Official Christopher J Wray Blog

November Catch-up

2008-11-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

It's been a low-key month despite the constant Origins video editing among others, thinking about other projects as well as my own personal life. It's getting towards that time where everyone's thinking Christmas. If you're all like me, I certainly wouldn't mind an extra couple more months before I start worrying about what presents I should buy.

And it is most certainly true that as you get older, the meaning and spirit of Christmas just dies. I do look forward to the dinners, the presents and the happiness in some ways. More than anything, it is about friends and family. I cannot wait until I visit Hartlepool once more to see them.

Anyway, enough of the grumpyness or whatever you wanna call it..

BERLIN

I'm pleased to report Berlin is still selling. As always, I'm itching to perform the damn thing while wanting to give my very best to Intelligentsia, who are currently working on their upcoming Cosmonaut album. More on that later. As I already mentioned, the music video is coming along nicely. I'm now putting aside several "behind the scenes" screenshots of how I am making the animation plus some extras. Here's an example.

NIGHT LAVA SINGLE

I know this is part of the Berlin album but the club mix is a seperate issue. I think I'm now keen in unofficially releasing this single to the public, possibly as a bootleg. I am contemplating my own schedule and personal feelings as to if it would be a good thing to release. Perhaps I should just do it and see what happens, but there are fundemental aspects that needs thinking about, it could affect my artistic approach in my career, especially how it's standing at the moment. I'll let you know my decision before the year bows out.

THE QUADRAPHONICS/QUADRAPHONICA

This project probably isn't going to happen now, which is a shame because I think it would have been an interesting concept. Quadraphonica was meant to be four artists from the Earth Academy Label, three of the artists would have been Mirai, Neonsphere & myself. Up to now, only 2 tracks have been recorded as a sort of experiment however this was a few months back and nothing has arisen. This could be down to a few issues (well, not issues per say..) which include my own artistical confliction particularly with all the Berlin promotion going on and Mirai's Intelligentsia work on Cosmonaut and Terraist albums. This won't mean that Quadraphonica is completely dead in the water, I would prefer to say the word "sideline." I would also like to say that we could start proper work on this in 2009, but it really is difficult to forecast what will happen and if other projects become a priority. Here hopes..

That's about it for now, I'll leave you with one last screenshot from the Origins music video.

Cosmonaut Teaser - Intelligentsia

2008-11-09T17:46:00.001-08:00

Cosmonaut Teaser - Intelligentsia
Video sent by solace2007

Cosmonaut Teaser - Intelligentsia

Progression

2008-10-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

I'm quite enjoying the video producing I'm doing right now with Origins. It will be part of the second onslaught of the Berlin promotion I so want to do. Part of it will start next week at Club Robot 2, alongside the highly anticipated & long awaited interview I had with Steve Deg. You can download the edited version now (if you wish) at my website's download page.

Origins HD is HD. People have already asked me about the quality (or lack of) when viewing it on video networking sites such as Youtube & Dailymotion. I must admit, especially with Dailymotion, I was expecting that they could handle the video's bitrate a little better than Youtube's attempt (which is shocking by the way.) I am thinking of ways and possibly looking at alternative websites that *can* handle High Definition videos. The other bit of feeback I received was the trailer was just too quick. This is totally true. The second trailer will be much longer, and no, I don't know yet when I'll be releasing that one.

While I am on the quality subject, if there's anyone out there can recommend me a good video uploading site, please let me know at the usual email address.

Right now I am working on what I'm calling the 'TV' sequence of Origins. This is where my beloved stickman character who I named Colin, finds himself losing his quaint little house and carried along all the galaxies, planets and stars that he finds himself in. In fact the whole video will be what I'll consider as mental and wacky. It is good fun, and I'm hoping you will love it when I eventually release it to the public.

For the meantime, check out my previous post for the trailer and I'll update my blog again soon.

Origins - HD Trailer 1

2008-10-22T15:25:00.001-07:00

Origins - HD Trailer 1
Video sent by solace2007

First HD trailer to the upcoming video 'Origins'

Origins HD Jinx

2008-10-21T01:56:00.000-07:00

I knew it was going to crash at some point, it was just a matter of time. Origins HD, the music video I'm working on, has a little set back. Unfortunately, the video production software I was using wasn't inputting/outputting the right resolution and quality that I would have liked. So instead I have had to use an alternative program, which does mean I have to start again. It won't be so bad, I already have the foundations in place. The 50% completion I had before can easily be achieved. I was looking forward to displaying all it's HD glory at the upcoming 'Club Robot 2' gig in London, I guess it'll just have to wait a little longer.

For now, I have decided to put up a special 'Origins' webpage, you can check it out by browsing on over to http://www.cjwray.com/origins - Incidently my CJWRAY.COM website has had a makeover. I think it looks quite funky, let me know what you think of it.

Right now, I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends in London. It should be a cool weekend. If you are thinking of coming over to Club Robot, it is free-entry. All the details are on my website or at http://www.myspace.com/clubrobot.

Bring on the trumpets!

Origins HD - Half Way Mark

2008-10-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

I'm glad to report that the High Definition music video to 'Origins' has passed the halfway mark. There are tons of frames which I have been very busy with creating and perfecting. The other rather annoying fact about music videos (as I have found out within this production) is repetition. Not only that, but one really must be able to tell a story. So right now, I am thinking of ways, thinking of sequences that "go together" like strawberries and cream.

Yes I have thought of a weird story to this video, say hello to 'Stick Man'

Doesn't he look cute? No, I didn't think so..

This little guy's story takes him on a trail through space and time (with the help of my handy still-cell animation, not to mention clever usage of overlays and other effects that I'm keeping underwraps for now.)

I was going to upload a low-quality sample of what to expect, but there's still too much to do. I was also thinking about allowing this video to debut at the upcoming Club Robot 2 gig (more on that soon,) but I have decided to hold off on that too.

If you think that screenshot looks cool, or if you think it looks pants, please let me know. I'll send your comments to the stick man.

News Update: 3rd October 2008

2008-10-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

October Event?

It's come to my attention that EARTH ACADEMY RECORDS will be putting together an event similar to Club Robot back in April. While details are very sketchy, the event is scheduled for 30th October in London.

I'm hoping to receive more information on this shortly so please keep coming back here soon for more updates, or keep checking the website.

John Jaczkowski

2008-09-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

It was with the greatest sadness to report that DJ and former host of EZ Help, John Jaczkowski (aka Mystery Tramp) has died.

I admired his open mind when it came to music, he was a rocker at heart but still managed to feature my Electronic music, maintaining his love and support for all types of Independent music.

My thoughts and prayers go out to John's family and friends during this rather distressful time.

I'll miss ya, John.

Love Heroine LIVE

2008-09-02T17:42:00.001-07:00

Love Heroine LIVE
Video sent by solace2007

Performance of Love Heroine. From last year's Intelligentsia concert in London.

First Anniversary

2008-08-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not but it's now been a year since I performed my first venue-based concert. The setting was London, the event was 'Music For the Third Millennium' and the memories are still vivid.

I made some new friends and contact during that weekend, it was never going to rival with anything else that I have achieved in my life or career. The church (which was the venue) certainly surprised me. I suppose churches really do offer the best sound accoustics that you'll ever experience, I guess I just wasn't ready for the awesomeness of what generated and bounced of the walls and roof.

I had a fantastic time. I have to mention the guys who made it possible, and those who just continued to show their support.

Abi
Dunkie & Sarah Walls
Ian Eary
Mirai
Michel Voorn
Mark Jenkins
Plus of course everyone who turned up to watch my performance.

Tangerine Dream Fans Zone

2008-08-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

Show your support and download the podcast episodes. Chris Newman, the DJ of the podcasts, does an exceptional job, as he should as he loves what he does and supports Independent Electronic Music that closely relates to Tangerine Dream.

Chris recently interviewed Synth.nl who does some cool music, check him out. This Saturday (23rd August 2008,) Chris will be playing Digital Child, which is taken from the Berlin album on the brand new podcast episode.

Support him..! You won't be disappointed.

The End of FutureLive

2008-08-11T04:16:00.000-07:00

I have come to a decision that kinda makes me feel sad but positive at the same time. Today I have decided not to progress with any 'FutureLive' programme.

FutureLive was my Internet concert project which I designed back in 2002 which catapulted my musical career into big stages. Technology has changed since it's beginning, as the first concert was broadcasted on dial-up which then progressed into low & high-tier broadband quality. Many of you know that I used FutureLive as a tool to premiere my new material completely live, while I did seriously consider premiering Berlin with this feature, I realised it would have been better and more pracitcal if my new material was being played at venues such as London and beyond.

While I definitely won't be ruling out any actual future Internet broadcast, I can still say that FutureLive has now been put to rest. I've had the most amazing 5 years with this project and gained many fans and feedback with it. I cannot thank you any more than I have.

As I always say... Up and beyond.

At some point later on in the year, I will still create a webpage with the history of FutureLive which will contain *all* of the 5 concerts you can download at your own peril, which will hopefully give you an idea of how technology and indeed my very own musical career and style has changed (hopefully for the better.)

Berlin on iTunes

2008-08-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

I had my doubts regarding CD Baby, I don't know why but I just felt somewhat quite unsure about their company. But slap my mouth, they're brilliant. Only a few days since the Berlin CDs arrived at CD Baby HQ and already, the album is on iTunes worldwide. How about that..

So. Here it is.

(For US iTunes Customers, click Here)

Even 'Live in London' has appeared (probably around the same time as Berlin) on iTunes which I'm really pleased about. This has indeed been the quickest I've ever had albums submitted to this network. I can only say this about CD Baby, they really do keep their word and do exactly what they intend to do, which is to continue supporting Independent artists around the world at lightening speeds and at quality standards.

But as always, please continue to support me and the rest of the artists and buy our albums..!

PORTAL - Christopher J Wray

2008-07-29T17:08:00.001-07:00

PORTAL - Christopher J Wray
Video sent by solace2007

Video sequence for the track 'Portal' which is taken from Christopher J Wray's new album BERLIN.

Video by MIRAI

General Update - 25th July 2008

2008-07-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

BERLIN

The past couple of weeks have been tremendous for the release of my new album. There really is a positive feeling right now, even with the whole Earth Academy Records label as other albums are selling. For once, promotion actually feels good. Usually it's the worst job for an artist but we're all feeling good about the whole thing. All I can say is keep supporting us and buy our albums..!!

QUADRAPHONICA

This might be an interesting project. As I mentioned in a previous post, Quadraphonica will be a 4-way collaboration album. The artists involved will be Neonsphere, Mirai, Mark Fitt & myself. Whilst that plan in itself seems quite straight forward, putting it to practical use can be a little complex and quite possibly time consuming. Regardless of the somewhat ambitious tasks this album could endevour, it certainly will be a facinating time as we (the artists) explore each and every aspect of our talents, skills, thoughts & possibly even tantrums.

FUTURELIVE

I must admit, this year's Futurelive may not happen. It really does depend on various complicated issues. I am more driven to perform at venues with the record label than I am broadcasting to a various number of radio stations. I am quite keen in allowing Futurelive to grow beyond my own performances. It could well be something I'll look into before this year bows out.

Now I must leave you. I want my little holiday and the Hartlepool North Sea awaits me.

Success

2008-07-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

It really has been a fantastic day. Thanks to each and everyone of you that have bought the Berlin CD & Digital download products so far. I cannot stress how much this means to me, your continuing support is what keeps me going.

I decided to go into Stockport as it's town hall celebrated it's 100th year. The event was full of live music, entertainment and a big firework display at the end. Even the sun made a rare appearance. So all in all, a really wonderful and perfect day & evening.

Thanks to Mirai, here are some photos of the CDs.

They look quite nifty, don't they?

I'm certainly quite impressed with them. I never actually thought I'd be able to produce another CD again, but here we are and this time.., I'm going to get it right (Long story.)

So again, thank you. This truly marks such an important time in my personal life and musical career. What can I say apart from keep supporting me and every other Independent artist. It really is what keeps us going.

Local Excitement

2008-07-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

My anticipation of the release of Berlin is starting to kick in. It also seems that the local community of Brinnington (which is where I live) are also in the spirit of being happy and it shows with their local funday, which will be on the weekend of the album launch.

Not only is Brinnington feeling "high" but even Stockport itself is enjoying some recent events, particularly with the town's main hall, which celebrates it's 100th birthday. What is the significance you may ask? Why it's July 13th, of course.

Finally but more importantly, it's not the Berlin launch which is getting all the attention, it's Brinnington's local chip shop, which decided to reopen it's doors after it ceased to be more than a year ago. It sounds silly but it really deprived the whole area. I don't know about you but I'll certainly be first in the queue for fish, a lot of chips, curried sauce and a can of coke to wash it all down. Signficance? Opening is July 13th. Ok, it ain't exactly the first place I'd want to go to celebrate an album launch... but it feels right at the same time.

I am due to be interviewed which will be available on a popular podcast which is supplied by Earth Academy Records. I'll be able to give you more information a little later on this week about this.

I had a good natter with my good friend and fellow Sound Commando, Colin Mansfield, regarding Berlin. He has convinced me to do a club/dance version of Elektroid & Night Lava. I'll let you know how I progress. It was always good to hear from him from a personal and musical point of view. His general wit and lovliness is what keeps me going sometimes. Not to mention my fans, of course. They allow me to continue on as I should. Their support is just ..... fantastic.

It's Raining, It's Pouring..

2008-07-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

That was close..

Quadraphonica

2008-07-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

Project Quadraphonica (2009)

Featuring MIRAI, Christopher J Wray, Neonmachine & Mark Fitt

This project will be a 4-way collaboration for Earth Academy Records. I will hopefully be able to give you more news later on in the year about this.

Berlin - Release Date Trailer II

2008-06-29T19:38:00.001-07:00

Berlin - Release Date Trailer II
Video sent by solace2007

Berlin - Release Date Trailer II
Sunday, 13th July 2008

http://www.cjwray.com
http://www.earthacademy.org

Yes, It's Finally Here

2008-06-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

From all the finger-tapping, constant droning around looking like a lost soul.., it's finally about to be released. I am of course talking about Berlin.

Note this in your diary. Sunday, 13th July 2008. This will be the day when you will be able to purchase the CD. The digital side comes later (aka iTunes, Napster etc,) for now is the physical side which is something I really want to push hard to promote. The redbook (technical term for CD completion) is on it's way to a CD vendor, I can't wait to see what the end result looks like.

I'll also keep you all updated on the *possible* upcoming interviews. Some keen podcast and radio shows such as 'Cotolo Chronicles' & 'Digital Discharge' Promotion promotion promotion are the three key words for the months to come.

Remember. Sunday, 13th July 2008.

Berlin - Release Date Trailer

2008-06-24T15:29:00.001-07:00

Berlin - Release Date Trailer
Video sent by solace2007

Berlin - Release Date Trailer

Sunday, 13th July 2008
http://www.cjwray.com
http://www.earthacademy.org

Berlin Artwork Teasers

2008-06-15T13:38:00.001-07:00

Berlin Inner-CD Artwork (Left/Right)

Berlin Front-CD Artwork

Berlin CD Artwork

The Great Week

2008-06-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

I really miss Wordpress. I cannot allow the constant trojan attacks it was doing to my website, I already had an email from Google.com informing me that my website was under review because of the unstability of my website. Hopefully all that trojan nonsense has been erased and I can get on with updating this new blog.

This week was very positive as I had Mirai come over for a few days. It only felt like he was here for one day only as it went so quickly. He had come over to discuss, create and finalise many projects which were on the horizon, particularly with the new Berlin album.

Yes. The artwork *is* finished. Look out for my next post for some revealing pieces.

I had a great time with Mirai being here, it's always nice to be able to speak with someone who completely understands your wants and needs. It's always nice to be able to return the favour as well, no matter what it might be. We had also gone to a nice intimate party (thanks to Tom & Rachael Chiverton,) the hosts even gave me this as a present..

Nice, huh?

It's a Roland AX. Well, not exactly the real deal, even though they do have an actual Roland AX (an instrument I have somewhat evaded from playing.) It's such a lovely gift, Rachael & Tom. Thank you.

Replacement blog

2008-06-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

Due to certain technical difficulties, I have had to move to a new blogger. Regardless of consistent problems, I would like thank Wordpress for 3 great years.

But now onwards and upwards, it's time to move on and here we are. This is blogger and I aim to continue to update you all.