Floating Fish Studios

FFS Christmas Tree Revealed

2011-12-09T14:34:00.005-05:00

The official 2011 Floating Fish Studios Christmas Tree is now lit and on display at FFS. Be sure to stop by and admire it's magnificence! Special thanks to Kim for helping me set it up, again, this year.

Yay! Turns 17

2011-11-18T00:00:00.002-05:00

FFS Synth Jam 2011 - Intravenous

2011-10-05T14:20:00.006-04:00

Floating Fish Studios is proud to announce Synth Jam 2011 - Intravenous which is scheduled for Saturday 10/08/11. The unconfirmed line up is rumored to include Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll), M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4), and Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius).

Our tenth in a series of Synth Jam Sessions will concentrate on preparing a new Imbued Vagary (IV2) live show.

Progress...

2011-09-26T10:31:00.004-04:00

After a night of cabling, Kim and I finished plugging all of the synths into the first Behringer MX8000 mixer. Now it's time to move onto the next one!

Work continues...

2011-09-24T16:37:00.001-04:00

Preparing...

2011-09-22T11:21:00.003-04:00

Imbued Vagary meets Tangerine Dream

2011-07-28T20:19:00.007-04:00

Floating Fish Studios held its eighth in a series of Synth Jam Sessions at FFS II on 04/16/11. The ensemble gathered included Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius), M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4), and Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll).

On this track, we channeled our inner Tangerine Dream personas as we travelled through the electronic plasma pool. I hope you enjoy!

Yay! Turns 13

2011-07-18T00:00:00.001-04:00

First Cookout

2011-07-17T13:00:00.005-04:00

Ttam Troll grills some hot dogs at the inaugural first Floating Fish Studios cookout.

Grill Goddess

2011-07-10T16:00:00.005-04:00

Grill Goddess, Kim Scott, shows off the latest addition to the FFS equipment list.

Deck Staining

2011-07-10T12:00:00.007-04:00

After power washing and scraping the deck, Kim stirs up the stain so we can begin the final stage of another Floating Fish Studios home improvement.

Yay! Anniversary MK I

2011-06-18T00:00:00.003-04:00

Awesome!!!

Any Questions? - Nightfall (Live)

2011-06-09T23:59:00.013-04:00

"As the remaining rays of light disappear, Nightfall comes."

Next to Slam, Nightfall is probably one of the most recorded songs in the history of Any Questions?. I first began working on this track during late night solitary recording sessions at Der Palast des Goldes in Fall 1989. While MC2P4 and LTJTHC slept in the upper floors of the studio, I would retreat into headphones and lose myself in this slow tempo, vox string heavy groove. My Rickenbacker 4003s was still a weapon of choice in these early days of Any Questions? and I would effect it with heavy delay. If I remember correctly, 4096ms.

Unquestionably, this song was influenced by my relentless listening of The Cure - Disintegration. After being released in May 1989, I would listen to it almost daily. Seeing both Cure shows at the Spectrum in Philadelphia in September 1989 further cemented it's hallucinogenic effect on me.

The version of Nightfall that I share with you now is a live recording from Fall 1989 which was recorded at P&G Studios. It features LTJTHC playing "live" drum machine to the sequenced synth parts that I programmed as I ping pong along with delay drenched Rickenbacker 4003s bass lines.

P.S. This photo was taken in Summer 1989 at Valley Forge National Park in Valley Forge, PA.

Enter "The Vortex"

2011-06-08T19:51:00.008-04:00

Never officially released, Any Questions? - The FrightWorld Sessions, is a must have addition to any Any Questions? fan's collection.

This track, culled from improvisational recording sessions during our first film project, FrightWorld, is entitled The Vortex. It drags the listener down into an ever intensifying sonic collage of harsh analog synthetics. Will you escape it?

Thee Sub One Genius at Master Control

2011-04-21T23:59:00.002-04:00

Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius) at Master Control during FFS II Synth Jam 2011 - Troll Returns on 04/16/11.

"Follow the Bouncing Troll"

2011-04-20T23:42:00.005-04:00

This raw unedited video footage, shot on a stationary Flip Video camcorder, captured part of the audio warfare. The quality is questionable but it gives you a chance to "Follow the Bouncing Troll". See if you can pick out the synth parts that I'm playing by watching me bounce around.

This improv was titled TR-1.

FFS II Synth Jam 2011 - Troll Returns Audio Surfaces

2011-04-19T23:59:00.004-04:00

This was the first time since 09/10 where all three core FFS II Synth Jam members convened and we wasted no time diving deep into the electronic plasma pool. The first audio to surface from FFS II Synth Jam 2011 - Troll Returns is this improvisation titled TR-2.

Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius) provided the pulse in Ableton Live and rhythmic bass effects. Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll) added Roland RS-09 synth string soloing and Prophet 600 sound effects while M Scott McConnell's (aka MC2P4) Korg Z1 ambient washes glistened in between.

This was recorded on 04/16/11.

FFS II Synth Jam 2011 - Troll Returns

2011-04-16T18:13:00.007-04:00

***BREAKING NEWS***

Floating Fish Studios is proud to announce Synth Jam 2011 - Troll Returns which is scheduled for tonight (Saturday 04/16/11) at FFS II. After missing the last impromptu Synth Jam in 02/11, Ttam Troll returns to spread some synthetic aggression through audio warfare. Tonight's line up includes Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll), M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4), and Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius).

Egyptian Holiday

2011-03-20T22:31:00.003-04:00

LOL!

Yay! turns 9

2011-03-18T00:01:00.003-04:00

Thank you, Kim! You rock!

Any Questions? - Sharing The Plasma Pool (Live)

2011-03-15T23:05:00.008-04:00

This bootleg video of Any Questions? - Sharing The Plasma Pool is taken from our live performance at the Music Invasion Festival (07/10/04).

We were in rare form on that day. The 9' x 12' video screen was indoctrinating the masses with our visual hallucinations. The strobe lights were pulsing at epileptic levels. The PA system was pushed to the edge of overload. MC2P4 hammered synths and video effects. LTJTHC (Tim Harrell) was thrashing away on electronic percussion and I discarded all vestiges of Matt Norcross and became Ttam Troll.

How was that for hype? Seriously, it was a great show. Our opening salvo and crowd favorite, Sharing The Plasma Pool, always set the tone for our live shows and it did again at this show. It has it all. Gas masks, blood, horrific scenes of violence projected on the video screens, and MC2P4 in his wire costume. It doesn't get much better than that!

P.S. Special thanks to Beth Ballein and Kelly Hoffman for shooting the bootleg Neo-Nazi Cam video footage. Click on the following links to also see our live versions of Lousy Human and Evolution from this same show.

This Mistress - Music For Tents Part 3

2011-03-04T23:59:00.001-05:00

We end This Mistress week with another recently discovered photo from the This Mistress performance at Wynn Ruffin's "Music for Tents" birthday party in Summer 1988. This line up included (from L to R) Matt Norcross - Bass, Scott McConnell - Synthesizer, Kevin "Bart the Fart" Wilson - Guitar, Tim Harrell - Drums (hidden), Ken Chandler - Vocals, and Matt "Scrap Pap" Skirpan - Guitar.

Behind the scenes with This Mistress

2011-03-01T15:29:00.004-05:00

It's turning into a This Mistress week on the blog. Here's another behind the scenes photo from the This Mistress gig at Wynn Ruffin's "Music For Tents" birthday party during Summer 1988. Some pictured are (from L to R) Jackey McConnell (pink shirt), Kevin "Bart the Fart" Wilson (red shirt and two beers), Doug "Drug" Shields (red hat), Robby Wilson (red bandana), Tim Harrell ('fro and mirror shades), and Jim "Aaaarrrrhhhh" Dewey (holding cigarette).

This Mistress and "The Van"

2011-03-01T11:47:00.009-05:00

This behind the scenes photo of members from This Mistress was shot at Wynn Ruffin's "Music For Tents" birthday party during Summer 1988. Pictured are (from L to R) Scott McConnell, Matt Norcross (in purple shades mostly hidden behind Matt Skirpan), Matt Skirpan (in "short shorts"), and Ken Chandler.

This happens to also be the only picture of "The Van" that I would occasionally get to borrow from my parents. The Dodge Van 200 customized by Marshall Van Inc was the main form of transportation during the sports playing days of my youth and the scene of many roving "parties" later as I began to drive. Many innocent and not-so-innocent fun times transpired around its whereabouts.

This Mistress at Long Pine Run Dam

2011-02-28T20:43:00.004-05:00

Here's the third long lost This Mistress photo which I uncovered while sifting through a stack of negatives. Highlights (or some may say low lights) include Matt Skirpan in Moon Boots, Kevin Wilson wearing pants instead of his cut off jean shorts, and another cheesy mustachioed smile by me. Tim Harrell provides some comic relief while Brad Shaeffer gets "serious" and Scott McConnell wonders "What in the hell have I done? Why did I want to form this band?"

This photo was taken at Long Pine Run Dam in Chambersburg, PA in early 1988 and features the original line up of This Mistress (from L to R) Tim Harrell, Kevin "Bart the Fart" Wilson, Matt "Scrap Pap" Skirpan, Matt Norcross, Brad Shaeffer, and Scott McConnell.

It's Official

2011-02-25T08:00:00.004-05:00

Kim "Living Dead Girl" Scott has joined the FFS family. YAY!

Gang of Four Concert

2011-02-05T20:30:00.011-05:00

I enjoyed the evening out with Kim, MC2P4, Steve O, and Deirdre at the Gang of Four concert in Philadelphia at the Theatre of Living Arts tonight.

Though their performance was a little sloppy and Jon King (vocalist) looked like he was going to have a heart attack at any moment, it was a good show and delivered some great aggressive and angular post punk guitar work from Andy Gill.

It was also fun to watch a street brawl break out and the police converge while we were eating in the South Street Diner after the show. However, Kim was a little disappointed. She got to see the handcuffed perps put in the paddywagon but didn't see them get handcuffed. Oh, well... Better luck on your next visit to the City of Brotherly Love.

Remembering Larry Roy Fiber

2011-02-05T12:01:00.007-05:00

Larry Roy Fiber quietly passed away today (02/05/11). As a kid, he and his wife welcomed me (the kid from across the street and friend to their sons (Lonny, Danny, and Larry Lee), into their home. I will always be grateful for his (and their) hospitality, friendship, and parenting. I cherish the times that all of us shared together.

For FFS fans, it's also important to note that he is one of the progenitors of the FFS musical movement which is still alive today.

He will be greatly missed.

Remembering Miranda

2011-02-02T00:01:00.008-05:00

Today would have been my littlest friend's 19th birthday. Though she plays at Rainbow Bridge now, I know she'd still love to hear me sing her favorite little song...

It's February number two

Happy Birthday from me to you

Happy Birthday Miranda!

P.S. I miss hand-feeding you.

Any Questions? - The FrightWorld Sessions

2011-02-01T23:20:00.010-05:00

The FrightWorld Sessions was not a "normal" Any Questions? release. In fact, to this date, it still remains unreleased. Our "normal" harsh industrial sound was replaced by harsh ambient textures which we composed during work on our first feature horror film, FrightWorld, in 2007.

The compositions on the release were taken from our first improvisational sessions for the project and are at times sonically unruly and rough around the edges. However, they captured the essence of the horrific scenes that we were scoring for so we decided to include them.

Eventually, we may release The FrightWorld Sessions and the rest of the unreleased material from these sessions but, for now, enjoy this small sampling from our first film score. This track is entitled FBI Assault and it was used in the film.

Invisible Woman Spotted at IceFest 2011

2011-01-29T23:59:00.005-05:00

While attending IceFest 2011 in Chambersburg, PA on 01/29/11 with a friend, I spotted the Invisible Woman. I asked nicely and she was kind enough to pose on the ice throne so I could take her picture. Thank you Invisible Woman!

New Year's 2011 Audio Warfare Sessions

2011-01-28T00:01:00.002-05:00

Every New Year's, Any Questions? assembles to create live improvisational audio warfare. This year was no different. Ttam Troll and MC2P4 descended upon the studio at FFS II and recorded a series of performances. A favorite from the sessions is one simply referred to as TR-3, a 5+ minute distorted, analog synth throb which is sure to leave your speakers blown and ears bleeding.

P.S. This photo of Ttam Troll was taken on 05/15/10 at FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - '80s Style.

On (and in) The Water

2011-01-27T23:59:00.004-05:00

Here's another photo that I uncovered from my Christ United Methodist Church Youth Fellowship days in Shippensburg, PA. This photo, taken during Summer 1986, is from a YF retreat to the legendary A-Frame cabin in Central PA.

In this picture, you'll notice that we both have oars. What makes that special to note is, months earlier in frigid water temperatures, we had lost one of them while navigating the same waterway. Our boat capsized when Pete decided to be "cool" and stand up while we were negotiating a turn. Needless to say, we were both a little "frosty" after going into the drink. However, I managed to hold onto my oar and pull the boat to shore. Pete frantically tried to retrieve his oar but to no avail. The only thing that he almost got was hypothermia!

Pictured from L to R: Pete Morgan and Matt Norcross.

Studio Line from L'Oréal Part 2

2011-01-26T23:59:00.003-05:00

Vizator bassist/synthesist Matt Norcross performs at PPG Plaza in downtown Pittsburgh, PA (Summer 1989). Another photo from my Studio Line from L'Oréal period.

P.S. Thanks to Mitzi Moyer and her sister for taking this picture.

No Barfing!

2011-01-22T22:00:00.010-05:00

***NEWS FLASH***

"Reliving a childhood trauma averted. News at 11pm."

A dinner of Chef Boyardee Pizza was consumed without any barfing. I hope it was "enjoyable", Kim. LOL!

Gil James and his Sounds of the Decades Part 6

2011-01-21T16:41:00.003-05:00

Another costume change for the Gil James and his Sound of the Decades gig in April 1988. I can't believe that I'm posting this!

Integration Sessions 2006

2011-01-19T00:01:00.010-05:00

In 2006, we (Any Questions?) continued work on ideas for our new release, tentatively entitled Integration. MC2P4 and I (Ttam Troll) were doing some basic tracking at the old FFS II when this video was shot.

Here you'll see some behind-the-scenes footage of me recording some hi-hat parts and doing some computer mixing. You'll also get to see a quick cameo of Jackey McConnell as the camera moves out of the room for a moment. Dont' blink though, you may miss it!

Click on the following links to see video footage from some of our earlier Integration sessions...

Video 1

Video 2

Yay! turns 7

2011-01-18T00:01:00.001-05:00

Technical

2011-01-14T00:01:00.008-05:00

While waiting to officially release our Any Questions? - Death CD in early 1996, MC2P4 and I began working on new ideas in the studio. Our sonic arsenal had grown quite extensively leading up to this period and we were anxious to make new music with it. These ideas ranged from very structured pounding rhythm Industrial to very non-structured and improvised ambient music.

Technical falls a little bit in between both of these concepts. Recorded on 02/04/96 (the DAT says so!), this 15+ minute improvisation features a very structured/repetitive rhythm track and chord structure. On top of which we incessantly solo over intertwining synthetic tapestries and sampling overload. We had fun on this day and now you'll get to hear it too!

P.S. This photo of LTJTHC (L) and Ttam Troll (R) was taken in the early 2000s at Floating Fish Studios.

How Do Rocks Multiply (Solution IV)

2011-01-12T00:00:00.008-05:00

Here's another live in the studio track unearthed from the FFS Vaults. This version of How Do Rocks Multiply (Solution IV) was recorded at Horse and Buggy Highway Studios in Shippensburg, PA during the recording sessions for The Secret Society debut release in Summer 1988.

As in yesterday's post, this performance was recorded in between the "serious" recordings for the release and features the line up of M Scott McConnell (Synthesizers), Matt Norcross (Bass), Tim Harrell ("Live" Drum Machine), Ken Chandler (Vocals), and birthday boy, Kevin "Bart the Fart" Wilson (Guitar).

The occasion for this recording was Kevin "Bart the Fart" Wilson's birthday. Though none of his guitar work made it onto The Secret Society official release, we celebrated his birthday with a day (and night) music making and partying. Though by listening to this and the other recordings from this day, you may wonder which we did more of but, suffice it to say, we made sure that we did plenty of both.

Without further digression, I present to you the dueling guitar work of Kevin "Bart the Fart" Wilson.

P.S. The photo was taken at the This Mistress performance in Scotland, PA in the Summer of 1988. Pictured (L to R) are Kevin "Bart the Fart" Wilson (Guitar), Matt Norcross (Bass), M Scott McConnell (Synthesizers), and Ken Chandler (Vocals).

Progressions

2011-01-11T07:33:00.012-05:00

During the sweltering Summer of 1988, The Secret Society convened at Horse and Buggy Highway Studios in Shippensburg, PA to record songs for their debut release. This rev (Rev 2) of The Secret Society was comprised of members from This Mistress and concentrated on recording original songs written by M Scott McConnell and Matt Norcross.

When we weren't sweating to death (there were no air conditioners in the studio) or doing "serious" recording, we would sometimes roll tape and record some live versions of the songs with whoever happened to be visiting the studio at that time. This recording of Progressions is one such recording. It features M Scott McConnell (Synthesizers), Matt Norcross (Bass), Tim Harrell ("Live" Drum Machine), Ken Chandler (Vocals), and Kevin "Bart the Fart" Wilson (Guitar). It was recorded direct to a Fostex X-15 cassette 4-Track. It's distorted and sonically poor but still a fun listen. I hope you enjoy it.

P.S. This photo was taken at the This Mistress performance at Wynn Ruffin's Birthday Party in Summer 1988. Pictured (L to R) is the line up featured on the recording. Matt Norcross (Bass), Kevin "Bart the Fart" Wilson (Guitar), M Scott McConnell (Synthesizers), Tim Harrell (Drums), and Ken Chandler (Vocals).

Hmmm...

2011-01-10T00:01:00.003-05:00

What have you boys been up to???

P.S. Pictured (L to R) are Matt Norcross and M Scott McConnell. This photo was taken in Jackey Dickey's (later McConnell) Penn St off campus (Shippensburg University) house in Spring 1988.

New Year's Eve 2011 at FFS II

2010-12-31T19:39:00.008-05:00

It's a Floating Fish Studios tradition to record some live electronic warfare to herald in the New Year and in celebration of my birthday. That's right, I'm a New Year's baby born on 01/01/70.

The evening is young and we're just getting into the swing of things but I thought that I'd share a piece of FFS New Year's history with our 2001 Overture which was recorded on 01/01/01. Enjoy!

P.S. This photo of Ttam Troll was taken on 12/31/10 while editing Any Questions? - 2001 Overture.

Loverboy Christmas!

2010-12-25T00:01:00.003-05:00

It's been a Loverboy Christmas. Thanks Kim! ;D

Remembering Miranda

2010-12-19T00:01:00.007-05:00

I hope my littlest friend is still having fun at Rainbow Bridge. :)

Christmas comes to FFS

2010-12-05T23:59:00.003-05:00

It's taken 22 years but Floating Fish Studios has it's first Christmas Tree. Of course, in typical FFS style, it can't be a "normal" tree. Kim and I set up this purple 7 feet tall tree with mirror ball ornaments and LED lights this past weekend. Here's the evil picture...

And here's the non-evil one...

And then there was...

2010-12-04T16:00:00.004-05:00

Space Dog turns 1!

2010-12-01T16:55:00.005-05:00

The youngest FFS family member, Mazie Marie McConnell, turns 1 today. Happy Birthday, Space Dog!!!

"Working on a Sex Farm..."

2010-11-27T23:59:00.005-05:00

This movie still cracks me up every time I watch it. Better viewed with a friend!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-11-27T00:01:00.001-05:00

SASHS Jazz Band (1987)

2010-11-23T23:59:00.005-05:00

This photo of the Shippensburg Area Senior High School (SASHS) Jazz Band was taken at the Chambersburg Mall in, I believe, Spring 1987. Yours truly is sporting a nice gray suit and playing electric bass. Who knows, we could have been playing the Theme from Night Court when this photo was taken.

"LOL....ummm....."

2010-11-22T23:59:00.002-05:00

Ice Rift

2010-11-19T00:01:00.009-05:00

Ice Rift is an audio sculpture culled from Any Questions? - Darkness. This rare 1992 release offered an early glimpse into our Imbued Vagary project and an example of the synthetic tapestries that we would weave into our future film work.

The longest of all of the songs from Darkness. Ice Rift is probably the bleakest. It's another song which I composed well past midnight and before the first rays of dawn. These hours proved to be quite fertile creatively for me while I explored some very dark corners.

P.S. This photo of Ttam Troll was taken at FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Punish Your Machine on 06/05/10.

Yay! turns 5

2010-11-18T00:01:00.001-05:00

Before Ttam Troll, there was Tan Troll

2010-11-17T14:11:00.007-05:00

Yes, before the arrival of Ttam Troll, first mutant to ascend from the plasma pool after the Cy-Tech Wars in 1989, there was Tan Troll. This photo was taken in the wilds of Ocean City, MD during the Summer of 1988. Pencils should have been optional!

Terminal

2010-11-16T23:39:00.014-05:00

The sessions for our 1992 release, Any Questions? - Prey For Death, produced many song ideas which were never fully developed. Terminal was one such idea. With it's up tempo, driving beat, it was quite different than the other tracks which ended up on the original, official product. It's sound is really more reminiscent of the style we'd explore on our follow up effort, Any Questions? - Death.

When I was compiling tracks in the Fall of 2001 for the 10th Anniversary Special Edition CD release of Any Questions? - Prey For Death, it seemed like the perfect time to revisit this once cast aside song idea and include it as a bonus track.

There wasn't much to do to bring this song to life and complete it. All of the musical elements are exactly as they were back in '92. I had the MIDI data and all of the original sounds sources so I loaded up the song and recorded it onto our 24-track ADAT system. From there, we did have to come up with lyrics for it. The original song idea had never evolved to that point so MC2P4 penned a rough draft of the lyrics from which I then added to and refined to fit my vocal style. The result is what I share with you now. Enjoy!

P.S. The photo was shot in March, 1992 at Floating Fish Studios during an Any Questions? - Prey For Death recording session. MC2P4 (left) is looking for samples to load while Ttam Troll (right) triggers a sample on an Ensoniq EPS as he controls the Atari 1040STe/Cubase system. It must also be noted that Ttam Troll is sporting some very nifty '80s glasses!

Dan Jam 2010 - More Video Footage Found

2010-11-15T23:54:00.010-05:00

Floating Fish Studios held its second in a series of Synth Jam Sessions at FFS II back on 04/03/10. In his first appearance at FFS since 1991, our special guest was Dan "The Man" Fiber.

This raw unedited video footage, shot by Scott on his Flip Video camcorder, captured part of one of our sonic experiments. The quality is questionable but it gives you an unique look inside Dan Jam 2010. The ensemble gathered included Dan Fiber (aka The Man), Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius), M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4), and Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll).

The video captures a 9:24 minute excerpt from a massive 20+ minute improv titled TR-6. You can also see another previously posted video from Dan Jam 2010 by clicking here.

Jax and her OBO

2010-10-29T11:24:00.010-04:00

Jax Miller (San Jose, CA) proudly displaying her copy of Obomatic - Holy Uncontrollio!!! which she purchased from CDBaby.

She saw our offer of a ***FREE*** autographed poster of the band for anyone who sent in a photo of themselves holding their Obomatic CD and was pressed into action. Her comment in the e-mail was "I only wish there were 10 more like it!" We couldn't agree more with you Jax!

Thank you and congratulations Jax! Your poster is on the way!

"Where's Matt" Contest Winner Chooses Prize

2010-10-28T23:59:00.002-04:00

Kim (Scott) Hepfer was the winner of the second "Where's Matt" contest which was held on Facebook. I don't know how she does it but this is the second contest that she's won. She successfully identified where I was in the crowd in a dark and grainy YouTube video from the 11/08 Killing Joke concert in NYC.

For her prize, she's chosen an Any Questions? - Death (Special Edition) Jr Hoodie from our CafePress store. Congratulations Kim! Your hoodie is on the way!

MC2P4 Down In It

2010-10-27T21:55:00.003-04:00

M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4) tweaking his Korg Z1 at FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Ho Magos on 09/18/10.

FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Ho Magos

2010-09-18T17:40:00.004-04:00

***BREAKING NEWS***

Floating Fish Studios is proud to announce Synth Jam 2010 - Ho Magos. This impromptu session is starting now (Saturday 09/18/10) at FFS II. The line up includes Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll), M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4), and Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius). A special guest visitor in attendance is, none other than former FFS recording artist, Ho Magos. Maybe he can be tempted to join in...

Obomatic - Live @ The Batcave NYC (2003)

2010-09-09T23:59:00.010-04:00

Shot during the Obomatic performance at The Batcave in New York City on 01/25/03, this video captures our cover of Animotion - Obsession. Always a crowd favorite. This night proved to be no different.

This was a show that almost never was. A little over a year earlier, we had been scheduled to perform at the CMJ Music Marathon in NYC as a featured Industrial artist but the horrific events of 9/11 cancelled that show and changed the lives of a nation and a world forever. Luckily, we later had the opportunity to go back to NYC and play at the same club which had originally booked us.

This video, shot using a handheld camcorder, is very poor quality wise but nonetheless stands as our sole document to the return of Obomatic to NYC. I hope you enjoy it!

Young Troll In Da Hoodie

2010-09-08T23:59:00.005-04:00

Here's another photo that I recently uncovered from my Christ United Methodist Church Youth Fellowship days in Shippensburg, PA. This photo, taken early in 1986, is from a YF retreat to the legendary A-Frame cabin in Central PA. This is the only known picture that exists of me wearing a hoodie.

Pictured from L to R: Krista Miller, Jennifer Davidson, and Matt Norcross.

Obomatic - Antidote (Early Mix)

2010-09-07T23:59:00.011-04:00

In 2000, we began recording songs for the first Obomatic CD. The first song completed was a song idea I had originally sketched together while on vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC in 1997 using only a Roland MC-303. Steve O took that rough sketch of an idea and turned it into a more complete song. Scottologic and I added some additional parts and the song, T3, was born. I mention this song creation process because it was anomalous to the rest of the CD.

The second song we recorded was a Steve O track called Antidote. As with the rest of the tracks for the CD, Holy Uncontrollio!!!, Steve O would bring in his rather complete song demos and then the rest of the band would add their parts to them. Here's a previously unreleased early mix for Antidote which is essentially the Steve O demo with a rough vocal track and some additional synth parts added.

P.S. Pictured from L to R: Troll IO, Timmotronic, Steve O, and Scottologic.

ChapStick

2010-08-29T11:59:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you just need it!

Youth Fellowship Volleyball

2010-08-28T23:59:00.012-04:00

I heard rumors that some pictures from my 1985 and 1986 Christ United Methodist Church Youth Fellowship days had surfaced. Though scared at what I might find, I went in search of these.

What you see here from Summer 1986 is the first glimpse of the 8 photos I discovered. It's a poor quality picture of a picture but it's nonetheless revealing. The gratuitous "ass shot" shows me in uncharacteristic colorful clothes. Sporting an aqua blue shirt and a rainbow striped white swim suit, I'm preparing to return a volley. Not many photos exist of me wearing colorful clothes but click here for another one captured by Kim (Scott) Hepfer from Spring 1987.

P.S. Pictured from L to R: Ruby Appleby, ???, Jen Davidson, Suzie Jacobs, Matt Norcross, Dave Wolfgang, and Ann Shallcross. The person obscured by me is most likely Pete Morgan.

Need You Tonight

2010-08-25T23:59:00.002-04:00

As Dungeon Aire, we had quite an eclectic and adventurous set list for our first and only gig on 12/31/87 at "Number 9" in Shippensburg, PA. It included such diverse songs as Led Zeppelin - Misty Mountain Hop, The Cult - Wildflower, The Suburbs - Monster Man, Mondo Rock - Primitive Love Rights, and even two original songs (Pung and Progressions) that we had written. Somewhere between all of that, we also chose to perform INXS - Need You Tonight.

Here is a jam box recording from the show which features Brad Shaeffer - Vocals, Matt Skirpan - Guitar, Matt Norcross - Bass, Scott McConnell - Synthesizers, and Tim Harrell - Drum Machine. It's the only song that Tim played the drum machine.

P.S. Pictured from L to R: Scott McConnell - Synthesizers and Matt Norcross - Bass.

In The Pools Of Blood

2010-08-23T22:25:00.010-04:00

The Summer of 1991 was another very fertile period for Any Questions? and for me personally. After purchasing our first computer (an Atari 1040STe) for music production in March of 1991, we had left hardware sequencing behind and been working almost extensively with Steinberg Cubase software for music sequencing. This software allowed us much more flexibility in music editing and song arrangements. It also allowed us to quickly and easier save and load our song ideas so we were no longer burdened with the arduous task of manually setting all of our instruments up for each song.

This previously unreleased demo of In The Pools Of Blood is a good example of how quickly it was to sequence the music for a song idea and then work on it. For this idea, I programmed a very basic 4 bar drum pattern. Next, I layered a synth bass line, some string pads, and a reverse cymbal effect. This 4 bar pattern was repeated ad infinitum.

What makes this song idea very unique in the Any Questions? canon is that it is the only one ever recorded that captures me completely improvising lyrics. Even to this day, all Any Questions? lyrics are written out (electronically or on paper) first and then rehearsed with the music. It was very early in the morning (around 3AM) at FFS II when I began to sing (term used loosely). As usual, my Korg A3 provided me with just the right vocal effect and set the mood for me to expel my dark, introverted thoughts. Some of the classic lines from this include... "Liquid tears from placid eyes mix tranquilly", "Slowly gnawing on your flesh", "Spiraling downward you and me", and "In the pools of blood".

The vocals were purposefully recorded farther back in the mix since they were just improvised ramblings. They may be hard to decipher but, if you're up to the task, write them out and e-mail them to me at troll@floatingfish.com. If they are correct, I'll send you a ***FREE*** autographed 18" x 24" Any Questions? - Prey For Death (Special Edition) poster. Act soon, this offer ends 10/31/10.

P.S. This photo of Ttam Troll was shot at Floating Fish Studios in 2000 (approximate date).

I Love Pudding

2010-08-14T02:00:00.005-04:00

I always hated pudding until today. It took me 40 yrs to find a flavor I love.

Thrift Store Obomatic

2010-08-09T22:01:00.012-04:00

You know your band has really made it big whenever you start finding your CDs in bins at thrift stores. LOL! Kim (Scott) Hepfer came across Obomatic - Holy Uncontrollio!!! (pictured above) today while she was browsing at the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter Thrift Store in Chambersburg, PA.

To prove it wasn't her copy of the CD, Kim sent me a photo (pictured below) of her copy along with the thrift store one that she so kindly purchased for $1.

Which other fans are willing to send me a photo of them holding their Obomatic CD? Post or e-mail me (troll@floatingfish.com) your photo and you'll receive a ***FREE*** autographed 11" x 17" poster of the band. Act soon, this offer ends 10/31/10.

Kim, your poster is on the way!!!

Another Troll Playing Guitar Photo Surfaces

2010-08-06T23:59:00.002-04:00

Another photo surfaces of Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll) playing Alien Guitar at FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Drones on 07/24/10. Will these photos never end?

This Mistress - Live at SASHS Part 2

2010-08-05T23:59:00.001-04:00

I mentioned in my previous post about this performance that I was hopeful to resurrect some of the very poor quality video footage from the show. Here you have it... This Mistress performing Led Zeppelin's Misty Mountain Hop sans lead singer (Brad "Chicken Strut" Shaeffer) during a soundcheck at Shippensburg Area Senior High School on 03/12/88.

The line up for this Winter Carnival show included Brad Shaeffer - Vocals, Matt "Scrap Pap" Skirpan - Guitar, Kevin "Bart the Fart" Wilson - Guitar, Scott McConnell - Synthesizer, Matt Norcross - Bass, and Tim Harrell - Drums.

Opening Drone

2010-08-04T23:26:00.003-04:00

This opening drone from FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Drones on 07/24/10 captures a performance by Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius - pictured above) and M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4). It set a perfect tone for the sessions and, upon my arrival and a trip to Fujiyama, we delved further into atonal soundscapes.

This improv was titled TR-1.

Pout for me Punky!

2010-08-03T23:59:00.010-04:00

Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll) playing Alien Guitar at FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Drones on 07/24/10.

Some questions remain... Is Ttam Troll really channeling Punky Meadows (pictured below) and is he really "more fluid than Jeff Beck"?

Raw Video from Synth Jam 2010 - Ttam Troll Plays Guitar!

2010-07-27T23:59:00.009-04:00

Floating Fish Studios held its fifth in a series of Synth Jam Sessions at FFS II on 07/24/10. The ensemble gathered included Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius), M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4), and Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll).

This raw unedited video footage captures Ttam Troll playing guitar. Yes, that's right, Ttam Troll playing guitar. This is only footage ever to capture such an event. You decide... Should this be the only footage ever to exist?

This improv was titled TR-5.

Glitter Explosion!

2010-07-24T23:59:00.003-04:00

Some things just can't be controlled!

FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Drones

2010-07-23T22:50:00.004-04:00

***BREAKING NEWS***

Floating Fish Studios is proud to announce Synth Jam 2010 - Drones which is scheduled for Saturday 07/24/10 at FFS II. The unconfirmed line up is rumored to include Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll), M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4), and Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius). Special guests are expected and will be announced later.

Our fifth in a series of Synth Jam Sessions at FFS II will concentrate on improvised synthetic soundscapes.

Pumpkin Boy

2010-07-10T23:59:00.000-04:00

Ttam Troll as Pumpkin Boy during Any Questions? performance at the Music Invasion Festival on 07/10/04.

Ttam Troll Punishes His Machine! Part 2

2010-07-08T00:31:00.003-04:00

Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll) playing Minimoog at FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Punish Your Machine on 06/05/10 while Mazie looks on.

Chocolate Japanese Noodle Baby (CJNB)

2010-07-07T23:59:00.005-04:00

Legend has it that on one early June evening in 2010, a FFS II Synth Jam was held. The ensemble gathered included Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius), M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4), and Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll).

During the improvised recordings, which were dubbed the Punish Your Machine sessions, the trio of synthesists became hungry and ventured forth from the studio in search of nourishment. Their search ended in the land of Fujiyama. It was there, at the hibachi table, where Chocolate Japanese Noodle Baby (CJNB) was born.

This 11+ minute audio sculpture is our sonic representation of the experience. It was recorded on 06/05/10.

Punish Your Machine Extras

2010-07-06T23:59:00.005-04:00

This behind the scenes photo shows M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4) capturing video at FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Punish Your Machine on 06/05/10.

Fireworks!

2010-07-03T23:59:00.002-04:00

This day was also full of fireworks both loud and soft!

Towel Please! Part 2

2010-07-01T23:59:00.002-04:00

One more time... Ttam Troll during Any Questions? - Alive I Am rehearsals on 10/07/09. Gross!

Mazie Checks In

2010-06-30T23:59:00.002-04:00

Mazie Marie McConnell checks in before FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - '80s Style on 05/15/10 to see if she can help set up.

Awash in Green Glow

2010-06-29T23:59:00.002-04:00

MC2P4 awash in green glow during Any Questions? performance at Tesla Nights 2009 Halloween Party on 10/31/09.

Ttam Troll Punishes His Machine!

2010-06-25T23:59:00.003-04:00

Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll) playing Minimoog at FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Punish Your Machine on 06/05/10.

Behind the scenes with Obomatic

2010-06-24T23:59:00.000-04:00

This behind the scenes photo of Obomatic at the Music Mania Studio 1 Festival on 05/17/03 shows the final 4 member live incarnation of the band. This line up included (from left to right) Troll IO - Synthesizers, Miller High Life - Guitar, Scottologic - Synthesizers, and Steve O - Vocals.

FFS II Synth Jam 2010 Inaugural Session

2010-06-23T23:59:00.004-04:00

Here's a photo from the inaugural FFS II Synth Jam 2010 session which was held on 02/20/10.

The ensemble gathered included (from L to R) Tim Harrell (aka LTJTHC), Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius), M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4), Stephen Saputelli (aka Steve O), and Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll).

This Mistress - Back In The Carport

2010-06-22T23:59:00.012-04:00

In this video, This Mistress performs Get It On by Kingdom Come. It's another "classic" carport performance captured during our outdoor concert in Scotland, PA during the Summer of 1988.

Not to be deterred by the lack of attention paid to us by the partygoers who were busy either swimming, playing volleyball, or feasting on BBQ, we worked through our eclectic set of originals, classic rock, alternative, and metal songs.

This line up of the band included Ken Chandler - Vocals, Matt "Scrap Pap" Skirpan - Guitar, Kevin "Bart the Fart" Wilson - Guitar, Scott McConnell - Synthesizer, Matt Norcross - Bass, and Tim Harrell - Drums.

This performance was shot and edited by our longtime videographer Steve Olsen and, if you watch closely near the beginning of the video, you'll see a young, feathered hair and toe tapping Jackey Dickey (later McConnell) sitting off to the side of the band enjoying the music.

Yay!

2010-06-18T23:59:00.005-04:00

FFS Blog Celebrates 1 Yr Anniversary!

2010-06-17T23:59:00.000-04:00

It wasn't that long ago that we celebrated the 200th Floating Fish Studios Blog post so I won't bore you with the same celebratory banter about how far we've come or the purpose of the blog.

I'd simply like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of the Floating Fish Studios universe during our 20+ year history and to all who have contributed to the blog. Thank you for making FFS and the blog a success!

Towel Please!

2010-06-16T23:59:00.002-04:00

OK, now that's just gross! Ttam Troll during Any Questions? - Alive I Am rehearsals on 10/07/09.

Bing Boo

2010-06-15T23:59:00.009-04:00

More from the FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Punish Your Machine sessions which were held on 06/05/10. This piece of audio warfare is titled Bing Boo.

Bing Boo (not to be confused with Bing Boo and Tofu) was one of the earlier tracks from the sessions. Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius) once again provided a rhythmic battery of percussion from his Ableton Live rig while Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll) tried to tame the runaway glide of the temperamental Minimoog for his synth bass lines. M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4) commandeered the rest of the audio space with Korg Z1 synthetics.

MC2P4 Punishes His Machine!

2010-06-10T23:59:00.002-04:00

M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4) playing Korg Z1 at FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Punish Your Machine on 06/05/10.

Stinky Pinky

2010-06-09T23:59:00.010-04:00

The hits keep on coming from the FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Punish Your Machine sessions which were held on 06/05/10. This piece of audio warfare is titled Stinky Pinky.

Contrary to the tongue-in-cheek (or pinky... ) song title, this is one of more aggressive tracks from the sessions. Matt Norcross' (aka Ttam Troll) programmed noise beat and Dave Chandler's (aka Thee Sub One Genius) staccato arpeggiations provided the rhythmic foundation for M Scott McConnell's (aka MC2P4) droning Alesis Micron synth bass line. With the groove in place, Matt Norcross interfaced with the Korg Z1 to add synth string melodies and dissonance.

At the 8 minute mark, the song starts to slowing fade leaving the listener wantonly yearning for more...

Bombs Away - TR-1 Unleashed

2010-06-08T23:59:00.011-04:00

The opening salvo from FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Punish Your Machine was this improvisation titled TR-1.

Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius) pounded out the rhythmic battery in Ableton LIve while providing iPod synth octave effects. Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll) hammered out a Minimoog synth bass line which propelled the improv and M Scott McConnell's (aka MC2P4) Korg Z1 soloing glistened in between.

This was recorded on 06/05/10.

Raw Video from Synth Jam 2010 - Punish Your Machine

2010-06-07T23:59:00.003-04:00

Floating Fish Studios held its fourth in a series of Synth Jam Sessions at FFS II on 06/05/10. The ensemble gathered was the same as the last session and included Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius), M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4), and Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll).

This raw unedited video footage, shot by Dave on a Flip Video camcorder, captured part of the audio warfare. The quality is questionable but it gives you an unique look inside our Synth Jam and reveals an unexpected "adjustment".

This improv was titled TR-6.

The Birth of CJNB and Bing Boo

2010-06-05T23:59:00.002-04:00

While taking a break from Synth Jam 2010 - Punish Your Machine, we visited Fujiyama. At the hibachi table, CJNB (Chocolate Japanese Noodle Baby) and Bing Boo (Tofu) was born.

FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - Punish Your Machine

2010-06-04T14:17:00.005-04:00

***BREAKING NEWS***

Floating Fish Studios is proud to announce Synth Jam 2010 - Punish Your Machine which is scheduled for Saturday 06/05/10 at FFS II. The unconfirmed line up is rumored to include Matt Norcross (aka Ttam Troll), M Scott McConnell (aka MC2P4), and Dave Chandler (aka Thee Sub One Genius). Special guests are expected and will be announced later.

Our fourth in a series of Synth Jam Sessions at FFS II will concentrate on total audio warfare. Synthetic aggression and noise will be paramount.

PUNISH YOUR MACHINE!!!

More from FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - '80s Style

2010-06-03T23:59:00.000-04:00

This sonic experiment culled from the FFS II Synth Jam 2010 - '80s Style session was conducted on 05/15/10.

Thee Sub One Genius' interplay between a Korg ElecTribe ER-1 and ES-1 created the rhythmic foundation from which he, MC2P4, and I manufactured this fractured yet oddly uplifting improvised instrumental. Always seemingly on the verge of derailment, we held it together, with the help of Ali, for the 7+ minute running time of the experiment.

This experiment is titled TR-3.