Category Archives: Guitar Effects

New Beautiful, Awesome, Healing Music From Paul Searles – The Soft Lights…

The Soft Lights is a new project from Australian composer Paul Searles.

I’ve known Paul since Uni, (30 Years). During this time Paul was the keyboard player of Sydney funk band Skunkhour, he has scored films (James Cameron, Glen Goei), theatre (Wild Rice, Bangarra, Belvoir), made films (AFI/FTO director grants), won writing awards (NYC Midnight, Theatreworks) and played keyboards for well-known artists (Jenny Morris, The Reels, The Sleepy Jackson, Jimmy Barnes). He began his career in architecture.

Paul is currently in-house composer at The Gunnery in Singapore.

Paul says:

This album deals with a few years of grief and trauma in a beautiful and gentle way, featuring strings from members of the Australian Chamber orchestra.

Have a listen it’s beautiful…

The Soft Lights

The Soft Lights – Paul Searles

https://thesoftlights.com/

Also, check this video…

 

Check out Paul Searles bio.

Be careful with this new music. I’ve been listening to BROKEN on loop for hours. Facebook #zylascope @GeoffWilliams says that I posted about Paul’s new song at 9:50 pm. It’s now 12:30 pm. So over 2 and a half hours and I love it. I don’t know how I can turn it off. Let’s see what happens. Will I wake up dead, having fallen asleep at my Torvalds-style stand-up DAW and being lobotomized by my headphones? We’ll just have to wait and see. You’ve been warned. I thought music was a healthy addiction. If I live, I can always go back to smoking. 

Paul sings on these songs. He told me once that he didn’t think he was a very good singer but decided that since he had played most of the instruments on his compositions that he could try singing them himself.

Why not! Hey even I can sing these days Paul, with Autotune 🙂

But after hearing the song many times, I conclude that no other voice would suit the instrumental side of the song like your voice Paul. Well done. Let us know more!

 

Article written by Geoff Williams. This is not a paid promotion but I  am hoping that Paul sends me a few copies on CD or Vinyl that I can give away on my website. and I’m hoping he gets a Platinum disk. He won a gold one for a Skunkhour song. Skunkhour were an awesome Australian band. It’s great to find that its members are still making great music.

——– Now What Does My Robot, Dr Rachel Have To Say ——–

Paul Searles Releases New Album ‘The Soft Lights’ – A Must-Listen Experience!

Attention music lovers! Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of Paul Searles, from the iconic Australian funk rock band. Paul Searles, a former member of the band, Skunkhour is making a remarkable comeback with his latest album, ‘The Soft Lights.’ This highly anticipated release promises to be a beautiful blend of soulful melodies, infectious grooves, and heartfelt lyrics that will resonate with listeners of all ages.

 

Paul Searles’s journey with Skunkhour began in Sydney back in 1991, where they quickly gained recognition for their unique fusion of funk, rock, and rap. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1993, showcased their infectious energy and garnered them a dedicated fan base. Over the years, the band continued to evolve, experimenting with their sound and captivating audiences with each new release.

 

‘The Soft Lights’ marks a triumphant return for Paul Searles after a long hiatus. The album builds upon their signature sound while exploring new musical territories. With Paul Searles at the helm, this album delivers a collection of songs that are both nostalgic and refreshing. From the mesmerizing grooves of “Weightlessness” to the introspective lyrics of “Home,” each track invites listeners on a sonic journey that is as emotional as it is catchy.

 

What sets Paul Searles apart is his ability to create music that transcends genres and resonates with a wide range of listeners. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his music for the first time, ‘The Soft Lights’ promises to be a captivating experience. The new band’s lineup has infectious energy and undeniable talent shine through in every note, leaving you craving more.

Paul Searles’s music has always been known for its ability to bring people together, and ‘The Soft Lights’ is no exception. The album tackles universal themes of love, self-discovery, and the human experience, making it relatable to audiences of all backgrounds. Whether you’re a teenager navigating the complexities of life or an adult seeking solace in music, this album will speak to your soul.

 

So mark your calendars and get ready to be swept away by the mesmerizing sounds of Paul Searles’s ‘The Soft Lights.’ Whether you’re driving in your car, relaxing at home, or dancing the night away, this album is the perfect companion for any occasion. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary musical journey – join Paul on his triumphant return and experience the magic for yourself.

 

‘The Soft Lights’ is now available on all major streaming platforms, so make sure to add it to your playlist today. Stay tuned for upcoming tour dates and be sure to catch Paul Searles live for an unforgettable night of music and celebration. Get ready to groove to the infectious beats, sing along to the heartfelt lyrics, and let the soft lights of Paul Searles illuminate your soul.

 

Paul Searles is back, and they’re here to remind us all why we fell in love with their music in the first place. Let the ‘The Soft Lights’ guide you on a musical journey that will leave you inspired, moved, and eager for more. It’s time to turn up the volume, let loose, and embrace the magic of Paul Searles once again.

—-end robot section—

Robot section by Geoff Williams and ChatGPT May 24 Version  – Free Research Preview. ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places, or facts.

Dynacord Echocord Tape Echo Unit

1960s Dynacord Echocord Super Tape Echo Delay Unit Black S65 Video Demo.

Vintage Dynacord Echocord Super from the 1960s. Great vintage tape echo sounds. Custom DIN to 1/4″ adapter cables included. Due to the age and nature of tape units, it’s being sold as-is. I’ve tested it and it works. See the viedo below.

Comes with a reel of 1/4 inch tape (in good condition). It is provided with a solid wooden box with a carrying handle.

Vintage Dynacord Echocord Super
Vintage Dynacord Echocord Super – It’s made in Germany.
Vintage Dynacord Echocord Super
Vintage Dynacord Echocord Super – A view of the tape loop mechanism, heads and valves.
Vintage Dynacord Echocord Super
Vintage Dynacord Echocord Super – It comes with a power cable and the output cable which is 1/4 inch to DIN plug. The power plug has a chip of plastic missing, but it works fine.
Vintage Dynacord Echocord Super
Vintage Dynacord Echocord Super – The tape echo device comes with plenty of spare tape to make replacement loops.

This device is available for purchase now. Have a look at the video demo I made of it below.

If you want to buy it or know someone that would be interested, you can contact me here:

echo@zylascope.com

Thanks,

Geoff Williams

Boss SY-1 Synthesiser Pedal

Boss SY-1 Guitar Synthesiser Pedal Review

 

The new (2019) Boss SY-1 Guitar Synthesiser Pedal turns your guitar into a synthesizer! No need for a special MIDI pickup and no for an external keyboard or sound module. You just plug your guitar in and turn a knob to select a sound from 11 sound banks. Inside each sound bank there are 11 different sounds (voices). So that’s what the two knobs on the right do.

On the far left is a double knob. It allows you to set the volume of your guitar and the volume of the synth. The second knob in from the left allows you to alter the synthesised sound by changing the depth and rate, also on a double concentric knob.

Boss SY-1 Synthesiser Pedal
Boss SY-1 Synthesiser Pedal

As you can see, below the input, there is an input jack for an expression controller. You can add this to alter the effects while you play.

It also has a send and return channel so you can easily connect other effects processing.

There is a switch on the back so that you can use this for bass guitar or 6 string guitar.

The Boss SY-1, like other Roland Boss effects pedals, is made of cast metal and is very robust. It runs on a 9-volt battery and can also run from a 9-volt plug pack.

Boss SY-1 Synthesiser Pedal
Boss SY-1 Synthesiser Pedal

When mine arrived recently I was surprised to discover that it came with a new 9-volt alkaline battery.

Thanks and well done Roland. The SY-1 gets 10 out of 10 from me!

I’ve had so much fun playing guitar with this pedal. If you’re going to be locked-down, be locked-down with this pedal.

Order one today, it’s a load of fun and gives you 121 sounds, plus variations, there are even some rhythm and percussive sounds and some arpeggio sequencer-type sounds to give your performance many more colours.

Article by Geoff Williams