science fiction author, beatmaker, against fascism

Tag: breakbeat

New Music Release, and Writing Update

MOMU, my breakbeat project with Mark Musselman, has a new release out on Beatport. From our publicist:

The release glides open with Momu’s original, subtly dissolving you into a rich tapestry of vivid harmonies and instrumental layers before ushering you into a sophisticated downtempo breakbeat groove – with the enveloping melodies modulating around it perpetually. This latest contribution from Momu further cements the duo’s status as one of the industry’s most diverse and artistically unlimited acts, capable of shaping timeless electronica with succinct nods to on-trend sonic nuances and a new-age feel.

The release is also available on Bandcamp with a second, alternative alias_j remix exclusive to that site.

Writing Update

TBH, I’m in the midst of a publishing drought. My most recent novel and short story were both published in 2021. But it’s not for lack of writing or submitting.

More than two years ago, I had a novella accepted by The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Unfortunately, that particular publication has been in a slump, with a dearth of recent issues and apparent financial difficulties. So my novella has yet to see the light of day. However, F&SF was recently acquired, so there’s still hope.

Publishing troubles aside, I’ve been busy. Since 2021 I’ve completed two screenplays, three novels, and half a dozen short stories. Some of those works still need revision, but some are currently in submission. Something will get the green light eventually, and you’ll be among the first to hear about it.

The recent explosion in AI slop “writing” has made things very difficult for editors who accept unsolicited fiction submissions. As a result, submission windows have tightened, and keeping track of which magazines are open for what kind of stories is practically a part-time job. But I’ve finally got some systems in place so that I’m getting my work out there again.

Wish me luck!

#3 on Beatport, Work Update, Succeeding Like Water

Music

The new Momu release “Music Gets Me By” is charting on Beatport, currently #3 in Breakbeat releases and #9 on both the Melodic House and Tech House releases charts, while the various mixes have all broken into the Top 100 track charts for their respective genres. A great “big room” remix from our friend Jonathan Ojeda (artist name alias_j) is leading the charge in terms of sales.

It’s a blast to have any musical project get some traction, and the fact that this one is a collaboration with my good friends makes it that much sweeter. We’re this old, and still making electronic dance music, and some people still like the sounds we’re making? Amazing…I feel nothing but gratitude.

Check out the release, and if you like it, a purchase on Beatport would help us keep moving up the charts. It will also be available on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else next Friday.

Writing

After the recent acceptance of a novella to a magazine that I greatly admire (which I will announce as soon as the release date is set), I feel motivated to write more novellas. I’ve decided to write the sequel to my yet-to-be-published novel “Saint Arcology” (currently out for submission) as a set of three standalone novellas which can be read in any order, including either before or after the first book in the series.

How will this work in terms of eventually negotiating first publication rights? I have no idea, but I’m following my writing energy, and that’s where it’s leading me right now. I will probably need an agent at some point to advise me on such contractual issues, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. Which leads into the point below…

Succeed Like Water

With each year of my life I become more aware of the reality that unknown, unexpected factors will always continue to surprise me and have an outsized influence on my life. Some will feel catastrophic (illnesses, market downturns, mental health issues) and others fabulous (new friendships, financial windfalls, lucky breaks). For me the best strategy is always to navigate life according to my core values (kindness, creativity, strong relationships, etc.) and try to achieve the things I want without getting too attached to outcomes which are unpredictable and often out of my control, partially or completely.

But even while taking a step back from the pursuit of goals at any cost, I like the idea of flowing towards my ideal outcomes. Water changes its shape and form to continue in a particular direction. Water rushes or seeps in, flows in tiny rivulets or great channels, changes its form to steam or ice depending on energetic conditions. So how can I emulate water, in terms of progressing towards my goals?

  • Follow my creative energy
  • Say yes to opportunities and collaborations where I feel a spark or connection (flow in the direction of gravity)
  • Show up to events (explore channels)
  • Don’t eliminate options because they don’t fit my preconceived plan

In summary, be willing to follow multiple convoluted paths, as long as they head in the general direction of where I want to be. Which is preferable to being stuck in a traffic jam on a straight road.

Momu VHP (Very Helpful People) List

Surprisingly, the new Momu album “Rising” has already hit #20 in the Beatport Chill-Out charts, and is featured on Beatport’s Chill-Out home page.

If you purchase (or have already purchased) the new Momu album from Beatport, send me an email (jd[at]thisismomu.com) with a proof of purchase (Beatport order receipt), and I’ll add you to my MOMU VHP (Very Helpful People) List. I’ll keep this offer open for the entire month of August.

You can buy the new album on Beatport here.

For the rest of this year and all of next year, you’ll receive an email with me with a download link to every Momu release, high quality 320 mp3 or better, at least four weeks prior to the release date.

This isn’t a contest — everyone who does it gets on the list.

Thanks for listening!

My Best Work, for Free (Momu – Momentum giveaway)

This morning I’m happy to give you some of my best work, for free.

Momentum is the second Momu album. The album was a change from our first album (the self-titled Momu) which featured textural, intense, breakbeats (like our remix of Jamie Stevens “The Night Before” or our epic anthem “Hydergine“). Momentum, on the other hand, is sculpted from slower beats, sonic weirdness, and poptronica.

My favorite track on Momentum (thanks in no small part to Kia Simon’s music video below) is the track Window. It was our first collaboration with Alysoun Quinby since “The Dive” (you may have heard that one in the background of about a hundred different MTV reality shows).

So, enough with the commentary. Click the link below to the Loöq Records site and download Momu’s last album, Momentum, as a free download. Yes, Loöq Records want your email. Why?

So they can tell you about the new Momu album which comes out next week.

Download Momu – Momentum

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