Merry Christmas

Will it be a white Christmas? Who knows?!?!
There will be music during the season for sure tho!
Lots of performances booked throughout the season.
I’m looking forward to releasing my sophomore album entitled “HANDS”. It’s definitely taken on a life of its own! Instead of building the layers of each instrument as I do at my live performances and on my first album “All The Pieces”, I’ve taken the approach of presenting each song from creating the parts as I do in a live-performance, but then used the “cut and paste” approach to present the song in entirety. At the end of the day, I will still create each song live at a performance to remain unique, but this Album will see tracks that “get-to-the-point” sooner than later.
Please connect on your favourite social media network, and if you haven’t yet, drop by to check out my vids on youtube!
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheSpiritcool

And to everyone, have a safe and awesome holiday season!!!
🙂

Part 3: Surviving As A Musician In Vancouver, BC, Canada

Part 3: Passion: Ok. So, by now you’ve read some insight into how I see Consistancy and Connection are as important as performing itself. My words aren’t the “be-all-end-all”, but this brings me to the reason that I chose to be an Artist to begin with. Creation and performing live are my two favourite things to do, but they need to be directed and defined with clarity. Sure, I love writing and presenting my own material, but the general public hasn’t heard my catalogue, and generally, the places I perform at hold (new) audiences that want to hear something familiar – something they can relate to. The unique “catch” is my presentation of each song with my “Acoustic Live-Looping” technique. Using my guitar to create sounds of percussion, bass, guitar (unlike beat-boxing or using the microphone for unattractive mouth sounds, lol), I present each song in ways that are easy-on-the-ears, and are acoustic based.
So in a nutshell, that’s it.
Sure I learn new songs and create new subtleties along the road, but all this 3-part blog is here for is a guide (even for me to review!!!) to stay on track.
I’ll keep writing and presenting songs, they way I do, and absorb new ideas from other artists.
Speaking of which, on another note, if you watched the 2015 Grammys, just remember that things aren’t always as they seem:
Swedish Max Martin produced and/or co-wrote:
“Bang Bang” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj
“Break Free” by Ariana Grande featuring Zedd
“Dark Horse” by Katy Perry featuring Juicy J
“Problem” by Ariana Grande featuring Iggy Azalea
“Shake It Off ” by Taylor Swift
“Blank Space” by Taylor Swift
Produced and co-wrote 7 of 13 tracks on Taylor Swift’s “1989” album,
Produced and co-wrote 10 of 13 tracks on Katy Perry’s “Prism” album
Produced and co-wrote Ariana Grande’s “My Everything”
Co-wrote Jennifer Lopez’s “First Love,”
Co-wrote Shakira’s “Dare (La La La)”
Co-wrote Pitbull’s “Wild Wild Love,”
Scored his first hit with the Backstreet Boys’ 1997 “Quit Playing Games”
First No. 1 single as a songwriter with Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” in 1999
Wrote songs for N’Sync, P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5, (and others)
Songwriter with the third most No. 1 singles: Paul McCartney, with 32 and John Lennon, with 26.
More No. 1 singles than Michael Jackson.
Although you might not have heard of him, this Max Martin Dude has figured out a formula that works. Many steps beyond, and many connections.

Summer’s Changed To Fall

Well, the year is almost wrapped up!
And what a year it’s been! I’ve met some pretty cool artists along the way, including awesome new fans too!
After the “Chilliwack” concerts, I was excited to get another call to warm up for “Platinum Blonde”. I had a fantastic time learning a little more about the biz from these kats, and they sounded huge! Outdoor concerts are always a nice change as there is no echo from the interior walls of a venue when performing. The sound landscape changes completely.
Moving forward, I’ve closed deals on a few Corporate Christmas parties, and looking forward to performing at a few new venues before the end of the year.
All updates and events are created on facebook, so please catch my daily stuff there!
Peace.
Spirit.

Interview “Gentleman Genius” Magazine And “CHILLIWACK”

Hey, Folks!
Summing up February in a word? Wow!
March is turning into some crazy talks with some cool people, and gaining some new fans too!
What happened? Lots of performances, including warming up for Rock legends “Chilliwack” for two occasions, and then being contacted by “Gentleman Genius” Magazine, for an interview! Here’s the link for the article:
http://www.gentlemangenius.com/2015/02/spirit.html
I’m still pounding away at the second disc. What a process! As my music creations grow with my acoustic live-looping technique, I find that I want to simplify content, but make the context real juicy. So that’s whats developing: A simply juicy disc you can sink your teeth into.
And I also want to thank the fans that send me questions and comments via email. Its awesome to connect with you all! I appreciate you to the Nth degree, for without you, I’d probably be performing live “as a hobby” instead of “for a living”. I love performing live, so this works really well for me! 😉
Remember, my social media links are updated usually daily, so join me there, and please leave “likes” and “comments” on my two music videos. I receive a good number of “hits” and “views” every day, but its the connection through comments I dig the most! 🙂
Thanks for being here, and more stuff is just around the corner. Hope to see you at a live performance.
A huge mention to Cascades Casino for making “Tuesday Industry Night” a continuing success. 6pm – 10pm.
Thanks a bunch people!
Spirit

Part 2: Surviving As A Musician in Vancouver, BC, Canada

Part 2. Connection: From my position, I find that those simple rules I mentioned create a decent foundation to add to the journey. While its true that my passion remains for writing and performing my own material, I consider myself lucky to be able to accomplish half of this passion by performing an average of 5 times per week. It also keeps my chops up. Performing is much like practicing, only I don’t get a “second chance”, and I also get to try new ways of connecting with an audience by experimenting with new techniques of presenting a song (beat, rhythm pattern, etc). Audiences love “the surprise” when a song is revealed in a new way with some improvisation.
Patient people are the most rewarded, as a common cover song is not usually recognized until a minute or so into the development of the presentation. The percentage of people that appreciate what I bring to an evening is small, however, these people become fans in one way or another. I will not deny that the general masses like to drink and party and are out for a “good time” on weekends, or good conversation with friends during a weeknight (or vice verse) and that I can provide entertainment on those levels, with ease (I’m at a bar, so that;s the way it is). What I have come to realize is that it is difficult to make a connection with any audience if the settings don’t fit what you do (IE: complimentary lighting, correct volume, chatter, etc). I’m sure that many musicians will agree that “connection” plays a role in their success – and well personally, heck, it’s just a great feeling when a connection is made.
In the right settings, when the stars are aligned, and when a person(s) comprehends and figures out that I am actually laying down rhythm, guitar, bass, vocal(s), and then singing over top, the reaction is quite rewarding. At that point, I know that a connection has been made, and I take every opportunity to connect with that person(s) by either asking what they would like to hear, or guessing a song they would recognize – and be pleasantly surprised with that song. It’s a bit of a challenge, but the reward is amazing. I’m also going to add; I do connect with musicians, but there are many people who do not play an instrument, and appreciate live entertainment. These people really take an interest in the connection and I believe in the natural occurrence of this process. In other words, I just cant force someone to like or enjoy what I do. If I notice that someone is into what I’m doing, I’ll make the effort to have a chat with them on a break.
So what does this have to do with surviving as a local musician? The connection with the few people that become fans expands over time. It’s like chipping away at an iceberg with a chisel, but extremely rewarding as time goes by. Sure, I’ve landed performances at weddings and private parties for some pretty cool clients, and this, in my opinion, is because of the connection. Here’s the deal; Every so often, there will be that one person who goes out of their way to do something amazing, like speaking to the manager of a bar/venue about the amazing entertainment, or recommend the entertainer to a friend, or even requesting one song again again each time I see them – just because of the way it’s presented.
Yes, there is money to be made on that level, but its more than dollars and cents. These connected people follow your artistic career and present opinions and great advice along the way. Just the other day, I received a private message from someone about an artist I should check out (no it wasn’t their self, lol). To me, this means the person cares about the connection with you, and is reaching out to add to your success. I know this sounds deep, but I really stand behind this actuality. What I do with the information is mine to choose, but I do not forget that the person reached out in a positive way. So this all happened because the person heard and saw me perform a song(s) they liked, really understood what I was doing, and the rest is history.
Would this have happened if I didn’t follow some simple rules? If I didn’t, I think the percentage of this happening would be less.
Stay tuned for the final part 3.
S

Part 1. Surviving As A Musician in Vancouver, BC, Canada

Part 1: Consitancy: Well, here I am after nearly 4 years since I embarked on this amazing journey (May 3, 2010). It’s been quite a ride so far! Averaging 250 shows a year and not having any other “work” to fall back on, I feel more honored and priveledged than ever – especially being able to do this in my home town. I love Vancouver. I’m sure there is a sence of comfortability that ensues with everyone if they’ve lived in one spot for a long period of time. Water and mountains are majestic views from almost any area of the Lower Mainland, provided the rain holds off. Well, moving along….. I’m going to discuss the “live music scene” and how things have not really changed for me since I began performing “full time”. And just exactly what does this mean to me? I think the title from the Aerosmith Album “Permanent Vacation” sums it up – although there are countless hours of personal development, practicing, emailing, social marketing, and let’s not forget plain old pavement pounding.
Oh yeah – and then there’s performing. Many of the places I perform at are relationship-based. This means that I email a venue, discuss a meeting, put on a suit, and show up early for everything. Pretty simple, huh? Ok….so there’s the whole “quitting smoking, alcohol, and drugs” thing – although I’m lucky enough to never have had a problem with the latter two. To me, it’s just good business to keep the presentation honest, so that I get to “focus on my art and technique” – although I “leave the art at home” from most venues. Let me explain: Many Lower Mainland managers/owners are looking to pay for decent “entertainment”, not “Artists”. This is not necessarily a “sad truth”, but for many, the idea of “playing cover songs” over and over either becomes too routine and ominous that some forget the path they started on. Some humans don’t even bother with cover songs, and some of these people are expecting to be hired on a general level, opposed to holding a “special original material event”. Ok. There are many combinations here, but I hope you get my drift: The context I’ve been hovering around is this: I work with the manager/owner of a venue, to provide a service – just like their amazing bartenders, servers, hostesses, kitchen staff, etc. We all get paid different, but that’s no ones business but your own. Once a person starts work, it’s that persons job to fulfil their position for the evening (usually evening for me). The idea is to create an atmosphere based on the Audience Demographic.
OK. This all sounds easy, right? Well, I’ll say this: If I expect nothing, I won’t go home empty handed.
This is the first of a 3 part blog. Stay tuned…

Prepping For Canadian Summer Tour 2015

Hello All! The plan is to have both albums with me for the tour. That makes sense, huh? I’m pretty content with the first release selling over 1000 hard copies within one year of production at performances and events, not including the online sales. My second full-length album (release date coming soon) will also be available on a hard CD copy and at Itunes and CDBaby – same as the first “All The Pieces” was. I’ve had a positive experience from both online stores and I’m also researching the value of “Spotify” to make the album available there, too. Its gotta be inline with my online context for this to work. General comments about Spotify, Itunes, and CDBaby are welcome at https://www.facebook.com/TheSpiritCool so that a public discussion might be had. Or, if you think iTunes might cancel or invade your phone privacy, you can send me private email message at info@spiritcool.com ….Again, if you haven’t seen them, here are the store locations for my first album “All The Pieces”. https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/spirit-cool/id560553469 http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/spiritcool2 —–Also, any comments or questions about the upcoming tour are welcome at info@spiritcool.com or any of these fine social media sites: https://www.facebook.com/TheSpiritCool https://twitter.com/SpiritCool Chat soon! S.

Second Album – Music On Fire!

The creative process is an amazing one. Taking longer than I expected, I’ve wrapped up the content for album #2! Together, with my secret (engineer/com-padre) weapon, the album is nearly half complete. This Album (title yet unknown) is bringing a solid and provocative songwriting style to the forefront. Though the “live-looping” technique will be used to create each song live, the album cuts straight to the chase and will forego the “creation” of separate parts. The songs will start “when they should”, opposed to waiting for the punch. Thanks for following on various social networks, and if you have any questions or comments, please contact me at info@spiritcool.com or facebook, twitter, instagram, or smoke-signal.
S

Purchase

Bio

As an Acoustic Live-Looping Artist, Spirit creates music like a painter generates a painting. A painter adds to the canvas with every stroke of the brush, and within time, a masterpiece is created.
Spirit achieves the same results by using his guitar and voice to create layers upon layers, with your ears being the canvas.
Years of live-sound performing experience, and extensive touring, Spirit is a seasoned artist who provides unique entertainment at every occasion.
More than just an acoustic guitar player / singer, Spirit is also proficient with Percussion, Bass, Lead Guitar, and Rhythm Guitar. The sounds you hear at a performance are created organically through his acoustic guitar. All Spirit’s performances are live, using no pre-recorded tracks or synthesized sounds.

Expanding his career, Spirit has released his first critically acclaimed album “All The Pieces” c2013 iTunes and CDBaby, toured Canada twice in 2014, and has recently released 2 videos demonstrating his “Acoustic Live Looping Performance” technique, which by 2015, have gained over 100,000 YouTube views.
Watch here:
—-} Soul For Sale: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HkaNDxQt7O8
—-} Come To Think Of It: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wGZ-jQ90aC8

Since placing Top 20 in the Vancouver area for CBC Searchlight 2013 with his song “Come To Think Of It”, he has warmed up for “54-40”, Platinum Blonde, and twice for Juno award winners “Chilliwack”. He has been a part of the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver by performing at the grand opening in 2013, and returning for the Hard Rock One Year Anniversary in January 2014, with Bif Naked and Everlast.

Spirit’s first album “All The Pieces” was released in July 2013, and is available through iTunes or CD Baby. The release for “Hands” is scheduled for May 2016.
iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/spirit-cool/id560553469
CD Baby:
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/SpiritCool12

www.spiritcool.com
Performance Inquiry details: info@spiritcool.com