Showing posts with label soul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label soul. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Friday, April 10, 2015
A Lounge Called Leopard
Back in 2009 I was blessed with an incredible opportunity. I had been on the hunt for a fun songwriting competition to take part in and came across Facebook Idol, which was sponsored by Sweatshop Studios. I submitted one of my tunes and pretty much forgot about it for a while. With online competitions I had, at that point, pretty much decided that most of them were a load of junk.
Well I soon found out that I had made it in to the top 15 of the contestants. To make a long story short, while I didn't win the competition I was contacted by Sweatshop and offered a contract.
In a matter of months I found myself behind the mic in Katona, New York, at the incredible facilities of Sweatshop Studios, recording my own songs. It was a dream come true.
After spending an amazing eternity in studio, we ventured out to a venue on the east side of NYC called the Sinsin Leopard Lounge (no, I don't know who named the place). I was honored to perform there for a packed house alongside a couple of the other Facebook Idol finalists. Such an amazing evening that was!!!
Here is a little snip from the trip. The song you'll here I actually ended up re-writing with gospel lyrics, but i still like going back and listening to the old version every now and then. This is "Cut Down" live in New York City.
Well I soon found out that I had made it in to the top 15 of the contestants. To make a long story short, while I didn't win the competition I was contacted by Sweatshop and offered a contract.
In a matter of months I found myself behind the mic in Katona, New York, at the incredible facilities of Sweatshop Studios, recording my own songs. It was a dream come true.
After spending an amazing eternity in studio, we ventured out to a venue on the east side of NYC called the Sinsin Leopard Lounge (no, I don't know who named the place). I was honored to perform there for a packed house alongside a couple of the other Facebook Idol finalists. Such an amazing evening that was!!!
Here is a little snip from the trip. The song you'll here I actually ended up re-writing with gospel lyrics, but i still like going back and listening to the old version every now and then. This is "Cut Down" live in New York City.
Friday, March 20, 2015
In Their Shoes: the Hurricane Demo
I'm re-posting this today because I truly am excited about it.
I believe that the ability to imagine oneself in the shoes of another, writing from that perspective, is a gift that can make you an incredible force to be reckoned with in the music industry. To empathize with the person you're picturing, what they're feeling, emoting that in to your music and lyrics. It's one of my greatest challenges but also one of the most rewarding.
I wrote "Hurricane" in this manner. I've had only a small handful of relationships, leading up to meeting my incredible wife, Sarah, and none of those were anything like what the song describes. Because of this I had to sit back, close my eyes, and imagine what a man in those shoes may be feeling. I actually would listen to other songs that talked about similar subject matter, and even tuned in to some movie clips that showed the pain and frustration of a failing relationship.
All of that to say that I am excited about the tune and will, at some point in the near future, be releasing an official version. This current recording is a demo for all y'all to sample (is it weird for a guy born and raised in Washington state to use "y'all?)
I believe that the ability to imagine oneself in the shoes of another, writing from that perspective, is a gift that can make you an incredible force to be reckoned with in the music industry. To empathize with the person you're picturing, what they're feeling, emoting that in to your music and lyrics. It's one of my greatest challenges but also one of the most rewarding.
I wrote "Hurricane" in this manner. I've had only a small handful of relationships, leading up to meeting my incredible wife, Sarah, and none of those were anything like what the song describes. Because of this I had to sit back, close my eyes, and imagine what a man in those shoes may be feeling. I actually would listen to other songs that talked about similar subject matter, and even tuned in to some movie clips that showed the pain and frustration of a failing relationship.
All of that to say that I am excited about the tune and will, at some point in the near future, be releasing an official version. This current recording is a demo for all y'all to sample (is it weird for a guy born and raised in Washington state to use "y'all?)
Stank Face: Snarky Puppy
So these guys deserve one big, giant, scrunchy, stank face. Now let me clarify. The "stank face", however unattractive, is not only a compliment given by listeners, but often a reflex that musicians cannot fully control. Guitarists will sink their fingertips in to the neck, bending those strings, and BAM. Stank face. If you're a musician you know exactly what I'm talking about and DON'T even try to deny it. Like I said, it's a reflex. Just revel in the stanky goodness.
There are rare moments throughout my life where I've come across collaborative music that's as truly great as Snarky Puppy. There sound is one that is rich, and chewy, and will constantly cause you to turn and say "Oh! Whats that!?"
It's creativity blended with GREAT writing, and musicianship that's ventured far beyond talent. These folks have sharpened whatever talent they were blessed with in to true skill. My friends, if you have not yet dipped your ears in to the sounds of Snarky Puppy you simply NEED to take a coffee break and dive on in.
Here's "Free Your Dreams", featuring Chantae Cann.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Monday, January 26, 2015
The Daily Tune: Tyshan Knight
Today's featured artist is Tyshan Knight.
The guys truly got an incredible voice that harkens back to the days of Brian McKnight, and Boyz 2 Men. Basically, its delicious and you should be listening. So tune in!
Monday, January 12, 2015
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Lush
Everyone has an outlet. Some dive in to digital worlds and lose themselves in an interactive storyline, others press pen to paper and craft those stories. Some head straight to the kitchen to create delicious masterpieces fit for a king, while others simply kick back, coffee in hand, and let their imagination run wild between the pages of a good book.
There are some that have chosen other methods of coping with reality. Some drown themselves at the bottom of a bottle, or get lost in a haze of smoke and powder. I have family members who've battled with addiction. Heck, I've battled with it myself. We look for something to lean in to for that, however momentary, escape from stress and strife.
My song, Lush, is a metaphor. In the tune I describe music as being a drink, one I can't put down. It's a fix I will always crave, an addiction that will only grow stronger. Basically, it's my confession that music is my escape. (The song is available on iTunes!)
There are some that have chosen other methods of coping with reality. Some drown themselves at the bottom of a bottle, or get lost in a haze of smoke and powder. I have family members who've battled with addiction. Heck, I've battled with it myself. We look for something to lean in to for that, however momentary, escape from stress and strife.
My song, Lush, is a metaphor. In the tune I describe music as being a drink, one I can't put down. It's a fix I will always crave, an addiction that will only grow stronger. Basically, it's my confession that music is my escape. (The song is available on iTunes!)
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
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