It is a lot of fun doing things for the first time, but it can also make me a little nervous.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of singing 'Suddenly Falling' at a very good friends wedding in central Mexico. Picture me sitting in front of a little keyboard with a Mexican standing beside me holding a mic just slightly further away than it needed to be. It was awesome. Definitely not my best performance, but it was my first solo performance ever. So I guess in a way it was my best.... Strange place, strange piano, no mic stand. It was an experience I will never forget.

Anyway. Now that I have that first performance out of the way it is time for the second. And things always get better the second time right?

This coming Saturday I have the privilege of playing just a few songs to open up for a good friend, BJ Block, at a coffee shop here in White Rock. It is going to be just me and a piano so if you are free on Saturday night I would love to have you come out. Details are below.

Where: Small Ritual Coffee Society -- 1237 Johnston Rd, White Rock, BC

When: Saturday August 14th -- 7:30PM (I will play two three song sets, one at 7:30 and one probably around 9)

Cost: $5 at the door

Hope to see you there!

J

So as it turns out, sharing the demos has been a great experience overall. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and I have gotten some great constructive feedback from some listeners.

One thing that has been consistent is that people want to hear more, which I believe is a sign that I am moving in the right direction.

Something exciting happened today that I wanted to share with you. A lady by the name of Irene Jackson has decided to feature ‘Heaven Won’t Let Me Go’ as one of her Songs of the Month on her blog.

She gave me some great feedback on the song and I really appreciate the exposure. Here is a link to her posting.

Right now I am really trying to get focused back on writing and figuring out the best route to go about recording some new songs. Also I just started a new songwriting course and I am looking forward to learning some new skills.

For the moment if you haven’t had a chance to listen to the second demo ‘Heaven Won’t Let Me Go’ please do. And both songs are available for free download.

Thanks again for your support, more great things to come!

J

It never ceases to amaze me the way that my questions get answered sometimes. These last few weeks of deciding whether or not to share the demos I have been working on were a struggle.

Then on Friday morning I read this:

“When something becomes too polished it loses its soul…. Reveal things that others are unwilling to discuss. Be upfront about your shortcomings. Show the latest version of what you are working on even if you aren’t done yet. It’s OK if it’s not perfect. You might not seem as professional, but you will seem a lot more genuine.”

Quote from Rework by Jason Fried & David Hansson

Quite simply, no one likes plastic flowers. We like things that are real, flowers that wilt, people that are genuine.

And this is so crucial in music where the most important thing is the emotion that you feel.

So here is the first song. Please recognize that it is a work in progress and you may hear a different version at some point in the future, but I hope you enjoy it.

Suddenly Falling

Feel free to download and share if you like it.

J

There is nothing like the feeling of sharing your art with someone. Personally I squirm. I can’t sit still. I question every note, phrase and melody. When it comes down to it I am looking to see if I was able to convey my emotion through song. Did you get it?

Considering I’m just learning, maybe not.

My time in the studio was incredible. Again it was a great learning experience and I loved every minute. I really learned the importance of keeping everyone on track and at the same time protecting my voice so I can give the best vocal performance possible.

The three songs that came out of the session turned out pretty good, but not great. Small issues that I wasn’t really able to see during practice and writing have become glaringly obvious under the microscope that is the studio.

That said I have been struggling to decide if I should share the tracks with you. It’s not the feedback that I am concerned about. The feedback so far has been great and I have gotten some great critiques from those closest to me. Rather I am concerned that you might listen, not like it, and never listen again.

So are you willing to listen and recognize that this is a part of the learning experience? Do you want to get involved and help me create something great?

I’m not sure that there is an easy answer to this one.

J

I have lived the last year and a half without a microwave. I tell people this and they look at me as if I have lost my mind. Why in the world would I put myself through this hardship? I have a number of reasons for not having a microwave but quite simply, just because something is faster doesn’t necessarily make it better.

And if I am being completely honest with you I still go to mum and dad’s for dinner most of the time anyway :)

Our society today is being propelled forward by the constant need to get there faster. And this has become prevalent in today’s “hit” music as well. I am not discussing the overall speed of the songs but rather how quickly we are getting to the chorus.

We want the chorus, we want the hook, and we don’t want to wait for it anymore.

Let me show you an example. Below is the hit song ‘Halfway Gone’ by Lifehouse. I love this song. Monster hit for the band and it obviously connects with a lot of different listeners. But the first time I heard it I couldn’t believe how short the verse was. I felt like I was missing something.

The whole song is just over 3 minutes long, the pre-chorus starts around 24 seconds in and you are hearing the first chords of the chorus at 32 seconds into the song. 32 seconds! That is crazy. One intro, one verse, one pre-chorus all in 32 seconds, just to give the listener what they so desperately want so they don’t change the channel. The hook.

This could end up being a very bad thing, the verse is very important. It tells the story. I’m a songwriter. I’m trying to tell you something. I want to inspire you, move you, and maybe even change your point of view.

If we keep pushing for more chorus and less verse we are going to end up with a lot of songs that are very shallow and pointless with catchy hooks. We will love it for a week or so then it’s on to the next pointless hook.

All I'm saying is that we need to be careful what we ask for. Next time you hear a new song on the radio don't just change the channel till you find a chorus you know and love. Let the song develop. Listen to what the songwriter is saying and then enjoy the payoff in the chorus.

Keep listening to great songs!

J