Shai Coggins

Here’s a new podcast, introducing a new discovery: composing original digital music. I’ve always fancied the idea of composing my own music, but I never really learned how. I played the piano for several years as a child. Then, I played the drums for a couple of years in my early 20s. And, some time last year, I started dabbling with the guitar. So yeah, I’ve always been interested in music. I’m not great at it. In fact, I’m not even good. But, I still love and enjoy it anyway. So, when I discovered this free software that makes a composer out of anyone who’s so inclined to make music, well, I got sucked in.

In this podcast, I share my first composition - Prelude to Music. And, I already started on working on composition #2: Beautiful Day. When I get a spare moment, I intend to finish it. And, maybe even share it too.

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Google results for Easy Music Composer.

Visit The Naked Voice podcast.

I’m podcasting. Again. This time, with no scripts, no edits, no music… Just a naked voice.

It feels strange, hearing myself talk again. But, I’ve been meaning to get back to using podcasts and videos in my blogging practice. I mean, text and photos are great. They will always be my primary medium, I believe. Text, especially. But, multimedia’s the way to go. So, I decided to take the plunge.

I created this audio using Odeo’s Studio and my Logitech USB headset/mic combo.

Listen to the podcast:

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Show Notes: Podcasting background and Why ‘The Naked Voice’?

Go to the show’s page at Odeo:

Manuel Viloria over at Second Thoughts has a list of Filipino podcasters and their first launch dates. My podcast, Shai in 60 Seconds*, is on the top of the list with a launch date of 10 February 2005. Does that officially earn me the title of First Filipino Podcaster (er, in my case, Filipino-Australian)? Hmmm… Who would’ve known I’d make it in the history of anything?

It was also interesting to find out that as of 22/11/05, Jessica Zafra became a podcaster. She actually became a blogger just last month (October 2005). And, I think that it’s really cool.

Jessica Zafra, to the uninitiated, is a popular writer from the Philippines. I remember reading her essays from the magazine Woman Today** while I was still in high school. I bought two of her book compilations including Twisted.

I didn’t always agree with her… but, I loved reading her takes on nearly everything — from being Mrs. Sting to what it takes to be a writer to being a geek to her favourite hang-outs.

So yes, I’ve been a fan of Ms Zafra for a long time until I lost touch with the Philippine writers’ scene. Thanks to blogging, I’m learning to catch up again.

Notes:
* Yes, yes… I haven’t updated this in months. I really should start this again.

** Woman Today, incidentally, is one of the first print magazines that published my fiction (Philippines Free Press, I think, is the first ever). I’m not sure how many short stories I published with them, but I think I’ve got about 3. Ah. I’m just reminiscing now. Partly because of all these things that I’ve been reading about Filipinos in the blogosphere. And, probably partly because in about 2 weeks’ time, I’ll be visiting the Philippines after being away for nearly 3.5 years (and the last time I visited, I only stayed for 1 week). And, it’s going to be my first Christmas there in 6 years.

In case you haven’t heard yet, Show #10 is now live at Shai in 60 Seconds.

And, writing about podcasts, I was surprised to find some referrers to this blog site via Google with the search term, “professional podcaster.” I don’t bill myself as such, but ShaiCoggins.com is actually listed #2 when you look for one. Hmmm… a new gig, maybe?

After all, The Podcast Network seems to think that there’s a market for professional podcasters.

Anyway, more on podcasting stuff:

Did you know that the Podcast Awards is now open for nominations? They’re accepting nominees until the 30th of June 2005. This is their inaugural event.

Okay, now I’m going to hint really hard and say that maybe - just maybe - you can put in a good word for Shai in 60 Seconds?
And, if you do end up going to the Podcast Awards site, do nominate podcasts that you enjoy. Yes, even if they’re not mine.

When podcasting came to my attention around September 2004, I was hesitant and excited at the same time.

You see, I have a secret: I was actually a DJ-wannabe. In fact, I completed a DJing course while I was living in Singapore. I even had an Internet radio show planned and alloted for me by a local station. But, I was too self-conscious and shy to follow it through. So, I decided to spare people the pain of having to listen to me and so I eventually abandoned this fantasy.

Well, that is, until podcasting came along.

As soon as I understood how to create and deliver my own podcasts, I knew I just had to get in to gear. I still have no intentions of becoming a DJ in its “truest sense”. As I said, I’ve given that up. (I know I can’t be everything. )

However, I still want to give podcasting a try. So…

Say hello to Shai In 60 Seconds.

To listen to this show now, just click on the podcast logo:

To download the podcast to your computer or portable player, just subscribe to this site’s feed. Check out my podcasting blog for podcatching/listening instructions.

1st Ed. Podcast Notes: A brief intro, comment on podcasting, and a quick look in to future shows.

Technorati Tag: Podcast