Meaning: The quote you provided offers insight into the creative process and aspirations of Jim Coleman, a musician known for his work with the band Cop Shoot Cop. In this quote, Coleman discusses the challenge of editing down a large volume of material created before the Cop days and finding a way to release it to the public. He describes this material as "pretty out there," consisting mostly of sonic collages and tape manipulations. This quote sheds light on Coleman's experimental and avant-garde approach to music production and his desire to share this unique body of work with a wider audience.

Jim Coleman's mention of editing down approximately 7 hours of material suggests a prolific period of creativity and experimentation prior to his involvement with Cop Shoot Cop. This insight into his creative process highlights the dedication and effort required to curate and refine a substantial amount of raw material into a cohesive and accessible form. It also hints at the depth and diversity of the sonic collages and tape manipulations that comprise this body of work, indicating a rich and multi-faceted artistic output.

The description of the material as "pretty out there" provides a glimpse into the unconventional and boundary-pushing nature of Coleman's pre-Cop work. This characterization suggests that the sonic collages and tape manipulations may explore unorthodox soundscapes, experimental techniques, and unconventional musical structures. Coleman's willingness to venture into the avant-garde realm speaks to his adventurous spirit as an artist and his inclination to push the boundaries of traditional music composition and production.

Furthermore, the reference to sonic collages and tape manipulations offers insight into the specific techniques and approaches employed by Coleman in this body of work. Sonic collages typically involve the layering and juxtaposition of disparate sound elements to create a complex and evocative auditory experience. This technique often involves the manipulation of found sounds, field recordings, and musical fragments to construct a textured and immersive sonic landscape. Similarly, tape manipulations involve the creative and experimental use of analog tape machines to alter and manipulate recorded sounds, resulting in innovative and unconventional sonic output.

Finally, the quote is attributed to Jim Coleman, identified as an actor. While Coleman is indeed known for his work as a musician, it is possible that he has also been involved in acting projects or that this quote was sourced from a context where he was discussing his creative endeavors beyond music. This multi-faceted artistic identity further enriches our understanding of Coleman as a creative individual with diverse talents and interests.

In summary, the quote provided offers a compelling glimpse into Jim Coleman's creative process, shedding light on his efforts to edit and release a significant body of pre-Cop material characterized by its experimental and avant-garde nature. This insight provides valuable context for appreciating Coleman's artistic vision and the depth of his creative output beyond his well-known contributions to Cop Shoot Cop.