lotusCast - The official blog & podcast from lotuspike

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #14 -January, 2008 - [podcast]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:23:39 +0000

A music-only podcast, featuring Chad Hoefler, Ben Cox, Jeff Greinke, Darshan Ambient, and a preview of Johan Agebjörn's upcoming Lotuspike release, Mossebo.

Deep Winter Chill on 100.1 KRUU FM’s Pirate Radio

Daniel Pipitone — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:38:35 +0000

100.1 KRUU FM – Deep Winter Chill With Pirate Radio: An all-Lotuspike show on the coldest day of winter Saturday, January 19, 9:00 CST (10:00 EST) tune in to KRUU online > Bookmark to:

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #13 -August, 2007 - [podcast-video podcast]

Daniel Pipitone — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 20:16:11 +0000

Welcome to a very special 13th edition of lotusCast. A video tribute to Michael Allison, a.k.a. Darshan Ambient.

Back in April, we received word from Michael’s wife, Nicky, that he had gotten ill very fast…and worse…he was in intensive care fighting a terrible infection due to an abscess in his liver. Over the course of [...]

We Have Joined Technorati

Daniel Pipitone — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:05:19 +0000

Technorati Profile Bookmark to:

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #12 -June, 2007 - [podcast]

Daniel Pipitone — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 16:05:52 +0000

Finally, after nearly a year, we are back with episode 12 of lotusCast and an interview feature with Markus Reuter! Our host, Daniel Pipitone, got a chance to ask Markus about his latest release, Trepanation, on lotuspike. Listen to Markus discuss his influences, production techniques and other thoughtful insights from his creative process on Trepanation. [...]

iTunes Plus

Ben Cox — Thu, 31 May 2007 15:25:24 +0000

Yesterday, Apple rolled out iTunes Plus in the iTunes US Store, which offers higher-quality DRM-free downloads for $1.29 (a $0.30 premium over the “standard” $0.99 download). The “Plus” downloads are DRM-free 256kbps AAC files, playable by any device or software that supports AAC (not just iTunes or iPods).

Lotuspike applauds this move, and agrees with Steve Jobs’ “Thoughts On Music” post [...]

Shipping Rates

Ben Cox — Thu, 31 May 2007 15:12:55 +0000

As those of you in the USA may be aware, US Postal Service postage rates recently changed (at the beginning of May). Unfortunately the rates for lighter First Class packages rose dramatically, and most of our CD orders fall into this category. Domestic postage on a single-CD order rose from $1.35 to $1.81, an increase of 34%.

In case you [...]

Trees from Kerri

Daniel Pipitone — Thu, 03 May 2007 02:05:30 +0000

trees

Originally uploaded by desertblue kitty.

Just a beautiful image from Jeff’s wife on the road in New Mexico.

Simply worth sharing.

Daniel

Bookmark to:

Listen to my CD!

Ben Cox — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 13:41:00 +0000

A funny thing happens when you go into business as a record label: suddenly you get a lot of people sending you email asking where they can send their CD for you to release.

There are a couple of important presumptions there.

The first, and more easily dismissed presumption, is that if they send you a CD, you will be [...]

Studio Project - update

Daniel Pipitone — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:00:05 +0000

Here is a bad video of the very bad room as I found it after moving into our house in December. As you can see, the previous owner thought that regular drywall was a good idea in a damp Pittsburgh basement…

I have made a lot of progress since this was taken and all of the [...]

Finally-An Entry!

Daniel Pipitone — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:08:40 +0000

Well, I was thinking today, and I decided to try and become active again in semi-every-so-often blogging on this thing. It is our blog, after all…

I have actually started construction (destruction) in my basement this week on what I hope will quickly become my project studio (equipped for both music and freelance design purposes). I [...]

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #11 -July, 2006 - [podcast]

Daniel Pipitone — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 14:20:58 +0000

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #11 -July, 2006

Lotuspike features Rudy Adrian and his debut release on Lotuspike Records, MoonWater.

Rudy also discusses his previous releases and the influences on his work.

Download the file here >> Bookmark to:

Lotuspike and Carnegie Science Center Announce: Ministry of Inside Things – LIVE!

Daniel Pipitone — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 01:51:28 +0000

Henry Buhl Jr. Planetarium @ Carnegie Science Center. June 9th, 2006 @ 8:00pm. Doors open @ 7:30 $10 general admission/$8 for students (w/ ID) and CSC members

Lotuspike and Carnegie Science Center are pleased to bring back The Ministry of Inside Things, Friday, June 9th at 8:00pm.

The Ministry of Inside Things, consisting of electronic musician Chuck van Zyl [...]

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #10 -April, 2006 - [podcast]

Daniel Pipitone — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 23:28:20 +0000

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #10 -April, 2006

On April 23, we were fortunate to be able to host Robert Rich as he stopped in Pittsburgh as part of his 2006 Spring Tour. Along with the Carnegie Science Center we hosted an evening with Robert at the CSC Buhl Planetarium. Robert’s performance was absolutely astounding and nothing [...]

Lotuspike Welcomes Robert Rich to Pittsburgh April 23!

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 19:36:01 +0000

Lotuspike and Carnegie Science Center welcomes Robert Rich! Sunday, April 23, 2006 8 p.m. in the Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium $16; $8 for members, students, children and seniors

Join internationally-acclaimed electronic music artist Robert Rich under the dome of the Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium with live lasers and special effects. In his 20+ year career, Rich’s music [...]

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #9 - March, 2006 - [podcast]

Daniel Pipitone — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 16:32:38 +0000

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #9 -March, 2006Lotuspike takes a road trip to discover what things are happening with other musicians and labels across the country.Download the file here Bookmark to:

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #8 - VALENTINE’S DAY - [podcast]

Daniel Pipitone — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 14:19:59 +0000

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast for #8 - VALENTINE’S DAY 2006Special Valentine’s Day edition. A soundtrack for a romantic evening featuring music from many of the Lotuspike releases.Download the file here Bookmark to:

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #7 - January 06 - [podcast]

Administrator — Wed, 18 Jan 2006 19:13:05 +0000

Episode 7 of our lotusCast features our newest release by new artist, Chad Hoefler! Quiet Glow hits the streets today, so get a great preview and listen to a personal interview with Chad here:

Download here! > Bookmark to:

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #6 - October - [podcast]

Administrator — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 17:54:24 +0000

This is our special holiday edition. 45 minutes of non-stop music for your holiday spirit.

Happy Holidays from Lotuspike!

Download here! > Bookmark to:

New lotusBlog Coming Soon!!

Administrator — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 16:00:07 +0000

Stay tuned for the new and improved lotusBlog. Bookmark to:

New Site Launched Today!

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

After much anticipation, we have launched a new site! Enjoy and happy browsing.-Lotuspike Bookmark to:

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #5 - October - [podcast]

Daniel Pipitone — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 14:22:00 +0000

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast for #5 - October, 2005featuring music by Darshan Ambient, along with music and an interview with Jeff Pearce!Download the file here Bookmark to:

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #4 - August 18 - [podcast]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 24 Aug 2005 14:15:00 +0000

The fourth installment of LotusCast.In this edition of lotusCast, we feature music from Darshan Ambient, Craig Padilla and Zero Ohms, Terra Ambient and an exclusive interview with Ministry of Inside Things from Philadephia…Plus new and event updates for the month of August 2005. Download the file here or you can just copy / [...]

Bob Moog - [music]

Ben Cox — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

Today was the last day for Dr. Robert Moog, a man whose impact onelectronic music and music of all kinds cannot possibly be measured.He will be missed, though his influence will be felt for decades to come. Bookmark to:

Deep Space Impact - [otherwise]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

Let’s face it, it’s hard to be an ambient/space music fan without having a somewhat strange fascination with space itself.And if you do, and paid any attention to the news this week, you will have seen or read about NASA’s recent attempt to document a collision with a comet.The probe, named Deep Impact was launched [...]

New Lotuspike Artist - [otherwise]

Ben Cox — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

Jeffrey Paul Cox was born at 5:50pm EDT on Monday, June 27, 2005 at Magee-Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was 7lbs. 5oz. and 20″ long. Mom is doing great, and she and Dad and Jeffrey’s big sister Becky and his Mna are proud as can be.Congratulations also go out to lotusFriends and fellow new dads [...]

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #3 - June 20 - [podcast]

Daniel Pipitone — Tue, 21 Jun 2005 14:10:00 +0000

The third installment of LotusCast.This month we feature music by lotuspike artist and co-founder Ben Cox, new lotuspike artists Craig Padilla & Zero Ohms (Richard Roberts), and a track from ambient pioneer Robert Rich. Download the file here or you can just copy / paste this URL into your podcast player : http://feeds.feedburner.com/LotusblogYou [...]

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #2 - MAY 05 (#2) - [podcast]

Daniel Pipitone — Tue, 21 Jun 2005 03:57:00 +0000

Welcome to our second installment of the lotusCast podcast!This time we feature an exclusive interview with Michael Allison (aka. Darshan Ambient) and a rare track from Daniel Pipitone. Download the file here or you can just copy / paste this URL into your podcast player : http://feeds.feedburner.com/LotusblogYou can also subscribe to our podcast [...]

lotusCast - Lotuspike Podcast #1 - MAY 05 - [podcast]

Daniel Pipitone — Tue, 21 Jun 2005 02:58:00 +0000

Well, here it is, our first lotusCast podcast installment. From time to time we will be producing these to keep you in the loop on Lotuspike goings-on, and all of the latest news and info related to music and artists on the Lotuspike label. Download the file here or you can just copy [...]

Voices Beyond The Dome Concert Series : UPDATE : TIKETS NOW ON SALE ONLINE -[music]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

update!You can now purchase tickets online for our Voices Beyond the Dome concert series @ the Science Center!Click here for tickets > Bookmark to:

Carnegie Science Center & Lotuspike Present: Ministry of Inside Things-Voices Beyond The Dome Concert Series-[music]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

experience a unique musical journey, featuring live performances and exclusive previews of ambient, space and ambi-electronic music, set to the thrilling imagery and lasers of the Henry Buhl Jr. Planetarium at Carnegie Science Center.MINISTRY of INSIDE THINGSSaturday, June 25th, 2005 @ 9:00 PM[ambient space rock from Philadelphia, PA]JEFF PEARCEFriday, October 21st, 2005 @ 9:00 PM[guitar [...]

Apple on Intel - [otherwise]

Ben Cox — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

What about the Apple on Intel announcement? I, for one, am looking forward to it; it means my next PowerBook will be faster (well, of course it would) without melting the skin off my legs when it’s sitting on my lap. End-user-visible differences should be minimal, since it will still be Mac OS X [...]

Live 5-what will those Berliners think of next - [otherwise]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

It seems like just yesterday Ableton released its way improved Live 4, including a pretty deep suite of virtual instruments…seemingly completing the ultimate composition and production “instrument”.Well, if their preview announcement for Live 5 is any indication, they have upped the ante considerably with an even tighter DAW integration, including clip “freezing” and better overall [...]

THE DAY, today is! - [otherwise]

Ben Cox — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

To the movies, I will go! Bookmark to:

OK, I admit it… - [otherwise]

Ben Cox — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

Well, this is sort of about music but not about ambient music, so I’m calling it “otherwise”. I admit it: I watch American Idol. I wasn’t sure whether Vonzell or Bo would win, but I was pretty sure it would be one of them. I’m quite surprised at last night’s result. I now [...]

lotusBlog mentioned in PGH Post Gazette! - [otherwise]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

lotuspike and our blog / LotusCast have been mentioned in todays Pittsburgh Post Gazette. The article discusses blog technology as a marketing tool, and how companies are taking advantage of the opportunities blogging offers to reach audiences quickly and cost-effectively. We like that!Check out the article here > Bookmark to:

Back in the studio… - [music]

Ben Cox — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

Now that I’ve got the studio nearly reassembled after moving, I’m starting work on my next album, tentatively titled West. It will be sonically similar to On Water, but the compositions will be more structured, in the direction of the last track on On Water, “Pray for Rain”. The first track, “Laurel Ridge”, [...]

CD Project - Scrap and Start Again! - [music]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

OK, so after a long bout with a mix issue and learning a few things from scratch (thanks Jeff) I have decided to scrap my whole production process and start again.It’s not as big of an issue for me as it is for an artist with a complex hardware setup or elaborate studio environment. This [...]

Tiger - [otherwise]

Ben Cox — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

I upgraded my laptop to Tiger today. With a little prep (updating some utilities, deleting some things known to be incompatible), it went very, very smoothly.Indeed, I’m typing this blog entry in via a Dashboard widget right now… Bookmark to:

Delicious Library - [otherwise]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

Super Cool App - Delicious LibraryThis has to be one of the uber-coolest apps on the planet.Don’t believe me, ask Jeff.Check out Delicious Library here > Bookmark to:

Taking advice from my grill - [otherwise]

Ben Cox — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

Snow on April 24? Don’t worry! Be Happy! Bookmark to:

The latest technology…yeah, sure. - [music]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

So I finally upgraded my version of Ableton Live, which I have been lovingly crafting some sketches for my upcoming project.So, I am finding that upgrading, before it feels beneficial, can be somewhat disturbing and can really, really suck.I upgraded to a newer version, while still not the latest (v. 4.0.4) , it is newer, [...]

It just may kill me before its mixed - [music]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

It’s been a while since we added to the blog. Sorry to add to it with a rant…I am mixing a few things as I approach a CD project, and so far it pretty much is the hardest damn thing i’ve ever attemtped music-wise.Not sure why i’m struggling this much this time around…it’s not as [...]

Fantastic Mixes - [music]

Ben Cox — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

So, yesterday morning when I was driving into work, I was listening to some music that was really well mixed. This got me thinking about making a list of my “favorite mixes”; i.e., albums that I think are exemplary in mix quality. I’ve started a list here. If you read this and want to [...]

Separated at birth? - [otherwise]

Ben Cox — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

You decide. On the left: Jerome Bettis. On the right: Marvin Gaye. Bookmark to:

Founders’ Picks - [music]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

OK, so here are the “founders’ picks”, or “recent favorites”, which we would say we’ve have been listening to most recently - most of them released fairly recently (in the last year…or so) :DANIEL:Steve Roach and Vir Unis - Blood MachineIan Boddy - ChiasmataSteve Roach - Life SequenceNumina - Sanctuary of DreamsBrian Eno & [...]

Launch Event Photos (delayed reaction) - [music]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

So, after nearly hurting myself trying to sort this out…I’ve done it! I found a way to blog these images from the Inaugural lotuspike event @ the Mattress Factory from January 7, 2005.For those who might be curious and could not be there, this is what it looked like: Bookmark to:

We’re Brewin - [otherwise]

Daniel Pipitone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

I’ll begin my blog entries with a quick review of something non-musical…homebrewed beer.My wife gave me my first homebrew kit for Christmas this year, and we are just now, this evening, tasting it after three weeks of fermenting and priming. Do we need a food and drink area for this stuff?Anyway, here are the tasting [...]