Thursday, May 20, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Kailin Garrity Wakes Up Before You Do
Kailin Garrity is pretty much on fire right now. She's in the middle of recording her next album with Sam Bisbee and Steve Addabbo. She's been a full time musician for the past four years, rocking out in New York City and this past fall she was on a college tour playing over 50 shows around the US. You know what that means right? Dolla dolla bills.
Kailin is inspiring because she never stops. She's a very intuitive girl that is led by her heart. She describes the moment she knew she was meant to be a singer songwriter. "I was interning for the summer here in the city at a music production company and walked into The Bitter End one night. Everything inside was telling me that I had to play on that stage, so I introduced myself to the owner, booked a gig shortly after, formed a band and basically haven't looked back since."
On advice to other musicians, "Being a musician is a progression and not something that just happens over night. You have to be willing to give everything you have, sleep little and challenge yourself everyday. I wouldn't say I've mastered or have even come close to what I see in my mind but I am working towards that goal everyday."
An you know what? If you think Kailin is resting on her singer-songwriter laurels and out getting wasted every night and sleeping till noon, you're wrong!! This girl is industrious. "A typical day for me would be waking up as early as I possibly can which usually means 8:30-9..going through my e-mails, feeling over whelmed for a bit until I have some coffee, playing guitar and working on music for the rest of the day."
On her creative process, "Writing is a complicated process. You're always trying to find your truth. Trying to say something that's never been said before or if it has, saying it in your own unique voice. These songs (on her upcoming album) are so close to my heart and give me chills when I hear them, that's how I know I'm doing something right.
Sweet Facts About Kailin Which May Come in Handy If You're Trying To Date Her
- she loves hummus
- she loves goobers
- she knows every line from Dumb and Dumber
Her next show is June 10th at Rockwood Music Hall at 7pm.
Say Hi to her! Email Kailin
Listen to her songs on Myspace
Elliot Jacobson is Famous, In My Opinion
Elliot Jacobson is pretty famous these days. I'm lucky enough to not only have had the pleasure of playing with Elliot, but I am also his Facebook friend. I caught up with him at 3am while he was on break from playing drums for Ingrid Michaelson at his home in Brooklyn. Elliot is the go - to drummer for singer/songwriters in New York. He's currently working on four different albums with Lelia Broussard, Bess Rogers (guitarist for Ingrid Michaelson), Dan Romer, and a "top secret" album that is probably with someone famous so he can't tell me. He just recently finished recording the single "Parachute" for Ingrid Michaelson which will be hitting iTunes soon.
He'll be on tour all summer with Ingrid Michaelson including dates at Bonnaroo and the Lillith Fair. So basically, he's living the dream.
A little snippet from our facebook interview:
Me: When did you start playing drums, and how did you meet Ingrid (Michaelson)?
Ellitot: I started in the 6th grade in the school band. I met Ingrid when I was in college on Staten Island, where she's from and was living at the time. Her drummer quit a few days before she was set to record "Slow The Rain", the album that came before "Girls and Boys". So she asked if I could jump in and do it, and I did. That was almost 7 years ago.
Me: You went to Wagner College, what was your major?
Elliot: Right. My major was called Arts Administration. Sort of a combined business and arts thing.
Me: How was the rest of the band formed?
Elliot: At the time, Chris Kuffner was already playing with Ingrid. So for a while, we were a trio. We recorded that first album as a trio. Then Ingrid wanted to make it into more of a band and take her music in a new direction, inspired by a lot of what she was listening to at the time. So she added a few guitar players/singers. Over the years, people have come and gone, and eventually Allie Moss, then Bess Rogers, and finally Dan Romer were added and became the permanent band.
Me: What have been the biggest changes you've seen since you first started in the places you were playing back then compared to now?
Elliot:When we first started, we played Martini Red, a tiny artsy bar on Staten Island. Then we did a lot of shows at The Bitter End in Manhattan. We also played a lot of bars that have since closed down. We really paid our dues around town. We didn't even play out of town until she got her first placement and that show was at The Tin Angel in Philly. (2007)
The biggest changes from my perspective have been playing to thousands instead of dozens, signing autographs, and touring in a proper bus. It's pretty nuts compared to the shows we used to do.
Me: What do you think you do that's made you successful?
Elliot:I think an important thing I do is push myself to rise and meet the new challenges that come with the success. The work is different now and a lot more demanding. I always try to find ways to improve my playing, my sound, and my performance.
Me:What's your favorite way to entertain yourself on the road?
Elliot:On the road, stupid YouTube videos are priceless. If there's time, and there rarely is, I try and get out and see the cities where we play. That's always awesome when there's time to explore.
Me:Who's your favorite drummer?
Elliot:JJ Johnson, he used to play with John Mayer but doesn't anymore. My favorite band is Phoenix, it's a very interesting record and I'm learning a lot from it.
Me: How do you feel about Lady Gaga?
Elliot: I love Lady Gaga
Me: Mac or PC?
Elliot: Mac
Me: What do you want to do when you grow up?
Elliot: When I grow up I want to expand my healthy musician stuff and make fitness and nutrition easy for musicians.
Besides being a superstar drummer, Elliot is a healthy superstar drummer, and you should probably take his advice at The Healthy Musician
You should also follow Elliot on Twitter.
He'll be on tour all summer with Ingrid Michaelson including dates at Bonnaroo and the Lillith Fair. So basically, he's living the dream.
A little snippet from our facebook interview:
Me: When did you start playing drums, and how did you meet Ingrid (Michaelson)?
Ellitot: I started in the 6th grade in the school band. I met Ingrid when I was in college on Staten Island, where she's from and was living at the time. Her drummer quit a few days before she was set to record "Slow The Rain", the album that came before "Girls and Boys". So she asked if I could jump in and do it, and I did. That was almost 7 years ago.
Me: You went to Wagner College, what was your major?
Elliot: Right. My major was called Arts Administration. Sort of a combined business and arts thing.
Me: How was the rest of the band formed?
Elliot: At the time, Chris Kuffner was already playing with Ingrid. So for a while, we were a trio. We recorded that first album as a trio. Then Ingrid wanted to make it into more of a band and take her music in a new direction, inspired by a lot of what she was listening to at the time. So she added a few guitar players/singers. Over the years, people have come and gone, and eventually Allie Moss, then Bess Rogers, and finally Dan Romer were added and became the permanent band.
Me: What have been the biggest changes you've seen since you first started in the places you were playing back then compared to now?
Elliot:When we first started, we played Martini Red, a tiny artsy bar on Staten Island. Then we did a lot of shows at The Bitter End in Manhattan. We also played a lot of bars that have since closed down. We really paid our dues around town. We didn't even play out of town until she got her first placement and that show was at The Tin Angel in Philly. (2007)
The biggest changes from my perspective have been playing to thousands instead of dozens, signing autographs, and touring in a proper bus. It's pretty nuts compared to the shows we used to do.
Me: What do you think you do that's made you successful?
Elliot:I think an important thing I do is push myself to rise and meet the new challenges that come with the success. The work is different now and a lot more demanding. I always try to find ways to improve my playing, my sound, and my performance.
Me:What's your favorite way to entertain yourself on the road?
Elliot:On the road, stupid YouTube videos are priceless. If there's time, and there rarely is, I try and get out and see the cities where we play. That's always awesome when there's time to explore.
Me:Who's your favorite drummer?
Elliot:JJ Johnson, he used to play with John Mayer but doesn't anymore. My favorite band is Phoenix, it's a very interesting record and I'm learning a lot from it.
Me: How do you feel about Lady Gaga?
Elliot: I love Lady Gaga
Me: Mac or PC?
Elliot: Mac
Me: What do you want to do when you grow up?
Elliot: When I grow up I want to expand my healthy musician stuff and make fitness and nutrition easy for musicians.
Besides being a superstar drummer, Elliot is a healthy superstar drummer, and you should probably take his advice at The Healthy Musician
You should also follow Elliot on Twitter.
Best and Worst Venues For Singer Songwriters IN NYC Best and Worst
Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion. They are my favorite places to play and watch singer songwriters in New York.
BEST
1. Bitter End
147 Bleeker St.
A lot more people know about the Bitter End now than a year ago. I believe that is because a clip of Lady Gaga playing there when she was 16 was shown on a Barbara Walters special, and that really gets people's attention. It's right on Bleeker street, and it's basically a must play spot, as well as a great place to stop in random nights and catch your friends shows or a jam.
2.The Living Room
154 Ludlow St.
This is one of my very favorite venues in New York as they have an upstairs and downstairs, and any night you stop by you are gauranteed to see an amazing act playing. Best part is that it's FREE.
3.Piano's
158 Ludlow St.
The neighbor to the Living Room, another quality spot. Also FREE.
4.Canal Room
285 West Broadway
The booking here is selective, but it's upscale, there's a spot for artists to hang out before the show, and the sound and stage set up is fantastic.
5. Arlene's Grocery
95 Stanton
Okay, so this doesn't exactly cater to the sensitive soulful types, it's more of a rock venue, but I have actually played this venue semi acoustic and it was fantastic. I bought a recording of my performance and the sound was excellent.
6. Rockwood
184 Allen St.
You can't really mention singer/songwriters in New York without mentioning Rockwood. And it's FREE.
WORST
169 Bar
This place is no good. They charge a ridiculous cover and capitalize on brand new musicians that don't know any better or people that are not good enough to book other shows. To be fair I haven't been back in about 4 years, so maybe it's better now. I would go back there if you paid me.
Hidden Gems
1.Slane
102 MacDougal St.
2.Lilly Coogans
1st Ave at 6th St.
3. Ten Eleven Bar
1011 Ave C
4.Banjo Jim's
1st Ave at 9th St.
5.Pete's Candy Store
709 Lorimer
Williamsburg, BK
6. The National Underground
169 East Houston
Caleb Hawley is Lady Gaga
A few things about Caleb Hawley. He can SING. He is hilarious. He can play guitar like a mofo. He's a Pisces. He's from Wisconsin. Caleb is a Berklee grad and now lives in New York. I played a show in Buffalo with Caleb last year, and the most memorable moment by far was his closing the show. He put his guitar down and plugged in his iPod and proceeded to do a musical theatre - esque torch song about how to buy his album.
About a week ago I caught Caleb playing a cover show at Caffe Vivaldi, a Lady Gaga cover show. This show was complete with costumes, wigs, dancing, and fake blood for the Paparazzi number.
The house was PACKED, and everyone had the best time ever. I absolutely loved it and I was completely sober. His current album, Steps is available on his website, and his next show in New York is at the Living Room on June 11th.
I asked Caleb what the world should know about him, he told me this:
""Man, anything the world should know. Geez. Music or life?
My musical hero is Randy Newman. I started off rockin' metallica, but then drifted towards blues music after being given a keb mo cd for christmas. My first performance was a medley of Nirvana and Metallica hits at my 6th grade talent show. I headbanged so hard that my my head nearly snapped off. I've failed at American Idol twice... forgot the lyrics in both cases. hmmm.. In highschool I turned into a Jazz Snob, and thought that most music was "shallow" unless it has 79.8 chords in every song. I came to the realization when I was about 22 1/2 that I love Pop music, and it's a good thing because jazz is dead. Now as a songwriter, I try to be accessible while still keeping some complexity. That's my motto. Not really.
More than anything else, my goal is to put on a good live show. Music is cool, but entertaining is probably a bigger passion of mine. I never get nervous to play my songs, I just get nervous that the crowd won't laugh at my jokes.. ."
Follow Caleb on Twitter.
I asked Caleb what the world should know about him, he told me this:
""Man, anything the world should know. Geez. Music or life?
My musical hero is Randy Newman. I started off rockin' metallica, but then drifted towards blues music after being given a keb mo cd for christmas. My first performance was a medley of Nirvana and Metallica hits at my 6th grade talent show. I headbanged so hard that my my head nearly snapped off. I've failed at American Idol twice... forgot the lyrics in both cases. hmmm.. In highschool I turned into a Jazz Snob, and thought that most music was "shallow" unless it has 79.8 chords in every song. I came to the realization when I was about 22 1/2 that I love Pop music, and it's a good thing because jazz is dead. Now as a songwriter, I try to be accessible while still keeping some complexity. That's my motto. Not really.
More than anything else, my goal is to put on a good live show. Music is cool, but entertaining is probably a bigger passion of mine. I never get nervous to play my songs, I just get nervous that the crowd won't laugh at my jokes.. ."
You're catching me at a good time btw. I've been up for 22 hours straight, and I'm in the middle of a sleep drug study. Haven't seen the light of day for 30 something hours. I need human contact by now, so thanks for writing."
Follow Caleb on Twitter.
Top Ten Reasons To Date a Singer Songwriter
Musicians are hot. This is a truth that stands the test of time and the a reason why 60 year old rock stars are still pulling 23 year old girls and John Mayer is such a Douche. The next time you're at a show and you fall under the spell of the sexy lead singer, guitar player, drummer, bass player, piano player, saxaphone player or flutist, your friends might warn you against dating a musician. I'm here to tell you to ignore to their warnings. So what if they're broke and they're flirting with all of your friends so that they will join their mailing list and buy their album? I've comprised a list of the top ten reasons why you SHOULD go ahead and hit that. Here it goes:
10. You might get your name in a song
9. You'll always have your space when they go on tour for months at a time
8. You'll always know exactly how they feel, in song form at least
7. Musicians do it better, we're inuitive
6. Every time you pay their bar tab, because they're usually broke, you're supporting the arts
5. You're automatically president of the fan club, and honestly, when is the next time you're going to be president of anything?
4. You get someone to Skype with! They'll be so busy with their "craft" or on the road, you'll get to experience a whole new form of romance via webcam and endless txt messaging.
3. Shows! You will now have endless weekends of shows to attend! You may even get to pass around the mailing list or sell merch, which is even better because you can add this to your resume,
2. No pressure. You're musician fell in love with music first, and music doesn't ask where you were all night or give you shit for being too emotional, so you can count on being their second priority which is nice.
1.When your relationship inevitably ends, you won't have to explain to anyone why, you can just email your friends the mp3 of the track your musician ex has written about why you suck.
Daniel Jakubovic Can Do It All "Except For Many Things That Have Nothing To Do With Music"
Daniel moved here from Israel nine years ago, because why not? He's the lead singer, songwriter and lead guitarist of Against The Wall, a hard rock band on tour this summer with Framing Hanley. He's also working on a Hebrew album to be released in Israel at the end of 2010, as well as producing and co-writing an album for Amanda Brecker, daughter of legendary trumpet player Randy Brecker and jazz pianist Eliane Elias. He's also currently in rehearsals as the drummer of the Zak Smith Band. Daniel has his own label VMM Records
Me: Daniel, you're a huge slut how many people do you expect to sleep with while you're on tour this summer?
Daniel: I can't answer that because I have no idea.
Me: How do you feel about Lady Gaga.
Daniel: I have no feeling.
Me: How do you feel about me?
Daniel: I think that you are a massive slut, very cool and real and you have a beautiful voice and you're a talented writer and a good friend.
Me: What music are you listening to right now?
Daniel: None. I feel like I write better music when I don't listen to stuff around, and it comes from within.
Me: Do you think that being a Pisces has made you a better musician?
Daniel: WHat made me a better musician has been sitting on my ass and practicing and working on my craft, if I was a Pisces and I didn't do that I probably wouldn't be a good musician.
Me: What should the world know about you besides how many STD's you have?
Daniel: I actually don't have any STDs.
Me: You're incredibly obsessed with the show House, why is that?
Daniel: It's the most genius show ever. It's the most in your face, it talks about everything on earth, every thing that's a problem with society, peoples behaviors, it just analyzes everything through a medical show. Have you seen it?
Me:No, we already talked about that, you have a terrible memory and you need to take pills for it.
Me: What advice do you have for musician s that want to make it their full time job?
Daniel: (pause) What advice..hmm...you know, be creative, don't imitate things that are imitated ten zillion times already, be yourself, practice your ass off and don't just do one style, music is music, it's not about genre.
Me: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Daniel: I just want to do my thing, man.
Check out Daniel on YouTube
Me: Daniel, you're a huge slut how many people do you expect to sleep with while you're on tour this summer?Daniel: I can't answer that because I have no idea.
Me: How do you feel about Lady Gaga.
Daniel: I have no feeling.
Me: How do you feel about me?
Daniel: I think that you are a massive slut, very cool and real and you have a beautiful voice and you're a talented writer and a good friend.
Me: What music are you listening to right now?
Daniel: None. I feel like I write better music when I don't listen to stuff around, and it comes from within.
Me: Do you think that being a Pisces has made you a better musician?
Daniel: WHat made me a better musician has been sitting on my ass and practicing and working on my craft, if I was a Pisces and I didn't do that I probably wouldn't be a good musician.
Me: What should the world know about you besides how many STD's you have?
Daniel: I actually don't have any STDs.
Me: You're incredibly obsessed with the show House, why is that?
Daniel: It's the most genius show ever. It's the most in your face, it talks about everything on earth, every thing that's a problem with society, peoples behaviors, it just analyzes everything through a medical show. Have you seen it?
Me:No, we already talked about that, you have a terrible memory and you need to take pills for it.
Me: What advice do you have for musician s that want to make it their full time job?
Daniel: (pause) What advice..hmm...you know, be creative, don't imitate things that are imitated ten zillion times already, be yourself, practice your ass off and don't just do one style, music is music, it's not about genre.
Me: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Daniel: I just want to do my thing, man.
Check out Daniel on YouTube
Monday, April 26, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Craig Greenberg's Concert For Chile
The talented musician Craig Greenberg hosted a benefit concert this past Sunday, April 11th to aid disaster relief in Chile. The even was held at Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Ave.) in WIlliamsburg, Brooklyn and featured nine acts including Chris Barron of The Spin Doctors, Jerry Joseph, Jonah Smith, Paula Valstein, Misty Boyce, Nutria NN, Ayler Young & The Reason, and Lillian Borunda.
The idea for the benefit, “Concert for Chile” was thought up by Craig Greenberg, a Manhattan based singer/songwriter who got his start as an artist in the city of Concepcion while living and performing there in 2002. The earthquake in central Chile which took place on February 27th has affected an estimated 2 million people. Concepcion was the city hardest hit. All proceeds were sent to Chile through AmeriCare.
The concert was available globally, in real time via USTREAM (www.ustream.tv), so the people in Chile were able to take part, leaving comments as the show was happening. Ustream is very easy to use, you sign up for an account, choose the date of your show, hook up your camera and send people to the link. This is an amazing tool and viewing concerts via live internet broadcast is just second to being there,
Every artist was extremely talented in their own right and Craig did an excellent job of choosing acts that were each different but maintained the continuity of the event. A standout performer of the evening was Jonah Smith (www.jonahsmith.com). Jonah’s folksy voice, killer harmonies and excellent use of steel guitar was emotional, yet upbeat, and his song choices including “World Without Love”, and “Light On” were moving and a perfect fit for the event. His voice is reminiscent of Gavin DeGraw with the same expressive bluesy-folk feel, and his music is soul. Jonah is based in Brooklyn, New York however you can find him touring Pennsylvania through Virginia next month. His album, Lights On, is available on iTunes, and it comes highly recommended.
Craig Greenbergthe creator of the event was another standout performer. After some technical problems he finally took the stage in full swing, playing some of his best songs, “She’s Waiting For Me” and “Turning Track”. Craig is originally from Long Island, now making his home in Manhattan. He began writing his own songs while living in South America and remains inspired and connected tot he region of the world. Craig was most recently seen at the Red Gorilla Showcase in Austin, TX as part of SXSW. He is currently recording a new album while his debut EP, The World and Back, is available on iTunes.
The benefit was a huge success, enjoyed not only by the fine folks of Williamsburg, but as far away as Chile where it received rave reviews and media attention. The streaming video aspect really made it accessible to fans all over the world and provided another fun way to be a part of a good cause.
For more information about how you can donate to Chile please visit www.AmeriCares.com.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The Waiting Is The Hardest Part
I think you can all relate to the feeling of spinning your wheels; you've realized who you are, what you want, and you're just waiting for that return letter from the universe in tangible form. Whether it's a relationship or a job or a new place to live. It sometimes feels like - OK, I've got it figured out, please DEAR GOD, just deliver. And you wait. And you keep working. And you wait, And you keep working.
For some (read: few) people it happens almost instantly. I've seen it happen, I have seen performers strike proverbial gold - get an off broadway show (neat) fresh out of college, their parents still paying their rent (hey, you starving artist, you), which gets picked up to broadway (WHAT?!), then right on to another broadway show (WTF?!?!?!) then onto a series of opportunities that that they don't fuck up (crossing my fingers : ). I've also seen people work for years with nothing to show unless they were smart and saved their day job money. Another circumstance was a young man, a touring actor in his twenties, throughout Europe - as well as a published playwright who by his thirties he was a bellman at a hotel living in Bedstuy writing a screen play about a bunch of other bellman doing drugs and blowing each others brains out. I think everyone else is in some degree of this "epitome of" to zero success range.
Regardless.
There's no formula to being a "successful" artist. Even the term "artist" does not lend itself to the high and low measurements of capitalism. Fame is an illusion built of the same stuff as money and time-which are as real as you allow them to be. Both are just as malleable, controllable and however at times volatile, because they are essentially illusions.
My point of this post, though maybe not constructive, is - contemplative. Sometimes, waiting IS the hardest part. There is a very long line of people that made it big well into their thirties, (although many are not marketed as such), and every persons path is different.
So when you feel like you're waiting. Just you wait : )
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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