Obi-Wan: a John Williams Masterpiece.

It is a surprise to none what a massive fan of Maestro John Williams I am. Since first hearing his new theme for Obi-Wan Kenobi it’s been a slow burn, but yesterday it hit me.

Different from almost all the other main Star Wars character themes (Solo excluded) which were written for a first appearance, Kenobi’s theme is like the retelling of an entire life journey; fitting as we consider Maestro Williams’ own incredible saga.

“Obi-Wan” is majestic and regal (as for a Jedi Master), yet it weeps with the sorrow and despair of battles, lives, and dear friends lost. There is a clear progression towards a moment of decision; the time to re-engage. Finally, the piece closes with a hint towards the nobility and ”purpose rediscovered”, perhaps of his final moments confronting Vader in A New Hope?

This is a masterpiece.

https://music.apple.com/ca/album/obi-wan-from-obi-wan-kenobi/1625952537?i=1625952541

2061.

May 1st, 2022 was the official start to my 31st year with Roland Corporation. Over these three decades, I have been given the opportunity to learn, challenge, and grow in ways I could never have imagined, and I am deeply thankful to so many. In 1997 I also met my wife during her brief Roland career, and we just celebrated 23 years of marriage, so that’s pretty good!

In my first decade with Roland I was privileged to work as a Product Specialist, and was given the opportunity to inspire people across Canada and into the USA with new instruments, applications, and solutions. During this time I was intentional with writing original music for every product I demonstrated. This era was when I was most prolific musically, as I reveled in the challenge of limiting myself to one instrument and a sequencer (the mighty Roland Micro Composer!), often facing ridiculous deadlines and a stream of firmware updates as I went. I LOVED IT.

I have not been able to find audio recordings of everything from this era, but I have found some, and I am going to start sharing with my friends (because why not?). These recordings have not been processed or mastered in any way; the audio outputs of whatever instrument I was working with were usually connected straight to a DAT (Digital Audio Tape Recorder), and I simply pressed play.

The first to be shared is a collection of songs I wrote which were published by Roland globally as a GS Format “Standard MIDI File” album (on floppy disk!) in the early 90’s. Everything was created on and for a Roland SoundCanvas synthesizer, with sound design being done using the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) equivalent of assembly language known as System Exclusive and Non-registered Parameter Numbers (yawn). One or two of these songs were performed live to groups small and very large- fun!

The song Remix on Io has an interesting story. My “album” needed one more song, but I had been afflicted with severe tendonitis on a product tour and could not play with my right hand at all. My solution? Create a new version of the album’s first tune by copying, editing, rearranging, and playing any new parts only with my left hand. Micro Composer Achievement Unlocked!

Anyway, if you like progressive electronic music with rock tinges, perhaps you’ll enjoy Twenty Sixty-One, and if you don’t, there’s not much I can do about that now! Onward…

https://2061.bandcamp.com/album/twenty-sixty-one

9/11

Most everyone I know remembers where they were on 9/11, and I can certainly recall that day in vivid detail. What I am reflecting on today is where I was NOT. 

I was not standing on the street near the twin towers, head concussed, eyes, ears, and mouth full of concrete dust that was not supposed to see the ground again in my lifetime. I was not in my kitchen, frantically dialing the phone number of a loved on which would never be answered again. I was not standing outside the door of a child, wondering what words I could possibly conjure up that would make the imminent pain and anguish of hearing that a mother, father, brother, or sister would not be coming home any easier to bear. I was not at Ground Zero wearing a uniform stained with tears and blood, too exhausted to do anything but react as I had been trained to do.

To my friends near and far whose lives were impacted directly or indirectly by the events of 9/11 and whose scars ache today on the 20th anniversary, I am sorry, and I am praying for you with intention.

#neverforget

How Video Game & Music Tech Have Inspired the NHL

Two of my worlds have officially collided: NHL Hockey and Music Technology. 

If you’ve been watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs, you’ve been witnessing a fascinating presentation that at times feels more like a video game than a live sporting event… and it has been incredible! 

While the visuals- incredible wrap-around video and sequenced lighting, have been a very effective enhancement to the in-game action, the SOUND of the games has also been noteworthy, as crowd noises, home team goal horns, and more, have been effectively blended into the overall experience- with no fans in the stands!

Here is a fascinating read about how this is all being done; essentially a blend of video game technology from EA Sports and music technology from Ableton, which allows the in-game sounds to be performed live!

Congratulations to the NHL, EA Sports, and Ableton for their vision in creating a unique and exciting entertainment experience in the face of adversity.

Harrison Ford IS NOT Han Solo.

I’m 55 years old and a near lifelong fan of Science Fiction. In books, Asimov, Niven, Clark, Pohl, Bradbury, and Heinlein fired my imagination for days on end. On Television, the cathode rays of Star Trek, Space:1999, UFO, and Battlestar Galactica forced patience for soap and cigarette commercials. And in the Cinema, Star Wars and Star Trek blew my mind while showing me I was not alone in my fandom world.

Today I am a father of four who absolutely loves sharing Sci-fi with my family. In 1979 if you had told me that in 40 years I would be watching spectacular new Star Wars and Star Trek movies and Television series with my wife and kids, I am confident my vivid imagination would have tapped out. Yet here we are!

Now to the headline…

I love Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Han Solo. His perfect combination of rugged good looks, charm, and “accidental bravado” brought the space pirate invented by George Lucas to life for millions billions, and has helped make phrases like “I’ve got a bad feeling about this” truly colloquial.

However, Harrison Ford is not Han Solo just as Sean Connery is not 007, Christopher Reeve is not Superman, and <gulp> William Shatner is not James Tiberius Kirk. Each of these actors must be credited with delivering iconic and even definitive portrayals of legendary fictional characters, but no more (or no less!).

Why am I strong on this point? First, and selfishly, I want to continue enjoying new stories about fictional heroes and villains for as long as possible- certainly well after any one actor is prepared or able to portray them.

I _wanted_ to see the origins of Han Solo (and Chewie, Lando, the Falcon, and more), and thought that Alden Ehrenreich’s portrayal of the young rogue was superb. So too was I delighted by Chris Pine’s take on Captain Kirk, Daniel Craig’s Bond, and more. I also love enjoying these new stories with my kids!

Secondly, as a reader of fiction as a teen, I spent countless hours developing my own unique character interpretations as informed by the author. Saying this, I am naturally okay with the thought of many versions of the same character existing; indeed, with every reader comes a new take!

I love Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Han Solo. However, Harrison Ford IS NOT Han Solo. He can’t be. He’s Indiana Jones… 😉

To Boldly Go: 50 Years After Apollo 11

While I was born in NASA’s Gemini era, I am without a doubt an “Apollo Kid”. I remember watching the coverage of every mission- Walter Cronkite was THE VOICE of space exploration for me. In grade school I found a book containing a transcript of Eagle’s lunar descent, and made many tape recordings where I voiced all the parts, reciting the dialog from memory.

As a mature(?) adult, I am just as excited about the exploration of space as I ever was as a kid, but now have a fresh perspective on the value of “man reaching for the stars”.

Jim Collins calls it “the Big Hairy Audacious Goal”; the North Star all leading companies and organizations challenge for, and that every employee or member is oriented towards. For me, the exploration of space is a great North Star for humanity, and my hope is that the efforts of NASA, ESA, SPACE X, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and the daring national programs of Japan, India, and China can serve to unite us all in the same way Apollo 11 did 50 years ago.

“To Boldly Go…”

Culture ACCELERATED.

Heartfelt global response to the recent tragic passing of Tim “Avicii” Bergling is testament to the massive impact the late DJ/Producer had on dance music and culture. The nature of this response, especially that which flowed from fellow DJ/Producers, has caused me to reflect on the accelerated culture within which we now live.

As news of the artist’s passing fanned out through social media, I was struck by the number of today’s EDM superstars, including Martin Garrix, whom have cited Bergling as their biggest inspiration and main reason for choosing music as a career. If we were speaking of Rock Guitar, such tributes would likely be reserved for the likes of Eric Clapton (73), Jimmy Page (74), Keith Richards (74), and select other iconic septuagenarians. Tim Bergling was 28 years old.

Internet-fuelled digital disruption has allowed the creative voices of savvy artists (supported by savvy managers) to reach and influence all corners of the earth at lightening speed. By way of contrast, while Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart passed away in 1791 at the age of 35, most would concur that it was not until the 20th century when his influence and impact could clearly be felt and documented.

At the risk of sounding insensitive in the shadow of his recent passing, trust that I am not intending to compare the overall musical and cultural influence of Bergling to Mozart; only time will tell whether their is a legitimate connection to be made. What has struck me, however, is that the influence of Tim “Avicii” Bergling has been felt by millions of aspiring creators from every corner of the world almost instantly. This is Culture ACCELERATED.

Mr. K

What’s in a letter? In the world of music, if that letter is K as in ” Mr. K”, or “Ikutaro Kakehashi”, founder of Roland Corporation and inventor of the legendary “808” drum machine, well, everything.

Kakehashi-san (whose name most appropriately translates to “Bridge”) passed away on April 1st at the age of 87. The worldwide outpouring of emotion and tremendous respect from musicians, inventors, competitors, and more has been awe-inspiring- there can be no doubt that his legacy will endure forever.

While most in the world of electronic music will be familiar with his all-in personal commitment to inspiring creativity and “designing the future”, Mr. K was, despite his humble watch repairman heritage, a commanding and world-class business leader. His vision, wisdom, and skill, gained as much through adversity and failure as by his countless successes, grew Roland into a global powerhouse corporation over four decades.

In my 25 years with Roland, I am fortunate to have spent many hours in the presence of Mr. K. To say that he was an influence would be an understatement of the highest order; the guiding principles that he etched into me and others shape my decisions and actions every day.

While by no means an exhaustive list, here are a few of my favourite life lessons, brought to you today by the letter K…

Value face time.

When I joined Roland Canada, it was common to see Mr. K in our Vancouver Headquarters once or twice each year. During these visits, he would take time to walk around and enter into casual conversation with team members (it was always a thrill when he stopped to speak with me!).

In the days after his passing, social media was filled with people from across the world- Roland colleagues, musicians, retailers, and more- all claiming a personal connection with Mr. K, and many recounting multiple in-person exchanges.

How did this man, operating on one lung for most of his adult life, achieve such personal connectivity? The answer is simple but not easy: he made it his priority and committed to it.

Having started his professional life operating a tiny watch and appliance repair shop in Osaka, I suspect that Mr. K learned the value of realtime personal connection early on, and this influenced his entire life (for those that knew him, think about how many times Mr. K talked about the concept of “realtime” when describing product designs!).

In his last years with Roland, even as his health prevented him from traveling outside of Japan, face-to-face was replaced with “the phone call”- not as effective as in-person, but somehow, Mr. K still managed to create a sense of immediacy and connection.

While I have championed new communications technologies and worn the wounds of a pioneer at times, with a nod to Mr. K, I will always encourage myself and others to prioritize “Real Face Time” whenever and wherever possible.

Respect the artist.

Being personally privileged to have participated in many R&D conversations with Mr. K, there were a few “Roland Truths” that we dared not challenge (usually). At the very top of the list was a ban on any design concept that would require the established musician to significantly modify their playing technique.

Simply put, Mr. K would say that the musician had spent most of his or her life learning their craft, and it was not our way to ask them to change- to walk towards us. To the contrary, Kakehashi-san would challenge us to deeply understand and respect the musicians technique, concluding that “Roland MUST approach the musician, not the other way around!”.

This principle connects directly with his personal value of face-to-face communications, as Mr. K devoted much of his life to meeting directly with (and learning from) musicians, and he truly did listen more than he talked, as was my experience. Many Roland colleagues will have fond memories of Mr. K holding court with guitar players, drummers, DJ’s, pianists, and more- none was safe!

Share vision and wisdom freely at every opportunity.

For myself and others, Mr. K was a teacher, and it seemed so clear to me that seeing his “students” succeed brought him incredible joy.

My own experience of Mr. K’s teaching was that he often (but not always!) left the details (the step-by-step) for others, choosing instead to focus on the big picture- the guiding principles that defined for him what it truly meant to be Roland. And, he would deliver his wisdom and insight freely both inside and outside of the company.

For me, this willingness to share what he had learned, to communicate his principles, may end up being his enduring legacy. Perhaps more than anyone I have ever met, Mr. K believed in bringing others along and partnering with intention; it was his firmly held belief that in this kind of culture, _everyone_ would benefit. The history of MIDI itself is but one example of this proving itself true…

Just start.

There have been many phrases turned around the concept of getting going, from Nike’s “Just Do It”, to Seth Godin’s “Ship It”, and more. Predating all of these for me were words from Mr. K that, for a long time, despite their seeming simplicity, I did not fully embrace (or, as Mr. K would say- “I had chewed, but I had not swallowed!).

Often introduced to some planning discussion that had either lost itself in endless detail or been hung up in the pursuit of a perfect plan, Mr. K would interject with: “Just start. JUST START!”.

This urge to “just start” should not be taken as a willingness by Mr. K to proceed without due consideration of risk and return, or the presence of critical details. Not at all. What Mr. K knew deeply was that, with the target properly identified and guiding principles deeply understood, “Just Starting” would allow us to build momentum towards the goal (even if it was slowly), and to make and learn from mistakes (and he completely accepted that mistakes would be made- there was no perfect plan!).

Roland history is full of examples where the first, and sometimes even the second and third versions of a new product were not well accepted, but the willingness to start, then learn from mistakes, eventually brought artistic and commercial success (V-Drums, V-Studio, and our current range of digital video solutions are but a few examples).

What’s in a letter? In the world of music, if that letter is K as in ” Mr. K”, or “Ikutaro Kakehashi”, founder of Roland Corporation and inventor of the legendary “808” drum machine, well, everything.

Postscript: As a result of his commitment to sharing freely, Kakehasi-san’s vision for a future of Inspired Creativity will live on through the efforts of thousands worldwide, hopefully including myself – PM

The 2016 MacBook Pros with Touch Bar

Iteration versus Evolution

It’s been interesting to watch as many IT/Computing authorities have reacted with negativity towards the new MacBook Pro range of notebooks from Apple. Specifically, Apple is generally being criticized for not having taken a big enough step with this next generation of the devices, and is now being lapped by other industry leaders including Microsoft.I’ll qualify these brief comments by saying that I did make the prediction quite some time ago that within 5 years of Satya Nadella taken then helm, Microsoft would once again be challenging Apple for consumer mind and market share. However, my sense is that the criticism being leveled is coming from those that naturally think in terms of “iteration”, and does not reflect a true understanding of experience design. 

For me, for example, the Touch Bar concept on the new MacBook Pros is not a poor compromise for a full touch display as found on many Windows 10 notebooks. Far from it. I’ve watched Windows 10-based colleagues use their full touch displays, and it appears far from an elegant experience at times. The hand/arm motion from keyboard to screen does not look fluid, the display pushes back as force is applied, and this is not saying anything of the interface that has been “touch optimized” (but may not be ideal for a precision application).

Remember, Apple was the company that brought Touch Computing to every diffusion segment, from early adopter to laggard. If Apple wanted to build a full touch-screen MacBook Pro, this would have been one of their easier decisions. So why didn’t they?

Because they’re being good designers, I suspect. They’ve deeply considered where and how “touch” might fit into a more demanding computing environment, and they’ve come up with Touch Bar- a solution which is extremely ergonomic, is context sensitive, and preserves the potentially more detailed on-screen interface. As someone who spends quite a bit of time on his iPad, iPhone, and MacBook Pro, this really does speak to me.

Let me again reassure that this is not Apple Fanboy talk; I love Microsoft and use many of their solutions every day. However, I appreciate when companies like Apple don’t take the easy path when designing products, but apply their expertise to truly take an experience forward. My initial impression is that this is what has been done with Touch Bar on the new MacBook Pros.

http://www.apple.com/ca/mac/

Apple’s 100 Year Legacy: Wellness

By most accounts, Apple’s fall from the mountaintop of innovation began with the appointment of Tim Cook as CEO and the eventual passing of visionary Steve Jobs. While it has continued as arguably the most influential tech company on the planet, Apple’s critics have offered that the ship has lost its North Star, and no longer “challenges the status quo”. I may have a slightly different take…

As deeply emotional as it was, I believe that Steve Job’s medical journey was a galvanizing event for Apple. I believe, in fact, that 100 years from now, Apple’s greatest gift to society (and by extension its greatest business success) will have been its contributions to health and wellness. Whether spoken or implied, my feeling is that there is a deep commitment to honoring Jobs’ life by helping us all become healthier, and this in fact may now be Apple’s true overarching North Star. 

Just read these words of Tim Cook as he speaks of the Apple Watch: “I love the watch. One day, this is my prediction, we will look back and we will wonder: how can I ever have gone without the Watch? Because the holy grail of the watch is being able to monitor more and more of what’s going on in the body. It’s not technologically possible to do it today to the extent that we can imagine, but it will be…”.

I may be wrong, of course, and history may indeed show that recent slightly-underwhelming product launches were indeed the telltale signs of “the fall”. Consider this, though: could not the strongest brand loyalty be reserved for a company that helped extend or save the life of someone you love?

Time to go complete my Activity Rings for the day…