​Blog Post 2025 No. 1
Feb 13 11:11pm

I’ve started back on the blogs again.
I think it would be helpful to share with the world, as well as continue this dialogue with myself!

I’ve purchased the latest version of Ableton Live 12 and I’ve transferred all my pre-existing settings over into Templates!

Next I will be working on improving my workflow.

I’ve noticed that my 2012 Mac Pro seems to run hot, and the battery isn’t great anymore. I will be improving the efficiency of my workflow, effects, and pairing with my trusty midi controllers. I’ve also noticed that attaching the cable of my LPD controller to the stand of the theremin allows me to use it more easily on top of the instrument, which I will be doing more of at my performances! :)

For today, I’m happy with the refresher of my Ableton Live skills (flashback to 2017 Summer Intensive Ableton Live course), and I like the new aesthetic design! Also as I am growing, I am getting better at organizing files, and only making projects as needed (now that I can use templates)!

I also downloaded 413 of my unreleased solo piano recordings (Ranging from 7-30 minutes long each) which I’ve been making almost daily since 2020. These are mini improvised compositions.

I hope that through my blog, I’ll be able to keep a record of my creative process as well as stay inspired by regular improvements and updates to my sound (and hopefully inspire someone out there)!

Today I want to give a special shout out to Mr. Simon Trevaks.

From my personal journal..
“I wish Simon Trevaks knew the tremendous impact he’s had on my life as a guitarist , videographer , and all around great guy.”

Simon, everyone who helped film my UIUC audition video for the Masters (til 10pm on a week night in Sydney), Adam, and also Jake here in CU.

Simon, your actions have had a massive flow on effect, and I am so glad we crossed paths! (both at UNSW and having worked at the Scots College)!

Thank you for believing in me (Simon, Adam, Krisjoe, Jake and Jason).

Simon you are a truly remarkable interdisciplinary human being.”

So world, what do you think? More theremin blogs?

With love to you all,

Joy
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I must admit, it has been a while since I last updated this blog. However, I have plenty of gems hidden away ready to be shared. As it has almost been a year, we will be revisiting the journey it took to get to where I am now. There are so many exciting projects currently in progress, I can't wait to catch you up…!

​ After seeing Tennyson last week @ the Hudson Ballroom, Sydney, I was left feeling so inspired and re-energised. They were absolutely amazing.

However, on Monday, at Sound Lab, I was feeling quite stuck. Perhaps this was due just having been exposed to such great music and feeling a sense of incompetence and disdain for everything that I have created so far. I felt a lack of motivation to work on my music and wanted to start over.

In this tricky situation, I asked for some advice and gave my track that I had been working on a break this week, and shifted my focus.

• I recorded the theremin. I also did an arrangement view recording of my track for SL.
• I spoke to A about using a low pass filter and delay.
• I also experimented more with sounds.
• I spoke to some people about the theremin gig and they are keen to come. I am feeling more positive about the Theremin. 

Here are some of my effects (Komplete): 

Something interesting to note, is that I found the tuner on Guitar Rig. Previously I had mostly relied on my perfect/absolute pitch (as well as visual/spatial memory). Although it was interesting to be able to see which note I was playing, it ended up causing more anxiety than being helpful.

​The theremin is so sensitive that to be able to hold the exact pitch without shifting a little is very difficult, and watching the scale made me more worried. I think I may try this again later when I have improved, in order to test my pitch accuracy and stability.

Watch my progress video:

Playing with textures and effects.

Listen to the track on soundcloud here:

x Joy