Zanadu's Notes

These tools are like lenses that help bring the world around me into focus. Over time, this gear will come and go, but most of what's listed here has stuck with me for many years, each proving over and over their help in creation.

I'm hoping this will give you some insight into how I approach creative or everyday endeavors. Whatever type of tool, I love hearing about which ones work for other people. Art and nature are not 'solved' things, so the individual path everyone takes is exciting.

Don't hide that light!

Music Gear

You can see in the image above that some animals have overtaken my everyday workspace. I've learned to welcome them here, not only because they're cute, but they also eliminate a lot of problem frequencies when I'm mixing/mastering my audio due to their physical makeup. They may be the most important thing to keep things comfy! Aside from them, there's various gear here including drum machines, synthesizers, effects pedals, and eurorack modules. I keep note paper nearby if I need to quickly record something in front of me or save an idea for later. There's some other expected work material here (coffee, knife, strewn about cables) that all feel like home!

You can see a complete list of music gear below, some of which isn't shown in the image above. I have too many software music tools to list here, but it's at least worth mentioning that I primarily work in Renoise at my desktop.

Everyday Items

I carry these things when I'm away from home! The bag I carry these tools in was gifted to me from a series of photos I did for the maker. It was originally white and had longer straps, but I've since dyed it this cool leaf color, trimmed down one of the straps for less dangling parts, and added a brass fox to it. The ripstop material has held up very well over the years, but some internal stitching might need repair at some point given some of the weight it holds. I love this bag though because of it's lightness and how it's bandolier shape keeps everything very close to my body. I never really sense it's bulk being a distraction.

The bag contents aren't too unexpected. A knife for opening, note/marking tools, light, and some lock access tools that've come in handy more than a few times.

Photography Tools

I have a couple main digital cameras. The Fuji is my-goto for it's filmic quality and recipe's I've developed and borrowed for it. The Sony acts like a lab instrument in the way it captures RAW's, so I'll use that for 'serious' shots or one's where I want to manipulate light granularly. I don't really shoot film these days, as the digicam and the Fuji already suit my desire for old and dusty photos while also making the process fun.

I've held on to a variety of cheap glass over the years, mainly old Japanese or Russian prime lenses. It is surprising how much character, and sometimes clarity you can get out of lenses manufactured from so long ago.

The full list is below, but you can check out some of the photos I've made in the Photos section of this site!