Dusk feat: Slurp & DJ Echo Bass | On Location Listener Fav #540
An ambient episode recorded on the edge of dusk in Florida. Listen and rest as I listen and comment on the sounds of the swamp.
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Dusk feat: Slurp & DJ Echo Bass | On Location Listener Fav #540
[START OF RECORDING]
SCOOTER: Friends beyond the binary, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s time for the podcaster who’s bringing you your summer favorites to put you to sleep. It’s time for Sleep With Me. If you’re new, this podcast is a bit different. We’re doing a little summer series looking back at episodes listeners really love. Believe it or not, we’ve been making this show ten years plus, over 1,200 episodes, and this show is a bit different. It does take some getting used to. We have a lot of varieties of styles of shows, but the real goal of the show is to take your mind off of stuff, to give you something else to listen to like a friend who’s rambling on and on and on, who keeps you company so that you could fall asleep, who makes the deep, dark night feel less lonely, but a silly friend, a goofy friend. So, I hope you like the show.
I hope it can help you. It does take some getting used to. That’s what just most listeners say. So, give it a few tries. See how it goes. What we got coming up is support so the show is free for everybody, then a long, meandering intro that’s meant to ease you into bedtime. If you prefer a show without a long, meandering intro, we now have bedtime stories from Sleep With Me available everywhere, and that’s just the story-only portion of episodes. But yeah, the meandering…long, meandering intro, for a lot of people, helps ease them into bedtime and getting ready for bed. Or, some people just love the intros 'cause they’re friendly and silly. Then there will be a bedtime story, about forty, fifty minutes. So, I’m glad you’re here. I appreciate you checking the show out, and thanks for making the show possible, my bore-friends.
Alright everybody, this is Scoots here, and this episode is part of our Summer Favorites series. It’s a on-location episode. So, just a heads up, it’s gonna be…sound a little bedtime different. There’s gonna be background noises. My voice will sound a little bit different. But these are episodes we used to do regularly. If you like them, as a part of Subscriber Summer, I’m gonna be putting out a lot of on-location episodes. Then if you like them, let me know, support the show directly, or send me a message through the contact form on our website and let me know, and we’ll try to do more of these in the future. But it will sound a bit different than a regular episode, but I hope you enjoy it. Yeah, these are really fun, really fun and really immersive to sleep to. Thanks, everybody.
INTRO: [INTRO MUSIC] Alright, hey, are you up all night tossing, turning, mind racing, trouble getting to sleep, trouble staying asleep? Well, welcome. This is Sleep With Me, the podcast that’s here to put you to sleep. Tonight we’re live at dusk, a special live-on-location dusk show at a wetlands area in Florida. I don't know when you’ll be hearing this. If you’re new here, not all episodes are recorded on-location, but this one is and we’ll see how it goes. This is the first-ever episode I’ve recorded right at dusk. I don't have an exact time. Well, it’s actually just about 7:00 p.m. Let me introduce…well, my parents just left their house. I was gonna have a party, but I couldn’t get anybody to come. So I said, well, then I’ll record a podcast episode. But if you’re new here, this is a podcast to put you to sleep. We do it with a bedtime story.
Alls you need to do is get in bed, turn out the lights, and press Play. I’m gonna do the rest. What I’m gonna do is try to create a safe place, and tonight that safe place will be bathed in the sounds of the late evening, really lovely sounds, and the sky and all that. But so, here’s what’s gonna happen; usually the show opens with about ten minutes…five minutes of business, like credits and how we pay the bills, then about a twelve-minute intro. This one will be a short intro so we can get straight into the outside noises. I think that’s it. The key things you need to remember; there’s about 500+ shows in our archive, so if ambient noise doesn't work for you, you can try any of our older shows and check those out. But if you’re new here, the usual rules are you don’t have to pay attention to me, you don’t have to listen. You’re also under no pressure to fall asleep. If you’re new here, you’re under no pressure…just give this podcast a couple tries. I hope it helps you fall asleep.
The reason I made it is 'cause I’ve always had trouble on and off sleeping, and I’m always looking for something to distract me from whatever’s keeping me up at night. For me, it’s usually thinking. Sometimes it can be just not getting comfortable. Sometimes it can be, I don't know why I can't fall asleep. Sometimes it can be situational, like travel, sometimes…whatever it is that’s keeping you awake, I’d like to take your mind off that. So, tonight I’m gonna kinda walk through what I’m hearing and seeing out here as night falls. It’s early evening, 7:00 p.m., late February. When you’re hearing this, it’ll probably be much after that, but that’s just to give you a little where-I’m-at thing. Yeah, it’ll be a bedtime story. This one will be a meandering…I don't know what we’ll do. It’ll be interesting. I mean, a really sound-rich environment.
Holy moly. There’s a lot of chattering going on and there’s a lot of bird noises today. We’re here; we’re about…I don't know if we’re a hour north of Tampa. I think we’re north of Tampa where my parents live. Yeah, so, if you’re new here, welcome. I’m glad you’re here. I think that’s…those are the only things you really need to know. This episode will be about an hour, so you got about a hour to fall asleep, or you could queue up other shows. Oh, just…if you’re real new here, I’m a bit odd, different, strange, weird. I got these creaky, dulcet tones. So, the podcast doesn't work for everybody, but I hope it works for you. I appreciate you stopping by and listening, and I really hope I can…I really yearn to help you fall asleep, so thanks for stopping by.
Alright, hey everybody, it’s Scoots here, and as I said during the opening, I’m live here in Florida…undisclosed location on the edge of Pasco County. I’m not in Pasco County, but I am on the edge of Pasco County inland from…I think Pasco County is the water. I guess I don't know anything about Florida mapping. But I’m here. I’m behind my parents’…I think I’ve just tried to describe…so, I’m visiting my parents, a brief, couple-day visit here, somewhat of a surprise visit and…but a positive surprise visit. Or, it wasn’t…it was more of a…it was a surprise before I came. Oh, you’re coming to visit us? Oh boy, really? But a not-planned-far-in-advance-type surprise. I’m here, and my parents live in…I don't know what you call these things. I don't know if you call them a condo or a split-level.
As far as I can tell, there’s four little condos, I guess you call them, attached into one building, and they’re all just little places. They live in a little retirement community here, and it’s a very affordable place to live, and they seem very happy. Behind where they live is…I don't know if it’s natural or…it’s a swamp. Usually it’s dry. The last time I was here, I can't remember if there was water or not. The other times I’ve been here, it’s been dry. Now there’s water. So, it’s kind of like a watershed and swampy. I’m on the edge of the swamp in the grass, and I’ll kinda give some background of why I chose that. Oh, yeah, let’s just go straight into it. So, it’s just about 7:00 p.m., and I live in the Bay Area. We got a lot of light pollution. Here in Florida, this is a semi-rural area, but it’s not totally rural.
But already there’s still…the sun is down. We missed the sunset but it is dusk to post-dusk right now, and there’s already a lot of stars in the sky and it’s not even dark yet, totally dark. But so, out behind my parents’ house, I’ve got some trees between myself and the condominiums or whatever you call them…'cause there’s a couple issues; one is there’s air conditioning, so…and then the neighbors. So, last night…so, I took the red-eye and I got here yesterday morning. Then last night I tried to record an opening for the show, and there was a couple issues. I started recording it and then the air-conditioning units for each individual condo would go on, and then I couldn't get a whole intro done while there was one on. If I could have got a intro done while there was one on, that would have been fine.
Then I got about…actually, I got thirteen minutes done, and then one went off at like, seven minutes. So, I said, well, that’ll be less disturbing 'cause it went off instead of on and it was three doors down. But then right around twelve minutes, one went on, and I was almost done with the intro. Then I waited about thirty minutes to see if it would go off; it didn’t go off. Then I said, okay, I gotta go to bed. But I also had headed…and this was ignorance…what do you call it? Ignorance is bliss, or this is…sometimes I don't think clearly. At first I said, well, I’ll just go down and record by the woods, not thinking about my poor parents’ neighbors. Luckily the authorities never came, but I was…there’s…I wouldn't call them woods, but a set of trees and bushes on the edge of the swamp that I have to climb through to get out here.
Those were there, but I was recording on the edge. They said, well, geez…and I had a hooded sweatshirt on. I was like, these neighbors are gonna freak out and understandably be…whatever. So…'cause it was about 10:00…this was after my parents went to bed. They go to bed at 10:00, in case anybody’s monitoring. So, that nixed last night’s recording. So, here I am back…I’ve recorded for about two hours just…I was trying to get some good bird sounds while I was catching up with my parents, and now we’re here recording. I think a single-engine plane’s passing overhead. I’m trying to think of anything else that would be topical here. We’ll see how loud this plane goes, but this is kind of a calming sound, the putt-putt-puttering of that single-engine plane.
A lot of sky activity, a lot of…and they seem like small planes. I can count one, two, three…and another one’s gonna go over us here in another minute. I don't hear that one yet. But as you can hear, we’re in a rich sound environment. I have my…the way…oh no, there’s another plane, so that’s four. I don't know, I lost count of the planes. Okay, so, I have my new setup that I’ve been using. It’s actually…nothing’s new; it’s just a new method. Let’s see, I used it for Skybridge Discovery Tour and the last trip to the Dickens Fair, and I found it incredibly useful especially when I’m working with Chris Posty Posterson from Sounds Like An Earful Studios. Just in case anybody has a podcast, there’s a lot of ways to record on-location audio, right?
But for a sleep podcast, it’s always interesting trying to balance making sure you get clean audio from my voice that’s lulling, soothing tones and then getting background noise, but that…the background noise always isn’t in your control. So, as I’ve made mistakes or learned from each recording opportunity I’ve had on-location, I finally got into this dual-track method that I accidentally stumbled upon. A couple things; one was have a tripod. Then I record the ambient…but it’s also picking up my voice. This method I came up with and it didn’t work one time when I was at a bird sanctuary, and none of that audio ended up being releaseable as an episode 'cause I didn’t have the tripod. But so, I have a tripod and then I have an external recorder, the same one that I kinda use to record a lot of stuff on the tripod.
The external recorder is condenser mics, and it’s recording the majority of the ambient audio and it’s facing away from me, but then it’s also…so, it’s also getting my voice. Then I have a dynamic mic plugged into the recorder that I’m speaking into, and the thing about the dynamic mic is if I was just using this dynamic mic, you would barely be able to hear the…you’d know I was outside but it’d be very…and if you’re a patron or something or even if you’re curious, you could e-mail me or get ahold of me; I could send you the…maybe a sample of the two different tracks just so you could hear. But so, this is my vocal track, and the recorder is controlling the ambient track. Now, the ambient track isn’t just an ambient track 'cause it has my voice on there, so it’s not a clean ambient track.
But then when we mix them in post, Posty…we can kind go…and we’ve gone back and forth and kinda discussed it, Posty and I, with some of the Dickens episodes, is like, you can control the volume of the ambient audio. I’m trying to record it very high to get a lot of these sounds. But then we can…so, you can hear my voice. You say, okay, that sounds pretty good, the mix. Also, if there is some sort of…my audio track’s getting recorded, but if there’s something that the ambient picks up that’s not sleep-inducing, we can cut that out, too. So, it’s a nice thing and it’s nice to have the tripod. I can't bump the recorder or anything. I know a lot of…a great place to go for this is transom.org if you’re into audio or podcasting. Another thing you could use is a boom mic, like the kind of ones you see in a movie.
Like, they’re long and they go by another term. That might be another good way to pick up both…that’s a good way to pick up both locals and ambient noise. But I really like the condenser mics on these…the two different recorders I’ve used by two different companies for picking up ambient…and I’m just a big fan. I try to spread these ambient background noise episodes out because I know some people love them and some people, it doesn't work for. But it’s also…it also takes a lot more work to make them, but I find it enjoyable 'cause I get to share these experiences with you. Oh boy, so let’s get down to the experience. So, even as I’ve talked, night has fallen a little bit thicker. To my left, that new noise has started, that buzz. But we have some very distinct noises. We have very distinct stars.
When I was doing my setup I saw some bunnies, so I don't know if…I had heard something and I said, well, that sounds like some sort of forest friend. Which kind? Then I saw a bunny. It actually stopped and looked and me and said, hey, what are you up to? I said, well, I’m record…I said, I’m the podcast to put you to sleep. The bunny fell asleep. No, it didn’t. It did look at me, and then as I moved, it said, well, I think I’ll move along. I don't know if I like you or not. But yeah, we’re here. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see a shooting star. By the time we’re done with this, the night will have fallen fully. Above my head we don’t have a full night sky, but one of those beautiful skies where it’s a gradient of colors. Not much…I said…I kinda was…started a little bit late for the sunset, so, yeah, here I am in Florida.
We’re listening to these noises. I’m not sure…should we start with the noises or should we start with the stars? Let me give you a basic star count and maybe I’ll take a break at some point and pull out my star app. But we have…I don't see the Big Dipper, but I wouldn't even know where to…I don't know north, south, east, west. We have one very prominent star that I had seen last night. I can't remember its name. I don't think it’s Vega or Betelgeuse or Polaris, but…and one of those might be the North Star. Maybe Polaris; I don't know. But I see that one; that was the first star I saw. When I started, I think I saw…then I see another star. It could be a planet above that one a ways, almost above my head that’s a little bit smaller, but it’s burning orange instead of a cold, white light. Oh, there’s the Little Dipper.
I just spotted the Little Dipper. I think that has another name, Somebody’s Belt, or something. We have some milky action. Now, I don't know if that’s clouds or mist, but I’m spotting some milky action up in there in front of the Little Dipper, what could be the Little Dipper. We have this triangle, like a isosceles triangle. Actually, that was one of my favorite intros in the last couple years. I see an isosceles triangle of stars. I know I see that at home…wow, look at…listen to that background noise. Those things are really…they’re joining in. They’re like, hey, are you the guy that makes the podcast to put you to sleep? We always hear your mom talking about you. We’d like to…they’re really joining in.
We have…there’s no bird noises; there were earlier ones and we’ll see what happens tomorrow, if I can blast out another episode here. But yeah, so, we’ve got these two different…I don't know if they’re katydids. Hopefully we’ll get some frog going soon. Anyway, back to the stars, Scoots. So, we have the isosceles triangle; that’s under the bright sky. Yeah, then we got another thing. It looks like maybe…I see this great solar spatula. I don't know, it could be somebody’s belt 'cause it has those three things. That could be Orion's Belt, but I’m noticing it does have a spatula aspect to it. Then I see two stars that look like…last night I saw Leo or somebody, the lion, and I could actually see it. I’m looking back over my shoulder; nothing of note.
Then, that’s all in the pinnacle of the sky or the apex, and then as we go lower, we’re still waiting for stars to come out. As I said, there’s a lot of activity in the sky. I think probably hobbyists…I don't know, there’s a lot of small planes in the sky and some commercial planes as well. So, that’s interesting. That’s about it. Then we got these bug noises. So, we’re really in a good spot here. Hopefully we’ll get some shooting stars. I really would love that so much. Okay, so, I think maybe we should kick off with…we’ll do some analysis of the layers of sounds which is always fun, and it’s fun too 'cause I’m monitoring my audio. So, I’m hearing the mic…all the microphones’ audio. Wow, we get a really powerful star I just noticed. That’s probably a planet not that far off the horizon.
No idea again…I’m usually good with my directions but not here, whether it’s north, south, east, or west. My guess would be west, but I have no clue. So, yeah, let’s go into layers of sounds. We’ll see what these things are trying to communicate, and…yeah, and then we’ll take it from there. Oh, quick question, yeah, before…I gotta answer some of these questions that people might be having. Where are my parents? Right. It’s 7:00 p.m. and my parents are gone. They’re at play practice. My dad is performing in his community’s version of The Producers, so they have play practice, and my mom is working as a seamstress. Not performing as a seamstress; she’s working on the dresses for some of the performers. So, very cute.
I think…I don't know if they wanted me to go to play practice, but I had high anxiety thinking about that, and I think they could see it on my face. I was trying to work up the courage to say, is it important…? They said, do you want to go to play practice? Then, I don't know if I answered it. I think I…[inaudible] and then I was…we were in the car and I said, okay, Drew, maybe you should ask them, do you want me to go to play practice with you? Like, is it a thing where…? Again, this…we all return to the days of…at the schoolyard, just like the song, Me and Julio. But, you know, do you want your son to say, oh, my son’s visiting me and this is him, and he’s the one that makes that strange podcast? That would…that’s actually the best introduction 'cause I say, well, that makes sense. It actually gives me permission to be myself.
But I couldn't work up…and it didn’t seem like…we had spent the day together and there was only one or two moments where we were…where they got heated or I got…my patience began to wane and family dynamics get…so, it was mostly a great day. So, I said, well…there was no pressure. I said, maybe tomorrow I could go to play practice. What would I do there? You know, I got stressed. It could be about my…I don't know, it could be just…it’s just me. It is just me. Maybe one day when I listen back to this, then I’ll say, okay, next…hopefully…I don't know. I’m here to visit them. Who am I having this conversation with? And I’m happy to be here. We had lunch, we had dinner last night with Dave and Joanne, two of their friends, and then we had lunch today. We went to the beach and…not the beach on the ocean.
They live close to the gulf. If there’s…if you listen to this podcast a lot, maybe you don’t know this; I love swimming. I love water. I’m an Aquarius and it is…I am a water person. I love the water and I wish one day to have the means to live near a body of water that I can swim in. I’d like being near a body of water like the Bay of San Francisco and the ocean, but my dream is to be someplace where I can swim on a regular basis, preferably saltwater. Fresh bodies of natural water would be second, and then artificial bodies of water would be third. Like, a stagnant, swampy water would be, yeah, fourth.
But this was a…now, I don't have any of the actual facts on this, but according to my parents, this was an old quarry for some sort of rock, decorative rock, and at some point during a settlement from the horizon settlement, the Pasco County got enough money to make this into a lake. I guess there’s natural springs there; I did find that out. There’s three natural springs, and they filled the quarry with water. They put a beach around it. Not that simple; it’s pretty nice. It’s called…I don't know what it’s called. I forgot what it was called. I did go swimming…a little shallow because of the…and it’s…it wasn’t bad, though. The water temperature was 72. It felt like about 64, but a nice 64. The air temperature was 80, and it was a holiday, so the beach was pretty busy. Everyone seemed very delightful. There was crabs in the water.
I helped some boys, probably ten years old…they were catching crabs and they said, hey, mister, can you block a crab for us? I said, can I block a crab for you? Of course I can…I said…yeah, and I successfully used my shadow to redirect the crab, and the boys caught the crab and then looked at it and then set it free. So, that was…and then we went to lunch. My parents, they don’t eat…I don't know if this is a thing with retired people, but my parents, they only eat 1.5 meals a day. So, they like to eat around 2:00, which is not my eating schedule. But we did…I had a fresh grouper sandwich and it was delicious. Holy moly. They said it was fresh from the Gulf of Mexico. I didn’t do any research to make sure the grouper…but it was good. I think that’s about it.
That’s when we got back…oh no, then I said…I said, mom, dad, it’s great that we swam in the quarry, but I really gotta get into the gulf…I gotta get into this Gulf of Mexico and get swimming. So, we went to…I said, let’s drive to this other beach I saw on a map, and that beach was more on a canal, like a boating canal, than the Gulf of Mexico, so I was severely disappointed. I just kept it to myself but I said, well, yeah, I can't…I need…I want to swim in the gulf. I did when…right after my plane landed. I got my parents to drive to another…I said, let’s hit…they don’t have coastal drives here, but I said, I gotta get to the coast. I gotta get to the water. So, I said, let’s go to Tarpon Springs, 'cause I knew they had rented a house there a couple years ago. Or, before they moved to Florida, they rented a house in Florida.
They said, oh, okay. So, then I found a beach in Tarpon Springs, and I had been up all night on this red-eye. I got my feet in the water and my face in the gulf, but I didn’t have a swimsuit. Oh, no, no, I did have a swimsuit on; I didn’t have a towel, so I didn’t go in. So, that’s some other things. The crickets on this…crickets on my story. I wish I had a joke; then I could have crickets. So, yeah, so we’re out here, we’re behind their house, and let’s talk layers of sound now. So we got…let’s see. So, we got the one layer which is the wind or traffic layer. I’m guessing it’s actually a traffic layer 'cause it’s been pretty consistent the whole time we’ve been recording. I don't know if you can hear it in there.
You don’t really…it’s a slight breezy sound at the bottom of…I don't know if it’s at the bottom of the audio spectrum but when I’m picturing it, I’m picturing it at the bottom of the audio spectrum down there. So, we have that layer, and that’s a nice layer. It gives us a nice, consistent foundation. I don't know what it would be like without it, but it’s there. This is what I love about making this podcast; it gets me really to appreciate…'cause other than that, I’d say we only have two noises, and one is to my left, mostly, and that is the higher-pitched, consistent sound you’re hearing that sounds like almost…it could be staccato. I bet if it was slowed down just a little bit, it’d be a staccato sound. But there’s not really a break in it and I’m seeing if I can passively-aggressively cause a break in it.
Whoever…it must be exhausting keeping that sound up. Then there’s another sound which is more of a…it’s not a chirp. Oh no, now I’m picking up a third chirping sound. The traditional cricket sound, it comes in and out every once in a while, but then there’s this more dominant noise which I don't know how to describe. It’s really pushing my vocabulary. Oh, and there’s that one; the slurp. I don't know if you heard that one. It sounded like some sort of insect said ‘slurp’. It wasn’t a slurp noise. It just said, slurp, and then it stopped. But this predominant noise is saying, feather, feather, feather. That noise is out there, and that was the first noise to come up once the bird noise…oh, there’s the slurp again. So, we have more noises, and there’s probably more below this that I’m not picking up on.
Okay, so, I’m seeing something in the sky. I’m always looking…there was one time somebody said, hey, the space station’s going overhead, and I got to watch it go overhead, and I’ve never replicated that before. This is a star I think that just appeared and I was projecting onto it. The slurp just said some…so, we have Slurp, which sounds like an individual insect hanging…probably if I was gonna…no offense to everybody else out there, but if I was gonna pick a sidekick, it probably would be Slurp. I haven't got a look at Slurp, so I don't know. Then we have trill. There’s definitely these…other one, the nonstop…oh, it just paused when I said ‘trill’. So, it said, that’s…oh, it likes trill. Did you hear that? Those little…trill. It stops when I say ‘trill’. Look at that. A little bit of a delayed reaction.
But this is live insect communication. Get your entymologists, get your etymologists, and have them work out which one I’m supposed to be talking to, because Trill here…I got Trill and Slurp in the house. Then, I don't know what this other one…what we’re gonna call it. There’s a lot of them, so it’d be more of a communal mind. They’re all around at a distance. Slurp and Trill, let me know if you think of anything. But then there’s the noises you miss out on, you know, like…oh yeah, there’s…I’m sorry, cricket. There’s the traditional lonely cricket that said, once, I was the most beautiful sound, the chirping, chirp, chirp, chirp…Chirper. No. Chirpy? Those are two…I don't like either one of those. Slurp and Chirp, though…what if you two partner up? What do you think about that, Chirp?
Otherwise you don’t get a nickname. Slurp and Chirp and Trill. Trill, Slurp, and Chirp; I think those were…I think that was a group that tried to get in on BB…Bell Biv DeVoe’s fame. Oh, Trill did not…don't worry, Trill, this podcast…we never throw shade, even in the dark here. Holy cow, everybody’s…so, Trill and Slurp just went silent on me. That gives us more to think…Trill just wants me to try to think of a name for these other ones. This is a nice sound. I like it. It reminds me of the sound something would make falling…a sound maybe you would hear on another planet. Oh, Trill’s switching up instruments. Did you just…? Are you playing a woodwind now? Did you lick your reed? Is that what they say before you play the woodwind? Is that what you’re doing, Trill? Oh yeah, so, we got Trill, we got Chirp.
I’m trying to buy time. Another plane’s passing overhead. Very busy airspace here. Chirp, Slurp…I haven't heard anything from Slurp in a while. Let’s be observant…if you can do it with me. Now, don't worry about if…if you don’t…if you hear something and I never hear it, don’t be too disappointed. But there’s…let’s see. Huh, I think Trill just…is that you, Trill? ‘Cause that is a nice…yeah, I think Trill picked up his…another woodwind, licked the reed, stuck it in there…you’re really blasting on that horn. I like it, Trill. Very…it’s very electric, almost. Very, very good stuff. Oh boy, what a job you’re…good job, Trill. Look at this; this is live praise. What’s…? I remember about ten years ago I read a article…this was before I had a child, but…The Difference Between Encouragement and Praise. I should be encouraging.
I think encouragement…is this the Gottman Method? Anyone. Anyone, any insects into the Gottman Method? It’s not…oh, Slurp just said it’s not the Gottman Method. Thanks. But yeah, so, encouragement and praise…like, encouragement is…wow, geez, Trill, could you come over here and tell me…what is that instrument you…how did you learn how to do that? Is that encouragement? I really enjoy that thing you are playing. What do you call that instrument and where did you learn…? Or, what…can you tell me…? I think that’s…where praise is just, oh, I love it when Slurp and Trill and Chirp are playing all together right now. Oh, how…see? They don’t respond to praise. Oh, Trill just shut right down. Wow, a praise shut-down. Oh, Trill’s back. Wow, Trill, I really like how you started to compliment my speaking.
How did you know how to start playing again, Trill? Could you tell me how you knew? I’m just so impressed. Actually, this…oh, oh boy, was that Slurp or somebody else? We might have a new person in the house. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and friends beyond the binary, I think…it was a echo, so maybe part of your name would be Echo. How about Echo Base? B-A-S-E, though. Like, third…I was a big fan of third base. Echo Base. What do you think about that? Oh, you’re Slurp. Sorry, Slurp. I didn’t mean to make up a new nickname for you. He said, it’s Slurp. Sorry, that’s embarrassing. Sorry. Oh, yeah, I know it’s you, Slurp. I know. Oh, yeah, Slurp, I think I got it. Have you heard from Chirp at all lately? ‘Cause I haven't heard from Chirp, but I could be…it could be that I’m just not listening.
I’m talking, but that kinda is part of the pod…don't worry, Trill; I have to work my encouragement around the planet Earth. I can’t just hold it for you. I guess that’s withholding…did I just withhold praise? I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Trill. Who’s…was that…? Slurp, are you in two different places at once? Oh, get back to naming…I think Slurp wants me to get back to naming these other friends. Yeah, I’m try…I think part of me is buying time ‘til I get the right name. It would be great if that wasn’t you, Slurp, and it was someone that I could call Echo Base. No, I know it’s just you, Slurp. I can tell. What about Chirp? I have not heard from Chirp in a while. What about butter birds?
I know these creatures aren’t birds, but butter, butter…are they saying ‘butter’? No, I guess not. It’s something close, though. Slurp, you got anything for me? Trill, it sounds like you’re jamming on the low. Are you applying for the nickname Echo Base? Trill, how did you know…oh, Trill, how did you know how to change up the tone of your instrument to get a new nickname, and why would you want another nickname other than Trill? Oh, 'cause it’s too close to ‘shrill’ and you think that I’m trying to make a point? Well, it could be. No offense, but…it’s not shrill. Trill is one letter more…at later. You’re right, because it’s not shrill. It’s post-shrill, kinda like I’m post-hip, post-cool. You’re post-shrill, which is a good thing. The other ones are debatable. Okay, holy moly, I just happened to turn my head. What in the heck?
We got something rising up from the earth here. I don't know, maybe that’s the direction of the airport, but it looks like…I guess it’s a plane. I thought it was a moving planet or something at a high speed. Okay, back to the naming of these insects. So, not butter…yeah, not whatever I said, butter birds. Butter birds, butter birds…you’re right, it’s more…but they are bird-like. Anybody agree? Slurp, give me a slurp if you agree with me, or just do it to please me. Thanks, Slurp. You really are the best. Oh wait, I’m supposed to…am I supposed to encourage you, too, Slurp? Oh, Slurp, how did you know to respond to my cue? It was just like you were listening to me. How’d you get so good at listening? Could you tell me three tips for listening that you use, Slurp? Okay, one, slurping. Okay, that’s good. What else?
Because I gotta tell you, I wish I could listen like you do, Slurp, and that’s what I’m here to learn from you, whenever you’re ready to chime in with point number two. How do you listen like a Slurp? We could work on an e-book. Did you say ‘slurp’? Hey, Trill and Slurp, could you tell all…whatever…I got most of my…oh, that was point three; listen. Oh. Sorry, I was talking, Slurp. I almost missed point three, but I heard it. Can you tell anything that’s landing on me not to do that? ‘Cause the only things exposed are my face and hands. Right. Yeah, everything else is covered. Okay, so, don’t have a name for these other bugs, and…let me listen for a little while, see…and then we’ll get into some star action. What does everybody say about that? Yeah, Slurp. Oh boy, we have a bird. It’s a bird; it’s a brain. It’s a birdbrain.
Birdbrain in the house. You’re not a bird. Well, you are to me. Well, I mean, Chirp’s taken. I’m sorry. Oh, I hear a croak. You’re right. Was that…? I think that was the cricket. Slurp and Chirp…I don't know, is that…? That’s…that croaking sound, is that Chirp or Slurp? Yeah, I’m sorry, you’re a birdbrain. Well, you stopped…oh, I just heard something else. So, yeah, I don't have any names for all of you that are making the majority of the noise yet. No, I’m sorry, anything with love I don't…I can't name all of you. Love-tweeters? No, I can't…you think I studied Insect like other people study real languages to…? You gotta get a nickname. No, all of you can't be called Echo Base. That’s gonna be Trill’s performance name, DJ Echo Base. By the way, that’s…I just did that publicly, so you can't use it. Slurp liked it.
Did you just hear that? DJ Echo Base with Slurp. Featuring Slurp; you’re right, Slurp. Of course featuring Slurp. I don't know, that might have been the high point of the episode. I don't know if…once you say ‘DJ Echo Base’, you can't really go on from that, but we will. We will, 'cause this is the podcast to sleep to, anyway. I’m so glad you’re here to be here with me. I wish you could see what I’m seeing, 'cause starlight, star bright, so many stars I see tonight. I wish you may, I wish you might slurp with my friends like Slurp tonight. Oh, Slurp. Slurp, are you gonna get in this hoodie with me, in my pocket? Did you want to do a human/marsupial/insect thing? Slurp, did you hear what I said? ‘Cause that was a pretty sweet offer, I think. Oh, I think Slurp just whispered to me that I’m not careful enough, which is probably correct.
You’re right on that, Slurp. Okay, so let’s…oh, let’s see if we can hear any other animals. How about that, Slurp? It’s not the Slurp Show. Oh, we get another celestial body moving. That could be a satellite, but there was something like a satellite. So, I’ll pause the recording in a minute before we get into the star stuff. I just want to keep getting distracted by my friends, and I can't think of a name for these other…how about The Star Singers? That’s it. There you go. The rest of the insects are The Star Singers. Oh no, you’re right; The Fabulous Star Singers. Thank you for put…making that work. Kinda like The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Slurp likes it. Trill? Oh boy, I just heard another character come out. That was kind of like a groggle sound. You’re right. Okay, could you make that sound…? Trill, Slurp, could…?
Okay, I just barely heard it. It was like a groggle. Yeah, what did we say? The Fabulous Star Singers. How do…what do you all think about that? They frickin’ love it. Holy…great. So, we got Trill, AKA DJ Echo Base, Slurp and Chirp, and The Fabulous Star Singers. I think we could rent a room. I don't think you could get a room better than the one I’m sitting in now, except for the stuff that…they say, better not be skeeters right now. I got long pants on. Oh, Slurp just said they were. Thanks, Slurp. I should have got some Off. I’m pretty well-covered. But yeah, let’s…it’s hard 'cause the podcast…I can't have these big gaps in my talking so I gotta keep talking, but I’m trying to find any spots where I can…Slurp, I’m trying to piece some thoughts together, see if there’s any other noises I’m missing.
I know I’ve handed out so much praise and encouragement tonight that it’s gonna be all downhill for you insects after I leave tonight, huh? Oh, you thought I was serious when I said…I never said we were going on tour, Fabulous Star Singers. No, I did not. I never said we were going on tour. Okay, I guess I over-encouraged. I never said anything about that, Slurp. I never made any…I did promise you could be my marsupial insect. Maybe that could be the first song you work on. If you can all follow through, like work on something…my marsupial insect. Maybe a little bit of…I don't know. Surprise me, I guess is what I’m saying. Well, you’re gonna have to…Slurp, you’re…you play one role, but you can't just slurp your way to success.
So, what I could use help with is just identifying any wonderful sounds I’m missing for this tour. So, yeah, I’m trying to see…I do hear the crickets a little bit on and off. I haven't heard Trill. Oh, I just…I didn’t realize you switched instruments again, Trill. I can hear you now. Thank you. Yeah, I hear you. You’re just playing a little bit lighter. You’re showing me your range; that’s important. Show me your range. Okay, so, maybe I’ll just pay attention to all of you, but I’m gonna pay attention to the stars, too. I mean, there’s room for everyone here on the…yeah, don't worry; The Fabulous Star Singers are singing. Oh, you’re singing a song to the stars, all of you together. Slurp just said, no. Well, let’s just pretend, because this is a work of historical fiction.
We’ll make it work, right? Slurp, did you need more encouragement or more praise? Tell me which one. How did you know I should be encouraging you more? Oh, Slurp, what a brilliant mind you have. Yeah, you’re Slurp, no doubt about it. One day it’ll…say, Scoots and Slurp, and that will be when they’re calling our order at Steak and Shake later, actually. Oh, you don’t eat Steak and Shake. Well, that’s too bad. Okay, Slurp, I’m gonna fire up the sky…whatever, Sky Safari or whatever I have on my phone here, and I’m also gonna stop the recording just in case the recording…so we have everything on here.
Okay, so, here we are. I got Sky Safari fired up, and let’s see. So, let’s see what we see. The big star is Sirius, the bright one I was talking about, and then the one…I don't know if that’s the one on the horizon 'cause it’s behind it…oh no, I could see one…is that what I’m seeing? Canopus…these are stars I’m not super familiar with. Definitely on a first…Betelgeuse is the orange one I was talking about earlier. Of course, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse. Oh, that’s Beetlejuice. Oh, sorry about that. Wait, no, is that…? Okay, if I go…so, right now I’m looking…I’m facing southeast where I’m sitting. Procyon is the closest star to me, and then we have Castor and Pollux; I can see them pretty clearly. Looking good, you two. I know…Pollux, I’m familiar with your name.
I don't know what you do, or…don’t ask me…I already hired a bunch of insects to go on tour, so unfortunately for all you stars…yes, do you hear? Slurp is…I guess I’m Slurp’s representative. Slurp doesn't know who we hired, but…and then as…I did…I was correct when I identified that is Orion's Belt, one of the first big star assumptions I’ve ever made. Not that far away from that is Rigel, which does sound like something…Rigel 1; that sounds like a place we gotta get the plans or something, over to Rigel 1. Then…my phone just went off. What about this isosceles triangle? It’s not really coming up here. Let’s me do…let’s see if I hit Zoom what happens. I’m still not seeing the great…oh, here we go. It’s [inaudible]. Is that involved in there? According to this, it’s not above…oh no, here it is.
Wezen, Adhara, and something else. Does that sound right? That looks like my isosceles. Let’s see what else. Let’s see if we can actually find a actual constellation. Finding A Constellation: The Scooter Story. This is the podcast which…and I did say I saw…I was seeing some Milky Way action or something, some milk right around Betelgeuse and I still am seeing that, and according to my map or the animations on here, that looks like I was making a correct assumption. Gemini is over here, but that’s at the peak of the sky to the right of Castor and Pollux. I don't know if Castor…so, those are the twins. Are those the heads of the twins? It must be. Castor and Pollux, how are you doing? Are those your names? Have you been watch…? Would you want to underwrite this tour? I have The Fabulous…what did I call them?
Star Birds? Fabulous Star Singers, Slurp…there was a new person just auditioning. I’m not sure I caught who they are…Trill, who you could hear. Trill really is good at constantly making noise. Oh, that’s praise. Trill, how do you manage to…if you could talk to these two later about how you manage to just keep playing, that would be great. You’re kinda like Kenny G, able to play a note through your nose and all that. We did have…oh yeah, Trill also goes by DJ Echo Base, B-A-S…oh wait, so, it only took…to figure out…oh no, B-A-S-S, not B-A-S-E. I was confused about the spelling of ‘bass’, 'cause Rob Base spells it B-A-S-E. Is it bass? Echo Bass? That would be more of a fishing lure. So, yeah, I’d love to…Castor and Pollux, pleasure to meet you.
I did already call Betelgeuse a few times, one of the earlier movies I saw in a movie theatre. So, that’s great. Those are the two heads of twins. I could have sworn…if you could point me in the right direction…C and P…? Do you mind if I…? What about C and P Music Factory? Nothing. Are you the heads of the twins? I just…oh, here’s Leo now. I’m seeing Leo just rising on my sky…so, Regulus, Regulus…Vala Regulus, how’re you doing? What’s up with it? I like that. To the left of Vala Regulus are some of the stars for Leo. I see two of them; one is Regulus and then one is the center of the back. Not quite dark enough, I don't think, to see all of Leo, but I can almost make it out 'cause Leo’s more towards the horizon. We do have a celestial body moving, but I don't think I have whatever’s turned on to see manmade objects.
Let’s see what else we got above me. Castor and Pollux…Capella is way above me if I’m looking back, which isn't great for my…the sound of the show, looking over my head. I don't see any moon. I don't know what the moon situation is. Castor, Pollux, what’s the moon sit? Did you hear when I spotted Orion's Belt? Now hopefully one day…hopefully we’ll be in a romantic situation; I’ll say, look at those up there. That’s Castor and Pollux, the twins of Gemini. When you see them across the sky from Orion's Belt, it’s time to kiss. Also, I represent DJ Echo…oh, you want to kiss DJ Echo Base. Huh, terrific. Anyway, that was great. That just killed the mood, even with a sleep podcast. Betelgeuse…who else? Rigel 1. You gotta get the plans from Rigel 1 over to Canopus. Yeah, Puppis; P-U-P-P-I-S. That’s a pretty good one.
Is that a constellation or a star or are you happy to see me? What am I saying? Rigel 1…Alnitak and Linum…Bellatrix is by…not that far from Betelgeuse. Oh, those are the stars in Orion's Belt, I believe. Yeah. I didn’t know your names; I just know you as Orion’s Belt. ‘Cause, yeah, I’m always looking to…I’m not actually looking to represent anybody. I was just trying to give nicknames out, and then somehow these insects thought I said…well, this seems like a budding business. But I don't think it is, to be honest. I may hear some croaking. My voice is a little croaky; you’re right. Yeah, it seems to be a new moon or something. I don't see any moon anywhere. I was just looking around. Oh, Slurp moved. I don't know if any of you can tell where Slurp is, but Slurp’s now…Slurp’s been to my back-left the whole time.
Now Slurp’s close to behind…I think Slurp’s thinking about taking me up on the offer at getting in the pouch of my sweatshirt. You know, hanging…Slurp, I’ll let you watch TV. You could just tell me which channel, 'cause I’m guessing you wouldn't be able to change the channels. I didn’t catch what channel you want to watch. It would probably be better if you told me when we’re inside. But yeah, so, we got…there’s two planes in the sky right now, all stars, and really…still not fully dark yet. It’s still dusk, I would say. Dusk to Dusk; is there a poem in there? Really, I love…I never can think…I’m always so stunned at the beauty of the night sky that it’s really hard for me to describe it, 'cause I feel like I’m doing it a disservice with my silliness and my ability to take it in…and the layers of it, and this is still early night.
It’s just…it’s mesmerizing. The shape of it…wow. I mean, really just soaking it in here. The expanse…right now I’m really feeling the expanse of the night sky. As I said, I always felt like it’s a dome. But lately I’ve been feeling like it’s so much more. I don't know. It’s just a lovely, lovely evening here. Probably in the 60s as far as temperature, but I have a sweatshirt on, so that’s good to know…and hoping for a shooting star. I don't know if anybody remembers…this was one of my favorite songs back in the day, waiting for a star to fall. It was a one-hit wonder, I think. I hadn’t thought of it in a long time, but I am sitting here waiting…if anybody can take a hint up there in the celestial bodies…and I’ve never seen one like yours. You know what I’m saying? If you could send us a shooting star, falling star…how about a traveling star?
How about a meteorite? Send me a sign. Also, if you have any agents out there that could represent…not even sure if these are insects, to be honest, stars. Pollux, can you hear me? Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse…hey, what’s up? Oh…oh no, that was a plane. I thought it was a shooting star. I thought…it could have been…maybe it was…I was hoping it was Betelgeuse riding some sort of really cool…I don't know what Betelgeuse would…a flying seahorse? Betelgeuse, what would you fly in on from outer space and beyond? Are they still working on a Betelgeuse 2 with…? Talk about a great cast. You got Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis…oh god, some of the other great character actors in there whose names from SETV…please come to me.
Not coming to me, but some really, really, really…so, I don't know if they’re working on that or not. That would be a real challenge. Slurp, what do you think? Have you seen Beetlejuice before? No answer. Slurp, you see any other new planets that I should be checking out? Any planetary bodies? I think you’re right, Slurp. I did…Slurp didn’t say anything. Slurp could already…maybe Slurp’s already snuggled in with my phone. Let’s see if I’m hearing Trill at all. Still here. Don't worry…what are…? Fabulous Star Singers, I can still hear all of you singing your tale of this song. I don't want to be a star critic, but…or a Star Singer critic, but a bit repetitive. I guess very good to sleep to; you’re right. You really know how to pick up on tone. Perfect for a sleep podcast. Brilliant. You are…you’re hired.
Just stay here and I’ll be out with a contract in a couple days. Also, I don't know if you know about…but yeah, I think…there’s two more planes in the sky. I don't think I…I mean, I guess the last time I did a star episode was on Lake Ontario. So, they probably have less…I don't know. There was much less plane activity here. I guess a lot of planes fly over Central Florida. Or, I don't even know. I don't know where we are, technically. A hour north…okay, we got…oh no, it’s another high-flying…that’s another high-flying…we got a lot…planes fly really high. I don't know if that’s thirty…what’s the highest a plane can fly? How about that for a song, Star Singers? Something With A Heart. What’s…? Not As High As My Heart; we’ll put that in parentheses.
What’s the highest a plane could fly? Parentheses; not as high as my heart. Star Singers, Fabulous Star Singers, featuring DJ Echo Base and Slurp. Slurp did say something on that one. So, that’s good. So, yeah, we’re out here, we’re live on-location, we’re chilling, chilling…actually, I’m sorry; I gotta apologize once again to the beauty of mother nature, 'cause I’m sitting here in a old-school lawn chair, and to my right is some sort of lovely plant. What’s your name? Oh, plants don’t speak. It’s on a stalk. Is that what you call that? A stalk, and a wheat-like…I didn’t say weed. No, I said a wheat-like plant. Then in the dark evening sky, you look much different than probably during the day. But it looks like you’ve got some budding going, and you’re pre-flowery, and you’re just kind of moving in the breeze very seductively.
I have kiss…I would…if I had…if I was a normal person, I’d probably say I’ve never kissed a plant before, but I have. Yes, I have kissed a plant romantically. It was during a time of extreme loneliness. No, no, no, closed mouth. It was a plant…I had two plants when I was in college. One was Groggly and the other one was something…it had a three name…kinda like DJ…I haven't changed…something Snap Dawg. I can't remember…that was the names of my plants; Groggly and something Snap Dawg. I don't remember which plant it was that I kissed, but one night after I had had a few drinks, for some reason I was walking around and carrying house plants, and I kissed my plant in a romantic fashion. I did. I said, I’ve kissed a plant. I think I’ve shared it on the podcast before.
Katy Perry and other singers have kissed girls, and I’ve kissed plants. Story of my life. That’s why I make a sleep podcast, the podcast that puts you to sleep. It doesn't keep you up. But I don't know if I’d kiss you just 'cause…no offense, as seductive as your movements are…well, one, 'cause it’s dark and I don't really know…plus, it kinda feels like a ragweed-type situation. I don't know if I…but how about if I…? Here, I’ll…I’m gonna kiss my hand, and this will be live; the audience will be able to experience this. I’m kissing a plant. That’s a plutonic kiss. What do you call that, passing a kiss, when you kiss your hand and then touch…pass…? I just passed you a kiss. I did hear that new…that was a croaker. That was a croaker. Thanks, plant. But this plant’s been watching over the whole podcast. Doing a great job, by the way.
I hope my chair isn’t on you. If it is, let me know. I guess you can't. Great…this would be a great place for someone…you know, this is interesting to bring up here so late in the show. All these insects are out here; I never see them, and I’d love to get in touch…I don't know if anybody’s listening this late that is a expert on this stuff, and…or can point me to one of those creative YouTube channels about stuff like this, but I would love to know what all these lovely characters look like now that we’re all working…now that we’re in business together, so that if Slurp landed by me, I wouldn't be surprised. I could have my expectation set so I can be like, whoa boy, that’s what Slurp looks like? You’re not getting in my sweatshirt. Instead say, I could use some encouragement and praise.
I say, Slurp, holy moly, did you…how do you get your wings like…? Oh, just…slurp. That’s how you do it; you slurp your wings. Okay, so that’s…oh boy, Trill, is that you? Trill’s just breaking out…Trill’s closing out the night with some serious jams. Wow. I’m gonna have to make an assumption that is Trill. Really blasting it. Beautiful. That’s praise, I think. I should have been encouraging, and Trill stopped. Was that DJ…? That was such a creative…help me out here, audience. I’m on the right track. That was such a creative…whatever you’re doing. What do you call this? ‘Cause this is just so creative, I don't even know what to call it, Trill. Or do you prefer I refer to you as DJ Echo Base? ‘Cause…wow. Now, are you using your abdomen for any of this? Could you explain to me what your method…?
Hey, Trill, could you tell me some of your biggest influences and why? Is this encouragement or praise or just futile…? Thanks. That was my brain, actually, a futile attempt to praise. Huh, it’s an attempt nonetheless. How about that? So yeah, here we are. It’s still…I can't call it full night because at the edge of the sky we still have some brightness. Another…yet another plane going overhead. One thing I’ll say about these planes; they’re doing a great job at not being irritating. They’re either flying at such a high altitude that they’re really not bothering the podcast…and then when you have someone whose ability to make noise…I just can't even under…oh, Slurp…yeah, Slurp, I was talking about you and DJ Echo Base. How do you do it? Also, what…I know you don’t have access to Gatorade or caffeine.
I had to drink…there was no sugared soda in my…I had to drink two…I drank one Diet Pepsi and one Diet Coke 'cause I was feeling lethargic before I started recording. About forty minutes before I started recording I started drinking those. I didn’t want to have coffee 'cause I didn’t want to totally mess up my sleep schedule. Oh boy, that is some great playing. Holy…I know that’s praise, but I don't know any other way. I tell you from hanging out with my mom who’s now a grandmother, I don't know if I know any other way, Trill, other than to praise you and The Fabulous Sky Singers and the sky…actual stars in the sky. It’d be great if you shot me a shooting star to wish on. This plant here that I thought about kissing, Trill, DJ Echo Base, Slurp, how about a slurp?
Haven't heard from your buddy Chirp in a while or any of the other characters we were thinking about naming. But when you have Slurp and DJ Echo Base and then The Fabulous Star Singers, I don't know if you really…I mean, no offense to the other…the one that just flew in my face, the insects that don’t make noises, and this lovely plant. You can't really go wrong. Then you have Pollux, Betelgeuse, and then the other stars whose names I forgot. Oh, boy. It’s a good thing I’m not in the star business. Two more planes way, way high in the sky here…I guess I’m blown away. Maybe the flights from Tampa and Orlando and…I guess those are all flying areas and this is the Monday of a long weekend, so I’m sure a lot of people are flying home. So, that does make sense. You’re right. You’re right and I’m wrong.
Let’s agree to disagree, stars. Okay, there’s something moving that I don't think is a plane. It’s slowly moving. Or is it the…is it giving me the illusion of movement? I think I may be under the influence of illusionary movement here. Let’s see what the…no, no. I gotta reset this compass or something here. Okay, so, I don't know if I hit the wrong button, but I wasn’t able to find out what that celestial body was. I don't think it’s moving, and now I can't even remember where in the sky I was looking. Once you start looking on…for some reason there’s an arrow now on this app, and I can't get it off the screen. There’s Betelgeuse. Sirius, I want to thank you. I want to thank Rigel for making an appearance tonight, and Canopus, Wezen…I’m not sure if I see you. Oh yeah, you’re one of the isosceles-triangle trio.
Wezen, Adhara, and the other star whose name I don't have on me. Who else do I want to thank tonight? I want to thank Procyon and…which was the one that sounded like we’d go…? Oh, Rigel, did I already say you? I thought there was another one over there who sounded like a Star Wars planet. Betelgeuse, I’ll never forget you. Don’t you forget about me. Regulus, like regulate, and then Orion's Belt, of course. Can never give enough credit to Orion's Belt and the stars in that one, whatever they’re called. The twins, Pollux and Castor, the…possibly the…I don't know if you’re the heads of the twins or the…but you’re alright by me.
Yeah, the other stars in the sky, the ones I didn’t get a chance to appreciate because of this beautiful…I mean, how can I appreciate when I can't sing with my legs or whatever these…my friends are doing, you know? It’s just a pleasure to be here in your company. To be honest, I don't have the vocabulary, I don't have the…oh, there’s a couple cool ones appearing on the horizon. But yeah, I guess I just want to say my big thanks. I want to thank Trill, DJ Echo Base, who’s still rocking it. I don't know how Trill, DJ Echo Base, does it, but I’m always impressed. I’ve never been more impressed, and if I could get some of my questions…Slurp, somewhere on here is a little friend called Slurp, and while one word does that sound justice, it doesn't do the joy that you brought to me tonight.
How did you bring me so much joy tonight, Slurp? Just by being you, that’s how, and that’s all you have to do. I think that’s the…is that where you try to get with encouragement? Maybe I’ll just cut ahead. Chirp we haven't heard from in a while, but Chirp was really…really did a good job to start us off tonight. Below everything, not just the sound of the traffic out on state route whatever, but the fabulous — I’m trying to think of a way to work in some encouragement — the spectacular…how they come together to all sing at once to sing the praises of the stars, The Fabulous Star Singers, everybody. We’re here, we’re out here somewhere on the Northern Hemisphere, southern part of the Northern…something like that, down in Florida way not that far from the gulf.
I got a stomach full of grouper and I wouldn't have it…I wouldn't trade it for the world unless I heard one more…things from Slurp, because that’s always nice, to hear from Slurp and to close this out. I’m sure if I find the right combination of encouragement and praise for Trill…now, what would you do…? Let’s try this. Let’s see if this one works. Trill, DJ Echo Base, if you wanted to hear from Slurp…'cause how would…how do you manage to have such healthy relationships with people like Slurp? Never heard of Slurp? Oh, boy. I guess somebody’s got…I guess I gave too much encouragement. Oh no, too much praise; you’re right. This isn't…I may be giving out fragmentary praise, but not conditional. Or, are you supposed to give out conditional praise? No idea. I don't know either.
I’m just trying to get…okay, so I definitely am seeing…I must be looking in the direction of the Tampa Bay Airport as I’m noticing these planes now, 'cause now I’m seeing them head up into the sky. A beautiful place, a place that’s the apple of my eye, the apple of my ear, DJ Echo Base and Slurp and The Fabulous Star Singers. You know what? You make The Fabulous Thunderbirds seem dull. No offense to them. I don't even know if they still get together. I couldn't…unfortunately I probably couldn't name…I can tell you…is one of them…? I think…I don't know. I don't know them. They seem like very nice guys though, but I don't know any of their songs. I think I did a…yeah, maybe I should move on. I’m trying to buy time until I hear from Slurp one more time.
But it’s been a pleasure being in all your presence and letting my audience in on your world. How’d you do such a good job of letting my audience hear you and letting them be a part of your evening? I feel like…I can't believe I get to lie my head back and look back at the sky at these stars. They’ve been looked on…wow. It’s just mind-boggling. The beauty of sound, the beauty of sight, so much to be grateful for, and grateful to be here trying to observe and soak in some of this loveliness so that other people can not observe and sink in. But either way, I can be here with you, you can be here with me, we can be here with DJ Echo Base, AKA Trill, featuring, starring, and collaborating with The Fabulous Star Singers, performing live under a starry sky. Frickin’…get Degas. Get him over here, or whoever…Van Gogh, too. Get them both.
Get them out here. Get them set up. They’re probably…actually, they’re probably up there. We didn’t get Betelgeuse to ride in on a star-based seahorse, but that would have been sweet. It would have been nice. It would be nice if I got a goodbye kiss or something from my buddy Trill. I mean, Slurp, but I know times change, seasons change. This beautiful plant that I did plan to kiss on…it was a plutonic kiss, but maybe tonight in my dreams we’ll be intertwined in some mind-bogglingly strange way. But it’s been an honor. It’s been an honor to be with all of you. Thanks for joining me here. I really love to be here, and thanks for stopping by. I’ll play you out with a little…maybe we’ll get a little dose of Slurp, a little extra performance of DJ Echo Base and The Fabulous Star Singers.
[END OF RECORDING]
(Transcription performed by LeahTranscribes)
-
On Location
Cicadas
https://www.vox.com/science/24047261/cicada-brood-xix-xiii-19-13-map
https://www.vox.com/down-to-earth/24148209/cicadas-2024-periodical-brood-eat-ecosystem-impact
Cricket Noise
https://americanpest.net/blog/why-does-cricket-make-sounds-and-what-they-mean/
https://www.terminix.com/blog/science-nature/why-crickets-chirp/
How stars are named
https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/naming-stars
https://www.space.com/how-stars-are-named.html
https://www.thoughtco.com/how-did-stars-get-their-names-3073599
Star Tracking Apps
https://space.stackexchange.com/questions/43798/what-is-the-math-behind-satellite-star-trackers
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-stargazing-apps/
https://www.space.com/best-stargazing-apps
DOWN TO BUSINESS
n/a
Deep Dark Night United
SWM+
PLUGS
Sleep With Me Plus; Park Stop Fundraiser; Sleep With Me Plus; SleepPhones; Rusty Biscuit Links; Emily Tat Artwork; NAPAWF; Anti-Racism Resources; Ukraine Relief; Crisis Textline
SPONSORS
Claritin; Dusker; Helix Sleep; Odoo; Air Doctor Pro; AquaTru; Zocdoc; Progressive
INTRO
Live, on location, dusk show
On the shores of Florida
My parents just left
I couldn’t get a party started
Sometimes I don’t know why I have a hard time falling asleep
What I’m seeing as night falls
Sound-Rich Environment
I think we’re north of Tampa
A brief intro
STORY
Just on the edge of Pascoe County
I’m briefly visiting my parents (surprise!)
I don’t know if they live in a condo or a split-level
Behind their house, well, it’s a swamp
Semi-Rural Area
Dusk to Post-Dusk
The noise pollution of Air Conditioning interrupted my recording last night
I took the red eye last night
Ignorance is Bliss
I didn’t think my recording outside might upset some neighbors
A single engine plane passes overhead
The Put Put Puttering of a single engine plane
A lot of sky activity
A new method of recording
The two track method
Clean audio for the voice but also background noise
A tripod and an external recorder
Condenser mics for ambient audio
Dynamic mic for speaking
Balancing the ambient levels
Patrons, let me know if you want to hear the individual tracks
Or you can use a boom mic
I try to spread the ambient episodes out
Let’s get down to the experience
A new noise to my left
I saw a bunny!
A beautiful sky that’s a gradient of colors
Basic Star Count
I don’t know what that prominent star is
Burning a Bright Orange
I just spotted the Little Dipper
Some Milky Action
Listen that background noise – they’re joining in
Great Solar Spatula
Last night I saw Leo
That’s a powerful planet on the horizon
Diving Into Layers of Sounds
It’s 7pm and my parents are gone
They’re at Play Practice
My dad is acting in The Producers and my mom is a seamstress
Returning to our days of the schoolyard
They live close to the Gulf
I love water
I wish one day to live near a body of water I can swim in
Preferably Saltwater
Stagnant Swampy Water is low on the list
This was an old quarry
I forgot the name
A beautiful time swimming in February
I helped some boys get a crab before they set it free
My parents only 1.5 meals a day
They eat their first meal at 2pm
Fresh Grouper Sandwich
I need to get to the Gulf of Mexico
Tarpon Springs
I didn’t fully submerge
I wish I had a bad joke for these crickets to react to
Layers of Sound
Wind or Traffic Layer
A slowed down staccato sound
A third chirping sound
There’s a Slurp sound
Feather feather feather feather
I don’t think that is the ISS
I would definitely pick Slurp as my sidekick
Live Insect Communication
Shoutout to Slurp and Trill
Slurp and Chirp and Trill, a newjack swing group
Trill are you playing a woodwind now?
You’re blasting on that horn, Trill
Great job
Encouragement vs Praise
Are any insects into the Gottman Method
Who’s this new person?
Echo Base
Oh, sorry, that’s you, Slurp
Where’s Chirp?
Any butter birds out there?
Why would you want another nickname besides Trill?
Post-Shrill
What in the heck is rising up from the earth here?
Time to encourage Slurp
3 Tips for Listening from Slurp
Oh boy, we have a bird
Bird Brain in the House
I hear a croak!
DJ Echo Bass feat. Slurp
That’s definitely the high point
Slurp, do you want to do a Human Marsupial Insect Thing?
That could be a satellite up there
You other insects could be the Fabulous Star Singers
A kind of groggle sound
Those better not be skeeters out there
I guess I over-encouraged
Slurp, you can work on that song if you want
Singing a song to the stars together
Scoots and Slurp, the combo
Okay, I’m going to fire up my astronomy app and stop recording for a second
Sky Safari is fired up
That big star is Sirius
Canopus
Betelgeuse is the orange one on the horizon
Castor and Pollux, you’re looking good
I correctly identified Orion’s Belt
What’s that isosceles triangle?
Can we find any actual constellations?
Talking to Castor & Pollux
Bass should be Bass, not Base
Echo Bass could also be a fishing lure
I could cal you C+P Music Factory
Valor Raghulis, haha
What’s the moon sitch?
Rigel 1 sounds like a Star Wars planet
Can you hear Slurp moving around me?
Still not fully dark
The Beauty of the Night Sky
Hoping for a Shooting Star
I thought the plane was a shooting star
What would Betelgeuse fly in on?
Is Betelgeuse 2 still happening?
Why can’t I remember more names in Beetlejuice?
“What’s the highest a plane can fly? (Not as high as my heart)”
Apologies again to the beauty of Mother Nature
Interviewing a plant that doesn’t speak
I have kissed a plant before (closed mouth)
I had 2 plants in college, Groggily and Snap Dog
I’ve kissed plants, no surprise there
How come I never see all these insects but I hear them?
I’d love to know what Slurp looks like
Trill is closing out the night with some serious jams
A futile attempt at praise
Brightness on the edge of sky
These planes are doing a great job of not being irritating
I don’t have access to sugared soda at my parents’ house
It’s hard to encourage but not praise
Two more planes, way high in the sky
Thanks to all these stars for appearing tonight
I wish I could praise Mother Nature like these insect friends
Thanks to all these insect musicians
I wouldn’t trade this stomach full of grouper for anything in the world
How does these insects manage to have such healthy relationships with each other?
I don’t know if praise should be conditional or not
The apple of my ear
I’m so glad you could be here with me
I wish I’d gotten a goodbye kiss from Slurp
SWM+ THANKS
n/a
SUMMARY:
Episode: 1267a / 540
Title: Dusk feat: Slurp & DJ Echo Bass | On Location Listener Fav #540
Deep Dark Night United: SWM+
Plugs: Sleep With Me Plus; Park Stop Fundraiser; Sleep With Me Plus; SleepPhones; Rusty Biscuit Links; Emily Tat Artwork; NAPAWF; Anti-Racism Resources; Ukraine Relief; Crisis Textline
Sponsors: Claritin; Dusker; Helix Sleep; Odoo; Air Doctor Pro; AquaTru; Zocdoc; Progressive
SWM+ Thanks: n/a
Notable Language:
- Sound-Rich Environment
- The Put Put Puttering of a single engine plane
- Some Milky Action
- Great Solar Spatula
- Play Practice
- Fresh Grouper Sandwich
- Feather feather feather feather
- Slurp
- Echo Base
- Post-Shrill
- Bird Brain in the House
- Human Marsupial Insect Thing
- Groggle
- Correct Star Assumption
- A stomach full of grouper
Notable Culture:
-
- Pascoe County
- The Little Dipper
- Orion’s Belt
- ‘Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard’ – Paul Simon
- Tarpon Springs
- Slurp and Chirp and Trill
- Bell Biv Devoe
- Gottman Method
- Fabulous Star Singers
- Off!
- “My Marsupial Insect” song
- Steak and Shake
- Sky Safari
- Beetlejuice
- Finding Constellations: The Scooter Story
- C+C Music Factory
- Game of Thrones
- Rigel 1
- “Waiting for a Star to Fall” song
- “What’s the highest a plane can fly? (Not as high as my heart)”
- “I Kissed a Girl” – Katy Perry
- Gatorade
Notable Talking Points:
- Live, on location, dusk show
- On the shores of Florida
- My parents just left
- I couldn’t get a party started
- Sometimes I don’t know why I have a hard time falling asleep
- What I’m seeing as night falls
- Sound-Rich Environment
- I think we’re north of Tampa
- A brief intro
- Semi-Rural Area
- Just on the edge of Pascoe County
- I’m briefly visiting my parents (surprise!)
- I don’t know if they live in a condo or a split-level
- Behind their house, well, it’s a swamp
- Semi-Rural Area
- Dusk to Post-Dusk
- The noise pollution of Air Conditioning interrupted my recording last night
- I took the red eye last night
- Ignorance is Bliss
- I didn’t think my recording outside might upset some neighbors
- A single engine plane passes overhead
- The Put Put Puttering of a single engine plane
- A lot of sky activity
- A new method of recording
- The two track method
- Clean audio for the voice but also background noise
- A tripod and an external recorder
- Condenser mics for ambient audio
- Dynamic mic for speaking
- Balancing the ambient levels
- Patrons, let me know if you want to hear the individual tracks
- Or you can use a boom mic
- I try to spread the ambient episodes out
- Let’s get down to the experience
- A new noise to my left
- I saw a bunny!
- A beautiful sky that’s a gradient of colors
- Basic Star Count
- I don’t know what that prominent star is
- Burning a Bright Orange
- I just spotted the Little Dipper
- Some Milky Action
- Listen that background noise – they’re joining in
- Great Solar Spatula
- Last night I saw Leo
- That’s a powerful planet on the horizon
- Diving Into Layers of Sounds
- It’s 7pm and my parents are gone
- They’re at Play Practice
- My dad is acting in The Producers and my mom is a seamstress
- Returning to our days of the schoolyard
- They live close to the Gulf
- I love water
- I wish one day to live near a body of water I can swim in
- Preferably Saltwater
- Stagnant Swampy Water is low on the list
- This was an old quarry
- I forgot the name
- A beautiful time swimming in February
- I helped some boys get a crab before they set it free
- My parents only 1.5 meals a day
- They eat their first meal at 2pm
- Fresh Grouper Sandwich
- I need to get to the Gulf of Mexico
- Tarpon Springs
- I didn’t fully submerge
- I wish I had a bad joke for these crickets to react to
- Layers of Sound
- Wind or Traffic Layer
- A slowed down staccato sound
- A third chirping sound
- There’s a Slurp sound
- Feather feather feather feather
- I don’t think that is the ISS
- I would definitely pick Slurp as my sidekick
- Live Insect Communication
- Shoutout to Slurp and Trill
- Slurp and Chirp and Trill, a newjack swing group
- Trill are you playing a woodwind now?
- You’re blasting on that horn, Trill
- Great job
- Encouragement vs Praise
- Are any insects into the Gottman Method
- Who’s this new person?
- Echo Base
- Oh, sorry, that’s you, Slurp
- Where’s Chirp?
- Any butter birds out there?
- Why would you want another nickname besides Trill?
- Post-Shrill
- What in the heck is rising up from the earth here?
- Time to encourage Slurp
- 3 Tips for Listening from Slurp
- Oh boy, we have a bird
- Bird Brain in the House
- I hear a croak!
- DJ Echo Bass feat. Slurp
- That’s definitely the high point
- Slurp, do you want to do a Human Marsupial Insect Thing?
- That could be a satellite up there
- You other insects could be the Fabulous Star Singers
- A kind of groggle sound
- Those better not be skeeters out there
- I guess I over-encouraged
- Slurp, you can work on that song if you want
- Singing a song to the stars together
- Scoots and Slurp, the combo
- Okay, I’m going to fire up my astronomy app and stop recording for a second
- Sky Safari is fired up
- That big star is Sirius
- Canopus
- Betelgeuse is the orange one on the horizon
- Castor and Pollux, you’re looking good
- I correctly identified Orion’s Belt
- What’s that isosceles triangle?
- Can we find any actual constellations?
- Talking to Castor & Pollux
- Bass should be Bass, not Base
- Echo Bass could also be a fishing lure
- I could cal you C+P Music Factory
- Valor Raghulis, haha
- What’s the moon sitch?
- Rigel 1 sounds like a Star Wars planet
- Can you hear Slurp moving around me?
- Still not fully dark
- The Beauty of the Night Sky
- Hoping for a Shooting Star
- I thought the plane was a shooting star
- What would Betelgeuse fly in on?
- Is Betelgeuse 2 still happening?
- Why can’t I remember more names in Beetlejuice?
- “What’s the highest a plane can fly? (Not as high as my heart)”
- Apologies again to the beauty of Mother Nature
- Interviewing a plant that doesn’t speak
- I have kissed a plant before (closed mouth)
- I had 2 plants in college, Groggily and Snap Dog
- I’ve kissed plants, no surprise there
- How come I never see all these insects but I hear them?
- I’d love to know what Slurp looks like
- Trill is closing out the night with some serious jams
- A futile attempt at praise
- Brightness on the edge of sky
- These planes are doing a great job of not being irritating
- I don’t have access to sugared soda at my parents’ house
- It’s hard to encourage but not praise
- Two more planes, way high in the sky
- Thanks to all these stars for appearing tonight
- I wish I could praise Mother Nature like these insect friends
- Thanks to all these insect musicians
- I wouldn’t trade this stomach full of grouper for anything in the world
- How does these insects manage to have such healthy relationships with each other?
- I don’t know if praise should be conditional or not
- The apple of my ear
- I’m so glad you could be here with me
- I wish I’d gotten a goodbye kiss from Slurp
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