This past weekend, I was back in the Bay Area, possibly known as the Bae Area (I was there during Valentines). However, this time, I was with a different crowd. No DJs, no indie boy bands, no Apple Internship, only the Palo Alto startup culture, Stanford students and the occasional Llama.
I met some really cool and interesting people, mainly my teammates, and reunited with old roommates and coworkers. That was quite fun. We built a cascading on-device AI therapist. I think the project's models are pretty cool and will probably reuse the architecture to build my fabled AI DJ.
The Soundtrack
This past weekend, I listened to a lot of House Music, in particular Salute's mix. This was completely by accident as I was trying to test how Apple's new Auto Mixing handles premixed music. Pretty well actually.
The YC After Party
I also went to a YC After Party. This was the first party I've ever attended where people ask what you are building before they ask for your name. Truly a fascinating case study.
Back in Kansas
Anyways, after returning to Kansas, I went through an intense relapse in music immersion.
Rather Unique was a really really good track and I'm happy that the algorithm recommended this to me after noticing that I was listening to Damu The Fudgemunk. It sounds a lot like a hybrid of 90s and 2000s Hip Hop. Think Rakim, Nujabes' Hydeout Productions and maybe a bit of Shing02's LuvSic. I really enjoyed this song. It reminded me of some feelings I had after my O-Levels and Foundation Year.
Pre-Weekend Indie
Before my weekend, my music taste was remarkably indie. I was enjoying Father by Jim Legxcy, SellIt! by Niko B and Little Red Go Cart by Red Go Cart. This song is actually quite interesting, sometime in 2024, I was really into Japanese Indie but not like alternative indie but like the lofi kind that contains a lot of humanity. Finding this radio show was crazy! I was 2 years younger and full of optimism.
Little Red Go Cart by Red Go Cart
Gone with the Sunset by Damu The Fudgemunk
Gone with the Sunset was quite pleasant and when I crave some singer-songwriters with guitars, I like to listen to Hey Lover by Blake Mills and Vampire Empire by Big Thief.
Ego Wrappin' also has this one track, Kagen No Tsuki, that's really well composed and creative. They have a harmonica and accordion do the introduction and the vocalist is so expressive with her delivery. I love the mixing on those vocals. Especially with a pair of good headphones, you can notice the reverb is done with an articulate level of care and precision that requires a passionate soul.
Kagen No Tsuki by Ego Wrappin'
In case I don't see you again, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.