I started reviewing my music and realized most of it I could not really play live... as in first off when I am done recording them I could not play the songs without actually learning them as a cover band would. So I picked out a few that I thought I had a decent chance to play live. Now I learned a few.
I have played lots of times live but always in a band. I made myself go to a walkway where lots of foot traffic was and get out and play as the folks walked by. Acoustic guitar, harmonica, and me with a song book. Most of what I played though were covers. I did this 3 straight days for about 2 hours at a time. It made me alot better and I was not sure I could play and sing that long. Had a couple of very interesting interactions with passerby's (I am not attempting to get any money btw).
Open mic 1: June 14 Cedar Stump pup in Statesville
I took my Hummingbird which has no pickup, my harmonica, me. The incredible musician lady hosting it named Tonya Wood made me feel so welcome and had a pickup to mount in the guitar. It was a full slate and I played about 15 minutes. For the first time it went ok. I played a couple of originals (I Came Alive, Mr. Potato King, and one I made up totally on the fly that I thought went really well). I think I did a cover or two...can't remember. What I learned: Practice more and get the words really down in memorization. It sucks standing there playing and forgetting the words. Also i decided next time I would use my electric and Trio and bring the energy more toward my normal.
Also there was a young lady in the audience who wanted to talk with me about "Mr. Potato King".... she was telling me all about the meaning of it. I started laughing because she actually heard the whole thing and nailed the satirical value of it to a T.... note to self: LYRICS DO MATTER ALOT at least to many people
Open Mic 2: June 15 Cedar Stump Pub Troutman, NC
They were short tonight and I ended up playing 2 different times for about an hour total. The first set went better as I was better prepared. I took my digitech trio and had drums/bass/ programmed for several songs and am able to loop a rhythm guitar track as well. This really is great as long as you really know what you put in well. The trio can be very exact. I can actually get up to 5 sections of songs and sequence them how I want. In this case I kept it a bit simpler until I am more experienced at it.
I did a cover of Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar. This went well. I noticed alot of people singing along. I did pretty well memorizing the words and new the music well. I also notice that at open mic the host introduces you and that first song is one that actually gets listened to quite closely by the patrons as they are wondering what you are about.
I used my wireless guitar device (very small, very simple) and walked around the bar a bit playing... this worked pretty well.... I gotta expand on this.
Second song was a cover of a very old song called Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings by ZZ Top. I know it well lyrically (it's fairly easy and short lyrics, a big plus too). Most people would not know that song.
I also did an electric version of Mr. Potato King. I actually got a request for it as someone heard it the night before at the other place and thought it was great.
I was chatting with a few folks and a lady got up and sang a couple of covers with me.... (Can't You See and Feel Like Making Love, which I like changing the words of the chourus too...so that got some laughss.)
I think alot of this will be about making connections with people who like to sing and play too. There was a young lady who came up to me and said "You're a rock star." I thought that was crazy cool.... then she told me she wants to be a drummer so we chatted a bit and I made a few encouragements to her quest for that... I hope she does...
What I learned: some people are actually listening and i really need to sharpen up a list about at least an hour so when the opportunity comes I can seize them
Open Mic 3: June 21 Cedar Stump pub in Statesville.
I met the owner. Very nice younger man who loves music and is a musician. He has lots of groups through his two places. Made a good connection. I can tell this guy is about building community there and I like that. In some ways his pubs become like extended family.
I noticed that the crowd this week was mostly different. Also I played for an hour as only a few people showed up to play. Probably max of 40 people in the place but it always seems like plenty as it isn't that big. Got a request for Mr. Potato King.... funny....
Overall the time went well. I decided to play electric and I spent quite a bit of time jamming out. They seem ok with it... I am trying to bring out the best of it all.
watching Tonya play tonight I realized she is a master of getting folks to notice her music. She only does covers. She and an acoustic guitar player brought the place down with a crazy version of "Very Superstitious." It was a simple but powerful lesson in getting a groove and working it....
lessons learned.... I made a mistake with the Trio, hitting a wrong button, and erasing the song sequences... whoops... I don't want to be up front fiddling with stuff. So I must really know the device perfectly. I am practicing more with it. It's a powerful tool to help me....
Why am i doing this? Because it challenges the heck out of me. That is good for me! Plus I have some great songs that deserve to be heard and I can make connections with others. I tend to isolate and don't grow that way. It's wonderful to sit in the studio and record.... but.... there is something else too.... live music.
going on vacation so I won't be back to play these open mics for 6 weeks or so.
This sounds exciting! What you're doing is the ultimate in the realm of music - live performance, solo, with nowhere to hide, and you are forced to be bold and creative and figure out a way to pull it off. And it sounds like you are succeeding at this. And it sounds like a great way to meet new people and ones who are actually interested in listening to live music... sometimes it seems like there are rather few. Like when I've seen a performer in a bar or restaurant and most people are ignoring. Me on the other hand, I'm one of those people that is intensely drawn to live music - I will be listening and appreciating, and even ignoring my friends and family :D , even if the musician is amateur and imperfect - there is just something magical about live music that draws me in.
Yes. This sounds like an exciting adventure! I like that you're putting yourself on the spot and learning from the experience and giving back to the people(*
Can't wait to hear more of your musical adventures! The summer of song awaits :)
(* This sounds like something from the 60's. Which is not bad :)
Kudos on you for doing this Steve, I'd love to see a video of you performing. A great challenge to set for yourself. I wouldn't have the skill or the cojones to do it myself.
Pete
Good on you Stephen! Open mics are a fun, sometimes intimidating, place to hone your performance skills. But there's nothing like putting yourself out there and getting immediate feedback on what you're doing. Whether it's good or bad, it does get you polished up for the next one...I'm envious!
I did an open mic last night in Saranac Lake NY, at the Rusty Nail. They have open mics on Tuesdays at 8. Mark, the guy hosting has done that every Tuesday 6 years now. You gotta love music to do that!
I got asked to be drummer for 2 acts. The first "band" was Steve on a Ibanez electric hollow body and Aaron on bass, me on drums. It went really well. I almost never play acoustic drums. They had a nice kit all set up in the bar, they stay there. So I rocked it. Then the bass player got an acoustic guitar and rocked the joint big time... i played drums and Steve was on lead guitar...
I didnt know anyone when we went, it was fun playing with people you dont even know... honestly i felt like a kid on Christmas morning playing those drums...im darn sure id be asked to play drums again there.... not bragging here but acknowledging my great desire and all the practice i put in paying off in becoming a competent musician with alot of versatility.
Should mention that i played several originals on acoustic and a couple covers that a guitar player named Steve played with me on..for me though getting to play drums in a band for over an hour was the pinnacle
Great to hear you doing so well Stephen. Sounds like you've got a community of talented songwriters and players to perform with - I hope they know how lucky they are!
Brilliant stuff, Stephen. You ARE a rock star!
That sounds wonderful! It's so enjoyable to hear about your adventures. Later on they could turn this into a Netflix series. Netflix and Stephen!
At one point i was wondering if you'd played acoustic drums much. Because it sounded like you have the space for them... And making loud noises is fun! Then again perhaps the other people in the household wouldn't think of them as such fun :)
This brings a story to mind (readers beware: pull in a comfy chair, or run don't walk!). Once upon a time i had to make sure that the backline for a one particular "roots" band would be up to their usual standards. Their sound is quite "retro" so nothing too modern would fit. It was a big festival, and to make things easier they didn't want to bring their own gear. Everything was fine and dandy, except i had to pull a little number on the drummer.
I informed the drummer that everything was in place and the kit he would be playing would a an ELECTRIC ALESIS KIT. I could hear the frustration in his voice and the slight build up of anger. I kept on going thru the different kit pieces "the Alesis has different snare sounds" etc. but that "you couldn't change them because another band has already made the sounds their own" etc. I kept going until i couldn't anymore....
This doesn't sound particularly funny when told this way. But in reality it was hilarious :D
I will be thinking about acoustic drums now for sure... but its gotta be the right setup and that part scares the heck out of me...
Funny story Z...
Thanks for reading and sharing this with me all
Quote from: StephenM on August 18, 2022, 04:58:34 AMits gotta be the right setup and that part scares the heck out of me
Yeah, all drumkits sound GREAT until you start to compare them :D Then they all start sounding like they lack something.
The only advice i'd give is. Start small and make that sound great. Used (and cheap) is good. There are "bongos" laying everywhere...
Edit: found this illustrative picture from the net :)
drumkit.jpg
Kudos and a lot of respect for embracing the fun, energy and opportunity Stephen. Sounded fun!
Mike
Quote from: Zoltan on August 18, 2022, 05:39:33 AMYeah, all drumkits sound GREAT until you start to compare them :D Then they all start sounding like they lack something.
The only advice i'd give is. Start small and make that sound great. Used (and cheap) is good. There are "bongos" laying everywhere...
I think this is super advice... simple is usually better
The other night I played open mic on a large stage in a nice wooden bandshell. It was great but it felt odd. I was quite a distance from those present. It was a restaurant/bar that has quite a commitment to live groups. It wasnt well advertised as it was put together quick so there were only a few artists attending. So... i got to play about an hour. Which takes me 10 to 15 minutes to really get into the flow. It was a small crowd, mostly folks stopping by to get a bit to eat and have a drink. I found they really warmed up to me after a 4 songs or so....but it got much better after talking a little about what I was trying to do on guitar, harmonica and on songs.
Not sure why I do this other than its a great challenge. I also think its making me a better musician, singer, entertainer... what for?
Just because i seem to like it...and Ive met some cool folks so far too.
One other thing... i have to really believe in everything I play and sing... desire, feeling, hunger, intensity, passion...people resonate with these...
Its the well to tap in live music.
So cool to read this..... you are awesome dude
facingyourfears.jpg
bwahhaaaahhhahhh!! ;D ;D ;D
It's great to have a local open-mic scene. But getting up and performing original songs – and having it appreciated is another level. I've made peace with the notion that most people don't want to hear my original songs, but when you get feedback on our originals – lyrics even – it's really rewarding.
A long time ago I played at a place in Denver called Paris on the Platte. Afterwards, a guy came up to me and said, "I like your stuff. Stay pissed off, man." I never forgot that.
Here in Madagascar, karaoke is king. The wonderful thing about Malagasy people is that they don't have that American hang up that they shouldn't sing if unless they can sing well. They sing for the joy of it, and they don't seem to care whether the people listening think they are any good. The flipside to that phenomenon is that most people really don't sing very good. And I (as an American) have to train myself not to judge them on the quality of their performance, but instead appreciate the fun they are having. Another flipside/downside is that there is a strong emphasis on familiar songs. It's difficult to say whether people just sing what they want to sing (which happen to be standards – in French, Malagasy, or English), or if there is social pressure not to song obscure songs.
Anyway... I know of no local scene for an open-mic featuring original songs in English. So I'm a little jealous.
Quote from: Ted on August 30, 2022, 10:06:51 AMIt's great to have a local open-mic scene. But getting up and performing original songs – and having it appreciated is another level. I've made peace with the notion that most people don't want to hear my original songs, but when you get feedback on our originals – lyrics even – it's really rewarding.
A long time ago I played at a place in Denver called Paris on the Platte. Afterwards, a guy came up to me and said, "I like your stuff. Stay pissed off, man." I never forgot that.
Here in Madagascar, karaoke is king. The wonderful thing about Malagasy people is that they don't have that American hang up that they shouldn't sing if unless they can sing well. They sing for the joy of it, and they don't seem to care whether the people listening think they are any good. The flipside to that phenomenon is that most people really don't sing very good. And I (as an American) have to train myself not to judge them on the quality of their performance, but instead appreciate the fun they are having. Another flipside/downside is that there is a strong emphasis on familiar songs. It's difficult to say whether people just sing what they want to sing (which happen to be standards – in French, Malagasy, or English), or if there is social pressure not to song obscure songs.
Anyway... I know of no local scene for an open-mic featuring original songs in English. So I'm a little jealous.
you always have interesting things to say Ted... I thought the whole idea of open mic was for performers to do what they want to... but I totally hear you... now that I have done a bunch of them I see my trend toward trying to get people more into the music... to keep them engaged as well as possible...
I like that whole thing where you sing because you love too... but there is nothing like hearing someone do songs really well... and that is priceless... but seeing folks really have fun is great too..
I think it can be both!
I have been playing only ever standing up... and I see the advantages of this...BUT::: I notice that when I sit down with acoustic in hand (at home in the studio) and ear toward the guitar it totally makes me a DIFFERENT (and in many ways better) player and singer... I sing so much off what I hear coming out of that acoustic hole...also I can get to the neck playing wise better. I want to explore this live... the problem is generally open mic is... plug your guitar in and stand there and sing and go...
I want to try with a mic on the guitar and one for the vocals...not plugged in... lately I have been attending an open mic once a week at the same place (Cedar Stump Pub, but there are 2, Tuesday nights in Statesville and Wednesday in Troutman, about 10 miles apart, same owner, very nice guy too and passionate about music). Tonya, the host.... I will talk with her about this and see... it shouldn't be a big bother cause there is another mic up always...two...mics up... so it's a small rearrange...
also I realize this topic isn't really songwriting, but it is and here is why... playing these open mics is CHANGING THE WAY I THINK ABOUT AND APPROACH SONG WRITING. I can see that if I keep doing this for a while I will emerge the other side completely revamped as a song writer... hopefully for the better (although that is very subjective)... really this, at this point in my life, is about keeping myself into what I am doing... not getting bored, and trying all sorts of new things..
I really like making up songs on the fly, at the microphone, live. I did it the last two open mics and I really dug it... I got comments even though no one knew, until I mentioned it later...to be honest I seem to get into a way better mental state this way. Essentially wipes out all fear and gets me into a brain place that is creative. Generally I have some great guitar progressions that I can manipulate various ways that I have played along time and don't have to think much about... I have studied some about the brain and there are different functions for the right and left hemispheres... music must be more right brained, which can almost seem subconcious (which it is not because the right brain knows what it's doing but the left side, the part that "speaks" in my head has to be quiet... actually both parts work on music but... so there is memorization... where one learns a song verbatim, start to finish...plays it perfect, sings the lines perfect... and that is where much music is and goes and it is understandable why folks would do this... it's orderly, comfortable, consistent, expected and fits the world of making money and radio and all that... I GET IT and I can do that somewhat...but
I AM TRYING FOR SOMETHING MUCH DIFFERENT....
whether I will ever get there or not I don't know... and as weird as my music can defo be...and that is ok with me... I am a fairly normal dude... I kind of like the conversations I garner at the places I am playing before and after playing as I get to know folks and vice versa...it's kind of finding my place there... becoming part of that environment...it has a life of its own there...kind of like various natural habitats in the environment... flood lands, and swamps have differing feel and life than say the mountains...it's interesting to think about and see where it goes...sorry about these long posts but if you read all this you don't care !!!
There's no way you won't improve as a performer & songwriter if you keep doing these kinds of ventures.
Your closing note has a lot of spirit. That's one of those things you'll be building up while "paying the dues".
Stephen, being one that has done open mics, I find your open mic adventures and insights very enjoyable reading. Music is supposed to fun, whether it's performing or songwriting. It seems to me that you are on the right track. Keep us updated on future adventures!
finally getting my act together it feels like. I did a cover of "At War With The World" last night by Foreigner and also two other first album songs by Aerosmith (Mama Kin) and Boston. I am evidently in love with first albums, and some, even mostly the more obscure songs but that were great to me.
I find that if I speak just a little about what I am playing and why, the listeners are more interested.. that keeps me interested...
I hope to record some of these open mics sometime...but I don't want to be worrying about stuff like that when I am playing... most of you played lots of times before and you know you gotta have a clear head to play well... it's a space that has to be found to bring out one's best..
here is a close proximation to the second song I played last night, went over very well.... I got this sound by taking two outputs from the acoustic via my tuner, on one channel, into the Zoom R24 (very portable, battery powered, easy to perform with) clean sound and dominant. The other channel was a touch of distortion, lower volume, and of course the microphone. Sounded good I think.
didn't hurt I had a bit of accompaniement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqfYfUxi_HE
That was fun - I enjoyed that Stephen - sounded very accomplished to me!
Impressive! Looks like your open mic nights are really paying off. Switching between rhythm and lead playing and back is something I struggle with, but you're making it look easy. I know it isn't.
Well done! I was surprised that there was soloing too! I would have expected the playing to be mostly strumming and singing, but i guess there's no holding back when Stephen gets loose :)
Works well and sounds great. You have your act together!
(I found a bonus also. Stephen on a shred mood!).
Last night I got to play for over 30 minutes. There were only a few acts so I played with my HB PRS electric and used the Trio and had about 8 songs planned. I find it is better to have a plan, and stick to it because your head will mess with you if you don't.
I really wanted to see peoples reaction to "I'm A Kangaroo"... which went over great and I played that first. I think in time people will sing with me on that. Lyrics are really important and many people listen for lyrics so I really try and make the vocals hearable.
with open mics sometimes the mix between the guitar and voice don't work well but... I figured out a while back that when I am singing I have to control the guitar volume and that is possible easy enough. So I work to make sure that the vocal highlights are solid.
Some lead playing works, with the trio I get drums and bass so it is like a 3 piece and some songs I have some rhy guitar loop so that sounds like a full band... I don't want to play this way every time but when i can play a bit longer it gives me time to solo some..
Usually if the artist is really into the songs they do so will the people be...
Kudos for getting out there. I have this community to thank for playing out again after years of being musically reclusive.
Blooby
I live to hear about these kinds of adventures! I think the places you're playing are probably quite fine and sweet? Perhaps try playing a some real dive sometime? Just for the experience... (But don't blame me if you do :D).
Fun fact. I was thinking about that trio pedal about 1-2 days ago (Been a bit of a rush so days are a blur!) and if you're still using it. Turns out you do.
Last night I suggested to Ian and Spencer that they perform "Knights in White Satin."
They absolutely nailed it. I didn't have to ask twice. Ian loves this kind of song, and he sings it well. Spencer was great on backing vocals and electric guitar. Also John was playing his cajon, or whatever that box is. There was a pickup in it (piezo) and he had a cymbal. I was sitting about half way back in the pub and those drums sounded legit.
They have a Bose tower system in there. It has a sub and that tall array. It sounds pretty good and can crank. You could hear the drums in the PA...
the whole night there on Wednesday had alot of talent and I stayed yet again until around 1 am, pretty much listening to everyone, because some of the "acts" I really like.
I played 3 songs with the lads (I'm A Kangaroo, Richard Was a Dick, and a cover of "I Just Got Paid")...
then I stepped out and watched the magic unfurl.
Knights in White Satin.... you gotta be good to do that...
later in the night two really young guys showed up and did some great covers (Here Comes The Rooster, and a Skynard cover they smoked it ("I Need You")....
But I never have to hang my head in shame because there ain't no one at any of these places that sound anything like me! lol... I don't have the talent to sound like everyone else. I just want to be me! That has to be enough... so I am working at relaxing and letting that happen! All while I try and support encourage all the others as well....
open mics are fun... if you get a chance to go, even to listen, go... it's really good...and you can be surprised with great acts/artists.
the last month and a half I have been going to open mic pretty much every wednesday night. Mostly now I am going for one reason (other than to play 4 songs or so). That reason is to listen to Ian (Lord Thunderbuns on SC).
There is quite a bit of talent at many of the open mics. The level ranges fairly widely. When Ian gets up to play all the heads turn. The dude gets pulls up Rocket Man and plays the incredible electric guitar while singing it masterfully. I just sit grinning the whole time... His voice contains sounds that are so wonderful...He also did "Knights in White Satin" and "Behind Blue Eyes"... and a few others.
I have been getting to record Ian here at the house some... hopefully, when i get my act together mixing the song (a Coldplay cover) Ian will post it.
So I took my digitech trio and was going to use it on some songs for drums and bass... in the end I had some issues getting it connected... mostly I notice when I get up to play, if I can't be at the mic singing and playing within a minute my brain starts taking me into some very negative places... So after realizing that I had forgot to plug in the Trio (ha, duh)... I was already connected with the guitar processor and my pawn shop strat... so away I went... and all was fine with the world...
these days, good, bad, or ugly I am giving it all I got every song because I start to think what if this were the last time I ever got to play live, I want to make sure I gave all...and really get into it.
I noticed that (even if you ain't that good) if a person really gets into the songs, then the people will also... it is like they get caught up in the passion...
I played Pat Benatar's Rated X, Locomotive Breath from Jethro Tull, Maybelline and My Dingaling from Chuck Berry, I'm a Kangaroo (from Spawns of Stephen), Feel Like Making Love from Bad Company (I don't know if it was any good but I felt like I owned that one), and closed it with a looped short electric rhythm and played an epic solo over it... the Jay Turser Strat sounds great...
and then there is Ian, they pay attention because he is just that damn good... wow.
I have had a few ask me about possibly posting video's from some open mics... I admit that the whole idea is terrifying to me.... after all I might watch it and quit playing...lol...
I actually found a link on line to the one last wednesday night and I admit that I see alot of room for improvement... as in "calm the F down dude".... I get so hyped up... and my right hand is playing guitar like there is fire in it... but I do like acoustic really strummed to death... no wonder I broke a string (d no less on the Les Paul, and they were new too) a couple weeks ago...
there were alot of people in the house and it was loud in the background... I would prefer a little less audience ambience in the recording but that is not anything I control...
The other thing that I actually am pretty proud of is I finally got the gumption to play Day Tripper ... I have messed around with that for years and never really got it... and still don't really but it is a legit cover and I thought the guitar playing was pretty good... and I can sing all these songs with no words..
so I am going to work on rocking out with out it looking so dang painful, although I probably never will attain that... this is hard...at least for me... and my countenance shows it... likely this is just how I am however.
https://www.facebook.com/tonya.wood.music/videos/928806554855892/
I should be sleeping, but as soon as i saw this i had to check it out. I'm just a few minutes into it... But damn Steve! You're intense, you're an entertainer and you're really doing what you should be doing!
Fuck yeah!
Hey, I dig that video. You did a good job and I admire you a lot for putting yourself out there like that - just a man and his guitar. I also admire how you can play songs all the way through without mistakes, (or at least with covering any up well and just keeping steadily on with it). I mostly can't do that, but had started to practice trying to do that a bit on some songs, so it is a goal.
The background noise was bothering me because I truly just wanted to hear you play, of course I understand it is a Bar so what can you do? But if I was there in person, which would've been really cool, I would probably feel the same way, because I always want to hear live music played and pay attention to it. So I guess a realistic scenario would be something like this - I am sitting at the bar, listening, getting annoyed at the background noise, and then two Beautiful women come up to me, blocking my view and loudly saying "can we buy you a drink?" That pushes me over the edge, and I yell "Pipe down for god sakes I just want to listen to this guy play!" :)
Quote from: des0free on July 22, 2023, 10:43:28 PMHey, I dig that video. You did a good job and I admire you a lot for putting yourself out there like that - just a man and his guitar. I also admire how you can play songs all the way through without mistakes, (or at least with covering any up well and just keeping steadily on with it). I mostly can't do that, but had started to practice trying to do that a bit on some songs, so it is a goal.
The background noise was bothering me because I truly just wanted to hear you play, of course I understand it is a Bar so what can you do? But if I was there in person, which would've been really cool, I would probably feel the same way, because I always want to hear live music played and pay attention to it. So I guess a realistic scenario would be something like this - I am sitting at the bar, listening, getting annoyed at the background noise, and then two Beautiful women come up to me, blocking my view and loudly saying "can we buy you a drink?" That pushes me over the edge, and I yell "Pipe down for god sakes I just want to listen to this guy play!" :)
It's really an interesting thing. The host can set up the FB feed volumes music vs bkgd sound so that is somewhat conscious. It was a bit different that night as a number of people were there for someone's birthday party so about an hour later it started to change out a bit... you never know with folks. I played for 2.5 hours for 5 people once... a week later I played for 50 to 80 so the practice with the 5 pays off... but yes, mostly I can't stand being back ground music and generally people who come to open mic want to hear the live music... I have to admit this is the first time I ever heard the FB feed... I could never find it before..
Quote from: StephenM on July 22, 2023, 04:32:30 PMhttps://www.facebook.com/tonya.wood.music/videos/928806554855892/
That was fun to watch! I didn't watch all of it, but I watch your part. You seem a little intense, in a good way.
https://www.facebook.com/100000099295612/videos/948001059638204/
so I start at 20:20 and this probably will be the last video for a while... but I played with two dudes I didn't even know and none of ever played together... but I had a blast....
Such a wonderful celebration! Another fine open mic live. Keeping it real :)
Great job Steve a great collaboration you look like you throughly enjoyed it
this doesn't exactly related to open mic but it also does.
I notice something about myself and I wonder if anyone else can relate to this.
When music is playing, usually at live productions such as concerts or clubs or even church I like to place myself against various objects and locations to feel the vibrations that are generated from the sound waves into the objects.
At church they play this old time song called "Doxology" alot of people hate it.. they say it is outdated. However one day I was in the long hallway that runs parallel to the sanctuary while it was being played for the worshippers by my wife on the organ and another lady on the piano. It is a very short song, usually used just after the offering is taken. As the song played and the people sang I was drawn against the wall to feel the power and energy of the praise...it was immense. My wife is amazing but really she just embellishes what is in the spirit of the song.. but the voices added so much as well.
I went to a Pat Travers show in Charlotte at an old theatre in the arts district called NODA. The band was way, way, too loud for the venue size and I like loud but it was too loud... not necessary. My son came and he was standing in the hallway near the bathroom which actually would be slightly toward the back and side of the stage. I stood against the wall where he was and I could get a massage... but the sound was dampened and I see why he went there. The bathroom sound was just right although, some of the higher freq's can't get through.
The other night I was at a club with brick walls and they had this short wall that projected into the back of dance floor. The wall was a bit flimsy but I found myself enjoying feeling the vibrations coming from that wall. There was a pretty good crowd but mostly no one on the dance floor, save for the lead vocalist who was for sure close to my age and just as energetic... but about half way through I began swirling and twirling.. after a bit some more timid souls started getting out there with me... I admit that getting older is great as I have given up alot of the concerns about what some may think of me so much... also though I try and remember not to bother anyone...
just wonder if anyone can relate to this idea. I do believe these vibrations have alot of effect can be positive and even negative sometimes..
they say plants can tell... maybe I am a plant...lol
song idea... I am a plant
Quote from: StephenM on March 04, 2024, 10:13:44 AMI like to place myself against various objects and locations to feel the vibrations that are generated from the sound waves into the objects.
You are a candidate for a "tactile transducer monitor."
There are also drum thrones, piano benches, and guitar stools with these butt shakers built into the seat.
They're not cheap.
These kinds of stories and the stuff Ted tells us are what keeps me alive.
Btw decades ago we used to joke about this techno guy... That he gets his rocks off by laying between the speakers.
Quote from: Ted on March 04, 2024, 12:44:03 PMQuote from: StephenM on March 04, 2024, 10:13:44 AMI like to place myself against various objects and locations to feel the vibrations that are generated from the sound waves into the objects.
You are a candidate for a "tactile transducer monitor."
There are also drum thrones, piano benches, and guitar stools with these butt shakers built into the seat.
They're not cheap.
ooo... I am feeling it already in my base level chakra (whatever that means... )...lol
also I have been known to lay under the pipes are of pipe organ (it's not a really big one, but big enough and has a blower that feeds air into this big wooden box, as the stops are pulled, various valves port the air to the correct pipes when the wife (she has been the organist for 20 years) presses the keys. Not only an amazing sound but mechanical wizardry)... I love listening to them sing and puff away.
when I was in HS I bought Black Sabbath's Masters Of Reality album. Of course my mother would never have tolerated such sounds and I had no head phones so I would use the speakers on the floor at very low volumes about 18 inches apart and then lay my head between them on the floor and listen to both sides... I never even smoked pot back then..
anyway.. it is what it is... thanks for chiming in.
yesterday I decided to go to open mic hosted by Tonya Wood Music. She is super nice and really mentors alot of musician/singers etc... and she is nice to hang out with. Her open mics are really taking off, as in there are 3 nights in a row at different places about 10 miles away from each other with the same name and same owner (Cedar Stump Pub).... one of the open mics, the one on Wednesday in Troutman has gone 9pm until 2:30 am 14 weeks in a row. Not that I have been at many or stay that late when I go but just to give a reference as to how popular and successful this is getting.
I took my Hummingbird last night. I repaired the broken head on it and it sounds great once again (it split along the grains of the wood, I watched a video on repair and it worked great, the repair isn't pretty but you don't notice unless you are looking hard at it.) I did 3 covers from the late 70's (Ragin Fire by Pablo Cruise, More Than A Feeling by Boston, Gold Dust Woman by Fleetwood Mac. Just me and an acoustic guitar. I felt as though I got to a new level of letting go and really delving deep inside to bring out the passion of the songs and the style I gave them. I felt solid and I was satisfied with each one. I played 2nd on the night and too be honest i thought every one that played was great. Lots of variety, even the one song that everyone plays this lady did and she was so darn sexy and sultry and damn good (and didn't even know it either, based on later conversation)... I never saw anyone softly dance with that guitar that way before.
I was being very mellow last night... just sitting and observing and picking up the vibes.. and that is my take away from last night that I am learning more and more about everything in life, not just there... it's about the vibes
People have energy fields, some call it aura. They say alot without saying a thing. I was raised very western which means everything is conversational and also left brained but we are so much more... it has taken me a long time to become more aware, at least conciously of this. I think some folks pick up the aura as colors, emotions... for me it is being aware of the frequencies, the vibrations coming forth.
I feel as though it is much more enjoyable knowing that I can be a part of such a grand sea of unique and splendid energy (and challenging too)...
I really really enjoyed each "artist" that played... all 10 or so were single performers and there is a very special quality to that.
I won't go that much these days mostly because it can get expensive (my bar bill was 13 bucks (one IPA, 2 PBR cans, 1 Bush non alcohol beer)... but this was doable (and I tip well)... maybe about once or twice a month is enough.
Every open mic is a bit different, even when they are that same location and the audience, which got quite large at times, and players can be very different each time.
I also need to mention the man who i have heard once in a while... he does country and only country but man his renditions of Garth Brooks songs are so darn great. perfect.. and he knows what he is doing
anyway... ramble over except that I decided to throw my crazy Piss on you in at the end which I haven't really done on acoustic... also I finger picked only last night... a year ago I would not be caught without a pick and I went with zero last night for a reason.. I find I can play well without a pick and it allows me to do things not possible with...
growth and improvement and sharing... is what its about for me now... and not getting in any sort of trouble... being cool.
Quote from: StephenM on March 20, 2024, 07:01:27 AMgrowth and improvement and sharing... is what its about for me now... and not getting in any sort of trouble... being cool.
And with an ending like that you could start writing a novel!
I don't think Piss on you is crazy. It relatable and effective. It goes way deeper than its seemingly simplistic topic would hint at.
It's also well written. It flows naturally and begins with a great hook. The way the opening line is repeated hammers it home.
The bridge part adds depth to it and it feels a bit like better Bruce Springsteen songs.
Quote from: StephenM on March 20, 2024, 07:01:27 AM... also I finger picked only last night... a year ago I would not be caught without a pick and I went with zero last night for a reason.. I find I can play well without a pick and it allows me to do things not possible with...
Interesting that, Steve. I guess I must've originally started with a pick/plectrum/plecky etc back in the mists of time, and then for some decades I didn't use one at all. Then a couple of years ago I decided I wanted to use them again. Oh, sh*t!, I couldn't hold one properly, and since then I've put pieces of tape on the plecs to aid grip. Photo -
(https://i.postimg.cc/TPFpt5K1/000-20.jpg)
Quote from: SteveB on March 24, 2024, 11:43:59 AMQuote from: StephenM on March 20, 2024, 07:01:27 AM... also I finger picked only last night... a year ago I would not be caught without a pick and I went with zero last night for a reason.. I find I can play well without a pick and it allows me to do things not possible with...
Interesting that, Steve. I guess I must've originally started with a pick/plectrum/plecky etc back in the mists of time, and then for some decades I didn't use one at all. Then a couple of years ago I decided I wanted to use them again. Oh, sh*t!, I couldn't hold one properly, and since then I've put pieces of tape on the plecs to aid grip.
Hi Steve.... I like what you did with the tape... why not? Do what works for you... and yes it does seem that both pick and non pick has unique advantages. I watch this guy, a star but not any where near known as much as his talent is, he does both at the same time... he plays leads using a pick and just fingers with in the same licks at times... he is a master though.. but I gotta watch that some more... also I notice that his strums with a pick are generally very light and controlled (plays a bunch of Les Pauls although he does use this fender electric that masquerades as an acoustic with a "sound hole" and everything)... me I tend to rip parts of my flesh off strumming (if I miss)... thrashing the guitar like it's the last time I'll ever hold it... (lesson to me, calm the f down man)...
anyway... thanks for the participation!
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... thrashing the guitar like it's the last time I'll ever hold it... (lesson to me, calm the f down man)...
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I think you should audition for a grunge band!
SteveM – a quick question as I notice you have the BR1600 in your signature. Are you still using it successfully? Are there any problems given the age of the unit? I have the BR1200 and need to think about possible upgrades at some point.
Quote from: SteveB on March 25, 2024, 04:39:25 PMSteveM – a quick question as I notice you have the BR1600 in your signature. Are you still using it successfully? Are there any problems given the age of the unit? I have the BR1200 and need to think about possible upgrades at some point.
I do use it... but mostly for the guitar and bass presets and take the analog out over to my much better Zoom L-20 recording mixer. I generally don't record on it anymore because my computer and the BR won't link up through the file transfer because of the age of it... I have thought of seeing if I could have some one add a place I could transfer to a thumb drive but I have not yet... I have been using this BR for many years now and it seems to rock along.. I had to reformat the drive a couple of times due to weird errors. i also think I could put a solid state drive in it..
however i did a recording on it recently... a whole song even using the drums off it... I only ran a stereo mix out to the Zoom.... otherwise it was completed done on the BR... I still like it... it sounds a bit different than other decks
here is a link if you would like to hear it.
https://songcrafters.org/forum/index.php?msg=410159