As of now, I am the only band member, Matthew Vedder Le Shay (AKA Sandy B., Sandbox, Sandrew Box). I originally adopted the “Sandbox” handle for a variety of reasons. For one, it is a common term for the “creative space” of many software and computer companies (where hackers in commercial environments are likely to be found). Half-derisive, the term reflects the truth that research is a form of creative play. I feel that this definition is quite fitting since much of my musical “research” utilizes the aid of computers—specifically notation and audio recording software. I’ve spent so much time working in this sort of atmosphere that I’ve adopted playful personifications for these various digital elements. I refer to them as my “MetroGnomes” – tiny, urban-dwelling gnomes who help make the recording arm of my musical ventures a reality. Drums loops. Live, multi-tracked instruments. Applied ear-candy. Sequenced basslines. MIDI-wrought microtonal experiments. These are just a few of the red caps that have flittered about my musical workspace. Yes, technology and music can be a wonderful union, but it is not the end-all. I would like to add that at the end of the day, nothing…NOTHING can beat the sheer joy of losing myself in my Story & Clark upright piano. The MetroGnomes understand this sacred space and leave me to my acoustic solitude.
Some of the other instruments that I play include:
Ensoniq SQ-1 Sequencer and Synthesizer; General Music Real Piano; Hohner Melodica; my Mother's old high school marching band glockenspiel; Sea Gull nylon-string classical guitar; my Father's old Univox hollow-bodied electric guitar.
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I tend to wear my influences tucked firmly underneath rather than directly on my sleeves. In other words, much of the music that makes a heavy rotation on my personal turntable is only marginally suggested in the music that I compose. Harry Nillson. Foetus. Thelonius Monk. Syd Barrett. These are all bands and artists that thoroughly “turn me on,” and yet I consciously strive to NOT sound like them at all. Yes, I’ll do the occasional Nillson cover (“Think About Your Troubles”) or Syd Barrett homage (“Wined & Dined”; “What a Boon This Tune”), but why would I want my exercises to SOUND anything like the original versions when they were so perfectly executed in the first place? No, instead I prefer to use them as springboards for arrangements that are of my own design. There are enough copycat bands out there anyway. Having said all that, there are always going to be individuals who will compare my music to other artists. This is inevitable, and – quite frankly – I am okay with that. For those of you who have never heard my music, it is probably quite useful for me to rattle off a few artists with whom I have been compared to give you a suitable reference point. After all, the sun’s far too old to shine on anything truly “new.”
One artist to whom I’ve been frequently compared is Tom Waits. For the record, this is quite unfair, since his muse lies in what I would consider to be an unassailable domain. This comparison probably stems from my live shows. Aside from the obvious similarity in that we both play the piano as our main instruments, we also tend to sing in a rough growl. I’m not sure from where his idiosyncratic singing style stems. Mine is an extension from my earlier days fronting for loud Industrial/Metal bands and competing against the musical dirge with a weak P.A. system. Other artists to whom I have been compared or have been asked if “I’m into” include Nick Cave of the Bad Seeds [Believe it or not, I’ve never had the honor of listening to this much revered artist], Tori Amos [We both play a passionate piano, but other than that, I just don’t see the connection.] and Lou Reed [A few of the odds and sods of my older music may share some of the more cacophonous elements of his earlier Velvet Underground days].
Anyway, I’ve pontificated on my own music long enough, and for fear of sounding like one of those completely self-obsessed songwriters (and most are), I’ll shut up and let you, the listener, decide who I sound like and what type of music I represent. Just bare in mind that the three songs posted on this site represent but a thread in a vast musical oeuvre.
Viva La Melodica!
Sandy B.
I like to consider myself a pianist and singer-songwriter whose musical ideas are planted firmly "outside the box.” Over the years, I have stocked a small library of original and well-crafted compositions that draw upon an array of musical sources, including Industrial, Jazz, and Floydian-inspired soundscapes. I have been performing around the country since the Mid-1990’s, primarily in Oregon and New Jersey. I currently blend digital and analog rhythmic elements, my “MetroGnomes,” with virtuosic piano and lyrics of an occasionally dark and satirical vein. My many projects include soundtracks, multi-track recordings and lively stage pieces. If you are a venue looking to book a fresh musical act, or if you are an aspiring film maker in need of a cutting edge sound to complement your artistic vision, then drop me a line.
Друзья пользователя Sandy B. and The MetroGnomes (Первые 11)
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Hey check this out. A few months ago I found this trailer in the film archive warehouse where I work. It's for a movie that has been long out of print, it's called "Night of the Driller". I transferred the 16mm film and put it up online, it's awesome! WARNING: THIS CONTAINS NUDITY AND VIOLENCE
Would you be ok with me putting up River Bed on the TP myspace page? I have a pretty decent copy of the finished song and was listenign to it a lot lately. Thought it would be nice to throw it up on the page for others to hear.
Ok, thanks. I thought you had Adobe premeire for some reason. Its probably what I need to look into for what I want to do, although my current setup is time sonsuming, it works and gets the job done.
Hey, whats up dooode..You mentioned you have some video editing software? What are you using? I have two new cameras but they use funky formats that I have to convert before I can edit them and wondered if yours supports Quicktime(HD Mpeg4 MOV files) and DVD by default.
I got your message right after I opened the CD case and started laughing when nothing was there. I'll listen to the other one first. Thanks, so much for sending them.
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