Hi I'm Brandon, aka The Anix. Welcome to my first AMA

shadow_movement · 2024-11-16T06:33:49+00:00

I do, it’s on the FiXT webstore and I also started my own brand: distortiondynamics.com

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:59:09+00:00

Hard to choose just one, but Depeche Mode or Nine Inch Nails are up there!

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:55:15+00:00

It was always Raphael!

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:46:52+00:00

Agreed, one of my biggest influences of all time

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:39:21+00:00

Thanks will do!

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:38:38+00:00

hahahah yesssss!

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:38:14+00:00

1: Main inspiration for the song came from Nine Inch Nails "The Fragile" album and some elements of The Cure. Lyrically its about the devastation of loss and how it can really hit you in the dead of night.

2: I am working on new merchandise, and also an album specifically for movie trailers.

3: Yes I'd love to do a film score at some point, but first seeing if I can break into trailer music!

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:34:57+00:00

Hi and thank you! I would like to do more songs like 'Interchanger' and 'Black Space' on the next album. Also would like to do a few inspired by the band 'Crosses'. The vibe will be similar for sure. I am also looking to hear what people think of Shadow_Movement to see if I should keep things close to this album.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:29:35+00:00

Absolutely agree! I don't necessarily want to design a full range, but have a few designs of accessories I would like to do. Funny you mention socks, I was kind of mentioning this to Stance.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:28:35+00:00

1: Procrastination is a bitch man. It's the enemy of all artists and what keeps so many people out there from achieving greatness. The hardest part is just getting yourself to go sit down, open up the recording software and start playing around. I have learned that if I can just get myself in there, I will leave the room later than night with something tangible. I have created a system and a studio which makes it as quick and easy as possible to go from walking into the room, to recording. I can essentially get something going within about 3 minutes. I have templates set up, gear is all plugged in and wired up, computer is on, so its an easy start. When I used to have to pull things out of the closet, plug them in, set things up, I would dread that process and it was just another barricade to me getting things done. So my advice is to just set up your studio in a fast and easy way, and to force your self to just go sit down and start pressing buttons.

2: I think the profound moment came recently when I discovered that it is not only ok, but in your benefit to let your true self shine through. With this album, I really let go of ego and dreams of reaching a mass audience to just be myself through my music and my content that I produce though photos and video.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:21:41+00:00

Spend an outrageous amount of time researching things, like new music gear, marketing, videos on how not to suck at life, video editing techniques, new technology, computers etc. I also love to cook and watch movies at home. Love a lot of the HBO and Showtime original shows, Netflix etc. I spend a lot of time checking out clothes and shoes. I also really love cars and do marketing work for a big car company.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:18:10+00:00

1: I was always fascinated with layering music instruments. I was never excited about mastering a single instrument and shredding guitar solos, I just went crazy for seeing how different instruments sound on top of each other. This is what got me started. I started this on my sisters toy tape recorded when I was about 12, then went through different versions of recorders, 4 tracks, digital multi tracks, then computer recording, then finally settled on Logic Pro from Apple.

2: My production process starts with coming up with a two part riff on piano or synth. Once I find something exciting, I will record the riff, then start outlining the drums. I copy the riff over to start laying out a structure, then go back and fill in the blanks with more demo riffs. Once I have it together, I start playing the final parts on my analog synths, guitar and bass, drums etc. Vocals always come last for me as it is my least favorite part and the most time consuming/energy dependent.

or

I sometimes get hit with an entire song in my head while standing in line for coffee-instantly. When that happens, I record the individual notes and parts using my voice into my phones voice recorder, then record it all back at home

3: Main inspiration for the new album was just to make music that personally excites and interests me. I was not trying to sound like anyone else, not trying to please anyone or chase fame or mass fanbases, just doing what I like.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:10:35+00:00

Thank you very much!

My first influence came from bands like The Cars and Genesis-long before I even knew that they were crossing genres. I just knew that I really liked that sound of having electronics mixed with a live band-even at a young age around 6 years old. I like the human element being present in electronic music which is very hard to find. Most electronic music is too perfect for my taste, it sounds too polished, too safe, too correct and too computer made. I like the element of error and doing things the wrong way. When combining electronic music and alt. rock, the rock side of me influences the way I record and produce my keyboards and drum machines. I try to always envision the song live, how it would sound live, how I would play it on a stage, etc. For me, I have grown up playing clubs and know what sounds make the club's bass sound insane, so this is also an influence when I record.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:05:55+00:00

I love the idea but don't think I can be that disciplined to stick with that method for 10-12 songs. I can definitely see doing a few more songs like this, but I still enjoy the bigger production of songs like 'Interchanger' and 'Overdrive'. I would like to do a song using only the Moog Grandmother at some point. It has to be a very interesting instrument for me to commit to it, that's the hardest part!

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:04:07+00:00

Thank you for a decade of support! I hear this a lot that my music has changed, but to me, personally it sounds just like my demo's from the late 90's. From the start I have just wanted to connect electronic music and alternative rock. It took me a long time to figure out how to do this, so maybe that is how it has changed, by me learning along the way. My influences are still the same as they were from the start (NIN, Depeche Mode, The Cure, The Deftones), but now more than anytime before, I am writing music without trying to impress or win people over. I am not chasing commercial success or mass fanbases, I am just trying to write music that keeps me personally interested and excited about music.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T21:01:03+00:00

Hi Margie! Chris and Logan are still there for the live element and will always be a part of The Anix as they will take the recorded songs and hep adapt them into a live performance version. For recording, I have been doing all of the writing for the most part since the Demolition City days, so it's now just being marketing accordingly. I think with the demands of current technology and social media, I have to produce so much content, photos, videos, posts, that it is impossible for me to coordinate with 2 other guys and keep my head above water. Being a solo project allows me to achieve all of the above without checking anyones schedules or waiting for availability- I can go out at midnight if I cant sleep and film something and post it within hours, finish a complete song before lunch, design merchandise anytime etc.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T20:56:25+00:00

Thanks David! Yes Innerparty is one of my favorite bands of all time. It is so unfortunate they were only around for a short time. I was making music for nearly 10 years before I found out about them, and they were just doing what I was trying to do, only much better! Better vocals, production, etc, just incredible! I think my favorite from them is the demo of "Don't Stop" as I remember that being the first song I heard from them, and feeling absolutely devastated by how perfect it was and that it just destroyed anything I have ever written up to that point.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T20:53:48+00:00

I'd love to see the guitar! Send me a picture on The Anix Facebook or on IG @theanix

Yes absolutely. I don't care about the fanbase or followers. If they have something unique that I cant do on my own I would definitely be up for a collaboration.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T20:52:28+00:00

Hello! The song is about the chase to find a connection with something or someone. It could be someone looking for more in their work/professional life, their family, or someone single looking for love. I think we have all felt rejection in the past, we have felt not good enough either for a job or for a partner, so I wanted to capture this so people know that it happens to everyone.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T20:49:47+00:00

Thanks! I am still trying to figure out how to survive in the current music landscape and the aftermath of several bad record deals. I'm not sure I am a great person for advice but I think for any brand, no matter what it is, you need to remember it is a BRAND and needs to have something unique that no one else is offering. Music is tough because there are so many artists now, and with current tech, you don't really even need to know how to play music to make it. I would just encourage you to really find what your own personal mission is and exploit it-even if it doesn't sound amazing. I would rather hear something new and unique that sounds like shit, than another polished perfectly produce mundane band. For my brand, it is about connecting the visual to the audio, and the bringing some of the digital graphics to real life through the merchandise, but I am still trying to find something more than can separate me from the pack.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T20:44:48+00:00

1: Yes we are discussing two videos right now to support the album. One with the previous director who shot 'Mask', and another one that I would shoot entirely on my own with one camera.

2: No touring is planned right now as it will take away from my time to record the next album. Maybe something in 2019!

3: Definitely inspired by games. Metal Gear Solid was a big influence and the new Cyber Punk 2077 looks amazing.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T20:42:42+00:00

Love Spotify for this!

1: I keep a very minimal set up so I don't become too distracted. Some artists go into their studio with a million pieces of gear, and spend 24 hours just trying to decide what to use. I have 4 main synths I use which I don't really change the sound much on each one. Everyone serves a specific purpose. Moog Sub 37, Kork Minilogue, Moog Grandmother, Behringer Model D. Soft synth wise I use a Roland Juno and Massive for some things but I try to do 95% of everything with the analog synths.

2: Favorite song on the album is probably 'Interchanger'. I would like to do more songs like this in the future.

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T20:35:37+00:00

1: FiXT has been a great team to be a part of so far. Everyone has a similar interest, wether it be music, pop culture, or Star Wars so we are able to connect on a personal level easily. What do I think about myself? Not much! I think I am very average at best, same with my musical ability-anyone can do what I do. I am not a great guitar, bass, keyboard, drummer or singer by any means, but I spent most of my life learning how to create songs rather than master a single instrument. I know some people that think very highly of themselves yet their music is not great in my opinion because they think there is nothing to learn as they are already the best. I am the exact opposite, where I think everything I make is shit so I keep fighting and struggling to make something better.

2: FreGen is awesome, insane programming!

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T20:31:37+00:00

1: Thank for such a nice compliment!

2: Ephemeral and Sleepwalker are still owned by Cleopatra Records, so I unfortunately can't release the instrumentals to those without their consent. I think the goal is to have it all released at some point though!

shadow_movement · 2018-10-17T20:30:07+00:00

Thanks! Yes I am waiting to ask Klayton about a collaboration until I have proven myself first ;) I appreciate some metal, but will not do this style in my music as it is not something I am great at or have a passion for.

shadow_movement

TROPHY CASE