My First Music Video Growing up in rural Indiana my family didn’t have cable or satellite until I was in high school, so we didn’t get MTV or VH1 until after both channels stopped airing music videos. Thankfully, YouTube can help to fill that void now – though at lower resolution. At any rate, because [...]
My First Music Video Growing up in rural Indiana my family didn’t have cable or satellite until I was in high school, so we didn’t get MTV or VH1 until after both channels stopped airing music videos. Thankfully, YouTube can help to fill that void now – though at lower resolution. At any rate, because we didn’t have cable until I was a freshmen, this music video was my first glimpse into the visual side of pop music culture. I didn’t really know who R.E.M. was at the time, but I knew that they were obviously famous, successful, and most importantly: connecting with somebody somewhere, which I thought was cool. The Dan Rather Mugging I also didn’t know that this song was referencing some odd bits of pop culture trivia involving time travel, media mind control, a street mugging, and Dan Rather. I’m not making this stuff up. Here are some links:
R.E.M. – What’s The Frequency Kenneth? As for the video itself, I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either. Here was just a group of fairly normal looking guys playing a straight-forward rock song, synced to strobed lights, in some kind of warehouse/airplane hangar. In that way, it has always been reassuring to me, that an average looking fellow like myself could still be a successful musician some day. Thanks R.E.M.! And because this music video was the first one I had ever seen, it has stuck with me over the years as a kind of archetype for what music videos maybe ought to be: the artists playing their song for you like it was a private concert. The band, you, a garage, and a song. Nice and simple. The R.E.M. Effect Since 1994, I’ve seen countless bands attempt to do R.E.M. covers. Sounds like it would be an easy thing to do, right? WRONG! Lots of people make this mistake. Today, I am officially going public with my “R.E.M. Effect” theory. To me, it seems that the only people capable of playing R.E.M. songs are R.E.M. themselves. The songs are not particularly hard to play, but there’s just something about playing an R.E.M. tune that makes the performer sound like a so-so college band doing a so-so cover. I don’t know what it is really that creates this effect, so if anyone has an insight into this, please shed some light on the subject. BONUS VIDEO! Today is a twofer deal. This clip below is from Letterman. Dan Rather actually *sings* with the band live. That Rather… he’s such a wild card!
Alright, day 2 of my adventesque January music video blogs is a comedic one. Maybe this doesn’t really count as a true music video, but why not? Two kiwis pretending to be post-apocalyptic robots = funny. This is one of those rare videos that actually makes me LOL, even after repeat viewing. These chaps have [...]
Alright, day 2 of my adventesque January music video blogs is a comedic one. Maybe this doesn’t really count as a true music video, but why not? Two kiwis pretending to be post-apocalyptic robots = funny. This is one of those rare videos that actually makes me LOL, even after repeat viewing. These chaps have packed a lot of humor into 4 minutes and pull off an impeccable impression of the Mac computer voice (you know the one). NOTE: Before watching this video, make sure you know what binary is – it’ll make the solo much funnier. WARNING: This movie moves uses words outside the PG realm. They drop the F-bomb at 2:47 as well as several other minor curse words. Fair warning. Play on.
Introduction to “January Is For Videos” The new year is always bittersweet for me. The upside: It’s the start of a new year, which means a clean slate. The downside: Jan. 1 means months more of dreary winter. I don’t so much mind the cold, sleet, and snow as long as there is a holiday [...]
Introduction to “January Is For Videos” The new year is always bittersweet for me. The upside: It’s the start of a new year, which means a clean slate. The downside: Jan. 1 means months more of dreary winter. I don’t so much mind the cold, sleet, and snow as long as there is a holiday to celebrate. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Get us through October, November, and December, but the first few months of the new year are quite sparse on holidays. March brings us St. Patty’s Day, the first real holiday of the year. I know February gives us Valentine’s Day, which is also technically a holiday, but to me (and apparently a lot of other people) that’s a holiday that’s more dreary than the darkest, coldest day in January. So in 2008 I’m turning over a new leaf. I am going to celebrate the dark month of January, despite its doldrums. I’ve decided to fight the new year sadness with music videos. I’m calling it “January is for Videos” – a tongue-in-cheek reference to Virginia’s we-have-something-to-offer state slogan. Each day, I’ll post a video that makes me smile, inspires me, changed my life, or somehow captures something I think is worthy of others seeing. I hope this little glimpse into my experience with music videos will help make the beginning of your 2008 a little more exciting, less dreary, and gives each January day that small, but much needed boost to get you through. That said, here’s the first post for Day 1: Portishead – Glory Box First, Portishead. If you don’t know who they are, you’re missing out on a part life – the part where lounge soul and electronic beats beautifully drown together in reverb. The band’s heyday was the late 90s and sadly, they are no longer together, but this stuff is still as beautiful and fresh today. I’ve known about them for a long time, but just recently bought their self-titled album ‘Portishead.’ This video is them playing track 2 from that disc. They are playing live at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City in ’97. As a musician, the atmosphere in this video is as good as it gets. In your dreams, you hope to someday play a show. In fact, this is exactly how you want to perform your songs every time: lights low, room smoky and chill, surrounded by your extremely talented bandmates, backed by an an orchestra, and an intimate gathering of your fans listening intently, enjoying your art as much as you do – maybe even more so. The mood is right and the music is good. They’ve written a real gem, something poppy, yet timeless. “Glory Box” is catchy, groovy. Hippies and deadheads nod in unison to its vibe, but there is a depth and quality that the critics and classicists (in the musical sense) can’t deny either. They take their time because no one wants to go anywhere. That’s hard to do. This is how I want to play. This kind of venue, this quality of music, these kind of fans. Wish I could’ve seen this show. Good news though, this concert is available on a live DVD. I’m saving my pennies to pick it up. Anyway, check out the video. Hope it makes your January 1st super chill.
Last night I opened for my friends Nathan Metz and Nick Bosworth. They have some really great songs, so it’s always good to hear them play. I like to brag on my friends that have done something incredible or are just amazing people. At the show, one of those great friends showed up. Dan Swartz [...]
Last night I opened for my friends Nathan Metz and Nick Bosworth. They have some really great songs, so it’s always good to hear them play.
I like to brag on my friends that have done something incredible or are just amazing people. At the show, one of those great friends showed up. Dan Swartz and I were in the Art Department around the same time and we worked on a project together. Since then, he has developed his illustrating skills to new and dizzying heights. You can check out his work at daniel-swartz.com.
Also, I ordered the 8GB iPhone®. Waited for the price to drop and then made my move. I needed to switch carriers anyway, so I figured I’d get a phone with some functionality. I’m ready for some sweet syncing action.
I just wrote an epic journal entry about how great my friends are (which you already know, cause you’re one of them) and then my browser closed on me. Bummer. Well, what I was going to say was how blessed I feel to have the friends I do. You kids are something special. Recently, I’ve [...]
I just wrote an epic journal entry about how great my friends are (which you already know, cause you’re one of them) and then my browser closed on me. Bummer.
Well, what I was going to say was how blessed I feel to have the friends I do. You kids are something special. Recently, I’ve come to appreciate just how especially nice, daring, talented, and cool a few of you are. In the midst of such overwhelming and damning evidence against humanity, you guys give me hope that people really can be great and loving. Thank you. There are many of you that I have not been able to connect with in quite a while and I hate that. I wish I could spend more time with you all, but life takes me where it does, literally. If we haven’t connected in a while, please don’t give up on me. Know that I love you all and hope to see you again as soon as I can manage to be in the same town as you. You are always on my mind.
Also, recently, a few albums were released that are worth a note (pun intended):
If you have the World Waits EP, then just get the first four tracks. The other tracks are re-recorded versions of the World Waits EP. “On The Wayside” is a great track. Jeremy is somehow able to record the sound of the human spirit rising and welling up within. Amazing.
This disc surprised me with the variety of lounge vibes and sexually charged lyrics, which I guess is to be expected from a couple drinking a bottle of wine every night in a successful attempt to rekindle their marriage. There’s some Tom Waits influence on one of the tracks too, which, of course, I like.
My friends just released their second disc and it’s full of catchy, sweet little vignettes of a life lived in pursuit of love for God and family. Fans of Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine, and similar storytellers will really dig this album. Well done chaps! Looking forward to more from you. Keep it up!
Currently listening:
The Missing Link
By Jeremy Enigk
Release date: 21 August, 2007
I wish to become that which I was intended to be, exactly fulfilling my destiny (should you so call it that) so that in life, as we know it, and history, as it is documented, will find me in perfect character, playing the role for which I was made. That said, I must admit that [...]
I wish to become that which I was intended to be, exactly fulfilling my destiny (should you so call it that) so that in life, as we know it, and history, as it is documented, will find me in perfect character, playing the role for which I was made. That said, I must admit that I haven’t really put into words the thoughts of my mind right now. So, if I should find those words, I’ll update this entry. Until then, live well, my friends.
Currently listening:
Alice
By Tom Waits
Release date: 07 May, 2002
Current mood: convinced, content, clear Last night was one of my top 3 shows of all time. I played a big festival called Lifest in central Wisconsin. My friends Lynn and Alex were able to join Katie Nelson, Hoss, and I for Katie’s set at the giant indoor cafe stage. I absolutely love playing with [...]
Last night was one of my top 3 shows of all time. I played a big festival called Lifest in central Wisconsin. My friends Lynn and Alex were able to join Katie Nelson, Hoss, and I for Katie’s set at the giant indoor cafe stage. I absolutely love playing with the whole band. Drums and bass made the music so much more enjoyable. It felt right just to turn it up and let go. Not having to push the cart musically makes my job so easy and fun.
Saturday was the first chance I’ve had to run my guitar through my new laptop. Everything went splendidly. No glitches, reboots, or random problems. Plus the tone was killer coming through the mains. I’m definitely hooked on this new rig. I can practice just about anywhere now because I don’t have to set up a ton of gear, just plug in my guitar and headphones. Definitely makes it easier to do what I do.
Before our set we walked the whole campus of the festival stopping in at several shows, smelling the carnival food, watching the unpredictable interactions of the thousands of festival goers. We caught several big name acts and some not so big ones too. Sadly, I walked away from most of them feeling dissatisfied and upset. I saw and heard too much agenda every where we went. I just wanted to leave, so as to not even be a part of it all. I know I can’t, nor should I, really judge the intentions of others, but I think I should probably always be checking my own heart. So before we went on I explained to the rest of the band what I was feeling. I think it helped me tremendously to express those thoughts and keep my head in the right place.
This is basically what I said:
We are not here to entertain, act like rockstars, or put ourselves on a pedestal. We are not here to preach, pose as examples, or catalyze the masses. We are not here to spiritualize, assume leadership, or cause miracles. We are only humans, nothing more and nothing less. Above all, we must be obedient to what we have been called to do: play music and live honestly. We simply must do what we do and leave all expectations, fears, and great work in the hands of a God who knows what really needs to happen. For this cause, for this obedience, we were born.
Currently listening:
1000 Kisses
By Patty Griffin
Release date: 09 April, 2002
My time here in New York has been an excursion outside of the normal confines of Hoosier living and the change has been nice. While visiting with family, I’ve enjoyed a hike through the beautiful Green Lakes State Park, a morning at the local farmer’s market, a chance to catch up with some friends at [...]
My time here in New York has been an excursion outside of the normal confines of Hoosier living and the change has been nice. While visiting with family, I’ve enjoyed a hike through the beautiful Green Lakes State Park, a morning at the local farmer’s market, a chance to catch up with some friends at Eastern Hills Bible Church, an exploration of an abandoned gravel pit, a jazz festival featuring Aretha Franklin, a wine tour and picnic in the Finger Lakes Region, a pops music concert in the park by the Stan Colella Orchestra, and of course, food gleaned from the wonderful selection at Wegman’s. I’ve really enjoyed my time out here with my family and wish we could spend more time together like this. And save for my sister forgetting to tell me about a free Béla Fleck & the Flecktones show the evening of our first day here, this trip has been spot on.
Friday, I finally was able to catch the Queen of Soul in person. Seeing Aretha in concert is one of those do-before-you-die checklist items. I’m glad I could see her perform. My friend Marcus scored some VIP tickets for us, so we were able to squeeze our way to the front of a 40,000 plus crowd. She had a large band with her, including her son on guitar, and featuring a local ensemble of horns and woodwinds. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting a top performance from someone her age, but was pleasantly surprised to hear her great, strong voice belting out familiar songs in the cold July evening air. She definitely still has it.
Yesterday, we enjoyed a evening in the park with a much smaller crowd. The Stan Colella Orchestra set up on a patio near the park’s edge and played swing, dance, pop and jazz standards. Even though this music is not something I normally listen to, I could not help but appreciate the aesthetic is created in this live setting. Sipping wine from a local winery on a sunny afternoon, while lying on a blanket in the park, watching kids playing and biking and old couples dancing is pleasant no matter what genre or niche you normally operate within. It just felt right.
Also, I’ve met quite a few people recently that have never heard of Béla Fleck. Shame, shame, shame. If you’ve never experienced his music, check out the DVD I’ve listed below. I’d describe his music as virtuoso banjo elevator music for hippies. That’s sounds awful, but it really is breathtaking to watch. My friend Dan Wilton introduced me to Béla a few years ago. Thanks, Dan!
I may stay a little longer than I had planned. Who knows? Gotta go. Going to enjoy some homemade potato soup for lunch.
Currently watching:
Live at the Quick
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones
Release date: 26 February, 2002
On a whim, Katie Nelson and I decided to play at an acoustic open mic here in New Jersey last night. When we got to the venue we found out that the open mic was actually a contest with prizes. I’m not exactly thrilled about the concept of competitive music because of the spirit it [...]
On a whim, Katie Nelson and I decided to play at an acoustic open mic here in New Jersey last night. When we got to the venue we found out that the open mic was actually a contest with prizes. I’m not exactly thrilled about the concept of competitive music because of the spirit it fosters amongst musicians, but we decided to play anyway, for fun, for experience, for kicks and well…
Katie ended up winning.
The prize package:
6 games of bowling
massive dinner for two
$25 certificate to a local tattoo parlor
I know, Katie getting a tattoo is funny, but despite my insistence to cash-in the certificate, Katie instead forfeited it to the Guy (capitalized because his name is Guy) who was runner up to us both. He was somewhat thankful and made a very proud acceptance speech despite being the third runner-up.
Later, this same Guy approached me to say/ask: “So, you guys play Christian Rock, right?” Knowing that this is typically a loaded question that reveals more about the questioner than the questionee, I avoided his bullet with semantics, “Well, we do play in churches a lot, but we’ve played just about everywhere.” He quickly retorted, “Well Christian Rock sucks!” I smiled and said, “Thank you.” He gloated, “You’re welcome.” Then he strutted away. Looking back, I’m not sure that he realized I had not actually answered his question, nor that I realized he was attempting to insult me. I feel sorry for the Guy, not because he insulted me, but because he tried to insult me. Unfortunately, he was able to walk away with a much undeserved feeling of superiority. Oh well.
On a good note, we met several other wonderful people there as well. We share a table and pint with Charlie, a self-described hippie with a never-gonna-grow-up Peter Pan sensibility. While we talked, Tom and Paul, a young duo with mop tops, quite proficiently flashed us back to the good old days of the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, the Monkees, and Jimmy Buffet. Later on, we hashed out the complications and problems of politics, organized religion, humanity, and the love of God with our new found friends Mike and Matt. All in all, it was an very interesting night.
Tonight, we’re heading back to the same venue to cash in our free meal and games, which we’ll be sharing with some of the new friends we met last night. I’m looking forward to just having a night of fun. And if it be up to me, we’ll all avoid the posturing, headiness and dogma that separates us from each other and the love of God.
Can I get an amen?
Currently listening:
Ambient 1: Music for Airports
By Brian Eno
Release date: 05 October, 2004
Current mood: I just ate figs. Tomorrow, I leave for a few weeks for the great northeast of the U.S. Before I leave though, I wanted to let you know that Micah, the drummer from Attaboy, has started an almost weekly band review blog on his band’s website. For his second blog entry he reviewed [...]
Tomorrow, I leave for a few weeks for the great northeast of the U.S. Before I leave though, I wanted to let you know that Micah, the drummer from Attaboy, has started an almost weekly band review blog on his band’s website. For his second blog entry he reviewed my EP Somewhere Between Nicaragua & New York. Great timing, as I’m returning to New York. Thanks, Micah! You can check out his page or read his review below.
Alright, so I know what everyone is thinking, “Um, Micah said that he was going to post a WEEKLY blog about cool new bands/artists, but it’s already been two weeks and there is still no blog in sight!”
Well, my astute friends, look no further. Here is the “Band Pick of the Week” (or in this case “weeks”).
This week’s band is actually not really a band, but rather a solo artist by the name of Scott Troyer. Formerly the lead singer of the band Rudisill, Scott is an acoustic/indie talent from the small town of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Armed with some sweetly unique vocal pipes, crazy awesome instrumentation, and melody lines that are the ones that get stuck in your head for hours but you don’t mind, Troyer’s tunes come crashing down on you like a cool, rainforest waterfall in the midst of a hot, muggy day.
Scott’s recently released, debut EP album Somewhere Between Nicaragua & New York features some killer harmonies, “out-of-the-box” progressions/song structures, and a raw sense of “realness” that leaves you wondering where the music is going to take you next. My favorite song on the disc is track #1 “Gotta Get Outta This Town.” I’m a sucker for the banjo and this tune has a sick banjo track!
Not only is Troyer a songwriter but he also produces in his “spare” time. He is currently working with an artist by the name of Katie Nelson on her sophomore album. Katie will undoubtedly be in the “Band Pick of the Week” spotlight when her new album Speak to Me comes out next month. But we’ll save that for another time and place.
Somewhere Between Nicaragua & New York is a perfect listen as you are sipping lemonade on a warm, summer evening in a rocking chair on your grandparent’s porch in Colorado watching the sun set over the mountains with delight. But if you don’t have lemonade, a rocking chair, or even mountains you can still enjoy this album thoroughly.
To check out Troyer’s music hit up either scotttroyer.com or myspace.com/scotttroyer. You can order his album from either site and while you’re at it send Scott a comment and let him know what you think of his tunes. I’m sure he’d love to hear from you.
Well, my friends, it was great spending time with you and I look forward to chatting again soon!
Big Gulps, huh?? Welp, see ya later!
Micah from Attaboy
Currently listening:
Abbey Road
By The Beatles
Release date: 25 October, 1990
So this little journal entry finds me on the road somewhere between West Bend, Wisconsin and Oshkosh. I’m riding shotgun, sharing an internet connection over Lynn’s cell, while Katie plows this more than fully loaded Volvo wagon through the blowing snow. It’s dark and hard to see but it doesn’t seem to slow the semis, [...]
So this little journal entry finds me on the road somewhere between West Bend, Wisconsin and Oshkosh. I’m riding shotgun, sharing an internet connection over Lynn’s cell, while Katie plows this more than fully loaded Volvo wagon through the blowing snow. It’s dark and hard to see but it doesn’t seem to slow the semis, which are blasting on past us.
We just played in West Bend for a bunch of really nice people. A guy name Jason Burton opened for us. He has an amazing voice, great sense of humor and an uncanny ability to play left-handed on a right-handed guitar. I don’t really understand it, but he makes it work.
Our friend Hoss met us there to play some sweet B3 and Wurly with us. That boy can tear it up on the keys. He’s a natural. Love playing with him. You know, the four of us playing music together just feels right. I feel comfortable with the setup and love how the music is sounding. I could get used to this touring bidness.
Anyway, tomorrow we’re playing in Negaunee, MI, which is way up in the U.P. There’s pleny of snow here and the meterologists are all telling me that more snow is inevitable. Glad I have my Eskimo coat on.
Last night we had the privelege of catching the band Altan in concert at the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater. If you don’t know who they are, check out their website www.altan.ie. Altan are quite possibly the best traditional Irish/Gaelic band out there. They got their start about 20 years ago, so you can imagine they are all quite the virtuosos. They played phenomenally. Dåithí on guitar, Dermot on accordion, Mairéad on fiddle, Ciarån on fiddle and penny whistle. And another Ciarån on bouzouki (a crazy cool greek instrument). Each of them blew me away with their abilities and emotive playing.
My friend David Dunlop knows the band and was able to connect us. We had the chance to hang out back stage to chat about our mutual aquaintances, touring and car thievery.
On a side note, Mairéad and Dermot live just down the road from Limekiln B&B where I’ve stayed in Donegal, Ireland. Which, if you’re ever in that part of Ireland make sure to stop there. Rosemary Boyd can fix you a very mean Irish breakfast.
Another side not, car theft came up in our conversation because on Friday we locked ourselves out of our car just before leaving for the Wisconsin leg of our tour. John from the dealership was kind enough to show us how to “open” our car. Very nice of him!
Well we are getting close to our destination. I suppose we’ll arrive around 12:34am. I’ll post more about the tour as I get the chance.
Check out my friend Dan Wilton at Starbucks. We played this show together and he just posted the video of his song today. Dan recently chopped off his glorious locks. A moment of silence… … … … OK. Here’s the video:
Check out my friend Dan Wilton at Starbucks. We played this show together and he just posted the video of his song today. Dan recently chopped off his glorious locks. A moment of silence…
My friends are making some excellent music. Check it out. I figured I should give some background on these friends while I’m at it. So here are the links and the stories too. Nathan Hamlin Nathan taught me how to play guitar back in high school. I was convinced I couldn’t learn; my fingers were [...]
My friends are making some excellent music. Check it out. I figured I should give some background on these friends while I’m at it. So here are the links and the stories too.
Nathan Hamlin
Nathan taught me how to play guitar back in high school. I was convinced I couldn’t learn; my fingers were too big. But wisely Nathan said, “Have you seen my dad’s fingers? They are like fat bratwursts and he can play better than I can. You have no excuse.” He was right. Thanks for telling it as it is, Nathan. You’re a song bird, a writer and a rocker through and through – never forget it.
Dan can sing with his bass. What I mean is he makes his bass sing those little counter melodies and harmonies that you wish were there. He plays chords, harmonics and finger taps, but without that nasty Van Halen-esque guitar wanking aura about him. He played bass and sang in Rudisill with me and is now touring with Sleeping At Last (see below) as a guitar tech and writing his own songs. Catchy, catchy, catchy.
Dave knows his music and has a degree to prove it. He’s living in Colorado, recording and producing. If there is a complicated alternate melody, Dave will find it a wrestle it into being. But he’s learning to write more consisely every day and finding deeper truth in each song. The future is bright one for you, my friend.
My friends Ryan, Chad and Dan are creating songs that you wish you would’ve written, the songs that become the soundtracks to your life. The lyrics get right to the matter of things and give us hope that maybe we can learn to love each other better. If you haven’t heard of them already, it’s time.
I once wrote a song with the lyric “Eric’s an old – he’s an old, old soul. He’s got jazz in the bones. He’s got music in his head and drives him crazy.” That couldn’t be any more true. I knew Eric in high school, but only really got to know him in college. His music is a strange brew of classic breakbeats, deep minor sevenths, lonely ‘80s synths and honest lyrics. You’re gonna like this stuff.
Conall is Nathan’s brother-in-law and a future music wizard. He’s learned most of my songs after hearing them only once or twice. He’s posted some of his song experiments on his profile. If you want to hear some of the beauty that the Emerald Isle has to offer, check him out.
This week, my friend Katie Nelson is coming down from Wisconsin to begin tracking some songs at The Recording House for her new album. I am excited about this, because: She wants me to produce the album. She has some really great songs. I love music/writing/recording. I helped co-produce her last album Do You Know [...]
