Observe since ‘98 – Odd Ones Vol. 3: Death’s Door (2024)

When I first conceived this album, it was born from my reckoning with mortality as I ventured deeper into my 40s. It wasn’t just about coming to terms with my own eventual end but also recognizing that everyone around me was aging, and that Death would inevitably become a more present force in my life. However, as I completed this project over the past month, the album’s theme took on an even deeper significance. For those who may not be aware, we are witnessing the likely demise of this genre of music as we know it. The digital streaming platforms (DSPs) that distribute our music, along with the vinyl pressing plants, have begun to enforce strict regulations on sampling. In the past, artists could simply sign a single form to clear a project for production. But now, with AI-driven software that can accurately detect samples, they are demanding proof of clearance for everything. Clearing one sample isn’t necessarily an insurmountable challenge, but when it comes to obtaining proof of clearance for every sample—especially in my case, where I often sample music from 40-50 years ago by artists in distant countries—it becomes nearly impossible. As a result, this project will likely only live on Bandcamp. As this reality sets in, the small cottage industry we’ve all been a part of is likely to face a slow and quiet death. While it may survive in other formats like tapes and CDs, the vinyl era may be drawing to a close. So here we are, standing at Death’s door. credits released August 9, 2024 Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Observe since 98 Artwork by Jay Hodgson