I just had a nightmare last night from the perspective of a police officer. It was weird. To set the scene, it took place in modern times, but it felt like a throwback at the same time. I was one of a group of police officers who were friends in our late 30's, partying at my apartment. We were there only briefly, and on duty, as we were in uniform. I don't know how that worked. Anyway, we were dancing to 70's style funk music and getting down. We were making some noise and commotion, so the neighbor underneath my apartment was knocking on the ceiling. He was an older guy who was a retired officer himself. As we finished up and made our way down the stairs, he was standing outside his apartment door. He pulled me aside at the staircase and said something to the effect of, "You guys are always making so much racket. I don't know why you don't just retire from your position and chill out doing something else...." I think he meant to serve in a different capacity. We were patrol officers or something. Those words were haunting.
Shortly after, we were called to an area to respond to a minimal threat situation. Apparently, some locals were being harassed by two guys. I don't think weapons were mentioned. When we got the area, officers were already there. The thing is that some of us had on vests, and I was one of them. It turned out that it was two twin brothers, who were anti-police, and probably instigated the call on purpose. After the commanding officer began briefing, a shot fired from the distance. There were about 8 of us there at the time. I think 2 officers were inside the building. We dropped down and looked around the area, but saw no one.Whoever was shooting was moving from spot to spot. The shots continued to fire shortly after and were being aimed with precision. The officers without vests were struck. We were firing shots just to get time to get a better look, but still saw no one. More officers were struck, and the ones wearing vests were being shot in the head, as if the assailants were using scoped rifles. I was hit in the upper chest, and the last thing I saw was the two twin brothers closing in with machine guns to finish the unit off.
I saw the scene play like 2 more times from the vantage point of the shooters, and it was terrifying. It makes you see how much danger officers have to deal with...
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Friday, August 19, 2016
Experimental Music and its nature
Originally, I was going to do a podcast on this, but with so little time to record one, and a lot on my mind, I had to just get to writing.
As some may know, I have a new record that is getting reviewed by some outlets, called, "Standing Still Symphony X." Over the years, I think to some people it's become sort of redundant hearing me address new projects and endeavors. In reality, from PR executives, I've been notified that I haven't done enough footwork. So I definitely have not been excessive. I think part of the issue has been that I reach out to mainly a group of people who have either worked with me or lived around me, and often times that can blight the reception of your work.
I wanted to record this record for a long time. And before that, I was disgusted with the idea of it. You see, it has a couple of phases. It took me a while to understand experimental music, and then it took another period of time for me to get the confidence to perform it. As a matter of fact, in the review that I got from No Depression, he really did a good job of pointing out a lot of things that I didn't really realize about myself. I really gained a new respect for the art of reviewing material to be honest. It also got me to thinking... I started writing earlier today when I was reading the review, and I find that there are a couple of constants I've noticed in the critiques. This is what I wrote:
"Experiment -the title and theme of many of my works, though it remained a stranger for so long. We all put on costumes. We all wear something. When we're naked, we can't be anybody else. We are then our flawed essence. Experimental music isn't what's only for some people. Vulnerability and honesty are. It's spacial music where we can't hide, and in a world of costumes and assumptions, it's hardly welcome.."
After all of this time, I realize why I love this kind of music, and the fact that it was my destination all along. I personally think it is a genre that anyone can do. What comes out is what will be different. Experimental music is bare naked music. So many people and artists rely on hiding behind conventional structure. The truth is that experimental music does not lack structure- the artist has to create his own. I really like the way the critic brought out the point. In fact, he said things in there that I still can't put in my own words. I urge people to check it out. I think the review from No Depression is the review that the mainstream audience needs to see. In so many ways, the minute that I made this album, I said to myself that this is the album version of me. That is exactly what it is.
As some may know, I have a new record that is getting reviewed by some outlets, called, "Standing Still Symphony X." Over the years, I think to some people it's become sort of redundant hearing me address new projects and endeavors. In reality, from PR executives, I've been notified that I haven't done enough footwork. So I definitely have not been excessive. I think part of the issue has been that I reach out to mainly a group of people who have either worked with me or lived around me, and often times that can blight the reception of your work.
I wanted to record this record for a long time. And before that, I was disgusted with the idea of it. You see, it has a couple of phases. It took me a while to understand experimental music, and then it took another period of time for me to get the confidence to perform it. As a matter of fact, in the review that I got from No Depression, he really did a good job of pointing out a lot of things that I didn't really realize about myself. I really gained a new respect for the art of reviewing material to be honest. It also got me to thinking... I started writing earlier today when I was reading the review, and I find that there are a couple of constants I've noticed in the critiques. This is what I wrote:
"Experiment -the title and theme of many of my works, though it remained a stranger for so long. We all put on costumes. We all wear something. When we're naked, we can't be anybody else. We are then our flawed essence. Experimental music isn't what's only for some people. Vulnerability and honesty are. It's spacial music where we can't hide, and in a world of costumes and assumptions, it's hardly welcome.."
After all of this time, I realize why I love this kind of music, and the fact that it was my destination all along. I personally think it is a genre that anyone can do. What comes out is what will be different. Experimental music is bare naked music. So many people and artists rely on hiding behind conventional structure. The truth is that experimental music does not lack structure- the artist has to create his own. I really like the way the critic brought out the point. In fact, he said things in there that I still can't put in my own words. I urge people to check it out. I think the review from No Depression is the review that the mainstream audience needs to see. In so many ways, the minute that I made this album, I said to myself that this is the album version of me. That is exactly what it is.
This is why reviews are so important
I have another review in, but it's very important itself. In fact, the critic made me really think about a lot of things. The way he did his analysis, I saw things about myself differently. Also, it reminded me how important it is for perspectives like his to be told. A lot of people browse by my stuff, and most just glance and move at times, but this here review, I sincerely urge you all to read. It will be more informative than just hearing about me from me.
http://nodepression.com/album-review/jokatech-standing-still-symphony-x
http://nodepression.com/album-review/jokatech-standing-still-symphony-x
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Jokatech Falls Flat On His Face in New Endeavor....
Alot of people think that my whole obsession is having my ego stroked and getting praise however possible. However, if you actually take time to get to know me and what I'm about, you'd know that is far from the truth. I set out to break boundaries, and I only wish to take all those who know of me, or are new to my work, on that journey with me. That's what it's always been about.
My new record, "Standing Still Symphony X," was briefly preceeded by "Standing Still Symphony," which was accompanied by 2 additional tracks. The album was an experimental foray, where I was determined to take risks. Albums like this also call for patience on behalf of the listener and the performer. It even took Miles several decades to dare to step into that territory, for the same reasons. You invite, and will receive backlash for that genre most times. And it's understandable. Because any true artist will tell you, as will I, that the aim is to get a reaction from the listener. What reaction is not the point. Just a genuine feeling.
I give you the good and the bad. My first 2 records reviewed, received a 4/5, and a 3.5/5 respectively. That was the Magnum Opus series. But for years, I have always been afraid to abandon structure in my music, and stop being safe. Listening to old artists and new ones lately, who dare to do it, I really felt obligated to give myself that chance, whatever happened. Thus came the SSSX album. This album received a 1/5 by the first of several review sources. It may get high marks in the near future, but the reason I am most proud of this review, is because it evoked the most response from the critics. I've been asking friends and associates for some time to check out the material for themselves. When you read the review, you may laugh. But, it should make you wonder what he heard. I invite you to take a listen to the full album on my soundcloud. Be prepared to be toyed with and challenged, as the critics were. In fact, on their page, they invite listeners to agree or disagree with their analysis. But none of that can happen without a listen. The album is up for sale, but it's up on my soundcloud free of charge to listen, and on spotify. The full album is only on Soundcloud right now.
Without further ado, here is the link:
http://www.musicemissions.com/artists/albums/index.php?album_id=18732
My new record, "Standing Still Symphony X," was briefly preceeded by "Standing Still Symphony," which was accompanied by 2 additional tracks. The album was an experimental foray, where I was determined to take risks. Albums like this also call for patience on behalf of the listener and the performer. It even took Miles several decades to dare to step into that territory, for the same reasons. You invite, and will receive backlash for that genre most times. And it's understandable. Because any true artist will tell you, as will I, that the aim is to get a reaction from the listener. What reaction is not the point. Just a genuine feeling.
I give you the good and the bad. My first 2 records reviewed, received a 4/5, and a 3.5/5 respectively. That was the Magnum Opus series. But for years, I have always been afraid to abandon structure in my music, and stop being safe. Listening to old artists and new ones lately, who dare to do it, I really felt obligated to give myself that chance, whatever happened. Thus came the SSSX album. This album received a 1/5 by the first of several review sources. It may get high marks in the near future, but the reason I am most proud of this review, is because it evoked the most response from the critics. I've been asking friends and associates for some time to check out the material for themselves. When you read the review, you may laugh. But, it should make you wonder what he heard. I invite you to take a listen to the full album on my soundcloud. Be prepared to be toyed with and challenged, as the critics were. In fact, on their page, they invite listeners to agree or disagree with their analysis. But none of that can happen without a listen. The album is up for sale, but it's up on my soundcloud free of charge to listen, and on spotify. The full album is only on Soundcloud right now.
Without further ado, here is the link:
http://www.musicemissions.com/artists/albums/index.php?album_id=18732
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Monday, August 8, 2016
Standing Still Symphony- Album
This is a link to my latest album - Standing Still Symphony. It is also on Spotify.
https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jokatech2
https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jokatech2
Lebron on being the GOAT
This is a loaded topic- Is Lebron the GOAT. I thought it was unfair to have the discussion after less than 10 seasons, but now with 13 in and the body of work he has put down, endearing many in the process, I believe it is now an intriguing debate. For the record, this is the comment I made on the First Take discussion board, following Stephen A Smith's rant.
I agree strongly with Stephen A Smith on so many points, yet there is a part of me that resents his notions, as well as the ignorant rhetoric below. I am the biggest Kobe fan, and one of the biggest Jordan fans. Normally, I would make each point that he made myself tack for tack. However, when I stepped back recently and really looked at Big Bro Lebron's career, it feels ignorant to ignore 2 key facts. 1. He is hands down, a better all around player than Kobe or Jordan ever were. 2. Neither of them really had singular impact that Lebron had on the league in his career, partially due to that. Really think about that last point. If you remove all emotion from your analysis, you have to realize that regardless of where you rank him, it's stupid at this point, especially with this last finals performance, to refuse to put him in the conversation. Bottom line, what is your preference? What it comes down to for me is that you were never concerned that Kobe or Jordan could hand out 15 assists while putting up 40 on any given night at will. You were never concerned that they could slice your defense up, or drop down and play with their back to the rim at any given moment at will. With Lebron you were. It's the same difference between Steph and Lebron. If Steph had 3 rings for 3 finals, I would still take Lebron, because I take championships with a grain of salt. There are athletically imposing player in Lebron's way to those titles. Mike was usually on another level athletically during his reign. I'll debate that all night, but I will always take a 1 man team over a guy who shines in a few areas. Lebron is the greatest 1 man team we have ever seen. Whether he is the greatest, I'm not set on that yet, as I still put Jordan there in most arguments, but he certainly has his case being made.
I agree strongly with Stephen A Smith on so many points, yet there is a part of me that resents his notions, as well as the ignorant rhetoric below. I am the biggest Kobe fan, and one of the biggest Jordan fans. Normally, I would make each point that he made myself tack for tack. However, when I stepped back recently and really looked at Big Bro Lebron's career, it feels ignorant to ignore 2 key facts. 1. He is hands down, a better all around player than Kobe or Jordan ever were. 2. Neither of them really had singular impact that Lebron had on the league in his career, partially due to that. Really think about that last point. If you remove all emotion from your analysis, you have to realize that regardless of where you rank him, it's stupid at this point, especially with this last finals performance, to refuse to put him in the conversation. Bottom line, what is your preference? What it comes down to for me is that you were never concerned that Kobe or Jordan could hand out 15 assists while putting up 40 on any given night at will. You were never concerned that they could slice your defense up, or drop down and play with their back to the rim at any given moment at will. With Lebron you were. It's the same difference between Steph and Lebron. If Steph had 3 rings for 3 finals, I would still take Lebron, because I take championships with a grain of salt. There are athletically imposing player in Lebron's way to those titles. Mike was usually on another level athletically during his reign. I'll debate that all night, but I will always take a 1 man team over a guy who shines in a few areas. Lebron is the greatest 1 man team we have ever seen. Whether he is the greatest, I'm not set on that yet, as I still put Jordan there in most arguments, but he certainly has his case being made.
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