The Being Afraid is a new hardware only project launched chiefly to reduce Jamie’s out-of-control screentime. It also introduces sonic constraints not present in the infinite possibilities of a Digital Audio Workstation, whilst simultaneously providing a freedom to work fast and improvise that the digital workspace takes away with its potential for endless post-recording adjustments.

The paln is to create a recording environment to work within and to put together as many pieces as feels right, group them together into 30-40 minute length collections and to record them in one take semi-improvised sessions. The first environment, Eremition, uses an Elektron Model:Samples through a JHS Octave Reverb and Zoom Multistomp alongside a Arturia Microfreak running through a pedal chain of Electro Harmonix Crayon > Strymon El Capistan > Old Blood Noise Endevours Minim > Walrus Slo. Field recordings are used extensively, mostly taken on mental health walks around Barry, Cardiff and Barnsley.

Once this cycle is finished it’ll switch focus to tape loops and/or guitars. And then…who knows?

A trilogy of releases created in the Eremition environment is planned for 2026, to be self-released under the A Home For Scared People banner. Work-in-progress live streams will be taking place on Twitch – keep an eye on the VFOS Bluesky/Instagram for streaming dates/times.