[PitchShifter]

psiPod

Available in the latest Pitchshifter silent auction is the band's Line 6 Pod. The band have owned and used this unit on all demos since they purchased MANY moons ago (I am talking double-digits here). This vintage piece of gear has been in the band's hands for a long time, and has seen the penning of many a Pitchshifter tune.

This silent auction contains:

Pitchshifter's very own Line 6 Pod & power supply
Pitchshifter recall sheets for the sounds they used on this unit (one for bass, one for heavy "chug" rhythm guitar)
Signed letter of authenticity that this exact serial number was owned and used by Pitchshifter

Bidding in this auction will close on Monday, May 10th, 2010 at 6:00PM GMT (unless the auction is ended early).

To see details of how to place a bid via email, along with the full auction rules, please click here

Happy bidding and good luck!

Pitchshifter to Headline Wakefield Rock Festival: Charity Gig

Want to see Pitchshifter play live? Taking a break from the new record, the band are set to headline Saturday night of Wakefield Rock Festival.

Says JS: "It's always a good feeling to do charity events, especially when the money is going to something as worthy as a hospice and it's about time we got back on stage--it's been a while. With Senser and Inme on the bill, it looks like a great weekend event for a good cause."

Wakefield Rock Festival
Sat/Sun May 15/16, 2010
Pitchshifter: Sat 15th, 2010

For a full line up, tix, et al, check out the official website

Eat Bass

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Ever wanted to own one of Mark Clayden from Pitchshfter's bass guitars? Well, now you can!

Available in the latest Pitchshifter silent auction is one of Mark's very own, road-used black Ibanez bass guitars. This guitar has not been pampered in a recording studio all it's life, oh no, Mark has head-banged his way half across the World behind this beauty, and now it can be your very own.

If you're going to get a bass guitar, you might as well get your hands on one that's probably seen more action than you have (no offense). This bass has flown half way around the World and back, kicking ass in sweaty clubs, rocking large festivals, and writing songs in murky dressing rooms for a living. It's got mojo. Put the shiny new, boring bass catalog down and place a bid on something with history...and balls!

This silent auction contains:

Mark Clayden of Pitchshifter's very own Ibanez Ergodyne EDB400 Bass Guitar
Signed letter of authenticity that this exact serial number was owned and played by Mark Clayden and by Pitchshifter

You can place a bid by sending us an email that includes: the words "Silent Auction" in the subject line, your bid amount, your full legal name, and your mailing address to music[at]psirecords.com

Bidding in this auction will close on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 6:00PM GMT, unless the auction is ended early.

For full details of the auction rules, please click here

Happy bidding and good luck!

RATS

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Ever wondered how Pitchshifter get that trademark punk rock sound on the bass guitar? A key piece of the puzzle is the ProCo RAT-2. WTF is that? It's the dirtiest, loudest distortion pedal for bass guitar on Mother Earth.

This silent auction contains:

Pitchshifter's very own ProCo RAT Distortion Pedal
Signed letter of authenticity confirming that this exact serial-numbered unit belonged to Mark Clayden and Pitchshifter

You can place a bid by sending us an email that includes: the words "Silent Auction" in the subject line, your bid amount, your full legal name, and your mailing address to music[at]psirecords.com

Bidding in this auction has already closed

For full details of the auction rules, click here

Happy bidding and good luck!

Music Review

Pitchshifter's Bass Guru talks to Music Scene.com. An excerpt:

Music Review: "Recently, JS Clayden stated that Pitchshifter have gotten back together and is working on a new album. Do you feel that the band’s hiatus has helped you overcome creative blocks and in turn rejuvenate a hunger for more success?"

Mark Clayden (Bass): "We’re happy with the success we have already achieved; it’s all about the music and creative side of the band now. Lots of hard work has been going on behind closed doors across the UK and USA, and we will be posting information on our plans for 2010 at pitchshifter.com as soon as we are ready."

Genius in a Bottle

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The latest of the Pitchshifter online silent auctions is not a guitar, but it is the piece of musical equipment that defined the Pitchshifter sound, and also helped to usher in the "Rocktronica Era" of British music in the 90s. It is the synthesizer, affectionately named "Genie" by the band, on which they created the lead line for the song "Genius" (along with many parts for other tracks on the "www.pitchshifter.com" album).

This is a physically synthesizer, not a virtual synth (i.e. it has a keyboard and a power supply and you can actually touch it--it won't work on your iPod).

When asked about the synth, JS said: "The Korg Prophecy Solo Synth was revolutionary in it's time. It had a very forward-facing control surface in the form of a ribbon, and some great 303 sounds to go with it.

The sound for the song "Genius" came from cranking a 303 patch to the point of harmonic distortion and then playing the filter across the ribbon to keep the tone rising after the initial note-hit.

Although we have many fond memories of this synth, as with some of the previous guitar auctions, there's only so much equipment we can physically house in PSI Studios and still close the doors. The time has come for Genie to take the long walk."

This silent auction contains:

Pitchshifter's very own Korg Prophecy (including original Pitchshifter-programmed "Genius" patch!)
512 Memory Card
Original Korg Prohpecy Manual
Signed letter of authenticity confirming that the song "Genius," and the "www.pitchshifter.com" album, was written and performed on this exact machine

As in our prior auctions, you can bid by sending an email with the words "Silent Auction" in the subject line, also containing your bid amount, full legal name, and mailing address in the body of the email to: music [at] psirecords.com.

Bidding in this auction will close on February 22nd, 2010 unless the auction is ended early.

For full details of the auction rules, item delivery and payment process, please email the address above.

Happy bidding and good luck!

Tim Rayner

Pitchshifter Rhythm Guitarist, Tim Rayner, is currently undergoing treatment for B-Cell Lymphoma. Tim was diagnosed with the condition while vacationing in Australia, where he is currently being treated.

Constant updates to the band from brother and Pitchshifter Lead Guitarist, Dan Rayner, reveal that Tim--who has not yet been allowed to return home to the UK because of his condition--has already undergone two-rounds of chemo-therapy.

Says Pitchshifter Vocalist, J.S. Clayden: "We are all floored by the news. After so many years of two-sets of brothers playing together, Pitchshifter really is like one big family. It affects us all when one member of that family is hurting. We're all routing for Tim to get through this. I look forward to getting this new album finished and looking over to my left to see Tim going nuts on stage.

Tim is a long way from home and is going through some tough times. I'm sure that he would love to read some positive messages of encouragement from Pitchshifter fans on our message board to help him through this."

Lucky Number Seven

New album update:

Pitchshifter are 7 songs into demoing the new, as yet untitled, full-length album.

Says Pitch-bass guru, Mark Clayden: "It's been 7 years since our last full-length album. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm ready for some new tunes. Writing, recording and playing music is what we love. I am itching to get this record done and get back to kicking ass on stage."

More news as it comes.

Jason Bowld Falls From The Sky

Pitchshifter drummer Jason Bowld announces his latest band: They Fell From The Sky featuring Hundred Reasons vocalist Colin Doran and Snuff bass player Lee Erinmez.

Says Jason: 'They Fell From The Sky is a mix of melody, punk and rock with larger than life songs--timeless anthems for 21st Century."

Gigs:
They Fell From The Sky support Welsh ragga-metal boys, Skindred, on October 17th at Southampton University, and headline Music Live at the N.E.C. on November 6th.

Writing New Music

In their 20th year as a band (any of you starting to feel old yet reading this?) Pitchshifter are back in the studio writing music for a new album.

Says Mark Clayden, Bass: "I never thought that we'd be around for two decades, but I am glad that we have been. To be able to connect with people all over the world, of all ages, through music, has been a mind-blowing experience. We're steadily into the writing of the new record and we can't wait to get it done and get out there again."

Joining Pitchshifter in the writing phase is PMM guitarist and long-time friend of the band since the Pitchshifter European tour with Tura Satana, Brian Harrah.

Says JS Clayden, Vocals: "It's been refreshing to get back in the demo studio. We're taking this record in a few places we haven't been before in terms of guitar work. Brian Harrah (PMM/Tura Satana) is writing with me on guitar at The Manor Studios, and Jase (drums) is jamming at his place. So far we are having a blast and kicking ass.

There are a few new moves in terms of song timing and vocals that have us all jazzed. I guess you'll just have to wait and see what we came up with."

Updates to follow...