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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 20, 2013 12:46:44 GMT -5
Nothing spectacular, but it was a ton of fun making. Enjoy it, or have fun ripping it apart, or any of the countless gradations betwixt and between.
Here it is:
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Post by Tookie on Mar 20, 2013 13:19:08 GMT -5
It was cool. Only downside was that it made me regret cutting my hair a bit...
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2013 14:29:40 GMT -5
AWESOME SONG. Proud of you!! Actually saw this over at the other place but thought I'd comment here!
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 20, 2013 14:32:20 GMT -5
Very cool Blackwell. Maybe you can replace Bonamassa in Black Country Communion.
When are you going to add some vocals to your songs?
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Post by I'm Almost Human on Mar 20, 2013 15:02:05 GMT -5
Very nice guitar playing, my man.
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Post by Cducharme on Mar 20, 2013 15:22:25 GMT -5
Very good, so...... When are you sending it to Ke$ha for vocals (In all seriousness that was some great guitar work)
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 20, 2013 17:51:06 GMT -5
Thanks for all the comments everyone - big thumbs up! Very cool Blackwell. Maybe you can replace Bonamassa in Black Country Communion. When are you going to add some vocals to your songs? Thanks, HM. I've wanted to add vocals for a while now, but I haven't come across someone with the right work ethic/attitude. There's limited marketability with instrumental music. I love doing it, and I can get these things licensed here and there, but I do want to work with vocalists. I've got a very good friend who is a soul singer, and we've collaborated a little. The problem is, he's completely broke, so he's always taking these little gigs and never focused on writing and recording. Right now I'm just trying to keep getting better myself, and when the right opportunity presents itself, I'll be ready.
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 20, 2013 21:06:03 GMT -5
Thanks for all the comments everyone - big thumbs up! Very cool Blackwell. Maybe you can replace Bonamassa in Black Country Communion. When are you going to add some vocals to your songs? Thanks, HM. I've wanted to add vocals for a while now, but I haven't come across someone with the right work ethic/attitude. There's limited marketability with instrumental music. I love doing it, and I can get these things licensed here and there, but I do want to work with vocalists. I've got a very good friend who is a soul singer, and we've collaborated a little. The problem is, he's completely broke, so he's always taking these little gigs and never focused on writing and recording. Right now I'm just trying to keep getting better myself, and when the right opportunity presents itself, I'll be ready. But how about YOUR voice. You can't be worse that Eddie Van Halen on VH3.
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 20, 2013 22:04:59 GMT -5
Thanks for all the comments everyone - big thumbs up! Thanks, HM. I've wanted to add vocals for a while now, but I haven't come across someone with the right work ethic/attitude. There's limited marketability with instrumental music. I love doing it, and I can get these things licensed here and there, but I do want to work with vocalists. I've got a very good friend who is a soul singer, and we've collaborated a little. The problem is, he's completely broke, so he's always taking these little gigs and never focused on writing and recording. Right now I'm just trying to keep getting better myself, and when the right opportunity presents itself, I'll be ready. But how about YOUR voice. You can't be worse that Eddie Van Halen on VH3. I have demos that I have sung on that honestly aren't that bad. As you know, I'm not one that thinks one needs an operatic vocal quality for pop songs. I just think the other things that make a vocal track convincing, I don't have developed yet. I sing with my ukulele all the time, so maybe I will. The other thing is, I'm not great with writing lyrics.
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 20, 2013 22:07:33 GMT -5
But how about YOUR voice. You can't be worse that Eddie Van Halen on VH3. I have demos that I have sung on that honestly aren't that bad. As you know, I'm not one that thinks one needs an operatic vocal quality for pop songs. I just think the other things that make a vocal track convincing, I don't have developed yet. I sing with my ukulele all the time, so maybe I will. The other thing is, I'm not great with writing lyrics. Throw something up on Youtube with vocals.
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Post by I'm Almost Human on Mar 21, 2013 1:10:19 GMT -5
I have to admit, with your extreme love of modern pop music; I am totally surprised how DAMN GOOD this track is. Your playing is really, really good. I've been listening to this throughout the day. Kudos, man.
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 21, 2013 15:01:32 GMT -5
I have to admit, with your extreme love of modern pop music; I am totally surprised how DAMN GOOD this track is. Your playing is really, really good. I've been listening to this throughout the day. Kudos, man. I forgot the code for the thumbs up emoticon, but big thumbs up and a big thank you, I'm Almost Human! I'm glad you dig the song, and I commend you for not holding my love of modern pop against me. My love of all things trite makes for fun discussion and banter, but I also dig so much other music. I'm a huge Norah Jones fan, recently I've gotten into Gary Clark, Jr., and as much as I admire Dr. Luke as a songwriter, I also admire Don Henley. So thanks for giving my song a chance, and thanks for the comments!
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 21, 2013 15:05:48 GMT -5
Why not put out an album?
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 21, 2013 16:35:42 GMT -5
Why not put out an album? I did that before, and actually did pretty well with it. I'm doing singles now for various reasons. First of all, since instrumental music doesn't sell particularly well, the better revenue source is licensing. There's a huge amount of music licensed, and I've been very surprised at what things I've submitted have been licensed (not ones I would have expected). The pay isn't great for most of these, but there's the possibility you have the right song at the right time and do get a lucrative license. Now more and more companies are entering the music licensing arena (I've been with Getty,and still am). CD Baby and Tunecore, the companies that put music in digital stores, now also submit their artist's work for licensing. So the bottom line is, if I wait until I have 10 songs done and release 10 songs, time is wasted while I'm sitting on 9 of them, waiting for them all to be done. Once they're out there, it is like a needle in a haystack, but at least they are in the game, so to speak. Secondly, we really are in a singles market, and there may not be a lot of continuity from one track to the next, at least for me. Right now I've got two songs I'm working on; one is a very slow 6/8 ballad (loosely inspired by ZZ Top's Over You on their latest album). Mine's more Adult Contemporary and polished than gruff; and I have a very light, airy pop song. I'm undecided on the drums - it works with either a modern pop/dance beat (ala Jesse J's Domino) but it also works with more rock style drums. Whatever I decide, it's highly likely someone may not like all of the songs, and therefore wouldn't have to buy all of them. So basically it's just the idea of wanting to get the songs working for me sooner, and also not wanting to be handcuffed artistically by needing to have continuity from one track to the next.
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Post by R&ROVER on Mar 21, 2013 16:37:32 GMT -5
Is there a piano version? Choice.
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Post by R&ROVER on Mar 21, 2013 22:13:07 GMT -5
Did you go vegan or something? You're noticeably thinner than in the video below this one from last summer.
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Post by I'm Almost Human on Mar 22, 2013 0:48:28 GMT -5
Just got back from your YT channel.. Totally blown away, you're really phenomenal!
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 22, 2013 4:16:56 GMT -5
Did you go vegan or something? You're noticeably thinner than in the video below this one from last summer. It actually wasn't any deliberate attempt to lose weight or get in shape; I took up cycling almost by accident last summer, and it was something I really enjoyed doing. So I did it more - and more, and more, etc., to the point where I was riding over 500 miles a month. I was literally withering away to nothing, so I scaled the riding back substantially. I've tried to put a little weight back on that's muscle. It's nothing too aggressive; I just got some small weights and I alternate days lifting with the riding.
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 22, 2013 4:18:23 GMT -5
Just got back from your YT channel.. Totally blown away, you're really phenomenal! Thanks SO much I'm Almost Human. I really appreciate it!
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Post by R&ROVER on Mar 22, 2013 6:28:26 GMT -5
Did you go vegan or something? You're noticeably thinner than in the video below this one from last summer. It actually wasn't any deliberate attempt to lose weight or get in shape; I took up cycling almost by accident last summer, and it was something I really enjoyed doing. So I did it more - and more, and more, etc., to the point where I was riding over 500 miles a month. I was literally withering away to nothing, so I scaled the riding back substantially. I've tried to put a little weight back on that's muscle. It's nothing too aggressive; I just got some small weights and I alternate days lifting with the riding. Good to know you're ok then. Personally I think vegans are a little weird, so...glad it's not that. I got into cycling (really more like "just riding a bike") once and I really liked it too and dropped a bunch of weight. It's a great way to get exercise without feeling like you're stuck in gym. Watched the vid. Good song. I'll need to watch again to start picking up on the more memorable melody lines.
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Post by R&ROVER on Mar 22, 2013 6:29:12 GMT -5
Oh and I love the new avatar. x [avatar]
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 22, 2013 12:48:46 GMT -5
It actually wasn't any deliberate attempt to lose weight or get in shape; I took up cycling almost by accident last summer, and it was something I really enjoyed doing. So I did it more - and more, and more, etc., to the point where I was riding over 500 miles a month. I was literally withering away to nothing, so I scaled the riding back substantially. I've tried to put a little weight back on that's muscle. It's nothing too aggressive; I just got some small weights and I alternate days lifting with the riding. Good to know you're ok then. Personally I think vegans are a little weird, so...glad it's not that. I got into cycling (really more like "just riding a bike") once and I really liked it too and dropped a bunch of weight. It's a great way to get exercise without feeling like you're stuck in gym. Watched the vid. Good song. I'll need to watch again to start picking up on the more memorable melody lines. Thanks a bunch R&ROVER! I don't know how well I'd do at a gym; but getting on a bike is as much mentally refreshing as it is good for you. I saw some family pics taken around New Year's and I was a bit shocked that I did look somewhat sickly - really thin. I'm trying to find the happy medium now. It's been easy riding less, since it's been so windy. Once it starts to feel like work, I'm not as inclined to do it. Glad you dug the song!
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Post by Hey Man on Mar 22, 2013 13:03:05 GMT -5
Why not put out an album? I did that before, and actually did pretty well with it. I'm doing singles now for various reasons. First of all, since instrumental music doesn't sell particularly well, the better revenue source is licensing. There's a huge amount of music licensed, and I've been very surprised at what things I've submitted have been licensed (not ones I would have expected). The pay isn't great for most of these, but there's the possibility you have the right song at the right time and do get a lucrative license. Now more and more companies are entering the music licensing arena (I've been with Getty,and still am). CD Baby and Tunecore, the companies that put music in digital stores, now also submit their artist's work for licensing. So the bottom line is, if I wait until I have 10 songs done and release 10 songs, time is wasted while I'm sitting on 9 of them, waiting for them all to be done. Once they're out there, it is like a needle in a haystack, but at least they are in the game, so to speak. Secondly, we really are in a singles market, and there may not be a lot of continuity from one track to the next, at least for me. Right now I've got two songs I'm working on; one is a very slow 6/8 ballad (loosely inspired by ZZ Top's Over You on their latest album). Mine's more Adult Contemporary and polished than gruff; and I have a very light, airy pop song. I'm undecided on the drums - it works with either a modern pop/dance beat (ala Jesse J's Domino) but it also works with more rock style drums. Whatever I decide, it's highly likely someone may not like all of the songs, and therefore wouldn't have to buy all of them. So basically it's just the idea of wanting to get the songs working for me sooner, and also not wanting to be handcuffed artistically by needing to have continuity from one track to the next. Isn't there a part of you that wants to put out a BAND album before you die? Even if it sells nothing - but for creative purposes. I mean you are really good and I would love to hear what you would sound like with an excellent singer, drummer and bassist as well. Don't you have an itch to get music out there in the universe that isn't just instrumental?
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 22, 2013 17:30:41 GMT -5
I did that before, and actually did pretty well with it. I'm doing singles now for various reasons. First of all, since instrumental music doesn't sell particularly well, the better revenue source is licensing. There's a huge amount of music licensed, and I've been very surprised at what things I've submitted have been licensed (not ones I would have expected). The pay isn't great for most of these, but there's the possibility you have the right song at the right time and do get a lucrative license. Now more and more companies are entering the music licensing arena (I've been with Getty,and still am). CD Baby and Tunecore, the companies that put music in digital stores, now also submit their artist's work for licensing. So the bottom line is, if I wait until I have 10 songs done and release 10 songs, time is wasted while I'm sitting on 9 of them, waiting for them all to be done. Once they're out there, it is like a needle in a haystack, but at least they are in the game, so to speak. Secondly, we really are in a singles market, and there may not be a lot of continuity from one track to the next, at least for me. Right now I've got two songs I'm working on; one is a very slow 6/8 ballad (loosely inspired by ZZ Top's Over You on their latest album). Mine's more Adult Contemporary and polished than gruff; and I have a very light, airy pop song. I'm undecided on the drums - it works with either a modern pop/dance beat (ala Jesse J's Domino) but it also works with more rock style drums. Whatever I decide, it's highly likely someone may not like all of the songs, and therefore wouldn't have to buy all of them. So basically it's just the idea of wanting to get the songs working for me sooner, and also not wanting to be handcuffed artistically by needing to have continuity from one track to the next. Isn't there a part of you that wants to put out a BAND album before you die? Even if it sells nothing - but for creative purposes. I mean you are really good and I would love to hear what you would sound like with an excellent singer, drummer and bassist as well. Don't you have an itch to get music out there in the universe that isn't just instrumental? First, thanks for the kind words; I do appreciate it. Even when I was younger, I was never a great fit with bands. One of the most frustrating things when I was in LA was everyone is basically involved in at least 3 projects, hoping one of them will click. Essentially they are playing all sides against the middle. I was in one band and the singer also had a solo project, as well some songwriting guru that was robbing him blind pumping smoke up his a**. His best material he contributed to his solo project and the band got his scraps. Then when I'd bust my ass trying to make connections for the band (I did manage to make some good ones), this guy would go behind my back and see if he could get his solo material heard. And then I could go on endlessly about the nightmares I've had with drummers. Years ago I tried to get Bobby Blotzer, who had a studio in town, Gerry Gaskill from King's X, and even local guys to drum on some recordings. Talk about delusional, flaky, or delusional and flaky. It probably goes back to my youth playing sports, but I have always been, and always will be a team player; so being involved with anyone that is only making a half-hearted effort drives me crazy. I would love to find a drummer, vocalist, and bassist and be a team; but I'm also a realist. Whether it's my personality or whatever reason, it's never been something that was in the cards for me. Truth be told, I'm not a big instrumental music fan. I do dig some smooth jazz, as a lot of it drifted to being very pop/rock influenced (Fourplay, Acoustic Alchemy, Rippingtons, etc.). Right now it's helping me hone my songwriting and recording, but I would love to work with a vocalist/lyricist. I believe it will happen one day, but this is keeping me improving until it does.
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Post by R&ROVER on Mar 22, 2013 21:12:04 GMT -5
Exactly
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Post by Cducharme on Mar 24, 2013 7:46:53 GMT -5
Isn't there a part of you that wants to put out a BAND album before you die? Even if it sells nothing - but for creative purposes. I mean you are really good and I would love to hear what you would sound like with an excellent singer, drummer and bassist as well. Don't you have an itch to get music out there in the universe that isn't just instrumental? First, thanks for the kind words; I do appreciate it. Even when I was younger, I was never a great fit with bands. One of the most frustrating things when I was in LA was everyone is basically involved in at least 3 projects, hoping one of them will click. Essentially they are playing all sides against the middle. I was in one band and the singer also had a solo project, as well some songwriting guru that was robbing him blind pumping smoke up his a**. His best material he contributed to his solo project and the band got his scraps. Then when I'd bust my ass trying to make connections for the band (I did manage to make some good ones), this guy would go behind my back and see if he could get his solo material heard. And then I could go on endlessly about the nightmares I've had with drummers. Years ago I tried to get Bobby Blotzer, who had a studio in town, Gerry Gaskill from King's X, and even local guys to drum on some recordings. Talk about delusional, flaky, or delusional and flaky. It probably goes back to my youth playing sports, but I have always been, and always will be a team player; so being involved with anyone that is only making a half-hearted effort drives me crazy. I would love to find a drummer, vocalist, and bassist and be a team; but I'm also a realist. Whether it's my personality or whatever reason, it's never been something that was in the cards for me. Truth be told, I'm not a big instrumental music fan. I do dig some smooth jazz, as a lot of it drifted to being very pop/rock influenced (Fourplay, Acoustic Alchemy, Rippingtons, etc.). Right now it's helping me hone my songwriting and recording, but I would love to work with a vocalist/lyricist. I believe it will happen one day, but this is keeping me improving until it does. Indeed even up here in Maine it's impossible to find other folks that aren't working on multiple "projects" which often sound remarkably similar. It lead to a joke about the Lewiston Area (where I live) "Have you heard of the Lewiston Metal show commiserating the metal scene? 40 bands made of 20 musicians."
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Post by Steve on Mar 25, 2013 1:00:30 GMT -5
The other thing is, I'm not great with writing lyrics. Have your people call my people and we'll talk. I have a drawerful of lyrics I wrote for a friend who then started writing her own material, some of which you can see below: I'm not Dylan or Paul Simon (much as I'd like to be), but I can stick to a melody.
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Post by Mr. Blackwell on Mar 25, 2013 22:46:58 GMT -5
The other thing is, I'm not great with writing lyrics. Have your people call my people and we'll talk. I have a drawerful of lyrics I wrote for a friend who then started writing her own material, some of which you can see below: I'm not Dylan or Paul Simon (much as I'd like to be), but I can stick to a melody. I may just take you up on that. I tend to write for whatever forces I have access to, and right now there's a soul singer I've been wanting to work with. I've had the idea for a sort of R & B power ballad, like Babyface's When Can I See You (imagine a soulful More Than Words). If I can get a working demo, I'll send it to you and see if you like it.
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Post by Nightflight77 on Apr 7, 2014 21:35:01 GMT -5
Great work. Loved it.
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Post by R&ROVER on Apr 7, 2014 22:35:24 GMT -5
Blackwell's a great musician, for sure. It's just other areas of communication he has difficulties with. Instrumentals it is then!
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