For all of my life I've been a professional musician. For most of that time I've been what I call a "journeyman." What I mean by that is that I am a professional, which entails a lot of different things, including the ability to play in a lot of different styles, in a lot of different situations, some of which require specific clothing, and attention to myriads of other details.
In recent years, I have finally found my own voice, and have been writing, recording, playing, and promoting my own material. I'm doing my best, like so many other independent musicians, to get a handle on this challenging, ever-changing business. As a result, I occasionally run across an article or opinion that talks about increasing your exposure by affiliating with a "cause." It always seems to me that using a non-profit organization and their network of affiliates to further my own cause is a pretty cold-hearted way of building my career.
At the same time, I've actually been searching for a "cause" for a long time. I've always been happy to assist just about any cause and am usually the first one to say yes when someone is putting on a fundraiser or raising awareness about their own cause. I've done shows for innumerable individuals, and I don't know how many non-profit agencies. Although I'm always happy to help, none of those causes have ever been personal to me. I had yet to find something that I felt could change the world and affect people's lives in a positvie way.
Well, in May of last year, my life changed. I became very sick and entered into a fight for my life. So far, I'm winning. I'm currently active on the liver transplant waiting list, but have become healthy enough to begin to work a little, to work out, to travel, and to pursue my career again. In the process, I've found a cause. I wouldn't recommend this as a way to find a cause, but all of a sudden I have something that affects me and tens of thousands of other people in a very real, life-dependent way.
Since February of 2010, I've become involved in organ donation education and registration. I believe in it, and one day my very life may depend upon the success of our efforts.
And, as the "experts" have written, my career trajectory is already changing because of it. The change is mainly a result of my commitment to the cause. I've been representing Donate Life California at community events as we talk to people and help them make the decision to register as organ donors. I've been attending their meetings every month. I've gone through their training for classroom teachers, and will be teaching my first high school science class about organ donation next week. I've helped to make 1" buttons for different events. I've stuffed packages for conferences. I've helped input donor information into the digital database. I've volunteered as chairman of a committee. And there's a lot more to come.
So, how does that fit into my career as a musician? Well, my music is a product of my life. In the same way that I can't affiliate with a cause just because it has the biggest chance of helping my personal career, I can only write what I know. I don't try to contrive scenarios about which to write, I have way too much stuff going on in my own life to need to make things up. As a result, I've begun to write about what I've gone through over the past sixteen months.
Because of my commitment to the cause, I was asked to speak at a conference for doctors and nurses, along with a group of eight transplant recipients. We each shared briefly about our dreams, and all of the others spoke about dreams that they've been able to experience as a result of their transplants. As the only pre-transplant patient, I could only speak about what a transplant will mean to me. The invitation to speak came in the form of an e-mail, and I immediately responded yes, and attached a song to my reply. In my reply, I offered to do whatever I can to help, including playing at the conference, providing back-up music for some of the creative elements of the event, or whatever they might need.
Well, they took me up on the offer, and I was able to perform a song during that small segment, plus I played during their lunch break. They offered me marketing space, so I was able to sell some CD's, plus they voluntarily paid me a small honorarium, and I've now entered their radar because the national chairwoman of the organization was the emcee and she really liked what I did, and so now I'm being considered (and now I'm actually being recommended by the organization) for some national-level events. (You can view the simple video of it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u2nYWWjZZI )
So, to finally get to my point . . . yes, it's good to read as much as you can regarding this crazy business that we love. Yes, it's good to be affiliated with a worthy cause. However, know that the large organizations have been approached by a lot of people trying to use them for their connections, and they're often very leery of being used. You must be aware that you need to give a satisfactory answer to the one question in their minds: What can YOU do for US?
We so frequently get wrapped up in our own stuff that we get that question backwards, and we only want to play for people or at places that can do something for US. If they have a big event, suddenly we want to be listed on the bill. If there's a concert coming to town, we want to get in front of that band's fans. If there's a local music venue, we want them to pay us to play. Many independent bands are coming to grips with scratching each other's backs, but they expect so much more from the local club or from the non-profit organization that they get involved with. We expect to get paid more. We expect them to do more promotion and advertising. We give off the vibe that we're only looking to take, take, take.
In regards to clubs, concert promoters, and non-profits alike, to be successful in the long run and over the long haul, it MUST be a win-win situation. Yes, affiliate with a cause (or a club or promoter), but be wary of wanting to start at the top. Learn about them (or their clientele). It's especially important with non-profits to learn the issues that matter to them. Learn to speak clearly about those issues. Get to know them. Volunteer to help with whatever they need at that next big event. Show up, on time, appropriately dressed, and participate with them. Let them get to know you.
You'll find that what happens is that all of a sudden you'll start to be in the know. When they start planning that next big event, you'll know about it well in advance, and when it comes time to decide on an opening act for that big benefit concert, they'll listen to you when you say that you'd like a chance to be part of the bill.
When you get the chance to be on that bill, you'll get the chance to REALLY make a difference for that cause. You'll be fully prepared, ready to speak out, able to make a positive contribution to the world.
In return, your career will reap the benefits, just like the "experts" say you will. I've just seen it first-hand.
Before I close this entry . . . I hope you're an organ donor. If you have questions about it and/or want to connect with your state's (or country's) donor registry, go to: http://www.donatelife.net/
Talk soon --
Brother Dan
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Thoughts about the recording process
I recently received the following note on my FaceBook page:
"Dear Dan:
I heard your concert was amazing and that you feel a lot better now. I’m really happy for you. And I also heard that you recorded a new album… Congratulations! How long did it take you? My band and I have been trying to record something for ages, but we just can’t seem to get things right when we start recording. Basically, I usually catch a cold and my voice sounds all weird. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something."
************
I thought this note warranted a response, and have copied my response below. I'd love to hear what you think . . .
Dear ____:
Yes, the concert was great, and it really feels good to be playing again.
The new album turned out good. The arrangements are simple and straightforward acoustic arrangements, and I'm pretty happy how they turned out. Because I get tired easily, I did the project in a series of sessions. The studio is about 2 1/2 hours from where I live, so I would usually go up the day before the session and get a good night's rest, then spend 5 to 8 hours in the studio followed by a couple of more hours mixing and fixing little things the following day, before returning home. I got all of the instruments and vocals done in about four sessions like that, and then mixing and mastering took another session. It was complete in a couple of months.
As for recording with your own band, there are a lot of things we could talk about. To start, I would recommend simply recording yourselves on a regular basis, then listening to it the next day. It doesn't have to be in a studio or done with any sophisticated equipment. Just start recording your rehearsals and get used to hearing yourselves. You'll find things you like musically, things you don't like, plus you'll get used to knowing that you're being recorded.
When it comes times to go into a studio, there are different ways to do it. You can all play at the same time, or you can take turns playing your parts. Both ways have advantages, disadvantages, and challenges. For me, since the band revolves around my songwriting, I start with a click track, then play my guitar and sing simultaneously while recording "scratch" tracks. That simply means I'm going to re-record those parts. Then, I go back and play my guitar parts until I get them right. Next, I begin to bring in the players, usually the drummer and/or bass player, followed by percussion, then lead instruments (guitar, sax, etc.), and finally re-record my vocals ("final" vocals) followed by backup vocals. Each player is recorded one at a time.
There are reasons why I do things like that, and as you experiment you'll find your own way to do it.
The biggest challenge is overcoming perfectionism. You simply need to record yourself. It's hard to listen to yourself at first, because what you hear in your own head is different than what your audience hears. We think we sound as good as or better than what we hear on the radio, but much of what we hear on the radio is produced in top-notch studios by players and engineers with a lot of experience, plus they've spent a LOT of money.
Finally, it's really exciting when we get the chance to record, and a lot of times, I have a hard time sleeping and getting the rest I need before a session. For scratch vocals and guitar parts, I can get away with it, but when it's time for the final vocals, I need to be in the best possible condition and frame of mind.
On my most recent project, I was not in optimal condition because of the health challenges I've had over the past year, but I haven't told anyone that I feel that way. In fact, it's not that I'm not in optimal condition as much as my voice is different, after having my vocal cords bruised when I died and was subsequently revived. I've made no excuses, and still I'm proud of my work because it's the best I could do. Most of my fans say that my voice sounds better than ever. I simply know it's a bit different. The point is: it's not my job to be critical of my work. I have things to say that I believe people need (and want) to hear. It's my job to express those thoughts as clearly as I can. Some people will like it, some people won't. If I don't record those thoughts, they won't have the chance to consider what I have to say. Once they do hear what I have to say, they can accept it or reject it, and I try to make sure that they must do one or the other.
So, I encourage you to record as much as you can. Hear yourself as others hear you. Share your music with the world.
Talk soon . . .
Brother Dan
http://www.brotherdanpalmer.com/
http://www.donatelife.net/
"Dear Dan:
I heard your concert was amazing and that you feel a lot better now. I’m really happy for you. And I also heard that you recorded a new album… Congratulations! How long did it take you? My band and I have been trying to record something for ages, but we just can’t seem to get things right when we start recording. Basically, I usually catch a cold and my voice sounds all weird. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something."
************
I thought this note warranted a response, and have copied my response below. I'd love to hear what you think . . .
Dear ____:
Yes, the concert was great, and it really feels good to be playing again.
The new album turned out good. The arrangements are simple and straightforward acoustic arrangements, and I'm pretty happy how they turned out. Because I get tired easily, I did the project in a series of sessions. The studio is about 2 1/2 hours from where I live, so I would usually go up the day before the session and get a good night's rest, then spend 5 to 8 hours in the studio followed by a couple of more hours mixing and fixing little things the following day, before returning home. I got all of the instruments and vocals done in about four sessions like that, and then mixing and mastering took another session. It was complete in a couple of months.
As for recording with your own band, there are a lot of things we could talk about. To start, I would recommend simply recording yourselves on a regular basis, then listening to it the next day. It doesn't have to be in a studio or done with any sophisticated equipment. Just start recording your rehearsals and get used to hearing yourselves. You'll find things you like musically, things you don't like, plus you'll get used to knowing that you're being recorded.
When it comes times to go into a studio, there are different ways to do it. You can all play at the same time, or you can take turns playing your parts. Both ways have advantages, disadvantages, and challenges. For me, since the band revolves around my songwriting, I start with a click track, then play my guitar and sing simultaneously while recording "scratch" tracks. That simply means I'm going to re-record those parts. Then, I go back and play my guitar parts until I get them right. Next, I begin to bring in the players, usually the drummer and/or bass player, followed by percussion, then lead instruments (guitar, sax, etc.), and finally re-record my vocals ("final" vocals) followed by backup vocals. Each player is recorded one at a time.
There are reasons why I do things like that, and as you experiment you'll find your own way to do it.
The biggest challenge is overcoming perfectionism. You simply need to record yourself. It's hard to listen to yourself at first, because what you hear in your own head is different than what your audience hears. We think we sound as good as or better than what we hear on the radio, but much of what we hear on the radio is produced in top-notch studios by players and engineers with a lot of experience, plus they've spent a LOT of money.
Finally, it's really exciting when we get the chance to record, and a lot of times, I have a hard time sleeping and getting the rest I need before a session. For scratch vocals and guitar parts, I can get away with it, but when it's time for the final vocals, I need to be in the best possible condition and frame of mind.
On my most recent project, I was not in optimal condition because of the health challenges I've had over the past year, but I haven't told anyone that I feel that way. In fact, it's not that I'm not in optimal condition as much as my voice is different, after having my vocal cords bruised when I died and was subsequently revived. I've made no excuses, and still I'm proud of my work because it's the best I could do. Most of my fans say that my voice sounds better than ever. I simply know it's a bit different. The point is: it's not my job to be critical of my work. I have things to say that I believe people need (and want) to hear. It's my job to express those thoughts as clearly as I can. Some people will like it, some people won't. If I don't record those thoughts, they won't have the chance to consider what I have to say. Once they do hear what I have to say, they can accept it or reject it, and I try to make sure that they must do one or the other.
So, I encourage you to record as much as you can. Hear yourself as others hear you. Share your music with the world.
Talk soon . . .
Brother Dan
http://www.brotherdanpalmer.com/
http://www.donatelife.net/
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Next stop: Black Rock City!
Well, I get to go to my favorite city in the world, leaving tomorrow morning. What city is that, you ask? Well, I'm glad you asked . . .
Black Rock City, NV, USA. I've gotten mixed reports, but it's either the 5th or 7th largest city in Nevada. However, you won't find it on a map (unless you look for it at Google World). The amazing part is that it only exists for one week every year. It has its own zip code and post office, its own public works department, and all of the accompanying infrastructure. It's patrolled by law enforcement officers, federal wardens, and private security. Fire fighting agencies and emergency facilities and personnel are on-site and available to all citizens 24/7.
But there are a lot of things that it doesn't have, plus many things that you won't find in any other city in the world. There are no advertisements. There are no banks. There is a very noticeable lack of commercial and money-making ventures.
You can walk into a restaurant (although they're not on every corner) during their open hours, have a meal, and there's no tab, no tip. You can walk into incredible night clubs, some with live bands, many with djs, all with great sound systems, and there's no cover charge and no tipping the door man. You can go to the local coffee shop and order a cappuccino, or latte, or your favorite tea, all at no charge. There are even bars (quite a few of them, actually), again, without a charge, although they're subject to the same laws that every bar is, including the fact that you must be 21 to consume alcohol (and please bring your own cup).
You are free to dress (or not) any way you'd like. You must know, though, that regardless of how you're dressed, you ARE part of the show, and part of the radical experiment in self-expression, freedom, and co-reliance that is Burning Man.
If you ever get the chance to go, please remember that you are required to register your camera, and must have permission from people to take their picture. If your camera's not properly tagged, or you start filming indiscriminately, someone WILL say something. Further, you can't sell pictures, with the exception of a few official, pre-registered, professional photographers.
All that's expected of participants is respect of yourself and of others, respect of the environment, and peaceful co-existence. Participants must bring everything necessary for survival, although the city does provide bathroom facilities. If you don't bring it, or didn't bring enough, you become dependent upon the citizens around you, and vice versa. That in itself is a cool part of it as you meet your neighbors, who may have traveled there from any given place in the world.
And, when you leave, you are to LEAVE NO TRACE of your having been there. This community takes the "pack it in, pack it out" mantra that started with hikers and backcountry enthusiasts to a whole new level.
After hosting somewhere around 40,000 people in the middle of a desert that's devoid of vegetation, last year there was less than a 3ft by 3ft area covered by the collected detritus left behind, after the final raking and painstaking inch-by-inch inspection of the approximately 25 square mile area.
On top of all that, add some of the most incredible art installations you can imagine, and you have a recipe for an amazing few days. Music, dance, painting, sculpture, even massage, yoga, recreation, healing, and virtually every other art form you can imagine is represented.
I will be sharing something with the community, as every participant does in one way or another. For me, I get to share the gift of music with an as-yet-undetermined number of my fellow citizens, among other things. I get to play a set in Center Camp, the hub of the city, on Friday morning. I've produced a very limited edition EP that will be free to whoever is there that wants one, while supplies last. I will get to love my fellow citizens for a little while, and that love will be multiplied exponentially and returned to me a hundred fold.
The two days and nights I spend in the city will be all that I get to enjoy my hometown this year. Fortunately, those two days will get me through the rest of the year, and the love I receive there will sustain me for a year, plus I'll have enough love left over to pass on to the world around me.
There's a live video stream from the playa this year. Check it out at: http://www.ustream.tv/burningman Look for me, I'll be the guy with the big smile on his face.
Thanks for dropping by. I'll check in next week.
I'm going home.
Love,
Brother Dan
http://www.brotherdanpalmer.com/
Black Rock City, NV, USA. I've gotten mixed reports, but it's either the 5th or 7th largest city in Nevada. However, you won't find it on a map (unless you look for it at Google World). The amazing part is that it only exists for one week every year. It has its own zip code and post office, its own public works department, and all of the accompanying infrastructure. It's patrolled by law enforcement officers, federal wardens, and private security. Fire fighting agencies and emergency facilities and personnel are on-site and available to all citizens 24/7.
But there are a lot of things that it doesn't have, plus many things that you won't find in any other city in the world. There are no advertisements. There are no banks. There is a very noticeable lack of commercial and money-making ventures.
You can walk into a restaurant (although they're not on every corner) during their open hours, have a meal, and there's no tab, no tip. You can walk into incredible night clubs, some with live bands, many with djs, all with great sound systems, and there's no cover charge and no tipping the door man. You can go to the local coffee shop and order a cappuccino, or latte, or your favorite tea, all at no charge. There are even bars (quite a few of them, actually), again, without a charge, although they're subject to the same laws that every bar is, including the fact that you must be 21 to consume alcohol (and please bring your own cup).
You are free to dress (or not) any way you'd like. You must know, though, that regardless of how you're dressed, you ARE part of the show, and part of the radical experiment in self-expression, freedom, and co-reliance that is Burning Man.
If you ever get the chance to go, please remember that you are required to register your camera, and must have permission from people to take their picture. If your camera's not properly tagged, or you start filming indiscriminately, someone WILL say something. Further, you can't sell pictures, with the exception of a few official, pre-registered, professional photographers.
All that's expected of participants is respect of yourself and of others, respect of the environment, and peaceful co-existence. Participants must bring everything necessary for survival, although the city does provide bathroom facilities. If you don't bring it, or didn't bring enough, you become dependent upon the citizens around you, and vice versa. That in itself is a cool part of it as you meet your neighbors, who may have traveled there from any given place in the world.
And, when you leave, you are to LEAVE NO TRACE of your having been there. This community takes the "pack it in, pack it out" mantra that started with hikers and backcountry enthusiasts to a whole new level.
After hosting somewhere around 40,000 people in the middle of a desert that's devoid of vegetation, last year there was less than a 3ft by 3ft area covered by the collected detritus left behind, after the final raking and painstaking inch-by-inch inspection of the approximately 25 square mile area.
On top of all that, add some of the most incredible art installations you can imagine, and you have a recipe for an amazing few days. Music, dance, painting, sculpture, even massage, yoga, recreation, healing, and virtually every other art form you can imagine is represented.
I will be sharing something with the community, as every participant does in one way or another. For me, I get to share the gift of music with an as-yet-undetermined number of my fellow citizens, among other things. I get to play a set in Center Camp, the hub of the city, on Friday morning. I've produced a very limited edition EP that will be free to whoever is there that wants one, while supplies last. I will get to love my fellow citizens for a little while, and that love will be multiplied exponentially and returned to me a hundred fold.
The two days and nights I spend in the city will be all that I get to enjoy my hometown this year. Fortunately, those two days will get me through the rest of the year, and the love I receive there will sustain me for a year, plus I'll have enough love left over to pass on to the world around me.
There's a live video stream from the playa this year. Check it out at: http://www.ustream.tv/burningman Look for me, I'll be the guy with the big smile on his face.
Thanks for dropping by. I'll check in next week.
I'm going home.
Love,
Brother Dan
http://www.brotherdanpalmer.com/
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