Christopher J Wray UK Electronic Artist Blog

You know, I really can’t sum up what I really thought about this month, and I’m certainly not talking just about music either.  But if anything, the 2010 EP will prove ever more the passion I have in wanting to make music.  As I kick off September, it’s just so wonderful to reflect on the past month.  Hartlepool really shone through as a deserving town to host the Tall Ships event.  The weekend itself will probably never be repeated.  The ships, carnival, the live acts, the atmosphere..

The download hits and the  feedback I have received from this project has had more impact than any other album I’ve made.  The emotion that’s connected to this project of course plays a huge part.  The majority of you who support me have told me that the music is beautiful and timeless.  The comments couldn’t have came at a better time, as I finally figure out that 2010 really will be a great year for me.  Of course, it doesn’t stop at the Tall Ships EP, there’s certainly more to come – and I will be truly humble and privileged to set the ball running for the next project… which really will change the way my supporters think about my music and the awakening of the artist inside of me… finally getting this one true chance to shine.  It will be a good thing, I promise.

As I mentioned before, my colour of Summer was blue, instantly thinking of the ocean and seafront of Hartlepool.  Close friends, even family have often questioned my love for this place, but of course they don’t realise it’s them that makes what this town is all about.  It really has been the best Summer I’ve had in a long time – it reminded me of my childhood sometimes, particularly with the carnival, and I’m certainly more than glad to have shared it with those who are close to me.

As I continue on to march on throughout this year, I’ll reflect and think that it wasn’t all that bad, considering many changes of circumstances personally and artistically.  I have each and every one of you to thank – it really has saved me.

I had to write a post about it at some point.

Yes, I have been experimenting with performances in the realm of Second Life.  Like anyone, you have to be a little skeptical about this but I was very inspired and awestruck by a fellow artist and good friend, Eva Moon, who has been performing in the SL world for almost 2 years.  I actually activated my account 2 years ago too but it really wasn’t until this year that I started to learn about the place.  It very much works in the same way as it would in the real world.  Ask the manager for a gig, you get a gig.  You also need a tip jar, again something that is seen somewhat in the real world when fans or goers can give you money.  The turnouts can vary too, as with any newbie, the audience is either zero.. or a man with his pixelated dog.  Of course no one knows this more than anyone than Eva, whom currently has a very healthy presence in Second Life performances.  She’s even moving to more visual aspects, such as UStream.TV & Facebook’s Streamjam, both which are quite possibly set to gain some popular attraction.

Second Life itself has been “active” for around 6-7 years. Over this weekend as I post this, the sixth Second Life music conference has been and gone, with the attendance better than ever.  It really is a new audience for me, in terms of where people are in the real world.  SL’s world time is based on Pacific, preferably for the major American majority that populate the realm.  But there are UK and European avatars that exist too (quite a healthy number in fact).  I was listening to Fyrm Fouroux, a charming Southern Englishman playing piano and guitar to a moderate audience.  There are of course other Second Life legends there.  Al Hofmann, Nad Gough, Torben Asp, Lyndon Heart and of course EvaMoon Ember.

Just in case you’re wondering, my name in Second Life is Christopher Walmer, which eventually was a worry for me in some ways – not that I had any hesitations of name changing, but the confusion sometimes for me (and maybe for my supporters) could do with ironing out.  So my plans are to make a new webpage which is dedicated to Second Life events very soon.  I already have a Google calendar, which you will find shortly on my official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/christopherjwraymusic).

My recent performance there was literally hours before this post.  It was easily the best one in terms of audience and my own keyboard playing.  I still haven’t quite made my mind up if I should perform any ’2010′ EP tracks, it’s been my plan to get my “classics” out of the way first.

I will be uploading a special batch of excerpts shortly, so you get a good idea of what I tend to perform.  If you are interested in Second Life, it’s always best to start early and quick as there’s a lot to learn, although the basics are easy enough.  You can of course find the client at http://www.secondlife.com where you will also need to register and come up with a new SL unique name.

My next performance is Wednesday, 18th August at 2amUK (6pmPDT).  All the necessary links will be on my official Facebook page as per usual.  I do hope to see you there, you might find it fascinating as well as entertaining.