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New Photos - Enjoy!
Posted 12 years agoIt seems people are really enjoying the new photos! I'm glad. I love directing these types of shoots and do have a little background in theater. With fursuit photos, I think props and accessories are kind of my thing... Feel free to ask any questions about composing scenes like these, and I'd be glad to help! It's rather fun.
For photo questions, you'll have to talk to yenocwolf, as he is definitely the more proficient photografur. ^_^
Fursuits by kodi_pup.
~Kontra
For photo questions, you'll have to talk to yenocwolf, as he is definitely the more proficient photografur. ^_^
Fursuits by kodi_pup.
~Kontra
Shoutout to Kodi!
Posted 12 years agoI'm the kind of guy who goes onto sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp! and writes positive reviews for two reasons:
1.) They're well-deserved, and
2.) I feel like far too many people only review places when they have something particularly negative to share.
That being said, this whole journal is just a huge shoutout to kodi_pup - not only is he the awesome suitmaker who made Kontra come to life, (and able to play trombone and piano IN SUIT) but just an awesome guy, in general. He is professional when necessary, charitable when able, and knows how and when to have fun.
Cheers to
kodi_pup!
~Kontra
1.) They're well-deserved, and
2.) I feel like far too many people only review places when they have something particularly negative to share.
That being said, this whole journal is just a huge shoutout to kodi_pup - not only is he the awesome suitmaker who made Kontra come to life, (and able to play trombone and piano IN SUIT) but just an awesome guy, in general. He is professional when necessary, charitable when able, and knows how and when to have fun.
Cheers to
kodi_pup! ~Kontra
Ska Stuff
Posted 12 years agoSo yeah, I took a moment to record some ska stuff with my trombone and post it on here. It seemed pretty well received, so... here ya go, in case anyone was interested.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pqc96x74.....5zo/azsqOuLTj8
There is also a jazz solo on there with a metronome... working that one up at the moment. See the file names for more info on what songs these licks are from.
~Kontra
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pqc96x74.....5zo/azsqOuLTj8
There is also a jazz solo on there with a metronome... working that one up at the moment. See the file names for more info on what songs these licks are from.
~Kontra
So Yeah...
Posted 12 years agoI miss browsing on here... one day soon I shall have the time again. In the meantime, catch me on Twitter! (@kryptokontra)
:3
:3
Updates and Thoughts and Such
Posted 12 years agoSo life has definitely been interesting lately. I feel like I'm at such a crossroads... my job is sometimes amazing and I'm well-paid, with awesome benefits, but I can't help but feel like I'm stuck there dealing with all of the nonsense that often goes on. I've spent the better part of the last two years struggling to see if the nonsense is temporary, or if it's just a part of my career, or really just any job, anywhere. Recently I've begun to consider just how great it would be if I was my own boss or if I didn't have to deal with constant demands placed on me at work that are unrelated to my actual job performance. Other options:
I could freelance, but I don't think I am good enough to get top-dollar gigs. I would have to supplement my playing with private instruction, but having to pay for my own insurance sure does hit the reset button on a lot of the profit I might potentially make.
I could keep my career but just change jobs. Unfortunately, I think the parts of my job that I don't like are ubiquitous in my field, and if politics are any indicator, they are not changing for the better anytime soon.
I could go back to school full-time. I am 100% debt-free, although this means I have practically nothing in my accounts. I am in a state of financial rebuilding, and my current income is quite a nice cushion, especially when coupled with the fact that I'm living with family, so rent is cheap. I don't even know what Masters I would go back for. It would be somewhere in the realm of music, but where do I want to super-focus myself for the next few years? Is it about opening as many doors as possible or finding the right door and then taking every necessary step to open it?
I really wish one could just make a living as a music theorist. That would rock.
On the other hand, life things are going pretty well. (Cliche' warning!) I have the greatest boyfriend in the world. (Told you so.) Seriously, he is so understanding and supportive of all of this, even though he is facing a lot of the same questions. I have every reason to believe that we'll get through this together, which is part of what keeps me so strong right now.
My only other regret is the loss of my workout routine. I had it going so well. Since February, though, I don't think I've set foot in my gym except once or twice. A few home workouts have made me feel slightly less crappy but they were just a drop in the bucket in the big picture. I need to get on this before it's too late.
So... final thought?
Jobs in the arts should pay more.
^ this.
I could freelance, but I don't think I am good enough to get top-dollar gigs. I would have to supplement my playing with private instruction, but having to pay for my own insurance sure does hit the reset button on a lot of the profit I might potentially make.
I could keep my career but just change jobs. Unfortunately, I think the parts of my job that I don't like are ubiquitous in my field, and if politics are any indicator, they are not changing for the better anytime soon.
I could go back to school full-time. I am 100% debt-free, although this means I have practically nothing in my accounts. I am in a state of financial rebuilding, and my current income is quite a nice cushion, especially when coupled with the fact that I'm living with family, so rent is cheap. I don't even know what Masters I would go back for. It would be somewhere in the realm of music, but where do I want to super-focus myself for the next few years? Is it about opening as many doors as possible or finding the right door and then taking every necessary step to open it?
I really wish one could just make a living as a music theorist. That would rock.
On the other hand, life things are going pretty well. (Cliche' warning!) I have the greatest boyfriend in the world. (Told you so.) Seriously, he is so understanding and supportive of all of this, even though he is facing a lot of the same questions. I have every reason to believe that we'll get through this together, which is part of what keeps me so strong right now.
My only other regret is the loss of my workout routine. I had it going so well. Since February, though, I don't think I've set foot in my gym except once or twice. A few home workouts have made me feel slightly less crappy but they were just a drop in the bucket in the big picture. I need to get on this before it's too late.
So... final thought?
Jobs in the arts should pay more.
^ this.
Thoughts on Sochi 2014
Posted 12 years agoI wasn't going to make a drawn out, personal political statement on the situation, but it's come to this:
http://www.advocate.com/politics/20.....ussian-antigay
...and now I feel the need to vent in one of the few places no one from my work or family life will be able to see it.
If you look at that last sentence, you will undoubtedly get the impression that I "have something to hide" or that "I'm not comfortable with who I am in all situations," and you would be correct. The fear of persecution and unfair treatment I would receive at work, (I am a teacher) combined with thoughts about what my more conservative family members might think, some of whom already hold a negative view of our branch on the family tree, have made me guard or obscure my sexuality in certain situations. I admit that this has become a burdening sacrifice.
My sexuality, however, does not define me. I am able to go about most of my day without a thought given about the minority of which I am statistically a part. I eat my breakfast, lunch and dinner without thought to those in the world who would rather see me choke on my food, burn alive and then have my body buried in feces.
One of the things I happen to be passionate about is music, and I can tell you with one hundred percent certainty that I do not think about being a homosexual while I play. The thought has not once entered my mind unprovoked during a single rehearsal or performance of a piece. I do not write gay lyrics, even the romantic ones, because that's what they are - romantic, or about a troubled relationship or emotional situation - not about gayness. And if I were to write a song about gayness, it would still not be about gayness; it would encompass universal feelings of desire of acceptance, social anxiety situations, love and loss...
I would like to think that, in response, no one has ever decided to question that aspect of me during my display of passion, either. Not once has anyone thought to broach the subject immediately before or after a performance, let alone during one. I truly feel that people who appreciate my art do so for what it is, not what I am.
...and yet, these Olympic athletes, whose passion it is to run, skate, play, compete in representation of their homelands, is having to obscure this tiny part of their essence. Yes, I said tiny, for our sexuality cannot and should not define us, but rather our actions should give people cause to judge. This is what Russia and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is claiming. But these claims are falsely understood; they come from a hetero-normative perspective.
These athletes will have to perform what are literally the greatest physical tasks in the world while keeping one part of their brain focused on making sure they are not too much themselves. They have to be sure not to come off the platform or leave the arena and hug their partner or kiss their smiling, supportive face. They must carefully select their wardrobe, lest anyone think they may be trying to say something that they are not because of who they are, and not because of what they do. And THAT is inherently unfair.
I know that I could not "let go" and "get into the moment" of my music if I had to devote even one percent of my effort at all times to avoid a smirk to my wolf or making sure to skip our post-performance embrace. In the Olympic world, where first place in any race can come down to mere fractions of a second, why should some have to hesitate that long to check their "To-Avoid-Prosecution" list while others less accepting get to barrel on, undisturbed?
Constant anxiety can only hinder performance. I think it's time Russia learned a thing or two about this as political pressure mounts. I can only hope those athletes who can bear to endure this extra pressure succeed, and go all the way. That's how I would like to see a statement made.
http://www.advocate.com/politics/20.....ussian-antigay
...and now I feel the need to vent in one of the few places no one from my work or family life will be able to see it.
If you look at that last sentence, you will undoubtedly get the impression that I "have something to hide" or that "I'm not comfortable with who I am in all situations," and you would be correct. The fear of persecution and unfair treatment I would receive at work, (I am a teacher) combined with thoughts about what my more conservative family members might think, some of whom already hold a negative view of our branch on the family tree, have made me guard or obscure my sexuality in certain situations. I admit that this has become a burdening sacrifice.
My sexuality, however, does not define me. I am able to go about most of my day without a thought given about the minority of which I am statistically a part. I eat my breakfast, lunch and dinner without thought to those in the world who would rather see me choke on my food, burn alive and then have my body buried in feces.
One of the things I happen to be passionate about is music, and I can tell you with one hundred percent certainty that I do not think about being a homosexual while I play. The thought has not once entered my mind unprovoked during a single rehearsal or performance of a piece. I do not write gay lyrics, even the romantic ones, because that's what they are - romantic, or about a troubled relationship or emotional situation - not about gayness. And if I were to write a song about gayness, it would still not be about gayness; it would encompass universal feelings of desire of acceptance, social anxiety situations, love and loss...
I would like to think that, in response, no one has ever decided to question that aspect of me during my display of passion, either. Not once has anyone thought to broach the subject immediately before or after a performance, let alone during one. I truly feel that people who appreciate my art do so for what it is, not what I am.
...and yet, these Olympic athletes, whose passion it is to run, skate, play, compete in representation of their homelands, is having to obscure this tiny part of their essence. Yes, I said tiny, for our sexuality cannot and should not define us, but rather our actions should give people cause to judge. This is what Russia and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is claiming. But these claims are falsely understood; they come from a hetero-normative perspective.
These athletes will have to perform what are literally the greatest physical tasks in the world while keeping one part of their brain focused on making sure they are not too much themselves. They have to be sure not to come off the platform or leave the arena and hug their partner or kiss their smiling, supportive face. They must carefully select their wardrobe, lest anyone think they may be trying to say something that they are not because of who they are, and not because of what they do. And THAT is inherently unfair.
I know that I could not "let go" and "get into the moment" of my music if I had to devote even one percent of my effort at all times to avoid a smirk to my wolf or making sure to skip our post-performance embrace. In the Olympic world, where first place in any race can come down to mere fractions of a second, why should some have to hesitate that long to check their "To-Avoid-Prosecution" list while others less accepting get to barrel on, undisturbed?
Constant anxiety can only hinder performance. I think it's time Russia learned a thing or two about this as political pressure mounts. I can only hope those athletes who can bear to endure this extra pressure succeed, and go all the way. That's how I would like to see a statement made.
Heading to AC
Posted 12 years agoHey Guys,
yenocwolf and I are headed to AC tomorrow and will be around the Con starting Friday morning. (We check out on Sunday.) Find me on twitter if you wanna hang! (@kryptokontra)
:3
yenocwolf and I are headed to AC tomorrow and will be around the Con starting Friday morning. (We check out on Sunday.) Find me on twitter if you wanna hang! (@kryptokontra):3
Music Commissions OPEN
Posted 12 years agoHey Guys, (and Gals)
For what's it worth, I do have a degree in music theory and composition, so... if anyone wants any music commissioned for them, just send me a note. My prices are extremely cheap, I think...
See http://www.furaffinity.net/commissi...../kryptokontra/ for more info.
:3
~Kontra
For what's it worth, I do have a degree in music theory and composition, so... if anyone wants any music commissioned for them, just send me a note. My prices are extremely cheap, I think...
See http://www.furaffinity.net/commissi...../kryptokontra/ for more info.
:3
~Kontra
More Music To Come
Posted 12 years agoHey there, watchers and such.
I promise I'll be posting a whole slew of jazz covers soon, but things have been a little crazy lately. April tends to be a bit of a busy season with rehearsals and gigs, and while I'm very grateful to have them, they take a toll on your personal time. D:
One of the gigs I'm working on is with a jazz combo and rapidly approaching, meaning I'll have quite a few tunes in top shape to share with all of you in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
In the meantime, who's going to AC? Anyone have any desire to meet up and/or jam somehow? Just a thought...
~Kontra
I promise I'll be posting a whole slew of jazz covers soon, but things have been a little crazy lately. April tends to be a bit of a busy season with rehearsals and gigs, and while I'm very grateful to have them, they take a toll on your personal time. D:
One of the gigs I'm working on is with a jazz combo and rapidly approaching, meaning I'll have quite a few tunes in top shape to share with all of you in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
In the meantime, who's going to AC? Anyone have any desire to meet up and/or jam somehow? Just a thought...
~Kontra
Any piano players going to Anthrocon?
Posted 12 years agoCheck out the thread at http://www.anthrocon.org/node/9437/piano and feel free to share your thoughts either here or there... debating bringing a keyboard, which could be a lot of work.
Piano Stuff
Posted 13 years agoSo... I finally swallowed my pride and decided to start posting my piano efforts. I'm a native trombone player, but decided to start dabbling in jazz piano while I was supposed to be studying trombone in college. (jazz piano gigs are also much easier to come by - weddings, lounge music, etc. and I needed money.) Now that I'm in the "Real World" and have a somewhat steady paycheck, I can pretty much play whatever I want as long as I can find the time.
I hope to get a partial fursuit of Kontra made in the near future, complete with removable finger caps or something similar so that he can play piano while in suit. The origin of his name is somewhat musical, with "Kontra-" being a prefix in music meaning to sound an octave lower, in addition to meaning "against." (He can also be stubborn and argumentative.)
Please keep in mind these are not polished recordings. In other words, they were recorded in my office, with little warm-up, using audacity with my laptop's internal microphone - not ideal.
Enjoy! :3
(I also lead a jazz quartet that released its first album about a year ago. Send me a note for more info on that.)
I hope to get a partial fursuit of Kontra made in the near future, complete with removable finger caps or something similar so that he can play piano while in suit. The origin of his name is somewhat musical, with "Kontra-" being a prefix in music meaning to sound an octave lower, in addition to meaning "against." (He can also be stubborn and argumentative.)
Please keep in mind these are not polished recordings. In other words, they were recorded in my office, with little warm-up, using audacity with my laptop's internal microphone - not ideal.
Enjoy! :3
(I also lead a jazz quartet that released its first album about a year ago. Send me a note for more info on that.)
Partial Suit?
Posted 13 years agoGearing up to make that all-important first suit commission. I know I don't have a lot of other furs watching me on here yet, but I figured this journal is the purrfect place to keep all of my resources and maybe, eventually, get some feedback.
So I checked out How To Commission A Fursuit and I'm reading up on How To Make A DTD. I know it's going to be an investment of time and money. I'm in the process of deciding on a good description of and look for Kontra's head and overall character.
I'm excited. I also have YenocWolf by my side, going through the same process, which makes this infinitely easier.
If anyone has any advice, please SPEAK! (My ears are perked.)
So I checked out How To Commission A Fursuit and I'm reading up on How To Make A DTD. I know it's going to be an investment of time and money. I'm in the process of deciding on a good description of and look for Kontra's head and overall character.
I'm excited. I also have YenocWolf by my side, going through the same process, which makes this infinitely easier.
If anyone has any advice, please SPEAK! (My ears are perked.)
"Fur's Time" For Everything
Posted 13 years agoWell, they say there's a "fur's time" for everything... I just got back from my first Fur Con, (AnthroCon, which I am told is probably one of, if not THE, best Cons to attend) before and during which I made my first commissions, (a ref sheet by 
ryou and the lovely badge now featured in my avatar, courtesy of the wonder-fur-ly creative 
Wolfaya) and met some new fur friends for the first time, (including 
doryuu) and here I am now writing my first journal entry.
I'm totally digging all of the furs out there! I have always been the creative, not-afraid-of-showing-my-craziness type of artist, whether it's when I'm acting or playing music, and I can truly say the fandom has introduced me to some wonderful, non-judgmental crowds of people just having a good time and being "in character," which for most of them, really is just being themselves. Really, though, I guess I have to thank my wonderful wolf , yenocwolf, for bringing me into this world... <3
I'm grateful to be a part of this and hope to bring a partial fursuit of Kontra with me to the next Con I can attend, whenever that may be. That being said, anyone interested in working with a very picky "fur's timer?"
ryou and the lovely badge now featured in my avatar, courtesy of the wonder-fur-ly creative 
Wolfaya) and met some new fur friends for the first time, (including 
doryuu) and here I am now writing my first journal entry.I'm totally digging all of the furs out there! I have always been the creative, not-afraid-of-showing-my-craziness type of artist, whether it's when I'm acting or playing music, and I can truly say the fandom has introduced me to some wonderful, non-judgmental crowds of people just having a good time and being "in character," which for most of them, really is just being themselves. Really, though, I guess I have to thank my wonderful wolf ,
yenocwolf, for bringing me into this world... <3I'm grateful to be a part of this and hope to bring a partial fursuit of Kontra with me to the next Con I can attend, whenever that may be. That being said, anyone interested in working with a very picky "fur's timer?"
