The amazing Sid Jacobs pays tribute to Jimmy Wyble…
November 20, 2010Career Tracks: Chi McClean, Part 3
November 3, 2010Photo by Andrew Keller Chi McClean is an independent singer-songwriter currently touring in support of his 2009 release, Something Out There. In Part 3 of our conversation Chi discusses music publishing, endorsements, branding, and his next release. Read Part 1 Read Part 2 How are you handling your music publishing? CM: I set up McClean…
Recommended reading…
October 30, 2010Check back often to catch the ongoing updates on my favorite books… Skill-Building and Performance Outliers – The Story of Success Malcolm Gladwell – New York: Little Brown, and Company, 2008 Malcolm Gladwell explodes the myth that excellence is the result of some mysterious, innate talent. By examining research and the lives of a variety…
Musician Profile: Putter and VR Smith
September 21, 2010Thelonious Monk, James Bond, and a life of music… Jazz bassist Putter Smith and his wife, singer VR Smith, have devoted their lives to music and the arts. The music room in their South Pasadena home is filled with instruments, original artwork, and oriental rugs; a welcoming refuge from the hustle and bustle of Los…
Using the "IKEA Effect" to connect with your audience
June 17, 2010In his new book, The Upside of Irrationality – The Unexpected Benefits of Defying Logic at Work and at Home, behavioral economist Dan Ariely describes the psychological effects of ownership and creation, what he calls “The IKEA Effect”. In a nutshell, we tend to overvalue what we create or work on. This phenomenon is well documented and…
Composer John Adams on concentration..
June 10, 2010Alex Ross of Unquiet Thoughts
June 3, 2010Career Tracks: Killola
May 20, 2010Photo by Thaddeus Bridwell I recently had the opportunity to speak with the excellent folks in Killola, a four piece “Hardpop Altcore” band formed in 2003 and based in Los Angeles. Consisting of Lisa Rieffel (lead vocals), Mike Ball, (guitar), Dan Grody (drums) and Johnny Dunn (bass), the band’s indie work ethic and unique blend…
Nonesuch knocks it out the park with Brad Mehldau’s ‘Highway Rider’
May 13, 2010Nonesuch Records is doing some very cool stuff with their promotion of the extraordinary Brad Mehldau recording, Highway Rider. The website is engaging and features an innovative scrolling musical score and a fascinating story book (with streaming audio) that takes the listener/viewer through the programmatic trajectory of this unique project. Highway Rider is available on…