Rock n' Rant

If you know me well, you know that I love music.
I bleed music. It's my lifeline.

If you know me well, you know that I am opinionated.
I have strong opinions. These are mine.

I was at my friends' house getting my hair cut on Thursday. Her husband is in a band, and ultimately our conversations turn to music. Music itself, artists and the industry. We talked about how Rock is dead.....a conversation I had 2 more times that day with music lovers and a musician.

I love my friend. But she constantly tries to turn me on to Lady Gaga and most recently Justin Beiber. I understand her argument: Gaga is a classically trained musician and Beiber can play almost any instrument exceptionally well.

That's precisely why I don't like them. They don't do what they are most gifted at. They do what pays them the most. They have taken a look at the music "industry" and crafted a marketing tool to take advantage of consumers. For that, I will give them credit. It's a brilliant business move. However, until they start highlighting their true talent, I will continue to overlook them. Regardless of whatever ridiculous "get up" and stage gimmick Gaga is doing at the time. Regardless of Bieber's nail polish line and self-promoting "documentary" That is my prerogative. I will not judge anyone for enjoying their entertainment. I just have a different point of view.

I've spent endless hours in small pubs with sub-par sound and tiny crowds to support bands I love. I overlook the fact that the bands I love are due to hit the stage at 9 pm on a Sunday night but end up going on at 11:30pm instead, or most recently 12:30 am on a Sunday night. It's important for me to be there. For me, selfishly, because I love the music and often am friends with one or all members of the band. For them, I'm there to be one more person to pay a cover, support them with my attention, cheers and applause.

Most times, recently, there are only 20-30 people in attendance, and often several of them are in the other band(s) playing that night. (Sidenote-if you are the opening band(s) and you leave after your set and don't stay to support the following acts-shame on you. Really)

Every one in a band these days has their own story. I cannot speak for them. All I can discuss is what I see.

Many, if not all, of my musician friends, have other jobs that help them enjoy their musical interests, whether as a serious career or as a hobby. This usually means that they have to set aside time from their jobs, other obligations, friends and family to tour, practice and to perform.

The fact that many of them are so talented is not a surprise to me. What is a surprise to me is the lack of response to their talent, whether it's the record companies, booking agents or fans.

One of my favorite bands is from BC. I first saw them open up for another artist at the Underground in 2007. We were blown away by how tight they were as a band. It was obvious (and still is) that they work their asses off to come together as a band and it appears that there is no one dominant ego. I could be wrong- I don't know the personality dynamics of the band, but they seem to be performing with and for each other. They interact with their fans online and in person at their gigs. I can say with all honesty that I have rarely met a band or musicians that are as humble as these guys are. They have a unique sound, as as much as I hate to "genre-lize" bands, I do have a hard time describing their style of music. Despite it being incredible, it's not "commercial" enough for them to get signed or get radio play. Yet, we are inundated with Beiber, Nickleback, Britney, Gaga, and even washed up boy bands like NKOTBSB <-----what IS that, by the way? I've been most disenchanted when speaking to the bass player of this band and he tells me that they have to write "better" music in order to get signed. By better, he means "commercial" "mainstream" "lacking uniqueness". That sucks because as they are, they are incredible musicians and performers.

Instead of my friends who work tirelessly at improving their talents and staying true to their style getting appropriate recognition, they are met with mediocre publicity for their gigs ( IF a booking agent actually calls them back), lack of enthusiasm by the venues and the supporting/opening bands, lack of attendance by fans, and no radio play.

I invited a couple of friends to the last gig I was at. Both of them appreciate music the way that I do. My friend Owen leaned over during the set and said "This isn't my type of music, but these guys are incredible entertainers. They shouldn't be playing in a basement, they should be playing at the Republik and charging $25 a ticket". Yup. Instead, they got to share their portion of the collective cover charge of $10/head with 2 other bands. I hope they didn't spend that all in one place.

The other thing that drives me bonkers is the fact that many bands don't have anything to sell at their gigs. And if they do, they price their CDs ( which is their intellectual property ) cheaper than t-shirts. Stop doing that!

My mom has asked me "What is it with all this music stuff you post on Facebook?". My reply was simple. "I have talented friends. I love music. I love my friends. I want them to succeed. Therefore I want everyone to know about them." The end.

So, what do I want? Besides the band that I saw on Thursday (and all talented musicians) get the recognition they deserve ( i.e. Radio play as they are, record sales and even a record deal and proper promotion) I want all of my talented friends to succeed. This can only happen if we support these individuals and bands. How can we do that? Here are a few ideas:

Fans:

- Stop stealing music. Buck up and pay the $10 an album. In fact, buy a copy for a friend you think might enjoy it. You accomplish 3 things this way: support the band ( I know, I know....they get about .000005c per every 99c download, but whatever), get them a new fan, feel the joy of giving.

-Go see live shows. Attend concerts, festivals, living rooms. Listen to these people. And bring at least 1 friend - spring for their cover while you're at it.

-Visit the merch table. Have one less overpriced beer and buy one more underpriced CD. Or t-shirt. Or panties. I don't care. Give these people your money. They've driven from somewhere (while sometimes eating Kraft Dinner and sleeping in their vans) to entertain you and this stuff costs them money. It's really inexpensive to you. Embarrassingly so.

-Talk about them. If you can't go to a gig, tell someone who can. Share the art. You never know who is going to like the music and who isn't.

-Stop complaining that concert tickets are too expensive. Start seeking out smaller venues and lesser known artists. Some of the best venues I've been to are churches and bingo halls. You won't see me at the Saddledome again. (Except for Roger Waters. Or David Gilmour. Or both)


Venues:

-When a band calls you wanting to book a show at your venue, CALL THEM BACK. They are not only trying to get exposure, they are going to make you money. Remember math?

-If you book a band, promote them. If you can't see through to doing for the good of the band(s), be selfish, do it for your own benefit. Why do something half-assed? Posters are always taken by real fans, and guess what? The posters have your venue name on them. People who go to rock shows drink alcohol and order food. Why would you pay your servers to work at a gig if you aren't promoting the gig to even just cover your costs. May I introduce you to....math?

-Pay the bands. Don't make them track you down after a show to get their $30 dollars. That's humiliating. And you get a bad reputation. A bad reputation = less money in your pocket. MATH!


Bands:

- Interact with your fans through social media and when they show up for a gig, talk to them. People want to feel a part of something. Their loyalty to you because you treated them with respect = free advertising. FREE!

-Bring merch. Chances are your true fans have everything you are selling, but the friend(s) they brought to the show don't. If they leave without having the opportunity to take your music or a shirt with them, they might forget your name tomorrow. And for f*ck sake, start pricing your CDs higher than a t-shirt. Give them value. By pricing them lower than a garment, you debase the value of your art.

-Keep your website up to date. A real fan will check back a few times and give up but someone who doesn't know you won't come back if you don't have current news/info and music on your site.

-Register your music with your national music copyright service. PROTECT what you have created and own.

I have so much more to say, and I'm sure I will but, in the meantime, please check out my real life, wonderful, extremely talented friends/pals who happen to be musicians:

- Jeff Brodnax - Website, Facebook

- Jon Davidson - Website, Facebook

- Early on Sunday - Website, Facebook

- Cold Driven - Website, Facebook

- Youth Season - Facebook

- Russell Stafford - Myspace

- Train Bigger Monkeys - Website, Facebook

- Tyler Summers - Website

- Top Soil - Facebook

- Chris Angel - Website, Facebook

- Dan Whitley - Myspace

The value of an opinion

In my profession, people pay me for my opinion and advice. Most of the time they take what I am saying and put my suggestions in motion. When I'm asked for advice or my opinion, my approach at work is to provide valuable information and hope that my clients take advantage of my experience.

Regardless, sometimes they do the exact opposite ( which is usually what they wanted to do anyway).

My parents are guilty of this too. They are in their golden years and I find that some of our roles are changing. I have opportunities to help them out, mostly by providing contacts or information I have that will save them time and money.

They usually do what they want.

This ticks me off. Rather, it DID. Until yesterday.

I'm in the market for a set of drums, so I polled my musician friends and people that I follow on Twitter who are musicians for their opinions. I received many opinions from experienced musicians. I sing and have piano experience, but in no way do I feel qualified to make an informed decision about a drum purchase.

Many brand names and suggestions on what to look for were gratefully received.

Before I move on, here is something that may be helpful to know about me: I really don't like to follow the status quo. I like to be unique and have unique things. For instance, when I bought my last car, I chose a Saab. At that time, very few people drove a Saab. So, even though I did my research and asked opinions of others, I had decided in advance that I was buying a Saab.

The same happened with the drums. I did some research and decided that I wanted to be different in this instance too. Go figure.

I found a brand that is well made, but not mainstream anymore. And before I got to the music store to look at them, I had already decided that was what I wanted. My best buddy, who is a drummer, approved initially so I felt pretty brilliant for coming up with this idea on my own. When I discovered that the kit wasn't to the precise specs I'd been told to look for, I waned for only a moment. I called my best bud and with this new information, he altered his endorsement. I considered it. For about a fraction of a second. :)

I left the store, without the drums, feeling a bit disappointed. My husband is helping me out and he took me ( very reluctantly ) to another store with many more brands of drums. The one set that caught my eye is made for a very well known and popular manufacturer ( out of the price range I wanted to spend), but if you know me, you'd know that it would be difficult for me to choose the popular choice. (I'm difficult, I know :) So, I looked around and had a few other options to choose from. The gent (a very accomplished drummer) helping me out told me to "buy whatever the fuck you want". He works on commission and told me the truth, or at least validated my position. Even though I won't likely buy my first drum kit from him, he will get my business for as long as he is in the business. I'll buy all of my accessories from him, and likely my next kit.

What is the value of an opinion? Well, it's just that. And everyone has one. If you ask for an opinion, listen to the answer and consider it. If you're asked for your opinion, don't take it personally if the person asking you does something different. It's human nature.

So, after all of that I've decided to go with my choice. After all, it was my idea.

:)

Energized

I went to bed last night feeling rather sick, and woke up feeling the same way.

I didn't have time to be sick today, though. I had 2 appointments I'd been looking forward to for so long. The first was my very first drum lesson, which was fantastic. The second was an appointment with a world renowned "energy worker" whom I see once a year. If I didn't see him today, I would have had to wait until next year. Missing that wasn't even an option for me.

So, I worked with my energy twice today. I moved my energy while discovering the very early stages of drumming-and of course I've attracted the perfect teacher for my lessons. He's awesome. He's starting me at the very, very, very beginning. For someone who likes to jump into things head first, I thought this would be hard, but I found it incredibly relaxing and stress-free. It felt good for the energy in my body to dictate how a sound would come out as an extension of my arms and legs into a drum beat. It was a very cool first step for me.

I also moved energy with my friend, Norman, the energy worker. I feel comfortable calling him my friend. Anyone who can look at you and know almost precisely what is going on for you is a friend in my books. I suppose the proper description was that I allowed him to move my energy. But, I'll take some credit for that too. Again, for someone who is usually ansty with a mind that goes 100 miles an hour, you'd think it hard for me to lie still for 45 minutes in silence. Again, I found this experience utterly magnificent and relaxing. The touch applied is very subtle, but it's different that having someone touch you in your regular routine of life. This touch is applied with love and intention and therefore often moves things in me which I regularly hold down or hide. Again, I call Norman a friend because I can be completely vulnerable with him and it's not shameful to have feelings about what is going on in your body. Rather, it's liberating and beautiful. He favored my right knee, which has been bothering me for about 9 months. I hadn't told him about this pain, because I had actually forgotten about it until he spent a good portion of our session applying his energy to it (I also usually focus on telling him what is going on for me emotionally, not physically before we begin). I only asked him about it afterwards and he said that there was an energy block around my knee. I'm sure even skeptics of energy work would have a hard time disputing that we are energetic creatures and when we are sick or hurt, it shows up energetically. Anyway, it was a great session and I was present for the entire experience which I am proud of my busy brain for allowing me to do.

Despite being a bit under the weather today, I really feel like today was one of the best that I've had in a long time.

I'm Energized again. Still.

Musical Notes or Majestic Mountains?

I had the recent good fortune of attending the investiture of a family friend of mine into the Order of Alberta. The inductees included our friend, who had started a special needs school, a world renowned paleontologist, a celebrated Native artist, several advocates for human interests, and even our former Provincial Premiere. It was quite a remarkable day for me to be included in.

The most remarkable event of the day for me was meeting the sons of the Paleontologist. One of them sat beside me at dinner, the other across from me. Both arrived at the table smiling, warm and approachable. I noticed that there was something a little different about the brother across the table. As he made efforts to introduce himself and find out about the women on either side of him, I realized that he is deaf. This did not stop him from being one of, if not the most social person at the table. I was immediately drawn to him and his enormous smile. He made his way around the table in conversation as best he could and finally asked me my name. I suddenly started to "sign" my name using the sign language alphabet. I was shocked that I did this, as I hadn't used sign language in over 20 years. Yet, all of a sudden my ego disappeared and I attempted to communicate with him, despite how awkward I looked. He had inspired me within 30 seconds of him arriving at the table.

I enjoyed the conversation I had with the hearing brother. We discussed his schooling and occupation, which surprisingly didn't include paleontology,(he'd had enough exposure to that vocation as a child) but my favorite past-time; music. So, with this brother, I also developed an instant kinship.

I am very sensitive to people being included in things, especially if they are at a disadvantage to enjoy an gathering. Throughout dinner, we all communicated with the deaf brother easily. After dinner there were 8 speeches, which took about 90 minutes. Having asked the hearing brother if his sibling was born deaf or developed it later, he informed me that the disability was from birth and his brother was not able to hear at all. I realized how boring it may seem to a person who cannot hear or read the lips of the people giving the speeches. I felt bad for him, but when I looked over and caught his eye several times, he had a huge smile on his face. He radiated joy the entire night.

I learned from his brother, the musician, that his deaf sibling was an amazing "Rock Band" drummer, and had a complete drum set with cymbals and 2 kick drums! I imagine his ability to focus on the challenge of playing the drums, without being distracted by a singer or guitarist, coupled with his enthusiasm, made him excel at a task most would reserve for a hearing person. I'm sure that there is also a vibrational feedback that he gets when playing, but his ability is undeniable.

The hearing brother asked me the oddest question near the end of dinner. He asked "If you could choose between being blind or deaf, which would you choose?". Without any hesitation, I answered "I'd rather be blind. If I couldn't hear music, I really don't think I could survive." I think he felt the same way. However, two and a half weeks later that question has lingered. My answer has volleyed back and forth over that period of time.

After pondering it, and asking others the same question, I really don't know what I would choose. Well, that's not entirely true....I would choose neither.

One person answered me by saying "being blind would be scary." And I have to agree, although, would it be scary if being blind was all you knew and you could talk to people, hear music, and hear someone say "I love you"? I don't know. Hearing music is all I can think about.

Then I realized that being deaf would only be terrible for me if I hadn't heard music before. If I developed the inability to hear, but had heard music in my life, I would be okay. I wouldn't be perfect, but I would survive. I could see things that jarred a memory and therefore a song that I could hear in my head, or knowing the words and melody, could even sing.

I'm very visual. Eye contact is important to me. Smiles are important to me. Body language is important to me. You can't hear some one's eye's or see their posture. I think sight would be crucial to my enjoyment of life. I live near the mountains. I cannot imagine not being moved by the majesty they exude. I don't think you can hear that. You have to see it to understand.

I think now I would choose to be deaf over blind.

My new friend has taught me that you can hear music even when you can't hear music. And that's all I need.

Thank you, D.

30 Days of Gratitude - A bucket full! (24th-28th)

Just so you know, I am not intentionally avoiding posting every day. I've been away for 3 days in beautiful San Francisco. I have, however, been thankful and aware of things to be grateful for so many things this month, and in the last 5 days, especially.

Walking non-stop, in San Fran, made me grateful for my health - some people do not have the luxury of choosing to walk, instead of taking a cab. Walking also called me to be "present". Aside from having to be aware and not get hit by a car, or pay attention to a map so as not to get lost, it also called me to look at my surroundings and take them in. One of the nice things about when I go on holidays is that "unplugging" from email, my voicemail, my pager and social media, actually heightens my senses. Things look beautiful, food tastes amazing, music sounds clearer. It's really a wonderful way to feel alive again. So, I guess one of my main gratitudes is the ability to HOLIDAY.

Coming home to a clean desk and no smoldering fires to put out is also something I am grateful for. Arriving home at 1:30 am and having to be pulled-together to meet a new client first thing on a Monday is so much easier when there is no chaos to clean up after a holiday. I am grateful to my HUSBAND/business partner who made my little mini-break possible.

One of my friends, even knowing that I was away, made sure to text me while I was away to let me know they were thinking of me. I remember smiling while walking through arrivals in Vancouver, while reading their text. In friendship, as in all relationships, it truly is the LITTLE THINGS.

Above all, I am most grateful for having the time to spend with my BEST FRIEND. With the difference in our lifestyles and our different geographical locations, spending uninterrupted time with my best friend is rare and cherished. Being able to go away with her and shop, eat, laugh, talk, cry and reconnect is one of the highlights of my year so far. She is one of the best human beings I know. I'm very privileged to have her in my life.

Gratitude.....

30 Days of Gratitude - Days 14, 15, 16

Wow, I sort of fell off the wagon with my blog posts there, folks. I was/am exhausted so felt that I should rest rather than do anything else I felt obligated to do.

I was actually starting to feel like this blog wasn't having an impact but I got some unsolicited feedback from 2 friends and I realize that even though people don't make comments on the blog, doesn't mean they aren't reading and appreciating it. So, thank you. I am grateful for those of you who are reading and appreciating what I am trying to do here.

Looks like I have some catching up to do!! So, here we go...

Over the past 3 days, I, admittedly, haven't been feeling very grateful. Not that I've been ungrateful, I've just felt kind of meh. BUT, there is always something to be grateful for.

I think what the last 3 days has taught me is that people DO care about me. I think I'm difficult to "love" ,sometimes, in that I have a very independent nature and don't ask for support or help very often. So, I am really grateful for those of you in my life that reach out when you know something isn't quite right with me. THANK YOU.

I am also really grateful for MUSIC. We have all experienced that moment when the most appropriate song finds us, whether we are going through a loss or challenge, or deeply in love, or excited, or sad. I spend so much time in my car, mostly alone, and this week the most appropriate songs reached through my stereo and found me. The 3 songs that made the biggest impact on me, or reminded me of my values and who I am are;

"Seek Up" - Dave Matthews Band "....you seek up an emotion and our cup is overflowing...." (more)
"Step Inside this House" - Lyle Lovett "....It's funny how I loved that book, and I never loved that girl...." (more)
"I've Been This Way Before" - Neil Diamond. "....some people never see the light until the day they die..." (more)

They all resonate for different reasons. All 3 have been on repeat this week. I encourage you to read the lyrics or listen to them. They are all beautiful songs; each with a great message.

One day I'd like to sit down and start to compile the "Soundtrack to my life". It would be a huge project. Maybe it should be on my bucket list....


I am also grateful for CHILDREN, specifically their authenticity. I am so fortunate to volunteer at a school with an emphasis on the development of special needs children. (There are also typical children in attendance at this wonderful school) As the school year draws to a close, the children are enjoying special "theme" days. Today was sports day, but because it was so miserable outside, we all needed to be flexible. All of the kindergarten classes were transformed into "stations" and the children were able to move freely around the rooms and explore the different opportunities. I was in the music room. We had bongo drums, bells, triangles, rubbing sticks....the whole nine yards really. It was wonderful to watch them "dance like no one is watching". Total authenticity. We ( the adults) couldn't help but follow their lead. At one point, a sweet little boy had a plastic hammer and was beating it against the bongo drums. He accidentally hit me in the chin with the hammer. He looked at me and said "I'm sorry" and then took the palm of his hand and caressed my whole face until he knew that I was okay. It was the sweetest thing I'd seen in a long time. You cannot teach that kind of authentic compassion. But you can unteach it. Let's agree not to do that to our children.

Gratitude....

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 2

There will likely be many days where my gratitude post will be about MUSIC, in some way, shape or form. Today is one of those days.

When I have a bad day, I try to reflect back to see what I could have done different in that day to make it happier. I usually have an "a-ha" moment, too late, of course, when I realize I'd gone most of the day without music on. I find that even the most daunting task is so much easier when I have music playing in the background.

Those of you who know me well are aware of my very broad interest in music. My tastes range from Classical to Metal, with almost everything in between. I can find the most appropriate music to fit any occasion, and I do. Much like food, water and sleep, I am not complete without music. I feel I would really die without it.

The other element of music that I am grateful for is the multitude of good friends I have acquired, especially in the last year and a half, because of it. I am sure that at some point I will go into further detail about almost each and every one of them, but I think it is fair to say that music does really unite people. Some people have come into my life because of music, and others have come in and our bond strengthened because of music.

Music is the thread that really does unite me with most of the people I love the most in my life.

Gratitude....