Thursday 06 December 07 [10:08:45]

Get those party frocs on

After the last instalment's dark infused beats this month's mixtape promises more than a little xmas cheer with party orientated good times and a classic roots reggae chill-out.

Enjoy this all night party mix as it effortlessly takes you from dancing at the disco to that late night melancholy walk home. Seasons greetings :)

[go to release]

Last Updated 06-12-07 [10:22:26] by Jerome

Tuesday 04 December 07 [13:25:08]

Back online

Back online after downtime caused by my web hosting company's security problems... please report any problems you have accessing any pages or demos on this website.

Database driven web applications such as the video-shell and demo Content Management Systems are most likely to be affected.

December's monthly dose of mixtape magic can be accessed by visiting http://baroquedub.blogspot.com/. Cover art, tracklist and details will be added to this website in a couple of days.

Last Updated 04-12-07 [13:25:08] by Jerome

Thursday 01 November 07 [10:06:27]

A November mixtape

Winter's arrived and the days are drawing in here in the UK. Life's not been particularly easy on a personal front, and looking at the politics of the world things don't seem to be much better there either... so you'll forgive me for dishing up a rather dark mix of dub infused beats and breaks. Don't despair though - imho it also happens to be one of the best mixtapes I've made in a while. Nothing like a bad mood to get the creative juices flowing.

[go to release]

Last Updated 01-11-07 [10:06:27] by Jerome

Tuesday 02 October 07 [21:37:06]

Your monthly dose

Nearly back on track with this timely release of October's collection of musical pleasures. I've been caning the random playlist on my mp3 player which might explain some of the erratic eclecticism on show. And life's been taking such unexpected twists and turns at my end that I make no apologies for the curve balls coming at you in this mix. I've done my best not to make it too bumpy a ride...

[go to release]

Last Updated 02-10-07 [21:37:06] by Jerome

Wednesday 22 August 07 [23:52:29]

Better late than never

Apologies for the delayed release of this month's mixtape... it's been a hectic, hyper-busy time at baroquedub mansions with the death of a much loved laptop, the start of a new job and the purchase of a new house. There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day.

But, as usual, the kind words of thanks and encouragement from listeners around the world have reminded me why I do this and made me find time for another round of lovingly crafted music mixing.

My thanks to you all. Keep the emails coming and I'll keep bringing out the mixtapes.

[go to release]

Last Updated 22-08-07 [23:52:29] by Jerome

Sunday 01 July 07 [01:06:27]

Strange Journey

Recent mixtapes could be accused of having played it a little safe with slightly less than adventurous selections from the world of electronic reggae... This time around prepare yourselves for something a little bit different and get ready for a global journey of musical discovery.

But don't despair - there's more than enough of a reggae influence for all you regular deep bass addicts and it's all spiced with more than a few gems from the seven corners of the world.

Book yourself a ticket on the next flight out of here...

[go to release]

Last Updated 04-07-07 [00:15:37] by Jerome

Monday 11 June 07 [18:53:28]

New Version Excursions digital 7inch release

After a couple of mini-EPs exploring the darker side of dubstep this release marks the return of the Version Excursions series with a very special trio of riddim reworks.

'Freedom Blues', 'Tempo' and 'Every Tongue Shall Tell' all get the baroquedub remix treatment with clean, straight-up production which should please all fans of digi-dub reggae.

[go to release]

Last Updated 11-06-07 [18:53:28] by Jerome

Saturday 02 June 07 [17:07:59]

Club meets Dub flashback

Almost without exception, the mixtape I receive the most feedback about is number 5, the techdub and dubstep edition - a release I originally felt uncomfortable about, worried that I'd alienate reggae purists and fans of more traditional rootsy sounds. I shouldn't have worried. Just as the old school has undoubtably influenced the new pretenders so have these new explorations in dub been fed back into the musical zeitgeist.

While techdub's now morphed into more abstract glitchscapes and new rave, dubstep is fast awaiting its crossover success with such unlikely champions as The Wire and Mary-Anne Hobbs. Yet no one quite knows what dubstep actually is, and the artists themselves are understandably keen to distance themselves from a catch all label. Under the circumstances I couldn't resist revisiting the clean, minimal soundscapes which made the original techdub+dubstep outing such a success.

Enjoy the flashback.

[go to release]

Last Updated 02-06-07 [17:12:19] by Jerome

Tuesday 08 May 07 [15:30:01]

Midi riddims update

As promised, ten brand new MIDI riddims have been added to the riddim archive thanks to Jahpapu, who kindly sent in some real classics for all you producers to re-use and abuse. 'Fade Away', 'Fisherman', ' Rougher Yet', 'Tempo' and many more, all present and correct for your enjoyment.

I've also dusted off some old recordings which I've added to the netlabel 'assorted tracks' section. Armed with nothing more than an AtariST, a Korg M1 and an E64 sampler, inspired by early Ninja Tunes and vintage Chemical Brothers... Those were the days! :)

[MIDI riddims]
[Netlabel tracks]

Last Updated 08-05-07 [15:32:36] by Jerome

Tuesday 01 May 07 [15:25:39]

Back in business

Eagerly awaited after a month off, chapter 11 in the baroquedub mixtape series is finally ready for your listening pleasure. With roots classics packed full of righteous words there's also plenty there to keep the 'future dub' heads happy.

Shout-outs this month go to everyone who's emailed to say hi or simply posted a comment. But a very special mention to Jahpapu Kongo who's kindly donated a whole bunch of reggae MIDI files for the riddim archive. Respect!

[go to release]

Last Updated 01-05-07 [15:25:59] by Jerome

Sunday 01 April 07 [21:34:09]

Here's one I made earlier

No mixtape this month I'm afraid... still finding my feet after our return to the UK following 18 months in New Zealand. Good to see friends and family but it'll take a while not to feel like a stranger in my own home town... especially while still only on dial-up in temporary accommodation.

Thanks for all the messages and emails and an especially big shoutout to all at blackmagicplastic for the kind words and best wishes - if you don't already know their blog do yourselves a favour and check it.

Big thanks too to the Munchbreak crew (great to catch up with all your exploits at the weekend) and JamJah (in full effect as per usual) for two great parties in one night - felt like being home, shuffling to all that great roots reggae and chatting with old friends at Pecker's. You can travel around the world and you'll never find somewhere as special as The Unit. Thanks Juggla and co. Much respect.

Ok - don't despair, here's a very special netlabel release to make it up to all you regular listeners. Recorded during our last week in Wellington I 've delayed the release date for just this kind of occasion. It features an infectuous steppers riddim backed with yet another dubstep influenced anthem.

Normal service will be resumed asap.

[go to release]

Last Updated 18-04-07 [16:25:37] by Jerome

Friday 02 March 07 [02:29:41]

Now we are ten

Writing this on our last day in Wellington... three weeks from now and we'll be back in ol' blightie... uhmmm... can't wait... reading about more ‘terror’ raids, cash for peerages, Monsanto dumping toxic waste, the licensing of music in pubs... Oh well, cheering ourselves up with the prospect of a second summer in the northern hemisphere.

Offline for about a month or so, so this may be the last mixtape for a while - cherish it! It's a good one :) Kind of a birthday special as we go into double figures - there's a little bit of everything in there; from dub influenced dance music to classic roots reggae, all mixed up with a dash of hip-hop and a sprinkling of funk. It's a baroquedub special!

[go to release]

Last Updated 02-03-07 [02:53:27] by Jerome

Friday 16 February 07 [01:52:33]

E-Learning Showcase

"You're only as good as your last job", as the saying goes - so I'm delighted to be able to showcase the work I've recently completed at the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand on the NZ-OER project.

A culmination of the many design and e-learning strategies I have developed over the years, it's also a perfect example of my passion for creating engaging, immersive online environments.

[read full case study]

[view Moodle course page]
[view office environment]
[view video activity]

Last Updated 16-02-07 [01:53:02] by Jerome

Thursday 01 February 07 [00:22:31]

Monthly mixtape latest

As an antidote to the more urban directions of recent netlabel releases, not to mention the Kiwi bias of the last mixtape, number 09 is a back to basics collection of new international dub acts and reggae roots classics. In true baroquedub stylee a handful of beats'n'breaks cuts wrap up the proceedings by spicing up the mix with a few surprises.

Enjoy.

[go to release]

Last Updated 01-02-07 [00:32:26] by Jerome

Tuesday 23 January 07 [00:14:23]

Dark Matter EP netlabel release

Well it's been a while coming but it's also been well worth the wait. Taking a break from the version excursions formula two brand new netlabel tracks finally make it off the dubplates and are ready for download.

Dark and moody, the Dark Matter EP's title track comes fully loaded with platinum breaks and majestic bass. The flip side's influenced by those old Basement Jaxx parties at the Telegraph in Brixton - expect a skanked up, cut-up urban party vibe. More dubstep influenced breaks currently in the works. Stay tuned.

[go to release]

Last Updated 23-01-07 [00:17:37] by Jerome

Wednesday 03 January 07 [06:53:24]

A tribute to Aotearoa

For those who don't yet know, and anyone who's interested, Georgia and I will soon be moving back to the UK after living out in New Zealand for about 18 months so the first of this year's mixtapes is a tribute to Aotearoa - the land of the long white cloud.

This one goes out with thanks to all the friends we've made (Kel and Suzanne especially) and all the people we've met. It's impossible to put into words the incredible wisdom and beauty we've found in New Zealand's people and landscape but this silver leaf music is a perfect reflection of their generosity of spirit and conscious roots. Big up the Kiwi Whanau.

"Mehema koe ka tuoho, meinga ki te maunga tetei."
[If you should bow to greatness, let it be to a lofty mountain.]

[go to release]

Last Updated 03-01-07 [06:54:50] by Jerome

Friday 01 December 06 [07:36:21]

Lucky Seven

Almost as spooky as James' dog, this lucky seventh mixtape is packed full of an unlucky thirteen tracks - all designed to take you deeper into the deep digital dub territory explored in the previous two instalments. You could almost call this a trilogy.

Expect a little more variety next month, and stay tuned for some new baroquedub releases over the next few weeks - some great new music coming your way very soon...

My thanks, as always, to all those who've taken the time to get in touch. Special shout-out to herr k for the compliments and the kind words - you're an inspiration to the scene.

 

[go to release]

Last Updated 03-01-07 [06:54:25] by Jerome

Wednesday 01 November 06 [06:20:56]

Another month, another mixtape...

Judging by the responses I've received about last month's mixtape I can safely say that nobody's being scared off by the more club-orientated sound. Thanks for all the comments and emails which have been coming in. Who'd have thought there would be baroquedub listeners in places as diverse as Istanbul and Rio...

Well you asked for it, this month's a real head nodding journey into skankin' beats and breaks. But don't worry, there's still more than enough of a roots influence to keep the reggae massive happy.

Enjoy.

 

[go to release]

Last Updated 01-11-06 [06:20:56] by Jerome

Wednesday 04 October 06 [10:30:57]

Mixtape 5 [techdub + dubstep] Who's for going out clubbing?

This month's mixtape is full of clean engineered lines and minimal structures. Thankfully deep bass and deep space dub inflections remain to take the edge off this more club orientated sound.

From London's grime influenced dubstep with its loping rhythms and myriad of sub-genres to the awe-inspiring depths of german techdub production - I'm going back to my clubbing roots... walking home across Tower Bridge as the sun comes up...

Definitely not one for reggae purists.

[go to release]

Last Updated 04-10-06 [10:34:17] by Jerome

Monday 04 September 06 [08:09:12]

September's Global Vision Mixtape

After a month off for a bit of R&R, September's mixtape gets all political with an eclectic global fusion tinged with the usual reggae flavours of a baroquedub selection.

But 'political' doesn't have to mean 'no fun' and 'global fusion' doesn't have to deteriorate into 'world music' blandness. There's a whole tradition of global music with not just an edge but plenty of kudos too. From Fela Kuti's Nigerian funk to Woody Guthrie's pointed social commentaries (what? you thought 'the white man' was somehow devoid of ethniticity?)

I seem to have spent much of my adult life despairing at mankind's inability to put its differences aside, more interested in money and political power, using religious differences to stir up hatred in people, using faith and nationalism to divide, rule and conquer, forgetting that the most important gift of life is our common humanity and our ability for altruism.

I know that the current situation is nothing new, and has probably been going on since time immemorial but the escalating bitterness and distrust between East and West and the recent events in the Lebanon have brought issues to a head in my mind.

As the song says, "What the world needs now is a little love and understanding"...

[go to release]

Last Updated 04-09-06 [08:11:41] by Jerome

Monday 07 August 06 [11:35:26]

Time Out

For anyone anxiously waiting on this month's mixtape, or a new release in the digital 7inch version excursions singles... well you'll just have to wait as Georgia and I have only just got back from a well deserved break skiing and travelling around New Zealand's breath-taking South Island.

Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible :)

Last Updated 07-08-06 [11:35:26] by Jerome

Sunday 16 July 06 [07:20:15]

Digital 7inch series release 3

Is it just me or has the web gone sharity music-blog crazy recently?! Everyday a new treasure trove of out of print and undiscovered gems seems to spring up from the ether... replacing the completist fanaticism which used to compel me spend whole weekends trawling through second-hand record shops in search of that elusive white label. Now I'm addicted to the blogs... Even the daddy of all music aggregators, 'totally fuzzy' has named-checked this site's links page! Got to kick the habit ... :)

On the net label front, two more classic riddims get the treatment with the latest in the digital 7inch series of Version Excursions this time exploring Drum Song and Death in the Arena. Clean and digital, this one's more retro-electro than the roots niceness of previous releases - should please those currently reappraising the 80's musical heritage. Slinky analogue gurgles and crisp FM tones, machine-like rhythms and arpeggios... all of which somehow, Kraftwerk-like, manage to transcend their rigid step-sequenced roots... straight but funky, aloof in attitude yet somehow upfront and friendly. [go to release]

Last Updated 17-07-06 [11:19:32] by Jerome

Saturday 01 July 06 [13:57:47]

July Mixtape available for download

It's been a quiet month as far as website updates but lots has been happening behind the scenes... I'm chuffed to be starting a new job with the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand which should keep me out of trouble for the forseeable future :) Georgia broke her nose in an NZ X-treme sports accident and one of my best friends got married - congratulations Alice and Nick!

Of course there have also been the usual updates and additions to the links, live feeds and radio player sections. And new music's in the pipeline too, with the imminent release of a new version excursion digital single. Very digital sounding after volume two's nod to a retro 70's Jamaica sound. You'll just have to wait a little while longer...

In the meantime, July's mixtape is a storming set of deep bass vibrations which are guaranteed to get your sub-woofer pumping. Expertly timed to squeeze onto an audio CD it's also available, as usual, as a standard iPod friendly podcast.
[go to release]

Last Updated 01-07-06 [14:14:42] by Jerome

Thursday 08 June 06 [14:36:34]

Version Excursion 2 - Dub Special

After the extensive work done transcribing classic reggae riddims, the latest in the digital 7inch series of 'Version Excursions' is finally available for download.

Following on from the first single's strong roots reggae vocals featuring guest spots from Ranking Joe and Barry Brown, volume 2 explores the farther reaches of the dub landscape. Deep, dark and moody, these productions experiment in making digital computer music sound as old school and degraded as a discarded Jamaican 1/4inch master.

Due thanks go to The Interruptor for the many free VST plug-ins which he makes available on his website. Both 'Wow and Flutter' (check out those cymbal crashes!) and 'Analogic Delay' (complete with tape hiss for added authenticity) feature heavily on these recordings.
Classic stuff.

[go to release]

Last Updated 08-06-06 [14:42:43] by Jerome

Thursday 01 June 06 [00:46:41]

June Mixtape Special

Here's a real treat for this month's mixtape listeners.

In addition to some rare and obscure german psychedelia, this mix concentrates on classic beats and breaks from the vaults of some of the world's best sound and music libraries.

An education in musicianship and production these recordings have influenced a whole generation of producers from DJ Shadow to Luke Vibert (check out his Nuggets' series for more abstract sound library recordings).

[more info]

[subscribe to podcast]

Last Updated 01-06-06 [12:56:11] by Jerome

Sunday 21 May 06 [11:46:06]

Midi Reggae Riddims for download

This one's been a real labour of love... in preparation for forthcoming new releases in the digital 7-inches series I've transcribed 38 of my favourite reggae riddims into midi files - all ready for you to load up into your favourite sequencers.

Get that bass pumping and those drums grooving along to some skanking chords with these invaluable music production resources.

Get in touch if you feel that your versions belong on the baroquedub netlabel. These are intended as a starting point for new and original music productions - be creative.

The collection also features an easy-to-use preview facility so if you're not a producer feel free to browse, listen and enjoy some prime examples of Jamaican music history.

The original samples were sourced from the excellent Jamaican Riddim Directory. Anoraks should head there for in-depth information on each riddim and its versions.

Last Updated 21-05-06 [11:58:45] by Jerome

Thursday 18 May 06 [10:22:46]

New Music on the Radio

A timely update to the radio station brings not only new tracks but a whole new section on songs and songwriters. Get those acoustic guitars out, sit in a park and have your very own mini-festival. :)

Last Updated 18-05-06 [10:25:09] by Jerome

Monday 15 May 06 [23:45:26]

New Music Blogs Category

Like trawling through the vinyl boxes in charity shops, you can easily lose hours and hours of your life exploring the weird, wild and wonderful world of mp3 blogs. Everything from hard to find jazz to soundsational music library records - not to mention great album art too. Check out the new Music Blogs category in the links section.

Last Updated 16-05-06 [05:36:02] by Jerome

Wednesday 10 May 06 [04:36:23]

New Web Feeds Section

If like me you spend far too much time each morning checking those important daily feeds from blogs and newswires then this new section's for you. Browse by category and check some of my favourite web content from the world of media, music and plain crazy blogs. More categories coming soon.

What's all this about then? If the idea of a live web feed sounds dubious to you or if you're hungry for more info about RSS syndication then check out the about page. Feed your browser.

Last Updated 10-05-06 [04:41:24] by Jerome

Sunday 07 May 06 [15:01:20]

First Mixtape Available

How retro can you get? I used to make these all the time - for myself, for my friends... subscribe to the all new mp3 podcast feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BaroqueDubPodcasts and automatically receive these CD length audio mixes to your iPod or player of choice. Tracklists and more info is available in the mixes section.

In other news, baroquedub is now an official net label category at archive.org. Use their servers to download all of the latest EPs and digital-7inches.

Last Updated 11-05-06 [15:28:24] by Jerome

Wednesday 03 May 06 [11:08:29]

New Audio Release

The 'Version Excursions' single marks the start of a new series of digital-7 inches. Released with the generous support of dubroom.org and with inspiration provided by the vocalists of the Castle Conqueror Sound System. Enjoy.

As a way of giving back to the online music community, the samples section is finally underway with three new catergories of high quality, royalty free sounds including enviromental ambience and atmospheres, FX noises and synth loops and drones.

And if that's still not enough to keep you busy, then check out the ever growing links section. New categories include a tech-nostalgic selection of analogue wonders entitled synths.

Nearly a year old, my blog continues to act as a scrapbook for anything which doesn't quite belong on this site. The latest post which includes download links to the BBC's television series The Power of Nightmares comes highly recommended.

Last Updated 11-05-06 [15:26:50] by Jerome

Wednesday 26 April 06 [12:37:26]

New Artwork

After renewing my passion for all things musical, I've taken time out from cubase to brush up on my 3D and Photoshop skills. New illustrations can be found in the graphic design ideas section of my portfolio.

Last Updated 11-05-06 [15:27:47] by Jerome

Thursday 20 April 06 [03:32:17]

New audio release

It's certainly been a while in the making but I'm very proud to announce a brand new Baroque Dub release entitled The Burden of Dreams EP. Download all the files as a single high quality (192kbps mp3) package or audition individual tracks on the site radio.

The overhauled audio section also now features categorised tracks on demand - everything from choice reggae to glitch electronics. Loops, samples and DJ mixes are in the pipeline so stay tuned.

Last Updated 06-05-06 [06:53:06] by Jerome

Monday 10 April 06 [12:10:55]

Coming Soon

It's certainly been quiet on the web front - apologies but it's nice to get away from PHP and MySQL code once in a while... I've been busy writing music again. For the first time in a long while i'm actually finishing off new tunes rather than sitting on hours and hours of unfinished material. Stay tuned...

Last Updated 10-04-06 [12:10:55] by Jerome

Tuesday 28 March 06 [23:16:25]

Up and running

There'll always be more bits and pieces to add (isn't that the site of a good website?!) but I'm pleased to say that baroquedub.co.uk is finally up and running.

I still have to write up some info about the music on the radio but I'm currently enjoying adding some of my web favourites to the links section. Enjoy.

Last Updated 28-03-06 [23:17:25] by Jerome

Wednesday 22 March 06 [10:49:14]

Coming Together

Well the portfolio's come together nicely - a bit strange finally seeing all this work in the same place but also very rewarding. The graphic design section could certainly do with some fleshing out - plenty of bits and pieces I haven't had a chance to scan or get accesss to...

But the site has a good framework and should enable me to start displaying some of my more recent work. Sign up to the newsletter for regular updates.

Last Updated 22-03-06 [11:58:49] by Jerome

Wednesday 15 March 06 [06:52:36]

Getting There

After initial teething problems with the new host we're finally getting closer to going properly live. Still have to finish the write-up in the e-learning section, then there's graphic design to do...

Lots of music tracks uploaded to the radio but initial testing suggests that maybe 192k stereo is probably too intensive in terms of bandwidth. Check it. 

Last Updated 15-03-06 [10:25:46] by Jerome

Friday 10 March 06 [05:15:44]

Latest

This is a live version of a new portfolio site which is still very much under construction.

The portfolio showcase is slowly taking shape but you'll find nothing as yet in the profile section. Instead you'll probably come across a few dead links - sorry!

But there's lots to enjoy - try the archived fader5000 site for starters and come back over the next few weeks to see how things pan out.

:)

Last Updated 10-03-06 [06:01:51] by Jerome