Day 341 - February 13th 2010
It’s been a while
For those few who have been following my blog over the past year I had some computer problems that led me to eventually stop writing for a while. Things are good and at Day 338 as a full time musician, my bills are paid my stomach is full and I couldn’t be more thankful, for now the dream is my relaity. Compounded by the fact that some of the stuff that I was up to I really didn’t want to discuss publicly yet. You’ll hear about them in the coming months though.
I felt like I needed to get something off my chest concerning one John Mayer.
It’s no secret that I’ve been a fan of his for quite some time , ever since I caught him opening for Glenn Phillips in 2001. I’ve bought his records listened to them backwards and forwards I’ve even covered a song or two of his (matter of fact I did it last night). From Room For Squares all the way to Battle Studies, I like his songwriting, I like the way he plays guitar, and sometimes he’s funny.
A couple of days ago I was pointed to pieces of an interview he did with Playboy on Perez Hilton’s website (a site that I’ve only been on one other time…my buddies Menya got a shout out) and I saw the more salacious parts of the interview. When you see the words Nigger, White Supremacist, and David Duke In the same paragraph it’s natural for someone of color such as myself to be offended…instantly. My blood was boiling and there was a sense of betrayal, I don’t know this person, but I’ve loved what he does enough to buy CDs, DVDs, concert tickets, T-Shirts etc. I’ve turned friends and family on to him, this is a person that I’ve supported for almost a decade and it would seem that he hates me basedon the color of my skin. That was my knee jerk reaction…it lasted for about 30 seconds.
Racist is a very powerful word, it’s a word I don’t like to use unless I’m absolutely sure it’s true. I know it exists (and it does still exist) but I’d rather assume people are smart enough to hate me for the myriad of reasons I may give them on a daily basis and not the color of my skin.
Keeping that in mind (and the fact that half his band is black), I decided to read the whole article (which I encourage you to do, instead of eating what the bloggers feed you) and try to get some context for the statements used. After reading the article, for me it went from, this guys a racist to…Bad choice of words man. I understood the points he was trying to make, but yeah you can’t say the word Nigger…ever if you‘re not black….sorry white folks (and everybody else for that matter) but that’s the way it is. Just one of those things…like you can’t hit a girl…ever if you‘re a guy. Frankly I don’t even think those were the strangest things he said in the interview.
A short while ago I spotted this on You tube
In my mind this matter is closed. He said some dumb, offensive, out there shit that he shouldn’t have, he got smacked down, he apologized, and it seems as if he may have even learned something from this experience, none of his band members felt like they needed to quit, done deal. We can’t expect people to forgive us if we can’t forgive others.
There are real people out there that can do actual harm to people of color because of racism and we should focus our fire in their direction.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 241
Day 240 - November 7th 2009
SEPTA strike Day Five
The strike is five days old and The Transit Workers Union has the audacity to have a commercial running trying to help out with Public Opinion, spouting off about how they want what’s fair. As I stand here today I swear that they should count themselves blessed that we don’t tar and feather people in Philadelphia anymore. What they should spend that time and money on are some customer service courses so that when your asses come back from vacation you’re a little nicer to customers. The Transit Workers Union has caused me to miss my buddy’s surprise birthday dinner. So I had to go straight to Jersey instead tonight.
I spent most of the morning coming up with some chord progressions I like, which I’ll do until words come and I can put them with the progressions. Trying to stay as R&B as possible. Lyrics are usually the thing that keeps me from releasing albums once a month.
I came over to Jersey and I did some hanging with my nieces and nephew until they went to bed at about 9:30. I tried my new chicken wing recipe with much success. Sabado de Mexico was underway. I didn’t get a chance to buy sombreros but we still had fun. I wish we had some Mariachi music instead of the salsa…it goes better with Tequila. I mutterd a melody that I quickly wrote down I work on it tomorrow.
SEPTA strike Day Five
The strike is five days old and The Transit Workers Union has the audacity to have a commercial running trying to help out with Public Opinion, spouting off about how they want what’s fair. As I stand here today I swear that they should count themselves blessed that we don’t tar and feather people in Philadelphia anymore. What they should spend that time and money on are some customer service courses so that when your asses come back from vacation you’re a little nicer to customers. The Transit Workers Union has caused me to miss my buddy’s surprise birthday dinner. So I had to go straight to Jersey instead tonight.
I spent most of the morning coming up with some chord progressions I like, which I’ll do until words come and I can put them with the progressions. Trying to stay as R&B as possible. Lyrics are usually the thing that keeps me from releasing albums once a month.
I came over to Jersey and I did some hanging with my nieces and nephew until they went to bed at about 9:30. I tried my new chicken wing recipe with much success. Sabado de Mexico was underway. I didn’t get a chance to buy sombreros but we still had fun. I wish we had some Mariachi music instead of the salsa…it goes better with Tequila. I mutterd a melody that I quickly wrote down I work on it tomorrow.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 240
Day 239 - November 6th 2009
SEPTA Strike Day Four
The city is still crippled. The Transit workers union are still on strike. The Governor’s involved. Apparently SEPTA came back with an offer which would give them more of their increase earlier on in the contract as opposed to later and they pissed all over it and talks broke down. They were pretty close to getting a deal done that would have buses and trains running by tonight and I could have made it to my buddy’s birthday dinner before I had to go to work.
Instead I spent time with the parents and we went to see This Is It. Watching the movie made me kind of sad because judging from the rehearsal footage it looked like it was going to be a great show, like it would’ve basically lifted him above all of the crap that had plagued him the past 15 years or so and reminded the world that he’s Michael Jackson. We’ll never know now. It’s a shame he died. He looked in pretty good shape during all of the rehearsal stuff albeit a bit frail.
After the movie I hit Lickety. I wondered how the strike would effect attendance tonight especially since I had a college band headlining. Lee Morgan opened up, followed by Jack Stafford, a guy I met at Dewey Beach from great Britian. He’s currently touring the country, I love his music, it has just the right amount of humor.
The Natural Result would close things out. They are a solid college rock band that gets better and better with every show. The dynamic is similar to fallout boy where the bassist is a tad more outgoing and charismatic than the lead singer so he does most of the talking. That always makes for an interesting show.
I went home looking forward to what my siblings and I have dubbed Sabado De Mexico which we would do after some hanging with my nieces and nephew. Once the siblings were home and ready there’d be Tacos, Tequila, Salsa Music, mainly us…drunk in my sisters living room. It’s going to rule.
SEPTA Strike Day Four
The city is still crippled. The Transit workers union are still on strike. The Governor’s involved. Apparently SEPTA came back with an offer which would give them more of their increase earlier on in the contract as opposed to later and they pissed all over it and talks broke down. They were pretty close to getting a deal done that would have buses and trains running by tonight and I could have made it to my buddy’s birthday dinner before I had to go to work.
Instead I spent time with the parents and we went to see This Is It. Watching the movie made me kind of sad because judging from the rehearsal footage it looked like it was going to be a great show, like it would’ve basically lifted him above all of the crap that had plagued him the past 15 years or so and reminded the world that he’s Michael Jackson. We’ll never know now. It’s a shame he died. He looked in pretty good shape during all of the rehearsal stuff albeit a bit frail.
After the movie I hit Lickety. I wondered how the strike would effect attendance tonight especially since I had a college band headlining. Lee Morgan opened up, followed by Jack Stafford, a guy I met at Dewey Beach from great Britian. He’s currently touring the country, I love his music, it has just the right amount of humor.
The Natural Result would close things out. They are a solid college rock band that gets better and better with every show. The dynamic is similar to fallout boy where the bassist is a tad more outgoing and charismatic than the lead singer so he does most of the talking. That always makes for an interesting show.
I went home looking forward to what my siblings and I have dubbed Sabado De Mexico which we would do after some hanging with my nieces and nephew. Once the siblings were home and ready there’d be Tacos, Tequila, Salsa Music, mainly us…drunk in my sisters living room. It’s going to rule.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 239
Day 238 - November 5th 2009
SEPTA Strike Day Three
No word on whether or not the Transit Workers Union is even thinking about going back to the negotiating table. I remember in High School they were on strike for 40 days. They blow.
I did have a meeting today with Marc Eimer from Range Recording Studios. We discussed Philly Rising’s sponsorship of the Christmas Village this year. The Christmas Village is this cool thing the German Society of Pennsylvania started doing last year where they basically do a European Market outside of City Hall. This year they want to have entertainment and who better than Philly Rising to provide it. This is a very good move for the Village itself, Range, World Café Live, as well as Philly Rising. Provided we put our best foot forward it could be a great way to get non musician types to come to the event on a weekly basis.
It’s going to be from Black Friday to Christmas Eve. 30 straight days of music. Quite a difficult task but I think between Mark and I we can get it together.
I used the time I had to put more Philly Rising posters up in Center City. I’m wondering how this strike is going to effect attendance.
SEPTA Strike Day Three
No word on whether or not the Transit Workers Union is even thinking about going back to the negotiating table. I remember in High School they were on strike for 40 days. They blow.
I did have a meeting today with Marc Eimer from Range Recording Studios. We discussed Philly Rising’s sponsorship of the Christmas Village this year. The Christmas Village is this cool thing the German Society of Pennsylvania started doing last year where they basically do a European Market outside of City Hall. This year they want to have entertainment and who better than Philly Rising to provide it. This is a very good move for the Village itself, Range, World Café Live, as well as Philly Rising. Provided we put our best foot forward it could be a great way to get non musician types to come to the event on a weekly basis.
It’s going to be from Black Friday to Christmas Eve. 30 straight days of music. Quite a difficult task but I think between Mark and I we can get it together.
I used the time I had to put more Philly Rising posters up in Center City. I’m wondering how this strike is going to effect attendance.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 238
Warning: This entry contains coarse language
Day 237 - November 4th 2009
SEPTA Strike Day 2
I have a Lickety show tonight. With the Transit workers Union bringing the city to a standstill they are butt fucking me with no lube…I mean come on at least buy me a drink first. I know what you’re thinking “B Dubs, why you taking this so personally?” I would respond to those who might think that by saying…shut the hell up. I take it personally cause the young drunks that usually come to Lickety to check out the cool n music are unable to come and if they can they’re not drinking as much cause they have to drive or are complaining about taking a cab into town. Less alcohol consumption mean less money for me and the bands thus directly impacting my buisness. Thanks a lot Transport Workers Union. You suck.
Lickety was slow like expected. We had two great weeks in a row and now the momentum has slowed a bit. The one Brightside was that I brought in one artist that I’m super interested in working with long term. On top of all this The Phillies lose the World Series tonight to The Yankees making the city even more depressed. Personally I’m glad the thing is over and that Fringe’ll be on tomorrow.
I have a meeting tomorrow with Marc Eimer from Range about assisting him with putting together some shows and what not for the upcoming Christmas Village. He’s gonna come and pick me up so I may use this time to put up some more Philly Rising Posters in Center City. The push for the January 2nd show is also going to start soon.
Day 237 - November 4th 2009
SEPTA Strike Day 2
I have a Lickety show tonight. With the Transit workers Union bringing the city to a standstill they are butt fucking me with no lube…I mean come on at least buy me a drink first. I know what you’re thinking “B Dubs, why you taking this so personally?” I would respond to those who might think that by saying…shut the hell up. I take it personally cause the young drunks that usually come to Lickety to check out the cool n music are unable to come and if they can they’re not drinking as much cause they have to drive or are complaining about taking a cab into town. Less alcohol consumption mean less money for me and the bands thus directly impacting my buisness. Thanks a lot Transport Workers Union. You suck.
Lickety was slow like expected. We had two great weeks in a row and now the momentum has slowed a bit. The one Brightside was that I brought in one artist that I’m super interested in working with long term. On top of all this The Phillies lose the World Series tonight to The Yankees making the city even more depressed. Personally I’m glad the thing is over and that Fringe’ll be on tomorrow.
I have a meeting tomorrow with Marc Eimer from Range about assisting him with putting together some shows and what not for the upcoming Christmas Village. He’s gonna come and pick me up so I may use this time to put up some more Philly Rising Posters in Center City. The push for the January 2nd show is also going to start soon.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 237
Day 236 - November 3rd 2009
DAMNIT!
I wake up at 6 this morning to news that SEPTA has gone on strike…again.
For those of you who might be reading this and are unfamiliar with Philadelphia, SEPTA (or The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) is the sole mass transit system in town serving Philadelphia, it’s suburbs, and even as far north jersey as Trenton. It’s not as vast as New York’s system but you can basically get anywhere you wanna go in Phillly with relative ease by using SEPTA. For someone like me that doesn’t drive I rely on SEPTA to get me everywhere but full band shows. I am not unique, many use SEPTA because it’s faster than traffic.
So when these assholes decide that it’s a good idea to go on strike they basically cripple the city. I’m not sure of the exact numbers but I’ve been told that the union was offered a 5 year contract with an 11% raise and they only have to pay 1% into their Health Insurance, basically the same package that they got last year, a pretty fair deal in an economy where the employment rate is hovering around 10% and the union basically just shat all over it and decided that because they can, that they were going to take a vacation. Usually I’m for union and stuff but not in this case.
It hits us musicians particularly hard because most of us rely on SEPTA to get to open mics and shows and what have you. Philly Rising may suffer until these guys pull their heads out of their asses.
I had to get a ride into Center City from a family friend to go into Jefferson and get my Swine Flu shot. I don’t like needles so sufficed to say I was whining like a girl the whole time. My sister was able to drop me off at Word Café Live early so I go there around 5. I used the time to hang up Philly Rising Posters around the area. We need to start pushing again if we want people to be aware of it. So I don’t mind going around the city and putting posters up wherever musicians might be to see it.
Tonight is the monthly competition for Philly Rising for September and October. I had to get there early because I’m loving the diversity that we’ve been getting lately with The Monthly Competitions. It really reflected in our September winner Shon Penn (of Making the Band 4 no less) and Joe Jordan, a black Heavy metal Artist that is really getting it cracking in the scene again. His mom is his drummer and she kicks ass.
I hit the bed wondering what I’m going to do about getting around while SEPTA’s on strike.
DAMNIT!
I wake up at 6 this morning to news that SEPTA has gone on strike…again.
For those of you who might be reading this and are unfamiliar with Philadelphia, SEPTA (or The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) is the sole mass transit system in town serving Philadelphia, it’s suburbs, and even as far north jersey as Trenton. It’s not as vast as New York’s system but you can basically get anywhere you wanna go in Phillly with relative ease by using SEPTA. For someone like me that doesn’t drive I rely on SEPTA to get me everywhere but full band shows. I am not unique, many use SEPTA because it’s faster than traffic.
So when these assholes decide that it’s a good idea to go on strike they basically cripple the city. I’m not sure of the exact numbers but I’ve been told that the union was offered a 5 year contract with an 11% raise and they only have to pay 1% into their Health Insurance, basically the same package that they got last year, a pretty fair deal in an economy where the employment rate is hovering around 10% and the union basically just shat all over it and decided that because they can, that they were going to take a vacation. Usually I’m for union and stuff but not in this case.
It hits us musicians particularly hard because most of us rely on SEPTA to get to open mics and shows and what have you. Philly Rising may suffer until these guys pull their heads out of their asses.
I had to get a ride into Center City from a family friend to go into Jefferson and get my Swine Flu shot. I don’t like needles so sufficed to say I was whining like a girl the whole time. My sister was able to drop me off at Word Café Live early so I go there around 5. I used the time to hang up Philly Rising Posters around the area. We need to start pushing again if we want people to be aware of it. So I don’t mind going around the city and putting posters up wherever musicians might be to see it.
Tonight is the monthly competition for Philly Rising for September and October. I had to get there early because I’m loving the diversity that we’ve been getting lately with The Monthly Competitions. It really reflected in our September winner Shon Penn (of Making the Band 4 no less) and Joe Jordan, a black Heavy metal Artist that is really getting it cracking in the scene again. His mom is his drummer and she kicks ass.
I hit the bed wondering what I’m going to do about getting around while SEPTA’s on strike.
Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 236
Day 235 - November 2nd 2009
No Philly Rising today. So for the most part it’s been a lazy Monday spent trying to write songs. My focus has been more on the R&B tip these days using that as a starting point for the writing with the eventual plan of adding the things that I like about Rock, New Wave, and Pop music to get the blend that I like. Will it result in a new sound? I’d like it to but I’m not gonna worry about it too much. I wish I were a better musician it’d be easier to do. I’ve never been deliberate as a writer before so this should be an interesting experiment.
I spend most of my days writing with MTV Hits or CMT on all day if the TV’s on at all. I think anyone who’s writing or singing songs with the intent on sharing them with a lot of people should at least be aware of which direction the wind is blowing. I’m not saying copy Miley Cyrus, but I always thought writers and singers should at least be aware of it. Once you know then you go on the hunt for music you might like better.
I’ve taken a liking to Jesse James and Trace Adkins lately. I dunno why I’ve been so enthralled with the Country Music lately. Maybe it’s cause listening to a lot of it is kinda like taking songwriting 101. A lot of it is pretty much straight from the shoulder.
Trying to squeeze at least four tunes out of me for demo purposes. I’ll tell you all out that a bit later.
These were the videos I saw today
Jesse James...you can probably guess why I like this
This song by Trace Adkins tickles me
No Philly Rising today. So for the most part it’s been a lazy Monday spent trying to write songs. My focus has been more on the R&B tip these days using that as a starting point for the writing with the eventual plan of adding the things that I like about Rock, New Wave, and Pop music to get the blend that I like. Will it result in a new sound? I’d like it to but I’m not gonna worry about it too much. I wish I were a better musician it’d be easier to do. I’ve never been deliberate as a writer before so this should be an interesting experiment.
I spend most of my days writing with MTV Hits or CMT on all day if the TV’s on at all. I think anyone who’s writing or singing songs with the intent on sharing them with a lot of people should at least be aware of which direction the wind is blowing. I’m not saying copy Miley Cyrus, but I always thought writers and singers should at least be aware of it. Once you know then you go on the hunt for music you might like better.
I’ve taken a liking to Jesse James and Trace Adkins lately. I dunno why I’ve been so enthralled with the Country Music lately. Maybe it’s cause listening to a lot of it is kinda like taking songwriting 101. A lot of it is pretty much straight from the shoulder.
Trying to squeeze at least four tunes out of me for demo purposes. I’ll tell you all out that a bit later.
These were the videos I saw today
Jesse James...you can probably guess why I like this
This song by Trace Adkins tickles me
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