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Brighton, England

The first 24 hours has been amazing, with music as the underlying context (of course). Staying in Hove (ten minute walk east of Brighton) strolling into music stores on the downtown streets (guitar purchase), passing by the location of the scooter scene on the Brighton Pier from the Album, Rock Opera Movie “Quadrophenia” by The Who, and while completing all these tasks, the weather is amazing.

A musically connected friend here (Hi Mark!) has booked me at a couple of shows this weekend, so I needed some music gear!!! One of the stops I made was into “GAK” Music. I explained to a few of the staff my situation, and these people gave me a few suggestions, and kicked ass with customer service! A little music banter went back and forth during the purchase, and the whole experience was a win. Thanks GAK Gents!

Moving along, the idea for today is Starbucks, a quick bite, then friends will be touristing me around town for some site seeing. Following that, I’ll be prepping for a scaled down acoustic show at The Exchange in Brighton tonight.

Oh, and here’s a quick vid of a downtown Brighton area

Downtown Brighton

Cheers All!


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Effects / Samples? Just say “No”, if you like.

 

With the direction of popular music on the radio, it’s a challenge (for some) to not be using the latest new “sample” or “sound gimmick”. Just listening to (repetitive) new music on any pop radio station allows me to roll my eyes frequently. I won’t name names, but I’m sure we all have our favorites. For example, a song that uses that repetitive drum sample over and over. This recorded journey is then carried over to “live shows”, where any given sample or pre-recorded gimmick is set up to be released at a certain moment. Several times. Repeatedly. This might be attractive to some, but it sure gets boring for me and people I’ve chatted to about this. For other concert goers, they’re content with a laptop and a singer for the night. Add some expensive lighting and a big sound system, and you have yourself a concert that sounds exactly like the song you heard on the popular radio station your were listening to. That’s because it is – only louder.

Even smaller/unknown acts are using samples and prerecordings in their shows, so that they sound as close to the original as possible. It’s a challenge for me to listen (and watch) a multi-member dance band that has a drummer wearing headphones to a click track because the song has certain recordings that must be used. IE; A sampled prerecorded 3-part horn section, but there are no horns to be seen for miles around. That being said, people have their reasons for going to those shows (like dancing), and I’m fine with that. The “live performance” isn’t really 100% “live” though is it? My interpretation is like real people with some fake news thrown in. A little deceptive maybe? It’s mostly a risk-free safe bet though for a fun night of dancing – unless the computer with the prerecorded tracks stops working. If that happens, it probably becomes an entirely different night. Does one member quietly and nervously utter, “What are we going to play now?”. Maybe some bands have a contingency planned set list? Hmmm. Maybe. So what? Overall, I guess it would become boring when most of the songs contain prerecorded sections in some form or another. Might as well hire a DJ at that point, and guess what: Many venues are doing just that.

For most (let’s call them “sample bands”), I’ve seen a rise in the lack-luster of so called “live” performances. For some members in a sample band, it looks like they are on a job that they don’t want to be at. People are going through the motions so they can collect their dough and split. Routine. How does one build a relationship with their audience? Related to the above in attitude, I recently heard tale of a local single guitarist that actually posted on social media that he was going to a certain venue to perform, but it was his least favourite place to go, and he was only doing it for the money. True story. As it happened, prior to his arrival, the word got out to the venue, and they contacted the “musician”. He was told to not bother coming, and was asked to remove the post from his social media page. Done.

So to cross-reference my bio page and identify the truth and organic nature of my profession on a personal level, I don’t use samples. Nothing is pre-recorded. The fact is, everything I perform is live and recorded as I perform it: Percussion. Bass. Vocals. Guitar. I rely on the moment, and the unique organic quality of sound from my custom acoustic guitar – which is amplified only. I use no prerecorded gimmicks, and attempt to create a reasonable facsimile of any song I create. I believe that the music I create is original at the time you hear it. This means that no two performances are alike, although my interpretation of any song will produce my take of remnants from the original artists’ performance, like a guitar lick or bass part. Have no fear though, I’m playing it live – it’s not an unperformed sample.

Another big chancy thing is relating to the audience to see what they are liking (or disliking). When “live”, it’s a musical relationship that lasts from the time I step on stage, to the last song I perform. No premeditated set list. Just a guitar, 400 songs, and a plethora of lyrics. Any relationship takes work and practice, yes? This isn’t to say that mistakes aren’t made during a performance (from time to time, lol), but it’s more about dealing with any so called mistake, in real time, and the perception moving forward. Afterwards, music appreciators and musicians will usually ask questions about the gear I use and that’s fine, but truth be told, it’s about practice, technique, and the live performance that assists to create a unique sound, which in turn, should provide ample opportunity for relationship.

 


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Elements Casino – 8pm, February 10th/11th

I’m looking forward to returning to Elements Casino this weekend. Their hospitality is great, and I always enjoy a conversation with the engaged staff. 😀

I’ve got a few new songs in the music mix, and can’t wait to break open the guitar and gear to let them out!…and don’t forget to check out my new song HANDS at ReverbNation.

Thanks for your support!

See you this weekend!


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ORRANGE – 8pm, Saturday, January 28th, 2017

Hey All!

I’ll be performing in Coquitlam at ORRANGE – 1125 Nicola Ave., this Saturday, January 28th, at 8pm

I always have a great time at this venue, as it is well managed, and every patron is taken care of. One can tell by just watching the interactions. The food is great, and the drinks are cold.

Requests are welcome. The “If I know it – I’ll play it.” rule will be in effect later in the evening.

It’s an early night. Hope to see you!

Have a great weekend!

 


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Hunter S. Thompson: Out There?

One of my favorite writers, who I (unknowingly) take examples from, and inject into my writing and music. I came across this favourite quote,  yet again today:

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”!!”
– Hunter S. Thompson

He was a little “out there” but if you get a chance to read some of his work, you might enjoy. Here’s a YouTube clip with Johnny Depp on the old Letterman show. Cattle prod? Taser? Haha! Just trying to make friends!

Happy Tuesday!

 


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January 20th/21st, 2017

Looking forward to performing at The Queens Cross in North Vancouver this weekend. Always a good time, and a few music appreciators usually show up – always good for a chat! Usually an 8pm start.

Hey, on another note 😉, have you heard the single on my upcoming EP?

“Hands” can be found here. Just click, and look inside my profile at ReverbNation for the song. It’s still free to listen to…

Enjoy! Be good!

S


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Live Music In 2017

spiritcool-logo-smallo:

Here we are, well into 2017.

Things are looking great on the home front, and my second original (sophomore) album is finally nearing completion. I’m excited about the concept of “getting right to the song” without the “build up” of creating a song, as I do at every performance. For more info about this, check my “bio” page.

Moving forward, I already have two concepts for the upcoming third and forth releases.

And now that the second stage of the website is complete, I need to inform everyone that I’ve begun an “email contact” form. This means that I will not be posting my performances on a web-calendar. To find out where I’m performing, I’ll send out a monthly email to subscribers.

It also looks like I lost a few blog posts in the transfer/upgrade process, but hey, it’s the present and future that really count! 😉

Also, stay tuned for some pretty exciting shows coming up this year! Plans are already in the works…

Comments on social media are always welcome, and if you’d like to chat about the provision of entertainment for a function you’re putting together, send me an email (on the contact page). All event ideas are considered!

Stay real people!!

😉