After watching this video, makes me miss gigging!!! Here’s an old gig of mine back in April of 2006, I did, at the Flavour Cafe in Troy, N.Y. This video was shot for a TV show for Public Access in Albany area, called “Groovin’ On”, video was filmed by Billy Leroux.
These are old songs. I remembered most of them, but the only one I forgot that I wrote was that song about zombies, “The Boneyard”.
I’m actually pretty proud of this performance. Blast from the past!
Kev
This is another big problem that goes on in the music world. All the bullying and harassment that goes on with other musicians. If you’re the type of musician that does this, then you’re not a musician. You’re not the professional that you think you are. I’m not just defending myself, I’m also defending other musicians who have experienced the same thing. Getting unfairly bullied and harassed by other musicians, only because you look funny to them and different. The bullying and harassment is immature. This isn’t high school anymore, guys. This is the real world.
I understand musicians think they’re comedians. They think they’re doing all this for a laugh and entertainment, but honestly, it’s not entertaining. What you guys do is inappropriate and offensive. You guys are adults, not little high school kids. It really is pathetic that people who are between the ages of 30 – 50, are writing mean and offensive comments to other musicians that they find funny to pick on. Yeah, makes you a big man.
This post isn’t aimed at a certain musician or band in particular, it’s aimed all of them. If you want to be successful in music, you need to be a 100% professional. The bullying at me from other musicians around this area continues, but I learn to ignore it and not care what anybody think of me.
Remember, I didn’t write this post just to defend myself. Just to try and help make it a better and more positive music scene. Although, I know, musicians won’t even bother taking this advice ’cause they’ll be hiding behind freedom of speech. Bullying and harassing other musicians, won’t get you any further in the music business.
Your fans and followers, may go along with the bullying, but that’s because they’re most likely childish people as well with nothing better to do but to look for things to laugh at. One day you’ll regret what you do, and you’ll feel guilty about it.
It’s just unprofessional for your career. Really, think about it. If you claim you concentrate on the music only and busy as you think you are, then you need to concentrate on the music only, but nope. Certain musicians just want to act like assholes.
I don’t care if people don’t like me, ’cause I know I’m not going to be liked by everybody. I just want what’s best for this music scene. This is not about myself at all. That’s why I’ve been brutally honest about the music scene over the years ’cause I want to make it a better music scene.
Kev
Yes, the “Walking Dead” did it again. Gave us another big shocker that got the entire internet talking. It had something to do with Shane…so in this post, I’m going to talk about what happened and explain things of what’s going on. This is my thoughts, of what I think is happening. Before you go thinking that Shane is a badguy for this, read up….here’s my thoughts with Spoiler warnings…
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For tonight’s episode: Rick, Shane, Daryl and Glenn went out in the woods to find an escaped Randall from the barn. It was really Shane that helped Randall out. They split up in two teams to hunt down Randall. The Walking Dead cast agreed to let Randall live in Dale’s honor (who was killed in the last episode), except for Shane who still disagreed with it.
Shane brought Randall out in the woods, in the middle of the night. While they didn’t show exactly what was going on between Shane and Randall, they wanted to keep it mysterious. Randall ended up mysteriously turning into a Walker, which Glenn and Daryl found him and killed him.
Here’s what I believe what happened. Shane let Randall go ’cause there were Walkers walking all over the woods, they showed clips of hundreds of walkers, all over the place.
So everyone is asking, when was Shane bit?
I believe it was the episode “Bloodletting”, one of the episodes from the first half of the season back in the Fall. That was when Shane and Otis, went to the FEMA aid station to get medical supplies. Remember, Shane was being chased by a large group of Walkers. They made it look like Shane almost got bitten, but I think he really was bitten. You don’t get turned into a walker until death completely.
What Shane did tonight, he didn’t want to kill Rick. He actually cares for Rick and his family ’cause they were best friends, what Shane did was to sacrifice himself. That’s what it was I believe. Sacrifice.
Shane was the only one who saw that Randall was dangerous and it was his way of keeping Rick and his friends safe. Shane didn’t want to kill Randall himself, so he took Randall out in the woods where the walkers are.
Shane was not evil, he never was. He always tried to do what is best for Rick and his friends. He was just misunderstood.
I knew Shane was going to turn into a walker at some point, I think everyone knew it. I didn’t think they were going to do it, this season. Shane did not exactly try to kill Rick. Shane pointed the gun at Rick ’cause he knew that Rick would try to defend himself. It was a sacrifice thing. Shane just felt letting the walkers killing Randall was better than shooting him, that was all.
This is just my take on what’s going on. Another great episode of the “Walking Dead”. Looking forward to the season finale next Sunday.
Kev
The only problem of me writing original love songs is that I currently don’t have a girlfriend or a wife to write a song about, so that can be a bit of a problem. What I can do is write a song about having a crush on a woman or write a song about other couples. I’ll think of something.
Kev
Re-reading through all the feedback of my Whitney Houston cover in facebook, I’m noticing most feedback are coming from the women. Some guys responded, but the most feedback came from the women. I don’t understand why the women like it so much. Maybe they’re just so surprised of my confidence that I am able to sing a love song, and maybe they thought I am a romantic guy?
To be honest, I’m not that romantic, lol. That’s probably why I never wrote any love songs. If I try, I would sound stupid and lame.
I just think the women are surprised that they didn’t think I could ever sing a song like this. Maybe I will try to write a love song or two. With research on how to do it, maybe I can pull it off. Maybe I’ll start reading some romantic poetry or listen to other love songs, just to get inspiration. I’ll figure something out.
It’ll be cool to have more female fans.
Kev
Musician Birthdays: Bobby McFerrin (singer, famous for hit, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. Born in 1950), Vinnie Paul (former drummer of Pantera. Born in 1964), Lisa Loeb (US Singer/songwriter, famous for hit “Stay, I Missed You”. Born in 1968)
– In 1964: The Beatles spent the day filming at Twickenham Studios for A Hard Day’s Night. Filming on a stage set made to look like a train guard’s cage, where the Beatles played cards and mimed to ‘I Should Have Known Better’.
– In 1966: This week’s ITV music show ‘Ready Steady Go’, was entirely devoted to the music of James Brown.
– In 1967: The Supremes had their ninth US No.1 single with ‘Love Is Here And Now Your Gone’ a No.17 hit in the UK.
– In 1968: The Otis Redding single ‘Dock Of The Bay’, went gold in the US three months after the singer was killed in a plane crash.
– In 1971: Jim Morrison of The Doors arrived in Paris booking into The Hotel George’s, the following week he moved into an apartment at 17 Rue Beautreillis in Paris. Morrison lived in Paris until his death on July 3rd 1971.
– In 1972: Neil Young went to No.1 on the US & UK album chart with ‘Harvest.’ The album featured the hit single ‘Heart Of Gold.’
– In 1977: The Clash appeared at The Roxy Club, London, supported by The Slits, the first all-female punk group who were making their live debut.
– In 1978: Meat Loaf’s ‘Bat Out Of Hell’, album began a 416-week run on the UK chart, going on to sell over 2 million copies.
– In 1989: Debbie Gibson started a five-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Electric Youth.’
– In 1995: Van Halen kicked off their 131-date Balance World Tour, at the Pensacola Civic Center, Pensacola Civic Center, Florida. (Dubbed the “Ambulance” Tour by Eddie Van Halen due to his hip surgery, and his brother, drummer Alex Van Halen wearing a neck brace for most of the tour).
– In 2000: Destiny’s Child went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Say My Name’.
– In 2001: Dave Matthews Band started a two-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Everyday.’
– In 2005: The front door of Ozzy Osbourne’s childhood home in Birmingham went up for sale because the current owner was fed up with fans defacing it. Ali Mubarrat, who now owned the house in Lodge Road, Aston, said over the years it had become a pilgrimage destination. He was now auctioning the door on eBay and giving the money to charity.
– In 2008: Madonna was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a star-studded ceremony in New York City, she received her honour at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel from singer Justin Timberlake. The 49-year-old thanked her detractors in an acceptance speech, including those who “said I couldn’t sing, that I was a one hit wonder”. Rock star John Mellencamp, Leonard Cohen, The Ventures and The Dave Clark Five were also among the inductees.
– In 2009: Heavy metal group Iron Maiden’s tour manager criticised people who were arrested for trying to gatecrash a concert in Bogota. Colombian police arrested more than 100 people after stones were thrown hours before the group were due to perform. In a statement posted on the band’s website, Rod Smallwood said: “We abhor the inane behaviour of a small minority of people outside.” Riot police fired tear gas canisters at those who tried to enter the concert without tickets.
– In 2011: The former singer with Iron Maiden was jailed for nine months for fraudulently claiming benefits. Paul Andrews, fronted the band between 1978 and 1981, under the stage name Paul Di’Anno. Andrews, 52, was jailed at the city’s crown court after earlier admitting falsely claiming more than £45,000. Fraud investigators had viewed online videos and read about gigs on the performer’s website.
With the return of “Game of Thrones – Season 2” coming in April 1st, I have decided to start re-watching “Season 1” on DVD tonight. Watched the first two episodes. “Game of Thrones” DVD, HBO did a really good job with them. The picture and sound is really nice.
Plus, I have also decided to start re-reading, “A Clash of Kings”. The second book of the series. I want to be reminded of the plot for “Season 2”, so I’m re-reading the second book. Once I started the second book, I still couldn’t put it down. The book is still addicting just like the first time I read it.
I just love the series too much. The books and the show. It’s a celebration, that’s what it’s all about.
I have three favorite characters for the “Game of Thrones” series: Tyrion, Arya, and Daenerys. Of course, I loved Khal Drogo and Eddard Stark, but they were only around for the first season, not trying to give spoilers.
Wait until you see “Game of Thrones – Season 2” which will be adapted from, “A Clash of Kings”. The Arya storyline for the next one will be interesting. The next book focuses on Arya more.
Kev
I just noticed some things about that new, “Spotify”, software for Facebook. The people behind the website did get permission with the music industry. I am listening to albums on it, and they do give credit to the record labels, and they put the copyright on. So they must have gotten written permission to upload albums on there. Plus, the music industry makes money off of “Spotify”, by advertisements and the Premium thing. When you listen to albums on “Spotify”, there are commercials played in between songs. If you buy the Premium, you’ll get to listen to music with no commercials.
That’s okay, I am not going to buy the Premium. “Spotify” is a great opportunity to listen to albums I’ve always wanted to hear, plus, you get to listen to the new albums before buying them. If I’m interested in a new album, I’ll listen to it in “Spotify” first and then I’ll decide if I want to buy the CD.
Not only that, local and independent bands put their music on there too. I’ll figure out how to get my music on there.
Spotify is nice. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to share your facebook friends what kind of music you’re into. I like the Spotify software. Glad I finally got into it.
Kev
How can musicians be sensitive? Well, here’s a little list that I can think of at the top of my head.
I think I pretty much covered it. If I’m missing anything, feel free to continue.
When you want to play out in a band or just a solo career, you will deal with a lot of ups and downs. If you want to have a great career & be successful, you have to be brave and have balls. Ignore all the setbacks and let the negativity slide. Things may not go the way you want to, but that’s the way life is. You just gotta learn to be positive and stay strong. Keep a positive attitude about the bad stuff I listed above, and better things will come for your career. Remember, what karma is all about.
Kev
Another great blog by Loren Weisman, that I wanted to give my thoughts to, read it, here.
I totally agree with Loren that in order to understand a band and musician more, you need to see them live. MP3’s and the internet maybe pretty cool, but if you want to give even more respect to the band & artist that you like, you need see them live. Just like with my own music, if you ever get a chance to see me live, I would try my very best to put on the best show as possible. No matter how many people showed up at my gig, I always gave them my best shot.
Communication in between songs is pretty important. I try my very best to talk to the crowd in between songs. What I would do is say the name of the song I’m about to play, then I would explain what it’s about a little bit. Sometimes I would joke around with the audience. Treating your fans like if they are your friends, your fans will keep their respect for you after the gig. They will want to follow you on your tour.
I’ve always treated the audience like if they were my friends. Hanging out with them after the gigs, maybe even taking pictures with them or even signing autographs if you’re lucky enough. I’ve had done both with people before, take photos with fans and sign autographs with people after shows. It may not happen all the time, but once in while, someone will ask me to take a pic or sign something.
When you are communicating with the fans, there are some do’s and don’ts. I already explained some of the things you do, but the things you don’t want to do when communicating with the crowd in between songs is tell long ten minutes stories like Loren said in the blog. I’ve seen musicians do this before. They go on and on and on, boring the audience to death when they want the band or acoustic guy to get to the next song. You also don’t want to be too negative or be offensive.
As far as the swearing and cussing goes, I’ve seen this a lot at band gigs and acoustic shows. It all depends on the audience. It’s mostly the young crowd that don’t mind the swearing, but when you’re at a family friendly event, swearing a lot could get you kicked off the stage. Swearing is okay with the rock & metal crowd, depending on the audience age range, but it must be done carefully. I know a lot of bands can’t help saying the F word a lot at some gigs. It also depends on the venue you are at if the swearing is alright, the bars & clubs, yes, but the outdoor family friendly events, no.
On a positive note, if you want your respect and more people to come to your shows, if you want people to stay throughout your entire performance, make the show fun and enjoyable like Loren said.
I try to make my gigs as fun and exciting, the best I can. You have to see it to believe it. I’m planning on getting back out there performing gigs again sometime in the future, once I have a new batch of originals to play out, and new covers too.
Kev
Edit to add: I actually don’t talk too much in between songs ’cause I’ll admit, I’m not a very talkative guy. I maybe kind of quiet talking to people, but when I’m on stage playing, I’m a very confident dude.
K'Brocking 
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