Hey Gavin,
I'm up here in Upstate New York trying to get everyone that i know to listen to PT, and i've put a pretty big dent in the scene. I am a Music and Media Technology Major at the University at Albany and I've even given the chair of the music department a copy of In Absentia... and he loves it. Last semester I did an aural presentation on "The Sound of Musak," and the class loved it.
For the past 8 or so years i have been very disappointed with the music scene and what these corporate pukes have been putting on the shelves. Last year my friend turned me onto PT by way of Blackest Eyes. I lost it!!!! This is what ive been waiting for, a breath of fresh air. This was around the same time that Deadwing was released, so i bought both albums. Best musical purchase i've made in a long time, with the exception of Rush's Chronicles.
Great job on the new DVD. The PDF's are a huge help, but i was disappointed that there werent more MIDI files present. I am a huge MIDI freak, basically cuz i cant stand click tracks. I would much rather sequence the drum parts out myself, getting the rough idea out in audible form and then use that as my click track. Got a real user freindly program called Guitar Pro.
http://www.guitar-pro.com/en/index.php
I've been experimenting with some of your concepts in this program and it gives an accurate represention in a short amount of time. (just a few keystrokes). There is a speed training option that allows for selection of specific bars, and allows for input and increase of bpm, very helpful when dealing with difficult passages such as some of your neat little tricks. I have transcibed some PT songs in this program and the turn around time for learning these licks is staggering.
Anyway, I'd just like to thank you, Steve, Richard, and Colin for keeping the passion alive, cuz i can hear it in the music. I have tickets to see you guys in NYC on Oct. 6th at the Nokia Theatre. I cant wait. Take care and God bless.