Damon Fibraio: Latest News

OK, everybody. Little story. You know that version of Sometimes, 2007 version that has been up on the site for a bit? Well, a few weekends ago, Rich and I were listening to it in the car and we noticed one thing. It hurts. Yes, it is percing in the higher registers due to me trying sound forge 9.0's new mastering presets. So, today, I remastered it using my regular plugins. And it sounds less shrill and piercing now. So, if you have downloaded Sometimes, 2007 version, please redownload it, because this version will save your eardrums. I am still toying around with remixing the whole thing, though, but for now, it sounds less shrill.

OK, everybody, just because I am anal retentive, I updated the bio to reflect the latest news of Queen of the Ryche's breaking up and my current goals. Just so you have the whole story. And I even fixed some spelling mistakes. IN other news, not that there is much since yesterday, but we are pricing new digital audio workstations and hope to have something before the end of the year. Also, since we are not capable of recording at this time, this may allow us to focus on other things, like lyrics. See, we really need those, but don't really have any yet. So, hopefully this down time will allow us to be better organized on the lyrical side of things. Maybe this isn't such a bad thing after all.

Well, everybody, it turns out that the recording of the CD is on hold for a bit while I save up some money to buy a new computer to record with. The one I have is under powered and is crashing when we try to use the new drum program we bought some time ago. So, this may take longer than we thought it would. Where to come up with almost $2000. And before you ask, I am not buying a crpa computer, I am buying one that is specifically designed for recording. Oh well, I was expecting that this wouldn't go easy, so I am prepared. We are looking into other options including hiring a drummer to do drums and somebody to mix the album for us. Will keep you posted as time goes on. IN the meantime, enjoy the latest work in progress demo, written last month and not uploaded until now. Work in progress demo 13 is now in the music section under demos.

Thanks to a few people who pointed out some error, I went and fixed all the links in the links page so they work. One of them is in German and I can't find an English link, so sorry. Also, the links to the Stickam profile are fixed as well.

IN other news, two new additions to the studio, the new Yamaha 01v96 mixer and the Korg Radias. The Virus is not going to be sold, I'll just work around it. And hopefully more new shit coming your way. I have somebody from guitar center coming over tonight to assist with some stuff and hopefully that will make things even better.

Anyway, keep sending feedback, I appreciate all your words of support and we hope to have Sick of your Lies done and ready for you to preview soon.

OK, everybody. Some people have requested that I put up a gear list. Since I can't do that in the template, really, well, I guess I could with some creative thinking, but I was too lazy, I did put up more links in the links page to all the manufacturers, for the most part, that make up the keyboard rig or studio gear. I may have missed some and hope to update as I remember, but the links are there, so if you are curious about the stuff I use, go check out the links page.

Sadly, i may have to sell a piece of gear. The Access Virus Ti, a wonderful analog modeling synth that I have used on such tracks as Tomorrow is Gone, for the synth in the intro and the lead with the guitar, plus some sound effects, and Circumstances, where it plays on the second lead, and Perfect Strangers, the synth lead at the end, is proving to be a problem. Mainly, it is not blind friendly. I have emailed Access Music technical support to make a small change to their firmware that would make this unit more accessible and they won't even help me. All I ask for is a command to return to page 1 on any edit screen. That's all I want. They refuse to do anything for me. This breaks my heart, since it makes creating or editing patches complicated or impossible and turns my $1800 deksktop module into a glorified preset box. Which, don't get me wrong, the presets sound great, but I want to make my own sounds too and I paid a lot of cash to have this unit and want to be able to use it to its potential. I don't want to sell it but may not have a choice in the matter. You certainly can go to Access Music's web site and if you can find an email address higher than tech support, help me out a bit, but I am not holding my breath. Maybe the Korg Radius or some other analog synth would help me. Any ideas? Send me some help.

Sorry for the lack of updates lately, my personal life has twisted me all around and things are moving kind of slow. Rich has been suffering from some health issues like sinus infections, clogged ears and the like. But, we're slowly getting back on track and the recording of the first song for the new album is under way. It is actually the official rerecording of work in progress 1 demo on our web site here. We're tacking lyrics to it as we speak, using something Rich had written years ago, called Sick of your lies. We hope to put a teaser up on the site soon. Stay tuned to this space foffurther developments.

Also, I have a stickam profile up now and will be using it from time to time. What is stickam, you may ask? It is a community where you can broadcast live video and audio to other stickam viewers. I did one performance already, and I am uploading tracks of that as we speak. I hope to do more with this as time goes by including live performances, and maybe even recording sessions. We'll see. Anyway, the link to it is http://www.stickam.com/profile/keyboardguy. Check it out if you have the time, and check the music section for the previous stickam performance tracks.

Speaking of the music section, more organization has gne into the sections to break them up. There is now a live performance section featuring the new Stickam tracks, the open mic set at The Cup in Long Island, and other solo performances from Monmouth University and the Birch Hill nigth club back in 1996, previously in the covers section. Also, I created the queen of the Ryche Section and uploaded the entire BB Kings show when we opened for Sonata Arctica, which previously only had Queen of the Ryche in there. And for all of you, a special treat, all the tracks except the originals are now downloadable. The originals may appear on a CD to buy someday. The current Ultimate Illusion tracks are giveaways as well, but future uploads may be only listen only as we hope to put out a release some time next year, but rest assured, anything not intended for sale will be freely downloadable from this point on.

UntilNext time...

OK, small update today, just added the latest original that I came up with. It's called Circumstance. Go check it out.

Hello, everybody. I am back with an update finally after over a month. Where have I been, you ask? IN hell, but that's another story. For the latest news, Queen of the Ryche is dead, and I've been so busy with personal issues and the NHB telethon that I haven't had time to do much else. I am here with an update though. IN the music section, you will not only find some old Visions recordings from 2002, but an open Mic night I did last month, which you can actually download. We haven't been able to finish the Journey cover since Rich has had problems with his ear, but he did help me complete a new original which I may or may not upload, since it is a bit personal. But, you never know. Anyway, sorry for the lack of updates and I hope to have more for you this month.

First of all, the Music page has been modified again. New sections have been created for the Mystify band demo tracks and basement recordings, Visions recordings, AfterImage band demo and Lying beside you soundtrack songs. Also, a new section, entitled Ultimate Illusion, has been created and sometimes, 2007 version and a new track, Tomorrow is Gone, 2007 version, have been put there. The original version of Tomorrow is gone that I do not appear on is in the Mystify section. I also moved the Coming back to you track to the miscelaneous section, since it is not my song, but I do appear on it.

ow, you may be wondering, what is Ultimate Illusion? Ultimate Illusion is the name Rich is giving to our project of originals. Whether this name stays or not is one you can help us decide on. Let me know in the guestbook if you like the name, or through email, or what you think we should really call ourselves. Also, give us feedback on the tracks, as we redid them from the Mystify versions. More to come, too. The work in progress demos you see on the Music page is the groundwork for the Ultimate Illusion official release, which will hopefully see the light of day before the president changes over.

As for other things in the works, someday Rich and I will finish Faithfully and put it up here for you to enjoy as well.

As for other things in the works, well, I am slacking a bit. I still want to either put together a band or sme material in the keyboard and go solo. The prospect of future Queen of the Ryche gigs is looking bleak since nobody has contacted me in 2 months, nobody returns my calls and I don't think I even want to be bothered anymore with amateurs who can't even be bothered to stay in touch, so that probably puts the nail in that coffin, anyway. Another summer wasted. Oh well, whatever happens from here on in, I will control the ship from now on.

Anyway, that's enough from me. More to come as always. Please, sign the guestbook or drop me an email and let me know what you think of things on this site, good or bad. Sorry about the dead forums, but I simply don't have time to maintain them, but if enough actual users and not spam robots register and bug me about it, maybe I'll start pushing them more.

Well, the final part of this trilogy of updates...mostly organizational changes and a redesign of the photos and look of the page itself. I know some of you will miss the handcuffs, but maybe it is time for a change. Supposedly, this looks better. Thanks to VideoVamp of ADHD Radio, part of the NHB Radio network, for sighted assistance in photo selection and layout. The music section has been restructured a bit as well and I believe even some new photos were added to the photo gallery, not to mention cleanup of the guestbook, (sorry take it or leave it radio). Anyway, as always you can email me or post in the guestbook any coments, good or bad about the site. Next step, finishing up some other site maintenance, like figuring out what to do about the forums, and finishing up Faithfully with Rich on vocals.

I'm on a roll now. Just added some more music, including some originals and band demos and stuff. Just check out the music section, you'll be there for hours.

I wanted to make up for the lack of updates, so I just uploaded a whole bunch of music to the site, including the new version of Sometimes, a whole bunch of cover songs in the covers section and a special hi from a fmous person. Check it all out in the music section. More will be coming soon including a redone version of Faithfully with Rich on vocals. Stay tuned to this space.

Folks, been away for a while, so decided to toss up an update...

Firstly, Queen of the Ryche did play a gig on Memorial Day weekend and it went well. Apparently we're taking the summer off, but that is all I know. I haven't heard from the guys in over a month. Who knows what's going on there?

ON the home front, the studio has been upgraded a bit, some gear sold, new things bought. Maybe someday I'll produce something of substance for you all. The new additions are a Yamaha Motif xs7 and an access Virus TI. Sold some old stuff that wasn't being used much, so now we still have 3 keyboards, 3 modules and the same amount of computer and processing and mixing gear as before.

I am working on a new cover of Faithfully with Rich on vocals. Hope to put that up soon. I may upload the current rendition of Sometimes soon as well. Not sure just yet.

Sorry about the lack of updates, lots of personal stuff going on, so haven't had a lot of time. I'll try to do better going forward.

It's been over a week since the band has broken up, more or less and I've been turning over my next move. I've lately been obsessing over a band called spock's Beard, a progressive rock band that started in the early 90s and are still around today. Their early albums are amazing. While progressive in scope, they still have great melodies and aren't so over the top that non prog fans should still like them. Not to mention, the musicianship and backing vocals are incredible as is the production. Since I am no longer a keyboardist in the guise of a guitarist, I've been contemplating getting back to my roots and playing keyboards again in a more traditional setting while still using my guitar effects if necessary. With this in mind, I have put an ad out on Harmony Central seeking musicians for a covers/original band that will hopefully combine all of my influences, the classic and hard rock, and the prog rock and metal that I love so much. Maybe this effort will produce some results. The problem in the past has been that I stepped into the band situation instead of starting it myself. With me actually starting the project, I can control who comes in the band, and where we go as opposed to following somebody else's vision. Personally, this is the last chance I am giving a band concept. Rich and I will continue to collaborate on our material as time allows, but I don't know if we will ever make it out of the studio, based on Rich's schedule and things he has said. I am the kind of person who wants to play, to be in front of a crowd on stage with musicians of equal calliber, working to produce a sound. I want this dream to happen before I am too old to do it. I know that I have the ability to be playing in front of serious audiences in decent clubs, similar to BB Kings bar and grill or Starland Ballroom in NJ. The taste I received in Queen of the Ryche has fueled my desire for more, and I am hell bent and determined to reach that goal. I refuse to take the last 14 years of playing to near empty crowds with musicians who for one reason or another couldn't provide the dedication or go in the direction I felt I needed to go in. While Queen of the Ryche achieved the most success, in my opinion, a loss of focus and direction, and alcohol, not to mention ego, played into its demise. It saddens me because that band could've achieved so much and now it is done. Well, from the ashes, I'll find another way. Ihe plan is to revamp the keyboard rig, put tis project together, if I can, cntineu to write and record with Rich as his schedule allows, and also, put material together for solo gigs to make some extra cash. Whether the remaining members of Queen of the Ryche call me or not remains to be seen, but my personal feeling is that I won't hear from them, at least not for a while. For me, I need to play. I am going nuts here without a project and without potential gigs. I don't feel like I have the focus to write alone, either, not the stuff I feel i could write. Since listening to a lot of Spock's Beard, I wonder if I can do something along those lines, combine all my influences and write prog rock that is still catchy with great melodies and harmonies and isn't so over the top that it loses the average crowd. While SB is not the most popular band in the world, naturally, it had more of a following than any of my previous bands ever had, and I'd be happy with that, some kind of following, who recognize talent and well crafted songs. This new project, I envision, will have 4 members, me, a drummer, a guitarist, and a bassist. If a fifth member comes in, he can double up on extra guitar or keyboards. I would really like to find people who are multiinstrumentalists who can switch instruments for some crazy stuff on stage. All the musicians should be able to sing, since I want to do harmonies and have different singers on different songs, similar to the beatles or styx. Naturally, all the musicians must have serious chops. I want to try throwing everything at the wall and see what sticks, from different covers, like PInk floyd, yes, genesis, elp, styx, kansas, dream theater, spock's beard, deep purple, metalica, ozzie, van halen, whatever we can play that kicks ass, to original songs as well. Hopefully, I'll get some responses and we'll see something take shape. If you know of anybody who can fill the bill in the NJ/NY area, forward them this paragraph and tell them to email me using the links on this page. As I said, this is the last shot I am giving to the musical world. Hopefully this one will have more legs than the last 4 or 5.

OK. Firstly, if you haven't seen the guestbook lately, let me warn you now...it was raided by members of The No Holds Barred Radio show and The Take it or Leave it Show. There's no way I can take down all those posts and some are actually funny, even by the Damon haters, so screw it, I'll leave it up. Glad to see that even the haters think enough of me to spend time and energy on me. Thanks, it makes me feel good to know you all care. ON a side note, the studio is being redone soon including a totally redesigned keyboard setup which I will happily brag about when it is done. Until then, no new music is being done. I hope to have this finalized in the coming week or two. And if there is any bands in need of a talented prog rock inspired keyboard player, let me know. I could use the work. Until then, I am probably going to pursue a solo thing doing music with the keyboards and sequencers. Will keep reporting as things happen. Glad to see this site getting traffic and hope you all keep coming back. Keep signing the guestbook and check the forums as well. And of course, read the other stuff on this site, too, that's why it's here, and the music isn't all that bad either.

I just received the call from Nat, guitarist for Queen of the Ryche. Due to many issues, mostly personal between various band members, Queen of the Ryche is on hiatus indefinitely. This comes after a canceled gig in Manahattan, very little practice or communication between band members, and various other issues. What will happen next is anybody's guess. I am sad to see this project slowly die away over the last few months, but kind of relieved that at least it is over and maybe some of us will play together someday in some form. I don't hold out much hope on the band's return, but who knows.

Well, I'd love to tell you all about the gig last night, but it didn't happen. And sadly, I wasn't informed by anybody in the band, whom I haven't heard from or spoken to since the Cooks gig two weeks ago. I am not even sure there is a band anymore, to be honest. The gig had been canceled by the headlining band, sanctuary, and I was never informed. Thank God I didn't get to the club, although I would've needed one of them to come get me. So, I can't talk about the gig, and I have no idea what is up and coming for the band besides a gig in Long Island on May 26. No practices are scheduled, and I am wondering if the band even exists. And even more importantly, I wonder if I am still a part of it. I am not even sure I want to be at this time, due to several issues plaguing the progress of the band. So, for now, I am taking references to gigs out of the concert calendar until somebody from the project contacts me. And if that doesn't happen, then I guess I'll be looking for new work. Oh well, it was a good run while it lasted. I guess I can focus more on the original music and maybe I'll put together some covers and do a solo gig from here on out.

Well, folks? Sorry for the lack of updates, but not much has been happening. I remixed Carry on Wayward son and replaced the original mix with the new one. This is the last I will do with this project for now. Sometimes is on hold while I get a few more things straight, including new drums and redoing vocals. Last but not least, Queen of the Ryche is playing in Manhattan on May 5, 2007, however, whether or not I am with them is a question I can't answer at this time. Stay tuned for more dtails as they happen.

Well, I've taken a break from studio work for a bit, so there is nothing new to report on the home front, bu tQueen of the Ryche is returning to Cooks Cafe in Naugatuck, CT, assuming I spelled it right. If I don't kill them all first, we'll take the stage at 10:30 or so. It's a night of Queensryche, including the entire operation mindcrime album, plus the rest of the stuff we know. So, if you live in CT, come out and check us out.

Well, I remixed Carry on wayward son and will get it up soon. The new version has better mix of vocals and I think sounds better. Sometimes is taking longer than I had hoped, and in fact, I may have Rich and I redo all the vocals to get a better overall volume. Also, it may help mixing down the road. So, wait a little bit longer for me, please. And last but not least, Queen of the Ryche, the band I play in, playing this Saturday at Tiki Joe's in Long Island. Check the concert calendar or go to the official Queen of the Ryche web page for the full story, assuming they updated it. If not, try checking out the Queen of the Ryche myspace page or the Vision home page where QOTR dates are posted.

It's been a while and I apologize for any lack of updates, but what a couple of weeks I have had. I have been spending time upgrading and troubleshooting the recording computer and getting used to a new system that runs Windows Vista. I have had visions of kicking bill Gates in the balls for what he's done to Windows with this new version, but maybe it'll grow on me. Anyway, folks, I am about to reward you for your patience, as if you all come here everyday. In testing out the new Sonar 6 and the new control surface and other new gear, I recorded a cover version of Carry on Wayward son that I am making available in the music section. I can't believe how well this turned out. As always, feedback is welcome. Also, work has progressed on the new version of Sometimes. all vocals were recorded last night. I am going to do a rough mix of it with my guitar tracks tonight, and then we're going to bring in our man Johnny to record real guitars to it. Once done, we'll probabl7y make both versions available on this site for your entertainment. And lastly, check the concert calendar section, as Queen of the Ryche is playing a few gigs this month. Still waiting on that DVD, too. I hope to get it son and then I can put more tracks up of that.

Sorry for the lack of updates. I have had the week from hell here in the studio. I upgraded some of the production computer's components and have run into serious issues. I put in new hard drives and a new dvd burner which went well enough, but the new tascam fw1884 control surface and audio interface is defective and the firewire card won't recognize it. IN addition, I am hooking up a new personal computer and it is running Windows Vista. I am near to the point of tearing my hair out with all the things going wrong, like the inability to install the new version of recording software, etc. etc. I need to go buy some different components and have limited transportation, so things have grinded to a halt here for the time being. I did start on a new idea last night, but don't know if it will get finished anytime soon, since I have to prep for the next nhb show. Speaking of nhb, I was interviewed for a podcast called Ouch Radio Episode 13 has me on a panel with 2 other blind guys. I'll probably play the segment on the nhb show tomorrow night. So, at least some good news is going down. Oh well, back to work and then onto more troubleshooting. Will let you all know what happens when I don't feel like taking a hammer to the gear.

OK, the song I mentioned in my last news posting is now finished. Under the work in progress 12 title, you can find it in the demos section. Be warned: It is over 8 minutes long. I apparently am incapable of writing short pieces of music. But I really like this one and can't wait to finish it with real lyrics, vocals and the ability to use the sounds from different keyboards. The keyboard solo towards the end was recorded live as I recorded into sound forge, so there is a slip or two and some of the section transitions are a bit off, but this is a writing demo, so it is not perfect, but I wanted to get it done so I could have it. I am sure the final versions of all these songs will undergo some arrangement modifications. And now, I am going to bed. Again, comment on any of the music in the forums or in the guestbook. Your feedback is welcome, tell me if I am on the right track or if my head is up my own ass. Curious to know what others think, since someday this will be released on a CD that you may want to buy.

Well, they say creativity ebbs and flows, and if that is so, there's a floodgate open here at the studio. I finished the music for Sometimes and have a rought mix of it sitting on my hard drive. Not going to post it until it is finished, though, just to tease you all. But, trust me when I say, it's going to rock. Go to the music section and in the band demos page, listen to the original Sometimes and when you hear this new version, you'll be amazed at how far this song has come.

IN other news, I am working on yet another new song. I don't know where these ideas are coming from, but when the mood strikes, you don't turn it away. This will probably be a more straight ahead song, but the music already is pretty powerful, in my mind, and this is before any words are written, in fact, I am only up to a verse and a half or so at this writing, but this is going to be a pretty powerful song if it comes out right. I wish I could use other instruments better than just the motif, but when you write in sections, the motif sequencer is so much easier to mess with than trying to record into the computer. But, trust me, this is going to be nice and I don't normally feel proud of my work to this level. Will probably post a rough mix of it when it is finished so you all can hear it. As always, commentary is welcome on any of the tracks in the music section. Until next time...

Last night, i began working on a redone version of Sometimes, the song that appears on my cousin Rich's band demo. The original song is posted in the music section of this site. Rich wanted to redo it because he didn't like the mix and he thinks we can do it better. So, I began work on a new arrangement last night. When it is finished, we'll have it up here to listen to and download, possibly. The new version has a reworked introduction and, in my opinion, a better arrangement. Rich will lay down vocals after I install the new hard drives and hook up a few new pieces of gear to the compuer, and then I'll go to work on backing vocals and try to mix this thing. It is already up to 10 tracks or so and is pretty dense. Some cleanup needs to be done on the drum and lead guitar track, and Rich hasn't heard it yet, but hopefully, we'll have it up here soon.

IN other news, work in progress demo 11 was aired on the Wednesday night No Holds Barred Radio show. to great reception by the listening audience. I hope to have some lyrics to it someday. For now, it is available to listen to in the music section.

IN still more news, I was interviewed yesterday by Ouch radio, a UK based podcast, talking about being in talk radio on the internet as a blind person. I was on a panel with two other people. The show lasted about a half hour at most. When I get a copy, I'll see if I can put it up here or we'll use it on the NHB show. It was great fun to do and I can't wait for it to be posted so I can hear how it turned out. This makes my second podcast interview, the first was last year on the Whole Note Podcast. In fact, just checking there now, the link to the podcast is still on the main page and it is apparently still the last podcast that was done. I encourage you all to check it out, it was an interesting interview, I think.

ON a sad note, Brad delp, lead singer of Boston, passed away yesterday at his home in New Hampshire. I was informed of this by a friend of mine, but haven't seen any official news on it. He was 55 years old. While Boston is not a band still in the mainstream, Bad had an incredible voice and he was an amazing talent. I am sad that I never got to meet him in person. He will be missed, as Boston is definitely one of my favorite bands. On the bright side, Genesis is coming to Giant's stadium, and I have wanted to see them since forever. Hopefully, I can score some tickets to that show.

Well, that's all the news for now. Check back often, as I will try to keep you all posted on things going on around here.

Last night, i began working on a redone version of Sometimes, the song that appears on my cousin Rich's band demo. The original song is posted in the music section of this site. Rich wanted to redo it because he didn't like the mix and he thinks we can do it better. So, I began work on a new arrangement last night. When it is finished, we'll have it up here to listen to and download, possibly. The new version has a reworked introduction and, in my opinion, a better arrangement. Rich will lay down vocals after I install the new hard drives and hook up a few new pieces of gear to the compuer, and then I'll go to work on backing vocals and try to mix this thing. It is already up to 10 tracks or so and is pretty dense. Some cleanup needs to be done on the drum and lead guitar track, and Rich hasn't heard it yet, but hopefully, we'll have it up here soon.

IN other news, work in progress demo 11 was aired on the Wednesday night No Holds Barred Radio show. IN still more news, I was interviewed yesterday by Ouch radio, a UK based piodcast, talking about being in talk radio on the internet as a blind person. I was on a panel with two other people. The show lasted about a half hour at most. When I get a copy, I'll see if I can put it up here or we'll use it on the NHB show. It was great fun to do and I can't wait for it to be posted so I can hear how it turned out. This makes my second podcast interview, the first was last year on the Whole Note Podcast. In fact, just checking there now, the link to the podcast is still on the main page and it is apparently still the last podcast that was done. I encourage you all to check it out, it was an interesting interview, I think.

ON a sad note, Brad delp, lead singer of Boston, passed away yesterday at his home in New Hampshire. I was informed of this by a friend of mine, but haven't seen any official news on it. He was 55 years old. While Boston is not a band still in the mainstream, Bad had an incredible voice and he was an amazing talent. I am sad that I never got to meet him in person. He will be missed, as Boston is definitely one of my favorite bands. On the bright side, Genesis is coming to Giant's stadium, and I have wanted to see them since forever. Hopefully, I can score some tickets to that show.

Well, that's all the news for now. Check back often, as I will try to keep you all posted on things going on around here.