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IAC Prime Member
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John Pippus
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2/15/2011 1:12:32 PM
I'm Still Here
Hey Guys,
I've been here since the Golden Kayak Awards were viable. Since Ray Porter was the darling then he was gonzo. Since Larree took one for the team. Since Auset would give us her love and wisdom. I'm Prime Perpetual. I'm here forever.
So let's not let this bulletin board turn into a Wank Fest of watered down, unoriginal shameless self promotion. I mean, sure promote your stuff, but let's have a little humanity too. The real deal. Sure, you're excited about your latest studio creation. I get like that too. But just a post saying, "hey listen to my tunes" is b o r i n g.
Keeping it real,
John
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SILVERWOODSTUDIO
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2/15/2011 4:27:12 PM
8>)
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Stoneman
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2/15/2011 5:19:27 PM
I can relate to that. I certainly have this immense craving for my new music to be heard. Yet, I never post any songs because I feel cheapened by shameless self promotion. As a matter of fact, promotion is probably my biggest weakness. Yet, I am blessed that lots of people seem to find me anyway. I can't figure it out but I am thankful that a few folks think my work has merit. Its sort of a "if you write and produce it" they will come philosophy. I know, kind of stupid but it works so............
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Conversation Suicide
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2/16/2011 1:01:02 AM
glad it's workin' for ya, Stoneman .... I'm a fan of your tunes, myself.
but self-promotion? hmmm.... sorry, dudes. To quote Salt N' Peppa :
"I ain't too proud to beg.... "
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Chandra Moon
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2/21/2011 1:19:10 PM
I agree John - I use this more as a musicy blog I guess though I do flag up when I add a new track and welcome comments.
I always peruse the topics and am much more interested in as you say the human interest than just hey look at me!
Then again - we want to get our music heard too....it's finding a balance.
I've added nothing new for a while so just saying hi!
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Richard Scotti
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2/22/2011 9:29:24 AM
---- Updated 2/22/2011 7:35:56 PM
Perhaps people are not saying "Hey look at me". they may be saying "Will you listen to my song?" There's a difference. Perhaps the songs themselves and their messages have "human interest". Sharing one's work in the hopes that others will enjoy it is not the same as "shameless self promotion." When Phelgm posts a new song, I'm eager to hear it because a) I love his work and b) I've heard all of his songs, but I can't check everyone's page everyday for new ones. Posting a song with a link on the recent topics page is a courtesy that one extends to fellow artists to make it easier to hear the new work they have done. If one isn't interested, one doesn't have to listen but to suggest that posting of songs here is some kind of ego-trip is a generalization that I think is unfair.
When Tom O'brien posts a song, I want to hear it because I know it's going to be interesting and even better than his last song. It's a joy to watch artists evolve and grow with every song. Tom is obviously passionate about his music and my first thought that comes to mind when I see his song post is not that he is an ego-manic but that he has worked hard on a song and wants to share it with us. He should be thanked for doing so. It is somewhat presumptuous to suggest that reasons people have for sharing their songs are not "righteous". How would one know that without asking the artist what his or her motives are. I've seen plenty of posts without songs in them that are not exactly setting the world on fire. (imo)
I agree with the theory of "If you build it, they will come" but sometimes listeners need a little road map to find out where "it" is. Pride is not a sin. When Tom or Phlegm or anyone posts a song on this page, they are not saying "I'm king of the world", they are saying "Hey, ya wanna hear a song ya might like?" It's not like anyone is getting rich doing that which is what the word "promotion" seems to suggest. Sharing songs among friends and colleagues is hardly a "promotion". A promotion is sending a demo to a publisher or record company.
Many of the songs posted here have lots of humanity and human interest in their sound and words that are worthy of interesting discussions but if the song posters are prejudged as having negative motives for posting songs then we won't have the benefit of hearing those songs or the discussions they might inspire.
It's hard enough writing a good song as it is. Sometimes all the energy goes into that endeavor and not enough is left over to try and make a song post more interesting or inviting. Some folks don't want to hype their songs or come up with clever or cute come ons to entice listeners. What they want or need to say is already in the song.
We all see posts we like and posts we don't like and we imagine posts we wish were written but are not. But we can't tell people what to post. We express our vote with our mouses. We can click or ignore. Either way the message is sent.
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Bryon Tosoff
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2/22/2011 12:46:44 PM
This is for Richard Scotti, just in case you need this, I will leave it up for a bit then take it down, you know i aint coming back here as an artist or reviewer anymore, but thought you would like this from my Music is Truth station that is down..if anyone elses wants the reviews I have done and I will see what I can do...........
great piece of songcrafting my friend rock on.........bryon
BROTHER JOHN
This is a gripping piece of work composed by Richard Scotti and who also provided the instrumentation He worked closely with the vocalist Rich Mendoza. Richard Scotti is a polished musician, performer and songwriter and he has given us a top drawer performance on this gem I have listened thousands of songs , or perhaps tens upon multiple thousands and nearing 100000 listens over the years and this is right up there with some of the best written material I have heard. I am not just saying that to make Richard look like a god of music but this is a cool track! I have heard many good and excellent music makers -writers here at iac such as Steve Ison, Natalie Brown and many others and i have been fortunate to be around pro musicians I have performed with and played some great material. As well I have promoted many gifted artists and I have to admit this song and Richard is one who stands head and shoulders above many of them. I would say top ten here at IAC and top 40 of all I think are world class here at IAC those I have performed with and promoted I am not saying the other artists are not talented, gifted or capable, but there is always that song that sparkles brightly and it is the song that is really more important then the musician. Classic style rock and roll that hearkens back to the 70's. great feel,. flow and strong lyrical content, well appointed instrumentation and just an overall well produced song. To top it off are the vocals of Rich Mendoza gives me a kinda a Trooper lead singer feel on this one ie RA MAGUIRE.....I dont know if anyone knows Trooper, but they did Bright White Sports Car General Hand Grenade We're here for a good time not a long time and Raise a Little hell anyways, Rich Mendoza has the classic 70's style vocal quality that is edgy and yet compelling and very listenable I really liked the progression, the sting ,hook and bridge just one hell of a incredible piece of work
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Richard Scotti
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2/22/2011 1:28:36 PM
---- Updated 2/22/2011 1:31:30 PM
Bryon -
WOW! What can I say? I did keep a copy of that incredible review but it's very nice of you to print it here for all to see. You've shown that critiquing can be just as much an art form as songwriting. This is the kind of intelligent, meaningful and passionate validation that artists dream of and live for especially when it comes from an accomplished fellow artist and experienced business person. You have my sincere gratitude and I wish you well in all your endeavors. You will be missed.
Peace,
Richard
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John Pippus
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2/22/2011 1:56:45 PM
Thanks Richard, thoughtful rebuttal... I know I was on thin ice with my post, after all, I'm looking for plays as much as the next guy. And if my approach is more soft sell than blatant, 'listen to my tune' stuff, well that's just my approach.
I like that my post led to your post (two points of view) and I also like that it led me to (again) listen to your tunes and get smacked in the head about your obvious talent as a writer and producer.
My post was simply a plea to not have the Pipeline become JUST an endless list of 'listen to my tunes' postings. Because, for the most part, (ok, with the exception of Tom O'Brien, Bumdoser, and a few others that I'm personally familiar with) I'm not going to go and listen to somebody's tune based on that 'hey sailor' approach alone.
BTW, while I'm thinking about it, heheh, listen to ALL my tunes at:
But I digress. I wrote that post just after IAC came back online, and just after many of our most colorful characters (hello Bryon) departed. And that was after scrolling through a particularly long run of of SSP posts with no other redeeming qualities.
Maybe the humanity and the originality is in the songs, as you say, but I - for one - like to see some variety on this pipeline. Yes, I prefer it when we stick to music-related issues and not politics or gawd-knows-what. Maybe it sounded like I was setting myself up as the Pipeline Police, that wasn't my intention. I was -and still am - just putting it out there that I like reading posts that have a bit more (musical) meat on them. And as you can see from the responses, some others do as well.
OK, now I'm going to listen to your "Brother John" track....
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Stoneman
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2/22/2011 3:45:48 PM
Well, all of this sort of inspires me to do the unthinkable. Uh, well, Jeesh this is hard but, it would be nice or cool if some of you came over and listened to my music. There I said it. I feel so shameful now. Just like I did when I was 12 and my foster parents found a playboy magazine under my mattress. Oh the humiliation! Maybe if I get a few extra plays I will feel better. Maybe not. This could even lead me to post a few songs here. Oh perish the thought........
All is vanity.......
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Black Velvet Lace
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2/22/2011 4:20:27 PM
Bryon??? Why???
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Richard Scotti
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2/22/2011 7:03:39 PM
---- Updated 2/22/2011 7:48:59 PM
John. I agree with you that we need to have more discussions and interaction. I had a similar post up just a few days ago where I was lamenting the hit and run posts. Some of them aren't even pitching songs! People sometimes ask us to go to other sites and vote for them in contests or watch them being interviewed on You Tube or ask us to come to their gigs hundreds or thousands of miles away. Those kinds of posts irk me more than song posts but I respect where you're coming from.
I guess the "Wank fest" comment was the thing that made me scratch my head a little but it was honest frustration you were feeling and that's understandable. I agonized over responding to your post because I thought it would start a whole dust up but I'm glad I did because you responded with class and dignity. Ironically, your post led to the very kind of discussion so many of us crave. We can agree to disagree and still be respectful of one another. I realize that we don't have to only discuss or review songs. I was just defending that practice because it seemed under attack. Truth be told, not that many songs are posted here but I get the point you are making.
I would be happy to have an intelligent discussion or debate on any topic, any time with anyone but I know that I have attempted to start discussions that no one else picked up on. I don't claim to be the most interesting guy in town and sometimes I just don't have anything earth shattering to say! I think we're all a little disoriented by things that have been happening but I know that things are going to get better and as I said in that previous post I referred to, it isn't the responsibility of IAC Administration to make us more interesting. Only we can do that. I'm confidant that they are going to to make things right and keep the site running smoothly, but it's up to all of us to come together as a musical community and be supportive of each other as colleagues and artists. Many of our most prolific posters have simply stopped posting, so if the posts are less than world stopping, there's not much we can do but keep the fires burning on the homefront until more former posters and new ones jump into the swim with some smart talk. Sometimes the only thing I have to offer is a song! I wish I was more clever in other ways but I do the best I can.
Now I'm going to your page to listen to your songs!
Edit: You have an eclectic collection of well written, well performed songs. I especially love "I Didn't Know". It's the kind of song I wish I had written. Melodically and rhythmically it flows very nicely like an early Beatle song. The vocals and guitar work serve the song exactly as they should. It's all very catchy and entertaining.
Stoneman - "HOPE IS STILL ALIVE" What an amazing song! I am humbled by your greatness. It's an honor to listen to your amazing songs. Don't hesitate to keep us informed of your latest works. It's not vanity. It's art.
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Conversation Suicide
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2/22/2011 7:44:06 PM
such a BIG phan of John Lennon, and your commercial/60's/70's classic sensibilities work PERFECT with this tribute tune. STILL one of my phavourites', of yours Richard; though I've come to appreciate all of your music, and try and listen with an open ear as you continue to suprise me!
So many great artists here; I feel guilty OFTEN that I haven't made the time to give even MORE a good listen, and inspiring review, if appropriate.
GREAT blog here John....REAL interaction is one of the best things in life....
promo blogs due tend to be much less REAL...
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Stoneman
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2/23/2011 9:28:14 AM
Thanks so much Richard! I also have great respect for your work. I am inspired by your words and will certainly consider posting new songs here sometimes. Maybe I will even post more than just music. I usually just respond to posts but seldom initiate one. Some interesting perspectives on this here.
Let's Keep It Going,
Stoneman
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Richard Scotti
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2/23/2011 12:36:41 PM
Thank you Stoneman. You are the king of RnB/Soul! I listened to all your songs and I'm totally blown away/ The beats, arrangements, vocals, music and lyrics are all incredibly top notch and super authentic in every way. You are obviously a pro!
I love the personal statements you make in some of the songs. These are true message songs both on a universal level and a deeply intimate level. it takes a lot of courage to reveal so much of yourself in your work. Kudos to you, sir. You have inspired me so don't be surprised if you see a little Stoneman influence in my upcoming songs. Those beats are SLAMMIN'!!! I would love it if you would listen to two of my songs when you have the time: "Silence The Violence" and "Urban Symphony" I think you'll be able to relate. (this is not a promotion) (lol)
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John Pippus
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2/23/2011 3:38:07 PM
Great to see this thread has legs... Thanks Richard for digging "I Didn't Know". When I was writing it, I pictured the ghost of Neil Sedaka saying "Way to work it on the chorus bud". Great fun the way that one came together. (High E string tuned down to D, btw). I'm going to go and listen to it myself, haven't heard it for awhile!
Regarding putting your opinions out there and not having to worry you're going to get caught up in a flame war. Ya, that's what it's all about. Thoughtful disagreements are way more interesting than playing it safe. Or conversely, just hurling "oh yah f#*&k you right back" isn't much of a riveting discussion.
I read somewhere that the best arguments are where you're almost persuaded by the other guy's POV, almost, but not quite. Another thing, I always reserve the right to change my mind, or what's left of it, on the basis of new information received. For example, in my last post, I said I personally prefer it when the Pipeline sticks to music-related issues but then I saw the update from Silverwood on the Christchurch situation and I immediately wanted to take my words back.
And here I am digging Stoneman's tunes as I write this. (Congrats on those songwriting awards too, Stoneman!) That's what usually gets me listening to others' music around here. When I read something interesting they've added to a thread, it makes me want to get to know them more - through their music.
John
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Stoneman
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2/23/2011 10:40:45 PM
Richard,
Thanks so much man. Yes. I have heard that art imitates life. Well, my art is my life so I put a lot of my life into my art. It is an honor to be an inspiration to someone as gifted as yourself. "Silence The Violence" is an amazing song. The feel of it and the meaningful lyrics are just beautiful. But my favorite part? Man, you know its got to be that funky rhythm guitar. "Urban Symphony" is without doubt a great showcase of your masterful musician skills. What a moving piece with so many twists and turns. Just plain magical!
John,
Thanks man. I always enjoy reading your posts and listening to your work!
Much Respect,
Stoneman
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Richard Scotti
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2/24/2011 5:05:28 AM
Stoneman,
What I love about your music besides the incredible beats, great vocals, and amazing music and arrangements is the extraordinary originality. Your work is truly one of a kind. Of course I can hear many influences but you incorporate them and weave them into your sound in a very unique way that is all your own. It's an exciting blend of the past and the present in terms of great RnB. So far I'm knocked out by almost every song but the ones that have really touched me so far are Hope Is Still Alive, I'm The Winner, and Connected.
I also find it cool that we both have won awards from the same contests! Unisong and Song of Year. Brother John was in the top five of the Rock category of Song of The Year and Silence The Violence was a finalist in the Unisong contest and won an honorable mention in the John Lennon Song Contest. I've also won 2nd place runner up in the rock category of the John Lennon Song contest and a dozen Honorable mentions in the in the same that contest over the years. I've won five other finalist awards in the Unisong contest for different songs. But I have to confess that no longer can afford to enter contests as they have gotten too expensive. But it's nice to meet someone who has also gone through the contest experience because you are actually the only person I have come in contact with who has done the contest thing and won some awards. Congrats on all your well deserved awards. It's quite an accomplishment.
Thank you for comments about Silence The Violence and Urban Symphony. I promise to use more of that funky guitar in a new song I'm working on that was inspired by Sam and Dave's Soul Man.
Peace,
Richard
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Stoneman
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2/24/2011 12:09:48 PM
Richard,
Yes, I have been very fortunate to have won several international songwriting competitions. I can truly see why your songs were selected also. You have a wonderful musical gift! It is always a great confidence booster to know that your work was selected from thousands of worldwide entries. Plus, it has led to me getting several songs signed to publishing deals as well as some really cool gear and money prizes. Royalty payments are a great bonus for an old retired guy like me. But I can relate to the entry expense. Be sure and let us know when you finish the new song. Looking forward to hearing it!
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