This website features news and information on Jason Winstanley projects.
I’m writing a novel. Rather than bore everyone to death with the minutae details about the process I’ve taken up a blog to kind of keep me on topic with the novel. I started writing it over 10 years ago but other things have been getting in the way. I’ve picked it up again and hopefully I’ll see if I can finish it next year. This blog features my thoughts on the process, deleted scenes, guides on how not to get published and other knick knacks.

This is a teaser from a new band I’ve been enjoying for the past year or so. Seen them twice already. They recently made their debut on Later With…Jools Holland and they have a new album out in January. I’ll be catching them again when they will be supporting Doves at Manchester Central in December.
Friendly Fires provided the soundtrack to the night last Thursday at 53 Degrees in Preston. You can read a review by my alter ego, Smirnov Kool at his last fm page by clicking on the photograph.
AUTOFAC has created a ‘Text the Nation’ jingle for Adam and Joe’s 6MUSIC show. Not sure if it’s been used yet. Probably not. Click the title to hear it.
Caught a bit of Little Boots in concert. She seemed to be wowing the crowd and looked fab. However had to leave early due to the poor spacing of the venue and an over abundance of the odd arsehole.

I’ve been re-visiting the music of Kraftwerk recently. Not that I ever need any excuse). As you may know the remasters have finally been released. I picked up ‘Man Machine’ and ‘Autobahn’ even though I already have them. It’s worth it just for the extended artwork and pristine, stylish new sleeves. The above pic is of the original sleeve of ‘Autobahn’.

Went to see UP! in 3-D earlier this evening with friends. I enjyed although I found the first 20 minutes (especially the montage) a little bit depressing, touching and beautiful all at the same time. Actually I’ve managed to catch a few films this year, included ‘Moon’, ‘In The Loop’ and ‘Synedoche, New York’, the latter I’ve still not made up my mind about.

Went to see Richard Hawley recently at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, performing tracks from the new album ‘Truelove’s Gutter’. (My favourite track from the new album is ‘Open Up Your Door’) He gave a fantastic cinematic performance interspersed with his trademark dry wit.

Went to V Festival 2009 at Staffordshire on Sunday where I caught The Specials and The Killers. No longer a festival virgin.
http://open.spotify.com/user/syncratic/playlist/579q8r4K3sb8sPlUrbM5wd
Here’s a playlist on spotify I made today while I was bored. It’s not too bad actually. If you have spotify if you click or cut and paste the link it will open on your player. Hopefully, unlike me you won’t be using the free version and having it interupted by the hateful adverts.

Managed to catch the Banksy VS Bristol Museum exhibition in Bristol yesterday. An interesting and entertaining mixture of social commentary and satire on modern art/classical art/animal/human rights/slavery/repression/yob culture/descent of law and order.

Saw Delphic perform a energetic, ravey set at the Manchester International Festival at the Pavillion Theatre. Very impressed with the sound of things to come. Their forthcoming new album is being produced by Ewan Pearson. Shades of New Order and Bloc Party both with the sound and aesthetics.
Recently visited Jeff Koon’s ‘Popeye Series’ exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery in London. Love the craftmanship of the nostalgic childhood inflatables, made with hard metal but looking rubbery. Very tempting to throw around. My favourite piece was a suspended Dolphin. In the foyer jumped onto a laptop that enabled to have a play around with Second Life. Flew around for a bit and managed to embed myself in concrete.
Autofac’s myspace page also features music from Xilax and more general information. Discography updated. Autofac is currently working on a new album due in late Autumn. Probably.
Compact Disco AUTOFAC
Ecstastic
Deep Heat
Teachnique
Warp
Domestic Science