Enough with the Bloggings!

The video for "The Little Electro Boy" has gone live!

2011-12-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

Shake your christmas goose with these phat beats.

2011-12-14T12:32:00.002-05:00

The Little Electro Boy by The Hottest Year On Record

swamp things

2011-11-12T14:48:00.000-05:00

3 recent cues from the BP oil spill documentary "Dirty Energy," premiering at the Santa Barbara Int'l Film Festival in February 2012.

<p>&amp;lt;a href="http://stevesholtes.bandcamp.com/track/swamp-life-ether-gas-can-blues"&amp;gt;swamp life / ether / gas can blues by Steve Sholtes&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;</p>

Operation: Hail

2011-11-09T12:14:00.000-05:00

Can U-M students pull off singing "The Victors" on Ohio State University's campus? Watch as three glee club members invade rival territory wearing maize and blue and belting the Wolverine fight song.

LSA sent three students down to the heart of Buckeye territory to do the unthinkable: Sing "The Victors" on Ohio State University's campus and somehow make it out alive. Wearing maize and blue, glee club members Mary Wilhelm ('14), Brandon Cory ('13), and Justin Lu ('14) fearlessly execute Operation: Hail. Raise your fist and cheer for Blue as you watch this crazy, courageous display of Wolverine pride.

A "My Friend Peter" demo

2011-11-01T23:39:00.000-04:00

I think I said somewhere that if the Kickstarter seed money campaign for the feature length version of "My Friend Peter" reached its goal I'd upload one of the demos we've been whipping up for the movie. Here's one we did relatively quickly in anticipation of a recent pitch meeting. No monkey to be found on this one, but Loretta Lucas' lovely vocals make up for it. Oh, and there's still 20 minutes! left to donate to the cause! http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1296564086/my-friend-peter-the-featur

e-film

NAIN ROUGE Detroit Premiere 9/30, 10/01

2011-09-23T15:59:00.002-04:00

After it's world premiere at the IFC Film Center in NYC, Nain Rouge finally comes home!

-VIEW TRAILER-

NAIN ROUGE will make its Detroit premiere at Northend Studios as part of Detroit Gallery Week 2011. There will be two screenings:

Friday, September 30th at 8PM
Saturday, October 1st at 8PM.

NAIN ROUGE is the story of Jason, a young man visiting the city of Detroit for the first time. When he finds himself lost and unable to find a way home, Jason learns the true consequences of his actions and what it means to tresspass in places he does not belong on Devil's Night.

The title of the film refers to the legendary Nain Rouge, or Red Dwarf of Detroit. This mythic figure has been a part of Michgian lore for more than 400 years and is said to be a harbinger of doom for the Motor City. Every year on the first day of spring Detroiters participate in the Marche du Nain Rouge, where they burn an effigy of the demon spirit in an effort to drive him away from the city.

NAIN ROUGE is a short film by director Jasmine Rivera as part of the requirements for completing a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film Directing at Columbia University. Shot in Detroit in the fall of 2010 with a cast and crew comprised entirely of Michigan-based professionals, the film showcases the city's world-class filmmaking talent. This film is her tribute to her hometown, its legendary history, and its resilient people.

For more information, see:
www.nainrougefilm.com
http://www.northendstudiosdetroit.com/
http://www.artdetroitnow.com/galleryweek1.html

SUGGESTED MINIMUM DONATION FOR THE SCREENING IS $3 PER TICKET, WITH ALL PROCEEDS TO GO TOWARDS NORTHEND STUDIOS. Please read the below description and learn why they are a worthy cause.
____________________________

Watch the trailer here: http://vimeo.com/26535660

The Music of "Certain Essential Elements."

2011-09-01T13:53:00.002-04:00

Here's a nice little video Director Jeff Schultz whipped up.

Herzog on Fresh Air

2011-04-22T12:31:00.000-04:00

Finally. A 3D film I'm interested in seeing. And I bet Werner didn't even blow anything up.

http://www.npr.org/2011/04/20/135516812/herzog-enters-the-cave-of-forgotten-dreams

I could listen to this guy talk about art and film for hours.

La Vie en Rose

2011-04-19T22:47:00.000-04:00

Loretta Lucas stopped by the studio to lay down some lovely vocals on a cover of "La Vie en Rose" for the film "Certain Essential Elements."
Take a listen.

<p><a href="http://stevesholtes.bandcamp.com/track/la-vie-en-rose-featuring-loretta-lucas">La Vie en Rose: featuring Loretta Lucas by Steve Sholtes</a></p>

anaROBIK remix

2011-04-12T16:35:00.000-04:00

Now available on itunes, "Is it Real? : THE HOTTEST YEAR ON RECORD'S is it 2 real? mix," from anaROBIK's Operator's Manual Addendum remix album.

Certain Essential Melodies

2011-03-09T00:16:00.000-05:00

That's a wrap.
Last night I finished the last bit of music (give or take some eventual tweaks here and there) for Jeff Schultz's short film "Certain Essential Elements" in time for it's premiere at this weekend's Detroit Independent Film Festival. Here's the first mix of the opening. Following DIFF I'll be doing further mix and instrument tweaks, as I used this project to upgrade my sample library. I have to say, I'm impressed with how well the Vienna Instruments Special Edition performed. There was a slight learning curve involved, but not at all detrimental to workflow. It's crazy what we can do on just a laptop these days.

I've spent the day trying to relax after a good 2-3 weeks of being holed up in the studio, but I'm anxious to get back into it - exporting individual lines from preset "full strings" patch sequences into their own isolated instrument performances, which will boost the sense of realism. Someday soon I'll be working with a budget to hire an orchestra (I'm looking at you, feature-length "My Friend Peter"), but until then, the Vienna instruments will have to make do.

Certain Essential Elements debuts Saturday, March 12 at The Birmingham 8 theater during the Shorts 2 block of films at 5pm.

Detroit Independent Film Festival

2011-02-23T13:42:00.000-05:00

Some low budget promotional videos I cooked up for 3 films screening at the Detroit Independent Film Festival. My Friend Peter, Certain Essential Elements, and Starlight & Superfish.

Second track of 2011!

2011-01-15T15:19:00.001-05:00

Wow, the tunes just keep on coming with no sign of stoppage
(for now). Here's a bit I created for a movie trailer spoof. In addition to
being a talented writer and filmmaker ("Starlight & Superfish"
anyone?), Rob Hess is also the multimedia designer for the school of
literature, science, and arts at the University of Michigan.
This music syncs to an over-the-top, cliche riddled
recruitment video he created for the college.

First track of 2011!

2011-01-05T15:15:00.002-05:00

A recently completed cue for the film "Bilal's Stand"

2010-12-16T10:26:00.000-05:00

MELTOR's Annual Return!

2010-12-03T19:26:00.002-05:00

Visit JamieBert on ETSY for original holiday greeting cards, including Zombie Claus, NYC metro-themed, and our robot vs. snowman collaboration, M3L7OR ATTACKS!

Check it!

Before & After: Doorwall Edition

2010-11-12T16:55:00.000-05:00

In studio news, the following week will see the installation of the iso-booth double doorwall, control room windows, and the first round of xlr connectors. Here's the first bit to get done. Exciting!

Jinn Teaser Trailer

2010-11-09T01:18:00.000-05:00

Rock the Victors

2010-10-17T13:10:00.001-04:00

Another fun bit from working with Mr. Rob Hess:

Starlight & Superfish trailer hits the web!

2010-09-17T11:35:00.000-04:00

Mmmm...How to Make Cup O' Pizza

2010-09-03T17:55:00.002-04:00

Click on the pic!

My favorite film of 2001 has a sequel...

2010-08-25T01:31:00.003-04:00

And it's finally been released on DVD!

Can your heart stand the shock of The Lost Skeleton Returns Again?!

Looks like you can get it through either Amazon.com or Shoutfactory.com.
If you've never seen the original and enjoy classic b-movie goofiness, I highly recommend it. Among the recent group of old school b and z-grade movie homages, it's the only one that gets it correct, right down to the awkward pauses and poor coverage choices during the editing process.

"Be careful, it might be a mutant."

A trailer and a song.

2010-08-07T12:50:00.005-04:00

My most recent musical involvement, a short film by the Kopera Brothers called "My Friend Peter," has a new trailer! It's about a shy guy, Gerald, and his outgoing monkey friend, Peter.
Their hit single, "Speak for Ourselves" has also dropped this week, and is on track to become one of the most successful and touching human/monkey duets of all time.
So watch the trailer, download the song (for free!), and sing along to your hearts content.

Here's the trailer:

And here's the tune:

<a href="http://bananatimeproductions.bandcamp.com/track/speak-for-ourselves">Speak for Ourselves by Banana Time Productions</a>

Here are a few shots from the studio. Working with monkey performers is never an easy task, but I'll think you'll agree all the hard work and poo dodging was worth it.

Dude, your levels are fine!

The Lost Summer Of Louisa May Alcott

2010-03-22T14:21:00.001-04:00

Recently collaborated with my friend Rob on this internet trailer for a piece of historical fiction which attempts to explain one of the more frustrating plot twists of "Little Women."
Enjoy!

Starting to look like something!

2010-01-16T17:55:00.000-05:00

All the demolishing is now complete. The only thing left is to build it.

It's The King's birthday!

2010-01-08T17:06:00.001-05:00

What better way to celebrate Elvis' birthday than with some traditional Presley Day carols?

Hey white girl, it's the Bluggie!

2010-01-05T14:19:00.001-05:00

Helped out some friends recently with some auto-tune and vokoder aktion:

Shooooot, they so crazy!
Living the snug life, as it were.

Gemba Claus is coming to town.

2009-12-23T01:57:00.005-05:00

A new Christmas tune of sorts hits the internets today.
My pal Mark, who runs the go-to blog for Lean Manufacturing,
asked me if I'd record a lean-centric spoof of a Christmas classic.

How could I resist a holiday shout-out to fellow nerds?

CHECK IT!

Terms of note for the uninitiated:
Kaizen - Gemba - SMED

FULL DISCLOSURE: Mark and I used to have a band called The Ypsilanti Sound Machine.
He's obviously gone on to bigger things than I :)

It's a movie you've never heard of...'til now!

2009-12-17T01:47:00.005-05:00

MELTOR ATTACKS!

2009-11-13T01:07:00.000-05:00

MELTOR has returned!

Share the warmth of the holidays with your friends and nemeses
this year by sending Meltor, The Arctic Automaton to their doorstep.

A collaboration between graphic designer Jamie Bert (aka Latendresse)
and myself, this wintery scene folds to 4.25 x 5.5" and is offset printed
on 100% recycled paper, post-consumer waste.
The eye-catching envelope, in metallic silver, lets the recipient know
that something extra-special has arrived.

This handsome holiday card has been left blank inside for your own embellishment.
Image text reads "Get Toasted This Holiday Season" and features Meltor the Robot
preparing to do battle with a snowman 1/10th his size.
The scene is reminiscent of the story of David & Goliath,
only this time...David is over-matched.

Buy now on etsy, or if you're in the Detroit metro area, shoot me an email.

Set of 5 for $15.

Starlight & Superfish Update

2009-11-02T23:44:00.000-05:00

Could this be the final post on the S&S Production Blog???

Don't count on it!
Though this is quite a milestone in the film's lifecycle, there will be much more news to follow I'm sure.
And check out my homage to 80's montage rock.

Starlight & Superfish teaser

2009-10-15T15:08:00.002-04:00

Continuing with the movie posts today, here's a taste of the current project I'm on, Starlight & Superfish. I've MUCH to say about this production, but will hold off until we've finished all the post work. It's been an amazing experience.

Oh, and only a 3-star youtube rating?! 'Sup wid dat.

music from "Nikki & Eli"

2009-10-15T14:51:00.001-04:00

A few months back I had the pleasure of writing a score for a short film titled "Nikki & Eli." I'm very pleased with the way it turned out, and once I have a chance to do some more tweaking on the mixes, will make it available on the internets. Here's a taste:

PODfarm and Digital Performer

2009-05-05T14:06:00.002-04:00

If you've been trying to use Line 6's PODfarm plugin with MOTU Digital Performer 6.0, you know there are GUI issues. The virtual knobs freak out if you try to use a conventional mouse-over grab 'n' go. But there are two workarounds.

If you've got a scroller ball on your mouse, that will do the job.

If you've got an older mouse or a broken scroller ball, just click and hold over the knob you wish to adjust, add the shift key, release both, use your mouse to adjust the value using an up 'n' down mouse stroke, and click once more to set the value in virtual stone.

Positive Mutation

2009-02-13T19:13:00.003-05:00

Best improvised kitchen appliance mod ever?

The Hottest Year on Record...

2008-12-06T14:01:00.002-05:00

will begin january 2009.

That is all.

Hot Detroit Wheels

2008-09-04T20:21:00.002-04:00

Shooting a film in Michigan? Need a certain set of wheels? Look no further than my good buddy Doug's new venture, Motor City Film Cars.

Mass Production

2008-08-14T17:42:00.009-04:00

Finally got around to making some more of these official Rouge Roastery Tiki God of Coffee ukuleles, built on the Mahalo U-30RD framework. They're going fast, so shoot me an email if you're interested. Cost is $60 plus shipping.

Curse you, Nellie McKay, and your moving performances!

2008-08-14T16:31:00.006-04:00

If this doesn't bring a tear to your eye, see a doctor. You may have Sjögren’s syndrome.

Someone please pass the tissues.

"Every Body Do the Michigan Rag"

2008-08-13T00:17:00.010-04:00

Anyone else have a cat who plays the ukulele when she's hungry? I was suprised I was able to get a shot of it, even if it is less-than nominal. Perhaps I'll try to get her with video next time, but I imagine we'd end up in some kind of Michigan J. Frog situation.

Send fan mails and monetary expressions of amazement to Hello Kitty c/o Steve.

And speaking of MJF...

A Return to IPM!

2008-08-12T22:16:00.008-04:00

Last time was so much fun, I just couldn't turn down a last-minute opportunity to spin tunes at IPM alongside my pal Mitch, making his debut as DJ Bikklestein. He's recently returned from a 12 year stint in Japan, bringing back all sorts of heady J-pop goodness.

Though I didn't attempt anything too fancy this time around, what with putting my set together the night before, the one time I did go for a beatmatch I blew it horribly. Thanks a lot, beer! See if I ever drink you again!

The Spider kicks things off with August's edition of "Metal Shop," followed by myself, Bikklestein, and last but not least, Agent Detroit.

LISTEN HERE

** 01:33:00 Funky Winkerbean **

1. Curly Toes - Anonymous
2. Frau Wav - Clark
3. Get the Hell Out - Nine Horses
4. Dreaming My Life Away Remix - Silvercord
5. Volcanoes - Islands
6. Means to an End - Joy Division
7. Boogie Woogie / Rock 'n' Roll - Komeda
8. Almost the Same - Clearlake
9. Ever Fallen In Love? - The Buzzcocks
10. Touche Pas Mon Sexe - The Comix
11. Rainbow Man - Busy P
12. Outdoor Miner - Wire
13. Toxic Girl (monte carlo 1963 version) - kings of convenience
14. Can You Feel It - Jackson 5
15. Little Bit More - Jamie Lidell
16. Exister - Prototypes
17. Konichiwa Bitches (trentmoller remix) - Robyn
18. Hot Ride - The Prodigy
19. Themes from E.T. - Walter Murphy
20. Starman - Dewey Cox

Hayes Hargrove: Jedi Knight

2008-07-27T22:49:00.002-04:00

Fun and geekery abound on the set of Starlight and Superfish. Holy chow, these new iphones can do some pretty fun, albeit unnecessary to humanity's survival, things.

A Streaming File... of HITS!

2008-07-13T01:39:00.004-04:00

The archive of mine and Jimbotron's sets at IPM radio have come online. LISTEN HERE. 'Twas a fun and lubricated night. The beats were cool and the grilled meats were hot. Oh, and it was probably the first ever digital linkup between live internet radio and a maternity ward. Welcome to the jungle, baby Zoe!

Here's my set list, which follows Jimbotron's excellent opening.

** Funky Winkerbean **

Approaching Metaluna ("Normal View")- Herman Stein
Yesteryear - Malibu
Rubicon - Alan Braxe & Fred Falke
Technopolis - Yellow Magic Orchestra
Magnificent 7 / Instant Club Hit - The Clash / Dead Milkmen / Trainwreck?
Carlos Wendy Walter Stanley - The Chap
Roulette Thrift Run - Clark
Can't Go for That - PJ Pooterhoots
Electric Avenue - Eddy Grant
The Creation - Ira Newborn
The Minuet of the Robots - Jean Jacques Perrey
Magic Tubes - Chris Joss
The Lobby - Fidgital
Rev Up - The Revillos
Antarctica - Men Without Hats
Welcome to the Jungle - Bossa
No Swinging the Club in the Car - Cliff Martinez
Tiger Dust - Yello
Berghain - Aril Brickha
The Savers - Perrey & Kinsley
Balinese Bongos - Les Baxter
Flesh - Ken Nordine
Freaks - MC Chris
Mothra's Song - Akira Ifukube

Spin Spin Sugar Hiccups

2008-06-23T12:52:00.005-04:00

So I guess I'm spinning my very first IPM internet radio set this-coming Saturday evening. Tune in live and find out if I pull a Superpitcher or a Supergreg.

It's been an awful long time since I've done any sort of live DJing, so this could go either really well or horribly wrong. Either way, it should be entertaining. And hey, I get to spin alongside my good buddy Jimbotron, so that's something especial.

I think I'm to be introduced as DJ Funky Winkerbean. Or possibly Futurefolkhero.

Or how about Funky See Funky do?

Updates, My Buttocks

2008-06-05T20:30:00.003-04:00

Haven't had much time to do anything here since I got laid off, what with trying to keep up with my stories on the TV every afternoon and baking brownies. Seriously though, why has time sped up considerably since leaving that jorb of mine? I wonder if my fellow now-laid-off-former-coworkers are experiencing the same temporal event. I can't believe it's summer already! But as I was saying, I didn't even think anyone was looking here, until I got a message from out of the blue taking me to task for not updating. Thanks for the kick in the pants, "he-who-shall-not-be-named." I'll do my best to update this space more often, with as much interesting junk I can.

Oh, and I'm officially sick of all the blog hype. Every time I turn on the tv or radio it's "blog this" and "blog that." Blow it out your blogholes.

That being said...
I've been discovering some great blogs lately! BLOG BLOG BLOG!

The Tiki God of Coffee meets a Jumping Flea

2008-02-16T23:00:00.002-05:00

Finally finished the ukulele I've been messing around with on off and on for a little over a year. Turned out pretty nice, I must admit. Though I always had the inkling to make some cool looking ukes, it wasn't until I had to come up with an idea for a friend's birthday gift that I found direction. Not long ago he had started a coffee business based around a tiki / hawaiian mythology, and had tapped me for some tiki art for the business, which seemed perfectly suited to a ukulele migration.

The best part is that most of the difficult design work is now done, and I'll be able to produce more of these relatively easily compared to the initial prototype.

Meltor Attacks!

2007-12-20T13:49:00.005-05:00

Here's a lil' something I just completed for an xmas party gift exchange. If I get the time and gumption, I might take a crack at animating this little scenario. Just what lays in store for the poor little snowman? Seems to me, he's in a bit of a pickle.

In Zero

2007-07-01T01:45:00.003-04:00

Just finished scoring a scene for In Zero, an independent sci-fi/fantasy film series shot in and around Detroit.

Meet Dr. Surfinstein

2007-06-26T18:30:00.002-04:00

Just finished a new surf-rock tune, "Meet Dr. Surfinstein."

Visit myspace to have a listen and leave a comment.

Coming Soon:

2007-01-10T17:40:00.004-05:00

Your own personal stun-gun.

Coming soon after: TASER TAG (tm)

Add water balloons and sprinklers for additional fun and excitement!

Great Success!

2006-11-06T15:10:00.007-05:00

The POTLUCK II opening night at Pr1mary Space in Hamtramck couldn't have been better. I don't think I've ever

seen the place so packed! Standing room only. Hardly space enough to move, breathe, or even breakdance (Perfect environment for dropping stealth mad-ass though).

Food was great. Art was great. Company was great. The positive energy in the air was palpable. AND some people actually went home with some official Shtephenshwagen(tm)!

These are the two that sold, in addition to some assorted prints & buttons.

"What did you say about my glasses?"

"More Trouble Ahead for GM"

Thanks to Carrie and Jamie, P-Space proprietors, who encouraged me to get some things together for the show. I couldn't have done it without them, or even conceived showing my doodles in public was even an option. Especially alongside "real" artists who pretty much dwarf my skillz. I think the last time I ever sat down with the intent to draw or paint I must've been, like, 13. So now I'm picking up at the level I left off at. Guess I'm still a kid at art. What fascinated me then still fascinates me. Robots & boobs. Heh, that'll be the title of my very first solo show. "Boobs 'n' Bots."

p.s. show me your doodles

Potluck II: Nov 4-25

2006-11-01T19:25:00.004-05:00

Holy macaroni! It's my first art show!

POTLUCK II: DETROIT ARTISTS, THEIR ART + THEIR FOOD @ Pr1mary Space

Featuring: 7teen, Nina Asunto, Jessica Brown, Mary Bush, Dave Chung, Faun Donald, Serge Gay Jr., Mark Heggie, Rachel Holland, Erin Hookana, Marcia Hovland, Amy Johnson, Jason Keenan, Ryan Lee, SooMee Lee, Christine Lujan, Nathan Marcy, Carl Oxley III, Anne Reinhardt, Chris Reno, Lisa Rigstad, Jason Ruff, Bethany Shorb, Steve Sholtes, Stephanie Skuzenski, Daniel Stewart, Kyle M. Stone, Britten Stringwell

Come on out to peruse the variety of art and try my famous spatzle!*

*statement not validated by US Food and Drug administration

True Patriotism, This Way Lies

2006-10-10T13:29:00.002-04:00

Empty gesture, anyone?