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Michael "MiketherealvoiceofGi" Bell

I am Michael Bell, the original voice of Duke on GI JOE, Prowl on Transformers and Chaz on Rugrats, AMA!

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• https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/210kgf/i_am_michael_bell_the_original_voice_of_duke_on/

Hey reddit.

Michael Bell the original voice of Duke and Major Bludd from the animated series GI Joe, Prowl and Swoop from The Transformers, Handy, Lazy, and Grouchy Smurf etc.

I am turning to you to help support my daughter, actress Ashley Bell ( The Last Exorcism, Love and Air Sex, and the just released Sparks), get her documentary Love and Bananas off and running. She went to Cambodia last year to film a short on the rescue of 2 abused captive elephants from a logging camp, and their subsequent release to the Cambodian Wildlife Sanctuary. Once there, she realized a full documentary was needed to present the plight of captive wild elephants as well as the disappearing rain forest, and wildlife in that region. Hence her campaign to raise funds to complete her documentary. I am prepared to answer all of your questions honestly and with I hope some wit.

Here is Ashleys indigogo website, please help us!

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/love-bananas--2/x/5355369

Proof: http://twitter.com/maddking/status/447073419339653120/photo/1

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:27:51 2014 UTC

I haven't stopped laughing

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:38:16 2014 UTC

Twelve guys and two girls locked in a room for eight hours performing.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:40:43 2014 UTC

Dying was easy..since I knew that somehow I would return. Dying is most fun for actors...gurgle gurgle.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:42:37 2014 UTC

Well 95688it ( not your prison number I hope ), thanks for the hug...but I aint stopped yet. Rescue Bots yesterday and Community meets GI JOE last week. Keep watching.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:48:55 2014 UTC

Ash was on her own since I didn't really know anyone by the time she decided to become an actress( which I didn't really want for her. Too hard ). Yes, Mel played an important part in my life. We did Speed Buggy together. There is a story about it on Youtube. Study study study acting and get into improv class...best tip I can give you.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:51:03 2014 UTC

Oh do I wish. SOOOOOOOO talented. Such a super movie. If you know her, tell her about me.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:51:48 2014 UTC

My daughter is petit. The elephants and mosquitos are hugh. I was so worried and will be again about her being there, I had a hard time listening to anything that was funny...but I think there was something. Gotta give me time to recall.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:53:24 2014 UTC

Bless you my child. That was one of my proudest moments.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:54:07 2014 UTC

YOU DA BOMB! Thanks so much.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:54:57 2014 UTC

TELL NO ONE WHAT YOU KNOW!

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:55:59 2014 UTC

I told Channing that and he decked me.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:57:03 2014 UTC

KAKA...but that's just jealousy on my part since I wasn't considered for any of the voices.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi, Fri Mar 21 18:57:44 2014 UTC

Small roles???? Why I oughta!!

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

We recorded first and they created the character around us. Never met Kojima dammit. Love working the game however.Lotta yelling. Left blood on the window. Fun!

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

You're welcome. My pleasure always.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

I met Larry Hama at a convention. He was swamped with fans. We talked briefly and he was generous with his time. Truly a talented gentleman.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

That hurt...but they are funny.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Working is good. Dying is good. All good. Back again on "Community" along with Cobra and Scarlet etc, coming soon.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Didn't get to meet him but what a thrill to do that show.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

In Jail.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

I do get that and I never understand how people recognize me from my voice alone when I am so devilishly handsome.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Would love to be on the Simpsons but not gonna happen. I just recorded a Rescue Bots and also revived Duke on "Community", coming soon. I am presently directing the 3rd season of the webisode, The LeBrons .Other then that, I nap a lot.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Seems like they get morphed into the world of GI JOE. It's great satire. More fun then I imagined. All my old vo buds are on it.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Playing with you. No disrespect taken.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Thank you for watching. Yeh, I told Peter he'd be nowhere without me. He cried. I felt terrible.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Don't eat sugar, but if I did, something with chocolate. However, moms keep their girl scouts away from my house. Heh heh heh!

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Having spent my entire life working towards my career as an actor, never gave it much thought. OUCH! Stumped. Odd feeling for me. Gonna give that some thought.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Matreim611, get into an improv group. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_Spolin Her book has to be the one to get. Also watch as many good period movies as possible. English films really worked for me. Get into an acting group. Learn who you are begin to build characters. I am editing a video I did on one of my animation classes and hope to have it out there at the end of the year. Should be helpful for beginners.I hope that answers your question. My hand is falling off from typing so frigging fast. AHHHHH.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

To all of you super Reddit peeps, I am off line for the next couple of hours. Gotta see a doc about seeing. BUT back this evening to answer all questions, and smack a few of you upside the head. YO JOE!

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

In the meantime, puleese go to http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/love-bananas--2/x/5355369 and help support Love and Bananas. Got some great perks.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Ok, I have no recollection of working with David Cronenberg. That must be my doppleganger. I know I would remember that.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Thank you for the kudos. I doubt it will come back, but if it does, I would vote for Matt Yang King to young Raz, and I could be the future Raz warning him about the mistakes he will make and how to avoid them. Of course he will ignore me, as all them whippersnapper hero's do at first, but I will be firm. Whadda think?

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Loved doing it... however,I hope you didn't run around wacking dead folk.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

I don't recall but it must have been, " cough, cough, tell Scarlett...cough...tell...Scar....oohh.. plop!

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

I would love to give you an autograph but can't divulge my address or the Army will recruit me again. Yep, I was a real soldier and caused my commander major problems. AND PROUD OF IT.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

PugBugs you got that right. Wally Burr the Director would love to hear them words.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Ok, who the hell is Harmon? Have I wandered off into Never Never Land or am I going dotty?

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

As long as it's not for money, ask away.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Duke is close to me...as is Rugrats Drew. The hardest ever was this monster in INHUMANOIDS that was a walking mucus. I had to hock up oysters with every line. I cleared the studio. Sue Silo refused to come back to the mic next to me. Really? What's a little spit between friends?

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

If you ever hear an actor tell you that acting is hard, you have my permission to challenge him/her to a dual. Especially voice animation. Yeah, all that breathing and stuff. I'm exhausted. NOT!

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

And Freaky, it was all fun and games!

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Don't think that will happen. Love Henning ( in a politically correct way). Same for Simon. Super talented actor. Should be a star and may be yet.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

I would be thrilled to voice an old bag lady with no teeth on Family Guy. Talk about fun.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

If so, they have kept it secret from me. Wait, that sounds like I am paranoid. I meant, if so, they HAVE KEPT IT SECRET FROM ME!

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

a guy selling small children, a beggar with the clap and a dancing fool. Ok, I don't remember. Are you happy now that you made me look foolish?

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

I like Mark Hamil. Smart and talented. I wish I had been in Star Wars instead of just dubbing voices on it. Mark Mothersbaugh wrote a song that Chaz had to sing. I can barely hum on key...but I worked like a mother on it and when we recorded it, I was right on. WRONG. They wanted me to sing off key and never told me. Embarrassed and pissed doesn't cover how I felt. Mark thought it was funny. Good thing I left my truncheon at home.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

And yes, it is a very tight knit community. However, none of us slept together. Most of us are very unattractive. FEH!

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

First of all, bless you for supporting Ash and her team. Hope you popped for the fabulous T shirt. Secondly, the writing on Legacy was top notch. Amy can be thanked for that. She is soooo smart...and nice. Simon, as I said earlier, is a winner. Gracious and generous. A major acting force. Boy was I lucky to be in that one.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

I have watched a couple of the on camera stuff like Mash and 3's Company and can't for the life of me figure out how I never became a star. I guess it's because my ears were the biggest thing on my body....and I left myself open with that one. I did enjoy watching the Smurfs and Rugrats. Chaz was a complex character. The best kind for an actor to play. Thanks for asking. Stay incredulous. Shocked will make you incontinent.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

We all knew each other well, but not in the biblical sense, although Peter did have cute buns.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

The writers did all they could to keep me in the show...at least that's what they told me at gunpoint. I did get knocked out and although I asked for Scarlet or Lady J to give me the breath of life, they chose Serpentor. That almost killed me. Ok, I am getting looney here. Not used to being in front of the computer this long. Cuts into my nap.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Jellyfish my A-S. That thing was hugh. I hung like a cheap christmas ball on wire, writhing and crying and whadda ya know, the damn thing broke and I plummeted to the ground flat on my back. Thankfully, my stunt double wasn't eating at the catering truck and made sure I had a mattress under me. Everything stopped when I fell. Silence. All the execs standing around me...and director, the late great Cory Allen. I didn't move. I heard a whisper " is he ok?". Then I said " I see a series in my future". Broke everyone up. Got 3 DSnines after that. End of story.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Ok, you shmuck. You made me cry. Happy now?

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Seriously. Teared up. Nice to know I played such an important part of your life.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Lance was a lot cooler then me. Loved playing him. I also voiced lots of children since Peter and Jack and Lennie had much deeper voices. I

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

freckles...you sick puppy.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

that was another Michael Bell. I have a contract out on him.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Ahhhh, now I get it. NO. But the director of the show was so specific about what he wanted that I knew I was in good hands. Harmon must have trusted him. Rightly so.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Probably 3"s Company. Not much action but I got to dance, wear a tight leotard and flash my tattoo...and piss off Janet.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Ok, I'm sending this to Neal and he will find you. Seeing him and some of my other VO buds in June for a get together. Should be fun comparing walkers.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Thinking about your question Did it effect my voice. Nope. I just heard what Christina sounded like and figured like father, like son. Nasel and stuffed up. Worked nicely.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Great mungfun, but make sure you've had your shots first.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Appreciate that. I aint nuttin without fans and friends.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Thanks to you Reddit guys for your super response to my request.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

NY, then California...but I bet if you look hard you will find a dramatic club or class in Wisconsin. Pick up some good books on acting and who knows, when i finally finish editing my voice animation master class video, that might be another source of help. In the meantime, start listening to family. friends, talk radio etc and plagiarize their phrasing and sounds. It's how we all begun.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Ya got good taste theironbear. Better then fans that taste good. Hope I get to meet all of my Reddit peeps in one of the few Comicons, I hit this year. Ash will be on this site on Monday when she gets home from her PA tour for " Sparks".

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Boy are you welcome. However, if it does come back, I suspect they will go younger. Always happens after a long interval between shows. I do know there's a plan to film another SMURFS, animated... but this time without the star stunt casting and hopefully with some of the original voices. If that's true, say a prayer for old Raz. I told some of the folks involved that although our asses have dropped, our voices are the same. Only time and good choices will tell.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Melanie Chartoff. She also played grandma Minka grandpa Boris' ( me being Boris ) long suffering wife. Talented lady.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Naww. I take full responsibility...unless the show didn't come back for a second season, then it was their fault.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Prowl was smart and steady. Cool head. Sideswipe was guick to burn.Swoop a bit brainless but ready to take on everything...kind of like Berger's Grimlock. First Aid didn't have much to do, so he spent his evenings at drag bars applying bandaids to blistered high heels. I don't recall Hook, which must tell you that he was a bit of an annoying nerd. I think I was an Insecticon... but can't remember which. It was a hectic time with characters thrown at us weekly. YO JO!

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

I know, they just called me and are suing. Thanks a lot.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Hah. Trying to steal my work from me huh? Why I oughta! Thanks Bro, I know all the folks involved would love to hear your fav was a result of their hard work.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Same back at ya. I also remember that my wallet was missing after you left. I will find you.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

You mean the animated series WITHOUT ME..or the live action WITHOUT ME?

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

None of us thought it would have this kind of evergreen life. After all, it was another great gig and would soon be over...like so many we did. It was a gift for us, and obviously for our fans. The best part was, we didn't have to fight celebs for the roles. They trusted that we were pros, albeit not famous and would deliver. We did, you liked it, and everyone was happy. So wee child once, thanks for the good words. Now go to my daughter's indiegogo site and send a few $. Also, see Sparks her new film...I think you will like it. Sorry to be so transparently proud, but I know you understand.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Ok, you da bomb...and I mean that. Surreal, years later, a fan helping my kid film her documentary. What a strange and lovely thing.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

and clean...and attractive.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

I would have felt better if Scarlet was standing over me wearing a low cut hoodie. However, glad I was back for another attempt at slicing Cobra's ugly head off.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Not all. I get letters from prisoners saying the same thing. So creepy.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

New character on Rescue Bots. Confidential, but way too much fun. I ate the scenery until I got sick. Prowl was on Transformer's Prime I think...and someone else played him. Not sure about 2015. However, if they ask me to audition for it, I aint proud. Just gotta wait and see.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

As I said to the other Reddit peeps, I doubt it. Amy is a friend and she is no longer with that company, so she is not up on that show. However, I think Matt Yang King, who looks like Raz and has a great voice would be ideal. I could play older Raz in his future who guides him...even though he tells him to F off. Sounds like that could be fun. I would suggest they bring Simon back as well.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Assured.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

VELCOME! ( from vipers )

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

and hopefully in your dotage.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

I hope that didn't mark your kid for life. If he became a bed wetter it wasn't my fault.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Always wanted to be an actor from the time I could make milk come through my nose. Did stage, improv, studied, got into TV and some films. Went under contract to Universal. Ok, I'm boring the crap out of myself with my life story. In any event, loved playing characters I never got to play on screen, so I switched. Never looked back. The cast of RR was sensational. Talented to a fault. Super direction and what a supportive group of producers. When I balked at a change in my character, they allowed me the room to do what I felt the character would do. Doesn't happen a lot. Network..the bankers... often get in the way. Not on RugRats. Miss it like crazy.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Always wanted to be an actor from the time I could make milk come through my nose. Did stage, improv, studied, got into TV and some films. Went under contract to Universal. Ok, I'm boring the crap out of myself with my life story. In any event, loved playing characters I never got to play on screen, so I switched. Never looked back. The cast of RR was sensational. Talented to a fault. Super direction and what a supportive group of producers. When I balked at a change in my character, they allowed me the room to do what I felt the character would do. Doesn't happen a lot. Network..the bankers... often get in the way. Not on RugRats. Miss it like crazy.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Michael Bay isn't funny. Not casting my voice or putting Prowl in his film is not funny. So your ex girlfriend's father is handsome huh?

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

It may be. Not sure. Strange how some shows live on and others just bite the big weenie.Glad I was on the hot ones.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Serious is out. I welcome flippant...and love.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Ok, you should be producing. Like your style.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Never fear, Raz is here. Tony was a kick. Directed him in the animated series Peter Pan.You couldn't get him to stop talking. Miss him. Cumberbatch is great casting.Did you see his National Theatre Film of Frankenstein? Brillaint. However, ya couldn't get him. Thinking Kevin Michael Richardson. What a dynamite actor and voice.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

I told my wife that and she told the legend to pick up his socks.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Trying to make me crazy. Probably Peter or Frank.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Thanks. Don't hurt yourself.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Dreaming is my daily activity....and yes Cumberbach is my number 1 choice. You can see the filmed National Theatre production at some local theatre in your area. It plays everywhere. That's how I saw it.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Bay and his asst are, like most big Hollywood Directors, Producers, interested in the bottom line. STARS, SPORTS FIGURES, and wait, no...don't tell me....THE KARDASHIANS. ARRGGH.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

That wasn't me. I was being help prisoner by CTatum. He hates me because I have a better 6 pack then him. I am a very serious person and have no sense of humor. Now, where was I?

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

It is. I am hanging my head in shame. How long before your senile?

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

When and if I ever get invited to Comicon in Australia, come say hello.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Hah. My sentiments exactly...well, close.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Not if you gave up the practice by the time you reached 21. After that, hello sinus.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Thanks Davethe3rd. Made my day.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Just don't want anyone to think I'm a shut in. Besides, gotta make sure my peeps are guilty enough about my getting carpal typing away like this, to contribute a few $ to Ashley's Love and Bananas indiegogo campaign.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Grit, refusing to listen to those who told me it was a waste of time, believing in myself.....and studying acting til I thought I was ready. It twarnt easy, but I couldn't see myself doing anything else.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Will do. In the meantime I will be in Texas April 11th for GI JOE convention and again on June 20 forComicon Transformer convention. Hope some of you peeps in the area wash your hands and come say hello.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Sounds like fun...however, when they commit you, don't mention that you communicated with me. I'm just a figment of your imagination. Remember that. Now go out in the sun and play nice.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Love doing the Mother's Day episode when Chaz explained where Chuckie's mom is. Got a lotta mail on that one. They will never do a live action Rugrats. IF we get lucky, they may consider another animated full feature, but that would be the extent of it.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

It seems to have a whole new audience, considering all the fan response I have been getting from new parents. It is an evergreen. Never goes out of style.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

It's very edgy.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

It's an acting exercise...especially with Cumberbatch as the monster.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

I have always danced to my own music. Besides, I want to make sure all my fans take my request for support seriously.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Nice to know I'm not alone.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

You are blessed. Thanks so much for contributing.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Not so amazing. I have been kept prisoner by Peter Cullen...jealous bitch. Just me, the computer and 2 fig newtons and a chiclet for dinner.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Well, aint you the nosey parker. Actually, I wasn't interested in being an actor. I really wanted a full time job working the coal mines. Just my luck!

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Good thinking. I'll give it a shot. Indiegogo is finished however, so I will have to come up with another address to donate to. Thanks for the suggestion. Not sure how to take voice message requests. Gotta think that through.

―MiketherealvoiceofGi,

Kurt "KurtHarlandLarson" Harland

I am Kurt Harland Larson, lead singer of Information Society. Ask me anything! (Especially about science!)

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• https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2mbq04/i_am_kurt_harland_larson_lead_singer_of/

https://twitter.com/reddit_AMA/status/533381497622122498
I have been composing and performing with Information Society since 1982. I have been working on audio in the video games industry since 1994. I have been a parent since 2006.

Ok, I need to go pick up my son from school. Thanks for coming to talk!

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Well PraiseCaine, that is a very good question. My problem with Neo-Bolshevism is that is is largely made-up and I would have to imagine, unrelated to modern reality! As far as Death Worship goes, Death is not a thing. As a negatively-defined concept, it is merely the cessation of life. I worship nothing, certainly not a non-entity.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Hi Starien, I am gratified that you and so many others heard and enjoyed my work on Soul Reaver. :) In many ways it was a highlight of my career.

The problem with InSoc.org is this: I had a friend who was maintaining the domain for me, and she was unable to get it renewed this year. Within hours, some squat-bot grabbed it and is now using my content to flog ads. It is irksome, but rather beneath my threshold of issues which demand my time, unfortunately. :(

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Possibly Bajoran, simply because their women are so hot... But actually, I'd have to go with being one of the race of beings of which Gomtuu was: http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Gomtuu

He would have awesome times, no doubt.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I always play along, except when I don't feel like it.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Almost every line of that album has some very specific referential meaning, most from my personal internal experiences. In aggregate, I would say that the main inspirations were to express some of my personal experience being me and to try to comment on my understanding of the personal experiences of people to whom I have been close.

The hair was mostly a matter of dye, extensions and mucopolysaccharides. http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-mucopolysaccharides.htm

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Musical influences include:

• Tuxedomoon
• Gary Numan
• DEVO
• Yello
• The Residents (of course, duh)
• Jim Thirlwell (Foetus)
• KMFDM
• Steven Seibold
• Harold Budd
• Laibach
• Current 93
• Etc.

Science disciplines I particularly enjoy include astronomy, evolutionary theory, materials science, molecular biology... but I have never been qualified to work as a scientist. I am more of a science fan/groupie. I went to see Oliver Sachs talk because he was talking about Tungsten, and I own a bar of pure Tantalum... somehow that made sense to me.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

None! All our stuff is fairly new these days. I think there are still some Alesis quadrapads parts bolted on to Jim's bass, but I am not sure... I am, however, teaching classes occasionally (including this Sunday) in which I demonstrate basic principles of analogue synthesis using an MS-20. Some of the units we have are the new remakes, but at least one was an original...

―KurtHarlandLarson,

THIS IS A PAINKILLERS CONCERT!!1!

―KurtHarlandLarson,

No, nothing to do with Amanda. Paul decided to go work on other things because he had just gotten married, his wife was pregnant, and our label dropped us. It seemed to him like a good time to make a change. I kept doing it mainly because I really wanted to make at least one album of my music on my own.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Warp drive: No. Utter rubbish. Get over it. No.

The transporting of objects: YES! In fact, I can assure you that many objects are being transported all around us as we speak, right here right now! :D

―KurtHarlandLarson,

No, because "Pure Energy" is a non-concept with no meaning.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

If you mean "rift", it was really just that Paul decided he didn't want to do the band anymore in 1993, and I decided I didn't want to do it anymore in 1998. Then in 2004 or so, Paul wanted to try it again. Not entirely sure why, you'll have to ask him. :)

―KurtHarlandLarson,

No no no noooo... no.... Chemistry.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

The tone of DBA is really the tone of music I would have done all along had I been working alone. IOW, that's kinda just how I am, sadly.

Re: Chat-Bot: That little bitch needs a slap-down. So like, last week? In Cuiaba, Brasil? We're all waiting down in the lobby, and it's like, 20 minutes past time to leave for the airport, and no sign of little C.B. Our manager calls up to its room, no answer. Eventually, the little creep comes whirring out of the side-staircase, no explanation for the delay at all, and says, loudly: "WHAT'S A ROBOT GOTTA DO TO GET A CUP OF FREAKIN' COFFEE AROUND THIS DUMP?!?" Can you believe him? Man...

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I pretty-much have to play them, at least while they are in development, in order to understand what I need to create for them. I don't necessarily play them when they are done though. I should point out that I don't compose music for games anymore. The last one I did was in 2006. Since then I've been working on the full-spectrum in-house audio development side of things. The job is really a software-development job, not an audio job per se.

Oh, and Soul Reaver, definitely.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I have, but so far no instruments have really grabbed them. Paul's son, however, is an accomplished French Horn player! He is currently studying this instrument and music in general at a music college. :)

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Yes, I really, really do: My 2-year-old is yelling and screaming at his mother because she is trying to get some work done instead of wandering off with him to look at legos, as he wishes.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Hot dog: Ketchup for sure, relish maybe.

Who are you? There were only four members of the IILF... Last I heard the last surviving member was shot down in an ultralight somewhere over Marrakech

―KurtHarlandLarson,

P&LI: I think we were really starting to hit our stride in terms of crafting albums, but sadly we had out-lived our usefulness to the major labels by that time.

Science: Rather than name a specific project I will simply point to the fact that anything which can help us stop pumping carbon into the atmosphere deserves our complete support. Honestly, it staggers me that people can still thing anything is important when we are currently in the process of HEATING UP THE BIOSPHERE WTF? Syria? Ebola? Mid-term elections? Anyone thinks any of that matters? Really?

―KurtHarlandLarson,

1 - No! I gave it to David King, and he gave it to Ogre. Ogre has it in New Mexico: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/ochressandro-rettinger/6/63a/b87

2 - I think so! We are lining up a few shows for the spring right now. San Francisco is one of them, but nothing is confirmed yet.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I am gratified that it had value for you, thank you for taking the time to tell me. Re: Frowning: Frowning at DBA is fair. If you really like the pop-bop of our first WB album, then seriously, how are you going to like endless minutes of dirgy industrial noise? It is difficult listening.

Yay, LSP! sLaap834 refers to this cover of Gordon Lightfoot's "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" we did a few years ago: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/larsonseiboldproject

I don't know who mastered DBA 1.3, sorry.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

No, that's boring.

I do use a Roland SPD-SX though, if that helps. The USB port on the back broke for no real reason. :(

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I think the lyrics are bad.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Probably pretty far, about three billion light-miles.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

SEN-pai!!!

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Yes, I like it, although it only works for artists within a certain size range. It wouldn't work for, say, David Bowie. It also comes along with an economic model in which is it almost impossible to make a living off being a musician unless you are already a huge star.

Re: Stems: I don't know! Interesting idea. I'll mention it to Paul. :)

―KurtHarlandLarson,

You're a kettle!

―KurtHarlandLarson,

No no, it's not her fault. Don't do that. :)

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Just keep watching this website! - http://robotspeak.com/pages/classes - My classes are "Acoustic Theory for Electronic Musicians" and "Analogue Synthesis". I think it is $90 to attend one class.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Especially when you're around...

(See what I did there?)

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Oh, hey Xavoc! :D

―KurtHarlandLarson,

KurtHarlandLarson,

Yeah, maybe we can think of a way to not drive the temperature up to far for most people to survive...

―KurtHarlandLarson,

The Y2K one!

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Well it is quite different now from then. Now most music is essentially self-published, like '_hello world'. Back then, not having a label basically meant that you didn't exist.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I guess while we were making P&LI... I had been exposed to acoustically-coupled modems some 13 years earlier, so it didn't seem like a strange idea to me... Honestly, the only reason it was interesting is that at that time, it was already an antiquated method.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I'm not. Where do you see that?

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Maggie Ghallager.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

KurtHarlandLarson,

Also, gimme back my banner!!! Waaaaaahhh!

―KurtHarlandLarson,

That would be up to the labels who own those recordings, not us. It's not something for which we would likely lobby though...

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Not too likely. These days I mostly contribute lyrics and melody onto tracks other people have already made.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

KurtHarlandLarson,

My answer, 2014: Huh? Whatevs.

My answer 1999: If they can get the software versions to be as reliable as the hardware versions, then I'm all for 'em.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Boy, I wouldn't know. A record company can license its properties to anything without needing to get permission from the artist, and so sometimes that sort of thing happens and the artist doesn't even hear about it.

I can tell you, though, that that movie was full of music from 'My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult'...

―KurtHarlandLarson,

We will play any city in the U.S. that wants us badly enough to pay our way! (And fee) . . . (And give us doughnuts)

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Exactly! It was meant to be something that only a few people would get, and then they could share it with everyone else.

There is something like that on the new album too, if you have the CD... :)

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Hey Elliot, glad you like it. :) I'd love to see a full LP of that too, but it depends on Steven's schedule too.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Yes, it was mentioned in another question here: We lost control of the domain by accident and it was quickly snapped up by an ad-squatter.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Oh you saw that? At Burning Man?

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Very cool, yes, I am all for newer, safer nuclear. I think it has to be part of the solution. Wind is awesome, but people object to windmills on their land even more than nuclear waste.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Awesome. :)

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Woah, cool! Thanks. :)

―KurtHarlandLarson,

The font is "BOOST LIGHT" :D

―KurtHarlandLarson,

"Whenever I sing Are Friends Electric for karaoke" . . .

As one does...

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Yes! We released a new album last month: http://informationsociety.bandcamp.com/album/hello-world

―KurtHarlandLarson,

He probably could, but that wouldn't be something I would know about...

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I think I am done doing video game music, yes. I have mostly been working on integrating the audio content and designing the audio tech and delivery systems on the software-development side instead in the last 15 years.

The families are ok with it because we really aren't away from home for the band much.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I'd love to do more with Steven, but it would depend on his schedule as well as mine...

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I am all for it!

―KurtHarlandLarson,

We do plan to release another new album in 2015! Warning: It won't be like our other albums. :)

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Samples

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Bah, should have. :)

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I suspect the former.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

No we haven't... I suspect that our value to people is more in our personality and live shows, and so I don't know that that would be very appealing to anyone...

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I don't know... it was gone one morning.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

The issue in game audio effects has always been, and will always be processing power priorities. Typically, if I ask for even one percent of the CPU power to add, say, reverb, that request is denied because it could be used for graphics instead.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Of new music? Not likely.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Yes, I wrote all those lines myself and got a friend to read it.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Fairly sure, but here is a brief explanation: Some friends of mine and my brother and I wanted to do a performance for the Game Developer's Conference. We put together a four-song show and that's what that was.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Well, yeah... it's not like they are ever going to run out of ideas on how to spend CPU cycles on graphics.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Glad it worked for you... :) I actually used that poem as part of my wedding some years later.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I'm sure we will!

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I most enjoyed the story of the fall of Numenor, not sure why... the inevitability of their tragedy maybe...

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I have not, although I am very much in favor of equal rights and respect for gay persons. I performed a marriage ceremony last year for two male friends of mine, in fact.

I suspect that whoever my favorite gay musician is, I am not aware that s/he is gay!

―KurtHarlandLarson,

1 - Yes! Always. I usually do it anyway.

2 - Because it makes everyone else on stage uncomfortable, and because it really requires a HUGE stage to do it right.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Occasionally, but not very often. When it does happen it is a little uncomfortable; I got the feeling they were rather expecting me to be something different from a person who works on software development, but they weren't sure what.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

I have no idea - Those sounds were extracted from "crowd" sounds from an old SFX CD I no longer have.

―KurtHarlandLarson,

Yes, EUROPE! We played 4 shows in Spain once in 1991, but that's it!

―KurtHarlandLarson,