You never know what life will throw at you. So you gotta be waiting for something great to happen at all times. You never know when that moment will come where you realize, "in the next 15 minutes my life could change forever."
The thing about that is, it's only going to actually change for the better if you're prepared and ready for it. If you are constantly expecting the worst it's not going to change in your favor. If you're reading this and you're an actor or a singer, a performer of any kind... Study, learn, DO! You can go to school all you want to learn to perform but if you aren't performing you'll never hands that hands on experience that really counts. If you're not in the performing arts, study, learn, DO! Always try to be the best at your craft no matter what it is, fixing cars, cleaning bathrooms, selling motorcycles, singing in a rock band, bagging groceries, the CEO of cables soup! Use your head, we were all born with common sense so use it! Think of new exciting ways to make the most of your current situation and I promise the universe will provide. But it'll only happen if you're prepared for it. Always be prepared.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
D-22 quality
Late nights...
The blogging is almost over everybody only a couple more days and then you won't have to listen to me talk EVERY SINGLE DAY...
Tonight I'm here to tell you for the rest of this week, keep it simple. It's not about quantity it's about quality. Quality people in your life, quality work, quality attitude, quality everything. Make sure your producing something whether it's homework or work for your boss or music or art or anything that is a quality product. I'm gonna do my best to do the same.
This week is quality week.
Without wax,
HJ
-- Posted from my iPhone
The blogging is almost over everybody only a couple more days and then you won't have to listen to me talk EVERY SINGLE DAY...
Tonight I'm here to tell you for the rest of this week, keep it simple. It's not about quantity it's about quality. Quality people in your life, quality work, quality attitude, quality everything. Make sure your producing something whether it's homework or work for your boss or music or art or anything that is a quality product. I'm gonna do my best to do the same.
This week is quality week.
Without wax,
HJ
-- Posted from my iPhone
Monday, September 28, 2009
D-21 T.V.
If you watch Tv for 3 hours a day every single day of the year that comes out to
1,095 hours of tv a year
That's 45.63 days a year you spent watching tv.
Can you imagine all the crud you could accomplish with 43 extra days each year?!?
This week give it a shot and don't watch one hour of tv. Instead play guitar, piano, study a language, call your mom back, get to the gym, play a sport! Anything!
See what you can get done with an extra few hours in your week. I'll do it too! No tv starting NOW for the rest of the week.
Without wax,
HJ
-- Posted from my iPhone
Saturday, September 26, 2009
D-20 Sabastian
I ate this guy last night. I feel bad but it tasted delicious...
The lesson for tonight is...
Don't pee in the wind, it gets everywhere, even if you pee down wind you will still get caught in it I promise..
Goodnight til tomorrow
HJ
-- Posted from my iPhone
D-19 Isle 5
It's way too late to be here...
But I am none the less... A guys gotta eat ya know...
My favorite isle in the store is the cereal isle because it's basically all the same stuff but you have a million choices...
i.e.
Everyone has their favorites and everyone has the ones they can't stand but still the packaging looks great.
I feel like that's a lot like life. We're all grouped together sometimes. And sometimes we try and change our box to make ourselves more appealing or maybe we even offer a prize to the person that picks us up. But when it really comes down to it, the card board isn't gonna taste any different from box to box/ person to person. But the inside is gonna either rock your world or make you pissed you spent 5 bucks on something you hate.
No matter what people say, even if they say it's a bunch of bull, remember it really is what's on the inside that counts.
:-)
Without wax,
HJ
-- Posted from my iPhone
But I am none the less... A guys gotta eat ya know...
My favorite isle in the store is the cereal isle because it's basically all the same stuff but you have a million choices...
i.e.
Everyone has their favorites and everyone has the ones they can't stand but still the packaging looks great.
I feel like that's a lot like life. We're all grouped together sometimes. And sometimes we try and change our box to make ourselves more appealing or maybe we even offer a prize to the person that picks us up. But when it really comes down to it, the card board isn't gonna taste any different from box to box/ person to person. But the inside is gonna either rock your world or make you pissed you spent 5 bucks on something you hate.
No matter what people say, even if they say it's a bunch of bull, remember it really is what's on the inside that counts.
:-)
Without wax,
HJ
-- Posted from my iPhone
Friday, September 25, 2009
D-18ish... Self Promo... This doesn't count :-)
If you haven't done it yet, fill this bad boy out and be in the loop!!!
 |
D-18 anytime I want...
Happiness is...
- a place where falling on your face is perfectly ok but being able to laugh at yourself is a requirement
- filled with English Buldogs and other cubby animals of the same degree.
- set up like a musical where it's no uncommon to bust out into a song in the style of your choice in the middle of the grocery store.
- full of great ideas, creativity, and the feelings that make
your ears tingle and you stomach light up.
- music non stop but always accompanied by mood lighting, pillows, and a reclining leather chair.
- the ones you love. Period
Happiness is not only a feeling but a place you can create anytime you want. Set up a vacation spot there and enjoy your retirement.
Without wax,
HJ
- a place where falling on your face is perfectly ok but being able to laugh at yourself is a requirement
- filled with English Buldogs and other cubby animals of the same degree.
- set up like a musical where it's no uncommon to bust out into a song in the style of your choice in the middle of the grocery store.
- full of great ideas, creativity, and the feelings that make
your ears tingle and you stomach light up.
- music non stop but always accompanied by mood lighting, pillows, and a reclining leather chair.
- the ones you love. Period
Happiness is not only a feeling but a place you can create anytime you want. Set up a vacation spot there and enjoy your retirement.
Without wax,
HJ
Thursday, September 24, 2009
D-17 Leave Doubt Out
I gotta quit this habit of writing at 1 in the morning!
Tonight I made a list of things I'm grateful for all the way from my family to the great smell of fabric softener, from cans of Mountain Dew to fantastic friends old and new, from shoes on my feet to central air and a hair cut I really don't mind sporting in front of people I don't know, from music of every kind to a pen with ink and everything I could think of in between. It made me feel good and really think about how lucky I truly am to be able to do anything I want. I mean anything I want int he sense that nothing besides my own insecurities is keeping from being exactly what I want to be. If someone can make light by flipping a switch why can't I do something just as impacting? If we can get water that is either hot or cold depending on which left or right knob we twist why can't I change the world just as dramatically? Honestly the answer is, I can. We all can.
Doubt needs to be something I think we all reject from our vocabulary. It's not even worth knowing, it shouldn't even count as a real word like... "misengagement" or something.
When you are out and about today "leave doubt out." Go throughout your day knowing you can do and be anything! That has to be true otherwise how in the hell do you explain the internet, cell phones, microwaves... fax machines! You can send a freakin piece of paper thru the telephone lines!!!
Anything and everything is possible! Call the "Times" I think people may have forgotten that fact, but it sounds like front page news to me.
Without Wax,
HJ
Tonight I made a list of things I'm grateful for all the way from my family to the great smell of fabric softener, from cans of Mountain Dew to fantastic friends old and new, from shoes on my feet to central air and a hair cut I really don't mind sporting in front of people I don't know, from music of every kind to a pen with ink and everything I could think of in between. It made me feel good and really think about how lucky I truly am to be able to do anything I want. I mean anything I want int he sense that nothing besides my own insecurities is keeping from being exactly what I want to be. If someone can make light by flipping a switch why can't I do something just as impacting? If we can get water that is either hot or cold depending on which left or right knob we twist why can't I change the world just as dramatically? Honestly the answer is, I can. We all can.
Doubt needs to be something I think we all reject from our vocabulary. It's not even worth knowing, it shouldn't even count as a real word like... "misengagement" or something.
When you are out and about today "leave doubt out." Go throughout your day knowing you can do and be anything! That has to be true otherwise how in the hell do you explain the internet, cell phones, microwaves... fax machines! You can send a freakin piece of paper thru the telephone lines!!!
Anything and everything is possible! Call the "Times" I think people may have forgotten that fact, but it sounds like front page news to me.
Without Wax,
HJ
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
D-16 "Chopped"
I've been addicted to a show lately called "Chopped" it's a show on the Food Network which is random because I don't really cook, and I never cared about this channel until very recently and now I can't stop myself. The show is a competition show basically with 4 chefs whom are given ingredients they are unaware of until they open a basket and have to think on their feet as to how to make the best meal using those ingredients. Are the dishes are made by the four different chefs their dishes are tasted and critiqued by 3 judges and whose ever dish is decided by the judges to be the worst is "Chopped" from the competition. Check it out if you get a chance, it's on at night and is pretty crazy entertaining to watch.
The point of me telling you this is because throughout the show the chefs are interviewed as to how they cooked their dishes or what they were thinking in the course cooking it all or how they are feeling after the judges critiques and so on. What I hear a lot while watching the show is "I hope the other chefs screw up bad enough to cover up my mistake..." or "I hope the other chefs have something go horribly wrong to make my job a little easier or to stand out that much more..." That has always bugged me and I'll explain why.
Sure, a thought like that has entered all of our heads at one point or another but I feel like there is a healthier way to go about that thought. Instead of thinking "I hope the other person sucks bad enough that I look great" why not think "I hope everyone does a fantastic job but I do that much better." Why not think "I hope everyone I'm competing against does better than there best, but so do I and THAT'S what gets me the win..."
I feel like if that thought is going through your head during the day whether it's in a sport or at an audition or during a power point presentation or a spelling bee or shooting free throws in P.E. that means when you do a fantastic job and you reap the reward it's that much sweeter. You didn't win by default, you won because you rock! You get the biggest pay off because you did your best and you deserve it. You did your best, so did your competition and now you can go away feeling like a real winner.
I'm going to make it a habit to try and always think that way starting today. Give it a shot. If nothing else hopefully it buys you karma points for the days to come.
Without Wax,
HJ
The point of me telling you this is because throughout the show the chefs are interviewed as to how they cooked their dishes or what they were thinking in the course cooking it all or how they are feeling after the judges critiques and so on. What I hear a lot while watching the show is "I hope the other chefs screw up bad enough to cover up my mistake..." or "I hope the other chefs have something go horribly wrong to make my job a little easier or to stand out that much more..." That has always bugged me and I'll explain why.
Sure, a thought like that has entered all of our heads at one point or another but I feel like there is a healthier way to go about that thought. Instead of thinking "I hope the other person sucks bad enough that I look great" why not think "I hope everyone does a fantastic job but I do that much better." Why not think "I hope everyone I'm competing against does better than there best, but so do I and THAT'S what gets me the win..."
I feel like if that thought is going through your head during the day whether it's in a sport or at an audition or during a power point presentation or a spelling bee or shooting free throws in P.E. that means when you do a fantastic job and you reap the reward it's that much sweeter. You didn't win by default, you won because you rock! You get the biggest pay off because you did your best and you deserve it. You did your best, so did your competition and now you can go away feeling like a real winner.
I'm going to make it a habit to try and always think that way starting today. Give it a shot. If nothing else hopefully it buys you karma points for the days to come.
Without Wax,
HJ
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
D-15 That's the fun part...
So I'm late but I'm still counting it!!!
D-15 and we have to switch gears for a few days. I've been up getting ready for an audition tomorrow morning. Let me tell you the problem with that statement...
The problem is not:
- The fact that I have an audition
I love auditioning and I love getting ready for auditions so that's never a problem. Plus I've finally learned that auditions really shouldn't be called "auditions" at all. They should be called "opportunities" and I'm all for a new experience or opportunity so bring em on.
- The fact that I get to perform
Performing is my life, I'll never quit and I'll never tire of it so bring that on as well.
- The fact that I get to meet new people.
Love meeting new people because that's what life's all about, forming relationships. Letting someone come into your life to tech you something and then you repay the favor by doing the same... impacting someone even if it's just for 30 seconds is great. Bring it on.
Here's my problem:
- It's no secret that I like to sing high notes. It's no secret that I like to throw in a little range in all kinds of music. The problem is... NOT AT 11 o'clock in the morning. It' freaks me out and I have to wake up at 7 in the morning to get my voice up to where it needs to be to get the big notes.
Now I'm sure you're thinkin... "Harley, just don't sing songs with high stuff." My reply is why? That's the fun part. :-) And I'm not the lucky guy that can just wake up and WHAMMY bust out with the craziness on the voice. Can't do it, never could. I always have to give my throat and body, time to wake up and live a little. But I guess the lesson in this whole thing is luck happens when time meets preparation. Hopefully I get lucky :-)
So with all that being said, I will see you tomorrow... which is more like later tonight but who's counting...
Have a fantastic day, go be something great!
Without Wax,
HJ
D-15 and we have to switch gears for a few days. I've been up getting ready for an audition tomorrow morning. Let me tell you the problem with that statement...
The problem is not:
- The fact that I have an audition
I love auditioning and I love getting ready for auditions so that's never a problem. Plus I've finally learned that auditions really shouldn't be called "auditions" at all. They should be called "opportunities" and I'm all for a new experience or opportunity so bring em on.
- The fact that I get to perform
Performing is my life, I'll never quit and I'll never tire of it so bring that on as well.
- The fact that I get to meet new people.
Love meeting new people because that's what life's all about, forming relationships. Letting someone come into your life to tech you something and then you repay the favor by doing the same... impacting someone even if it's just for 30 seconds is great. Bring it on.
Here's my problem:
- It's no secret that I like to sing high notes. It's no secret that I like to throw in a little range in all kinds of music. The problem is... NOT AT 11 o'clock in the morning. It' freaks me out and I have to wake up at 7 in the morning to get my voice up to where it needs to be to get the big notes.
Now I'm sure you're thinkin... "Harley, just don't sing songs with high stuff." My reply is why? That's the fun part. :-) And I'm not the lucky guy that can just wake up and WHAMMY bust out with the craziness on the voice. Can't do it, never could. I always have to give my throat and body, time to wake up and live a little. But I guess the lesson in this whole thing is luck happens when time meets preparation. Hopefully I get lucky :-)
So with all that being said, I will see you tomorrow... which is more like later tonight but who's counting...
Have a fantastic day, go be something great!
Without Wax,
HJ
Sunday, September 20, 2009
D-14 what it's all about...
This is what tonights all about...
Enjoy the simple things in life :-)
Sleep tight
Without wax,
HJ
Enjoy the simple things in life :-)
Sleep tight
Without wax,
HJ
Saturday, September 19, 2009
D-13 sucking, sucks.
So how cool is this...
I'm in an airplane, typing to all of you. I'm flying, and on the Internet! I'm in the sky 30,000 feet high and talking to you!!! Holy shit it's crazy!
I'm on my way back to LA for about two weeks and I think it'll be really nice to be back. I can't get too comfy because there is still a lot of work to do in the studio on the record but it'll be great to have a couple weeks to sit with the rough mixes and really dive into them.
I want to say thank you to all of you who come here day after day or even every so often to check out what's new. I have said it before but the fact will always remain that I can't do this without you guys so thank you for always being there for me. I'm very lucky too be able to do this and I'm very lucky to have tremendous support for it. On that note I'll always do my best to not suck! Plain and simple! I've created expectations for this album and I will always do my best to make sure I can reach them.
So thank you for helping me with the strength and desire to do what I love and for the constant motivation...
That's the lesson today... Don't suck! Unless you're a vacuum... Sucking, sucks so let's all try our best not to! :-)
-- Posted from my iPhone
I'm in an airplane, typing to all of you. I'm flying, and on the Internet! I'm in the sky 30,000 feet high and talking to you!!! Holy shit it's crazy!
I'm on my way back to LA for about two weeks and I think it'll be really nice to be back. I can't get too comfy because there is still a lot of work to do in the studio on the record but it'll be great to have a couple weeks to sit with the rough mixes and really dive into them.
I want to say thank you to all of you who come here day after day or even every so often to check out what's new. I have said it before but the fact will always remain that I can't do this without you guys so thank you for always being there for me. I'm very lucky too be able to do this and I'm very lucky to have tremendous support for it. On that note I'll always do my best to not suck! Plain and simple! I've created expectations for this album and I will always do my best to make sure I can reach them.
So thank you for helping me with the strength and desire to do what I love and for the constant motivation...
That's the lesson today... Don't suck! Unless you're a vacuum... Sucking, sucks so let's all try our best not to! :-)
-- Posted from my iPhone
Friday, September 18, 2009
D-12 I Could Do This For Awhile
I did a lot of listening today :-)
That being said, I did a lot of talking too.
Today was the first day for one song on lead vocal stuff. The way I usually write songs is I try and have the idea of what the song will be about, or the general message of the story. Then I try to find chords that match a feeling or tone of what I think the song should be about, then I write a first verse, a chorus and a bridge if I feel like the song will need one. Then once I get in the studio and I hear what lead guitar parts and drums sound like and how those instruments are being played I write the rest of the song and try to feed off that energy. The basic guitar tracks and drum tracks have been laid out over the past few days so I have had enough stuff to go on to get some of the songs fully written at night after the musician sessions which is fine because I get most of my work done between the hours of 1am and 4am. Healthy? probably not but productive? Absolutely...
But I tell you that story to tell you this. The final lead vocals were cut on one tune today. It's great to hear what I've been hearing in my head come out in the studio plus whatever I can think of while the juices are flowing during the day and then to sing overtop of it all is really really exciting for me. I wouldn't mind if someone told me I had to do this for a really long time is what I'm trying to say :-)
I was interrupted today though with project that's being set up in CA so production on the record will have to be put on hold until Oct. 13th. Which isn't bad because there is a ton of work I can do from CA like pictures and cover art and lyric writing and stuff like that but that throws off my time frame of getting it all done... None the less work will still get done and I will still be here every night to give you the 4-1-1.
Happy weekend everyone! I hope you had a safe and enjoyable night! I think I might take a nap it is 10:19 after all...
Sleep well and sweet dreams.
Without Wax,
HJ
That being said, I did a lot of talking too.
Today was the first day for one song on lead vocal stuff. The way I usually write songs is I try and have the idea of what the song will be about, or the general message of the story. Then I try to find chords that match a feeling or tone of what I think the song should be about, then I write a first verse, a chorus and a bridge if I feel like the song will need one. Then once I get in the studio and I hear what lead guitar parts and drums sound like and how those instruments are being played I write the rest of the song and try to feed off that energy. The basic guitar tracks and drum tracks have been laid out over the past few days so I have had enough stuff to go on to get some of the songs fully written at night after the musician sessions which is fine because I get most of my work done between the hours of 1am and 4am. Healthy? probably not but productive? Absolutely...
But I tell you that story to tell you this. The final lead vocals were cut on one tune today. It's great to hear what I've been hearing in my head come out in the studio plus whatever I can think of while the juices are flowing during the day and then to sing overtop of it all is really really exciting for me. I wouldn't mind if someone told me I had to do this for a really long time is what I'm trying to say :-)
I was interrupted today though with project that's being set up in CA so production on the record will have to be put on hold until Oct. 13th. Which isn't bad because there is a ton of work I can do from CA like pictures and cover art and lyric writing and stuff like that but that throws off my time frame of getting it all done... None the less work will still get done and I will still be here every night to give you the 4-1-1.
Happy weekend everyone! I hope you had a safe and enjoyable night! I think I might take a nap it is 10:19 after all...
Sleep well and sweet dreams.
Without Wax,
HJ
Thursday, September 17, 2009
D-11
Is it a problem when I feel like I've really got nothing of any importance to say tonight?
I think sometimes it's better maybe to not say anything and to just sit back, take it all in and listen. If you're talking, you can only talk about what you already know so why not zip it up for a bit and learn something new. :-)
That's my goal for the next few days at least... Sit back and enjoy the fact that I don't know, and don't have to know everything. Honestly that's pretty exciting if you really think about. Look at all the crud you can dream up and experience if you just listen.
Without Wax,
HJ :-D
I think sometimes it's better maybe to not say anything and to just sit back, take it all in and listen. If you're talking, you can only talk about what you already know so why not zip it up for a bit and learn something new. :-)
That's my goal for the next few days at least... Sit back and enjoy the fact that I don't know, and don't have to know everything. Honestly that's pretty exciting if you really think about. Look at all the crud you can dream up and experience if you just listen.
Without Wax,
HJ :-D
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
D-10 A Smooth Operator
We're into double digit days!!
If you've been hanging with me on Twitter I hope you saw/heard some of the pictures and videos I popped up on there. If you missed them I think you can still see them even if you don't follow me at:
www.twitter.com/Harley_Jay
There should be three or four different videos and photos up there so I hope you enjoy.
I don't think I can remember a time in my life when I've had this much fun too be honest. I hate to rub it in your face if you've had a rough couple of days but I really have enjoyed every moment of my time in the studio these past couple days. A LOT is getting done and have really come up with some new sounds and arraignments I never saw coming so it feels good to not only be able to write music but to feel creative and energized about it at the same time.
We've only been really focused on two songs since Monday and already I feel like this record really comes out the way I'm feeling right now in my life. Not that I forced anything with the last one but for some reason this time I really feel like I'm in the right place. I hope that's not a feeling I'm just forcing. But I guess you shouldn't second guess a good feeling.
I'll be tweeting more music and more photos as the sessions go on so feel free to meet up on twitter if you'd like.
I'll also be sticking up exclusive videos on HarleyJay.com as the time goes on and on so check back when you get the time and make sure you haven't missed out on anything because I don't want to constantly bombard you with facebook and twitter updates sometimes I'll just sneak stuff up like some smooth "operator," that way I can get in and get out. :-)
While I've been in the studio and writing some of the songs for the record I've been video taping and documenting what ever I could so at some point (not sure when this will be exactly) I'll put out a little 20 or 25 minute documentary that I'll share with you once I've worked it all out.
The lesson I've learned today is no one likes a jackass.::cough cough... Kanye Cough:: So don't be one.
Without Wax,
HJ
If you've been hanging with me on Twitter I hope you saw/heard some of the pictures and videos I popped up on there. If you missed them I think you can still see them even if you don't follow me at:
www.twitter.com/Harley_Jay
There should be three or four different videos and photos up there so I hope you enjoy.
I don't think I can remember a time in my life when I've had this much fun too be honest. I hate to rub it in your face if you've had a rough couple of days but I really have enjoyed every moment of my time in the studio these past couple days. A LOT is getting done and have really come up with some new sounds and arraignments I never saw coming so it feels good to not only be able to write music but to feel creative and energized about it at the same time.
We've only been really focused on two songs since Monday and already I feel like this record really comes out the way I'm feeling right now in my life. Not that I forced anything with the last one but for some reason this time I really feel like I'm in the right place. I hope that's not a feeling I'm just forcing. But I guess you shouldn't second guess a good feeling.
I'll be tweeting more music and more photos as the sessions go on so feel free to meet up on twitter if you'd like.
I'll also be sticking up exclusive videos on HarleyJay.com as the time goes on and on so check back when you get the time and make sure you haven't missed out on anything because I don't want to constantly bombard you with facebook and twitter updates sometimes I'll just sneak stuff up like some smooth "operator," that way I can get in and get out. :-)
While I've been in the studio and writing some of the songs for the record I've been video taping and documenting what ever I could so at some point (not sure when this will be exactly) I'll put out a little 20 or 25 minute documentary that I'll share with you once I've worked it all out.
The lesson I've learned today is no one likes a jackass.::cough cough... Kanye Cough:: So don't be one.
Without Wax,
HJ
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
D-9 High Five
If you're having a rough day/night, check this out and hopefully you'll at least chuckle :-)
I'm sure some of you have seen it before... It's always been (and probably always will be) my favorite SNL skit so I thought I'd share it with you!
"I Love You, You Know..." Haha
How was the first day of "Burn it" week? :-)
The last two days in the studio have been very very successful and a real confidence boost for me. I'm excited about these songs and I'm excited for you guys to hear them. Tomorrow will be the first day my entire band gets in the room. So far all I've been able to do is record acoustic demo like stuff to help me when talking to the band about the songs so I haven't even heard anything new. Days like these help me a lot though because I can get my lyrics straight and get the feeling for how these things will play out in an acoustic type of environment.
I've also been thinking about something for the past few days now... I think that every now and then we all need someone to tell us we are doing a good job. No matter what we are doing if we are giving 100% I think it should be said too. If you're slackin off and expect a pat on the back maybe you need to rethink your situation but I think if you're giving it your best and really trying to be better or make a certain something turn out for the best you should be granted a "great job!" So I'm here to tell you that. For those of you that feel like you're giving it your best in school, or at work, or at home, or with your family, or with friends or whatever it is, keep it up! Even if someone doesn't notice it right now I promise you it'll come around in your favor in the long run. Keep going and if you can find the energy try and put a little extra in just for a week or so and see if you come out even further ahead. But to all of you out there that are constantly giving it your best and everyone seems to be blowing you off like it's no big deal, screw them! Here's a hug and a high five :-)
Ok I'm headin out but I think tomorrow I'll stick up a little video for you all to watch so you don't have to keep reading EVERYTHING!!!
Make it a good day tomorrow :-)
Without Wax,
HJ
I'm sure some of you have seen it before... It's always been (and probably always will be) my favorite SNL skit so I thought I'd share it with you!
"I Love You, You Know..." Haha
How was the first day of "Burn it" week? :-)
The last two days in the studio have been very very successful and a real confidence boost for me. I'm excited about these songs and I'm excited for you guys to hear them. Tomorrow will be the first day my entire band gets in the room. So far all I've been able to do is record acoustic demo like stuff to help me when talking to the band about the songs so I haven't even heard anything new. Days like these help me a lot though because I can get my lyrics straight and get the feeling for how these things will play out in an acoustic type of environment.
I've also been thinking about something for the past few days now... I think that every now and then we all need someone to tell us we are doing a good job. No matter what we are doing if we are giving 100% I think it should be said too. If you're slackin off and expect a pat on the back maybe you need to rethink your situation but I think if you're giving it your best and really trying to be better or make a certain something turn out for the best you should be granted a "great job!" So I'm here to tell you that. For those of you that feel like you're giving it your best in school, or at work, or at home, or with your family, or with friends or whatever it is, keep it up! Even if someone doesn't notice it right now I promise you it'll come around in your favor in the long run. Keep going and if you can find the energy try and put a little extra in just for a week or so and see if you come out even further ahead. But to all of you out there that are constantly giving it your best and everyone seems to be blowing you off like it's no big deal, screw them! Here's a hug and a high five :-)
Ok I'm headin out but I think tomorrow I'll stick up a little video for you all to watch so you don't have to keep reading EVERYTHING!!!
Make it a good day tomorrow :-)
Without Wax,
HJ
Monday, September 14, 2009
D-8 "Burn it" Week
Day 1 in the studio was GREAT!
A lot got done and sorted out today and I think you guys will really dig the direction the music is going. I couldn't be happier with it so I hope you feel the same.
I have a task for those of you that are willing to accept it.
I'm calling this week "Burn it" week. Here's what mean...
If you've got a copy of my CD "Without Wax" tonight pull it out and "burn it" I don't mean tossed it into a firey pit of dispare I mean make a copy of it! Make a copy of your CD and give it to someone, anyone, at some point in the week. It doesn't matter if it's your best friend, your neighbors hot daughter, your grandma, the computer geek you see on your lunch break, the tall blonde guy you stare at when you pass by the water cooler, or the punk that spit too much in gym class. Give it away!
You have an entire week to give just one cd away. I will give you permission to give out more but the goal is only one! :-)
If you do this I will forever be in your debt and I grant you good karma for the entire month of Oct.
I will be in the studio for the entire week and at some point (I'll let you know when) I'm goingto bring my video camera in there and have a live feed so you all can get a real feeling of what the studio is all about, how I do my thing in there, you'll here very short clips of the new songs, all that jazz. It should be fun...
Thanks for your continued support in reading these and to those of you that say things to me throughout your day! I'm very lucky and am excited to share this stuff with all of you!
Day two begins soon :-)
Without Wax
HJ
A lot got done and sorted out today and I think you guys will really dig the direction the music is going. I couldn't be happier with it so I hope you feel the same.
I have a task for those of you that are willing to accept it.
I'm calling this week "Burn it" week. Here's what mean...
If you've got a copy of my CD "Without Wax" tonight pull it out and "burn it" I don't mean tossed it into a firey pit of dispare I mean make a copy of it! Make a copy of your CD and give it to someone, anyone, at some point in the week. It doesn't matter if it's your best friend, your neighbors hot daughter, your grandma, the computer geek you see on your lunch break, the tall blonde guy you stare at when you pass by the water cooler, or the punk that spit too much in gym class. Give it away!
You have an entire week to give just one cd away. I will give you permission to give out more but the goal is only one! :-)
If you do this I will forever be in your debt and I grant you good karma for the entire month of Oct.
I will be in the studio for the entire week and at some point (I'll let you know when) I'm goingto bring my video camera in there and have a live feed so you all can get a real feeling of what the studio is all about, how I do my thing in there, you'll here very short clips of the new songs, all that jazz. It should be fun...
Thanks for your continued support in reading these and to those of you that say things to me throughout your day! I'm very lucky and am excited to share this stuff with all of you!
Day two begins soon :-)
Without Wax
HJ
Sunday, September 13, 2009
D-7 I'm Gonna Do It...
I wrote up a big long speech basically about the VMAs tonight, but after typing it all out (and believe me it's not short) I figured my point was not needed and was better left unspoken but I do want to say this.
I want to be apart of the music world more than anything. I want to create and make music for the rest of my life. I want to sell out shows of 40,000 people and I want to put out 25 records that sell in the tens of millions every time. But most of all I want to know that while I was doing all of it I was doing it all for the right reasons. To create. I felt like a lot of that vibe was lost tonight at the VMAs, I wanted to be inspired by the tonight and honestly was put off more than a few times.
I'm not saying I was put off necessarily by the performances or anything like that but it just didn't have any real feeling of support or encouragement for each others successes, and isn't that the point of those shows? To go out and support your friends and creators? Sure everyone wants to win but shouldn't you be there in the mind set of a night to look at the year of yourself as well as your friends and go... Look at what music has done for ALL of us.
Everyone has placed themselves in this "you're not cool unless you can scream how much of a badass you are at the top of your lungs and how to told someone to F off last night... Twice" mode. It's still cool to cheer for someone else right, it's still cool to show support right? It's still cool to be nice, hold doors open for your girlfriend, and appreciate the smaller things in life right? I say if it isn't, I'm gonna do my best to be the loser of the school and carry the groceries for the old lady in the parking lot. And if I get a chance to be the loser in school in front of 20 TV cameras, a live audience of 10,000+ and the entire nation watching me, I'm gonna do it... Aretha talked about "Respect," Frank Sinatra sang about treating people right and still to this day, to some, he's the biggest bad ass of all time.
Have a great day tomorrow at school or at work.
We'll talk more soon.
It's my day in the studio so hopefully something neat comes out of it. :-)
Without wax,
HJ
I want to be apart of the music world more than anything. I want to create and make music for the rest of my life. I want to sell out shows of 40,000 people and I want to put out 25 records that sell in the tens of millions every time. But most of all I want to know that while I was doing all of it I was doing it all for the right reasons. To create. I felt like a lot of that vibe was lost tonight at the VMAs, I wanted to be inspired by the tonight and honestly was put off more than a few times.
I'm not saying I was put off necessarily by the performances or anything like that but it just didn't have any real feeling of support or encouragement for each others successes, and isn't that the point of those shows? To go out and support your friends and creators? Sure everyone wants to win but shouldn't you be there in the mind set of a night to look at the year of yourself as well as your friends and go... Look at what music has done for ALL of us.
Everyone has placed themselves in this "you're not cool unless you can scream how much of a badass you are at the top of your lungs and how to told someone to F off last night... Twice" mode. It's still cool to cheer for someone else right, it's still cool to show support right? It's still cool to be nice, hold doors open for your girlfriend, and appreciate the smaller things in life right? I say if it isn't, I'm gonna do my best to be the loser of the school and carry the groceries for the old lady in the parking lot. And if I get a chance to be the loser in school in front of 20 TV cameras, a live audience of 10,000+ and the entire nation watching me, I'm gonna do it... Aretha talked about "Respect," Frank Sinatra sang about treating people right and still to this day, to some, he's the biggest bad ass of all time.
Have a great day tomorrow at school or at work.
We'll talk more soon.
It's my day in the studio so hopefully something neat comes out of it. :-)
Without wax,
HJ
Saturday, September 12, 2009
D-6 You Can Pick A Lot of Things...
I'm cutting it close but technically I'm still good because it's only 11:21 in Arizona. I've still got 39 minutes to make this happen people!! :-)
I got the chance to play with Laurence Juber (www.laurencejuber.com) and I had a blast! It was a very cool setting for a gig and a very cool opportunity to get to give back a little to a very great cause. It was an honor and a pleasure to play with Laurence and to be asked to perform last night so thank you to all of you who attended and showed your support and donated money to "City of Hope." There's a very special (music filled) place in heaven for all of you :-) Don't you worry I'll stick a few clips from the show up once I get them off my camera so you can spend a minute with Laurence and I. :-)
I got to Arizona this afternoon and was able to spend some quality time with my bestest (I know that's not a word don't worry) friend, my dad, who ended up kicking my ass in bowling which sucks because I pride myself on my bowling ability, never the less I got rocked by the old man! Ego has been deflated about 47%.
I also was greeted by a house full of cookies and fruit punch (which rocks because I don't care if your 5 or 105 homemade cookies can never be a bad thing) and a big hug from my fantastic mom! Coming home feels great every time I get the chance to do it. Sometimes it just feels good to get away from LA even if it's only for a minute or two.
I go into the studio on Monday afternoon and that's when the pressure is on and the tide rises and the winds blow and the floods come up and the dogs perk up and the cats freak out and the magic happens :-) Tomorrow will be a big day to basically cram last second chords, fix me ups, lyric fixes and throat lozenges. We'll be in touch more tomorrow when the true inspiration (hopefully) will show up but the message for today is simple and true.
"There are two ways to get to the top of an oak tree. You can sit on an acorn, or you can climb the tree."
Sleep well my wonderful friends,
HJ
I got the chance to play with Laurence Juber (www.laurencejuber.com) and I had a blast! It was a very cool setting for a gig and a very cool opportunity to get to give back a little to a very great cause. It was an honor and a pleasure to play with Laurence and to be asked to perform last night so thank you to all of you who attended and showed your support and donated money to "City of Hope." There's a very special (music filled) place in heaven for all of you :-) Don't you worry I'll stick a few clips from the show up once I get them off my camera so you can spend a minute with Laurence and I. :-)
I got to Arizona this afternoon and was able to spend some quality time with my bestest (I know that's not a word don't worry) friend, my dad, who ended up kicking my ass in bowling which sucks because I pride myself on my bowling ability, never the less I got rocked by the old man! Ego has been deflated about 47%.
I also was greeted by a house full of cookies and fruit punch (which rocks because I don't care if your 5 or 105 homemade cookies can never be a bad thing) and a big hug from my fantastic mom! Coming home feels great every time I get the chance to do it. Sometimes it just feels good to get away from LA even if it's only for a minute or two.
I go into the studio on Monday afternoon and that's when the pressure is on and the tide rises and the winds blow and the floods come up and the dogs perk up and the cats freak out and the magic happens :-) Tomorrow will be a big day to basically cram last second chords, fix me ups, lyric fixes and throat lozenges. We'll be in touch more tomorrow when the true inspiration (hopefully) will show up but the message for today is simple and true.
"There are two ways to get to the top of an oak tree. You can sit on an acorn, or you can climb the tree."
Sleep well my wonderful friends,
HJ
Friday, September 11, 2009
D-5 San Diego or Bust
Tonights the night a big time dream happens for me! I am playing a show with an incredible musician, Laurence Juber. An absolutely amazing and inspiring guitar player who is probably best known for busting the axe out when playing with Paul McCartney and Wings!
I gotta keep this one short but the message today is, dreams do come true I promise. You gotta dream big to be big! So go for it! Make it happen... You'll have to work for it... Trust me! But do it!
You're awesome,
Without wax...
HJ
-- Posted from my iPhone
I gotta keep this one short but the message today is, dreams do come true I promise. You gotta dream big to be big! So go for it! Make it happen... You'll have to work for it... Trust me! But do it!
You're awesome,
Without wax...
HJ
-- Posted from my iPhone
Thursday, September 10, 2009
D-4 My 100% Best Version of Myself
The studio day is approaching and I'll admit I'm frantically trying to make sure I've got everything in line for the songs. I wish I could say this process was no sweat, I show up with my songs, we play them with the red light flashing, take a few pictures for the art work, stick the music and the pictures in a plastic case, wrap it in the most annoying plastic wrap you've ever touched in your entire life and Boo Yah! New Harley Jay CD! But for some reason it didn't work out hat way for me with the first record and this one isn't too much different.
But you know what is so sweet about this entire process? I'm feel like I can say anything I want. I don't feel like I've really got any need, reason, or excuse to hold back a certain topic. thought, feeling, or sound for that matter. Which also feels really great because it means I can keep my eyes wide open with my head completely cleared and "go, go, go."
The real point to me saying this is not to pat myself on the back and say "way to go Harley for these songs you've beat writers block to the ground, buried it, you're the new high school bully, now let's see who else's ass we can kick!" But for a chance to thank all of you who take time out of your day to read these things, come to the shows, write a thought or feeling on here or anywhere else, pop my CD into your car and blow the windows out listening to "And She Said," sign up for the fan lists, wish me a good day on Facebook, ALL THAT AND MORE because you've given me the hope and spirit to just take a chance and put whatever I'm really thinking about feeling on paper. I always want to put out good music but because of the support you've all put behind me, this second shot at putting out new music seems to be so much more amped and grounded, and I owe that feeling to you.
I'm landing in the studio in three days and will continue to keep my eyes open... wide. To make sure you're getting the real me, the real music, the real experience. What you truly deserve, my 100% best version of myself.
But you know what is so sweet about this entire process? I'm feel like I can say anything I want. I don't feel like I've really got any need, reason, or excuse to hold back a certain topic. thought, feeling, or sound for that matter. Which also feels really great because it means I can keep my eyes wide open with my head completely cleared and "go, go, go."
The real point to me saying this is not to pat myself on the back and say "way to go Harley for these songs you've beat writers block to the ground, buried it, you're the new high school bully, now let's see who else's ass we can kick!" But for a chance to thank all of you who take time out of your day to read these things, come to the shows, write a thought or feeling on here or anywhere else, pop my CD into your car and blow the windows out listening to "And She Said," sign up for the fan lists, wish me a good day on Facebook, ALL THAT AND MORE because you've given me the hope and spirit to just take a chance and put whatever I'm really thinking about feeling on paper. I always want to put out good music but because of the support you've all put behind me, this second shot at putting out new music seems to be so much more amped and grounded, and I owe that feeling to you.
I'm landing in the studio in three days and will continue to keep my eyes open... wide. To make sure you're getting the real me, the real music, the real experience. What you truly deserve, my 100% best version of myself.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
D-3 Simplicity
Here is a video and a song that I really really enjoy. Why? Because it's incredibly simple, honest, and from the heart. Granted I'm a huge fan of Keith Urban anyway, this song honestly is a song I think I'd like even if I'd never heard of him before.
Only You Can Love Me This Way
But at times I think we can all make our lives a little tougher than it really needs to be. Why we do this I haven't quite figured out but I think maybe I have an idea...
My theory is it's just easier to say how hard something is or how pissed you are about it than it would be to use the brain power to make things better or to think of ideas to fix the situation. I think we can all admit that there has been a time (maybe 20) when if we would have just laid off being so mad about the situation we could have fixed it in a much faster time. I'm not saying that getting pissed from time to time is a horrible thing, that's life, it's a roller coaster so ride that loops, twists, turns, and slopes of your emotions. Sometimes you need to throw your hands up and scream but sometimes you need to throw your hands up with joy! Enjoy the ride and the constant rush of the changing speeds and levels. Most times than not I think when we get in a situation that frustrates us we can't always think straight and then we make or life more difficult than it EVER needed to be. So simplify. Breathe, think, and simplify. It's gonna be ok I promise. Life is here for you to be apart of and enjoy so go out and do something crazy like fall in love or buy that extra half pound of peanut butter m&ms.
..............
......
Sign up for the fan mailing list if you haven't done so yet. I promise I wont bug you with smap and random lame stuff but I'll let you know when gigs are and merch comes out and when I buy a dog I'll send you some pictures... if that ever happens :-)
Only You Can Love Me This Way
But at times I think we can all make our lives a little tougher than it really needs to be. Why we do this I haven't quite figured out but I think maybe I have an idea...
My theory is it's just easier to say how hard something is or how pissed you are about it than it would be to use the brain power to make things better or to think of ideas to fix the situation. I think we can all admit that there has been a time (maybe 20) when if we would have just laid off being so mad about the situation we could have fixed it in a much faster time. I'm not saying that getting pissed from time to time is a horrible thing, that's life, it's a roller coaster so ride that loops, twists, turns, and slopes of your emotions. Sometimes you need to throw your hands up and scream but sometimes you need to throw your hands up with joy! Enjoy the ride and the constant rush of the changing speeds and levels. Most times than not I think when we get in a situation that frustrates us we can't always think straight and then we make or life more difficult than it EVER needed to be. So simplify. Breathe, think, and simplify. It's gonna be ok I promise. Life is here for you to be apart of and enjoy so go out and do something crazy like fall in love or buy that extra half pound of peanut butter m&ms.
..............
......
Sign up for the fan mailing list if you haven't done so yet. I promise I wont bug you with smap and random lame stuff but I'll let you know when gigs are and merch comes out and when I buy a dog I'll send you some pictures... if that ever happens :-)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
D-2 Oldie But A Goodie
Here's a little back ground on a tune on the last record called "Maybe I'm Crazy."
Depending on my mood or maybe the topic of the song or how I'm feeling at the time I'm trying to write or whatever, getting lyrics onto the page come either super fast or take weeks to get out. I've got a few songs I've been trying to get the right lyrics for that at over a year old in fact. I like the melodies a lot and I think the topic I'm going for is groovy but can't figure out the right way to say them so I just have to sit on the song and wait it out until the right thing is said I guess. I never want to put anything out there that I don't feel is completely structured or not quite hitting the right spots so I just have to keep the thoughts going to make it happen on the records to come.
With "Maybe I'm Crazy" the lyrics seemed to come out almost too quickly. I started writing the song and had the first verse spouted out in a few minutes. Then I had another verse and another verse, I think I ended up with close to five full verses I could pick and choose from before ever having the chorus out. That is a thing that regularly happens to me.
When I got into the studio we recorded a version of the song with I think "3 and a half-ish" verses and the song ended up being close to 6 minutes long so I had to bail on half of one verse and ended up writing a different third verse all together in the studio and that's what went down when the record button got pushed. Every song that ended up (and pretty much every song I've ever written except maybe two) I've made a solid effort to make sure the lyrics were mine and mine alone. I know that could come out sounding really awful but I only do it that way because I usually write lyrics with a certain image in my head as if I'm reading a book or seeing a movie and picturing different scenes, and I feel if Im the only one writing the lyrics hopefully I can put the image in my head on paper, then onto the recording and maybe give whoever is listening a shot at having some sort of image or movie in their head as well.
Here are a few shots of how "Maybe I'm Crazy" looked on paper. You'l be able to read one of the verses that didn't make it onto the record but maybe someday at an acoustic show or something I'll play an extended version or something so I can try and sneak it all in... :-) I don't know...
Depending on my mood or maybe the topic of the song or how I'm feeling at the time I'm trying to write or whatever, getting lyrics onto the page come either super fast or take weeks to get out. I've got a few songs I've been trying to get the right lyrics for that at over a year old in fact. I like the melodies a lot and I think the topic I'm going for is groovy but can't figure out the right way to say them so I just have to sit on the song and wait it out until the right thing is said I guess. I never want to put anything out there that I don't feel is completely structured or not quite hitting the right spots so I just have to keep the thoughts going to make it happen on the records to come.
With "Maybe I'm Crazy" the lyrics seemed to come out almost too quickly. I started writing the song and had the first verse spouted out in a few minutes. Then I had another verse and another verse, I think I ended up with close to five full verses I could pick and choose from before ever having the chorus out. That is a thing that regularly happens to me.
When I got into the studio we recorded a version of the song with I think "3 and a half-ish" verses and the song ended up being close to 6 minutes long so I had to bail on half of one verse and ended up writing a different third verse all together in the studio and that's what went down when the record button got pushed. Every song that ended up (and pretty much every song I've ever written except maybe two) I've made a solid effort to make sure the lyrics were mine and mine alone. I know that could come out sounding really awful but I only do it that way because I usually write lyrics with a certain image in my head as if I'm reading a book or seeing a movie and picturing different scenes, and I feel if Im the only one writing the lyrics hopefully I can put the image in my head on paper, then onto the recording and maybe give whoever is listening a shot at having some sort of image or movie in their head as well.
Here are a few shots of how "Maybe I'm Crazy" looked on paper. You'l be able to read one of the verses that didn't make it onto the record but maybe someday at an acoustic show or something I'll play an extended version or something so I can try and sneak it all in... :-) I don't know...
Monday, September 7, 2009
D-1 Expect a Duet
Welcome back :-)
So I told you some things were going to be different on the new album. Well here's a surpirse to both of us that I never ever saw coming...
I had been working on a song for a few days for a couple of minutes at a time and had an idea for a song but could exactly word what I wanted to talk about the way I wanted to say it. That is until I played it for someone else who's opinion I really admire and who's talent is truely inspiring. I usually don't play half done songs for anyone unless I'm almost positive I can pull it off with some sort of class but in this case I just couldn't help myself.
I pulled out the guitar and started going for it. After talking about it and toying with the tune for about 15 or 20 minutes the idea came about to turn it into a duet... Who saw that coming?!
We stayed up well past 3am (which seems to be the best time for me to have creative energy for some reason) getting the song in order and I have to say it's one of the most favorite songs I've written to date. :-D
I can't exackt say what it will be called just yet but Im excited to get this one laid out with my band so... expect a duet.
Ok day 1 (D-1) in the books... On ward and up ward!
Without wax,
HJ
-- Posted from my iPhone
So I told you some things were going to be different on the new album. Well here's a surpirse to both of us that I never ever saw coming...
I had been working on a song for a few days for a couple of minutes at a time and had an idea for a song but could exactly word what I wanted to talk about the way I wanted to say it. That is until I played it for someone else who's opinion I really admire and who's talent is truely inspiring. I usually don't play half done songs for anyone unless I'm almost positive I can pull it off with some sort of class but in this case I just couldn't help myself.
I pulled out the guitar and started going for it. After talking about it and toying with the tune for about 15 or 20 minutes the idea came about to turn it into a duet... Who saw that coming?!
We stayed up well past 3am (which seems to be the best time for me to have creative energy for some reason) getting the song in order and I have to say it's one of the most favorite songs I've written to date. :-D
I can't exackt say what it will be called just yet but Im excited to get this one laid out with my band so... expect a duet.
Ok day 1 (D-1) in the books... On ward and up ward!
Without wax,
HJ
-- Posted from my iPhone
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Hopefully You Don't Get Sick of Me...
KA BOOM!
POW!
KA BLAM!
BOO YA!!!
I'm excited can you tell?! So here it comes the official announcement...
I'M GOING BACK INTO THE STUDIO ON SEPTEMBER 13TH (A WEEK AND A DAY FROM TODAY) TO START MY SECOND ALBUM.
But things are changing this time. I'm including all of you in the process much much more this time than I ever even thought about last time. If you don't mind, I'd like you all to join me for the entire process.
Here's what I mean...
Starting TODAY I am going to be blogging (which happens to be a word I hate but that's what it's called so I guess I'll get over it) every single day somedays more than once from right this minute until Oct. 1st. What is the point? Why should you care? How does that include you in this whole make CD thing? I'd be happy to answer that for you :-)
I'm going to put up audio clips, new exclusive videos, I'm even going to play a live online show or two for all of you during which I'll be playing acoustic versions of some of the new songs. But I'll be filling you in on those dates and times in the blog. Don't worry I'll still bug the crap out of you on Twitter too but I'll be going a bit more in depth in the blogs.
The real point for the blog is that I want to try and make each day sort of a journal/documentary style of writing for this entire process of how I make an album and how I write songs, why I write what I write and where all these thoughts and ideas are coming from. I luck out with getting asked these types of questions a lot by you guys and I want you all to hopefully be entertained but also feel apart of my true passion, love, desire, source of life, because after all is said and done I can't do any of this without you, so thank you for keeping me not only able to do what I love but sane in a sense. I owe a lot to all of you and I hope you know I'll never take it or any of you for granted.
Thanks to the iPhone I can blog from the studio with video, audio, pictures, all that stuff. So I'll try and keep you as in with me as possible without giving away too much of the entire record at the same time.
I will say this about the record without even being in the studio yet.
- I'm going a slightly different route with it but still keeping it me.
-Here's what I mean-
I've been listening to A LOT of older types of rock n roll the past year and it has really influenced the way I write, the things I think about and the things I put down on paper. Bands like Aerosmith, Journey, Jude Cole, Def Leppard, Kenny Loggins, Scorpions, Zepplin, Van Halen, The Who, that sort of thing. But I'm always going to love the rock/pop kats of country like Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, the list keeps going so this next record is going to be a bit more of a rock n roll take on my stuff. I'm really pushing for Keith Urban meets Kenny Loggins with a pinch of old school rock. Don't worry I'll leave out the "key-tars" and fancy synth sounds but all the bands I mentioned are guitar and voice driven which is right where I would like to belong. Big vocals, great guitar lines, tons of energy, just letting loose and that's what I want to put out for you guys.
This is a lot of information at once but I want to get it all out there right from the start to put all of us (including myself) on the same page.
I'll jot down a few tunes that have really stuck with me to give you an idea of what I'm talking about... Check them out when you get a free minute and enjoy the ride.
- Van Halen - Finish What Ya Started
- Jude Cole - Baby, It's Tonight
- Def Leppard - Photograph
- Keith Urban - If Ever I Could Love
- Kenny Loggins I'm Free (Heaven Helps a Man)
That should get you started on the listening station front :-)
There's more sorry...
I'm trying to get an email list going so I can send out contest info, show updates, record info. pictures, news, that sort of thing to make sure everyone is always included so I thought I'd get that set up this way.
If you have a free minute or two and would like to be on the list fill out this short little form and submit it. That will stick you on the list and I promise I'll never spam you or ask for things like money or for Christmas presents but I'll make sure you know whats going on with shows whether they are online or in you city. You'll also be caught up with contests, other online type videos or prizes and pictures, that sort of thing.
Here's the little Q&A thanks for your help...
Thanks for the LOVE!! Gosh you're awesome.
Ok I'm leaving you with this...
Thank You from the bottom of my heart, I said this before but I couldn't do ANY of this without you. It just wouldn't be possible so thank you so much for sticking with me for the past year 2 years month, week, or the past 15 minutes. I'm a blessed and incredibly lucky guy and I can't tell you all enough how honored I am that you would not only be apart of my life but include me in yours.
POW!
KA BLAM!
BOO YA!!!
I'm excited can you tell?! So here it comes the official announcement...
I'M GOING BACK INTO THE STUDIO ON SEPTEMBER 13TH (A WEEK AND A DAY FROM TODAY) TO START MY SECOND ALBUM.
But things are changing this time. I'm including all of you in the process much much more this time than I ever even thought about last time. If you don't mind, I'd like you all to join me for the entire process.
Here's what I mean...
Starting TODAY I am going to be blogging (which happens to be a word I hate but that's what it's called so I guess I'll get over it) every single day somedays more than once from right this minute until Oct. 1st. What is the point? Why should you care? How does that include you in this whole make CD thing? I'd be happy to answer that for you :-)
I'm going to put up audio clips, new exclusive videos, I'm even going to play a live online show or two for all of you during which I'll be playing acoustic versions of some of the new songs. But I'll be filling you in on those dates and times in the blog. Don't worry I'll still bug the crap out of you on Twitter too but I'll be going a bit more in depth in the blogs.
The real point for the blog is that I want to try and make each day sort of a journal/documentary style of writing for this entire process of how I make an album and how I write songs, why I write what I write and where all these thoughts and ideas are coming from. I luck out with getting asked these types of questions a lot by you guys and I want you all to hopefully be entertained but also feel apart of my true passion, love, desire, source of life, because after all is said and done I can't do any of this without you, so thank you for keeping me not only able to do what I love but sane in a sense. I owe a lot to all of you and I hope you know I'll never take it or any of you for granted.
Thanks to the iPhone I can blog from the studio with video, audio, pictures, all that stuff. So I'll try and keep you as in with me as possible without giving away too much of the entire record at the same time.
I will say this about the record without even being in the studio yet.
- I'm going a slightly different route with it but still keeping it me.
-Here's what I mean-
I've been listening to A LOT of older types of rock n roll the past year and it has really influenced the way I write, the things I think about and the things I put down on paper. Bands like Aerosmith, Journey, Jude Cole, Def Leppard, Kenny Loggins, Scorpions, Zepplin, Van Halen, The Who, that sort of thing. But I'm always going to love the rock/pop kats of country like Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, the list keeps going so this next record is going to be a bit more of a rock n roll take on my stuff. I'm really pushing for Keith Urban meets Kenny Loggins with a pinch of old school rock. Don't worry I'll leave out the "key-tars" and fancy synth sounds but all the bands I mentioned are guitar and voice driven which is right where I would like to belong. Big vocals, great guitar lines, tons of energy, just letting loose and that's what I want to put out for you guys.
This is a lot of information at once but I want to get it all out there right from the start to put all of us (including myself) on the same page.
I'll jot down a few tunes that have really stuck with me to give you an idea of what I'm talking about... Check them out when you get a free minute and enjoy the ride.
- Van Halen - Finish What Ya Started
- Jude Cole - Baby, It's Tonight
- Def Leppard - Photograph
- Keith Urban - If Ever I Could Love
- Kenny Loggins I'm Free (Heaven Helps a Man)
That should get you started on the listening station front :-)
There's more sorry...
I'm trying to get an email list going so I can send out contest info, show updates, record info. pictures, news, that sort of thing to make sure everyone is always included so I thought I'd get that set up this way.
If you have a free minute or two and would like to be on the list fill out this short little form and submit it. That will stick you on the list and I promise I'll never spam you or ask for things like money or for Christmas presents but I'll make sure you know whats going on with shows whether they are online or in you city. You'll also be caught up with contests, other online type videos or prizes and pictures, that sort of thing.
Here's the little Q&A thanks for your help...
Thanks for the LOVE!! Gosh you're awesome.
Ok I'm leaving you with this...
Thank You from the bottom of my heart, I said this before but I couldn't do ANY of this without you. It just wouldn't be possible so thank you so much for sticking with me for the past year 2 years month, week, or the past 15 minutes. I'm a blessed and incredibly lucky guy and I can't tell you all enough how honored I am that you would not only be apart of my life but include me in yours.
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