JPF Home Page Forums Southeast US Chapter Message Boards Tampa Chapter Message Board Opportunity...We need your input.

Folks,
How many folks who are performing on the 29th would be willing to spend around 40 dollars to have a professional DVD of their performance.
David Hurd and I have been kicking around the idea of making this opportunity available. This is a three camera shoot and David is a pro at his craft. If you were going to hire a production company to come out to a location and set up a three camera shoot it would literally cost thousands of dollars. If we have enough folks (The magic number is around 15)who are performing on the 29th commit to this service we can get your performance on disc for a very fair price. Please know I don't make a penny on this. I think that this is an opportunity for the artists involved and David knows that by offering a good product at a very good introductory price he has a good chance at earning your future business and or referral.
This is strictly a fishing expedition to see how much interest there is in having David come out and set up. If you say you are interested we will take it as your vote for participation.
you can visit Davids site at
www.dhpvideo.com
Keep Strummin' Al
www.aandrproductions.com

[This message has been edited by Al The Pal (edited 01-19-2006).]

Sounds good to me! David is a real pro!

I'll have to check with Chris, but this sounds pretty good to me, too. Do you know how long it will take David to get us the DVD?
-Sheila

Ill volunteer to create wmv converssions of the performances to use on websites if desired..

If enough do so Ill even set up a JPF video section..

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click here!!!

Sounds like a winner to me, count me in!
and I can do duplications if needed.

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

coun't me in! it'll be the best $40.00 i'll spend that day for sure! very cool al!! barn.

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www.barkinbarney.com

KEN YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!
(who doesn't love this guy!!!)
in all honesty: barkin' barney...

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www.barkinbarney.com

Al,

You have another great idea. Count me in.

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Bob Lever
727-278-6168
615-497-7485

Glad to see the positive responses. Thats six including me. I've e-mailed David so he can chime in here and answer questions about time lines etc.
Al

Al

This is a really cool idea!!!
Count me in

Tom Stephens
http://tomstephens.orgfree.com



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

Great idea, I'm on board.

Jeff Blake

I'm in...I think it's a great idea.

Mike Worrall

add me to the dvd list... fer shure..dood!
great idea, al....
jim mason

I think I spoke too soon. I just got a call that I have to be in Nashville on the 30th and I will be driving up on the 29th so I won't be able to be there. Wish me luck.

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Bob Lever
727-278-6168
615-497-7485

I am in...awesome connections and hookups, mis amigos.

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

Count me in.
Jules

Hey Al,

What a great idea! Add me to the list.
Thanks for always keeping things moving
onward and upward.

Emmit Sycamore

It is so great to see that so many folks see the value in this. Thanks for sharing the vision. Who else is in?
Keep Strummin' Al
www.aandrproductions.com

P.S. I e-mailed a press release to the Tampa Tribune "Friday Extra" for next Fridays edition...

Sun
Music...
Free Musical Event....
On Sunday January 29th at 4pm until closing, Rick's on the River 2305 No. Willow Ave. and
A and R Productions LLC present a musical showcase starring some of the best
songwriter/musicians in Tampa Bay. This showcase kicks off the 2006 season of the Tampa Bay Chapter of "Just Plain Folks" a world wide musician/songwriter organization www.jpfolks.com
Originals and covers will be played in genres of Rock, Country, Folk, Americana and more.
Local artists performing include but are not limited to...
Fremont John, Mike Worrall, Jak Kelly, "Mason/Alvarez", Alex Wolfe Parnes, Barkin' Barney,JoDell, "ColdHarbor"...
James Hawkins, Tom Stephens, Leigh Humes, Steve Humes, Tampa Stan Good, "The Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band", Carl Wade, Carrie Pigeon,Don Noble, "JBLOVE",Steve
Dockendorf, "The Burners",Jeff Blake, "Twenty For Seven", Jules
"Horsefeathers" with Dan Copeland, Jerry Jakala, Andy Karpinski and other members of the T-Bay Chapter.
Restaurant, Bar, Marina. Bring your friends for a Sunny afternoon of Delicious Food, Florida Atmosphere and some of the best Artists in Tampa Bay.
(Rick's on the River is located on the west side of the Hillsborough River, Just South of
Columbus, in Tampa.)



Thank You, Al Alvarez
Tampa Bay Chapter Coordinator
Just Plain Folks

I will be performing with Horse Feather's as usual but you can add me to the video list.

Jerry

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Jerry Jakala

No, not interested in the video.

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

Hi Al,

Rather late than ever,

Yes, you can count me in. Thanks for coming up witht the idea!

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JoDell
jodellsmusic.com
Believe in yourself and your dreams will come true!

One question-how good a sound quality will the DVD have? Will it be good enough to stand alone?

I will respectfully decline. My wife plans to video me.

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

This sound like fun! I'll throw in some cash. James



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James
www.JRHawkins.com

Folks,
I got an e-mail from one of our members that raised a flag , so let me set the record straight. This offer is 40 dollars per person per disc not the entire set up, production and individual discs for a combined 40 dollars.
Al

I'm Sorry Al,
Afraid I'll have to back out of this one, I really wish I could, what a deal, but when you live on un-employment, and the bills hit....
Maybe someone will give me this for my birthday....(this week)
LOL



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

Big AL,
Just to let you know, I'll spring for the video...
Don Noble

The following is an e-mail I received from David Hurd about the shoot this Sunday. If you have any other direct questions please see David at his site www.dhpvideo.com
Looking forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, Bring some friends!
Keep Strummin', Al
www.aandrproductions.com


....................................

Hi Al, if we were to charge our normal video rates to make video demos the cost would be $500- $1500 per act. What we are trying to do is offer a very inexpensive way for players to get a DVD of their songs while allowing us to test our new live switching system. We are also scouting talent for our Open Mic Night series, and may be able to get some free exposure for those artists that choose to record. Upon shooting the pilot for the OMN show, we noticed that most of the singer/songwriters were singing sad, angry songs. We are now looking for upbeat, happy stuff to mix in with the rest. When you think about it, what would you want to watch?

We will probably use a pair of matched shotgun mics for recording on Sunday which should sound pretty good. We use a UAD-1 card, mastering software, and Genelec monitors in post to improve the audio for the show, but that takes a lot of time. Since I plan to burn the DVD's while other artists(that we are not recording) are performing, we would have to schedule time later if someone wants us to master their audio.

I'll be bringing my guitar as well, and hope to join in on the fun. It should be a good day.
David

Hey everybody,
Does anyone have a keyboard with weighted keys they could bring to the showcase Sunday? Would be appreciated.
Dan

This is worth noting, guys. Most of the listings I see requesting songs for major label artists and TV and movie libraries are asking for mid to uptempo songs, particularly with positive themes. When word gets out that Faith Hill is cutting a new CD, she probably gets 10,000 songs sent to her, of which 9400 are ballads and 600 are mid to uptempo, but 8 of her 13 songs on the CD are probably going to be mid to uptempo.

I don't listen to music to become miserable, but for enjoyment. I suspect that is true of most people.

But, then again, JoDell and I just had an uptempo positive song ("Amazed What A Smile Can Do") turned down because:

"Lyrically I don't think the song is appropriate for the current pop whining that is prevalent today. This song feels like it would appeal to a younger less jaded self obsessed audience."

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

I have to chime in on this. . .

There are two school's of thought, I believe, when it comes to writing and performing songs. The first is the notion that a song should be written to a formula that has had proven success. Often, the formula produces the upbeat, pop-friendly tunes that we hear on the radio today. The "formula," we have been made to believe, gives us a greater chance of writing "a hit."

The second school of thought is that a song is written and performed as a "work of art." There is no formula. Just pure "cosmos in chaos" observed by the artist, then interpreted into words and music, or whatever other medium the artist is into. The work of art is not written to be a hit, though it may very well be. It was written because there was something in the artists soul that begged to be made into art. The art makes no apologies for what it is, be it is sad, ugly, slow, fast, angry, happy, uplifting, downtrodden, etc...

"As difficult as it is to remember, it is our work that creates the market, not the market that creates our work." (-Julia Cameron, The Artist's Way)

I, for one, am a student of the second school of thought. I write "art." My soul listens - then interprets what it hears. I often think of my soul as something of a radio tuner. I scan the frequencies, and once I get something, I listen and write it down. I do not censor the stations I find or what I am hearing.

I encourage everyone to write from their soul and not worry about how it will be judged, and not to judge it yourself. It has been my experience that the more I allow my soul to express what it wants to express, free from any censors (whether those censors be of my own making or censors other people have made for me) the more my soul gives me to write. It's the freedom it longs for - I give it the freedom to express itself however it sees fit, and it feels safe to do so. Censors, on the other hand, make the soul feel ashamed for it's thoughts. Something a censor might say is "nobody is going to want to listen to that song, it's way too slow, silly, sad, stupid, etc." (Does any of that sound like something your internal censors have said a time or two when you've tried writing something) I find a healthy case of writers block is usually just an ugly little censor attempting to block my creative flow. I imagine it as this ugly little creature that rips the antenna off of my radio receiver (my soul) as an attempt to keep me from tuning into anything. The censor acts out of fear - fear of criticism or of not being accepted. It believes it is working on my behalf, but it is in fact working against me.

As someone who spent several years trying to chase down whatever it was that would please everyone else, I can truly tell you I have gotten more joy and acceptance from writing from my soul, regardless of how scary or controversial the subject matter, than from trying to make a song that everyone will like. Besides, there is not a single song in the world everyone likes, no matter how huge the hit, how happy it is, how good of a beat it's got going, etc. There will always be someone who thinks, regardless of how good a song is, that it is not good enough.

I bring this up because I imagine there are those of you out there struggling, as I did, with this very issue. If you are, then please, please, please, please, please get a copy of The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. It is essential to your creativity. You will not regret it!

-Sheila

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Sheila Kirsten Hughes - www.skhughes.com
voice that's both powerful and delicate, incredible range both vocally and stylistically�what's not to love!"
�Jewel's Soul City Cafe

Nubzilla's Cafe www.nubzilla.com - Indulge in the Arts!

[This message has been edited by Nubzilla (edited 01-26-2006).]

I should add. . .

If it is in your soul to create happy, up-beat, radio-friendly music, then do it. There is nothing wrong with that.

But if you're afraid to write what is in your soul to write, don't be. Grab a copy of The Artist's Way. It will help you more than you know.

-Sheila

[This message has been edited by Nubzilla (edited 01-26-2006).]

It is very sad that all of the negative angry music seems to be what people want according to your critique guy.Maybe it is the kind of JUNK that he is used to.
What ever the case may be it is not good.I am glad that there are songwriters like Andy & Jodell with up beat positive messages.I won't listen to negative crap either,there is enough of that already in today's world!
Jerry

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Jerry Jakala

After reading Sheila's post I have to agree with her.You have to write according to who and what you are,from your soul.Just because a critique person does't like it doesn't make it wrong.Follow your hearts and your guts.We all have our own tastes in music as well as in life.
I plan on picking up a copy of the book that Sheila suggested as well.I have herad a lot of good things about it from other sources as well.
Thanks Sheila for some great insight!
Jerry


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Jerry Jakala

Sheila,

Please let me add a hearty "AMEN" as punctuation to your cogent, well-articulated thoughts on music as expression/art. It seems to me that there is room in the music world for all kinds of perspectives. Some are commercially viable and some are esoteric. There are some folks who eschew commericalism and some who struggle a lifetime to tap that vein.

I say find the niche that fits who and what you are. If it's dark and angry, so be it. If it's happy-go-lucky and positive, great...I just want to be able to hold the gaze of the person who looks at me from the bathroom mirror every morning.

Mike Worrall

Wow.
I wholeheartedly agree with everything Sheila stated here!! Very, very nicely put, girl.

Now...to add my own perspective: I also believe that there's different facets to songwriting that get different results and that simply comes from finding the exact way YOU want to express what you are saying whether formulaic OR just going with the flow. There is most definitely a school of musical training and "thought" if you will that allows for intending to write a hit song. You'd better bet that many, like Diane Warren (let's see...she wrote How Do I Live (Lee Ann Rimes/Trisha Yearwood), Unbreak My Heart (Toni Braxton), If You Asked Me To (Celine Dion), I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing (Aerosmith), Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now (Starship), When I See You Smile (Bad English) just to name a few of her bazillion hits) and other of the top #1 songwriters in the world DO follow a formula and have an INTENTION to write a hit song when they write one. They KNOW instinctively what they are going to say and how to add exactly the right chord progressions and other musical inflections to GET the communication across in a BIG way to many people. But that is for someone who WANTS to write a hit song. It is not a rule and so not unbreakable. There have been many "surprise" hits that were not formulaic too.

However, the majority of huge number 1's you will see are formula songs and there is serious communication through words paired with music there. It doesn't matter what is being said whether it's sadness or joy or anger or whatever. It's what are you saying and how are you saying it. Puddle of Mud said, "She F*&Jing Hates Me" and certainly made it alot of FUN while we all pounded our fists in the air and sung it with them. ON the other hand you can take that same anger and frustration and cynicism (spelling) and it takes a whole new meaning with one of System of a Down's songs. One is playful. One is serious. Both appeal to a subset of individuals for whatever reason and at whatever time they feel it.

I've stated this kind of stuff before and offered to Al more than once to give a short talk on song structure/production at one of the meetings (guess you're getting at least some of it here instead! LOL) that HOW you craft a song, what you are saying and how it's produced are ALL factors that determine how your communication is being received by the listener. We are not number one songwriters or anything, but we certainly are willing to share what we do know. And that IS the basic formula that determines acceptance or non-acceptance of a song. Some subject matter is going to appeal to a certain set of listeners and others, who's general outlook on life or tastes in genre are different from the theme and tone of that song ARE going to think it's crap no matter what you do. Or they may find it pleasant but not something they'd listen to every day. That is just the nature of songwriting.

For instance, you could take a song...say a great song crafted in the pop/country genre like Tim McGraw's Live Like You Were Dying or that song Don't Ask Me How I Know by Bobby Pinson. These are two FINELY crafted songs both musically and lyrically in country music...doesn't get any better. But if you ask someone who's a Slipknot or Marilyn Manson fan who only digs that kind of genre OR someone who only likes stuff like Luther Vandross and Teddy Pendergrass, they are NOT going to see that material in the same light as a fan of country music. They will not get the brilliant nuances of the song unless they are open-minded and like many genres of music.

In the end, music is ALL subjective to the listener and you're fortunate if you run across someone who enjoys many genres of music and can appreciate a song AS A SONG crafted in whatever genre it is and understand and just appreciate the qualities and intricacies of that particular genre and the song as a whole. It doesn't mean a song will be accepted for a movie soundtrack or that the song will be accepted by an artist for recording. Because it may not be that "good" of a song or a song that they feel will communicate on the level they want to. But it might be a song that someone can just enjoy for what it is as recorded by whoever.

As for music critics: True critics are often not on the side of giving a fair shake in my book because they are also prone to the same favored tastes listed above and their job is to FIND STUFF WRONG with your music, writing, etc. and point it out. Conversely, I can also understand their point of view in that they have their own pressures as well to try to second guess what the public will like because it makes them look bad or uncool if they recommend something that then bombs with the public. So it's a double-edged sword there!! Anyway...

It comes down to a few things when writing a song. First is your OWN taste and what you want to say and do. Like Sheila said. Next you have to look at the technical aspect:
WHAT are you saying? How can you best say it with words that will COMMUNICATE your idea fully? What chord structures best influence the mood of that song, can get across what you are trying to say with music...think like a movie score here...what music evokes a PICTURE...a video of your song in their head?
What other things can you do production and arrangement wise to keep your listener interested?

These are all factors in great songwriting in my book and a whole book could be written up on it. Anyway...just my two sense. Thank you for all the other input here.

See you soon!

Cindy
North 2 South

[This message has been edited by Cindy LaRosa (edited 01-26-2006).]

up beat happy? i got that!! and i agree! do what ya do. and don't ever let the bastards get ya down! people say "where have you been"? i say "come on in, i've been waitin' for ya"!! i don't need a dvd that bad! see ya'll sunday, (i got rock-a-billy practice 11-3pm so i'll be there soon as i can.) and horsefeathers.. if yer out there.. let's go for it!! love, barn.

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www.barkinbarney.com

AMEN Sheila!!! Chiming is also. Second school of thought spoken here as well. Let me just say I do consider myself an Artist as well as a performer. If there is some pain in my life that inspires a song, that is what I write. I do my best to write honest sentiments and feelings in such types of songs these days. I do however, write many types. If I am feeling upbeat then that might inspire a songs as well. If this is not what he wants for his DVD, I will gracefully bow out. No sweat whatsoever. I love playing at JPF meetings, with and for all of you guys, and with Horse Feathers so I am in for the ride. I do not fit many pigeonholes for Genre and/or material in the music industry. So I am a perfect candidate for censorship...and I accept that. I have trouble judging another atrtist's art from MY perspective. It is so subjective anyway. IT is a strange industry indeed.

Look, I am 42, bald, and not a Rock Star yet...I have headed down a different path now with my songwriting other than attempting to write MOR Radio #1 hits. Maybe my path is now diffeent from some but this is what ispires me to keep on doing it. I hope all of you do what you feel is best for you.

Cheers!

Now with that and $1.61, you all can get a Coffe (Tall) at Starbucks.



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

Interesting how a topic polling for a video turned to a discussion on merits of musical emotives. Quick! Turn Here! : )

Looking forward to actually having a video produced. What I was able to gather from David's statement was that it will be a "Live switching" type of production, similar to a live newscast, and that the DVDs will be burned on the spot. Sound like a hell of a good deal to me!

What he is looking for in his production for an open mic series is another topic entirely, and very worthy of discussion, perhaps even with him for interested participants.

We were participants in the first shoot, and knowing what was performed there, it is understandable that a mix of styles and messages would be conducive to marketing the finished product for telvision.

Introspective singer/songwriter materiel offset by energetic materiel will give the final production a balance and help sell the project so maybe we can see ourselves on teevee!

[This message has been edited by steveintampa (edited 01-27-2006).]

[This message has been edited by steveintampa (edited 01-27-2006).]

Some great thoughts on songwriting and the inner spirit that drives the creative soul.
The following has nothing to do with the sidebar on creative concepts for songwriting. So please don't be offended.

"We don't need any more confusion here".
-------------------------------------------

I'd like to remind everyone
to keep in mind that this is the statement that David made.

"We are also scouting talent for our Open Mic Night series, and may be able to get some free exposure for those artists that choose to record. Upon shooting the pilot for the OMN show, we noticed that most of the singer/songwriters were singing sad, angry songs. We are now looking for upbeat, happy stuff to mix in with the rest. When you think about it, what would you want to watch?"

Nowhere in his statement did he say that only upbeat happy songs are eligible for taping. Please read it again.

It's hard enough putting the effort into tracking and trying to encourage at least 15 participants in what we feel is an opportunity to walk away with a pro video of your live performance, without folks misunderstanding a statement and backing out at the last minute.I'm actually surprised that allot more folks arent jumping all over this. Please don't let these efforts be in vain. Allot of planning and communicating and site trips with different people meeting at Rick's have been going into this and the work won't be done till I unload all my gear from my truck Monday morning.And then a week of follow up.And then guess what. Setting up the next months showcase and meeting.

No matter what the song. No matter what the flavor or sentiment it's still your performance.It's still your video to do with what you will.

If ya'll want local promoters to put their efforts into promoting showcases like this we need your commitments to be just that commitments. I am not trying to chastise anyone here. Just a little frustrated to see allot of work questioned because someone is either not reading the comment or misunderstanding it.
The show will go on and the videos will be available. If I land up having to pick up the financial slack on this I will be VERY hesitant to implement creative ventures in the future.I already put allot of time and effort that takes away from my family and business in these continued efforts. Not to mention money and gas and flyers etc. By the way this showcase kicks off our fourth year. We gotta be doin' something right.
Sorry to have to be so straight forward about this but I don't have time to waste. Thats why we are departmentalizing this year.

F.Y.I.
There will be an announcement about this showcase in the Tampa Tribune "Friday Extra" section this Friday.
I have had an e-mail conversation with Curtis Ross (and his editor) who is the Pop Music Critic for the Trib and I expect to see him there Sunday.
JoDell as our P.R. person has also been contacting other publications and making contacts that will benifit everyone in the future.
Andy and his team are working on future mid month personal growth meeting.
Don't be the broken spoke, please.
I had a meeting on my time last night with another promoter who is also a booking agent and looking for talent. He and his posse of at least 6 will be there.
I went though my phone book and invited many friends. I'm talking it up at the office. I'm shaking hands and kissing babies here folks.
One question. Is anyone else networking and getting the word out and bringing at least one other person?

You folks know me. I don't often shake the tree. I do appreciate those individuals who help me especially now with the committees, setting up and bringing their gear to the showcases. As it should be. This is our chapter.

Al

Thanks Steve for getting the facts about the DVD shoot on Sunday right.
David is willing to shoot a video of anyone regardless of style or topic on Sunday.
If you happen to do up beat happy music he will use that in his open mike series.
That is my take on it also.
His open mike series is not what Sunday is about.Sunday is about shooting JPFer's and giving them a decent product in return.
If you happen to do up beat happy tunes then he may consider you for his open mike project later on down the road.I wouldn't change my music or opt out of the video shoot just because the topic got turned around some how.
My 2 cents worth!
Jerry

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Jerry Jakala

i misunderstood the post. i will gladly get back in! i have been telling folks at the open mics i attend about jpf and hopefully we'll see some new faces . do we have cards? i found a cheap website that does 100 for $9.00. could i print something to hand out? sorry for the misunderstanding. al i know you work very hard for all of us. thanks jerry and steve for straightening out the post also. barn.

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www.barkinbarney.com

Barney,
Your always welcome to distribute any promotional literature. Jerry has a pretty nice template for cards. He's your go to guy on that one. Thanks for jumping back in the pool. We need every one on board for this one.
Al

Steve - you're really a lucid guy at 5:30 in the moring...what's your secret, amigo.

Mike

Hey everyone,
Please do not misunderstand my post. I can assure you that I did not misunderstand the original post and I was neither offended nor upset. I did wish to express my opinion on that subject at hand, inspiration versus material, and I was merely being gracious when I offered step aside to open up his lineup for his video for more of what he might be looking for. I do not write 100% happy music. And Al, I hope you know I will happily play anywhere anytime for JPF events (schedule permitting) as well as offer my time, knowledge, skills, and abilities if ever requested.

If the lineup is still open, of course, I wish to still be a part of the video shoot. IT"S ALL GOOD! and THANK YOU from me personally for being the driving force behind JPF, giving your blood, sweat, and tears, that gives unsigned, independent, artists like myself a forum for our original, inspired, from the heart or wherever, Music/Art. You all are the reason I am involved with JPF in the first place and I hope to continue my involvement.

Cheers and see all of you Sunday.

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

Chiming in again...

My windy dissertation really had little to do with the info about the video shoot and just basically more about the theory of HOW a song gets received by the listener no matter the theme, mood or genre.

Al, thanks as always for the work you put in to making the chapter all that it is. And to everyone else here who attends, puts in their two cents and contributes musically.

You all are a very dedicated, fun group of people giving the gift of music.

Best,
Cindy

Hello everyone,
I'm back...
WOW, the boards have been busy...
Sheila and Cindy hit it right on the nail.
I have been submitting some stuff to TAXI and it is all opionated. Who knows, someone will eventually like my tunes.
Al, the DVD sounds great... Maybe you can have the audio digitally recorded live through the board as well. This way you can blend the mics from the camera and get a better final mix, being outdoors and all.
At any rate,
Might see you all on Sunday with my Dad and his Sax...
It just depends...
Peace,
Mikey
www.broadjam.com/mikey

F.Y.I.
When I met David and we walked the room it was decided by him (he's the pro) that the room be mic'ed. I agreed. At our last house concert we went directly into the board and had no feel of audience at all. I stopped by his home and he played the DVD that he recorded at Java Junction and it is VERY impressive. Both the audio and video quality is awesome.
Al
Ya'll are gonna be impressed.

I have Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" and highly recommend it.

I've also been told by a prominent Nashville songwriter and instructor that in his over 20 years of teaching, he has only met two or three others like me, who are obviously very talented songwriters with strong songwriting skills but whose stuff is so darn quirky that they will probably never get a cut. That doesn't stop me. I write whatever comes to mind, as should be obvious to whoever has heard my stuff ("Creep Repellent," "Alien Concubine," "Gandy Greens," "Toby The Wonder Cat," for examples). But afterwards, I do have to honestly evaluate where I could possibly pitch this stuff since I am very actively pitching my stuff. And much of it doesn't fit anywhere.

This is a serious problem if my goal is to be a songwriter, where other people are cutting my stuff. If my goal is to be an artist, this is actually good, as it establishes a unique identity for me and my music. But at 49 years old, past paths to success as an artist leave me little chance for sucess. And, to be honest, people, most all of us are in this same boat. Hence, the reason I am pushing so hard for this Professional Development subgroup of our chapter with its interrum meetings, where we explore alternate ways of getting our music heard and achieving "success," whatever that is.

We need to be free in the creation of our art, but we also have to keep in touch with reality. The reason I feel most artists are "starving" is because they have either lost touch with reality or they have compromised their art. The "happy" middle ground is tricky to achieve.

I keep telling myself that The Beatles were turned down over 100 times before they found success. I only have about 20 more rejections to go!

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

[This message has been edited by Andy K (edited 01-28-2006).]