New

I'm oddly not nervous about these new roles I'm playing. This week, I'm acting as the stage manager for this Thursday's show. I don't know why, but I'm not nervous. No; and I'm not even feeling awkward about the situation it puts me in socially. I guess that's all.

Downtown?

Today was a good day. It's a Saturday and I slept in. Started the morning slowly with coffee, bananas, and some mixing. Mmm. That's a good start, but eventually I was dragged out and went downtown with a few guys. We checked out the Parthenon..... meaning: apparently someone decided to build and exact scale replica of the Parthenon in a park in downtown Nashville (actually east Nashville, I think?). We're talkin' Greece here folks. Pretty cool stuff.



Anyway, after that we hit up Third Man Records, Jack White's record label, boutique shop, and live venue. It's in a pretty run-down part of town, next to a homeless shelter. It seems fitting. I dig it. We asked about a show, but it was sold out. Hopefully we'll hit one at the right time in the next few months.

Afterward, we walked up and down Broadway and got some delicious and overpriced ice cream before heading back to the apartment.

Later on, there was a fun event for students at the CMC: "PJs, Pancakes, and 'That Thing You Do.'" Pretty self-explanatory, that one there. It was a lot of fun, though. Great way to end the night.

Peace

Furst Shew

It's been almost a week since my last post and a lot has happened. I've gone through rehearsals, classes, discussions, tech primers, line checks, and the like; all to get ready for our first show, which was earlier tonight. I've got to say, it went better than I expected! I helped a little with set changes during the show, but for the most part, there were too many bodies on the stage and I felt like I'd just be in the way. But I did play in 3 bands, so I feel at least a little accomplished.

I Cut Like A Buffalo.

Yesterday was momentous. We went to Blackbird Studio (www.blackbirdstudio.com) to hang out and talk with Vance Powell. Number one, this is quite honestly one of the top studios, if not THE top studio in the world today. Number two, we're in it. Number three, we're talking to Jack White's engineer. Holy Schmoligans. This guy is a completely a purist. Everything of Jack's is all on tape and everything is simple. One take. Bussed down to just 8 tracks. These guys are ridiculous and it sounds SO good. I feel like I learned more recording philosophy with Vance in an hour than three and a half years of college education. Thank God, I am blessed.

Furthermore, Jack White is a freaking genius. If you don't really listen much, you should.









Seriously... Listen to this shiz. Genius.



After that, we headed over to the NARAS office (the folks who do the Grammy's). It was interesting, but I felt like they were just trying to sell their organization to us the whole time (and who can blame them?). Nevertheless, another contact point for networking and I am grateful.


I don't think fear ever truly goes away. The trick is to use it for fuel. Some fire under my creative pot, if you will.

Quick note

Another day of inaccessible meetings. Another day being thrust way beyond my level. We started off at Stephen Leiweke's studio. Stephen is a producer and session guitarist that offers a more private type of studio with in-house lodging and includes all his services in his studio fees. It makes perfect sense, but apparently it's not the norm down here? That's how Innovation was.

Anyway, we also visited Jason Halbert's house. Jason is Kelly Clarkson's musical director. He runs shows and keeps everything synchronized completely regardless of whether or not she skips a measure or two. That's a high level of skill.

Emack Studios (Toby Mac, Michael W. Smith, Relient K) was next on the list. Met with Kyle Lee who does production, mixing, songwriting, etc. there. Gained a lot of insight from that, as well.

For dinner, Marcus DePaula (our tech boss for the next three months) had us over for chili and cornbread. It sure was delicious. We felt each other out and talked about some tech experience on both ends. Obviously Marcus outshined everyone immeasurably.

Sorry this post is so bland and undetailed. I'm really just jotting down quick notes, so I remember the day. I am rather sleepy, so good night.

It feels good.

After tonight's showcase, I got a chance to a) hook up a dvd player (mundane and simple, but at least I felt like I was doing something), b) jam with some great folks on stage with my bass running through the Ampeg 8X10, and c) play some mixes through the amazing $36,000 PA system. Ahh. I feel much more at ease and at home now. It feels good.

Good men die like dogs.

This morning (and throughout the afternoon) we visiting a few places around town to continue our initial overview. First, we visited Reggie Hamm's house and talked with him for awhile, absorbing all that we were able to. Reggie wrote David Cook's "Time of My Life" and countless other songs. This guy is a songwriting monster and yet he mostly preached about how hard it is, even for him (having over 20 number one hits), to make a living at it.

Next, we headed over to Nathan Lee's house, or rather, warehouse. Nathan is a piano player, singer, composer, and artist. He's cut over 150 full-quality master recordings and released I think 8 albums and yet, he's only actually made money on one song (and only 2 - 3 thousand at that). He played a few songs for us and offered his warehouse to hang out for a while, which was great. Despite seriously struggling to pay rent every month, he was joyous and happy with his life. This song here is amazing. He wrote it about being done with the music business. Being fed up with the state of affairs. By the way, this was filmed in his house/warehouse - an awesome place.





Afterwards, we headed to SESAC headquarters on music row. We met with Tim Fink, the Vice President of SESAC. SESAC is one of the 3 American Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) along with ASCAP and BMI. He pretty much gave us an overview of what a PRO, and specifically SESAC, does and how we fit into that (or maybe how they fit into us).

I'll be perfectly honest. I'm feeling discouraged here. It's rather disheartening when giants are struggling and failing and you're only starting to open your eyes. The only hopeful part is the music itself. Maybe this only means I'll have mediocre "success?" Maybe none? God knows.


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"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.
There's also a negative side."

- Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

All you soul-searchin' people, C'MON!

This morning's worship service was an amalgamation of songs, quotes, and stories presented as examples of how to encounter God in creation, creativity, and reason. It was quite good.

A few really stuck out to me. Anathallo's "Holiday at the Sea" was gorgeous. The kind of song that builds and builds until you're choked up. So awesome.



Delta Spirit "People C'mon" - also great.




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Letter to a Young Artist

The artist's life, and what an artist is . . . that is very curious. Relatively few
people know why an artist acts in this way or that. As far as I know, the
word means "I am seeking, I am striving, I am in with all my heart—always
seeking without absolutely finding."

I think that everything that is really good and beautiful—of inward moral,
spiritual and sublime beauty in men and their works—comes from God, and
that all that is bad and wrong in men and in their works is not of God. In my
experience, the best way to know God is to love many things.

One must love with a lofty and serious intimate sympathy, with strength,
with intelligence—for therein lies the true strength. Whosoever loves much
performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well
done.

One must always try to know deeper, better and more. That leads to God—
that leads to unwavering faith.

You'll find out that the artist's life can be supremely difficult . . . but what
would art, and what would life, be without difficulties? For the sake of art, I
will—if I must—put up with being always in difficulties. After all, one is not in
the world for one's own comfort.

In fact, I've learned that one must never trust the occasion when one is
without difficulties. Whoever lives sincerely and encounters much trouble
and disappointment, but is not bowed down by them, is worth more than one who has always sailed before the wind and has only known relative
prosperity.

And don't forget—great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of
small things brought together. First the foundation, then the roof follows in
time. My motto is, "Not a day without a line." By writing, reading, working
and practicing daily, perseverance will lead you to a good end.

I suppose that for a sower of God's word—as I hope to be—as well as for a
sower of the seed in the fields, each day will bring enough of its own evil,
and the earth will produce many thorns and thistles. Let us continue to help
each other, and ask for brotherly love. The battle is but short, yet it is
worthwhile to be sincere. If many are sincere and firm, the whole period
becomes good.

Let us keep courage and try to be patient and gentle, and not mind being
eccentric. Make distinction between good and evil. There is something
greater in the future . . . my conscience tells me so.

To those who make this grave and moving journey, my best wishes and
sympathy.

- Vincent van Gogh

We all suck. Yeah.

The biggest word of encouragement we received during this first weekend of orientation and acclamation was on Saturday night from Warren, the director. Here it is, more or less:

"I know what all of you are thinking... 'What if I suck?' Well, I have news for you. You all suck. But we're here to make you better."

This is generally the attitude down here. Starting from the very bottom. This is daunting and encouraging at the same time. Regardless, it will be incredibly tough and it will be incredibly rewarding. I feel good. Scared and alive.

Here I Am. Furthermore, Kelly Clarkson.

Here I am. I drove all day (while listening to The Fellowship of the Ring on tape) and finally arrived in Nashville this afternoon. I haven't really had anytime to myself since then. There was moving in and all the meeting of new roommates and the like until around six. Not quite enough time to get settled in, but still nice. The apartment is more spacious than I had thought, thank goodness, although it's still a bit hectic with nine guys. At six, we had dinner (barbeque meat sandwiches and baked beans and salad and such) and then a "get-to-know-you" game. You always have to have one of those. At eight-thirty, there was a concert. Jill and Kate (Kelly Clarkson's background singers) played the first half and they were quite good. Excellent harmonies. So good. Both Jill and Kate were from semester 4 (this is semester 20).

There was also a bit of a surprise. Kelly Clarkson came out to sing with them! Front row, small venue, down to earth.... pretty awesome.







Afterwards, Rick Elias (Ragamuffin Band, Rich Mullins) played a few songs. They were quite good.

Thanks Mom! Thanks Dad!

It's 2 AM. Friday night. I'm finally in bed and most of my car is packed. I worry that I'm bringing too much. I 'm waking up again at 4 to pack the rest and be on the road by 5. Less than 2 hours of sleep for a 9 hour drive. This will be fun.

Why am I only getting two hours of sleep? Because my Mom and Dad are fantastic! Part of my car is loaded down with food and spices and other items that I was blessed with by my parents. I am so thankful for that. Since I was out grocery shopping with Mom, I didn't actually start packing until 7:30 or 8:00. Oh well! I got one heck of a kick start!

Tomorrow is the "big day," I suppose. I'm not really nervous about the things I possibly should be. Classes, meeting people, driving, etc. No. Not nervous at all. I'm only nervous about the living situation and having enough space. As I have said, my car is incredibly full and will be even more full tomorrow morning (in 2 hours... ). I really hope I'm not going to be "that guy" that brings everything unnecessary and superfluous. My car is so full and yet most of what is in there is either a) music things, b) clothes, c) food items, or d) cleaning/organizational items. I'm hoping that even if I do bring too much, it will be things that no one else thinks or cares about (ie cleaning). gah... That's really it, though.

Time to stop neglecting my body and let it sleep. Good night.

Recap

It's been almost a week since my last post and I feel that I've been neglecting you. I just returned from a near week-long stay in Canton, spending time with Deanna, friends, and loved ones. It was a soul-nourishing time and I needed it. Especially after hanging out at home, more or less alone, for a few weeks.

Friday night: Erin, a friend, got on a plane to LA. She's doing the same thing I am for her last semester, only in film studies. So we stayed up late until she had to go to the airport. It was a fun time. After catching up on some sleep, the next few days consisted mostly of time together with Deanna. Very nice and needed.

Monday and Tuesday: we finished recording for the Great Seal EP. Vibes and orchestra percussion. So good. Unless there are little parts that need touch-ups here or there, the recording process is complete. What a relief! Of course, I still have to finish mixing everything. Let's just pray that it goes well. I took Deanna out to breakfast on Tuesday, as well. Einstein Bros. Bagels. So good. We had our usuals: an everything bagel for Deanna and two asiago bagels for me. All toasted and with butter, of course. Coffee, as well. Little outings like that do wonders for your emotional and relational health.

Wednesday: I ended up playing in chapel with the rest of Great Seal. It was fun, although a bit odd, considering the fact that two of us are graduated and two of us aren't technically students there anymore. At any rate, it went well. We played two worship songs and that was it.

Thursday: Today! I left Canton for what seems indefinite, yet it's only a few months, but not before cleaning Deanna's freezer. It was broken and the repair guy came, but it was hideously coated in raspberry goo and other sundry messes, so something had to be done about it.

I'm here. I'm home. I'm packing. I'm tired. I'm going to bed. Goodnight.

Sleep's good

Saturday morning. Canton, OH. I haven't slept this well or this late for quite some time. I woke up after eleven! Crazy! I guess that will happen if you're awake from 4 in the morning to 3 in the next morning.

Here Goes Nothin'

So this is my first post and actually my first real attempt at blogging. I've had a group blog for a school project before, but that doesn't exactly count. I hope this is an interesting read. Until quite recently, I've shied away from writing as much as possible. So this persona of "writer" is completely foreign to my mind.

All that to say: "here goes nothin'..."

In 10 quite short days, I'll be traveling to Nashville, Tennessee to live and breathe music for a little over 3 months. For my final semester of college, I'm studying at the Contemporary Music Center in Brentwood, TN. I was just about to spout some perfunctory speech about "learning so much more" and "growing a lot." Wow, that would suck to read. Of course it's going to be important, that's why this blog exists. I don't have to write the cliches into your mind.

And... what do I write about? At this point, I mean. I suppose once I get down there, this might become somewhat of a journal. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I'm honestly not sure what I'd write about or even if I'd write at all if I didn't try to chronicle the events of the next three months.

So, I guess I'll do that. Stay tuned...