I began Millenium Two by recording a new CD with Sony DemoListen Derby winners SwingTree, and playing an Eat'M Conference showcase with Bishop Jones, as well as recording their Momentum CD.
 
Next, I embarked on a series of decidedly 21st century projects ... this is the computer age, after all, so it only seemed fitting that I take my craft into cyberspace. Computer-based multitrack recording used to be science-fiction ... then it became possible for those with unlimited budgets ... and now anyone with a PC, a decent soundcard, and an internet connection can record with anyone else ... even if they happen to be on different continents!
 
Obviously, intercontinental band-practice takes a little longer, and we don't get to go for ice-cream afterwards ... but otherwise everything is pretty much the same. I get the scratch-track (anything from simple voice and guitar, to full-blown arrangements, with everything but drums already in place), as an MP3 file, sent via the internet. I record a drum part, and send it right back ... then we bounce ideas back and forth through a few versions, until everyone is happy!
 
So far, the internet has allowed me to "cyber-jam" with UR, an Australian-based pop band, to record a track for the ANON compliation with One of Us, and to make noise in my old home town of Limerick, with singer-songwriter Milinda Allen.
 
Cyber-music is a new and exciting adventure, but I still think that we human-types are at our most creative when we're within yelling distance. Luckily, I didn't have to wait very long for my next flesh-and-blood, real-time collaboration.
 
In August 2001, I joined LA-based fighting Iris. No, they didn't just forget the "h" at the end ... in fact, I was the only Irish guy in the band, but we shared a common musical heritage, and I was "proud to be Iris!" We had two happy years ... and one a little less so. We parted ways before the good times were forgotten!
 
I first crossed paths with James Brady in 2000, but paths kept crossing - never merging - until 2005, when "my people" finally sat down with "his people" and now I'm walking a New Day Mile!
 
 
So there you have it! I'm happily "home" again, but ever available for recording, shows, teaching ... even short tours, if the timing is right!