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Richard Scotti
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Under The Covers

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Love Conquers All

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DANGER UP AHEAD!!!

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Create a link

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Broken Sky (remix)

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Thank you!

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No Where Boy

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8/18/2010 3:34:46 PM
News flash

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Thanks for the memories

7/23/2010 8:17:18 PM
THANK YOU!!

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IAC Conference

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A Little Q & A

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LOST!

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Before The Well Runs Dry

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4/30/2008 12:31:57 PM
NEW SONG



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Richard Scotti

3/30/2010 12:06:22 PM ---- Updated 4/25/2010 12:43:21 PM

A Little Q & A


A couple of people have contacted me about the interview thread I started a few weeks ago and requested an opportunity to answer the questions.

A little Q & A

1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.
2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?
3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?
4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?
5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?
6) What are you working on at the moment?
7) Who are some of your main influences?
8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?
9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired your latest project?
10) Comment on the music scene in general and it's future.


Add Comment

Jeff Allen Myers

3/30/2010 12:51:15 PM ---- Updated 3/30/2010 12:54:07 PM


Cool Richard , I will get to this when I can give it a little more thought :)~ Good Idea, Thanks. I have been around enough to where most of you know my story (at least I would like to think so) It will be nice to learn about new people, This place is a bit stale of late, there needs some energy and new blood. Hopefully this will get a few to come out of the shadows. There have been new people posting, but most are hit and run promos with little substance.

Hello lurkers...The water is warm, and we don't bite...at least not all of us. :) Dive in and let us know a bit more about you!


Add Comment

Hop On Pop

3/30/2010 1:11:37 PM


Nice concept, Richard! And a good way to get everyone back interested in posting again... get 'em talking about themselves! (We all love to do it.)

So, that said, here are my answers:

1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.
I posted the answer to this question in this thread.

2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?
I think that i hit on a lot of things. But I suppose some recurring themes are probably the unstoppable march of time and our search for our place in this world before we are escorted out of it; like in this song, this song, or even the first song that I ever wrote. I also like to write about, not so much "love" as the complexities of real-life love relationships; like in this song, this song, or (to a slightly lesser/more romantic degree) this song.

3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?
It's good. As to WHY it's good: I think that I have a slightly different take on things than most folks, both lyrically and musically. And, after 20 years of writing songs, I'm still getting better all the time.

4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?
Just to be heard. I don't want to be famous; I just want my songs to be famous.

5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?
I think that the answer to this question is well-documented here. But, as I am never one to miss an opportunity to shill my tunes, you can get them here:
Spade Kitty Records site (physical CDs)
iTunes (download)

6) What are you working on at the moment?
Promoting my new CD.

7) Who are some of your main influences?
Nick Lowe, Magnetic Fields, Brian Eno, Gram Parsons, Hank Williams (Sr.), Guided By Voices

8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?
The theme is that there is no theme.

9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired you latest project?
I find inspiration wherever I can. My latest project was inspired by loosing my band and having to do it all pretty much on my own -- with whoever else I could grab to help me out for particular parts on particular songs.

10) Comment on the music scene in general and it's future.
The music scene is currently a jumbled mess. There is more music more-readily available for consumption than ever before and the business end of things is completely messed up. I think... I hope that means that the art end is going to begin to trump the commerce end of things before long. But then, I am a realist, and the guys who know how to make money off of other people are going to, once again, figure out how to make money, and the great stuff will once again get lost in the pile of crap thrown out there by the folks who have their fingers on the switch. At least now we have the internet to find the music made by folks who are actually in it because they love it.

This was fun.
Thanks, Richard!


Add Comment

Tao Jones

3/30/2010 5:15:57 PM


1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.

I started playing by ear at about 8 years old, maybe 7.

2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?

The lyrics are about what humans are like.

3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?

I'm visionary. No, really...

4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?

It just rides me...

5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?

Yes, I have 3 at CD Baby and itunes: "The Lion and the Fox," "Late Afternoon Sun," and "Simple Machines." (My name is Bob Elliott). Maybe "Lion and the Fox might not be up? If not, I'll send you copy if you want one. I give these away if people ask because the mission is spread this music.

6) What are you working on at the moment?

Two projects progressed pretty far right now. One is me doing the stuff I do at solo shows, mostly covers. Very cool. Acoustic and voice, harmonica...pretty rough and scratchy.

The other is the next album. A lot of that work is up on my page here.

7) Who are some of your main influences?

Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, Marley, Beatles, Stones, Marvin...Those are primary going back to childhood (well Marley became important at about 19, but the rest go to childhood). On top of that is just a mass of artists up to this time and back to the early century, but those are the ones going from my childhood start and at all points inbetween.

8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?

Yes. I can just feel it in my bones. I hope I won't ever be able to say what it is beyond the work itself, but I just feel it throbbing in all this new stuff. The whole thing of reacting to that vibration is the driving force...but I wouldn't be able to draw out what the them is, thankfully. That would be pretty boring.

9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired your latest project?

Very interested in the back mind, the subconcious. I'd rather not know why the back mind goes after what it goes after. I just want to serve it.


10) Comment on the music scene

I need to be part of a music scene. I am too disconnected, and I don't think that is helping.


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Kevin White

3/30/2010 6:28:36 PM ---- Updated 3/30/2010 7:03:12 PM


1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.

When I listened to the Beatles at age 5.

2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?

Stories and Observations

3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?

What makes any music something people like? It talks to them.

4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?

The magic of creating something from nothing.

5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?

Although high quality versions can be purchased on i-tunes and CDBaby, I give MP3s away for free at KevinWhiteMusic.com to registered members. Personally, I view the net as modern radio ... so certain things should be distributed freely. If you want full featured versions of recorded music, then that extra work comes with extra cost.

Otherwise, download away.


6) What are you working on at the moment?

I've two projects under construction. One is another solo release, the other is work written w/ a long time collaborator.

7) Who are some of your main influences?

My wife. She allows no other false Gods before her. Oh ... you meant musically? Everything I've heard.

8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?

Yes. Quality craftsmanship. It's top shelf creations that pleasantly surprise.

9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired your latest project?

My internal itches needing scratching ... but don't worry, it's contagious.

10) Comment on the music scene in general and it's future.

No one can deny that the net has changed the musical scene landscape and that everyone ... from huge corporations to individual artists ... have yet to figure out what it all means.

Some places are eddy of self congratulatory incestuous back slapping where big fish in small ponds gain notoriety to the few that pay any attention. There are a lot of these places on the net (and I'm not saying here is one ... I'm outlining reality) ... and they provide self satisfaction of a sense to the artist, but really no forward movement of value in the real world.

Other places are haunted by artists only ... which may improve the quality of one's work (because artists are the most critical listeners), but again ... there will be no public launch to one's career from such places ... as the listening public is very different from the involved group ... they listen for pure pleasure, not technical prowess.

Most "late artists" (from top to bottom) are going to have to find peace w/ recorded music obscurity ... including famous people from a certain age forward still trying to survive by selling recorded works. That which is recorded will become known as "advertising expense" for their live career.

While Frank, Dean, Bing (now a search engine) and others enjoyed artistic support well into retirement years ... we are the generation of the new and shiny. Listen. Forget. Free.

It's all fractured by net explosion.

The artists listened to by the new age are those that get out there via word. Word may include advertising and word of mouth ... but if it isn't worthy, it's dead end for you ... and no matter what is poured into it, it doesn't matter. You're not good enough.

The new age of listening is unforgiving. There's too much to listen to and a lot of it is pure and absolute crap ... delivered by the net explosion that promised the moon. Your beliefs will cost you ... but the truth will remain unaffected.

So what happens when there is too much information to be filtered? Critics ... people who have nothing better to do but comment on everything ... become king. The world relies on their "expert" opinion ... when all that really is truth is that they don't know what's good for any individual's taste more than I do; for I like what I like and it may not be what anyone else likes.

Yet ... I won't watch a movie unless it is well received. I have a limited amount of money ... and I don't want to waste it watching nonsense. This relates to music.

So ...

Nate Kunkel postulated recently in Electronic Musician that the industry that was paying attention to quality and technical advancement (Cinema) was prospering, while that that was paying attention to cutting costs (Music) was floundering.

I'd offer that the cinematic industry, while having to deal with certain issues, doesn't have the same volume of pure bullshit the viewing public the music industry has to deal with ... there is just less crap to wade through due to production cost alone. It's not as simple as industry focus versus other industry focus ... although there is a component to be considered. No ... this is the battle of the trench. It's industry adjustment to new cultural technology against other industry naturally current protections against cultural technology.

The music industry is so steeped in unprofessional overwhelm that it is simply collapsing under the weight of "WTF? That was terrible!" No one has the time. If movies were culturally critiqued such, they would do worse ... for people have less time for them. Their industry has less tolerance, but also less ability to produce via the cost paradigm. If everyone did home movies on You Tube, and represented them to be of quality ... and they diverted attention as such ... they'd have troubles similar.

Sometimes, good stuff gets buried in knee deep in the flotsam jetsam. There is a price paid for that.

The movie industry, if suffered the same, would be the same.

That's my comment on the music scene.


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Tom O'Brien

3/30/2010 8:53:03 PM ---- Updated 3/31/2010 11:31:59 AM


Good thread Richard. Nice diatribe Kevin.

So,
1. My older brother played guitar when I was just 5 or so. I used to pluck individual strings at random till one day I more or less accidentally played the first three notes of "taps - E, E, A. I thought, I could do this. Also used to bang on the piano in my aunt's basement and one day similarly noticed the descending scale that formed "Joy to the World (the Lord is Born). I was born singing. My parents both sang a lot and we were all just kind of naturally musical. I remember being asked in the first grade if any of us new any songs. No one volunteered. Then, at recess, I went to the church next door and memorized two verses of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," and sang it when class resumed. I can't really remember a time when I didn't want to make music.

2.I just want to spread the love. My songs used to be about relationships that didn't work out, which was all of them. Now I'm a pretty happy soul, and I want everyone to feel it and realize we are all part of the same thing.

3. Much of my music is not just the same old thing. I try to approach old topics with fresh viewpoints. My words are meaningful - maybe too meaningful. I find that people like a lot of meaningless drivel really.

4. I only want to share the gifts I've been given. I want to understand myself better by writing about my life, experiences and emotions.

5. Not selling. I'd always gladly take any money offered for any of my output, but that is not the motivating factor, so if I never make a penny, I'll still be happy if people just listen.

6. Just finished a 12 song CD that I'm always giving away to anyone who asks. Also am really excited about a project that Bob Elliott and I have started - but I don't want to say too much about that yet.

7.John and Paul, Elvis Costello, Crowded House, Joe Jackson, Squeeze, Bob Marley, Hank Williams, Cat Stevens, James, The La's, Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Mercer, Eric Satie, Chopin, XTC, Stevie Wonder

8. We are all one.

9. I just love sound. Everywhere I go I hear the music of the world. Strange polyrhythms and dissonances. I try not to go into that area musically too much, because no one would listen. But I'm most influenced by the textures of sound all around me.

10. I feel so far removed from the music scene. But I've never really been a part of any scene and I don't care to. The scene is about money, not music. You cannot ride two horses.


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Kevin White

3/30/2010 9:51:49 PM


:)

It wasn't a diatribe, Tom ... only observation.

Like my music.

:)

I'm unaffected by music things on a bring me food basis ... which allows me the freedom to observe and comment as I see it.


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Duane Flock

3/30/2010 11:10:50 PM


Although I was one of Rays subjects, I thought I'd take a shot and answer some of these.

1) My father played professionally, so every since I can remember I've wanted to play and create music. About 4-5 yrs old.

2) Real life and lessons learned. I try to write about everyday feelings with a twist in an effort to keep the listener interested while keeping the song meaningful.

3) See answer #2. Also the hard work and persuit of perfection.

4) My motivation is usually something that comes deep from the heart, or a thought or concept that I feel should be expressed to others.

5) Yes, "Flock of Tunes". I actually have about 20 songs that I custom mix and match for just about everyone. Kind of a cool concept to order a custom CD of about a dozen of my songs, Yes? Email me or visit www.Oflockit.com

6) Present project is a new CD "I'm Lookin At You". I'm working on about two or three tunes at once. This one will be mostly collabs. Something like this takes a little longer due to other peoples schedules.

7) My Favs are Steely Dan, Steve Morse, Trower, Rippingtons, Spyro Gyra, and even a few people here.

8) Once I pick a theme, I try to stick to it although sometimes my music runs into different genres.

9) This lastest inspiration came from friends getting older and some even quiting music. I wanted to get in some last licks with some really great musicians. Plus it also gives me a chance to make new collaberating friends too.

10) Very very competative with the home studio scene. I'm no different, but I see the people with more experience who have been around the block making it in the end. The Indie/DIY scene is getting very prevelent and has a much stronger voice than ever before. What would be screwed is if the Govt decides to mess with our copyrights.
Music styles and genres change with the times. If you can't roll with the punches, get out of the ring. Hard work has its rewards, unless you know someone or win the lottory.

D.


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Richard Scotti

3/31/2010 1:18:57 AM ---- Updated 4/2/2010 9:06:03 AM


I am totally thrilled by the responses to this thread. I'm learning meaningful things about my fellow artists that I didn't know before.

Share your thoughts with us. We can all learn from each other.






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Bryon Tosoff

3/31/2010 9:23:45 AM


I have posted my background and influences here many times before and may follow-up and redo it here when i get motivated into postings of substance and value again, right now,. I just dont have the time and interest. I rather read about somebody else. superb postings here
well done Richard and to all who have spent part of their day taking time to answer the questions, well done

bryon


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The Man With No Band

3/31/2010 11:59:40 AM


1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.
A. ... Probably when I got my first baby rattle ...

2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?
A. ... "Life" ... personal experiences, experiences of others I have met, etc. etc. "and death" ... several of my tunes I wrote after losing friends, lovers and family ... "mostly real scenarios that could happen to anyone"

3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?
A. ... I hope people can hear the realness, the sincerity and heart I put into my songs ... I have been compared to many, but I don't think anyone sounds like me or my original songs.

4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?
A. ... I just love music ... and I love making music ... my last steady girlfriend was always getting on me to record some of my tunes, then she died ... so that really left me no choice, I felt I HAD to record ... then some great people started commenting on my stuff and saying really nice things ... when I found out people were actually listening to my stuff, at first, I was kind of shocked, but then, I finally grasped the fact that some people actually did enjoy my music ... and that just makes me want to get better and better and give them good stuff to listen to ... I guess the real primary motivation is the smile that I get every time I know someone has listened to one of my songs and enjoyed it ... hope it never ends.

5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?
A. ... I am not currently selling a CD ... but that is one of my goals ... to put together a CD that I think is good enough quality, both in song content and listen-ability ...

6) What are you working on at the moment?
A. ... learning to record better ... adding some tracks to some of my songs that are already semi-finished ... and writing new stuff continually ...

7) Who are some of your main influences?
A. ... This question always stumps me ... I listen to almost everything ... and yet, up until recently, none of my songs have really come from anywhere but my head, I'm not sure which artist, if any, actually came from them ... My newest tune "Heroes and Goats" was definitely written by listening to IAC artist "Bob Elliott" ...
I have also learned a lot from listening to the likes of "Roy Muniz", "J.Patrick Sharpe", "Dick Aven", "Steve Ison", "Andy Broad", "Hugh Hamilton", "Larree", "Brian Booth","John Pippus", "John Myles", "Dave Osti", "Jeff Allen Myers", "Vincenzo Pandolfi", "Kevin White", "Duane Flock", "Tom O'Brien", "Scott Stambaugh", "Kurtkurtly", "Steve April", "Bob Rylett", "Leo Haszard","William J Urmson", "Jerry Kabat", Texas Willie", "Jeff Lustick", "Bob Malony", "Robert Lee Hall", "Kenyon", "Steve White", "Diego B.", "Dan Falvey", "SRM", "J.D. Gravis", "Mark T. Currier", "Pinedog", "Bryon Tosoff", "Travlin Dan", Poppa E.", "Miles Cope", "Jason Goodman", "Sly Witt", "Foy Vance", "Marc Ceccotti", "Noah Spaceship", "Martin Ansell", "Eric Chandler", "Larry Killip", "Loren DiGiorgi", "Tinny
Bennett", "Vartan", "The Kozy King", "Nigels", "Psyches Muse", "Monkey68", "Stoneman", "Slimdog", "Helmut Licht", "Larz Boah", "Al Stravinsky", "Baby", "Stagerlee", "Paul groover", "Jesse Adams", Mike Adams", "Never Never Band", "PopiKoK", and many more ... most of these guys are "solo" acts

Then bands like ...
"Eagle Head", "Village Jammers", "Silverwood Studios", "Hop On Pop", "My-T-Hi", "Otis and the Professors", "Lars Mars", "Neil w Young and The Legendary Bear Creek Band", "No Rhythm", "Heidi and The El Cats", " Tony Vani and Debbie Hoskin", "Magnetfisch", "Fuji Minx", "Horace8 and the Werewolves", "The Unseen Guest", "PIP and MERRY", "David Pendragon", "Conversation Suicide", "Bat Lenny", "Sharp Practise", "The Rivergods", "Sisters", "Big Sista", "Project Charlie", "The Jack Paddle Cover Band", "Doghouse Daddies", "AnigmaS", "Savage", "Reverse", "Cosmic Silk Project", and many, many more

And we can't forget the ladies ... "Auset", "Anjuli", Maria Daines", "Gina French", "Dirgek", "Jilly", "Sarah Reed", "Woodstock Taylor", "Alice Temple", "Susie Boehm", "Jennifer Friedman", "Serena Matthews", "Lane", "Susan Raven", "Katie Naylor", "Carolyn Stewart", "denise cascione", "Beth Fridinger", "jen bye", "AusDisciples", "Black Velvet Lace", "Allison Crowe", "Katelyn Dawn", "Melissa Forbes", "Giily Harrison", "SqurlyMurly", and on and on and on ...

and then the one and only ... Richard Scotti

8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?
A. ... Yes ... sort of ... I'm concentrating on doing some "Alternative" work ... mostly using some abstract lyrics, that may or may not mean something ... but also, I constantly leave the blinds open for any inspiration to slip in ... no matter what direction it may take me.

9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired your latest project?
A. ... Everywhere ... Life is an inspiration to me ... I really never look for inspiration, it generally always finds me ... although, the ladies always seem to inspire me more than anything ... :)

10) Comment on the music scene in general and it's future.
A. ... I have read and heard many folks say that the music scene "sucks" (for lack of a better term) ... I couldn't disagree more ... Does anyone listen anymore ? ... Life is getting faster and it seems no one has the time ... but the music IS there, just waiting for folks to notice ... and many do ... music has always been important and will continue to be so long after we are all gone ... "Rock and Roll will never die" ... and neither will "Blues", "Jazz", "Country", "Folk", "Alternative", "Classical", or most any genre ... (except maybe disco ... :) ...


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SILVERWOODSTUDIO

3/31/2010 7:55:14 PM



Hi Mate

Yep i did the Ray thing --it was fun eh!

1. Heartbreak Hotel when I was about 4 years old---it was the reverb !!!!

2. Human behaviour, the environment, issues, piss taking, tragic things that happen, tunes that pop up----

3. The Human intellect

4. We are driven ----we have to do this!

5. CD? 'Man in a Shack'--- currently in production

6. The Same---- Production, Mastering, Pics, cover notes, lyrics fold out, distribution, etc etc

7. Van, Bob, Neil, Janis, Chuck, Ray, Willie----and Traditional folk /Blues--- many more

8. Cynicism, humour, pathos, melody, rhythm, noises, coffee! wine!

9. my muse---(currently a hairy Appalachian mountain man)

10. Like looking for an audience----- in a haystack, made from jelly beans----which are being gobbled up by that mountain man-----


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Richard Scotti

4/1/2010 6:05:42 PM


Thank you all for the great responses. Anybody wanna else take a crack at it?


1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.
2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?
3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?
4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?
5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?
6) What are you working on at the moment?
7) Who are some of your main influences?
8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?
9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired your latest project?
10) Comment on the music scene in general and it's future.


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Bob Rylett

4/1/2010 11:38:13 PM


1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.
2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?
3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?
4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?
5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?
6) What are you working on at the moment?
7) Who are some of your main influences?
8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?
9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired your latest project?
10) Comment on the music scene in general and it's future.

Richard...nice thread my friend...
1)...listening to Jim Croce age young
2)...true stories of people i know
3)...maybe see reflections of themselves
4)...i love writing...new songs thrill me like drugs do others.
5)...I am selling 5 cd's right now...My newest is entitled "Girl from the Mystic" the title track about the sexual exploitation of children by the PTB.
6)...My newest studio project entitled "Punchline"
7)...every song I have listened to twice, excluding the horse-shit i get trapped into hearing on radio or tv.
8)..."Punchline" is about the fear that has been shoved down our throats of late...global warming, the swine flu, terrorist threats, sars,2012, economic collapses, wars, weapons of mass destruction,west nile ,man/bear/pig...the list goes on, feel free to add to it...by the way, the punchline is....there is no joke.
9)...see above
10)...the music scene to me for indys like us is.....true plays are crucial...get your songs heard...anyway you can, here, there...live,taped,memorex....make it and then push it out, then do it again...thanks Richard...


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Richard Scotti

4/1/2010 11:52:34 PM ---- Updated 4/2/2010 8:39:42 AM


Thank you Bob! I hope more folks will share their thoughts on these questions but in the meantime I'll do my best.

1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.

The Beatles on Ed Sullivan showed me the path to happiness and my purpose in life. But at a certain point, Dylan became the one who gave me the courage to believe in myself as a songwriter. My parents were totally against it but when I heard Bob sing "Your sons and daughters are beyond your command" I knew I was all in. I had been taking piano lessons but wasn't taught any current songs.
One day while was practicing on my own I started figuring out how to play a couple of popular songs
and then I was really hooked. I met someone who soon became my best friend and he taught me to play the guitar. He had inherited an old church organ from his grandfather and one day my friend played House Of The Rising Sun on the guitar and I played the organ. It really blew my mind. Then we played Like A Rolling Stone and it was like an acid trip without the acid. Being able to play two instruments really came in handy as my musical journey progressed over time. Al Kooper from the Blues Project who played on Like a Rolling Stone, Garth Hudson from the Band and Ray Manzarek from the Doors were my role models when it came to the organ. On electric guitar, I blame all the usual suspects!

2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?

Love, loss, redemption, dreams, fate, destiny, the brevity of our time here on earth and the need to make the most of it.

3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?

I respect the listener. I try to maintain the highest sonic standards in my work because that's what the audience deserves. The singing is on pitch, all the instruments are in tune, the lyrics can be heard and make sense, the groove is in the pocket and the melodies are sweet. There is 3 to 5 part harmony on the background vocals and I have different singers for different songs. The guitar and keyboard work is top notch and in the end the sum is much greater than the parts. All of the elements combine to create something that is bigger than me, something that I'm channeling from an unknown place inside my heart and mind. I try to write the best song I can while cutting out all the boring parts!
They are entertaining, sometimes thought provoking, sometimes just plain fun, sometimes all of the above. But my attention to detail and to quality is my way of saying to the listener: "I work hard to please you and I respect the fact that you are taking the time to appreciate my work".

4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?

Music is therapeutic, cathartic, healing, and a natural high. I can't imagine doing anything else with the same dedication. It's my contribution to society and the thing that keeps me sane in an insane world. My songs carry me through life and give me strength. When people listen and enjoy it's not just the icing..... It's the whole cake. When my music touches other people in a meaningful way...that's what I live for.

5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?

I'm not presently selling one but I intend to when my current songs are finished. I'm more concerned with pitching my songs to publishers and artists than in selling CD's. Sometimes selling a CD is more trouble and expense than it's worth. I may end up giving them away. The jury in my mind is still deliberating on this subject! But one thing is certain: at some point, I'll have legal representation.
I can't do it all. I want to focus mainly on the art part and let somebody else do the other stuff.

6) What are you working on at the moment?

I'm remaking 3 songs and I have 9 new ones recorded that lack vocals at the moment. I'm very excited about them and the variety they represent. There's an anti-war folk rock song, a Led Zep type rock song with double lead elec guitars and a 12 string acoustic rhythm, a gospel style song and some funky RnB and a couple of true surprises including some amazing new singers. It won't be just more of the same. Musically and technically I'm always learning and absorbing new things. Hopefully these new songs will show a progressive evolution from where I was with my previous work. Of course I will sound like "me" whoever that is and as my old friend once expressed it: It will be the same, but different".

7) Who are some of your main influences?

I learned melody and harmony from the Beatles and how to use minor chords in rock music. From Dylan I learned the importance of a good lyric. From the Stones I learned that rock needs a tight rhythm section. From Hendrix and Clapton I saw the solo as more than just window dressing.The Band inspired me to tell stories and not always make them autobiographical. And all the great soul singers made me realize that a song has to have a soulful vocal that makes you believe the message of the song. I've also learned a lot from my colleagues and friends here at IAC.
The amazing variety and creativity here has really pushed me harder to try new things. The substantial emotional support I get from so many wonderful folks (you know who you are) is also vital to my confidence level. In the three years I've been here I've been more prolific than at any time in my life. And I owe it all to the people who have given me so much support. Thank you!

8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?

The theme that runs through my present work is the transforming power of love, loss and playing the cards I was dealt. I've had more than my share of misfortune but I'm just happy to be alive, doing what I love and being in love. Each day is a blessing and a gift. I try to weave some of these themes
into my songs.

9) Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration from the people I love and the world around me. Some of it is just floating around in my subconscious and I try hard to tap into it as much as possible. When it feels good and sounds good I don't question where it comes from.

10) Comment on the music scene in general and it's future.

The music scene is in chaos at the moment and we'll have to wait and see what happens when the smoke clears. At the moment it seems like movies are more relevant in people's lives than music but the irony is that the best movies make great use of music! Look at how Scorcese has used Rolling Stones songs to great effect in so many of his movies. In The Wonder Boys, I cried when Dylan's "Not Dark Yet" was used. The marriage of movies and music is VERY powerful when it's done well. I'd love to get my songs into movies or even make a movie someday. A short film with original music perhaps?

In general, three things almost killed rock: MTV, music piracy, and the technology that allows anyone, no matter how untalented, to make a semi-professional CD. It's very hard to stand out from the crowd when the crowd is so damn large and if you don't have MTV looks it's even harder. And even if you are lucky enough to satisfy all the right criteria - people can still just download your stuff for free. But I try not to let this crap get me down. I don't strive for success but I believe if you do what you love and love what you do, success will follow. I've proved myself TO myself. The rest is gravy. Great rock and roll will never die. It's just taking a snooze right now. It's up to us to wake it up.


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Bryon Tosoff

4/2/2010 1:34:06 AM ---- Updated 4/2/2010 1:39:31 AM


1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.
Besides spontaneously tapping a rhythm in the back seat of my parents car at age 6 it probably was my moms influence at a very early age taking piano lessons, not exciting like some answers here, but that is the truth
2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?
I rarely do lyrics,if I sing something it is off the cuff, never written down,so honestly I dont songcraft and do lyrics, it aint my thang. most of my songs are instrumentals which are based upon strong melodies and very fine progressions. if you dont believe me check them out i kick ass
3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?
My music is mostly inspiring,more unique then what you are listening to right now, and sometimes dynamic , I write mostly uplifting soaring melodies that people are amazed by and enjoyable to listen to, i am multi versatile in my abilities , can do most everything except hip hop.
4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?
I just like to dabble, plunk about and just like having fun, I get Inspiration and personal satisfaction from making music for my own self mostly, I teach music for a living and my motto is encourage, inspire and motivate. I sometimes play in bands, solo or duos. done lots of playing. and still do. but i aint no rock star : )
5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?
that is in the works.I have lots I could choose from.
6) What are you working on at the moment?
currently some doing some cool jazz, and easy listening material. working with helping one of my students developing some tunes and recording a bit with the bluevoodoo
7) Who are some of your main influences?
Beethoven, Debussy,Grieg, Count Basie, Chick Corea, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock , George Shearing, Floyd Cramer, Eric Clapton, Boots Randolph, The Doors, The Beatles ,Jackson Brown , that enough
8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?
not really a theme,that is if you are talking about lyrical content, I aint no lyricist, I am a instrumentalist, a melody writer, but if there was one it be this music is a reflection or a mirror of our soul. I am a sojourner. sharing my soul with you that's about it
9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired your latest project?
I look at the keys of my piano, sit down and it just happens, i play a melody pretty much right off and songs grow from there.My latest project is more at making a collection of my lifes work and compiling it here at IAC....which rules .ok
10) Comment on the music scene in general and it's future.
Damn, some of it sure sucks, there is too much of too many and anyone can press a button and make a sound. The future is looking dim for real aspiring musicians. bands are downsizing from 4-5 to 2-3 players or even duos and some people are resorting to going solo to survive and make it. I just had some lady ( she is a singer,) call me up a few days ago for lessons in jazz blues and pop who wants to improve her skills so she can go solo,she been in bands and moving on, it is a fact that they just dont make enough these days to go around
hows that for my last post here


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Slimdog Productions

4/2/2010 2:30:20 AM ---- Updated 4/2/2010 6:27:22 AM


Thanks Richard for the interesting post. I hope some newbies will read some of the great responses and decide to give it a try.Keep me informed on your new R&B joint. I'll get it up on my staion. Here's my 2 cents:

1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.

Music has been "in me" as far back as I can remember. My mom and dad played a variety of music when I was younger. Everything from The Beatles, Jimmy Hendrix, Vanilla Fudge, 3 Dog Night, Motown, Philly Soul, The Doors, Stax Sound so as a young kid, I grew up with a eccletic taste in music. I started playing drums in 5th grade, through high school (marching band, orchestra, jazz...) until college. I started deejaying in college, doing college radio and the club scene. When I found out there was no money to be made in radio for Hip Hop in Colorado at the time (1984), I went to find a "real job". Little did I know that Hip Hop would become big and there would be a place for it in radio much later. Music found me again in 2004 when I started making beats. I learned music never leaves you. You may leave it, but it never leaves you...

2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?

Block Scholars try to do "Old fashioned Hip Hop", that is, Hip Hop that tells a story; shows the lyrical side as well as the music. Not just for dancing, but to make you sit, listen and think. I think that side of Hip Hop has been forgotten by all this commercial radio BS.

3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?

We try not to do the Hip Hop that is out there on radio now. The average listener doesn't have a Bentley, millions in cash or a stable of "booty" at the clubs. We would like to reach the everyday 9 to 5 people. That's who we are, that's who we'll be. So we speak on what we know, not what we are not...

4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?

Just for people to listen and appreciate what we may have to say. If the listener takes some of what we talk about and they can relate in some way, then we have done what we are trying to accomplish. To hear a listener say, "I don't normally listen to Hip Hop, but I like what you all are doing", then we're HAPPY.

5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?

Yes, we have an album, "Block Scholars: Weather The Storm" for sale now on Magnatune.com and for sale soon on iTunes, Amazon.com and most digital retailers coming in a month or two. We will also have "Weather The Storm II" for sale also around June/July at the same outlets.

6) What are you working on at the moment?

We are working on "From Zero To Hero", a concept album by NOBULL & myself. The album should be out Winter 2010. Other than that, just doing shows to get the word out about Block Scholars.

7) Who are some of your main influences?

The groups that I mentioned above and then some, but my favorite group is a R&B band called "Mint Condition". I would love to have a band one day like them backing us while we do some Hip Hop. Nothing better than hearing a live band along with a deejay doin' some "Ol' School Hip Hop"...Also, props to my cousin, Derek Jackson, who played bass guitar for Al Jarreau back in the 80s. He kept pushing me to keep doing music and as soon as I can get more money, I will be buying a drum set to get back on "playin' those skins"...

8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?

Block Scholars do some raw material, but mostly our message is that even though we struggle through life sometimes, stay positive. There's a light at the end of the tunnel (hopefully it's not a train...)

9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired your latest project?

Life. Just living it to the fullest and thanking God that we wake up to see another day...

10) Comment on the music scene in general and it's future.

The commercial side of the business needs to wake up and catch up to whats happening around them. In Hip Hop especially, it's a copycat business right now. Because T-Pain had a couple of hits with autotune, every Hip Hop artist on radio now thinks they have to have autotune to make a hit for radio. I am getting so sick of hearing the same type of beats, subject matter and the same artists doing this. This is why Hip Hop is the lowest selling genre of all right now. I quit listening to the radio. Now I know many complain about how Hip Hop is so computer based and there are no real musicians, but remember Hip Hop was originally based off of sampled music. There are some Hip Hop artists out there that either are using real bands behind them or are a real band period. It's just that Hip Hop has lost it's creativity and in losing that creativity, you lose the art. The culture. Commercial radio needs to get it right. We, as Hip Hop artists, need to wake up and make it right...



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Hop On Pop

4/2/2010 7:44:37 AM


I keep reading the thread title as "A Little T&A".
Guess the Stones should be cited as an influence of mine, as well.


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Richard Scotti

4/2/2010 8:49:17 AM ---- Updated 4/2/2010 9:01:25 AM


Todd - I was wondering who would catch that. Nice job! You are the living encyclopedia of rock!! Thank you and everyone who participated. Let's keep this train rolling!


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4/2/2010 5:12:32 PM


1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.
I can’t. Really. I don’t remember lol. That need has ALWAYS been there.

2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?
Most of my library is instrumental. But I do occasionally do a vocal track. I can’t say that there is really a concept. I don’t write music that way and lyrically it’s no different. I start at a given point and then follow. A song tells you where it wants to go if you give it an ear.

3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?
Because it connects on a human level in a very unique way. Will never be categorized as mainstream but is yet easy to identify with. Been told countless times that it inspires.

4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?
Well, I just feel that I was born to create. I’ve never really had any real commercial aspiration and in truth, I do more than well enough without any monetary gain from the art. I write, record and perform simply because I have to. I’m always doing it in my head…always have. I think and breathe the stuff. It’s got to come out.

5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?
Black Ether has 4 CDs out there. Oneness from 2003 is on CD Baby as is 2004’s Renaissance of the Primordial. Then there’s Tendrils of a Memory from 2006 on Amazon. And finally, The Obsidian March (2009) which is free for download on GimmeSound.com.

6) What are you working on at the moment?
Of late I’ve been going back into the BE catalog of over 200 songs and breathing new life into old works.

7) Who are some of your main influences?
The influences vary greatly and sometimes the influence is very subtle, touching on a theoretical aspect of music rather than the sound itself. Enigmatic artists such as Delerium are an obvious influence and in our early years BE was constantly compared to them and Enigma. Drove me nuts, lol. Ozric Tentacles is a huge influence, as is Porcupine Tree. And who isn’t influenced by Floyd. Early Santana. Our propensity to put our percussion up front was directly influenced in that regard. Dead Can Dance, particularly in their more gothic leanings was an influence and in their general eclectic approach to music as well. Speaking of gothic, Mission UK was an influence. The Cure, no doubt.

But all that really is a very small part of the tree. The biggest influence is life itself.

8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?
I don’t know if it’s a theme, but there is distinctiveness. BE has a way of standing out in a crowd. People who know our sound immediately recognize it even if they’ve never heard the track before.

9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired your latest project?
I honestly don’t know. I just react to the human condition I suppose. And that urgent need to create. I can come in, play a single note and off I go.

10) Comment on the music scene in general and it's future.
Stuck.


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Richard Scotti

4/2/2010 5:47:07 PM ---- Updated 4/2/2010 5:49:41 PM


Very interesting answers, B.E. When you said you did mostly instrumentals I went to your page and enjoyed your work, especially "Truth" which I added to my radio station:
Instrumentally Yours


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Jesse Adams

4/2/2010 7:05:07 PM


OK Rich... as promised, I answered your questions... VIDEO STYLE! I wanted to post a vid because I didn't want to take the time to type out my responses, but in the end this took me much longer. Oh the irony! But it was way more fun.

Sorry about the wallpaper...




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Richard Scotti

4/2/2010 10:36:05 PM ---- Updated 4/2/2010 10:36:40 PM


Thank you, Jesse for taking the time to do this video. Nice job!


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Jeff Allen Myers

4/3/2010 12:37:21 AM


I was going to do this, but I don't want to follow Jesse, Now...words will just be Boring as Hell... Plus it Bums me out that I could be Jesse's Dad...not literally of course,but at sixteen I could have gotten the job done :) Anyway..... I digress, and now completely off track.Here is the quick Version.......I started because of The Beatles, My Lyrics are more about the Human condition, and I am more into phrasing and the perfect marriage of words to melody then actual content or message... I write, sing. play, record, and sometimes annoy...there ya have it.

Jesse love the Tatts dude... and I enjoyed he Video, nice to put a face and voice to your online persona.... it all fits. You are a cool dude Bro. :)

Peace.


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Jesse Adams

4/3/2010 10:01:12 AM


Thanks Jeff. Wanted to do something a little different I guess. Feed the need to create. It was fun. Me cool? That's debatable.

You're not old enough to be my dad... he's 62!


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Hugh Hamilton

4/3/2010 12:57:25 PM ---- Updated 4/3/2010 1:02:56 PM


1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.

I was a toddler and the ladies in my family (mother, grandmother, great-grandmother) all played piano. I was absolutely fascinated and pecked away at those keys. At age 5 it was all over when my stepfather played me the Jerry Lee Lewis "Great Balls of Fire" 45. I stood with my nose practically to the turntable and watched and listened over...and over...and over..."How does he DO that?" was the motivating question and I've been working on that question ever since.

2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?

I'm not a disciplined writer and in fact have trouble considering myself a writer. My lyrics are more introspective therapy, but they're usually addressed to people I love (or hate!). Since my writing didn't mature until I was pretty old and I have drawn inspiration from an intense desire to express myself (and the world) to my children, I try to be optimistic and inspirational to some extent - but I'm in a relatively dark place right now and that explains my recent silence and what is effectively retirement from music making for a spell. I self-edit the dark side, bigtime. There's a lot of unhappiness brewing and it will eventually boil over and spill out into song, some of it already has (Too Sad To Cry, Men of Religion, Some People). My happy and optimistic period was more fun (lol - Our Love, Time To Remember, At The Cavern, I Want Pizza (Right Now!), etc.).

3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?

Try it, you'll like it!

4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?

Can't help it, it's a foolish, annoying, sick obsession and I friggin' hate it right now! Wanna buy my gear????

5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?

I burned my own CDs and sent a few to cdbaby but, aside from the warm welcome my tunes received on this site a couple of years back I've had no motivation to burn more. I have lots of friends in the biz and the way for we unknowns to sell CDs appears to be to get your tail on the road and sell the merch at shows. I'm told by folks who do this for a living that it's normal to shoot for a tour to break even and the "profit" comes from merchandise sales. I can't hit the road so there ain't no merch. Like everyone else on this site I'd be thrilled to sell some downloads...

6) What are you working on at the moment?

My family. My self. Very inwardly focused at present. Songs are trying to bubble up but I'm brandishing a cross and holding the damned things at bay right now...

7) Who are some of your main influences?

One listen and you'll know.

8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?

Used to be love, optimism, sincerity, fun. Morphed into frustration, anger, sincerity, not so fun (lol).

9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired your latest project?

What inspires my music writing is strong emotions and intense desire. My strongest inspiration has been from the people I love.

My latest project released was as a sideman to Dick Aven on three tunes on his fine "Everywherever" cd - that was inspired by love of the tune "Almost Every Day" which I heard here on IAC and immediately imagined banjo and backing vocals on it - Dick sent me the tune and voila, it was a natural fit. I was also inspired by my local Philly friend Joe Jack Talcum and recorded him and played live a couple of times to release the recording; it was even video'ed and may be available on dvd sometime (I hope!). At present I am NOT inspired because the lack of any commercial success for all the hard work has left me feeling as though I've selfishly committed myself and a significant amount of the family treasury to a fruitless effort.

10) Comment on the music scene in general and it's future.

I've been out to three live shows this week, and at least a show or two a month for a while now. At each show I've encountered musicians who are totally committed and obsessed, it's clear from watching them and chatting them up after the show, which I always do when I admire someone's performance. There is a vibrant indie scene in the real world and I find it enjoyable. There does seem to me to be a general lack of a "fire in the belly" that existed in the '60s and I'm not sure why. I have it, I just have trouble expressing it. I believe most people have a thirst for creative artistry and there will always be an opportunity for artists to give it a shot. We just have to continually up our game. Give it from the heart and mind and there will be some hearts and minds that are receptive. As for the part of deriving financial gain from the process, that's where my efforts have failed...

Thanks for asking, rock on!


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Jeff Allen Myers

4/3/2010 1:10:02 PM


Hugh Hamilton -"I've selfishly committed myself and a significant amount of the family treasury to a fruitless effort."

Hugh, I am sorry you feel that way, Your music is not "Fruitless"....there is more to life then commercial $$$ success. Your music is very valuable, it will be here long after you are gone, I am sure your family will cherish it. Many who are not family members have already done so. As artist/writers, I believe we have been given a great gift...one that bears fruit each time we create. That is just one way to look at it, and I tend to view things that way.

The music business is a lottery of sorts, and Talent is a "Very" small prerequisite. Don't stop creating Mr Hamilton.

Regards,

Jeff


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Hugh Hamilton

4/3/2010 1:12:07 PM ---- Updated 4/3/2010 1:26:08 PM


Thanks, Jeff - I appreciate your sentiment and deep down I share your opinon. HOWEVER - I want to beg all of the wonderful and supportive folks here from trying to "talk me out of it" - the support I've received at this site has been hugely rewarding and I shall remain sincerely grateful. Still, it is what it is (lol). Don't worry about me, I'm doing what I need to do and it'll all work out in the end.

Cheers and best wishes!
H

Ha - TAO JONES:

"3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?

"I'm visionary. No, really..."

ME TOO, MR JONES! Wish I thought of that! ("Sand Castles (The Hurricane's Coming)", "Men of Religion")...

MORE TAO JONES:

"4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?

"It just rides me..."

YEAH! LIKE A DOMINATRIX WITH A RIDING CROP! THATS WHAT I'M TALKIN' 'BOUT!!!!

AND STILL MORE TAO JONES:

"9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired your latest project?

"Very interested in the back mind, the subconcious. I'd rather not know why the back mind goes after what it goes after. I just want to serve it."

OMFG, "The Origins of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind" by Julian Jaynes...and my song "Ukelele Odyssey"...oh yes Baby...

xo
H


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Richard Scotti

4/3/2010 2:20:28 PM


Thanks Hugh for coming out of semi-retirement to answer these questions. I'm really happy with the way this thread came together and I appreciate the time that all the participants took to make it entertaining and informative. This whole thing would not have been complete without you Mr. Hamilton, so thanks again.


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SILVERWOODSTUDIO

4/3/2010 6:10:45 PM



Well---this thread is worth framing!!!!

thank ewe All for a fine read---and emotional too!!!!!


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denise cascione

4/27/2010 7:24:56 PM


Hi Everyone....

hmmmm......interesting..here is a little about me..are you ready?

.I have always known I had the gift of song....a little girl dancing and singing to musical theater in the streets on NYC always directing my brothers and sisters or the kids on the block to do a show on the stoops..in the streets ...with puppets (that we made)...
It was natural for me to teach them the music ,block the direction and show them how to dance. I found myself involved on the stage as I evolved from child to young adult. It was always exciting for me to portray a character...to be someone else...kind of an escape and theraputic in many ways.
Speaking of escape...my closet floor was the place to play my guitar and set my poetry to music!!! I had amazing mentors along the way who encouraged me to sing and sing..I sang in church ..I sang my homework , I sang into kitchen utensils ..I burst out into song when the spirit moves me....I still do....

.Rarely quiet....I found myself in love with jazz classics and listened to the Ladies of jazz to learn their songs....I always felt multi genre adaptable with the exception of country music which I do not have the style for....but I can sing the blues ha ha!

Jazz duo's ,Top 40 bands ,musical theater roles,directing,choreographing ,set and costume design and most of all performing is a huge part of who I am today. I love to give back as my mentors graciously gave to me .I am classically trained and had the joy of portraying some amazing operatic and musical theater roles as well as new works

I am inspired through writing lyrics in a soft healing way. I want my music to be received as soothing and spiritual . I write from my heart. When i am moved by music and melodies I hear words in my head...sharing honesty is never wrong....not when it's from your soul

I set my songs free and the response has been amazing. I haven't any discs to share at this point. I copied only a few of getHappy and gave them to special people. I need to be financialy savvy and as an indie artist that isn't always easyI

I can be heard on the internet..a powerful tool that connects us all.Indie artists don't need approval from being signed to share music. I share because I am .... I am because you listened...thank you

I continue to be motivated to write and record as I truly love to share my passion.

I am always searching for new works and jazz standards to revamp into what I hear and emote. I hope to be in the studio again this year

I have to say ,I am greatly influenced by beautiful minor chord changes and fluidity of piano accompaniment mixed with my voice..it just fits..it feels right
.
Artists I listen to are varied ...I love torch songs of long ago..Billie Holiday,Ella Fitzgerald ,Sarah Vaughn..and my mentor Rebeca Parris..I am inspired by Broadway ballads and my brother Dean's beautiful neoclassical melodies which I associate with Nightwish and Yngwei Malmstein...a bit of a musical chameleon when it comes to inspiration .jazz,funk,soul,indie rock,alternative,broadway......it works for me

I believe our world needs the Arts. Keeping jazz alive is close to my heart. Music touches our hearts and creates good energy. Be the change you want to see in the world...
Keep that beautiful music alive and shared.....

Thank you Richard and IACmusic for this opportunity andfor believing in me

I continue to share the love through song
xo
denise


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4/29/2010 4:51:37 PM ---- Updated 4/29/2010 4:57:21 PM


1) Describe the very first moment you knew you wanted to make music.

Grade two. Laura Becket walked into class in her brown leather skirt and I was destined to rock out and claim her love. Alas, that was not to be except for the music part.

2) What are some of the concepts and messages in your lyrics?

Always Sand Between Coats

3) What makes your music something that people should listen to and/or buy?

the ransom notes I leave in their mail

4) What is the primary motivation for your musical aspirations?

music is the central preoccupation of my life

5) Are you presently selling a CD? If so, what is the title and where can it be purchased?

I boost CD's that I steal from record stores. You can find me driving around shopping mall parking lots and kind of scoping out likely suspects. MILF's are good because you can kind of chat them up at the same time as they are waiting to be filmed in the back of a mini-van, or whatever it is they have a sub-genre of porn these days.

6) What are you working on at the moment?

a 7 year stretch


7) Who are some of your main influences?

Yes, how did you know ?

8) Is there a general theme or thread that runs through your present work?

There is. I know what it is.

9) Where do you find inspiration? What inspired your latest project?

From Tao Jones and the good work he's been doing done there in California

10) Comment on the music scene in general and it's future.

the future is wide open


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Tao Jones

4/30/2010 4:41:32 PM


Pretty damned funny. Do any of you guys read this Fred person?


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4/30/2010 5:07:58 PM


you laugh but I was being totally serious


people always laugh at me


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