Who's Online Now
8 members (VNORTH2, couchgrouch, Fdemetrio, Gary E. Andrews, Perry Neal Crawford, Sunset Poet, Guy E. Trepanier, bennash), 4,084 guests, and 265 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Register Today!
Welcome to the Just Plain Folks forums! You are currently viewing our forums as a Guest which gives you limited access to most of our discussions and to other features.

By joining our free community you will have access to post and respond to topics, communicate privately with our users (PM), respond to polls, upload content, and access many other features. Registration is fast, simple, and absolutely free; so please join our community today!
ShoutChat
Comment Guidelines: Do post respectful and insightful comments. Don't flame, hate, spam.
What's Going On
Does Billy Joel belong in top 10?
by Fdemetrio - 03/28/24 11:10 PM
It Is Done
by Sunset Poet - 03/28/24 07:44 PM
Music Industry Summit, Athens Ohio
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/28/24 06:14 PM
Can you save me from me
by VNORTH2 - 03/28/24 03:11 PM
As human as yo
by ckiphen - 03/28/24 09:55 AM
Fox News Reports Stunning Archeological Discovery.
by couchgrouch - 03/27/24 08:02 PM
Wasting My Time
by David Gill - 03/27/24 07:42 AM
Song available
by JAPOV - 03/26/24 03:38 PM
YELLIN AT CLOUDS
by David Gill - 03/26/24 03:20 PM
"Reliving" the great Lou Rawls!
by Brian Austin Whitney - 03/26/24 01:49 PM
::: The Best In My Life :::
by Bill Draper - 03/26/24 01:32 PM
The show must go on
by ckiphen - 03/26/24 09:06 AM
NYC Motel 1972
by rpirone - 03/26/24 12:43 AM
usic Industry Summitt
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 11:32 PM
The Rant Arena
by JAPOV - 03/25/24 07:39 PM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Lancaster Festival, Lancaster, Ohio
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 10:51 AM
Wasting my time
by Rob B. - 03/25/24 03:45 AM
Tom Waits.. What's he building
by Fdemetrio - 03/25/24 12:09 AM
Rick Beato, bad lyrics
by Fdemetrio - 03/24/24 11:23 PM
Inspirational Videos Post Them Here
by Sunset Poet - 03/24/24 11:27 AM
Used to take a Genius to Mix
by Fdemetrio - 03/23/24 11:00 AM
She’s missing but she ain’t missing him
by ckiphen - 03/23/24 08:44 AM
"Broken Places"
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/22/24 07:45 PM
All You Are Is A Lie
by Sunset Poet - 03/22/24 06:55 PM
Pour Choices
by Gavin Sinclair - 03/22/24 05:29 PM
Billy's 30 year overdue song.
by Fdemetrio - 03/22/24 01:30 PM
Make my dreams come true
by ckiphen - 03/22/24 10:51 AM
Top Posters
Calvin 19,857
Travis david 12,264
Kevin Emmrich 10,941
Jean Bullock 10,330
Kaley Willow 10,240
Two Singers 9,649
Joice Marie 9,186
Mackie H. 9,003
glynda 8,683
Mike Dunbar 8,574
Tricia Baker 8,318
couchgrouch 8,160
Colin Ward 7,911
Corey 7,357
Vicarn 6,916
Mark Kaufman 6,589
ben willis 6,114
Lynn Orloff 5,788
Louis 5,725
Linda Sings 5,608
KimberlyinNC 5,210
Fdemetrio 4,990
Neil Cotton 4,909
Derek Hines 4,893
DonnaMarilyn 4,670
Blake Hill 4,528
Bob Cushing 4,389
Roy Cooper 4,271
Bill Osofsky 4,199
Tom Shea 4,195
Cindy Miller 4,178
TamsNumber4 4,171
MFB III 4,143
Sunset Poet 4,126
nightengale 4,096
E Swartz 3,985
JAPOV 3,973
beechnut79 3,878
Caroline 3,865
Kolstad 3,845
Dan Sullivan 3,710
Dottie 3,427
joewatt 3,411
Bill Cooper 3,279
John Hoffman 3,199
Skip Johnson 3,027
Pam Hurley 3,007
Terry G 3,005
Nigel Quin 2,891
PopTodd 2,890
Harriet Ames 2,870
MidniteBob 2,761
Nelson 2,616
Tom Tracy 2,558
Jerry Jakala 2,524
Al Alvarez 2,499
Eric Thome 2,448
Hummingbird 2,401
Stan Loh 2,263
Sam Wilson 2,246
Wendy D 2,235
Judy Hollier 2,232
Erica Ellis 2,202
maccharles 2,134
TrumanCoyote 2,096
Marty Helly 2,041
DukeWill 2,002
floyd jane 1,985
Clint Anglin 1,904
cindyrella 1,888
David Wright 1,866
Clairejeanne 1,851
Cindy LaRosa 1,824
Ronald Boyt 1,675
Iggy 1,652
Noel Downs 1,633
Rick Heenan 1,608
Cal 1,574
GocartMoz 1,559
Jack Swain 1,554
Pete Larsen 1,537
Ann Tygart 1,529
Tom Breshers 1,487
RogerS 1,481
Tom Franz 1,473
Chuck Crowe 1,441
Ralph Blight 1,440
Rick Norton 1,429
Kenneth Cade 1,429
bholt 1,411
Letha Allen 1,409
in2piano 1,404
Stan Simons 1,402
Deej56 1,385
mattbanx 1,384
Jen Shaner 1,373
Charlie Wong 1,347
KevinP 1,324
Vondelle 1,316
Tom W. 1,313
Jan Petter 1,301
scottandrew 1,294
lane1777 1,280
Gerry 1,280
DakLander 1,265
IronKnee 1,262
PeteG 1,242
Ian Ferrin 1,235
Glen King 1,214
VNORTH2 1,212
IdeaGuy 1,209
AaronAuthier 1,177
summeoyo 1,174
Diane Ewing 1,162
ckiphen 1,120
joro 1,082
BobbyJoe 1,075
S.DEE 1,040
yann 1,037
9ne 1,035
David Gill 1,032
Tony A 1,016
argo 986
peaden 984
90 dB 964
Wolvman 960
Jak Kelly 912
krtinberg 890
Drifter 886
Petra 883
RJC 845
Brenda152 840
Nadia 829
ant 798
Juan 797
TKO 784
Dayson 781
frahmes 781
bennash 763
teletwang 762
Andy K 750
Andy Kemp 749
tbryson 737
Jackie444 731
Irwin 720
3daveyO3 704
Dixie 701
Joy Boy 695
Pat Hardy 692
Knute 686
Lee Arten 678
Moosesong 668
Katziis 652
R.T.MOORE 638
quality 637
CG King 622
douglas 621
R&M 614
Mel 614
NaomiSue 601
Shandy 590
Ria 587
TAMERA64 583
qbaum 570
nitepiano 566
pRISCILLA 556
Tink2 553
musica 539
deanbell 528
RobertK 527
BonzaiWag 523
Roderic 522
BB Wilbur 513
goodfolks 499
Zeek 487
Stu 486
Steve P. 481
KathyW 462
allenb 459
MaxG 458
Philjo 454
fanito 448
trush48 448
dmk 442
Rob L 439
arealrush 437
DGR 436
avweek 435
Stephen D 433
Emmy 431
marquez 422
kit 419
Softkrome 417
kyrksongs 415
RRon 408
Laura G. 407
VNORTH 407
Debra 407
eb 406
cuebald 399
EdPerrone 399
Dannyk1 395
Hobart 395
Davyboy49 393
Smile 389
GJShades 387
Alek 386
Ezt 384
tone 380
Marla 380
Ann_F 379
iggyiggy 378
coalminer 377
java 374
ddreuter 371
spidey 371
sweetsong 370
danny 367
Rob B. 364
Jim Ryan 360
papaG 353
Z - man 350
JamesDF5 348
John K 348
Jaden 344
TheBaz 340
Steggy 339
leif 339
tonedeaf 336
rickwork 334
Eddie Ray 332
Johnboy 328
Bob Lever 328
Helicon1 327
lucian 326
Muskie 321
kc 319
Z. Mulls 318
ptondreau 313
ONOFFON 312
Chris B. 310
trush 304
ed323 297
Ellen M 294
markus-ky 293
lizzorn 291
nicnac49 290
Char 286
ktunes 285
Top Likes Received
JAPOV 86
VNORTH2 45
bennash 38
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#398483 01/18/06 10:37 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
Top 100 Poster
OP Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
What are you doing to better yourselves as musicians/entertainers?
Taking classes lessons or?

Jerry

------------------
Jerry Jakala


http://www.jerryjakala.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/jakalajerry2

The difference between genius and stupidity is that there is a limit on genius.-Albert Einstein
#398484 01/19/06 11:57 AM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 750
Likes: 2
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 750
Likes: 2
Besides practicing (playing, recording, writing, etc.), I'm doing a lot of reading, both books and on the net, of songwriting and recording techniques. I also attended five conferences, one week of seminars, and a songwriter's retreat last year. Regularly attend our local NSAI chapter meetings. Plus still submitting and getting critiques from TAXI. (And people wonder why I don't have time to attend open mics!)

Note that most of this has little to do with performing. My goal is not to be an artist, but a songwriter. It's the song that counts!

------------------
Stone Marmot
retro pop-rock original music
www.stonemarmot.com
www.soundclick.com/stonemarmot.htm
www.myspace.com/stonemarmot


https://www.stonemarmot.com
Stone Marmot
Nouveau retro pop-rock music
Listen to our latest song “I Sing Along” at:
https://soundcloud.com/stone-marmot/i-sing-along
and its music video at
#398485 01/19/06 12:25 PM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,499
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,499
In regards to being a better musician and entertainer I'd have to say I've started to play out more.Working with Jim Mason and performing at our showcases. So more stage experience this year than ever before. I'm realizing more personal fulfillment in my efforts promoting also. Thats where I see myself.
Al
www.aandrproductions.com

#398486 01/19/06 01:47 PM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 912
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 912
I've been trying to re-try my old diciplines of writing every day, wether anything is a "keeper" or not.
Im also trying to get out and play again ( so much for retirement) LOL
I have to thank my family at JPF for being there and kicking my a- - to do it again!
It sure feels good to be "ME" again!!!
bless y'all

------------------
jak kelly
http://www.jakkelly.com
swampwood1@juno.com
http://www.cafepress.com/jakkelly
http://www.soundclick.com/jakkelly

[This message has been edited by jakkelly (edited 01-19-2006).]

#398487 01/19/06 02:52 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 164
D
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
D
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 164
I hound people like Andy with endless questions about writing and recording. I just recently joined NSAI to improve my lyric writing. Read,and as Jak said try to get into a writing mode. I need to play less and think more. I'll be attending a NSAI symposium in March which should be a eye opener. In addition to all that I learn about every song that I hear and like to better understand why I like them.
Dan

#398488 01/19/06 07:25 PM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 298
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 298
Interesting question, Jerry. Like Andy, I've read voluminously, particularly regarding digital recording techniques. I tend to focus on specific areas for a length of time. If I'm doing a lot of recording, I'm likely not writing much, or working on any particular instrument...

2004 was all about learning to play mandolin. I don't think I wrote a single song that year, but I sure drove my wife crazy playing scales hour after hour after hour. It was great to be able to pick up a new instrument, and begin to build some chops on it.

2005 was a great songwriting year for me. Inspired, for the most part, by the relationships I developed through JPF and playing some of the local open mics. I hooked up with several writer/performers for song-swapping sessions at one home or another. Those mini song circles, in a non-performance atmosphere, proved really valuable in terms of the craft of writing and in playing accompaniment. Additionally, being able to participate in some of Jules' writers rounds was really valuale to me.

By the end of last year, I was accompanying other writers in performance situations, and I look do more of that in 2006. It's a great opportunity to add new styles and licks on multiple instruments.

Later,

Mike Worrall

#398489 01/20/06 05:25 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
Top 100 Poster
OP Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,524
Glad to see some responses & that you are not only working hard but working smart.
Working with Dan & Andy & various members of Horse Feather's my skills have greatly increased.I also continue to take guitar lessons over the net and write and perform when I can.
I am assuming that the rest of you are doing something similar.
Any one else want to chime in here?
From the way the showcases are going I know a lot more of you are honing your crafts in one way or another.
Jerry


------------------
Jerry Jakala


http://www.jerryjakala.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/jakalajerry2

The difference between genius and stupidity is that there is a limit on genius.-Albert Einstein
#398490 01/20/06 08:22 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 863
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 863
well, i joined bnav, and am playing out alot. also bought an up-right bass last june and have been working with that. also just put together a rock-a-billy band named "the gonners". so that's coming along . and bought a pocket recorder(zoom ps-04) that i write on the spot with. doing my acoustic open mic tours.(check the website) and still teaching myself to travis pick. with a study at home cd and book.(home spun music) hopefully i'll get out more this yr. on the acoustic. i'm recording a cd(with the wife of wmnf florida folk show host pete gallagher producing) and selling it on cd baby in march.going to the bluegrass parlor open mics with the up-right(on thurs) is another thing on my list.looking for a publisher to pitch my songs too.(broken arrow records in nashville is interested) so much too do.. good thread jerry! barn.
http://www.bettysnotavitamin.com

------------------
www.barkinbarney.com

[This message has been edited by barkin barney (edited 01-21-2006).]

[This message has been edited by barkin barney (edited 01-21-2006).]

#398491 01/21/06 04:09 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 163
J
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
J
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 163
Well,
I am trying to write more songs with different chord structures. Attending song writing classes, pitching songs and having them critqued, going to writing seminars, guitar lessons, vocal coaching, recording songs I wrote and co-wrote, and raising my three beautiful childen. Keepin my husband happy. ect..............Great question


JoDell
jodellsmusic.com
Believe in yourself and your dreams will come true!
#398492 01/21/06 11:16 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216
I am like Andy in that I am more interested in writing songs than performing, but performing has been one of the main things that I have been doing to better myself and my songwriting. The song only evolves to a certain point (for me) when it is hermetically sealed in my mind and my music room (and writing for me, lyrics especially, can be a painstakingly slooooow process). Exposing these musical mushrooms to the light of stage and the interaction of other players and ears fleshes out certain thing (phrasings, tempo, structure) that solitude doesn't. Being inherently lazy about performing (My CD was named "Appearing Slightly" for a reason) JPF has helped kick me in the ass about getting songs ready for performance. I have also resumed accompanying myself on harmonica after many years (a development that hasn't thrilled my wife or our cats) and am working on learning and relearning covers and accompanying others when possible to broaden my musical vocabulary.

#398493 01/22/06 02:41 AM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 53
M
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
M
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 53
Teaching guitar for many hours every day, and listening to very diverse music certainly helps. Also, getting in lots of playing time with musicians from all genres- as well as lots of live improvisations (its fun when you have no idea what is going to happen!) certainly keeps me getting better.

------------------
http://www.hazardfactor.com

#398494 01/22/06 04:01 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 775
Top 500 Poster
Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 775
I am taking a course in mastering in order to make my productions sound more like they should be on the radio (or elevators or whatever). I also have made myself available to others as an accompianist, got a fretless bass, learned how to convert wav to MP3 and email them, looking even further to expand the range of styles I write in (in Dec I wrote my first polka). Also have started to check the specialized subject boards on JPF - reading what mentors and general members have to say about recording equipment, procedures, etc. Should've started that one a long time ago! Oh, and listening to my wife more. [Linked Image]

------------------
Steve Dockendorf
"Quality music for quality people"
dockendorf2000@yahoo.com
www.soundclick.com/stevedockendorf


Steve Dockendorf
Dockendorf Audio Recorders
"Quality music for quality people"
dockendorf2000@yahoo.com
http://www.stevedockendorf.com
http://www.myspace.com/stephendockendorf
http://stevedockendorf.wordpress.com
#398495 01/22/06 01:43 PM
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 213
F
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
F
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 213
Well this is a very interesting question. I have bought an 5 string open back banjo and I've been teaching myself how to play. I am also trying to read more, but I'm not a good reader. I am trying my hand at being handy around the house like hanging blinds and stuff, the house is still standing so far so good
I'm writing more after a long dry spell thoough it gets hard with Jacob around. And this year I WILL pull this band together and PERFORM!
James



------------------
James
www.JRHawkins.com

#398496 02/08/06 03:56 AM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 37
L
Casual Observer
Offline
Casual Observer
L
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 37
I like this post. And I can relate to Mincer...teaching helps. Sometimes while I'm coaching someone or even working on technique, I might come across a new realization. It's pretty amazing.

My songwriting skills are also evolving as I have outgrown the pop field and now want to write more difficult compositions. Right now I'm just aborbing everything I can.

------------------
"I doubt everything, even my own doubts"

#398497 02/09/06 01:13 AM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
Great question Jerry. Well, I bought a brand new Mac-Daddy PC (Pentium Dual Core proc. w/2Gb DDR-2 Ram, etc.) comletely dedicated to my studio. Next I bought the Focusrite Saffire (Andy's recommendation) which completely changed my studio and made my recording rack obsolete! All that recording gear is now in my live rack I play gigs with. I am now 100% totally a digital PC studio.

I have 7 songs produced, 2 more roughly laid down with rhythm and scratch vocals, and 3 or so more written for my 3rd CD. I will begin to sell them on CD baby soon hopefully.

I am playing some more solo gigs now to keep my chops us and PLUS..I just love playing gigs!!! I really do get off on playing live. I also make my priority the JPF meetings and being a part of Horse feathers to back other artists/friends if requested.

Unfortunately, I really have neither the time nor the money to join many societies and go to seminars.

I attempt to jump the hurdles my life has in front of me as well as bask in the sunlight of the good times and from time to time...these experiences precipitate songs.

I play BOTH my guitar and my piano 365 days a year...even if just to jam a few songs just for the Halibut!

Cheers!

------------------
Alex Wolfe Parnes/Canis Lupus Productions
www.canislupusmusic.com

#398498 02/09/06 10:10 AM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
Serious Contributor
Offline
Serious Contributor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 306
OH, I forgot to include this.

As far as pitching my songs, I tried that before many time only via mail though as both artist and songwriter. I have no problem with the rejection, I realize the statistical probability of a single success especially doing it that way, but in the process I noticed I am not really a music "Business" person and that exersize became tedious and tiresome real fast.

I hate to say it and it sounds trite, but I only really "feel" the art side of the business, i.e., songwriting, performing, producing, etc. and get bored instantaneously with the "bottom line" and business of music.

I guess that's what managers are for, eh?
Cheers!


------------------
Alex Wolfe Parnes/Canis Lupus Productions
www.canislupusmusic.com


Link Copied to Clipboard
Support Just Plain Folks

We would like to keep the membership in Just Plain Folks FREE! Your donation helps support the many programs we offer including Road Trips and the Music Awards.


Newest Members
chriscastle, yasir252, cathennashira, Samwise, HappySousa
21,470 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums117
Topics125,717
Posts1,160,950
Members21,470
Most Online37,523
Jan 25th, 2020
Just Plain Quotes
"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
Today's Birthdays
warriorgirl (2024)
Popular Topics(Views)
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5