This is an interesting August..

Well, well, well.. This has been one of those times where I jsut have to sit back and wonder how things can change within 2 months.. I decided to quite my current job and go back to the weird and wonderful world of Live Sound.. Now, that may seem trivial, seeing that I'm already involved in the Audio industry. But it's quite a big deal.

See, I was involved in the post production (TV), and studio recording sector. Which by themselves are quite big to try and master. I was a damned good FOH engineer before I turned soft, and went into studio work. This however did leave a lasting gap in me. I love the exhilaration of live shows, the adrenaline when the curtain opens, the satisfaction when you mixed a show where the crowd was mezmirized. So, I decided to look for other avenues, where I can do what I love, with a long term perspective.

I got offered some work in Germany (Munich), to go do a two month stint. But the money wasn't too good, and it also didn't give me the right exposure. Also had a call from NYC, but that turned out to be stupid.. They were looking for a lighting tech.. haha.. What I know of lights is dangerous.
I had some nibbles from guys in SA, but it mainly meant working on inferior equipment (yes, I've just called the Yamaha PM3000 inferior) and badly maintained PA systems. (Unless I move to Cape Town.. Gearhous CT has an awesome inhouse tech)

So.. There I was at home, and I remembered that at one stage I also wanted to travel a bit.. Now as a Saffa, you don't get to do that much, seeing that the Rand is not that good, and cash is always a bit of an issue on these here shores.
So, off I went and spoke to a guy at Royal Caribbean.. Yip, cruise liners.. And within two days I got offered the position of Head-Sound-Tech.

Yes, the cash isn't all that great, but I get to save a shitload of it. Yes, I have to live in close quaters with a lot of people, but damn, I did that as a student, and up till 2 months ago my apartment was put to shame by a shoe box. Yes, I will get bored again, but damn, FREE travel and a bit of sight seeing.. And did I mention US$1 per beer..

So, I'm off to Los Angeles on the 11th of September, to join the Mariner-of-the-Seas. Touring the Mexican Riviera. Who knows what awaits.
All I know is that I'm going to enjoy the ride.

As for what I'm leaving behind.. Well, with the current state of affairs in the TV industry, not too much.. I'm leaving a lot of friends behind, but good friends last a lifetime! Family is a sticky issue.. I'm going to miss my folks and my Boet, but then again, one has to flap your wings, and follow your heart.

My heart now says 'enjoy life a bit, and live a little!'