Due to recent inquiries, I wanted to share a bit of information. This is not an attempt to explain myself, as that would imply that I think myself sane. On the contrary, this is simply an attempt to eliminate one more question from the world; though, it may just end up sparking more. Oh the vicious cycle of words.
Positive assertions have always been my favorite. Growing up, my parents always said that I didn’t know the meaning of the word “no.” To clarify, it wasn’t that I didn’t know what the word “no” meant; it was simply that I preferred the word “yes.” I’m sure a lot of people can relate ;) So this is where the word “fowsh” comes in.
I think a lot of you know the two-word phrase “for sure.” It is often used as an expression of confirmation. An extension of the word yes, this word allows you to state the certainty of any situation without any hint of pretention or arrogance. This is due mostly to generational differences (and a different subject altogether), but there seems to be a certain properness attributed to the exactness of pronouncing the word yes. No? For sure.
After a while, “for sure” developed into a shortened version, “fo sho.” This version was even better because of the playful phonetic nature. Without pronouncing the “r’s,” it allows the mouth to just have a little but more fun with the expression. What’s more, the expression is a highly positive one. So not only are you having fun speaking, you are also using a word with a positive connotation. If you take that idea one step further, you get “Fowsh”: The funnest way to say “yes.”
I have so much fun with words. I really don’t even know how one would even begin to categorize words in this world. Language has always been one of my favorite subjects because of its depth and how closely it relates to personal philosophy and personal taste. The variation is infinite, not only from country to country, or from one group of friends to another, but from one person to the next. Fowsh ;)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
EEEEEEY!!
Just thought I’d shoot everyone an update on some things ☺ I have finally gotten the album all finished!!! OMG! We have also released the actual release date. January 26th 2010. There ya go! I know it may seem like a ways away to some of you, but we will be releasing tracks and giving plenty of sneak peeks over the next few months… don’t worry!
So now I’ll be working with the wonderfully creative people in the art department at Vanguard to get the artwork and layout all figured out. How fun is that?! I get to figure out if I’d like to use artwork on the front, or a photo, or both. What kind of packaging. Color schemes. Is there a theme? Is there a message? Of course there is! It’s a lot of thought that goes into it and I just love getting all wrapped up with the whole process ☺
So we have this album. And we have this date. And we have TONS to do to get ready for the release. So I wanted to reach out to those of you who read this ;) It takes a lot for a new artist like myself to spread the word and let people know what I’m all about. Word of mouth is always how I hear about new artists… friends are always turning me on to new music. So I’m going to be working with Vanguard to create a strong “street team” to try and help with some of these things. We will come up with super easy ways for you guys to help, whether it’s online, or in your area. We’ll be offering up all kinds of stuff for your contributions too… t-shirts, posters, stickers, free tickets etc….
Anyway, I’ll be posting links for street teaming opportunities and please feel free to ask questions or come up with some interesting ways to help! You guys are the best and I appreciate everything you do to help out ☺
For now, here is an initial link for the Vanguard team so you guys can check it out and get started…. If you’d like to. ☺ We will be posting more and more opportunities in the next few months so stay tuned! Hope everyone is doin’ well!!!
Welkmg.com/streetteam
So now I’ll be working with the wonderfully creative people in the art department at Vanguard to get the artwork and layout all figured out. How fun is that?! I get to figure out if I’d like to use artwork on the front, or a photo, or both. What kind of packaging. Color schemes. Is there a theme? Is there a message? Of course there is! It’s a lot of thought that goes into it and I just love getting all wrapped up with the whole process ☺
So we have this album. And we have this date. And we have TONS to do to get ready for the release. So I wanted to reach out to those of you who read this ;) It takes a lot for a new artist like myself to spread the word and let people know what I’m all about. Word of mouth is always how I hear about new artists… friends are always turning me on to new music. So I’m going to be working with Vanguard to create a strong “street team” to try and help with some of these things. We will come up with super easy ways for you guys to help, whether it’s online, or in your area. We’ll be offering up all kinds of stuff for your contributions too… t-shirts, posters, stickers, free tickets etc….
Anyway, I’ll be posting links for street teaming opportunities and please feel free to ask questions or come up with some interesting ways to help! You guys are the best and I appreciate everything you do to help out ☺
For now, here is an initial link for the Vanguard team so you guys can check it out and get started…. If you’d like to. ☺ We will be posting more and more opportunities in the next few months so stay tuned! Hope everyone is doin’ well!!!
Welkmg.com/streetteam
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Costa Rica!
I recently came back from a long trip (not long enough ;) down to the beautiful country of Costa Rica. We stayed on the Pacific side in a small town called Flamingo, in Guanacaste. It was actually my 3rd time down because I just love it there so much. I have slowly made some friends and acquaintances that have proven to last over the past couple of years as I return every 8-12 months. Everyone down there is so laid-back Pretty cool! It’s super duper inexpensive too. It was like 300 bucks for a round trip ticket! Plus everything down there is relatively inexpensive as well.
The first couple of times I went, I pretty much stayed at the beach and enjoyed the sparse and low-laying night-life. It’s so chill! This time was a bit different though. I ended up doing some pretty adrenaline filled activities. Rock climbing, white-water kayaking, surfing and the canopy tours to name a few… Truly an amazing time. I really pushed myself to some limits on some things and over-came my fear of heights that I have had ever since I stood up. I also played a couple gigs in the small town surrounding where we were staying, and ended up with some videos that have way too much background noise to post, unfortunately. I did make a short little video that should be up on the sites soon though! Also, I’m gonna add some photos to the facebook and myspace pages so you guys can see how beautiful it was down there.
Can’t wait for next time!
The first couple of times I went, I pretty much stayed at the beach and enjoyed the sparse and low-laying night-life. It’s so chill! This time was a bit different though. I ended up doing some pretty adrenaline filled activities. Rock climbing, white-water kayaking, surfing and the canopy tours to name a few… Truly an amazing time. I really pushed myself to some limits on some things and over-came my fear of heights that I have had ever since I stood up. I also played a couple gigs in the small town surrounding where we were staying, and ended up with some videos that have way too much background noise to post, unfortunately. I did make a short little video that should be up on the sites soon though! Also, I’m gonna add some photos to the facebook and myspace pages so you guys can see how beautiful it was down there.
Can’t wait for next time!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Happy
Hello everyone!
Hope you all are doing fantabulously ;) Yes, that is indeed a word! I’m happy to say that I’ve been pretty happy lately. There have been a lot of changes occurring on the music side of things for me and I’d like to explain a little bit about what I’ve been up to.
I recently made some band member changes. A lot of people were very upset about this. I was too. It was a very difficult thing for me because I am a very loyal person. At the same time, I also wanted to do some experimenting with some new instrumentation. Musical soul-searching if you will ;) I had been playing with the guys for pretty much my entire music career and was really curious about what it would SOUND like to play with different players and different instruments. So I have been.
I have been playing around with some horns and a new bass player. We have been rehearsing and played a gig in Chicago recently that went over quite well. Actually, several people came up afterwards and commented that they really enjoyed the new additions. It a very weird feeling playing a show with different players, so you can imagine the relief I felt when I got some positive feedback from some hardcore fans! Whew!
Anyway…. I have been adding some dates and will have some shows coming up with new players, as well as with my original crew ;) Hopefully you guys can come check it out for yourself and let me know what ya think!!! And please, if you ever have questions about the music, don’t hesitate! Hope everyone has an excellent week and weekend!
Hope you all are doing fantabulously ;) Yes, that is indeed a word! I’m happy to say that I’ve been pretty happy lately. There have been a lot of changes occurring on the music side of things for me and I’d like to explain a little bit about what I’ve been up to.
I recently made some band member changes. A lot of people were very upset about this. I was too. It was a very difficult thing for me because I am a very loyal person. At the same time, I also wanted to do some experimenting with some new instrumentation. Musical soul-searching if you will ;) I had been playing with the guys for pretty much my entire music career and was really curious about what it would SOUND like to play with different players and different instruments. So I have been.
I have been playing around with some horns and a new bass player. We have been rehearsing and played a gig in Chicago recently that went over quite well. Actually, several people came up afterwards and commented that they really enjoyed the new additions. It a very weird feeling playing a show with different players, so you can imagine the relief I felt when I got some positive feedback from some hardcore fans! Whew!
Anyway…. I have been adding some dates and will have some shows coming up with new players, as well as with my original crew ;) Hopefully you guys can come check it out for yourself and let me know what ya think!!! And please, if you ever have questions about the music, don’t hesitate! Hope everyone has an excellent week and weekend!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Two Things.........
things…
First of all, I just wanted to express how excited I am. I am excited because I went back down to Nashville to do some more co-writes and demo some songs. It went extremely well I can’t express how lucky and privileged I feel to be able to connect and create with some truly brilliant people. I just hope I get to share it with everyone soon!
Thing two: Ok, so this is waaaay more exciting than thing one. I made it to the bottom of the Q-Tip box!!! You know when you buy those HUGE boxes of Q-Tips and you think “yeah, It’ll take me a good year to get through these!”??? Well it happens! I think I’ve probably been through more than several boxes at this point in my life, but it’s still exciting. So, tomorrow I’m going to head to the local Walgreens and pick me up a fresh box. Brand new. And this time, I’m going to track how long it lasts. That’s right. You all probably think I’m crazy… well. I am. 750 in one box. 750!!!
Ok so three things…
Thing three: Remember that blow-pop commercial with that owl that counts how many licks it takes to get to the center of the… “a-one, a-two…” well he bites into anyways if you don’t remember or don’t care to.
Another thing: I’m going to start trying out some new band configurations. Horns is all I have to say, but stay tuned ;) Hope everyone is doing extremely well!!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Do It Up
Do it up…
More often than not, I have found, opportunities arise amidst change. When things remain patterned or do not move, they do just that. Stay still. Not only can this lead to a lack of progression, it could also lead to various other symptoms including boredom, frustration, stress, doubt, fear, and/or bloating ;) But seriously, sometimes you’ve gotta switch things up and put yourself out there a little bit to make things happen!
As comforting as routine can be, it will make you stuck. Habits can be like little nails that can pin you down. You get too set with something, and BAM!! You may think you’re in the grandest room you’ve ever seen. But you don’t even know there is something decades better just on the other side of the wall. It’s making the conscious effort to realize that where you are, may not be where you want to end up. So don’t stop, do it up! Walking through a doorway. Simple. The part that sucks is when the doors only open one way. Choices and decisions. Ooooooh.
Though, there is another side to this too. When you have exactly what you want out of life; when you feel as though you have conquered all you had desired this time around, you DO want to be stuck. You want that same perfection every day. That amazing thing that you feel like you spent all you or time up until NOW to get to. You’re there, and you don’t want to change it for the world. THAT is the best. THAT is finding your life and having it too J
It really all depends on what phase of your life you’re in and what kind of human you are. Everyone is different and wants different things… duh! Have you done everything you wanted? Seen enough? Gotten something out of it? Could you lay down right now, perfectly content, or do you have an urge for a good run? What drives you? What makes you stop dead in your tracks? What truly makes you tick? Do you already know? Do you have no idea? Hmmmmmmm…..
Thoughts?
More often than not, I have found, opportunities arise amidst change. When things remain patterned or do not move, they do just that. Stay still. Not only can this lead to a lack of progression, it could also lead to various other symptoms including boredom, frustration, stress, doubt, fear, and/or bloating ;) But seriously, sometimes you’ve gotta switch things up and put yourself out there a little bit to make things happen!
As comforting as routine can be, it will make you stuck. Habits can be like little nails that can pin you down. You get too set with something, and BAM!! You may think you’re in the grandest room you’ve ever seen. But you don’t even know there is something decades better just on the other side of the wall. It’s making the conscious effort to realize that where you are, may not be where you want to end up. So don’t stop, do it up! Walking through a doorway. Simple. The part that sucks is when the doors only open one way. Choices and decisions. Ooooooh.
Though, there is another side to this too. When you have exactly what you want out of life; when you feel as though you have conquered all you had desired this time around, you DO want to be stuck. You want that same perfection every day. That amazing thing that you feel like you spent all you or time up until NOW to get to. You’re there, and you don’t want to change it for the world. THAT is the best. THAT is finding your life and having it too J
It really all depends on what phase of your life you’re in and what kind of human you are. Everyone is different and wants different things… duh! Have you done everything you wanted? Seen enough? Gotten something out of it? Could you lay down right now, perfectly content, or do you have an urge for a good run? What drives you? What makes you stop dead in your tracks? What truly makes you tick? Do you already know? Do you have no idea? Hmmmmmmm…..
Thoughts?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Last of the Ice Cream...
The last of the ice cream…
Do any of you have a significant other that finishes things off for ya? It’s not a big deal really. Really. This is probably the more trivial of issues that couples can have, but let’s linger here for a moment and vent together shall we? It’s important to do that from time to time right? Ok.
I really wanted the ice cream. I really did. Not that I really needed it or anything. It’s the principal.
I refuse to be those people (we all secretly make fun of) that label things in their refrigerators. No. Tape wouldn’t stick to an ice cream pint anyways. Believe me. And I couldn’t justify it either. It’s just ice cream.
I mean… you didn’t really want that soymilk in your coffee right? Nor did you need that last piece of bread for your sandwich. Who really uses two pieces of bread anyways right? Juuuust crazy. And I thought you were totally done with those almonds. You just left them there on the counter! It’s ok, I needed to get tomatoes tomorrow anyways, I’ll just grab some more.
I think the people in the grocery store start placing bets when they see me walking in. By now they know me pretty well and I’m pretty sure they have wagers going. I’m also pretty sure that if I worked at Whole Foods I would have some wagers going with my friends too. I’m pretty sure I would win most of them too. Plus, if I worked at Whole Foods, I wouldn’t have to worry about stupid things like the bottom of the ice cream container.
Does anybody know if they’re hiring in Chicago?
…….
I feel better now ;)
Do any of you have a significant other that finishes things off for ya? It’s not a big deal really. Really. This is probably the more trivial of issues that couples can have, but let’s linger here for a moment and vent together shall we? It’s important to do that from time to time right? Ok.
I really wanted the ice cream. I really did. Not that I really needed it or anything. It’s the principal.
I refuse to be those people (we all secretly make fun of) that label things in their refrigerators. No. Tape wouldn’t stick to an ice cream pint anyways. Believe me. And I couldn’t justify it either. It’s just ice cream.
I mean… you didn’t really want that soymilk in your coffee right? Nor did you need that last piece of bread for your sandwich. Who really uses two pieces of bread anyways right? Juuuust crazy. And I thought you were totally done with those almonds. You just left them there on the counter! It’s ok, I needed to get tomatoes tomorrow anyways, I’ll just grab some more.
I think the people in the grocery store start placing bets when they see me walking in. By now they know me pretty well and I’m pretty sure they have wagers going. I’m also pretty sure that if I worked at Whole Foods I would have some wagers going with my friends too. I’m pretty sure I would win most of them too. Plus, if I worked at Whole Foods, I wouldn’t have to worry about stupid things like the bottom of the ice cream container.
Does anybody know if they’re hiring in Chicago?
…….
I feel better now ;)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Nashville Musical Scenery
Musical scenery…
The trip down to Nashville was extremely successful and extremely frickin’ fantastic in general!
I ended up having some really solid writing sessions with the people I got together with. The line-up included Greg Barnhill, Megan McCormick, Angela Lauer, and Hunter Davis and Chris Faulk (that was a three-way co-write). I can’t even begin to explain how awesome it was to see the directions each session went. Each person had a very unique style and the blending was cool as hell.
It was kind of like blind dating… lol. Seriously though. I mean, you go into these things with no idea what’s going to come out of it. It could have been a complete wash, or a gold mine J Good thing for me, it was the latter! In a couple of the sessions we would got two full songs written and completed. And in all of them there was a solid start to something that will be finished down the road. I have so many side projects now with these songs I don’t know what to do with myself!
Honestly, it would have been fine if nothing had come out of it. It was just cool to check out the writing scene down there. In Chicago, there isn’t a whole lot of that going on (not that I’m aware of anyways.) I have never come across anyone in Chicago that wanted to just sit around and write songs together… Maybe I’m just not talking to the right people or something! It’s very interesting though, to see the different musical scenery in different towns. They do a lot of co-writing in Nashville… I mean A LOT!!! I thoroughly look forward to going down again. It was truly an inspirational trip…. Fa sho.
I’ll be posting some of the stuff I wrote down there to the myspace this week and next week so stay tuned!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Obamicon.me
Ladies and Gentlemen!
May I please direct your attention to the new obamicon that is up on the myspace page and website….
This is a new thing I’m doing through the label. When you purchase any merchandise with my obamicon on it, all the proceeds go to this really amazing organization called the Music National Service. Please go to their website… It’s a really cool concept and, as music lovers, I’m sure you’ll all be able to appreciate it!
May I please direct your attention to the new obamicon that is up on the myspace page and website….
This is a new thing I’m doing through the label. When you purchase any merchandise with my obamicon on it, all the proceeds go to this really amazing organization called the Music National Service. Please go to their website… It’s a really cool concept and, as music lovers, I’m sure you’ll all be able to appreciate it!
You don’t have to buy the icon to put it up on your own pages or download it, but I highly recommend some kind of contribution . Just click on the icon on the myspace page or the link on the "News" page of my new website and it will take you where you need to go.
Hope everyone is doing extremely well!
-D
Monday, April 27, 2009
NASHVILLE.....
Well, my bags are packed!... (it’s actually just one back-pack… it’s red) Sunday I’ll be going down to Nashville for the week to do some writing sessions with some other artists. I’ll be going down by my-self but I’m staying with a friend and working with various artists that Tim Lauer (a producer/friend of mine) has set me up with. Tim is pretty much the man..I have met a couple of the artists I’ll be working with before, but for the most part, I’ll be writing with new acquaintances...Yay for road trips!! Exciting stuff!
I’m stoked because it’s somewhat of a new concept for me. Co-writes are a huge thing in Nashville. Artists will get together in a quiet environment, bounce ideas off of one another, and just see what happens. Simple as that. I mean, you go in with some sort of an idea or direction/mood you want to go, but the way the chemistry will pan out is totally up in the air! Crazy! I’m excited to try something new and break out of my Chicago circle/bubble of musicians a little bit. I love meeting new people, and the idea of writing with people I have never met before is inspiring to me. F-U-N… that can stand for whatever you think fits there ;) Just go with it!
Usually when I write I’m alone. I find somewhere I know no one can hear me and I’ll just kind of speak/sing lyrics and thoughts out loud. Once I get an idea or a concept rolling, it’s pretty quick from there, but sometimes that can take a while. I’m wondering how other people really go about flushing out there ideas when it comes to song writing. There are so many techniques and methods when doing really anything in life, writing is no different. Song writing is art, and therefore, completely open. It’s great. I’m really looking forward to getting some thoughts out!
Style is the other thing. I will be working with people that have similar styles, as well as people that are more focused in different genres. I’m thrilled to see what kind of sound is created when we do the sessions. I usually have my own style, lyrically anyway, so my goal is to try and expand that into something else… try something different. I love a challenge!! YEAH!!
Hope everyone is doin’ well! Spring is indeed upon us!
I’m stoked because it’s somewhat of a new concept for me. Co-writes are a huge thing in Nashville. Artists will get together in a quiet environment, bounce ideas off of one another, and just see what happens. Simple as that. I mean, you go in with some sort of an idea or direction/mood you want to go, but the way the chemistry will pan out is totally up in the air! Crazy! I’m excited to try something new and break out of my Chicago circle/bubble of musicians a little bit. I love meeting new people, and the idea of writing with people I have never met before is inspiring to me. F-U-N… that can stand for whatever you think fits there ;) Just go with it!
Usually when I write I’m alone. I find somewhere I know no one can hear me and I’ll just kind of speak/sing lyrics and thoughts out loud. Once I get an idea or a concept rolling, it’s pretty quick from there, but sometimes that can take a while. I’m wondering how other people really go about flushing out there ideas when it comes to song writing. There are so many techniques and methods when doing really anything in life, writing is no different. Song writing is art, and therefore, completely open. It’s great. I’m really looking forward to getting some thoughts out!
Style is the other thing. I will be working with people that have similar styles, as well as people that are more focused in different genres. I’m thrilled to see what kind of sound is created when we do the sessions. I usually have my own style, lyrically anyway, so my goal is to try and expand that into something else… try something different. I love a challenge!! YEAH!!
Hope everyone is doin’ well! Spring is indeed upon us!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Going Bad
Recently, two of my close friends have had some major changes occur by way of their relationships. I’m not talking about a small break up or a bump in the road. These are significant occurrences that have created a permanent shift in their direction of life. Though each friend is in a different boat as to the specifics of their predicament, I’m finding many similarities in the general conclusion surrounding these situations. It really got me thinking about the tremendous wealth of people that enter into, and exit out of any given person’s life.
It’s remarkable to think about how people come and go within a lifetime. Those relationships that last, and those that don’t. People change, while others stay the same; and often it is the timing and rate at which we do so that dictates which relationships are the lasting ones, and which ones go bad. And maybe “going bad” is the wrong term here (so please, correct me if I’m wrong?), but it seems much like anything else that is natural in the world, things will grow and develop, sometimes infinitely and indefinitely, and others will bloom and die. Relationships seem to have a life cycle much like anything else. Life expectancy is the variable.
It is when people connect on at the base level, sharing similar fundamentals and ideals, that they can overcome any and all changes on either end of a relationship. Most people have a base that never really changes, though that person may experience life adjustments, or have to change their attitude towards a situation, the roots remain. This is true both for friendships and romantic relationships.
But even then, sometimes it doesn’t work out! What then, what the hell is the explanation there? Two people can be totally and completely compatible, and then one day, one of them finds someone else, decides they are unhappy, cheats, “falls out of love”, ect ect ect. It happens every day. It happened to two of my close friends this week. It could happen to me tomorrow. Se la vi no?
This is obviously quite a broad topic that would require much more elaboration. The scenarios are endless, as are personality types and philosophical viewpoints on which people establish relationships to begin with. This conversation is in no way being limited to romantic relationships either. I think the way in which friends, acquaintances, and friends of friends seem to all be tangled in a never ending incestuous cycle is by far one of the most fascinating topics of discussion. But that would be a book… maybe a library isle. It is however, a place to start.
Thoughts here?
It’s remarkable to think about how people come and go within a lifetime. Those relationships that last, and those that don’t. People change, while others stay the same; and often it is the timing and rate at which we do so that dictates which relationships are the lasting ones, and which ones go bad. And maybe “going bad” is the wrong term here (so please, correct me if I’m wrong?), but it seems much like anything else that is natural in the world, things will grow and develop, sometimes infinitely and indefinitely, and others will bloom and die. Relationships seem to have a life cycle much like anything else. Life expectancy is the variable.
It is when people connect on at the base level, sharing similar fundamentals and ideals, that they can overcome any and all changes on either end of a relationship. Most people have a base that never really changes, though that person may experience life adjustments, or have to change their attitude towards a situation, the roots remain. This is true both for friendships and romantic relationships.
But even then, sometimes it doesn’t work out! What then, what the hell is the explanation there? Two people can be totally and completely compatible, and then one day, one of them finds someone else, decides they are unhappy, cheats, “falls out of love”, ect ect ect. It happens every day. It happened to two of my close friends this week. It could happen to me tomorrow. Se la vi no?
This is obviously quite a broad topic that would require much more elaboration. The scenarios are endless, as are personality types and philosophical viewpoints on which people establish relationships to begin with. This conversation is in no way being limited to romantic relationships either. I think the way in which friends, acquaintances, and friends of friends seem to all be tangled in a never ending incestuous cycle is by far one of the most fascinating topics of discussion. But that would be a book… maybe a library isle. It is however, a place to start.
Thoughts here?
Friday, April 10, 2009
SXSW
SXSW…
Last month I had the opportunity to go down to Austin, Texas and play SXSW. For those who may be unfamiliar, South by South West is a huge music festival put on by the music industry. SXSW includes everything from showcasing new bands from all over the world, to hosting informational panels during the day, to promoting new companies that you’ll be hearing about in the next year or two. All the way around SXSW is a phenomenal experience for anyone (musician or music fanatic), and I highly recommend taking the trip if given the opportunity.
The entire city of Austin turns into this crazy cluster of music-driven and music-industry people, all roaming the streets on their own schedule to see as many bands as they possibly can. By the way, there are hundreds of bands that perform throughout the five day span, which makes it virtually impossible to catch everyone you want to catch. Even catching up to your own people can be difficult. Often times, people split up and meet up with other groups because everyone seems to know everyone anyways. It’s really a great thing to see that there is such a community of music people, and an incredible thing to see how the various music worlds seem to mesh and blend into one; business, art, technology, writing, parties, networking, performing, working, and more, all in one. Incredible.
Last month I had the opportunity to go down to Austin, Texas and play SXSW. For those who may be unfamiliar, South by South West is a huge music festival put on by the music industry. SXSW includes everything from showcasing new bands from all over the world, to hosting informational panels during the day, to promoting new companies that you’ll be hearing about in the next year or two. All the way around SXSW is a phenomenal experience for anyone (musician or music fanatic), and I highly recommend taking the trip if given the opportunity.
The entire city of Austin turns into this crazy cluster of music-driven and music-industry people, all roaming the streets on their own schedule to see as many bands as they possibly can. By the way, there are hundreds of bands that perform throughout the five day span, which makes it virtually impossible to catch everyone you want to catch. Even catching up to your own people can be difficult. Often times, people split up and meet up with other groups because everyone seems to know everyone anyways. It’s really a great thing to see that there is such a community of music people, and an incredible thing to see how the various music worlds seem to mesh and blend into one; business, art, technology, writing, parties, networking, performing, working, and more, all in one. Incredible.
It was my first time going down. I had sooooo much fun just being submersed in that energy. I played two shows (duo/acoustic with Josh on Cajon), and we had a frickin’ blast. By far my favorite of the two gigs was opening for the Indigo Girls. I mean, talk about a trip! When I was a kid I used to listen to their albums over and over and over again until my parents would make me shut it off… I must admit I had lost touch with them for several years and was absolutely thrilled to learn that they were touring once again. So you can guess how crazy it was for me to be sharing a stage with two women who had been such an influence in my early music years. They were, of course, phenomenal on stage and I got the opportunity to meet them afterward which was simply icing on an extremely delicious cake!
The music and night-life down there was a really good time. However, the best thing I did while I was there was attend the Quincy Jones panel. I got to see Quincy Jones speak for well over an hour. BLISS!!! There were probably about 1000 people in the room and I don’t think I heard one single murmur of a whisper the entire time. (There was one cell phone that went off, but honestly, in this day and age, (1000 people) + (1 hour and 1/2), usually = more than one cell phone disruption… I was impressed) Listening to Quincy Jones speak about his life experiences and working with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Alicia Keys, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles… Pretty much everyone I have been obsessed with and admire. Here was the man behind it all. Everything he has ever touched turned to gold. And I got to listen to him, in the flesh, talking about how it all went down. I tried to jot things down and take some notes but quickly came to realization that I really didn’t need to. I’ll never forget it.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tangible...
Craziness…
I started off taking this blog at a half empty angle. I was interested in the concept and usually learn much better by doing. So here we are. I think I’m still confused as to how I feel about it. Writing to anyone. Writing whatever I want? Anything. Really? Even if it’s as long winded or as cyclical in reasoning as your crazy relative? I wanted to start this blog for a couple different reasons. Then I think I got a bit intimidated when I looked more into it. Not intimidated that I give a crap what someone thinks about my opinion. That’s what those are for, to be called your own. No, I was intimidated because I really am limited with time and didn’t want to half-ass it, or come off as though I was. Which apparently I was. There aren’t a lot of things in my life that are half-assed and this certainly will not be one of them either. I love people, and I love writing. To me, this would be yet another way to combine the two, yes? Yessss J
I guess I felt as though there were so many blogs out there that no one was really going to be interested in reading this little random ramble here. And look! You seem to be interested enough… you’re already 1/4 done! Haaa…
It’s also largely possible that my mixed feelings about blogging correlate directly with my mixed feelings about technology in general. The digitalization-web-electronic-interconnectedness thing is still strange to me, even though I am young and consider myself very much a part of my generation. I don’t watch TV, I don’t like clubbing, or shopping, or anything “reality” except the real thing. I don’t understand why people would be so obsessed with drama that they would actually sit and watch it on TV. (On a side note, I do believe this cycle may explain why people tend to surround themselves with it in their “real” lives. You reap what you sow).
Trying to define or explain my views on this can get sticky, but I’d love to see what you guys think, or if I am just completely crazy. I find it tremendously interesting how culturally attached we are to things and things on screens. I don’t call it materialistic or non-materialistic, because almost everyone is materialistic to an extent. I’d rather describe it as tangible and non-tangible. This may seem confusing so let me explain, because my definition is probably back-assward from what you’re thinking .
The things in your life with buttons, cords, screens, zippers, flaps, probable lack of progression, and one dimension are NON-tangible things. The things with thoughts, emotions and/or emotional outlets, direction, passion, aspirations, or the ability to be utilized are tangible things. The differences lie in what the purpose and ability of whichever thing you are trying to categorize. Oh and let me clarify, neither tangible nor non-tangible things discriminate against whether or not the thing being described is alive or otherwise. Any human being can be just as non-tangible as an earring, or a channel on, oh what’s that stupid channel… oh yeah… MTV. And any canvas or quiet morning can be as tangible as the person that has changed your life the most.
I think I say tangible and non-tangible not to discern between the physical and non-physical aspects of these things. But to discern between how they affect us and what they’re potential is to touch us. And it’s what you choose to do with the tangible and non-tangible things in your life that dictate whether or not you are really touching yourself, when you do. Or whether or not you care to try and be tangible to someone else.
Thoughts?
I started off taking this blog at a half empty angle. I was interested in the concept and usually learn much better by doing. So here we are. I think I’m still confused as to how I feel about it. Writing to anyone. Writing whatever I want? Anything. Really? Even if it’s as long winded or as cyclical in reasoning as your crazy relative? I wanted to start this blog for a couple different reasons. Then I think I got a bit intimidated when I looked more into it. Not intimidated that I give a crap what someone thinks about my opinion. That’s what those are for, to be called your own. No, I was intimidated because I really am limited with time and didn’t want to half-ass it, or come off as though I was. Which apparently I was. There aren’t a lot of things in my life that are half-assed and this certainly will not be one of them either. I love people, and I love writing. To me, this would be yet another way to combine the two, yes? Yessss J
I guess I felt as though there were so many blogs out there that no one was really going to be interested in reading this little random ramble here. And look! You seem to be interested enough… you’re already 1/4 done! Haaa…
It’s also largely possible that my mixed feelings about blogging correlate directly with my mixed feelings about technology in general. The digitalization-web-electronic-interconnectedness thing is still strange to me, even though I am young and consider myself very much a part of my generation. I don’t watch TV, I don’t like clubbing, or shopping, or anything “reality” except the real thing. I don’t understand why people would be so obsessed with drama that they would actually sit and watch it on TV. (On a side note, I do believe this cycle may explain why people tend to surround themselves with it in their “real” lives. You reap what you sow).
Trying to define or explain my views on this can get sticky, but I’d love to see what you guys think, or if I am just completely crazy. I find it tremendously interesting how culturally attached we are to things and things on screens. I don’t call it materialistic or non-materialistic, because almost everyone is materialistic to an extent. I’d rather describe it as tangible and non-tangible. This may seem confusing so let me explain, because my definition is probably back-assward from what you’re thinking .
The things in your life with buttons, cords, screens, zippers, flaps, probable lack of progression, and one dimension are NON-tangible things. The things with thoughts, emotions and/or emotional outlets, direction, passion, aspirations, or the ability to be utilized are tangible things. The differences lie in what the purpose and ability of whichever thing you are trying to categorize. Oh and let me clarify, neither tangible nor non-tangible things discriminate against whether or not the thing being described is alive or otherwise. Any human being can be just as non-tangible as an earring, or a channel on, oh what’s that stupid channel… oh yeah… MTV. And any canvas or quiet morning can be as tangible as the person that has changed your life the most.
I think I say tangible and non-tangible not to discern between the physical and non-physical aspects of these things. But to discern between how they affect us and what they’re potential is to touch us. And it’s what you choose to do with the tangible and non-tangible things in your life that dictate whether or not you are really touching yourself, when you do. Or whether or not you care to try and be tangible to someone else.
Thoughts?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Facing It
Facing it.
I want to get rid of my Facebook page. Is that wrong? Would people really notice? Do we not live in such a world where we feel like saying something like “I’m not on Facebook,” somehow implies that you choose not to be connected to the world; that you are some kind of anti-social. Or it implies that you just simply aren’t “in the loop”… so sorry. Can we not find any other way to keep in touch or communicate? The phone is not enough. We need more. More access, faster access, easy buttons. I wonder if I would really miss facebook if I wasn’t on it. Poof.
My brother did it. Yeah he sure did… took the plunge. Went OFF Facebook. I remember it like yesterday. It was a hot day in July. I was bored, and apparently hot. I went to give my brother a wall shout-out. (For those of you who do not have the slightest idea what a “wall post” is, good for you. I’m not going to explain it because then you won’t be as cool as you are. ANYWAY, I went to click his name and it wasn’t there. I felt as though a weight had been lifted. I didn’t even ask him about it. The act spoke mountains.
Maybe one day.
I want to get rid of my Facebook page. Is that wrong? Would people really notice? Do we not live in such a world where we feel like saying something like “I’m not on Facebook,” somehow implies that you choose not to be connected to the world; that you are some kind of anti-social. Or it implies that you just simply aren’t “in the loop”… so sorry. Can we not find any other way to keep in touch or communicate? The phone is not enough. We need more. More access, faster access, easy buttons. I wonder if I would really miss facebook if I wasn’t on it. Poof.
My brother did it. Yeah he sure did… took the plunge. Went OFF Facebook. I remember it like yesterday. It was a hot day in July. I was bored, and apparently hot. I went to give my brother a wall shout-out. (For those of you who do not have the slightest idea what a “wall post” is, good for you. I’m not going to explain it because then you won’t be as cool as you are. ANYWAY, I went to click his name and it wasn’t there. I felt as though a weight had been lifted. I didn’t even ask him about it. The act spoke mountains.
Maybe one day.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Coolest Places
Coolest Places
I was very fortunate to be able to go on a vacation recently. Although I love traveling to new places, I decided to go somewhere I had been before, Costa Rica. A good friend of mine’s father has retired down there and last year they invited me down for a visit. Of course I didn’t hesitate! Her step mom booked me some gigs while I was there and I made some connections and friends that proved to be very genuine.
So this year I decided to go back. I did some asking around and got in touch with some of the same people I had played with the year prior. One of the places “El Castillo,” (this adorable bar/restaurant) was really interested in booking a few shows. I knew from last year that they also had two rooms upstairs that they would rent out to vacationers. A few emails later, I had arranged a “stay for play” (yes I invented that phrase and I will claim it!). So for playing two Friday nights, I was able to get a two week stay for free. How frickin’ lucky is that?
Not only did I get to stay there, I got to bring a friend along too! One of my closest friends, Mandy, had never been out of the country. I knew we would be compatible traveling buddies so I kidnapped her and stuffed her in my suitcase ;)
The trip, in its entirety, was perhaps one of the most unexplainable experiences I have yet to have. We did so much and saw so many people I would literally need a power point presentation to accurately create any kind of a story. Sailing, surfing, snorkeling, swimming, shopping, yoga, pilates, we saw bull riding, did bumper cars, played music, got pretty loaded a couple nights, got to know amazing people, got to know myself a bit better too.
I was very fortunate to be able to go on a vacation recently. Although I love traveling to new places, I decided to go somewhere I had been before, Costa Rica. A good friend of mine’s father has retired down there and last year they invited me down for a visit. Of course I didn’t hesitate! Her step mom booked me some gigs while I was there and I made some connections and friends that proved to be very genuine.
So this year I decided to go back. I did some asking around and got in touch with some of the same people I had played with the year prior. One of the places “El Castillo,” (this adorable bar/restaurant) was really interested in booking a few shows. I knew from last year that they also had two rooms upstairs that they would rent out to vacationers. A few emails later, I had arranged a “stay for play” (yes I invented that phrase and I will claim it!). So for playing two Friday nights, I was able to get a two week stay for free. How frickin’ lucky is that?
Not only did I get to stay there, I got to bring a friend along too! One of my closest friends, Mandy, had never been out of the country. I knew we would be compatible traveling buddies so I kidnapped her and stuffed her in my suitcase ;)
The trip, in its entirety, was perhaps one of the most unexplainable experiences I have yet to have. We did so much and saw so many people I would literally need a power point presentation to accurately create any kind of a story. Sailing, surfing, snorkeling, swimming, shopping, yoga, pilates, we saw bull riding, did bumper cars, played music, got pretty loaded a couple nights, got to know amazing people, got to know myself a bit better too.
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