it right, and not even sure that I have a point (there might be a ton of other reasons why the CD got delayed so much), but if part of the delay was nervousness about the songs not being "good enough" or that they had to be "perfect" in some way and that dragged in on, you have to realize that that means you're stopping creatively in the same place for a long time.
If I'm partly right, then try and go with the flow more about releasing stuff, you're doing a great job in testing the waters by posting tidbits onto youtube for feedback, if it gets popular, play with it, then release as a MP3 on your website, you don't always have to wait for the album to be ready to release something nowadays ;)
All I'm saying, you can learn from this process how to become better at releasing stuff, and don't worry too much about misses with released stuff, you'll get plenty of hits even with rough stuff, and the misses is what you can use to learn from.
So I'm saying, play with the release process, it's not set in stone, and you can do fun things with it, for instance, you could try opening up a ringtones section on your website, get the song and ringtone package for $1,25. You can post music faster onto the website as MP3s and sell it directly without having to worry about gathering material into an album, and get instant feedback whether its album-worthy. People are interested in some of the misses as well as the hits, it's called: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_Tail
You have the potential of being able to pound out some wicked material, don't get too stuck in one loop for too long a time , you need to enjoy them all, and let us hear what you've loved creating :)
Hoping to see you do more in the future, and remember, it doesn't have to be complicated, and it doesn't have to be perfect.. read that somewhere on the tubes ;)
S.
nice to hear from you again :]
Hello RJ ! I've just watched the "stay crunchy" video and I think you're fantastic !!! Awesome melody ! Great technique ! I've worked with music production for several years and seeing you play like this made me remember of myself 15 years ago when I launched my first electronic music CD with my new band. We had lots of vintage and new synths back then when VST Intsruments were just visionary stuff and we could only rely on MIDI to record the performances ! I've used Logic Audio for may years and I beleive is the best software ever for music production and comes packed with several of the best virtual synths on the market today. I read one of your posts saying that you record all your synth tracks "live" directly to an audio file. If you allow my suggestion, you could try recording your solo synth tracks via MIDI including all the aftertouch, pitch bend cuttoof/resonance, control change information to the track so that, every time you play it back, it will sound the same. And don't forget about timing because you can Qunatize the notes that are not in sync. Anyway, I wish the best of luck in your carrer and hope you are very successful.
Bets regards,
Marcel SK
Brazil
Hey,
Nice to get some updates, keep rockin it!
Peace out.
David
Canada
You're the greatest musician.
Last youtube clip 6 months ago! Ronald post something new pls!
Tired of waiting ;_;
You go Ronald! Can't wait for the new videos and CD. OR ELSE! ! ! The shaved head with the rat-tail would do just fine lol
- Mikey
hey guy,
that's awesome to hear about papa roach, i used to love them - haven't really heard a lot of their new stuff.
"Thanks for the continued patience. This is the summer of my second CD. If not, I will record 1 youtubes per day for 3 months after I shave my head, all except for the very back where I will grow a really long rat tail."
please don't do this!
i think i'm going to try and get the band back together - i really do miss just jamming with friends, it's such a great opportunity to listen to what your peers think about the music everyone plays. and to share new beats with them, or new riffs.
i can't wait to hear your new album (i hope a fun beat from outer space jam is on there!)
thanks
Yo, RJ!
I just wanted to ask a quick question about the release of the new cd. Are you planning to make the cd available on iTunes? The reason I'm asking is because that's the only way I got my hands on a copy of your old cd. Thanks, and keep on playin'. Just make sure you have fun doing it.
Love your music... glad to see the update. Looking forward to buying your 2nd album!!!
How about a Ronald Jenkees remix of Welcome to Jamrock, that would be sick!
Hi.
had a buddy of mine show me "disorganized fun" on youtube and thought it was amazing. i love classical piano and didnt really know if i would like this kind of stuff but i do. its awesome and stuns me everytime i hear it regardless of how many times i hear it. the youtube videos definately add to the entire song. i love techno and "like" rap; although there are no lyrics i feel its a mix of both genres. keep making music, man.
When you make your 2nd cd can you add some HQ videos of you playing the piano??
I watch your youtube videos very frequently and that itself i think is a Music video!!
Dude! Your sound is way kuhl. I could listen all day. I think "Messin with a Guitar Sound" is your finest work. Its Satriani quality.
Its been a year now since MWAGS hit YT and I would really like to give you money so I can get that song! I would bet you have thousands of fans in the same pickle. My credit card is burning a hole in my pocket!
Seriously, keep doing what you are doing. Life is about so much more than just making money. We'll wait, what other choice do we have? :)
everytime i listen to your music i think wow this amazing.
so far my favorite is "stay crunchy"
you have such a great talent.
keep playing because your music touches a lot of people.
this is exactly what REAL music with soul sounds like.
its beautiful.
cant wait to hear anything new :)
Heyo Ronald!
Keep up the good work, really love it! You inspire people and that's great. Can't wait till your next CD's release. I don't buy CDs (I'm a cheap ass lol) but I'll buy yours for sure!
Really can't wait for your next album,
Peace out!
Pretty soon..... its 2 months now... getting itchy all over.... cant.......wait..... no more.......
I am eagerly waiting on your new CD Ronald! Keep up the good work!
i don't think i ever expected an album like i expect your next one.
hope to hear from you soon :)
Arik,
Israel.
Glad to hear an update.
I'm getting tired though, if the cd doesn't come out this summer I can assure you that I wont give a spoon full of rice crispies when it eventually comes out.
Sure, you're not tied to any deadlines but you can't just keep postponing the release -people are likely to think that you're slacking up because of the exposure / fanbase you've got.
You've got to keep to your targets, or better yet, stop saying when you're gonna release it if you're not sure!
Good luck
It's good to know you're still alive and working on your fantastic music.
As much as we would all like to have your album yesterday, it's of course absolutely important that you feel comfortable with what you release.
Unfortunately, taking too long getting that last 1% perfectly ready may not be worth the cost in reach. It would truly be a shame if people start to forget about you. As with everything, it is a balance only you yourself can find.
I would pay close attention to Stan's advice above, though. Don't get too stuck in the album-think. You have already shown good sense in your use of Youtube for testing ground and marketing, but I am absolutely certain you could take it even further.
In the digital world, the traditional 10-song album is rapidly getting outdated as a distribution form. Play around a little. Maybe even use a http://creativecommons.org/ license and release some tracks for free sharing, and set up a PayPal account where people can donate money. More and more artists are going along this path, the most recent probably being a swedish author releasing her newest book in collaboration with The Pirate Bay, to great success. Nine Inch Nails is another very good example.
Just giving you some ideas to be inspired by. Whatever you choose to do, I'm anxiously waiting for any- and everything you put out. Your music is true art.
Greetings to you from Moscow, did not expect? =) You have cool music, great bits. Write more of this music, and come to us with a concert =) I'm sure that after some time of you here speak, and you will be popular in our circles (I am listening to your tracks with your friends, and they are well appreciated), I wait for exit in light of the second album. Good luck to you!
Hey!!! this is Guailike from Puerto Rico... We like your music a lot... you should make contact with Puertorricans musicians and composer... keep on walking brother!
Mr. Ronald Jenkees, my Brosef... i donno how long i can wait for this new CD.. how many tracks you lookin to put on this new album?
Your music is so badass.. I got one of your signed copies and gave another one to a friend.. your music just toys wit my heart mind and soul.. it gets down deep and just thrives on every lil neuron in my body.. i can listen to you play all day everyday.. One day my friend and i filled up a tank a gas and cruised around listening to your cd over and over.. Super Fun and remix to remix are badass songs that i personally feel go so HARD.. i made them my ringtones..
quick question-- How much could i pay you to come to Lawrence Ks and put on a show? Like my people cover all your Expenses. You need to just tour and play man u are too sick for youtube. I love you in a heterosexual way cuz you blow my fuckin mind...thanks mr. jenKeEs
Respectfully one of your greatest Fans
Justin Dominick Pessetto
--what speeds my modem?!--
Hey Mr. Jenkees!
I sort of got told about your music pretty late, as in today... But I have to honestly say I concider myself to have a pretty distinct taste for musical talent, and you.... Man, you blew me away onvce and for all!
I can't even begin to tell you how much respect I have to give you for the feeling you have when playing. And I do have to at the same time be slightly mad at you for ruining my musical self esteem hard :D Joking about that one ofcourse. :)
Keep up, never ever stop. You are bound to be huge!
Greetings from Finland.
Hi,
Just got your CD. It is a big inspiration to me. Great work! Please keep making more music.
Hey RJ
Just to let you know that also here in the Netherlands your name and music becomes widely spread (at least since feb 2008, when I ran into you on Youtube)! Everybody loves it!
And your new album... I know for sure it's worth waiting for. "Disorganized fun", "Throwing fire", "STS9", "Outer space jam", "Messin' with a guitar sound", ("Stay crunchy"??), in my opinion all no. 1 hits!
On one hand I must say I can't wait for it to come out, but on the other hand I don't want you to rush anything. If it takes more time to make it 100%, then so be it!
I'll be regularly checking your blog!!
And please continue making superb jams!
Groeten uit Nederland,
Raymond.
could you put up disorganized fun as a single for sale? i want to listen to it on my ipod :)
HAY RONALD I LIKE ALL YOUR MUSIC ITS SO COOL AND I PLAY THE PIANO TO I WISH I COULD PLAY LIKE YOU ...MAYBE ONE DAY ILL BE RELLY GOOD ... WILL KEEP ON DOING WHAT YOU DO BEST AND HAVE A LOT OF FUN ROCK ON JENKEES :)
Oh my, this is so painfull! The wait... I can't wait for it! Nice work indeed, Jenkees!
Have a nice day!
hey ronald i really like your stile of music but i have a question to you i`m from germany and wanted to know if i can buy your cd here on your HP form ger
MUST HAVE CD NUMBER 2 NOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!!!
wow! i'm looking forward to cd 2! can't await it now! this sound is to cool - this sound is barely legal! hugs!
yeeah!
hey ronald broski what is up your the BEST ive brought about 30 people to ur music and they LOVE it!!!!! keep doin what ur doin :)))) its truely all i listen too
So one day i was sitting on my computer hitting up Stumble upon and i happened to come across a kind of nerdy looking guy in front of 2 keyboards. Curious i hit the play button only to discover the most beautifully epic music ive ever heard in my life. You do amazing work my friend, and i hope to hear more from you. For now, im gonna go buy your first 2 Cd's and hopefully they will be enough to keep me busy while you work on more. Keep up the good work my friend and as always have fun.
Hello
Today I first heard your tracks with the video I was amazed by your ability to
make masterpieces!
Ps Do you now have another fan from Ukraine! =)