Where We’re At
It has been almost a year since I started interviews for Stomp Box Art and I am rounding 1st base, heading to second. Why. you say, is it taking so long? Well., a little thing called emergency open-heart surgery got in the way.
I ran a 5K on May 12, 2024, with the hopes of getting back into shape. You know, shedding some of those pandemic pounds. I was a bit out of breath but all normal for someone starting the routine again. And mine always includes road races.
So when I walked upstairs the next morning and dropped to my knees, that got my attention. Luckily I already had an appointment in a few hours with my cardiologist.
Long story short: I had an emergency triple-bypass and a new aortic valve replaced. Needless to say, the book was put on hold for almost six months as I rehabbed myself back to somewhat normal living.
8 days in a coma, 23 in the hospital. Fun times on a heart-lung machine
Since the new year I have been back at the interviews and writing. In fact, my original plan was fifty companies at four pages each. I have finished thirty interviews (mostly on Zoom) and setting up more every day.
The big slowdown now is photos. I need high resolution (300dpi) of their pedals and many companies simply do not have publish-ready photos. Most have Web resolution of 72dpi and that has been the problem.
I have solutions.
If they don’t possess the photos, I will take them myself in my new photo studio in the garage. With a very competent Nikon D750 (20mm-120mm) and a light box with all the accessories, we are doing fine.
Some companies just sent me the pedals. I will make it clear here just like I do in my correspondence - I AM NOT LOOKING FOR FREE STUFF!
More than a few are loaning them to me. Robert Keeley and Josh Scott just shipped them to me (3-5 pedals) with return packaging. Easy peasy.
Some are harder to work out but I must include them. I am going to Guitar Center here in Hollywood to ask if I can shoot several right out of the display case.
And then there are the few that refuse to participate. I can’t speak for them but I just don’t get it. I have had a monster firm like Electro Harmonix open their doors and their hearts for me. What a great time I had with Owen Matthews, his dad, Mike Matthews, and the staff- all corralled by VP Mike Castellano.
The thing is, when they see this book they are going to kick themselves that they didn’t participate. I believe in it that much. I am meeting such a sweeping eclectic group of artists. Yes, these designers are true artists.
