« March 2009 | Main | May 2009 »
April 30, 2009
Getting Started: Playing the Mics
If you want to play music, you’ve got to start somewhere. You want to go beyond playing and singing alone at home, to playing for an audience. Realistically, you know that you are to going to be invited to play before a huge crowd in a packed arena anytime soon. Even the most famous artists had to start somewhere. But where?
You need to find a place where here will not be a lot of pressure, but a lot of support. You need a place where you can try out new songs and gain precious performance experience. You need a place where you can meet other songwriters and performers.
You need to play an open mic.
Sheryl and I will be going to one tonight, at Nolan’s Irish Pub in Cocoa Beach. Even experienced, professional songwriters appreciate the many benefits to be had from playing open mics.
Posted by leonolguin at 10:30 AM | Comments (0)
April 29, 2009
Preparation Is The Word
We just finished a “recording fest” with an artist from South Carolina by the name of Kat Coffman.
She arrived here at 1AM last Saturday, and we started working in the studio on Saturday morning, worked all day and into the evening.
She and Sheryl worked together on Sunday, while I went to play a gig, and we worked all day Monday.
We worked Tuesday until just after 4pm, when she had to leave to catch her flight back home.
So, how much did she get done? At least 20 lead vocals, and backing vocals on several songs.
How did she do it? One word: preparation. She came in with an agenda, and had rehearsed her vocals thoroughly.
Sheryl produced the vocals, coaching Kat through the sessions, and I ran the board.
We love sessions like this, where the artist is well prepared, and a great deal is accomplished.
But now I have a lot of mixing to do!
Posted by leonolguin at 02:13 PM | Comments (0)
April 24, 2009
A Spirit of Encouragement
I believe that every musician ought to posses these qualities:
1. Talent
2. Practice
3. Perseverance
4. Aggressiveness
5. Determination
6. A spirit of encouragement
The first five are pretty standard, but the sixth quality is not included on many lists such as this.
I include this quality as one that every musician needs because encouragement, the giving and receiving of it, has been and will continue to be a major part of my life.
There will be times when you come to doubt your abilities, and start to question the worth of what you are doing. What a blessing it is to have a friend (or even a stranger) come to you and say, “I enjoy listening to you. I like your songs. Keep going. Keep doing what you are doing” (or words to that effect).
There will be times when you run across a fellow creative artist who is having a “down” day (and we all have them, don’t we?). Here’s your opportunity to be an encourager. Have a good word for your downcast colleague, and remind them of their worth.
We spend more time in the studio encouraging an artist to give their best performance and reminding them of the value of their work, than we do setting up mics, running cables, and dialing in proper recording levels. And we are encouraged when they express their appreciation of our work on their behalf.
Bring the spirit of encouragement into every thought and action, and see the effect it will have on your life. In this age of jadedness, cynicism and snarkiness, you will be a definite “breath of fresh air.”
Posted by leonolguin at 11:51 AM | Comments (0)
April 23, 2009
Determination
This word, like most in the English Language, has several shades of meaning, some of which are fitting to musicians.
Determination can be the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose. As a musician, you want to have a purpose. You need goals. The goals can be revised as you move along, but you have to start somewhere.
Determination is the quality of being resolute; possessing a firmness of purpose. You will not be knocked off course by every little distraction or difficulty.
Determination also refers to a fixed purpose or intention: It is my determination to pursue my musical dreams.
One caveat as we consider determination. Often this term is paired with the word “grim,” as in “grim determination.” Let this not be so in your case.
Our lot as musicians is not an arduous journey of “grim determination,” but a joyous voyage of creativity, with the privilege of sharing our creations with our appreciative fellow travelers.
Posted by leonolguin at 10:56 AM | Comments (0)
April 22, 2009
Aggressiveness
This word admittedly carries with it some negative connotations. One can be aggressive in attacking others without provocation, or in acting in an excessively pushy or menacing manner.
But there are other types of aggressiveness.
To be aggressive can also refer to making an all-out effort to win or succeed. You can succeed in your musical endeavors without necessarily causing someone else to lose. Music is not a “zero sum” game. In other words, for every aggressive winner, there is not necessarily a loser.
Aggressiveness can also refer to vigor, and energy. You can be aggressive in taking the initiative and making things happen for yourself. This has everything to do with knowing what you want and going after it, and nothing to do with pushing people around.
Posted by leonolguin at 09:11 AM | Comments (1)
April 21, 2009
Perseverance
The dictionary defines perseverance as: “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.”
I like this definition, and if you look at it closely, it contains several key words, around which one could create an inspiring speech.
The outline for such a speech would like something like this:
Perseverance – A Must For the Musician (and everyone else for that matter!)
1. What is involved in perseverance?
a. Steady persistence – This is not a “stop and go” enterprise. Do something every day to help move you toward your dream.
b. A course of action – What will you do? What is your plan? Who is on your team? What will you do to stay motivated?
c. A purpose – What do you want to do? What are your goals? What is your dream? Don’t limit the size of your dream.
d. A state – What do you want your life to look like in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years? What does your life look like now, and what will you change?
e. Difficulties – Don’t be surprised when things go wrong. Don’t expect everything to go wrong, or you will end up a very sour person with few friends. Nevertheless, difficulties will arise. You will encounter difficult circumstances, difficult situations, and difficult people.
f. Obstacles – Things will get in the way. Roadblocks will be put up by life, or by other people. (“You really want to do music? Why?”) How will you break through the obstacles, or go around them?
g. Discouragement – Yes, those days will come when you wonder if you should go on.
2. Conclusion
If you keep reviewing your progress and remember your successes, if you keep in touch with your team, if you write down your goals and review them daily, the discouragement will pass. It will always pass. The difficulties and obstacles will be dealt with. You’ll be moving toward your dream. After all, you have talent. You’ve been practicing. You have people pulling for you. You will persevere!
Maybe I’ll get to deliver this speech someday. I know that portions of it may pop up now and again when I run across a musician who needs some encouragement. I know that I need to hear it myself from time to time.
Posted by leonolguin at 09:16 AM | Comments (1)
April 20, 2009
Practice
I’ve touched on this subject before, but I want to emphasize again the need for practice.
Singer songwriters actually have several skills they would do well to practice.
1. Singing
2. Songwriting
3. Guitar or keyboard playing
4. Performance
This may seem obvious, but I have seen many artists neglect one or more of these things, either through ignorance or arrogance, and consequently they never show much improvement in their overall craft.
Of course I’m not saying that practice will make you a star, but it certainly will never hinder you in your development as an artist!
Some artists don’t seem to realize that one can practice songwriting, or that proper vocal techniques can be learned and applied through practice. Many guitar-playing songwriters seem content to continue using the limited supply of chords they know, and seem reluctant to expand their musical knowledge.
What if you realize that you need to practice, but you don’t know what to practice, and you’re not sure how to proceed? Then you ought to consider taking lessons.
A good teacher will evaluate your skills and find the areas of weakness. They will then show you specifically what to do to improve.
(Those of you who know me may accuse me of subtle promotion, since my wife Sheryl teaches guitar, voice, songwriting, and performance skills!)
Posted by leonolguin at 09:56 AM | Comments (1)
April 17, 2009
The Happiest People in the World
Who are the happiest people in the world?
I believe that they are the people who use their natural talents to the uttermost.
Part of your mission in life is to share your talent with as many people as possible.
Part of MY mission in life is to help others pursue their mission in life!
Posted by leonolguin at 12:40 AM | Comments (0)
April 16, 2009
More on Talent
I believe that everyone comes into this world with some natural talent. Everyone has something that they are naturally good at.
Of course, in my life as the PSG (Project Studio Guy), I run across a lot of people with natural ability as songwriters, singers, and performers. In fact, I would dare say that I have never encountered anyone with a burning desire to pursue music that did not have some modicum of talent. Perhaps the talent was not developed, perhaps the skills needed to support the talent had not yet been honed, but the natural ability was there.
One of my talents is the ability to help others hone their talents.
If a musician is willing to set their ego aside, (that little voice that tells them “You’re already great! You don’t need any help!”) and cultivate within them an insatiable desire to learn, then they will become more and more skilled at their craft, whether it be songwriting, singing, performing, or a combination of all of these.
Posted by leonolguin at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)
April 15, 2009
Talent
What is talent?
Some would call it a gift, an instinct.
Its been called a gift from God, and a total mystery.
Some have been designated as “blessed with talent.” Countless others take stock of themselves and sadly proclaim, “I have no talent.”
Of course, one can have talent in a wide variety of fields. There are talented athletes, chefs, teachers, doctors, etc.
I’m referring to musical talent here.
While it is beyond the scope of this humble blog to present a complete examination of talent, I can begin by stating that the concept of talent is hard to pin down -- it lacks substance, it’s not specific.
That could be part of the reason that so many folks say that they have no talent. They’re not even sure what it is.
I also think that people tend to confuse talent with skill. We need to make a clear distinction between these two terms.
Skill is craft and technique. It is taught, refined, honed and developed. Just about anyone can be taught to play the piano, sing, or even dance! But this does not mean that they have a talent for these activities.
Talent is a combination of intelligence, confidence, desire and natural ability.
And that’s a about a close as I can get to defining it.
I would sure like to read some insightful comments about this!
Posted by leonolguin at 08:36 PM | Comments (0)
April 14, 2009
What Does a Musician Need?
What does it take to “make it” in music? I’m not referring to becoming a “star” or winning on “American Idol” (a show which I never watch, for reasons I may explain someday). I’m taking about making a living, or even part of a living, in music.
There are many musicians who operate “under the radar.” They are making a living in music, but they are not necessarily “famous.”
They have, however, created a body of work that is made available to their fans. They go out regularly and perform their music (and get paid for doing it!). They have built up a loyal following, a large group of folk who attend the concerts, and buy the CDs or downloads.
Accomplishing these things requires years of work, and I believe that certain qualities must be a part of the artist’s make-up.
What are these qualities?
1. Talent
2. Practice
3. Perseverance
4. Aggressiveness
5. Determination
6. A spirit of encouragement
You may be able to think of several other qualities, but these are the ones I have come to see as essential after 36 years as a professional musician.
I have met many of these “under the radar” musicians, and without exception they possess all of these qualities I have listed.
I’d like to briefly expound on each of these over the next week or so.
Posted by leonolguin at 09:59 AM | Comments (0)
April 10, 2009
Never be Afraid to Ask
One of the most difficult lessons I ever learned was this: don’t be afraid to ask for information. Learn to ask intelligent questions, and you’ll be amazed at the answers you receive.
Over the years I have met so many amazing people: songwriters, performers, recording engineers, record label owners, booking agents, artist managers, music publishers, church music ministers, the list goes on and on.
I often wish I could go back and ask them more questions about their areas of expertise. What information do they consider indispensable, what advice would they give.
I used to worry about what their reaction would be to such inquiries until I stopped to think: what is my reaction when someone asks me an intelligent question? Well, I’m pleased that they would come to me, and I try to give the best, well thought out answer I can possibly give. I have never been offended when asked for information or advice.
Posted by leonolguin at 07:54 AM | Comments (1)
April 09, 2009
Information Gathering on a Budget
Gathering information can become expensive. Many periodicals relating to the music business sell from $4 to $5 a copy on a newsstand. A subscription to Billboard (which is something every musician should read) can run over $300 a year. A new book can run as much at $29.95 at a Barnes and Noble.
So how can a musician or studio owner do his or her info gathering on a budget?
1. Check for online editions of any periodicals you want to read.
2. Don’t forget your old friend, the public library. Many libraries now carry an amazingly extensive collection of periodicals and trade magazines that focus on music and the music business. They also hold book sales, and you may be able to find that $29.95 book for $5.
3. Used bookstores are also a good resource, although it may require some hunting on your part. I’ve picked up more than a few good books this way.
4. Go into partnership with some of your musician friends. Each one of you can subscribe to a different publication, and then you can pass your copies around, and create a group archive. This requires some cooperation and teamwork, but that’s a big part of what being a musician is all about.
Posted by leonolguin at 10:13 AM | Comments (0)
April 08, 2009
Information Sponge
If you’ve decided that you want to “do something in music,” whether as a producer, performer, songwriter, recording engineer, or any combination of these, one of the most helpful things you can do for yourself is to become an “information sponge.”
Everyone who succeeds has developed a hunger for every piece of information to be found on his or her chosen field.
Successful people read the trade magazines, they keep up with the periodicals, and they look for and read informative and inspiring books.
Everyone I know who does well is constantly absorbing useful information.
Posted by leonolguin at 10:51 AM | Comments (0)
April 07, 2009
Hold On, I’ve Heard That Title Somewhere
I went to a writers’ night recently at Nolan’s Irish Pub in Cape Canaveral, FL. Sheryl sang a few of her new tunes (one of which I posted back on April 2), and we listened to several songs from other songwriters in the area.
It’s always a fascinating exercise to hear a new song for the first time. I find myself taking note of and mentally evaluating certain “song components” whenever I hear a song for the first time:
1. The title
2. The lyric
3. The melody
4. The chord progression
One of the writers sang an original song titled “Hold On.” Now, I knew right away that I had heard that title before. No harm done, you can’t copyright a title, but I began to wonder, just how many songs are called “Hold On?”
After a quick Google search, I found:
1. Wilson Phillips – Hold On
2. Tom Waits – Hold On
3. The Jonas Brothers – Hold On
4. Hold On Lyrics by Good Charlotte
5. Listen to KT Tunstall – Hold On for free
6. Hold On: Tyrone Wells: Music. ... 5.0 out of 5 stars Hold On by Tyronne Wells The CD is fantastic! Great songs with a smoky blues-rock feel. ...
7. Listen to Hot Chip – Hold On for free. Hold On appears on the album Made In The Dark…
8. Sarah McLachlan Hold On lyrics in the The Freedom Sessions Album.
9. KoRn - Hold On lyric.
10. Lazee - Hold On Lyrics at SeekaLyric.com, your source for free song lyrics!
11. Hold On Lyrics by Jet.
12. Hold On lyrics performed by Green Day
All right, that’s enough! Maybe we should retire that title.
There’s a lesson here: if you’re writing a song and you come up with a title you really like, “Google” it and see if anyone has beaten you to it!
If you find that a few songwriters have used it already, and you still love the title, go ahead and use it; after all, you can’t copyright a title.
You may want to think twice about writing a new song called “Hold On,” however.
Posted by leonolguin at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)
April 06, 2009
April Fools
I did not think that anyone would really believe that “talent enhancing” software existed. However, I seem to have “fooled” a fair number of people. Of course, they could have been pulling my leg when they expressed their sincere admiration for this amazing technology.
Being a gentleman, I will not name any of the “believers.” Nor will I ever tease them about falling for the joke, nor will I mention their names to anyone except my wife. (She in turn will not divulge their identities.)
Check the date of the posting: it was April 1. April fools day.
There is no “talent enhancing” software, but most of our work involves helping musicians and songwriters develop their talents, so we are the talent enhancers.
Posted by leonolguin at 12:27 PM | Comments (0)
April 03, 2009
Band Name Etymologies
If you’re not sure what etymology is, you’ll be able to impress your friends with your knowledge of it after reading this amusing Wikipedia entry on band names.
Posted by leonolguin at 03:22 PM | Comments (1)
Cool and Lame Band Names
My dad had a joke that he would tell from time to time. “Have you heard of this band? They’re called Johnny Flush and the Four Commodes.”
This joke may be a bit dated, but when dad first told it, some of the most famous bands in the country had names like:
Strawberry Alarm Clock
The Beatles (Sure they were great musicians, but come on, their name was a lame pun.)
The Turtles
The Doors
The Monkeys
The Animals
I have always been fascinated by band names. Some of them seemed well thought out, others seemed to have been created during a drug and alcohol induced haze.
I realize of course, that passing judgment on band names is a subjective exercise, a lot of times you just have to go with your gut.
So, here is my completely subjective, far from exhaustive (because that would be exhausting) gut-wrenching list of cool band names, and lame band names.
Cool Band Names:
U2
The Who
The Rolling Stones
Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention
The Sundays
The The
The Band
E Street Band
Lame Band Names
Phish
Archers of Loaf
Rage Against the Machine
Alice in Chains
Souls at Zero
Mouse on Mars
Apples in Stereo
After the Fire
Porno for Pyros
Tears for Fears
Hootie and the Blowfish
Death Cab for Cutie
Matchbox 20
Seven Mary Three
Limp Bizkit
'N Sync
Def Leppard
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Hoobastank
Everything But the Girl
Smashing Pumpkins
New Kids on the Block
Presidents of the United States of America
'Til Tuesday
God Is My Co-Pilot
Bowling for Soup
Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Dead Kennedys
Hmmm. This second list is getting a little long, and there are several more I could add.
I’m beginning to think that its more fun to make fun of lame band names than to admire the cool ones.
Posted by leonolguin at 12:37 PM | Comments (1)
April 02, 2009
Sheryl Paige Live
Check out this video of Sheryl performing “The Fine Art of Doing Nothing” at Nolan’s Irish Pub back on March 26, 2009.
(Thanks to Ken for putting the video up there.)
Here’s the info on the Writers’ Night from their myspace page:
Writer's Night is every Thursday from 7:30-11:00 PM at Nolan's Irish Pub 5675 North Atlantic Avenue (A1A), Publix Cornerstone Plaza, Cocoa Beach, Fl 32931.
We're always looking for new writers for our show, as well as for the publishing company. If you write original music of any kind, and can perform it in a simple guitar-vocal format, and are in the area, let us know. We also seek locals and visitors to the Space Coast who are looking for a different kind of entertainment. There's no dance floor, and no Mustang Sally at 120db...no big screen TVs, just an intimate listening room with a family atmosphere where you can hear something unique and interesting, and meet wonderful and creative people.
Folk, Jazz, Country, Rock, Flamenco, Pop, Bluegrass, Fusion, Gospel, Rockabilly, Comedy, Ragtime, Soul, Poetry, and Blues...so far! Would you like to add to our repertoire?
They’ve been doing this since the middle of last year, and have hosted over 70 songwriters from around the Central Florida area.
There’s a lot of creativity going on!
Posted by leonolguin at 10:27 AM | Comments (1)
April 01, 2009
Important Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: All recording artists and public speakers
Contact Persons: Leon and Sheryl Olguin
Company Name: SOLO Creative Media
Telephone Number: 321-631-4325
Fax Number: 321-634-5879
Email Address: info@solocreativemedia.com
Web site address: www.solocreativemedia.com
Recording Studio to Feature “Talent Enhancing Software”
Cocoa, FL, April 1, 2009. SOLO Creative Media, an audio and music production service owned and operated since 1990 by Leon and Sheryl Olguin, is now featuring the newest thing in production software, the “Antares Talent Enhancer.”
Antares, already famous for their pitch-correction software, which has enabled several formerly pitch-challenged singers to have short-lived careers as recording artists, has now released this new software, which enables those with little or no ability to create highly professional music and spoken word recordings.
“This is a truly amazing piece of software.” said Abby Rhodes, chief morale officer for SOLO, “why, you could just get a dog to go in the studio and bark, and it will come out sounding like that guy who used to do all those movie trailers!”
Ms. Rhodes further stated, “You can record a singer who can barely carry a tune, and they’ll come out sounding like Pavarotti. Which is really something if you’re recording a woman.”
Ms Rhodes also said, “We are hoping that a lot of folks will come in and try this new software. I will greet them all with great enthusiasm!”
All those interested in becoming a star can contact SOLO at 321-631-4325, or info@solocreativemedia.com.
# # #
Posted by leonolguin at 12:54 PM | Comments (1)