I first met John Lennon when I was in college. Actually, we didn’t exactly meet face to face – just heart to heart.
I was on my way to lunch one day when I heard “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” on the radio. My life was changed that day forever.
Yeah, like the title says, what is it these days with culture’s new direction (probably spawned by the Internet) that short, short, short is better, better, mo’ better. As a human race, our attention span is getting less and less. Our ability to pay attention now seems down to mere seconds.
I read these truths yesterday morning. This morning I woke up very early from an end-of-the-world dream where I was stuck in LA after a massive world earthquake and a resulting war with deranged people. I couldn’t get home. I couldn’t find anyone I knew.
I woke up in a sweat. Disturbed deeply. Frightened by the seeming reality that had just engulfed my life. Wondering immediately what that was all about. Carrying forward the feelings of the dream into my waking consciousness. As I crawled out of bed, the Missus moaned and thrashed about lost in the throes of her own nightmare… (more…)
Well, the Oscars are over, the Grammys are over and it’s already started. We put ‘em up there. Now it’s time to knock ‘em off. Just watch. It happens every year.
What is it with our country this penchant to lift these people up onto the world pedestal, usually because of their good work, and then as soon as they’re up there, we do everything we can to pull ‘em back down?
It’s an American tradition – and not a very pleasant one. Is it jealousy on our parts? Is it that once up there most people don’t know how to handle it and so they sabotage themselves? Is it the press and their ever-growing need for drama whether it’s truthful or not? Or is it just that once up there, you get your 15 minutes and then it’s time to get off?
Probably all of the above.
I’m a much better singer in my head than in actuality. Most of us are. I guess I’m beyond being a shower singer, but not too far beyond it. And working with the people that I have the chance to work with nearly every day is an experience that would make just about anyone who can carry a tune clam up and keep silent.
I guess you might say I have the passion for singing and the ability to carry a song as an actor, but just don’t have the instrument. Also I don’t exercise my voice on a daily level.
So I have such a deep respect for anyone who can sing consistently on pitch, with great rhythm, emotion and control. Also the ability to control one’s vibrato is a mystery to me. My studio singer friends can sing with a straight tone, a wide vibrato, a narrow one (or fast vibrato) or a note that starts with a straight tone and emerges into the vibrato of choice. (more…)
Lately I’ve been feeling an inordinate amount of stress before vocal sessions in the recording studio. As a music producer, I have spent years in the NY studios producing thousands of sessions and producing vocal sessions is one of my fortes, so why this would now happen after all these years of experience was a mystery to me. (more…)
Part 2 — As a producer:
It’s a busy time. Spent the weekend in the studio working on two projects. Will spend today, the day after Valentines Day, celebrating 14 year anniversary with the Missus. I’ll actually take the day off.
The rest of the winter months and spring are loaded with music projects for Watchfire Music – so many that I must get better organized and get my arms around them all. Here’s a list: (more…)
Lady GaGa at the Grammys
Oh hum.
I’ve never been much of a fan of award shows. In my position of Creative Director of Watchfire Music, I know I’m supposed to write about Inspirational Music, but…
If last night’s Grammys were at the top of your list then you’ll probably not be thrilled with this post. On the other hand, perhaps you ought to read on to find out a few further truths about the whole parade of stars.
Award shows in general are all a bit much for me. Rather than being a chance for performers to show their considerable talents, they all too often turn out to be displays of their giant egos.
Before I get grumpy, let me say that my favorite moment was definitely the Dave Matthews Band. Real music without all the hoopla. Of course it had a touch of the dramatic, bringing in all those moving stages of choirs and brass sections, etc., but that’s just rock n’ roll.
