Thollem McDonnas : Piano
Derek M Johnson : cello
live, free-improv
Sept 14, 2007
most likely this was at the Artisan Cafe in Olympia, WA.

I have had the privilege to play with Thollem on several occasions in many different ensemble configurations.  No matter the style of music, he is one of the most amazing musicians I have ever had the fortune to perform with.  The guy is a marvel and his dedication towards his music and expression never wanes.  
I can't say enough good things about Thollem.  He's simply brilliant.


Thollem McDonnas and Derek M Johnson live in Olympia Sept14, 2007

written, produced, performed by derek m johnson
early 1995 at Lorax Recording studios, Auburn, WA
by Jason DeVore
Tascam DA-88

there are 7 or 8 acoustic cellos which were later processed.
I was listening to a lot of the Orb and the Aphex Twin's "ambient selections II" at the time.
The original DAT and multi-track tapes are gone so the only copy I have is a 2nd generation cassette which this came from.

Does this stand the test of time?

Ambient Cello Piece mix

Solo electric cello soundtrack to my 4 projector slide show.  
Special guest for the last little bit.

Recorded by Marielle Jakobsons.

Live @ Mindgaze 2-20-2010 in Oakland

"FKXMS" is the first track off my upcoming record.
Original instrumentation:  1 bowed cello and 1 plucked cello played by me along with some re-routing the tracks through my pedals for part of it.  I was also the recordist.

This remix was done for me by www.soundcloud.com/foxdye who lives in Portland, OR.

I have made this track available for download and streaming just to you who have gotten the link.
Soon it will be for sale at www.aphoniarecordings.com along with the whole record in download form or on 12" vinyl with digital downloads.

Do check it with headphones.  It's pretty awesome.

FKXMS (LFFKR Foxdye Remix)

Intro music I recorded for the great podcast, Matt & Mattingly's Ice Cream Social.  This bit is for the segment called "Jock versus Nerd."
Check out their website:  www.heyscoops.com

Everything you hear is a cello.  There are around 40 acoustic/electric cellos on the whole deal, maybe more.  I don't recall how many layers of electrics there are.

Jock vs Nerd by Scoop of Cello

Greg Bortnichak of Teach Me Equals
Derek M Johnson Love

both electric cello

improvising together for the 2nd time.
rough mix

2 room mics (Audix 1245)
2 Derek mics (Oktavamod mk012 hypercardoid)
1 Greg mic (Oktave mk319

Bortnichak Johnson Love - 6.18.17

Greg Bortnichak and Derek M johnson Love on dueling electric cellos.

2 audix 1245 room mics
2 Oktavamod mk012 mics on Derek's QSC K12
1 oktava mk319 on Greg's amp

Check out Bandcamp page!
www.BortnichakJohnsonLove.bandcamp.com

BJL 6.18.17 TWO

"FKXMS"
written, recorded, performed by Derek M Johnson
Produced by Bob Schwenkler/Derek M Johnson

2 cellos.  1 bowed.  1 plucked.
Most of the weird noise is from piping the music through my fx pedal chain after which Bob did some slicing and dicing.

First track off of my debut, self-titled record on Aphonia Recordings.
www.aphoniarecordings.bandcamp.com/album/derek-m-johnson

Written and recorded in one day after finishing a very frustrating Christmas season at the Post Office.  For those that are not aware, I'm a rural mail carrier for the USPS.  For the 1 person out there who isn't aware, I am not at all by any means a fan of Xmas on many levels.


01 FKXMS

"Be"
written, recorded, produced, performed by Derek M Johnson
mixed by Bob Schwenkler

2 cellos straight to tape.  1 acoustic.  1 electric.

Track 2 from my debut self-titled record on Aphonia Recordings.
www.aphoniarecordings.bandcamp.com/album/derek-m-johnson

This is my favorite track on the record.  Why pretend otherwise?  Some children are better than other children.  :P

02 Be

"Fête de la Patience"
written by Scott Stobbe
recorded, performed by Derek M Johnson
mixed by Bob Schwenkler

solo cello.  Cold rain in my back yard.

Track 3 from my debut self-titled record on Aphonia Recordings.
www.aphoniarecordings.bandcamp.com/album/derek-m-johnson


03 Fête de la Patience

"You're Welcome to Play"
written, performed, produced, recorded by Derek M Johnson
mixed by Bob Schwenkler

Instrumentation:  Many, many, many cellos.  Warm rain from my back yard.  1 quiet piano.

The final track from my self-titled debut record on Aphonia Recordings.
www.aphoniarecordings.bandcamp.com/album/derek-m-johnson

Written and demo-ed on January 1, 2010.

This is the track everyone seems to love the most EXCEPT for me.
All I hear is mistake after mistake after one, long, arduous mistake.
Of anything I have every recorded for myself or someone else, this was by FAR the most excruciating musical endeavor I have ever done.
No wait.  I lied.  There was one recording session for a particular a-hole on a particularly awesome label (true!) where the guy I was recording for literally said, "I don't want to use any mic preamps because I want the true sound of the players."  Oh for fk sakes.  What a goddamned moron.
SO ANYWAY, "you're welcome to play" was the 2nd most excruciating piece to record.

But people seem to enjoy it and many have cried.  My former housemate cries every time she hears it (what a wuss!).  Ha!

Thank you for listening to my record.

04 You're Welcome to Play

Live soundtrack to the 'bleach' slide show performed in Seattle at Gallery 1412, Feb 9, 2009.
Recorded by LANE Brandon Phelps.
  I like this performance.  The transitions work really nicely and some interesting ideas come out.  

Live @ Gallery 1412.  Feb 9, 2009 (acous/elec cello)


NEW MUSIC TO COME!!!

Thanks for listening and downloading!

Download my first solo record:  www.aphoniarecordings.bandcamp.com/album/derek-m-johnson
FKXMS (LFFKR Foxdye remix) available:  www.derekmjohnson.bandcamp.com

Acoustic/electric cellist.  Mostly improvised.  I play to self-made, direct animation slide shows, films, and sans visuals.
I am from and still live in Olympia, WA.
Check the FB fan page for performance dates.

Please message me for bookings, particularly throughout the PNW.
            Thank you!


Derek M Johnson Love

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