Neil's Thoughts

A few days ago, while sorting through old files, I found something I had not properly looked at in years.

The ongoing saga of crowdfunded board games and the companies that promise the moon. I've backed three CMON Kickstarters over the past two years. None have arrived. The updates are increasingly vague. The community forums are increasingly angry. At what point does 'delayed' become 'lost'? I'm genuinely asking. Because I don't know if I'm being patient or being a mug.

I used to have a list. A running mental tally of films coming out that I genuinely wanted to see. Somewhere in the last two years, that list went to zero. Not sure if that says something about the industry, about me, or about what happens when you hit 50 and the nostalgia machine stops working. Laura says I'm just getting old. She's probably right. But I miss being excited about a trailer.

The data is quietly terrifying. Not in a headline-grabbing way, in the way that a slow leak is terrifying. The composition of life on Earth is shifting faster than most people realise, and the direction is not encouraging. Insect biomass declining. Mammal biomass (wild) plummeting. Livestock and human biomass rising. We're replacing the complex with the simple. That never ends well.

## Reflections on My Journey, the Power of Music, and the Embrace of AI

Music has always been a powerful medium to capture the essence of our experiences, dreams, and reflections. Today, I'm thrilled to announce the release of my new album, "The Oak Album," a collection of songs that weave together personal narratives, social commentaries, and emotional landscapes.

**TL;DR:** AI is revolutionizing music production by making it more accessible and efficient. Platforms like Suno.com allow users to create music quickly and easily, sparking debate over whether this enhances or undermines traditional creative processes. While some critics see AI as "cheating," I view it as a collaborative partner that enhances creativity. This post explores the benefits, challenges, ethical considerations, and personal experiences with AI in music, highlighting how AI can democratize and enrich the creative landscape.

On May 3, 2024, I released my first album via Distrokid, an online music publication platform that distributes your music to platforms like Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, and more.