Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Some Music of Mine on TV
Hello, Internet.
I haven't had much to say for a while, but today I'm happy to type the following message:
A song that I co-wrote and performed will be part of a well-known and long-running television show in a couple of days. On Tuesday, September 15th (2009), on an episode of "The Young and the Restless" entitled "Daniel Proposes to Amber," you'll be able to hear me singing and playing a song called "Taking Over Me" that I wrote along with talented composer and performer, Brett Boyett (he's also responsible for getting the song onto the show... thanks, Brett!). It's a simple acoustic song that was a joy to write, and we're fortunate enough to have it airing on national television.
So if you like the soaps, or if you simply want to hear the song coming through your TV, tune in Tuesday morning to CBS (check your local listings -- it airs at 11:30 am here in L.A.) and sing along :-)
I haven't had much to say for a while, but today I'm happy to type the following message:
A song that I co-wrote and performed will be part of a well-known and long-running television show in a couple of days. On Tuesday, September 15th (2009), on an episode of "The Young and the Restless" entitled "Daniel Proposes to Amber," you'll be able to hear me singing and playing a song called "Taking Over Me" that I wrote along with talented composer and performer, Brett Boyett (he's also responsible for getting the song onto the show... thanks, Brett!). It's a simple acoustic song that was a joy to write, and we're fortunate enough to have it airing on national television.
So if you like the soaps, or if you simply want to hear the song coming through your TV, tune in Tuesday morning to CBS (check your local listings -- it airs at 11:30 am here in L.A.) and sing along :-)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Perspective
It's been about a year since I finished my first (and only) solo record, and I've experienced a lot since then. I've done a lot of things, been a lot of places, met a lot of people, heard a lot of music, seen a lot of movies, and breathed a lot of air. Now I'm starting to think about a second record, which to me means that I've started working on it.
I've got one new song that I wrote recently, and several little ideas for others, so I'm definitely at the beginning stages as far as writing is concerned. However, I'm finding myself contemplating a thought that I've experienced many times before, so in some ways I feel like it's not really a beginning stage, but rather a continuation of where I've been into where I am that happens... well, daily.
Instead of calling this thing a thought, it's probably more accurate to call it a perspective, and that perspective is this: when creating or writing music (or any art for that matter), you are a part of a very unique viewpoint in that you will never experience what you are creating from a first-time listener's standpoint. This, simply, is because you are the one who created it, and you experienced every step of the process, no matter how long or short, simple or complicated, exciting or dull. No listener can have that perspective, just as you can not have theirs.
This may seem rather obvious, and maybe even matter-of-fact, but here's what intrigues me about it: what does Paul McCartney think of "Blackbird?" What does Led Zeppelin think of "Stairway to Heaven?" What does Jimi Hendrix think of "Purple Haze?" What does Pink Floyd think of "Dark Side of the Moon?" Mozart? Elvis? James Brown? Louis Armstrong? Kurt Cobain? Miles Davis? John Mayer?
When you create something that influences, moves, and affects so many people (like everyone in the previous paragraph, and many others, have done), do you view it or experience it on anywhere near the level that others do, or is it just "a little song I wrote?" And did any of these influential artists have any clue while they were writing that their creation would have that kind of impact?
I've read a little and watched a little about this subject, and in fact David Gilmore of Pink Floyd addresses it directly in the Classic Albums DVD on "Dark Side of the Moon." In the film, there is of course discussion about how popular and influential the album became (hence being part of the Classic Albums series), and when talking about it, Gilmore admits that he didn't get to experience it fresh, for the first time, in one complete listen-through. He was involved in creating it, so he doesn't know what it's like to hear it for the first time, and it makes me wonder... can he understand fully how much it affects other people?
It's strange to think about and analyze the writing process, wondering if there is any common thread amongst all those who have created largely popular and influential works. I prefer to keep the writing process as natural and organic as possible, but it's one of those things that pops up regularly: "Is this song I'm writing going to move people like 'Blackbird' did/does?" And for that matter: "Is it important that this song moves people like 'Blackbird' did/does?" "Does anyone ever intend while writing to move people to the degree that the final creation does?" I think the answers to those questions are: it will do what it needs to do, not necessarily, and probably not (respectively).
I find quite a bit of solace in the idea that most influential music (or other art) does not start with that as its desired goal. You write because you're compelled to, not because you know you're going to affect the entire world. You might hope that people are into what you're doing, but there's never any way of knowing what will or will not move people, and trying to predict that is a game you can't win. I like the thought of Paul McCartney saying "Yeah, 'Blackbird' was fun to write. I'm glad lots of people like it, but I would've written it even if they didn't."
It can be challenging to write without thinking about whether what you're writing is good or not, but I guess the conclusion here is: #1 write what you feel and are happy with, not what you think others will be happy with -- it's the only way to call the music yours; and #2 stop thinking about what others think and get back to writing.
So I'm going to try and keep that perspective while I embark on writing a second album. I'm going to write whatever comes out, and see if I can't say some things creatively with songs. Maybe some people will like it... maybe not... but that's not the point.
I've got one new song that I wrote recently, and several little ideas for others, so I'm definitely at the beginning stages as far as writing is concerned. However, I'm finding myself contemplating a thought that I've experienced many times before, so in some ways I feel like it's not really a beginning stage, but rather a continuation of where I've been into where I am that happens... well, daily.
Instead of calling this thing a thought, it's probably more accurate to call it a perspective, and that perspective is this: when creating or writing music (or any art for that matter), you are a part of a very unique viewpoint in that you will never experience what you are creating from a first-time listener's standpoint. This, simply, is because you are the one who created it, and you experienced every step of the process, no matter how long or short, simple or complicated, exciting or dull. No listener can have that perspective, just as you can not have theirs.
This may seem rather obvious, and maybe even matter-of-fact, but here's what intrigues me about it: what does Paul McCartney think of "Blackbird?" What does Led Zeppelin think of "Stairway to Heaven?" What does Jimi Hendrix think of "Purple Haze?" What does Pink Floyd think of "Dark Side of the Moon?" Mozart? Elvis? James Brown? Louis Armstrong? Kurt Cobain? Miles Davis? John Mayer?
When you create something that influences, moves, and affects so many people (like everyone in the previous paragraph, and many others, have done), do you view it or experience it on anywhere near the level that others do, or is it just "a little song I wrote?" And did any of these influential artists have any clue while they were writing that their creation would have that kind of impact?
I've read a little and watched a little about this subject, and in fact David Gilmore of Pink Floyd addresses it directly in the Classic Albums DVD on "Dark Side of the Moon." In the film, there is of course discussion about how popular and influential the album became (hence being part of the Classic Albums series), and when talking about it, Gilmore admits that he didn't get to experience it fresh, for the first time, in one complete listen-through. He was involved in creating it, so he doesn't know what it's like to hear it for the first time, and it makes me wonder... can he understand fully how much it affects other people?
It's strange to think about and analyze the writing process, wondering if there is any common thread amongst all those who have created largely popular and influential works. I prefer to keep the writing process as natural and organic as possible, but it's one of those things that pops up regularly: "Is this song I'm writing going to move people like 'Blackbird' did/does?" And for that matter: "Is it important that this song moves people like 'Blackbird' did/does?" "Does anyone ever intend while writing to move people to the degree that the final creation does?" I think the answers to those questions are: it will do what it needs to do, not necessarily, and probably not (respectively).
I find quite a bit of solace in the idea that most influential music (or other art) does not start with that as its desired goal. You write because you're compelled to, not because you know you're going to affect the entire world. You might hope that people are into what you're doing, but there's never any way of knowing what will or will not move people, and trying to predict that is a game you can't win. I like the thought of Paul McCartney saying "Yeah, 'Blackbird' was fun to write. I'm glad lots of people like it, but I would've written it even if they didn't."
It can be challenging to write without thinking about whether what you're writing is good or not, but I guess the conclusion here is: #1 write what you feel and are happy with, not what you think others will be happy with -- it's the only way to call the music yours; and #2 stop thinking about what others think and get back to writing.
So I'm going to try and keep that perspective while I embark on writing a second album. I'm going to write whatever comes out, and see if I can't say some things creatively with songs. Maybe some people will like it... maybe not... but that's not the point.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
I've Been Blogged
Yeah, I do blogs, but I recently got blogged myself (is blogged a verb?).
MicControlBlog.com is a cool music blog dedicated to "unheard and unsigned" artists and bands. There has been a strong movement on the web towards this specialization, and Mic Control is one of the better examples. It's nice to see real people with a real passion for real music, and the wonderfully world wide web makes it possible for these people to share their thoughts and connect with others who share that passion.
I am happy to say that I am now a part of this hip blog with a recent post called: "Gary Melvin: An Artist Who Deserves Your Spare Time." Click on over to miccontrolblog.com to check out the post, and be sure to check back often to hear/read about more new music/bands/artists.
MicControlBlog.com is a cool music blog dedicated to "unheard and unsigned" artists and bands. There has been a strong movement on the web towards this specialization, and Mic Control is one of the better examples. It's nice to see real people with a real passion for real music, and the wonderfully world wide web makes it possible for these people to share their thoughts and connect with others who share that passion.
I am happy to say that I am now a part of this hip blog with a recent post called: "Gary Melvin: An Artist Who Deserves Your Spare Time." Click on over to miccontrolblog.com to check out the post, and be sure to check back often to hear/read about more new music/bands/artists.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Mute Math
I recently was out on the road playing with Frankie Valli and a new band member introduced me to some new music. The band is called "Mute Math" and the video clip he showed me (from a live DVD filmed at the El Rey in Los Angeles) was more than enough to spark my interest. Upon returning home I headed out to Amoeba to pick up the album (among others on my list), and after a few listens I must say I am definitely a fan.
The band is a foursome (vocals/keys, guitar, bass & drums) from New Orleans with an energetic sound and a reputation for even more energetic live performances (Alternative Press Magazine named Mute Math as the "#1 Band You Need to See Live Before You Die"). It's easy to hear several influences in their music, from The Police/Sting to The Sea and Cake to Bjork to The New Deal... but the resulting combination is truly beautiful and quite addictive. The songs are hooky, the beats are mesmerizing, and the musicianship is stellar. Several of the songs on the album (which was released in 2006 and gained so much momentum it was re-released in 2008 with a bonus live EP) are separated by ethereal interludes that lean towards drum and bass or electronica. This is not your typical band, and it's definitely the kind of music the world at large needs right now: real, honest, organic and incredible.
Word on the street (and by street, I mean their website) is that they are currently working on a new album that is scheduled to be released sometime during the summer of this year, which will be followed by a tour in the fall. I for one am adding Mute Math to my list of shows I gotta see.
Thumbs up, boys. Thanks for helping save the world with some great music.
The band is a foursome (vocals/keys, guitar, bass & drums) from New Orleans with an energetic sound and a reputation for even more energetic live performances (Alternative Press Magazine named Mute Math as the "#1 Band You Need to See Live Before You Die"). It's easy to hear several influences in their music, from The Police/Sting to The Sea and Cake to Bjork to The New Deal... but the resulting combination is truly beautiful and quite addictive. The songs are hooky, the beats are mesmerizing, and the musicianship is stellar. Several of the songs on the album (which was released in 2006 and gained so much momentum it was re-released in 2008 with a bonus live EP) are separated by ethereal interludes that lean towards drum and bass or electronica. This is not your typical band, and it's definitely the kind of music the world at large needs right now: real, honest, organic and incredible.Word on the street (and by street, I mean their website) is that they are currently working on a new album that is scheduled to be released sometime during the summer of this year, which will be followed by a tour in the fall. I for one am adding Mute Math to my list of shows I gotta see.
Thumbs up, boys. Thanks for helping save the world with some great music.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
It's been a while...
... since my last blog, and when I think about why that is, here's what I come up with:
There are times when it is good to share your ideas, beliefs, opinions etc. with others; times when sharing those things feels like it could be beneficial to some -- not just sharing for the sake of expressing yourself in order to extract high opinions from others, but sharing in order to help someone other than yourself.
Then there are times when it doesn't feel right. Maybe this happens because you don't feel people would benefit from hearing what you have to say, or maybe it's because you aren't confident it what you have to say and need time to marinate on your thoughts in order to present them properly. Or maybe it happens because you simply don't have anything to say and want/need to be silent.
I'm not sure why I've been silent on this blog for a while, but since I'm writing this today, it seems as though the silence is over... at least for now.
And with that I'll transition into a thought that is very exciting to me:
Last night I got together with a friend of mine I hadn't seen in a while, and she took me to a bookstore called the Bodhi Tree here in Los Angeles. In addition to being a store of spiritual and metaphysical books, they also hold lectures and talks (most of them free) on a variety of topics. Last night was my first time there, and we walked in on a talk already in progress. The man was speaking about oneness, and the pervasiveness of love, and the importance of Now, and the limitation of definition and division, and lots of other things that came to him. The wonderful thing about the evening was not just the things he spoke about, but also the fact that the room was filled with people. Mind you, it wasn't that large of a room, but there were probably 50-60 people there, many of them with smiles on their faces, or their eyes closed in deep attention, or with their palms together and against their chin, mouth, nose and forehead.
The ideas and concepts that this man spoke of are not new. They have been around for centuries, and I am sure that he would be the first to tell you that. So it is not fantastical newness that is so special, but rather the fact that places like the Bodhi Tree exist, and people, in large numbers, are open and ready to receive these ideas.
More and more people all over the world are coming to these ideas and concepts in what appears to be a massive shift (and many believe a heightening) of consciousness. I am seeing examples of this everywhere -- my experience last night is one example, and another big example is the phenonmenon that we all experienced this last Tuesday morning.
The inauguration of Barack Obama was unprecidented on so many levels that you can't help but recognize a change in our human perspective. The sheer number of people involved in the ceremony, both in Washington itself and around the world in front of televisions, is impressive by itself, but when you include the overwhelming sense of joy and love that these people projected, you discover just how truly special this event is (I mean to say "is" and not "was" for the moment will live through history and remain important always). President Obama was calm, patient, unafraid, humble and determined to make a difference when he took the podium, and when an incoming U.S. president speaks of love in his inaugural speech... well, you know things are changing.
I'm not sure how many other people agree with me and feel that we are living in exciting times right now, and I don't know how many people are on board with the concepts of oneness and the Power of Now, but I suppose I don't have to know these things in order to stay excited and in the Now. Everyone receives the ideas/concepts/beliefs that they need in the time and fashion that they need, and trying to force it any other way strips the meaning from the experience.
That is the beauty of what is happening right now in our world: this massive, sweeping shift in consciousness has been slowly building up steam for years and years now, and it's been happening without a central figure beating a drum and waving a flag pronouncing the supremeness of the cause from the top of a self-righteous mountain. There is no team to join, no side to choose, no jersey to wear expressing how right your organization is, because there is no organization. We're very used to dividing up into groups and arguing for centuries how we're right and you're wrong, so this new movement is quite unfamiliar and unique to us. Maybe that's why it's so powerful, and maybe that's why it's working...
There are times when it is good to share your ideas, beliefs, opinions etc. with others; times when sharing those things feels like it could be beneficial to some -- not just sharing for the sake of expressing yourself in order to extract high opinions from others, but sharing in order to help someone other than yourself.
Then there are times when it doesn't feel right. Maybe this happens because you don't feel people would benefit from hearing what you have to say, or maybe it's because you aren't confident it what you have to say and need time to marinate on your thoughts in order to present them properly. Or maybe it happens because you simply don't have anything to say and want/need to be silent.
I'm not sure why I've been silent on this blog for a while, but since I'm writing this today, it seems as though the silence is over... at least for now.
And with that I'll transition into a thought that is very exciting to me:
Last night I got together with a friend of mine I hadn't seen in a while, and she took me to a bookstore called the Bodhi Tree here in Los Angeles. In addition to being a store of spiritual and metaphysical books, they also hold lectures and talks (most of them free) on a variety of topics. Last night was my first time there, and we walked in on a talk already in progress. The man was speaking about oneness, and the pervasiveness of love, and the importance of Now, and the limitation of definition and division, and lots of other things that came to him. The wonderful thing about the evening was not just the things he spoke about, but also the fact that the room was filled with people. Mind you, it wasn't that large of a room, but there were probably 50-60 people there, many of them with smiles on their faces, or their eyes closed in deep attention, or with their palms together and against their chin, mouth, nose and forehead.
The ideas and concepts that this man spoke of are not new. They have been around for centuries, and I am sure that he would be the first to tell you that. So it is not fantastical newness that is so special, but rather the fact that places like the Bodhi Tree exist, and people, in large numbers, are open and ready to receive these ideas.
More and more people all over the world are coming to these ideas and concepts in what appears to be a massive shift (and many believe a heightening) of consciousness. I am seeing examples of this everywhere -- my experience last night is one example, and another big example is the phenonmenon that we all experienced this last Tuesday morning.
The inauguration of Barack Obama was unprecidented on so many levels that you can't help but recognize a change in our human perspective. The sheer number of people involved in the ceremony, both in Washington itself and around the world in front of televisions, is impressive by itself, but when you include the overwhelming sense of joy and love that these people projected, you discover just how truly special this event is (I mean to say "is" and not "was" for the moment will live through history and remain important always). President Obama was calm, patient, unafraid, humble and determined to make a difference when he took the podium, and when an incoming U.S. president speaks of love in his inaugural speech... well, you know things are changing.
I'm not sure how many other people agree with me and feel that we are living in exciting times right now, and I don't know how many people are on board with the concepts of oneness and the Power of Now, but I suppose I don't have to know these things in order to stay excited and in the Now. Everyone receives the ideas/concepts/beliefs that they need in the time and fashion that they need, and trying to force it any other way strips the meaning from the experience.
That is the beauty of what is happening right now in our world: this massive, sweeping shift in consciousness has been slowly building up steam for years and years now, and it's been happening without a central figure beating a drum and waving a flag pronouncing the supremeness of the cause from the top of a self-righteous mountain. There is no team to join, no side to choose, no jersey to wear expressing how right your organization is, because there is no organization. We're very used to dividing up into groups and arguing for centuries how we're right and you're wrong, so this new movement is quite unfamiliar and unique to us. Maybe that's why it's so powerful, and maybe that's why it's working...
Friday, December 12, 2008
thezeitgeistmovement.com
I believe it is highly important that everyone watches these two films. Awareness is our greatest tool for change. Watch and listen with an open mind.
Zeitgeist:
Zeitgeist: Addendum
Zeitgeist:
Zeitgeist: Addendum
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