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High Technology Publishing Ltd.
High Technology Publishing Ltd. (formerly "Hi-Tec Music Limited") was formed to produce and promote the Commodore 64 CD "Back in Time", and also to provide commercial support and outlets to C64 and Amiga musicians and sceners. It also provides an outlet for writing and selling original music to all kinds of diverse projects. We plan on doing a lot more, including commissioning original pieces from C64 composers, and making rarities more available.
Chris Abbott (me) is a director of "High Technology Publishing Ltd.". <HYPE>Like all composers, he is for hire, and can write music to your specifications for a reasonable price. </HYPE>
I'm 27 years old, and married to Tanya, a Russian linguist. The first computer I programmed was a Commodore Pet 4032 (wow, 32K!), where it was difficult to avoid machine code. My first computer generally was an Atari 400 16K with disk drive: it's impossible to convey the excitement and suspense of waiting for Preppie, Shamus or one of Brian Howarth's "Mysterious Adventures" to load. I then graduated to the C64, via an Atari 800XL with disk drive. Musically, most of my early work was done using a Casio CZ101 synthesiser (which he has had since 1986), and a MIDI sequencer for the Atari 800XL. In 1988 I wrote a few tunes for Superior Software. Hardly any were released (including the "Cadbury's Milk Tray" theme for the Amstrad CPC!!). One that was was "By Fair Means or Foul", my tune appearing in the BBC Master Compact version. I got paid รบ50.00 for that. Big money at the time. I also programmed covers of tunes from the musical "Chess", and other C64 stuff in UBIK's music. It can be downloaded from the original music section, thanks to Gabriel Priarone turning it into nice SIDs.
After a long layoff from music, during which I never forgot my love of C64 music, I got a PC and an AWE32. I loved the AWE, and started using it to do C64 covers, including my first, "Action Biker", a cover which was far too manic. More covers followed, until one day when I heard a demo CD of the Yamaha DB50XG. I went out and bought one the same day, in love with the sound. The final piece of the puzzle was when that genius Michael Schwendt released Sid2MIDI. Ahh, the ecstacy. The guy's a genius. Someone send him money immediately!!
In the last year, I have also produced a lot of original stuff, for a German music publisher called "Alojado Publishing". Amongst the things I did for them were some arrangements of Philippino Xmas carols, a disco version of "Can't take my eyes off of you" and "I was made for loving you". Also, some original tunes which were very nice, and are available on my original music page.
Recently, I wrote some music for a forthcoming game from Abstract Software called "Joe Blow", but which may not be in the game. I've made this music available too. Enjoy...!!
When I'm not music-ing, I'm an IT person, programming in Access and Visual Basic. I'm also an expert on Cyrillic codepages, and a mean ten-pin bowler (top score 248). I also love Star Trek: TNG, the Simpsons, Seinfeld and Red Dwarf. But then, who doesn't?
Oh yeah, I'm in the UK, living south-east of London.
Warren Pilkington, an ex-Zzapper, kindly wrote material for the web page giving his views on some of the games: he's also a prolific SID composer, and a dedicated SID ripper and organiser, being heavily active in the HVSC scene, and "Commodore Zone". As if that wasn't enough: he also runs a listings request service. Is this guy a genuine C64 hero or what?
Name: Warren Pilkington
Age: 25 (born 10/05/1972)
Handle: Waz (Zaw Productions)
E-mail: wazzaw@globalnet.co.uk
C64 owner: since 1986.
C64 music: composing since 1991 as 'Zaw Productions'. Still writing music even now.
Games with my music in: Insectophobia (Psytronik, 1994), Flight Of The Albatross (Psytronik, 1994), Silverfish (Psytronik, 1994), Kindergarten Kids (Commodore Zone, 1997), The Last Amazon (Commodore Zone, 1997). C64 history: submitted tips to Zzap! 64 between 1988-1991, sometimes under 'Waz'. Befriended Robin Hogg (reviewer) which meant I got to keep some of the software I hacked. When Newsfield went bust I did tips and hacks for Commodore Format between 1991-1996. Writes two articles for 'Commodore Zone' magazine, The Tip Zone (tips section) and The Covenant, The Sword And The C64 Soundtrack (C64 cover versions article.) and still runs 'listings request service'.
If you want a listing or POKE for a game, simply e-mail me and put 'Listing request' in the subject. I should reply within 72 hours. Alternatively, write to me (UK residents MUST enclose an SAE) at:
Warren Pilkington, 62 Old Hall Lane, Longsight, Manchester M13 0UD ENGLAND.