GOOD SINGLES: Big Data

I heard this electro band BIG DATA this past week and dig them. I’m guessing the band’s name is a nod to gigantic data sets (Big Data). Cool. There are four tracks on their debut EP and the vocals are fun, sung with relish by Daniel Armbruster (JOYWAVE) on the track “Dangerous”. “Dangerous” sounds like a bass slapping convergence of Peter Gabriel, MGMT, and Discovery. By the way, I dig the fact that BIG DATA is from Brooklyn (where I live). And from what I understand, the band is the brainchild of producer Alan Wilkis.

The track “Big Dater” adds MUSE’s sound and a touch of 90s boyband aesthetic. Dig that old school modem near the middle. Nice touch.

Next, in “The Stroke of Return” the MUSE influence is present as well as GIORGIO MORODER’s sound – an interesting combination. It’s like the Neverending Story soundtrack meets MUSE!?! And the lyrics explore how we’re all giving our personal data up willy nilly to the cloud. And that is not good. Pretty relevant paranoia!

Shoot, they just played last night at the Brooklyn Bowl! Looks like this band is starting to get big, check out their debut EP ‘1.0’ released by Wilcassettes LLC on 19 August 2013.

Big Data – “Dangerous (feat. Joywave):

Big Data – “Big Dater”

Big Data – “The Stroke of Return”

The BIG DATA Facebook page

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The Secret to writing on the Subway in New York!

The best way I’ve found to write on the Subway, is with a reporter’s notebook. You’d laugh to see how cumbersome writing in normal notebooks is or even a Moleskine (which I normally love). And that’s because you have to write for extended periods of time while standing up. Believe me, I’ve done it! I like Ampad Earthwise (recycled) Reporter Notebooks best. I bought a three pack at Staples last year for a decent price, so I’d look there before buying them on Staples.com or Amazon.

I’m currently writing in Portage News Reporter Notebooks,which have thick paper. While I like Ampad’s notebook better, I bought a 12 pack, so I guess I’ll be using them for awhile! But Portage notebooks feel a lot sturdier and may be more durable against Father Time.

While we’re on the subject, I write in Parker Blue Quink (Gel Ink), which I believe is permanent. A great writer’s tool.

Writing on the subway isn’t easy, but it’s a great chunk of time to muse.

– The Wandering Humorist

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