All posts by Kev Brock

I'm a musician, singer/songwriter, blogger, writer, poet, bodybuilder, movie lover, music lover, video gamer, history/political buff, conservative/republican, etc. I like to do a lot of things.
Local music

It’s easy to make yourself look like a great musician when you’re not really…

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So you play an instrument and want to get yourself out there. When you play an instrument, decide to play in a band or go acoustic solo or whatever, all musicians pretty much want to think they’re so great. A lot of them like to pretend to be great and not be honest with themselves. Other music fans would go along with it and agree that they’re great ’cause they’re not musicians and don’t know anything about music. When an actual musician starts criticizing this other musician saying he/she is not really great that they think they are, other musicians can tell if they are great or not.

How can musicians tell if other musicians are not really that great? Well, if they are not playing in time, not playing in key, bad singing, playing sloppy, out of tune, etc. Yet, the musician they are criticizing will still think they are great no matter what is said about them.

For the past several years on my blogs, you can immediately tell I never had that kind of attitude. I’ve always admitted, I don’t play like a pro yet and still got a lot of work and plenty of learning to do. I’m always looking for ways to improve my playing and songwriting. I know I’m no music god, I’ve always been honest with my own talent. People accused me of having an ego problem and some out there think I’m a big shot musician. I hear some of them say, “This Brock think he’s a great musician, doesn’t he?” I never thought of myself that way.

I can’t even tell if I’m good or not, so I just play the music and let the people do the talking. If they want to call me a great musician, that’s fine. If they want to call me a crap musician, that’s fine too. There are actual musicians out there that think I’m good at what I do, and there are actual musicians out there, that think I suck. I love mixed opinions with my talent.

It is weird, the way people think of music.

Kev

Random/off topic posts

Is my online web presence, really all that bad?

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No matter how good of a guy I become, and no matter how positive & nice I get, people will always find at least a few things to dislike about me. I get some folks that don’t like the way I am online. I’m fine with that, ’cause like I said before, I can’t please everybody.

I think what it is it’s because, I have differences of opinions than everyone. If my views and opinions is different than everyone else’s like something in the news, politics,  or even music, that’s when I become the badguy. It seems that everyone on the internet has the same opinions on pretty much everything. Not with me, I don’t have to be like that. I’m just a guy that’s not afraid to speak my mind and pretty confident on being real about things.

So do I get hurt & upset, when people dislike me so quick,when I disagree with them on something? No. It doesn’t bother me a bit. Sometimes, I actually enjoy it when I get people going. Some will accuse me that I do it just to get attention or to get a reaction out of people, sure, but that’s not why I do it. Just to give people a little reality check, that’s all. I never attacked or bashed anybody, it’s just that people can’t take a little bit of honesty.

I like those kind of people that will stick with me, even if they disagree with some of the things I say ’cause they are adult enough to not get upset easily. Sure, I’m not right on everything, but it seems like I’m not allowed to have my own honest opinion just because my web presence is popular. I try my best to not be so controversial, but I have the right to say as I please, just like you do. Doesn’t matter if you agree with it or not. Just something to keep in mind.

With that being said, I don’t think my web presence is bad at all. There are people out there that are much worse than me. Trust me. I’m just a human being, using the internet to speak my mind on stuff just like everyone else.

Kev

Kev Brock music

The direction of my music…

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As you can hear in the style of my new music, I’m going for that old school 60’s and 70’s psychedellic rock sound. I loved all that stuff, the jam rock kind of music. You can hear that there is a bit of Jimmy Page influence and there’s a bit of metal in some of that stuff too. The guitar solo I played on, “A Secret Hidden” was all me. I just winged the solo, I didn’t sit down and write the guitar solo piece by piece. I just let it go. I recorded the solo several times until I found the take that I was happy with. If I didn’t like the solo, I would delete it again and record it over and over again until, I found the solo I liked. So the latest recording of the song, I was proud of that solo.

As you can hear, my playing is a bit bluesy. I don’t listen to a lot of blues. Some of it anyway. I got the blues influence by listening to Jimmy Page, Hendrix, Clapton, or SRV. Sometimes BB King as well. When I do these full band songs on garageband, I want to play more solos. Do these long improvised jams, so I can show off a little.

I want to prove people, that I do have what it takes to play in a band and record more professionally.

If I can get an actual band going, that would be great, but I need enough songs for us to practice on. These songs from garageband would give them an idea of what I would like my songs to sound like with a real live band. Of course, when I get a real band someday, the other musicians don’t have to play everything exactly what’s on the recordings. They can feel free to put in their own creativity in those songs. Like I said before, I’m sure other musicians can come up with drum parts and bass lines way better than I can.

These full band songs from garageband are just “demos”, that it. You don’t have to like it. You don’t have to hate it. They’re just examples of what I would sound like playing in a band, and that’s the whole point of me releasing them publicly.

To get feedback on them. Constructive criticism, and so far, the criticism has been surprisingly positive.

Kev

Kev Brock music

New original song (full band): “A Secret Hidden”

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Just finished, “A Secret Hidden” today, and thought I was happy with how it came out, so I decided to upload it here. The more I make this music in Garageband, the more it makes me want to form a real band.

Hear the song, here.

“A Secret Hidden”

I got words stuck in my brain.

Can’t figure out what they are.

Why is it such a pain.

It can only go so far.

CHORUS: I’m stuck in my mind, can’t believe what I will find. A secret hidden, a secret to tell.

Please tell me what you know.

You don’t have to hold it in.

You have something to show.

You just keep it for yourself.

REPEAT CHORUS

Bridge: Don’t be ridiculous. Show it to me now. You’re hiding something. Don’t have to be afraid.

I got words stuck in my brain.

Can’t get them out of my mouth.

It began to rain.

Take a trip down south.

Repeat chorus 2x’s.

Kev

WWE news

Brock’s “Wrestlemania 28” predictions…

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I don’t really care for this year’s “Wrestlemania 28” card. This year is crap. I’m only watching Wrestlemania for three matches that I’m looking forward to. Yes, that’s right, only three. They are: “Undertaker vs. Triple H – Hell In a Cell with Shawn Michaels as special guest referee”, “John Cena Vs. The Rock” and “CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho”. The other matches I’m not really too excited for.

The last couple of Wrestlemania’s haven’t been that great lately. Wrestlemania was only special during the 80’s and early 90’s during the attitude era, but since WWE became way too mainstream and family friendly with the PG rating, professional wrestling is no longer the same anymore. RAW really hasn’t been good anymore. I still watch Wrestlemania every year ’cause I still respect the performers and the business, even if I don’t like their creative direction.

Anyway, on with my predictions of the Wrestlemania 28 card for this Sunday, April 1st:

  • The Rock vs. Cena: This match never happened before, a dream match finally come true. This match was announced a year early but the year flew by fast. The Rock & Cena feuded all year long to help hype up the match. No matter what you think of the Rock and Cena, you know, they are going to put on the best match, and this will be an exciting one. I think Cena will take the win on this one. It will help keep the feud going and might help give Cena a heel turn. The Rock will challenge Cena for a rematch for next year’s ‘Mania.
  • The Undertaker vs. Triple H “Hell In A Cell” with Shawn Michaels as special guest referee: This is their third Wrestlemania match together. Everyone thinks Triple H will end the streak, but I think Undertaker will win, of course. The streak will stay alive until the Undertaker dies. This will be a good match though. Undertaker and Triple H has been in a Hell In a Cell match together before, that wasn’t on a Wrestlemania ppv.
  • CM Punk Vs. Jericho: I can’t wait for this one ’cause these are two performers that can actually wrestle. This will be one of the best matches of the night for sure. I think Jericho will take the win this time ’cause they’ve been making Jericho look like a loser ever since he first returned to WWE. It’s time for Y2J to come out on top!
  • Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus: This should be a pretty good match but it doesn’t feel like a Wrestlemania match. I don’t care for Daniel Bryan. Sheamus I do like though. I hope Sheamus gets it.
  • Cody Rhodes Vs. Big Show: Somehow I believe this match will be a quick one. This is one of the current feuds I don’t really care for and I don’t like Cody’s new gimmick. As far as who I think will win this one, probably Cody will beat Big Show with some help of some in ring interference.
  • Randy Orton vs. Kane: I don’t really enjoy this feud either. While, I’m glad that Kane put the mask back on, I don’t like how Randy is the mid card at this year’s Wrestlemania when he should be main event material. I think Randy will win this one ’cause it seems like WWE never gives Kane a chance to win on a big PPV.
  • Kelly Kelly & Maria vs. Beth Phoenix and Eve (Divas Match): Usually Diva matches on Wrestlemania are pretty quick. Beth Phoenix and Eve will get it for sure.

While I’m sure most of the ppv will suck, I’m sure there will be 1 or 2 really good matches. I’m surprised there are no celebrities being a part of a wrestling match this year, weird. Last year Snooki was a part of Wrestlemania, this year, no celebs. I think I know the reason. The answer is simple ’cause of the Rock. The Rock is not just a wrestler now, he’s a Hollywood movie star and full time celebrity. I guess WWE was afraid that other celebrities being part of matches would get overshadowed by the Rock.

I’m sure there will be celebrity appearances though, celebs has always been a huge part of Wrestlemania for years.

Kev

movies

Report: “Twins” sequel is on the way, yes, Arnold & Danny are coming back, but Eddie a third brother???

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The 1988 comedy film, “Twins”, directed by Ivan Reitman, also starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito could be getting a sequel. Yes, Arnold and Danny could be coming back, but this film doesn’t mean it’s green lighted, it’s just in the planning stages. They also want to throw Eddie Murphy, in as a third brother. There’s no plans of Ivan directing it again, he will only serve as producer as of now.

The Hollywood Reporter, reports.

Arnie needs  to get a hold of James Cameron, Tom Arnold, and Jamie Lee Curtis, to see if they can get a sequel to, “True Lies”. I would rather see a sequel of “True Lies”, instead of “Twins”.

Kev

Random/off topic posts

Garageband recording day…

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Hope you’re all having a good Friday. I sure am. I’ve been recording on Garageband on the Ipad, all day long. Yes that’s right, from morning ’til now. I’m done for the rest of the day though. Need to take a break from it. The song I’m working on is, “A Secret Hidden”, that electric guitar song I posted in youtube. I’m taking my time to make that song really good and not rushing it. It’s not done yet, though. I still have ways to go.

This song in a full band is every rock guitarists dream, wait until your hear it. I put in a pretty long guitar solo and everything. I’ll try to finish the rest of the song this weekend. If you’re wondering why my blog has been kind of slow, it’s because I’ve been busy working on music!

I’ll try to blog more this evening. I want to post my “Wrestlemania 28” predictions ’cause the ppv is this Sunday night, yes I’ll be watching it. Since Game of Thrones – Season 2 premiere airs this Sunday, I’m going to have to DVR  “Game of Thrones”, while I’m watching “Wrestlemania”.

Kev

Local music

Musicians who are drama queens, have bad attitudes and short tempers…

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I posted this little rant in facebook yesterday:

“It is really amazing to me, how certain musicians can sometimes be big drama queens, have bad attitudes and short tempers. I expect professionalism, positive, kind & joyful musicians. If a musician decides to be a negative nancy, it’s not good karma for your career and those are the kind of musicians, I don’t want to be around with. You need to be a professional on and off the computer. A negative attitude in music is not a way to go. I’m only speaking from experience and learning.”

I really meant what I said too.

That post wasn’t really aimed at any musician or band in particular, it’s pretty much aimed at all of them. What is it with musicians getting angry over small stuff? I’m just trying to make it a more positive music scene. That’s all I’m pretty much doing really.

Musicians think they can act how they want to in the world of music. Well, you can’t. Gotta act like a professional 100%, no matter where you go and no matter who you talk to. If you want to make it somewhere, gotta be happy and positive. Smile a lot. It’s not that hard to do.

Edit to add: I mean, isn’t that what everyone’s been telling me for years??? People’s been saying I can’t act how I want, I should be a nice guy and be a professional. Yet, other musicians still think they can act how they want. Just proved my point that people around here can be a bunch of hypocrites.

Kev