About the website

Q. How do I play your songs while browsing?
A. On most modern web browsers, you will probably see a small play button beside each song on the main page. Click the button to listen online. You may have to wait a few moments for the song to start if you have a slow internet connection.

Q. I can't see a play button / I can't make the lyrics appear.
A. The main page uses JavaScript to stream music and toggle the lyrics, so you'll need JavaScript enabled if you want to use those features.

Q. How do I download a song to listen to it later?
A. On the main page, look for the 'download mp3 or ogg' links. On most browsers, you just right-click on the format you want and choose 'Save As'. For songs no longer on the main page, the song title acts as the download link.

Q. What's an 'ogg'?
A. Ogg Vorbis is, like mp3, a way to compress music files down to a size that can be easily shared. Unlike mp3, Ogg Vorbis is an open, non-proprietary format, and arguably provides better quality compression. Ogg Vorbis is not yet as widely compatible as mp3, so check your music player. It may require you to download a free codec to play ogg files. My older songs are only in mp3 format, but for newer songs I'll generally be offering both formats.

Q. I'm having other problems with your website. Help.
A. This website is tested primarily on Firefox, but should display correctly on most modern browsers. If you're having problems, or the site looks wonky, drop me a line and I'll try to fix it.

Q. Who is your webhost?
A. DreamHost. If you're looking for cheap web space, the discount code BARNCODE will give you a $50 discount on your first year's hosting, and will help defray my own web hosting fees.

Thanks to:
- Brian Hadaway, who developed the nifty one-button audio player I use on the main page.

About me

Q. Explain yourself, sir.
A. I strum a guitar. I bash a keyboard. I sing a bit. I marinate it all inside a computer.

Q. Where do you live?
A. Victoria, Australia (bottom right).

Q. Any plans for a Barnadine album?
A. No, but I'm working towards an album under my real name. It looks like it'll be some bastard hybrid of folk and electronica. I'll post details in the news section if and when details emerge.

Q. Would you like to collaborate on a project?
A. Maybe. I've been known to collaborate in the past. Send an email and we'll see.

Q. I notice you sometimes do cover versions. Would you consider doing a cover of song x?
A. Very possibly. Tell me the song, and if it seems interesting, there's a good chance I'll cover it. Can't promise I'll be faithful and accurate, though.

Q. What did you use to make sound x in song y?
A. I use a combination of real instruments, virtual instruments, things that aren't meant to be instruments, and the occasional field recording. If you have questions about a particular sound, I'm happy to spill the beans in more detail.

Q. Are these questions frequently asked? I mean, honestly?
A. 'Rarely Asked Questions' lacks zing. And some of them are real actual questions from real actual people.

Q. Is Bernadine your real name?
A. Nah. It's Michael. Or Mike to you.

Q. Why Bernadine then?
A. Well, um, it's Barnadine, actually.

Q. Oh, sorry.
A. That's perfectly all right.

Q. So why Barnadine then?
A. It's a fairly boring and complex story. Are you sure you want to hear it?

Q. Not really.
A. Well, when I say boring, I don't mean... Maybe I could...

Q. No. The moment has passed.
A. Oh.

(Pause.)

Q. (Sigh) Go on then.
A. Well, dead English playwrights are involved. Google will probably clear things up. Years ago, I picked the name semi-randomly to sign onto a music forum, and being too lazy to change it, I'm now sort of stuck with it. It has no deep significance.

Q. Wow. Fascinating.
A. You asked.

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