BEHIND THE MACHINE
The story behind PipersTrail Productions

PipersTrail is built on the basis of hard work and artistry. Founded in the by Raymon Fong in the year of 2000. PipersTrail started with music written by Raymon and Romel Velasco, college friends enrolled in a visual arts program. With mediocre recording equipment and a vision, PipersTrail was well on their way on producing their first album.

While working at their regular jobs and over a year of part time music production, "Frozen in Time" known today as "Between Mind & Machine" was going well though the summer of 2001. Like many good things, they never last and neither did the dream for Romel. With one month and a song left to record, Romel abruptly left the music project unexpectedly in November 2001.

"To have people quit on a music album before the public even knows who you are is kinda sad. Its like I'm living a Behind the Scenes VH1 Presents…" -chuckles Raymon

In shock, Raymon and PipersTrail was in turmoil. Two months had passed, about to quit the project altogether, Raymon overcame his disbelief and disappointment. Writing and recording "Black November" the last song on the album based on the incident that had just passed.

Where's the singer???
With a new found determination to complete the project, Raymon was near the end of the music recording process. The next obstacle was finding someone to record the vocals.

"When this music project started it was agreed upon that I would write the lyrics and my partner would sing the vocals, I guess that wasn't going to happen…" - Raymon Fong

Not knowing too many vocalists in the industry and auditions from a few friends, the role finally went to long time friend, Alvern Bunn, an upcoming rap and R&B artist in pursuit of his own musical career. After the first meeting and listening to samples of his work, Raymon saw potential to use Alvern in his recordings.

"His soulfoul voice went well with the recording, he has talent and he came at the right time. It was never my intention to have an R&B feel, but maybe I can reach a wider range of audiences with a new musical style." - Raymon Fong

Back to the drawing board
In spring 2002, most of the music was recorded, although something was telling him there still needed to be a change. "Frozen in Time" was the album title established by both Raymon and Romel in the early stages of the writing process. Even though the design for the album and website was nearly completed, Raymon felt compelled to start the look from scratch.

"I needed something new, something fresh. I think the old title and feel was reflecting what it was and not what it is was going to be…" - Raymon Fong

Back at the drawing table and sleepless nights of sketching, Raymon finally came up with the working title "Between Mind & Machine". A look which involved technology as being cold, useful tools only when matched with the insight and vision of the human mind and spirit. This was what the album was all about.

"The process between the active mind translated into a viable form using technology is the idea behind the concept of the album. It's all about the balance..." - Raymon Fong

Two years later and the future of PipersTrail
Almost two years in the making "Between Mind & Machine" was finally released in the fall of 2003. With a new look and sound, Raymon has redefined the acronym DIY (Do It Yourself). His list of credits include producing, playing, writing, designing and literally paying studio and production fees from his own pocket. What's the next step for Raymon and PipersTrail productions? He hopes to produce supporting music videos for the album, look for distribution and perhaps search for a collaborative record deal in the near future.

All this said you would think Raymon would be taking the time to relax and concentrate on the attention of larger record companies. On the contrary, he has already started writing and recording a follow up album and is in the works on a conceptual album with a new colleague.

"I love music and I've sacrificed a lot and have no regrets about the whole experience. I've learned many things in the past two years on production, music, writing and the people you work with. Passion drove me to start the project, passion drove me to continue the project and passion will drive me to finish the project." - Raymon Fong