Stream was here!

Note: I’m going to be pointing the camera mostly at myself, not because I have a huge ego (…!) but because I don’t want to freak anyone in the cast out. You might be able to catch part of the stage, otherwise it’ll just be more like a radio play.

For the last 15 years or so, I’ve been writing/performing music in a series of amateur musical theatre productions put on by a local church. Over time, they have become more complex and original. One year we even did a musical “Star Trek” parody, for example!

The shows to tend to be entertaining, a little hokey and they usually run into more than a few amusing mistakes.

My family tends to be heavily involved in these shows, usually with my Dad writing the scripts and lyrics, my Mom doing stage direction and my sister and brother performing.

This year’s show is a little different, as all the songs are original. (in previous years we had done a combination of adapted songs and originals) I wrote the music for the (13!) songs, and I’ll also be playing incidental accompaniment along with the acting. Eileen and Chrissy are performing. (you may remember them from our other video blogs)

So we figured it might be a cool idea to make a “Pyjama Jam” out of this! One week from now, Sunday, April 25 at 2:00PM CST, you can watch my piano playin’ during our final live performance. It’ll be kinda religious, kinda wacky and hopefully somewhat entertaining.

Additionally – if you’re in Winnipeg and interested in attending the show in person, for a measly $10 – shoot an email to hello@infiniteammo.ca

See you on Sunday!

You can get your very own copy from the Infinite Ammo Shop.

There are two options, one is everything you see above, the second is all that plus you get your poster signed by yours truly – and we’ll throw in a few other print extras. (business cards, promotional materials for other indie games, etc)

Etsy (our store interface) takes PayPal. To make shipping easier, please make sure your PayPal address is up to date.

We’ll be setting up the live pajama jam in about 12 hours from time of posting (1pm CST approximately) so come hang out, and see your order being packaged as tasty tunes are jammed o’er the tubes.

RECAP: The jam was a success, clocking in at about 2:45. A surprise appearance by Kenley Kristofferson rounded out the afternoon. It looks like we have our work cut out for us for shipping on Sunday. We’ll try to get as many orders as we can in the mail by Monday.

Note: If you have any feedback for or problems with the ordering system, please let us know in the comments below or via email and we’ll do our best to respond promptly. Thanks!

We’ll be launching the soundtrack on Saturday (November 14) with a live pyjama jam courtesy of yours truly! I’ll be playing all kinds of music over webcam while my beautiful assistants package and prepare your CD orders for shipping in the background.

This soundtrack is a no-holds-barred special two disc release, filled to the brim with fifty tracks. It includes all the music from the game, but also adds a brand new song, “Fear the Dark”. The talented Jenna Sharpe returned to the studio as “Naija” for the first time since finishing her work on the game about two years ago – to record brand new vocals for this track. The result is an epic nine minute piece that explores the light and dark sides of Aquaria.

MP3 Download → Fear the Dark Preview [0:42]

In addition to the new song, the track also features three new remixes by other indie game music artists. Brandon McCartin of “Balding’s Quest” brings his imagination and funky beats to the table with his style-bending adaptations of “Dark Places” (the abyss theme) and “Heart of the Forest”. Danny Baranowsky (of Canabalt fame), who also mastered the project, contributes an upbeat, old-school flavoured remix of “Boss Fraught”. (the mini boss theme)

As an added bonus, a work-in-progress five minute “Marian” track has also been included.

The set comes together with sexy packaging designed by myself, Derek Yu and Katie De Sousa. It features 2 discs with full color labels, an eight page booklet featuring new art and lyrics, and an eight panel poster featuring visuals from the game, notes on composing the tracks, score snippets and more. There will be a few purchase options, including having your poster signed!

So come on down this Saturday, watch some live jams, order some CDs – it’ll be a fun time for the whole family.

What is this?

I play piano in my pyjamas on live webcam – music from my games, from other games, stuff I make up on the spot, random requests – continuously for a few hours. I’ve done it only once before, but this time is going to be even more special.

Why is it special?

Well… there may actually be something else to celebrate on that date – but we’ll have to wait and see if it comes together on time. So if you want some entertainment while you work, and/or you’d like an excuse to chat with a bunch of other creative and strange people from around the world – mark that date and show up chez moi for tasty jam.

In the meantime if you have any requests, let me know in the comments!

I’ve been avoiding working on this particular track for a while and I don’t really know the best way to approach it, so it should be an interesting learning experience for all involved.

I’m thinking I’ll probably do this sometime roughly around 11AM to 3PM Winnipeg time (CDT). I can’t guarantee that I’ll finish anything good, but if folks are going to tune in and watch – I’ll be even more motivated to make something that sounds good in a timely fashion.

If you’re interested – watch this space!

If not – go swimming or something. Its summer, for crying out loud!

Aaaand we’re done. Mission Accomplished.

I managed to play/adlib straight for 4.5 hours! (minus a hiccup when Firefox crashed) I’m not sure how many viewers we had at peak times, but it could be anywhere from 25-100+. (anyone have a more clear idea?)

Thanks to everyone who came out and watched/listened – it was a lot of fun.

MP3 Download → PJ Jam #3[1:29]

More Pajama Jams

This project combines two things I love: indies collaborating and a good cause. If you’re into indie game music and you hate cancer (if you love cancer, there might be something wrong with you) this is a donation that will make you feel all warm and tingly on the inside.

You can find all the information, including how to donate to receive the CD here: http://www.syntesis.org/relayforlife

MP3 Download → PJ Jam #2[5:20]

Pajama Jams are:

“…when you wake up in the morning, you’re still in your pajamas, and you sit down at the piano (or whatever your musical instrument is) and you just start playing and making it up as you go. There are no mistakes, you just play what’s in your heart at the moment!”

We’re all still hard at work on Heroes and Villains – we’ll have a new update on here soon. Until then ~ Peace out!

P.S. Hit “Read More” for a new attempt at a Pajama Jam by one of our readers…

I’m looking forward to seeing your Pajama Jams as well as seeing what the rest of the IA team can come up with. Its not just limited to music… I bet Katie could jam out some pretty amazing art in her PJs, for example!

P.S. Aquaria was released on Steam recently, and its on sale for $16 until the end of the year. So if you haven’t picked it up yet, now is the time!

MP3 Download → PJ Jam #1[16:41]

P.P.S. The Pajama Jam concept is spreading! Check the extended for some ‘Jams by our readers.