blog: singer/songwriter/performer

2009 Frisco Arts Festival: BEST. FESTIVAL. EVER.

2009-10-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I was privileged to participate in the Frisco Arts Festival as a performer, service provider, and festival-goer. I have to say this is the best I’ve experienced out of a very long chain of great Frisco events. From fireworks to concerts to storytelling, the city seems to have done it all—but this one takes the prize.

Over a hundred artists—painters, sculptors, photographers—showed up to sell their wares for three wonderful days in October (the 16th, 17th, and 18th). Newman Village provided the venue and major sponsorship, while the weather cooperated as if God himself wanted to smile on the event. Moderate temperatures and beautiful sunshine lasted from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening.

Performers from the Collin County Songwriters Association and others took the main stage and cranked out one great musical experience after another. The big acts (in my opinion) were the 8-Tracks and Urban Renewal. They both actually managed to take the crowd to a higher energy level, after a string of great performances by acoustic bands, dancers, and performing songwriters. I personally got kick off the show Saturday morning while stage manager Michael Schaefer launched a video webcast live to the world (thanks Michael).

I provided sound and support services for the community stage, sponsored by the Music Conservatory of Texas. We had a blast with groups from Neighborhood Arts and Music School (NAMS), School of Rock, elementary and middle-school music groups, fabulous young dancers from several academies, and Frisco Area Children’s Theater.

Three days will wear anyone out, so I have to give credit to my right-hand man—logistics expert, Blane Cox. Blane has some stage experience, so he was invaluable in anticipating my every need. We changed acts, stage and mic configurations virtually every half hour for the entire three-day operation. Phil Harman popped in on Sunday to add his fire-power, and we had the fastest pack-up that I’ve ever experienced with this much equipment. We also received outstanding support from Steve South, now the reddest guy in Frisco (a little sun there, Steve) who was the entertainment coordinator for the festival.

Behind the scenes there was the normal panic that is standard for an event like this. But excellent communication systems ensured that the participants did not feel the stress. To the audience, the vibe was something like a Disney park. You felt safe, the surroundings were beautiful, the music was wonderful, and you couldn’t drop a piece of trash without it being picked up within a few minutes.

I wish I could name all of the organizers, volunteers, and sponsors. The list would take another two blogs. Suffice to commend everyone on an excellent job. And thank you so much!

Losing with a Smile

2009-06-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

This year I’ve had the fun opportunity to brag that I was nominated for 2009 Texas State Musician. As I understand it, only a handful (or two) are nominated each time this comes up. Out of several hundred thousand Texas musicians, it is truly an honor to be recognized. The Texas legislature finally got around to holding the final vote a couple of weeks ago, and I wasn’t their pick (this time). I lost to a guy down in the Hill Country who has been known to have a drug problem, financial issues, and unpaid back taxes. He also writes great songs, has the most unique vocal style in Country music, and has never declared bankruptcy. Of course, I’m talking about Willie Nelson.

You know, if I have to lose to someone, I’d definitely choose Willie. In fact, it’s a travesty that he wasn’t picked the very first year. Oh well, better late than never. And now he can brag that he beat out Ryan Michael Galloway!

Anna Thomas’ stunning first outing: Splash of Red

2009-05-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

I’ve been following the development of North Texas performing songwriter, Anna Thomas, for almost a year now. She has just released her first EP, Splash of Red, a locally produced venture. I have to say, I’m completely impressed.

Usually when you listen to a small regional release, you find yourself having to make a lot of excuses for shortcomings in the music, production and arrangement. Not so on this one, where the recording and production contain both elegant simplicity and intelligent complexity—all in just the right measure and at just the right time. To sweeten the deal, there isn’t a lame cut on the whole release. The big leaguers don’t even do that most of the time.

I had a feeling come over me when I first listened to this CD, and I can remember the exact moment I last had the same feeling. It was when I put Steely Dan’s Aja on the turntable for the first time and listened to it through some pricey headphones. The texture was perfect; the music engaging, snarky and just challenging enough (I mean all of that in a good way), with little musical surprises that made you feel like the artist was letting you in on something, if you would just listen. Splash of Red hit me just like that.

Anna must be an old soul. I haven’t told you yet that she is merely 13 years old. That means she’s just getting started, which excites me no end. If this is how she’s starting her career, my God, she will be a joy to watch if she decides to continue to develop her art.

The lyrics are very sophisticated for anyone’s age. You could compare her sound to Coby Calais, but she does some more interesting turns in her voice that I haven’t heard anywhere else, and her advanced musical and lyrical tendencies surpass the pop star category. The teens may get pulled into it, but I see her demographic as older and a bit more discerning than even, say, the average light jazz listener. This may limit Ms. Thomas’ following a bit, but mark my word, if she sticks with it her following will be rabid for her sound and her future releases.

Finally, some credit goes to a few people helping Anna perfect her sound and her recordings. This is not to take away one ounce of her talent, but every picture needs a great frame—and she has more than one. Front and center is Matthew Gaskins, a remarkable musician with a Masters Degree out of North Texas University. That’s impressive enough, but Mr. Gaskins is more phenomenon than mere musician. He has not only mastered a number of instruments—including his voice—but understands the holistic arc of a production and its arrangement. He collaborated with Ms. Thomas on the arrangements of all the songs, and produced Little Red and My Circle.

The songs Bleached, Trace of Light, and Break Apart were produced by Salim Nourallah, one of Mr. Gaskins colleagues. Mr. Nouralla’s production style on all of the instruments and vocals appears to be, “If it doesn’t need it [an effect], then don’t use it.” The dry, minimalist result is stunning, but only because Ms. Thomas is good enough to pull it off. I’ve been encouraged to try the same approach on my own material, and the idea scares me to death! Maybe after hearing Splash of Red, I’ll get inspired to try it myself.

Behind the scenes is another remarkable person, Ms. Thomas’ father, Scott Thomas. Scott is a wonderfully flashy bassist who was generous enough to play on my last EP, Rock the Big House Down. If Mr. Thomas is a “stage dad,” he’s a very gentle one. He’s been smart enough to stay out of the way of his daughter and her collaborators, only recommending ideas in the most gentle way, and letting the art develop like a mushroom instead of a project.

If there is room for improvement, it will be in Ms. Thomas live delivery. Having said that, a recent performance demonstrated that she is on an improving trend as we speak. It has nothing to do with the quality of her singing, which is confident and convincing the majority of the time. It more has to do with the “selling” of her songs, which starts from the minute you begin to introduce the number and follows through to the final notes. It’s all headed in the right direction though, and one of the more interesting developments has been watching her weave her very dry, understated humor into her act. I think once people “get” her and she works into a really comfortable zone, that we are going to be completely blown away. That’s as opposed to mostly blown away, which is where we are now.

Collin County Songwriters Association News

2009-05-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

For all the latest events that feature CCSA members, visit http://ccsongwriters.ning.com/events. To see an outstanding selection of CCSA member videos, visit http://ccsongwriters.ning.com/video. The site and the association now claim 72 active members and the number is growing almost daily.

Anna Thomas will appear at Café Bohemia with NAMS founder, Matthew Gaskins, on Saturday, May 23. The duo will appear from 6 to 8 PM, and the location is 2320 Los Rios Boulevard, Suite 10 in Plano.

See Steve Anderson with Scott Berry and Friends on Saturday, May 23, from 7 to 9, at It’s a Grind Coffeehouse at Lebanon and Dallas North Tollway. Steve specializes in acoustic blues, and is the owner/operator of Anderson Guitar Gallery with his wife Jennifer.

Daddy Rocks, a classic blues/rock power trio, appears at Joe’s Crab Shack in Mesquite on Sunday, May 24, from 6 to 9. The address is 1340 N. Peachtree Rd., and you may contact the venue at 972-329-7111.

Collin County Songwriters Association News for April 8, 2009

2009-04-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Collin County Songwriters Association News

Rockin’ the Park ’09—Saturday, April 18th!!! Watch the video trailer here. The CCSA explodes back into the “free concert business” with the return of Rockin’ the Park—after a one-year hiatus. The Frisco Parks and Recreation Department has worked closely with the association again this year to ensure a success. The event has moved to Warren Sports Complex at 7599 Eldorado Parkway in Frisco. Seminars, demonstrations, and the Backstage Open Mic start in the main pavilion at 12:30, the main show starts at 4:30 and goes to 9:30. Overflow parking will be across Eldorado at St. Francis Catholic Church.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring one canned food item per person for the Frisco Family Services food bank. The Frisco Soccer Association is running their food drive at the park the same day, and the CCSA is joining efforts to help restock the shelves. Bring chairs, a blanket, food and drink (no alcohol) to enjoy a great afternoon in the park.

CCSA members will play on the open mic stage. The big stage will feature Tredway and Friends, Rory Don Moore, The Foundation, U4IX (pronounced Euphorics), and The 8-Tracks. The music ranges from Americana, Texana, contemporary, blues, rock and children-oriented originals, to fun good-time cover tunes. Sponsors include Anderson Guitar Gallery, Neighborhood Arts and Music, and sound reinforcement/engineering is provided by Subzero Sound.

Yes, we know Jimmy Buffet is playing on this date—and we love him, too. But if you’d rather take your family to an event that isn’t “under the influence,” this is your ticket! ;-)

Tons of CCSA Videos are up on the CCSA’s hyper-local social networking site. Go to http://ccsongwriters.ning.com/video to check out the fun and eclectic collection. There are a number of videos from the Drury University sound stage/media department in Springfield, Missouri that were shot last November and have just been released.

Dallas Songwriters Association has a showcase at 7PM on April 9 at The Filling Station, 19009 Preston, in Dallas. The host is DSA President, Steve Sullivan.

Tredway and Friends at Chautauqua, April 11, 2009 from 7pm to 10pm – Getzendaner Park Songwriters Saturday at Chautauqua auditorium, many songwriters, nice open air park setting, 100+year old bldg. Admission free bring the kids, picnic and listen to some Texas Singer/songwriters. Other appearances include Ennis at the Bluebonnet Festival, April 19th, The Outrigger Restaurant and Grill in Palacios, Texas, May 1st and 2nd, and 8pm at Dunn Bros. Addison on April 18th—right after Rockin’ the Park.

Andy Howell invites everyone to join him for an evening of music and stories, readings, musings and what have you this Friday, April 10 at Frosted Java. Frosted Java is at 3685 Preston a couple of blocks behind Stonebriar Mall. It's on the N.W. corner of Preston and Warren.

2009-04-07T21:02:00.001-07:00

The Collin County Songwriters Association teams up once again with the City of Frisco’s Parks and Recreation Department for Rockin’ the Park ’09 on Saturday, April 18th. This year’s Rockin’ the Park will be held at Warren Sports Complex on Eldorado Parkway, west of Preston Road, and will center around the park’s pavilion. Other supporting organizations include Subzero Sound (providing audio engineering), Anderson Guitar Gallery, and Neighborhood Arts and Music School, and the Frisco Soccer Association.

The event starts with pre-show activities—open mic featuring CCSA members, songwriting seminar and demonstrations—at 12:30 until 3:45. The “Big Show” starts at 4:30, featuring Tredway and Friends, Rory Don Moore, The Foundation, U4IX (pronounced Euphorics) and The 8-Tracks playing until 9:30.

The music runs the gamut from Texana/Americana, to blues, to jazz, to contemporary teen, to classic rock. These acts present some of the best of what North Texas has to offer, and the family-friendly show is sure to appeal to a wide audience.

The CCSA has also joined forces with the Frisco Soccer Association to collect food at the park that day for Frisco Family Services’ food bank. Participants in either the sports or concert events are encouraged to bring canned food to contribute. Feel free to bring food and drinks (no alcohol) to enjoy during the concert.

For more information about the CCSA, visit http://www.ccsongwriters.org/, or the organization’s social networking site, http://www.ccsongwriters.ning.com/. View the video trailer for the concert at http://ccsongwriters.ning.com/video/rockin-the-park-09-tv.

Passions Play Out at Neighborhood Arts and Music School (NAMS)

2009-04-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

Neighborhood Arts and Music School (NAMS) opened in January 5 of 2009, becoming a near-instant success as they progressed into the first quarter of the year—an impressive feat in a deep world-wide recession. If you know NAMS’ owners, Kelly Thomas and Matthew Gaskins, you probably wouldn’t be surprised.

Matt is an amazing musician, able to play a number of instruments at a level that impresses even his seasoned peers. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Performance, Percussion and Voice from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma and in 2008 he earned his Masters of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, one of the country’s most renown music schools.

Kelly earned a BBA in Marketing from the University of Memphis, with a minor in Music—a potent combination in any part of the music business. A classically trained flutist, Kelly also plays alto sax, and piano, and writes music and lyrics. As a former Air Force wife, she lived in 8 cities in 12 years, finding a way to continue to participate in music everywhere she lived, whether in community bands, church bands or teaching private lessons.

It is unusual to find accomplished musicians who not only have a passion for playing, but an equal passion for teaching. I asked Matt and Kelly what led them to open a music school at such a dangerous time.

“There is a simple joy in sharing music and what’s been given to me—passing it on to others,” confided Matt. “I always thought that teaching was for those who couldn’t do. But in earning my Masters, I started to dream of having a school. I found there was so much to learn in teaching. Once I saw the results of the performances of my students, I was smitten. It brought joy to my life.”

For Kelly’s part, she says “I love being able to provide an environment where students can learn to love music. Music is such an amazing and powerful gift and is something people can continue participating in their entire lifetime.”

As the concept developed, they knew they wanted to build a school that embraced the performance viewpoint—a place for students to perform and create. They succeeded beyond everyone’s dreams, except perhaps their own. To complete the picture, they quickly hired a number of accomplished teachers, finding those who could instill a sense of fun in the learning environment.

The school facility itself is a beautiful space, with a modern 50s and 60s retro feel that invokes The Jetsons. They currently have six lesson rooms, a built in recording studio, a small recital hall, and a large screen TV and Wii for the waiting area.

As a matter of full disclosure, I’ll reveal that I’ve had the pleasure of teaching fundamental piano and beginning to advanced guitar at NAMS for the last few months. I have a mentoring streak a mile wide, and I can tell you that it is an absolute joy having the opportunity to work for and with like-minded musician-mentors.

NAMS represents another great choice out of a small but impressive array of music teaching facilities in Frisco. If you are looking for music instruction for yourself or your children, I recommend that you consider NAMS.

Part 2 – How do we make money now?

2009-03-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

Let’s start with the most obvious places for musicians to make money—using their playing and related skills.

First, have you fully explored the markets for live music? Most of us think in terms of concerts or clubs, but there are a number of these and even more alternatives.

So you play? Can you read or are you a quick study? How about making money as an accompanist? These gigs often run in the areas of religious services and weddings. I know plenty of sax, flute, trumpet, piano and organ players that accompany the church choir for pay. It’s not much of a leap to get to the wedding ceremonies. While you’re at it, think about accompanying a theater company—maybe even providing them a warm-up act. Heck, I’d do that one almost free because of the gigs I could get out of it.

Another outlet is studio recording for money. A quick study is more important than a reader, at least from what I’ve seen. A few weeks ago I was called in to play on a session for Abby Lakew, an Ethiopian pop star. Great fun. And these days you can cut your tracks and use ftp on Internet to get them to the studio half-way around the world.

If you read and have a good hand, you might look for work as a music copyist, but you could also do band and orchestra arranging.

You’ve probably picked up some tech skills over the years. How about running sound or lights for live shows?

On the playing front, you might be thinking clubs. Don’t forget house concerts, conventions, corporate events/etc.

Songwriting for money is a tough go these days, BUT in a later article I’ll talk about exploiting even that rather over-represented talent.

Finally, there is teaching music of course. You may not be a particularly high-level musical expert, but you can always find people who know less than you. If you can get them turned on and into the process of learning, you might be more effective than a concert pianist who can’t relate to kids or learning adults. Hand them off to the experts once you have them up to a decent level. Your job may be to help them get bit by the bug—and it’s a lifelong joy that you’ll be giving them!

A 3-part series – How do we make money now?

2009-03-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I was talking to an introverted musician who said there are only two ways to make money in music: performing and teaching. Man did this guy not get it. There must be a gazillion ways, a gazillion styles and twice that many market segments. But you sure do have to think out of the box.

Were you playing any paid gigs last year? For me it was going great until about November. The holidays cratered the market. Clubs had a third fewer slots open, and the more established players in their rotations got the fewer gigs left. It didn’t get any better in December when the holidays made it pretty rotten, but then there were some parties to make up for it—not so bad if you wanted to chase it.

Then came January. January is usually slow, but this one was ridiculous. The sports bars all but went into fetal position with the dual competition of the Superbowl run up and the disastrous economy.

To keep things going, I had promised my venues that I’d cut back my prices for the slow part of the winter. Some of them didn’t even want to take that, but I have been working steadily anyway. Still, I have a feeling that higher rates may not be coming back for quite sometime.

Personally, I’m going to keep playing so I’m an established roster player when the economy starts to recover. Several years maybe, but I refuse to let my chops wither.

So what else can we do? I’ll be discussing some in my next few posts.

Musicians: Does your mix really stink out loud?

2009-02-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

Recently I did some consulting with a church regarding their sound mix. Churches are fun because that’s where all the old roadies, techies and rock-and-rollers seem to end up.

Once again I ran into the age-old communication breakdown between musicians and technicians, and once again I’ll remind you that it is good for musicians to be technicians, too.

There is a lot that musicians don’t know, things they need to know in order to build and preserve a long term relationship with their techs. One has to do with a room’s acoustic characteristics, a problem that can pit the band and crew against each other, resulting in a lot of red faces and angry exchanges.

Imagine that someone—a friend, perhaps—approaches you after every show and tells you that you sounded great or terrible, or that you get conflicting reactions from different people attending the same show.

Furthermore, when you complain to the sound engineer, they roll their eyes and tell you to go back to playing music and leave the sound to them. They add that there is nothing wrong with the sound.

The problem is, according to their own perspective, everyone in the situation is right. The audience is hearing good and bad sound (in the same performance), the musicians are hearing complaints, and the engineer is probably running the sound correctly.

But sound is a compromise. You will never please everyone. Because of phase cancellation, which I explain here, parts of the room will sound perfect and some will sound strange—there’s a reason some of the seats are the “cheap seats.” Anything toward the back of the room, or sometimes in the strange boxes that exist in an asymmetrical room, will lose part of their sound because of the aforementioned phase cancellation. And, generally, any place that approaches 90 degrees from the front of the speaker in any direction (up, down, left or right) will lose clarity—being on the side of the speaker will be just like being behind the speaker.

So people in different parts of the room are going to hear different sounds—even to the extent that it could sound like a different mix. In one part the highs are piercing, in another the sound is muddy, or the midrange disappears, or the bass overwhelms.

And in the middle sits the musician, who hears all the complaints and simply doesn’t know any better which ones to listen to and which to ignore—based on location in the room.

If you really want to get organized about this, print out maps of the seats in the room. Figure out in advance, with your sound engineer, which seats are in the sweet spots (where it sounds great) and which are in the bad spots. When someone complains, ask them to tell you exactly where they were sitting, and mark that chair and note the complaint. If it’s in a sweet spot, listen to the comment more closely. If the listener was in a bad spot, then your response can be more like, “Thank you very much, have a nice day.”

It’s probably better just to leave this all up to the sound engineer. But until you know a little more about acoustics can do to your sound, it may be hard to fully trust your engineer.

Consider this a start.

Collin County Songwriters Association News

2009-02-07T08:02:00.001-08:00

Checkout the CCSA's newly redesigned site at http://www.ccsongwriters.org).

Saturday, February 7, Sam Moore, Gary Tullier and Troy Werner will perform as part of the DSA/Hoot Crossroads Showcase, starting at 7PM. The event is at the Varsity Club Grill and Sports Bar, 6205 Coit Road, and hosted by DSA Pres. Steve Sullivan.

Tony Vea and FM 544 will be playing at the “Big D Charity Horseshow Auction and Fish Fry” on Sunday, Feb 8, 1 – 4 PM at Milligan Stables in Plano. It’s a fundraiser benefiting Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Check them out at http://www.FM544.com.
Ryan Michael Galloway will perform a one-hour all-original show for the DSA Showcase at the Filling Station on February 12, starting at 7PM, and will play at The Lone Star Wine Cellars (103 Virginia Street in McKinney) on February 13 at 8PM. He’ll be joined by the Anna Thomas Band. He will also appear at a CCSA showcase on February 20 at Legacy Books (7300 Dallas Parkway, Plano).

The CCSA annual spring concert, Rockin’ the Park ’09 is shaping up with headliners, The 8-Tracks and U4IX (pronounced “Euphorics”). Three other acts will be selected from the rosters of the CCSA membership. There will be seminars and open mic on the “backstage stage” for most of the afternoon. The event will be at Warren Sports Complex on April 18, 2008. If you’re looking for a drug-free, alcohol-free, family-oriented event (as opposed to the Jimmy Buffet concert) this is it!

I know what happened: US Airways Flight 1549

2009-01-15T22:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, this one has nothing to do about music but I just had to write it. Had this situation turned tragic, there is no way that would I post this entry. But since things turned out so well, I just couldn’t sit still and let this one pass—I happen to be a pilot as well as a musician.

We all know by now that US Airways Flight 1549 appears to have ingested some large birds, perhaps Canadian Geese, in its engines yesterday afternoon. This caused the engines to shut down, turning the Airbus into a lumbering glider. The quick-witted flight crew set up for a near-flawless ditching in the Hudson River. Keeping an Airbus in one piece during a water landing is no minor feat, let alone evacuating all aboard in 90 seconds or so. This flight was extremely lucky, but that luck wouldn’t have meant anything if they hadn’t executed their emergency procedures so well. Kudos on top of kudos to the Captain and crew.

Okay, but aren’t these jet engines tested to withstand ingesting birds? Sure, engineers are reputed to use dead chickens and turkeys to test engine fault tolerance. But I think the answer lies in a very old joke. Now, keep in mind that it has been wickedly cold in New York for the last number of days. I’m thinking cold birds. Follow the old joke to its obvious conclusion:

“The US Federal Aviation Administration has a unique device for testing the strength of windshields on airplanes. The device is a gun that launches a dead chicken at a plane’s windshield at approximately the speed at which the airplane flies.

The theory is that if the windshield doesn’t crack from the carcass impact, it’ll survive a real collision with a bird during flight.

It seems the British were very interested in this and wanted to test a windshield on a brand new speedy locomotive they were developing.

They borrowed the FAA’s chicken launcher, loaded the chicken and fired.

The ballistic chicken shattered the windshield, broke the engineer’s chair, and embedded itself in the back wall of the engine’s cab. The British were stunned and asked the FAA to recheck the test to see if everything was done correctly.

The FAA reviewed the test thoroughly and had one recommendation:

‘Use thawed chicken.’”

[Reputedly first printed in “Feathers,” the publication of the California Poultry Industry Federation]

Ryan Michael Galloway
www.GigsterClinics.com

Your "coach" awaits--instruction and mentoring, live one-on-one

2009-01-08T11:47:00.001-08:00

I'm starting to get lots of queries about my recent decision to offer one-on-one mentoring and instruction via videoconference on Skype's free calling system. Have you ever wanted to get private instruction to help your songwriting get better, learn about recording your next (or first) CD, or improve your playing? In many cases, this kind of help isn't available anywhere, let alone in your town.

I'm offering lessons and mentoring in these three specialties to a limited number of clients. Actually, I won't be offering Advanced Guitar in Dallas, because I don't want to compete with all the great guitar instructors that I can refer you to here. But if you'd like songwriting or recording help—or you live in an area outside of North Texas (like Mongolia, Tibet, or Oklahoma) then get with me and will develop a plan to improve your game.

For songwriting, learn:

-Key songwriting techniques for virtually any style of music, at any skill level of songwriting
-What is a hook and what are the different kinds?
-Why a hook can act as a "magnet" for great lyrics
-The secret to writing songs that people want to listen to
-Basic music theory and ear training just for songwriters
-How to avoid "pretty words" syndrome
-How to make your song mean something
-Story songs, comedic songs, and the "slow windup"
-Why your songs-in-progress are working or not, with gentle, nurturing and constructive critique

For record producing, learn:

-How to structure the recording process for maximum creativity and minimum time (cost)
-What to look for in a commercial recording studio
-How to use dynamics—the earmark of a professional recording and a well-seasoned musician
-How The Beatles, CSN, Eagles, Poco and others get that fat harmony sound
-What pitch correction is, and if/when you should use it
-How to use compression, chorusing, noise gating and other techniques to make your sound better
-How to play instruments in an ensemble and make the mix easier (hint: it has to do with your bass player)
-The most difficult instrument to record, and what do about it

For advanced guitar lessons (outside of North Texas), learn:

-How to find a major or minor key
-How to find the key you want to play lead in
-Basic ear training and how it applies to your leads
-Basic music theory and how it applies to that crazy fingerboard
-Bending notes for country effects
-Bending notes for blues effects
-Pattern playing—a shortcut to sounding good on lead
-Double-picking, pull-off and hammer-on techniques
-Passing tones, slide ins and atonal sequences
-Wolftones/harmonics, and how to get them on any note you want
-Note stretching and "screaming" effects
-How to launch to the next level of improvisation

I'd appreciate it if you would pass this information to musicians you know who are "on-the-rise."
Thanks!

Ryan Michael Galloway, 972-841-0226
Nominee, Texas State Musician (2009)
Chairman, Collin County Songwriters Association

Skype—for fun, and maybe for profit

2009-01-01T13:45:00.001-08:00

Skype has been around for a while. It is an online website and application that most people use for making cheap international and long distance phone calls. This holiday season I've been using it for running video conferences with my family. It has worked pretty flawlessly, except for high volume times like Christmas day when everyone was trying out their new webcams.

I haven't fully tested the idea yet, but I wonder if Skype—and a few backup apps like video-enabled instant messengers—could be used as part of a business model. For instance, should I be using it for face-to-face mentoring sessions, one-on-one lectures, and maybe even guitar lessons or songwriting lessons?

I'd love to get your ideas and feedback on these thoughts. Have any of you used Skpe-like video conferencing in your business, small or large?

Have a great New Year, and keep thinking outside of the box.

Ryan Michael Galloway
http://www.GigsterClinics.com

Collin County Songwriters Assocation News

2008-12-10T20:52:00.001-08:00

Collin County Songwriters Association News:

The CCSA Myspace home page now has three funny, thought-provoking, and not-very-flattering videos for your review and amusement. You will either want to join because this bunch is so much fun, or you’ll run away in disgust! Also check out great new photos from the Springfield, MO, TV shoot, taken by Johnna Burrows.

Crosswinds Jazz Band (the big band in which member Robert Leahey plays sax) will be presenting a benefit concert for the wife (Nancy) of their lead trumpet player, Brian Bass. Nancy was diagnosed with ALS four years back. Tickets are $15 and are available either from Robert or at http://www.crosswindsjazz.com/benefit/. 7pm, January 31, 2009 (don’t blink, that’s NOT New Years Eve). If you can’t make the show, go to http://www.crosswindsjazz.com/benefit/ you’ll also see an option for donating. Brian is also part of another great band, Urban Renewal.

The Black Prairie Band will perform Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Old Town Frisco Christmas Celebration in the Frisco Gazebo from Noon-1pm. Great Country/Classic Rock originals and covers.

2009 “Texas State Musician” nominee, Ryan Michael Galloway, returns with a surprise gig at Journeys Pub, inside The Zone, North Custer and Virginia Parkway in McKinney (northeast corner), 7PM, December 13. He will be joined by the Anna Thomas Band (http://www.annathomasmusic.com/). Please feel free to let Ryan know your Twitter url, so he can follow you (Ryan@RyanRocks.com). You can follow him at http://twitter.com/rmgalloway.

The Songwriter Saturdays series continues at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium in Waxahachie, hosted by new member and Dallas champion of performing songwriters, Randy Tredway. Michael “The Mudcat” Reames is scheduled to play. Song swap starts at 6PM, with the main acts starting at 7PM, performing half-hour shows. If you’re headed down to Austin or points south, this is worth the stop. It’s even worth the trip all by itself, if you’re up for a little adventure. Travel time is about an hour form Frisco.

Thursday Dallas Songwriter Association showcases continue every Thursday at The Filling Station, 19009 Preston Road, Dallas, at 7PM. The show is hosted by Steve Sullivan, DSA President.

Watch for Friday night performances at The Abbey on Frisco’s Main Street. A variety of musicians appear there, and they make a wicked desert—any of ‘em.

Tredway and Friends’ “Throats on Fire” tour—North Texas songwriters rock Drury University in Springfield, MO

2008-11-24T19:29:00.000-08:00

North Texas songhunter, Randy Tredway, and Drury University Visiting Instructor of Video Production in Springfield, Missouri, Briain Shipman, hosted several Collin County Songwriters Association members for a three day television shoot aimed at the Dallas market. The event was held on the Drury University Shewmaker Communication Center’s soundstage. The CCSA members joined a long roster of outstanding Texas performing songwriters for a truly unique artistic and networking session. Think Austin City Limits meets Grand Ole’ Opry, where anyone might end up playing with anyone, non-stop shop talk, jam sessions late into the night, and a near-religious experience. The only thing that was missing was an audience, but with all those musicians in the house there was a lot of support—both actual and moral.

I’m joking about the “Throats on Fire’ part, but we Texans coming from the warmer and more humid south, did have a few adjustments to make with the long hours and forced-air heat. Lots of warn out voices by the end, but worth every bit of it.

My team of Matthew Gaskins (bass guitar and anything else you’d ever need) and Chad Ireland (drums, percussion, vocals and incredible friend) arrived in Springfield on Thursday night, as we unloaded our equipment into the studio and watched several of the solo acts. I was greeted by Michael “The Mudcat” Reams, our CCSA Ambassador whom I did not expect to see.

“You’re in a heap of trouble,” said Mudcat. “Your wife is looking for you!”

Well, I’d just gotten off the phone with Jenny, but had to explain all over again that I’d been conserving cell power for the drive up from Dallas. Dang, yelled at twice in 10 minutes, and everyone was absolutely right. I really shouldn’t be out of communication that long, especially having so much fun with Chad and Matt during the trip. Yes, I had a blast. Yes, I feel a little guilty. I’ll get over it.

Randy Tredway seemed to be everywhere, running one of the six TV cameras, managing the schedule, getting musicians queued up and doing an excellent job of ramrodding. Brian Shipman served as a strong captain of the ship, keeping the team of student camera operators, Jimmy the sound engineer, lights, musicians, and shots coordinated. My team and I retired to our hotel and were almost giddy about the upcoming day.

Friday did not disappoint, as we watched other acts perform, jammed and swapped ideas with fellow songwriters, and shot a session with The Mudcat, himself. Matthew Gaskins had never played Mudcat’s songs, but Chad Ireland and I were pretty familiar. Matt masterfully slipped in on bass, and we knocked out a fine little set.

Later that day, we got to shoot our segment as I relied heavily on doctor-prescribed steroids to get my voice to work. We were joined by Mudcat and Spider Minshew playing harmonicas on different tunes. Things seemed to go pretty well, and then we were in for another treat. Dallas power trio, Daddy Rocks—with Billy King, Kyle Black and Mike Love—took the stage and pounded out a great set.

That night, Brian and his wife hosted the musicians at his home for burgers and music. Daddy Rocks had managed to book a gig, and were off to the show early. The rest of us began to jam, finally moving to the recreation hall of an old church, until the wee hours of the morning.

“This is what heaven must be like,” Matt told me. “It’s like, you get to hang out with all of your friends, eat good food, and just sing and play all the time.”

I’m not sure if he felt that way by the next afternoon—although I expect he still did. The secret had gotten out about just how good he is, and he was drafted to play bass on several more sets. Did I hear him say, “I’ve got blistahs on me fingahs”? I’m not sure. In the end, Chad and I got to join him, along with percussionist Mica, to back up Vicky William’s set. The set rocked really well despite Vicky’s challenge with—you guessed it—throat problems.

There were so many notable performances that it’s hard to remember them all. I did enjoy the Allen Hurt Band, playing some great bluegrass and featuring Allen’s sweet, solid tenor lead vocal. I most identified with Ross Vick’s material for it’s contemporary adult focus, much like my own. For three days, everyone turned out a positively outstanding representation of Texas songwriting. With day gigs, kids to raise, and lives to live, most of us are trying to be legends in our spare time. But there is certainly no shortage of talent in this corner of the world.

I’ll try to list the musicians and songwriters involved, and hopefully I got most of them: Aubrey Teeter, Billy Ewing, C. J. and Randy Randolph, Chad Ireland, Daddy Rocks (Billy King, Kyle Black, Mike Love), Matthew Gaskins, Michael “The Mudcat” Reames, Paul Johnson, Randy Tredway, Ross Vick, The Allen Hurt Band, Tim McGeary, Vicky Williams, Wade Kilgore, Wanda Mullens, and Whit Hyde.

In the middle of it all, I got a call from CCSA President, Diane Hart. Yes, she sounded a wee bit jealous, but I can’t wait to see her join one of these events. Other calls intervened from home, with responsibilities popping up. Finally, Matt, Chad and I bailed a bit early in an effort to remain married to our spouses. The trip home was spent listening to Ross’ latest CD, reviewing the catalog of 70s and 80s music in my wife’s onboard CD library, singing, harmonizing, and reminiscing.

Thanks, Brian and Randy—what an amazing opportunity.

A Crashing Economy May Have an Upside

2008-11-16T19:42:00.000-08:00

So, yes I’m a pretty high-intensity musician—but I also have a day gig as a Project Manager and Solution Architect (Business Analyst). Having a day gig actually improves my songwriting, I think. I stay more connected to what everyday people are going through and I write more relatable stuff.

Maybe I’m a little too in touch. On Friday, I was given notice that my consulting work is coming to an abrupt end. Like, pretty much, now. I’ll be wrapping things up for a day or two more, but I’m done. This economy is reaching into all the nooks and crannies, and now I find myself at the worst time in the last 80 years, and the very worst time of the year, looking for the next income source. I’ll bet a lot of people are right in the same place that I am.

I think we’re about to find ourselves changed as a society. There will actually be some significant upsides, although they may be found in tent cities, gathered around open fires. Get ready to connect with your fellow human.

If we have to take away our jobs, cars, houses, cell phones, TVs, and can’t afford to go out, what can we do? We can sit down and talk with each other. We can listen, sympathize, and empathize. We can still sing each other songs. And we can still write, collaborate, and create—maybe more than we have in a long time.

Our little songwriters club (Collin County Songwriters Association) may have to put its biggest plans on hold for a while. But the best part—creating, communicating, growing—is going to be even better while we’re waiting on the world to change (thanks for the phrase, John Mayer).

One of our members, Andy Howell, recently read that in times of financial trouble, societies tend to like longer songs with more feeling, and perhaps some storytelling. I’m sure it has something to do with our increased patience and a slower pace.

As long as we can keep our families fed, let’s see if we can enjoy the downtime.

Collin County Songwriters Association News

2008-11-05T15:40:00.000-08:00

In case you hadn’t heard—it’s official: the Collin County Songwriters Association has been granted 501(c)3 non-profit status by the Internal Revenue Service! After two years, three false starts, and a lot of work, the association is now ready to start the “real” work. Plans include more expanded concert programs and seminars, education outreach to schools, and support of songwriters and musicians in North Texas in their efforts to advance and become known. We’d like to thank attorney Cynthia Hurley for providing just the right expertise and working hard to make this happen.

Wade Kilgore hosts an open mic jam, Texas Style, at Hank’s in McKinney on Wednesday nights, 8:00PM – 11:00PM. If you play or sing, or just want to come out and listen to some great music….get out and join him. He’ll be out on the back porch at Hank’s, with great drink specials all night long. Come out early for some great Texas food like only Hank’s can do it. Then head out to the back, and sign up and get on the stage.

Steve Sullivan and Dallas Songwriters Association hold Thursday night showcases, 7PM at The Filling Station—featuring four performing songwriters. The Filling Station is at 19009 Preston Road, just south of the George Bush Turnpike. CCSA sponsor Steve Anderson appears in the showcase on 11/6, 11/13, and 11/20.

Mike and the Majestics are playing at the Cottage Lounge in Dallas on November 8th. Downbeat is at 9pm.

“Songwriters – Second Saturday,” produced by Tredway and Friends with The City of Waxahachie and the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce, will take place at Getzendaner Park in it’s historic Chautauqua Auditorium, November 8, 2008. Six songwriters perform a half-hour set starting at 7PM, and a four person songswap starts at 6PM.

Classic rocker Ryan Michael Galloway will appear at Journeys Pub in The Zone, 7PM Saturday, November 8th, at Custer and Virginia Parkway (NE corner) in McKinney. He would also like you to know that he is available for corporate and private parties through the holiday season—the schedule is filling up fast.

Michael “The Mudcat” Reames is playing at The Chili Pepper Rama, November 9, at 11:30am . The festival is located at Lovers Lane and Greenville Ave in Dallas. It is a chili cookoff. Festival runs all day.

New Country artist Abbi Clair will hold a release party for her brand new 13 song CD at Coach Joes in Frisco on Nov 14, with a full band. They’re playing her music on KHYI 95.3.

The Black Prairie Band is staying busy with shows Saturday, Dec. 6, Holidays at the Heard, Heard Nature Museum, McKinney from 1-2pm at the museum outdoor amphitheater and Saturday, Dec. 13, Old Town Frisco Christmas Celebration, Frisco Gazebo from noon-1pm.

Collin County Songwriters Association News

2008-10-31T11:20:00.001-07:00

It’s official: the Collin County Songwriters Association has been granted 501(c)3 non-profit status by the Internal Revenue Service! After two years, three false starts, and a lot of work, the association is now ready to start the “real” work. Plans include more expanded concert programs and seminars, education outreach to schools, and support of songwriters and musicians in North Texas in their efforts to advance and become known. We’d like to thank attorney Cynthia Hurley for providing just the right expertise and working hard to make this happen.

Day Job Refugee’s final 2008 Obzeet performance will take place on Halloween, Friday October 31, at 7:30. Join them for great music as they rock the patio one last time.

Steve Sullivan’s Dallas Songwriters Association/H.O.O.T. Showcase will take place at 7PM on Saturday, November 1 at Varsity Club Grill, 6205 Coit Road. Rich Macklin headlines. Don’t forget the Thursday night showcases, 7PM at The Filling Station—featuring four performing songwriters.

New Country artist Abbi Clair will hold a release party for her brand new 13 song CD at Coach Joes in Frisco on Nov 14, with a full band. They’re playing her music on KHYI 95.3.

The Anderson Acoustic Project with Steve Anderson will appear at It’s a Grind at 6959 Lebanon in Frisco on Saturday, November 1st at 7PM. Steve is one of the two the awesome owners of Anderson Guitar Gallery in downtown Frisco.

Classic rocker Ryan Michael Galloway will appear at Journeys Pub in The Zone, 7PM Saturday, November 8th, at Custer and Virginia Parkway (NE corner) in McKinney. He would also like you to know that he is available for corporate and private parties through the holiday season—the schedule is filling up fast.

“Songwriters – Second Saturday,” produced by Tredway and Friends with The City of Waxahachie and the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce, will take place at Getzendaner Park in it’s historic Chautauqua Auditorium. Six songwriters perform a half-hour set starting at 7PM, and a four person songswap starts at 6PM, November 8, 2008.

Don’t forget the song critique circle at Anderson Guitar Gallery, 7PM on Tuesday, November 4.

Dano debuts new songs for kids

2008-10-14T09:14:00.001-07:00

For years, Dan Scot Parr has written and performed music for adults—but his life has always been connected to kids. As a teacher and elementary school administrator in Collin County, he’s been inside their heads for a long time. A few years ago, he started dabbling with children’s songs, and had so much fun he couldn’t stop. Now, known as “Dano” by his younger friends, he has released an entire CD of original children’s songs—an organic collection of fun wordplay and fantasy.

Lest you think Dano is another purple dinosaur, let me assure you that you will not need to pop antacid while your kids listen to his music and you try to seclude yourself from the sound. His songs tell some wild tales, and he challenges his listeners to think a little about what they’re hearing. Far from banal, for an elementary school student the material is engaging. For the adults around, there are some interesting musical and lyrical layers. You might even find the songs inspire some spirited conversation about what things mean, and what that sound is. In addition to guitar, vocals, bass and percussion, the record is embellished with an impressive kazoo solo and some mighty fine whistling.

For his part, Dano is taking his music to the people. He’s playing parties, PTA events, school assemblies and any place where children need growth-oriented entertainment.

"I like for the kids (and parents) to feel like they are part of the show or maybe part of the band,” says Dano. “Most of these songs are meant to be sing-alongs or call and response songs, so the more they sing with me the more fun we all have. The songs are also very percussive, so I like to get the kids involved in that aspect of the show. I want the songs to be fun and entertaining, but I try to lead each song with something educational.”

His records, and booking information, can be found at http://www.danorecords.com/, and you can also visit him on his Myspace site, www.Myspace.com/DanoRecords.

Collin County Songwriters Association News

2008-10-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Steve Anderson will play an evening of blues music from 7-9PM at It’s a Grind coffeehouse in Frisco, on Saturday, October 11. Steve is one of North Texas most prominent supporters of music and musicians, and owner of Anderson Guitar Gallery—a guy who can talk the talk and walk the walk!

Michael “The Mudcat” Reames Appears at the Chautauqua Auditorium in Waxahachie, Saturday, October 11. Pre-show starts at 6PM and the main event at 7PM. This is part of Songwriter Saturdays, a monthly program run by Tredway and Friends of InTheMusicRoom.com fame. Mudcat will be backed by Ryan Michael Galloway, and a number of other talented performing songwriters will play.

CCSA musicians and friends lend their talents to a benefit for Innovative Challenges and FragileX, organizations supporting people with mental and physical disabilities. The event is Sunday, October 12, from 1 – 5PM. Headlining is Urban Renewal, a Tower of Power tribute band—lots of horns and funk. Also performing are Diane Hart and her trio, Tony Vea and his quartet, and C. Aaron Moore. Sound and stage management provided by record producer and engineer Ron Logan, and Ryan Michael Galloway.

Ryan Michael Galloway has been nominated for recognition as the “Texas State Musician,” with the Office of the Governor, Texas Music Office. Last session, about 20 people were nominated out of literally hundreds of thousands of Texas musicians. The final designation will be voted on by the Texas State Legislature in the next session. Ryan will appear next at Journeys Pub, in The Zone at Virginia and Custer in McKinney, starting at 7PM, October 27.

Collin County Songwriters Association News

2008-09-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

The Prosper Arts and Music Festival HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED for Saturday, 9/27, with CCSA members, The Black Prairie Band, headlining from 5:30 PM to 7 PM. Black Prairie Band plays a fun mix of Country and Classic Rock. It’s one of the biggest bands in North Texas (10, sometimes 11 musicians). Saturday, 9/20, BPB’s Sam Moore and Gary Tullier perform at Dallas Songwriters Association’s Crossroads Showcase, Rockhouse Grille, 4060 Beltline Rd. in Addison, 9:30 PM. Included in their play list will be the "world premiere" of three new songs. Sunday, Sept. 21, BPB performs at the Plano Balloon Festival, Spring Creek Rd. in Plano, 8:30 AM.

The Ryan Michael Galloway Band (featuring Chad Ireland and Matthew Gaskins) had a great night at AK’s in Fairview last Saturday, with a packed house despite the storm. On 9/18, Ryan Michael Galloway will play solo at Journeys Pub in McKinney, Texas, NE corner of Custer and Virginia Parkway, 7:00 PM, and on 9/24 at The Filling Station, 19009 Preston Road just south of the George Bush, at 7:00 PM. For those experienced musicians who would like to sit in, he usually has his a bass, spare guitar, and an extra mic ready to go. Michael “The Mudcat” Reames has been joining him regularly on blues harmonica, and Steve Sullivan (DSA President) and Dan Smith (bassist) joined him for a couple of sets at The Filling Station on Wednesday, September 10th.

CCSA is holding planning meetings for Rockin’ the Park 09, scheduled for April 18. This will be a multi-dimensional event, enlisting several local music-oriented businesses, providing songwriting and music industry seminars, and capped by an evening concert at Warren Park. Businesses interested in sponsoring parts of the event may contact Ryan Michael Galloway at 972-841-0226, or Ryan@RyanRocks.com,

Statewide nominations are now open for Texas State Poet Laureate and Texas State Musician. Contact Ryan Michael Galloway at Ryan@RyanRocks.com, if you want to learn how to make a nomination.

Prosper Arts and Music Festival Recovers Nicely

2008-09-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

It was a great plan, and slated to be a top notch event, but larger forces intervened. The Prosper Arts and Music Festival was scheduled for Saturday, September 13 — blown a little of course by a huge hurricane and tropical storm. Now the event will take place — God willing — on September 27th, 10 AM to 7 PM. You’ll find the festival’s venue easily, as it will be located among the shops of the Prosper Town Center.

I love a well run event, but I’m totally impressed when a volunteer team can quickly pirouette, adapt, overcome, and just keep rolling. That’s what Beverly Babis and her intrepid colleagues, Becky Conklin and Mary Jane Kellogg, have managed to do. And the event still promises to be a first class effort.

Not that what looks easy, actually is easy. This is an ensemble of go-getters who just won’t take “no” for an answer—even from a major weather event. A lot of hard work has gone into planning the main event, and the team has scrambled and worked just as hard to recover.

Are you an artist or vendor interested in having a booth? Time is short, but the date change has opened four booths as of this writing. Contact Beverly at 469-247-8243 if you are interested. Sponsors are appreciated too.

Numerous musicians are scheduled to perform throughout the day, with Collin County Songwriters Association members, The Black Prairie Band, still headlining. This is a wonderful opportunity to be entertained and support live music in North Texas. Find out more at:

http://www.prosperartsandmusicfestival.com/

I hope to see you there.

Ryan Michael Galloway

http://www.ryanrocks.com/ or www.Myspace.com/ryanmgalloway

The Snake Charmers (and Marie Angell)

2008-08-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

In addition to using Myspace, I've been getting to know Facebook. If you put them together is that MyFace? Oh, well, I'm making lots of great friends, because on Facebook, you tend to have to connect a bit more closely and so the wholesale inviting is slowed down a bit.

In the process, I've made a connection that impressed me. Marie Angell has a band in Houston called "The Snake Charmers." It caught my attention because I seem to hanging out with a lot of Blues/Rock musicians these days, like my buddy Michael "The Mudcat" Reames, and his friends Bron Buick and Wayne Folse. The Snake Charmers would fit right in.

Marie is a singer/songwriter/keyboardist, and the band is a 4-piece configuration. Her bass player/technical guy husband Will Blumentritt partners with her to keep them on course, and the band is filled out by her my stepson/drummer Eric Blumentritt and guitarist/chemist Larry Meeker. As Marie says, Larry is only related through the "brotherhood of man" and is like their crazy cousin.

Currently, The Snake Charmers are working on their first 10-song CD, tentatively entitled, Been Gone Too Long, which they expect to released in early fall. They're hoping to pre-release several songs by, uh, about now actually. It's a collection of songs that loosely fit under the overarching heading of "blues," and includes an eclectic mix, from a traditional 12-bar blues ("Move On Blues"), to a rock-tinged roots ballad ("Can't Trust a Heart"), to a Southern blues rocker ("No Mercy"), a soulful Fifties-blues-style tale of woe ("Ain't Nothin' But the Blues") and even a Dusty Springfield-drenched seducer ("Half a Cup").

The Snake Charmers see themselves as a little bit different for a blues act, in that they really are a band and not just a bunch of musicians that sit in or back up the singer. Yes, Marie wrote and sings all the songs on this album (and does the booking, etc.), but the band is definitely a collaborative effort—everybody brings something unique to the table.

Marie says, "Most blues/blues rock bands affiliated with women either serve essentially as backup for the front woman or 'feature' the female lead vocalist. Although I've made solo/duo/trio efforts, I always gravitate back to bands. I like the special contributions of each member and little else kicks ass the way I like."

Their next booked show is August 30 at Mojo Risin' Coffee House in Houston. This is a GoGirls showcase also featuring the bands Spare Parts and my pals 3 Kisses. They're also entered in the Houston Regional International Blues Challenge, sometime in late August or early September.

Marie adds, "We always like to do the GoGirls festivals and showcases. GoGirls is a great organization and I would have gladly killed to have a group like this 30 years ago."

Currently, they aren't gigging much so they can concentrate on the album, but they intend to pick up steam upon completion of the project. This past year has been the first time they've made a full-out assault playing original music. "It's a lot of fun and I don't know if I can ever go back," says Marie.

Their Myspace pages are http://www.snakecharmers.net/ and http://www.myspace.com/thesnakecharmersmusic.

Ryan Michael Gallowaywww.GigsterClinics.com

Songwriters Saturdays at the Waxahachie Chautauqua Theatre

2008-08-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

Songwriting and performing is experiencing a renaissance in North Texas, with thriving songwriting associations, including the Dallas Songwriters Association, the Fort Worth Songwriters Association, and the Collin County Songwriters Association, which I happen to chair. Venues continue to pop up every day, as clubs and restaurants work hard to entice people out of their homes for dinner or drink, while fighting off the challenges of Texas’ August heat and high fuel prices.

On the south end of North Texas rises an exciting new development in our world of local and regional performing songwriters and their devoted fans: Songwriters Saturdays at the Waxahachie Chautauqua Theatre in Getzendaner Park, Waxahachie, Texas, scheduled for one special Saturday each month.

First, let me make one thing clear: This is a big deal.

The program is sponsored and curated by North Texas song-hunter, Randy Tredway and partner Helen Kennedy. Randy and Helen have spent an incredible amount of time over recent years, working to elevate the visibility of local and regional performing songwriters, with monthly live showcases, and the online music and interview program, In the Music Room. Their goal is to provide a consistent, important venue to showcase performances. In doing so, they hope to draw support from the rich musical talent and rooted support network of the area’s three songwriters associations, and similar organizations that spring up over time.

“The format that I am leaning toward is six songwriters per evening in half-hour sets,” says Randy. “We will probably open the doors at 5:30 with one hour of different singer/songwriters between 6-7. All our shows are, family oriented in the tradition of The Chautauqua Society.

“We are putting the schedule together now for the next 18 months,” he adds. “Please spread the word to the best singer-songwriters and music lovers you know everywhere.”

The August 16th show leans a little bit country, and features Randy Tredway and Helen Kennedy, Daddy Rocks, Allen Hurt, Wade Kilgore, Micah Fedroff, Spider Menshew, Curtis Wayne, and Jimmie Grokett. Yours truly, Ryan Michael Galloway, will appear in the September 6th show, with others to be announced.

If it isn’t enough that all of this great talent is available for you to experience, the historic venue is worth the trip all by itself. Waxahachie’s Chautauqua Auditorium was part of a nationwide movement. Pulling from Wikipedia:

“Chautauqua is an adult education movement in the United States, highly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Chautauqua assemblies expanded and spread throughout rural America until the mid-1920s. The Chautauqua brought entertainment and culture for the whole community, with speakers, teachers, musicians, entertainers, preachers and specialists of the day.

“Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt is quoted as saying that Chautauqua is ‘the most American thing in America.’

“The first Chautauqua, the New York Chautauqua Assembly, was organized in 1874 by Methodist minister John Heyl Vincent and businessman Lewis Miller at a campsite on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in New York State. Two years earlier, Vincent, editor of the Sunday School Journal, had begun to train Sunday school teachers in an outdoor summer school format. The gatherings grew in popularity. The organization founded by Vincent and Miller later became known as the Chautauqua Institution.

“The educational summer camp format proved to be a popular choice for families and was widely copied. Within a decade Chautauqua assemblies (or simply Chautauquas), named for the original location in New York State, sprang up in various locations across North America.”
I hesitate to ask people just to come out and support something, just for art’s sake. In this case people may get turned on enough to make the event part of their normal routine just to support the effort. But the fact is, these events will be a joy to watch. Come out for no other reason than to treat yourself to something unique, special and exciting. Things happen at these musical events that will never be replicated on a CD or a recording. With all the challenges of enjoying live music, you will be rewarded with a connection to the artists that you can experience no other way.

Collin County Songwriters Association News

2008-06-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

See video clips from CCSA’s variety show, June 10, at AK’s (soon to be The Venue Grille) in Allen/Fairview at www.YouTube.com/collinsongwriters, and see pictures (were you there?) at the CCSA Myspace site. Included in the clips are C. Aaron Moore, Diane Hart, Chad Ireland, Dan Scot Parr, Michael “The Mudcat” Reames, Nelson Miller, and Ryan Michael Galloway.

CCSA member Eric Sykes will perform with his partner Chris Paul at Neuhaus Café, 626 Preston Royal Shopping Center, Dallas, Saturday, June 28th. Shows are from 6:30 to 9:30. Great music from the 60s through 90s.

Diane Hart will play this Friday, June 20th, at AK’s (soon to be The Venue Grille), 441 Stacy Road, in Allen, and Poppy’s, 107 S Church St, in McKinney on Saturday, July 25th.

Ryan Michael Galloway will headline the Dallas Songwriters Association’s July Songwriter Showcase at The Varsity Club in the northwest corner of Spring Creek and Coit in Plano, Saturday, July 5. This will be a very special original set comprised of music from RMG’s last two releases, and some new material to be included on his upcoming EP, “Nation.” CCSA members may be dropping by to sit in on this one. See recent live video clips of RMG at www.YouTube.com/rmgalloway. RMG is also giving Master Classes at this year’s Camp Jam, founded by former 38 Special guitarist Jeff Carlisi.

Public speaker and CCSA VP, Chad Ireland, appeared at the Pecha Kucha event hosted by the Visual Arts Guild on Thursday night, June 19th. He was there to explain the role that the CCSA fills in the community, and the organization’s goals. Pecha Kucha events are gatherings for people in the arts (artists, musicians, etc.) to network and share the approaches and techniques behind their work.

Michael “The Mudcat” Reames was recently covered in a story on Dallas Morning News’ site, NeighborsGo, http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/16739. Read about The Mudcat’s upcoming recording project in Houston at the Vault Studios, with international contributor Bron Buick.

Ryan Michael Galloway
www.GigsterClinics.com (music business education)
www.RyanRocks.com (the Ryan Michael Galloway music and education portal)

Local "Rockin' Bluesman" Goes International

2008-06-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Michael “The Mudcat” Reames came to Frisco, Texas from Oak Cliff—by way of New Orleans. In an odyssey that took him from playing as a teenager with Stevie Ray Vaughan in the band Liberation, to jamming with the fledgling ZZ Top, to singing in a Yes tribute band, to rocking the New Orleans Club scene, to returning to North Texas after Katrina blew it all away, The Mudcat has pretty much seen it all. For the last two years he has helped to found the Collin County Songwriters Association, and is one of its most outspoken ambassadors. Through it all, the playing, singing, and blues harmonica playing hasn’t stopped. He can now be seen playing at a number of showcases and clubs, and the appearances have turned more frequent, as the association teams up with the Visual Arts Guild for a number of art shows in the area.

Now The Mudcat embarks on a new CD project that has ties to UK and Europe. In mid-July, he will begin a major recording initiative at The Vault Studios in Houston, where he is the not-so-silent partner of producer/engineer, David Williams (former drummer for Hall and Oates, Diana Ross, The Ojays, etc., and former record company executive).

In his spare time, Mr. Reames has been working his Myspace page like a pro. In doing so he has, like many players on this side of the pond, made a number of connections overseas. But in his case, he’s actually gotten people excited enough to come to Texas to record his material. Among the various musicians involved in the project is Bron Buick, a guitarist from London. Bron got involved because he want to cover Reames’ song “Love Sickness,” which he will place on his own release and bring back to the UK and Europe when the mix is finished. Bron will perform on other songs on Reames’ CD as well.

In an effort to reach out beyond Texas’ borders, The Mudcat also recruited West Indies musician, “Cash,” and brought back Reames old friend, co-writer and collaborator Wayne Folse, the stellar blues and rock guitarist from New Orleans.

Members of the Collin County Songwriters Association, who have been collaborating with Reames on an association compilation, will also meet on the session to complete some recordings started in May. The sessions will be taped by CCSA member Sam Moore who is currently working on a series pilot about Texas music.

Bron Buick, a London native, has toured extensively through Europe including Scandinavia and England with his own band Buick Hill Band, with Bron as the front man with guitarist Chris Hill. He’ll be touring the US when he takes time out in July to do the session with The Mudcat in Houston.

Bron says, “I have come a long way, from playing to two people who were just trying to get a beer at the top of their lungs, to 130,000+”

Bron’s forthcoming album “Battered and Bluesed” is his second. His first CD is entitled “Just a Thought...” One of his tracks, “Lovin' Lucy” was featured in the compilation CD “Rock 4 Life,” now in stores around the world.

“I am so happy to be able to get a man of his obvious talent and love of the blues to play and make some good music,” says Reames. “With the help of my friends Wayne and Dave we ought to turn out some good stuff.”

Ryan Michael Galloway
www.GigsterClinics.com (music business education)
www.RyanRocks.com (the Ryan Michael Galloway music and education portal)

Catching up...

2008-06-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't made a serious post here since last October, so here is what I've been up to:

Released "Rock the Big House Down" EP (get free downloads at the link) at the end of December
Wrote and released The Band Promotion Turbo-Charger (more fans, more fame, more fortune) in February 2008
Started facilitating the Collin County Songwriters Association song critique circle, every first Tuesday of the month at Anderson Guitar Gallery in Frisco, Texas
Led the Collin County Songwriters Association Spring Seminars in May
Started a new live playing campaign--see me at places like Zen Zin Wines and Bistro, AK's (soon to be The Venue Grille), and The Varsity Club (July 5, 2008) in Plano
Started capturing and editing videos for CCSA: See our new YouTube with live videos at www.youtube.com/collinsongwriters
Joined most of the CCSA leadership on a trip to Houston for a spirited impromptu recording session
Got invited to perform as part of a PBS program on Texas songwriters, taping in October in Missouri
Held a Master Class on promotion at Camp Jam in Dallas (founded by Jeff Carlisi)
Began developing material for the next CD, entitled "Nation"

Okay, that's some of it anyway. My apologies for the ego-fest. More info on the way.

Ryan Michael Galloway

http://www.gigsterclinics.com/ (music business education)

http://www.ryanrocks.com/ (the Ryan Michael Galloway music and education portal)

Back in the Saddle

2008-06-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

MAN, time goes by in a hurry these days. Well, it's time to get this blog active again, if only to aggregate and repost some of my more important writings to this audience. My apologies for the sabbatical, and here comes some stuff!

Ryan Michael Galloway
www.GigsterClinics.com (music business education)
www.RyanRocks.com (the Ryan Michael Galloway music and education portal)

2007-10-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I will be releasing a new EP slated for December. I've been hard at work in Ron Logan's "Shabby Road Studio" in Desoto, with a twist on recording techniques. Most of the music so far has been recorded on a digital recorder as I roam all over the North Texas countryside picking up pieces from contributing players--returning occasionally to the studio to load the tracks into the main project. Ron has artfully knitted the pieces together, completing exceptional mixes for the EP's titular "Rock the Big House Down," and "I Can't Get There From Here."

Three more tracks will be completed in December. Tentatively, they are "If God Could Sleep," "I Know What I Know," and "When the Full Moon Loves You."

Embedded here is a picture of me hanging with part of the horn section for "Rock the Big House Down." Meet my compadres, Derrell, Aaron and Nathan. Derrell played tuba, Aaron played sax, and Nathan played trumpet. Aaron also served as on the spot arranger and horn section lead. Thanks, guys! Photo is by Jenny Yuhas, who wants me to pass along how good looking she thinks you guys are. :-)

For lots of equipment, promotion, songwriting and music career management knowledge, go to http://www.GigsterClinics.com/merch.htm.Ryan Michael Galloway IS the Alpha Gigster of Gigster Clinics. Performer, mentor, author, and songwriter. See his videos on YouTube. Be his friend at MySpace.

What's the buzz?

2007-07-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've been back here to post anything. I've been working steadily on developing a Myspace following and building new Gigster Clinic programs. I will also soon be a featured writer on the famous Don Mak's new music career blogsite, "Performidable."

Have you seen that recent bumper-sticker, "Think Globally, Act Locally"? Well, I've figured out a way to think globally, and ACT GLOBALLY, as well. Yes, thank-you Internet, for the international reach. Through my Myspace account I've been making contacts all over the world, and I've now found a way to share my clinic programs with musicians everywhere.

It all started when Shane Frame of Guitar Center in North Dallas invited me to speak. He asked if I could do a clinic on just live sound. No problem, since it is part of the overall GigsterClinics program. This time, since I was in a room full of millions of dollars worth of sound equipment, I had the event videotaped. With my friend, Steve Brown of Tradewind Productions on the camera, and my talented musical collaborator and filmaker, Chris Moore, doing post production, the results are pretty exciting. Get a taste here:

Anyway, the next thing I knew, I found a way to produce webinars--taking up to 1000 incoming participants at one time. As the ad says, "this changes everything." Yes, I will continue to present live presentations and clinics, but I will also do live webinars for a much wider audience. The plan is to offer the webinars for free, but to give participants the option to buy the audio and PowerPoint presentations on disk, or to step up and buy a DVD with integrated illustrations. The first webinar is in August. Subscribe to this blog, or be my friend at www.Myspace.com/rmgalloway to stay informed of developments.

Want to know more? For a FREE whitepaper report on phase cancellation (and links to other reports), click here. For lots of equipment, promotion, songwriting and music career management knowledge, go to http://www.GigsterClinics.com/merch.htm.

Ryan Michael Galloway IS the Alpha Gigster of Gigster Clinics. Performer, mentor, author, and songwriter. See his videos on YouTube. Be his friend at MySpace.

A musician should also be a "tech"

2007-05-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night I was setting up to play with my buddies at a coffeehouse in a church in Mesquite, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. Church-sponsored coffeehouses are a time-honored tradition in Dallas, the oldest of which is the famous Uncle Calvin's. Church or no church, things can get pretty raucous at these events, so you still hear some pretty edgy stuff, albeit usually on acoustic instruments.

In the middle of set-up we ran into a problem with the direct boxes, or so we thought. Direct boxes or "DIs" are boxes that let you plug your guitar-style quarter-inch plug into a three-pronged low-impedance input called an XLR or Cannon connector (like a microphone cable ), which is what all the snake inputs are. Our sound technician couldn't get the DI-fed acoustic guitar channels--10 and 11--to make a sound, either in the mains or the monitors. He switched the direct boxes out three times with no change in result. I took one of the guitars and plugged it into a guitar amp just to make sure it wasn't the instrument, but the guitar worked perfectly in the onstage amp. Meanwhile the two channels were still dead. Not a sound when we plugged the guitar back into the direct boxes.

I said, "Guys, it has to be at the board." The sound engineer protested, saying that the board was set up right. I asked if I could look it over.

"Go ahead," he said, as if to say, "You won't find anything."

I checked the channels for muting. I compared the cannels to the channels around them. I checked the bussing switches to the mains and the sub-mixes. I checked the faders. I glanced in the back where there was no light, but saw something disturbing.

"Would it cause a problem if the snake wasn't plugged into channels 10 and 11?" I asked.

"Oh, sh*t," was the response.

Problem solved. Next.

While my friend, C. Aaron Moore and his band "The Issues," performed the first set, I got into a "discussion" with a fellow band-member about problems with the mix. He was hearing one of the vocalists louder than the others. Now, I'd been all over the room and the mix was pretty good, but my friend just couldn't stand what he was hearing.

I worked to get the sound right, which was complicated by the fact that the PA board was in the back of the room in the corner, in a box with an open window to the performance hall. The sound in the hall was fully twice of what it was in the booth, but the booth sound was surprisingly pretty mixable. After I got the "vocal in question" to sit in the mix a little better, I realized at least part of the problem. My fellow band-member was sitting 10 feet from the back wall of the hall. He was in the worst seat in the house, with the sound waves reflecting from the back wall and cancelling a lot of the frequencies--possibly even reinforcing others. Once I walked into the sweet spot in the middle of the room, the vocals were actually now a bit low in the mix.

What else helps vocals sit in the mix? Well, vocals are one of the most dynamic "instruments," meaning the can be very loud, very soft, somewhere in between, and can change on a dime. Great for emotional delivery, but it drives the person at the mixer crazy trying to get the vocal to mix well with the rest of the music. The answer is a compressor. The compressor will turn the loud sound down (in a fraction of a second) and the soft sound up. This more even sound lets you pretty much set and forget the vocals, because where you mix them is where they tend to remain in the mix with the other instruments.

Want to know more? For a FREE whitepaper report on phase cancellation, click here. For lots of equipment, promotion, songwriting and music career management knowledge, go to http://www.GigsterClinics.com/merch.htm.

Ryan Michael Galloway IS the Alpha Gigster of Gigster Clinics. Performer, mentor, author, and songwriter. See his videos on YouTube. Be his friend at MySpace.

The Anti-Simon

2007-03-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen the movie, Jaws? There is a scene where Richard Dreyfuss’ character describes the shark species. To paraphrase, they’re only interested in two things, eating and making baby sharks. In short, they’re like machines—not to be hated, as much as understood and avoided.

Where the shark has two areas of concentration, I’ve decided that Simon Cowell is twice as focused. According to his recent run of interviews, he is simply interested in making money. Through that lens, everything seems to make sense. He is part creator of a hit TV show (American Idol) that feeds over a hundred million dollars worth of talent to a major record label. The controversy he purposely creates, the snide comments, the snotty attitude, the mock war with Paula Abdul—it is all so he and his colleagues can make millions and millions, while the artists themselves receive a very small portion of the pie.

While I don’t hate Simon and his crew for wanting to make money, and I don’t think they’ve done anything illegal, I can’t say what they’re doing is very good for us. Politicians and voters often like to hold their ideas up to scrutiny by saying, “Yeah, but is it good for America?” I’d like to hold the whole American Idol concept up to the question, “Yeah, but is it good for the music business?”

In the short run, American Idol creates entertainment, makes us laugh, and gives a few people a shot at a record deal—a dubious goal, at best. But in the long run, it reinforces what is wrong with the record business, and what is bad for us consumers. Simon has a very narrow definition of who should be a star. He is tasked with picking the hits over, and over again. He is not particularly open to widening that definition, allowing more inventive and less mainstream ideas in.

Every time the Next Big Thing has happened in the music business, it’s been an anomaly; something outside the mainstream. When Rock and Roll first happened in the late 50s and early 60s, it was just “guitar music,” and it supposedly wasn’t going to compete well with the likes of Sinatra, Streisand, and Andy Williams (Andy who?). Disco was reviled and resisted, as was rap. But every time these innovations came on the scene, they ultimately became part of the mainstream. I’ve even heard rap infused into Country Music! Where would these innovations have found footing if the Simons of the world were in control. No one would ever have stepped outside of the box. Even if money making is the goal, safety is the anti-thesis to innovation.

The answer right now is the “indie” music movement. Producing and promoting yourself, managing your own shows, promotion, and bookings. This is what’s leading to new sounds and innovations, so much so that the record companies are nibbling away at the edges by funding a few creative startups, and snatching up some of the better indie acts. Do you want to learn more about having your own artistic and business control as you pursue your music career? Join me on Myspace at http://www.MySpace.com/rmgalloway, or read my educational blogs here and at http://www.wordsplusmusic.blogspot.com. You can also subscribe to my eZine at http://www.GigsterClinics.com.

Be in touch. We’re going to change the world (of music, anyway).

P.S. My new book, Hits and Heartbreakers—Songwriting Fundamentals for Love or Money, is now available at http://www.GigsterClinics.com/merch.htm.

God Bless Brad Delp

2007-03-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

Lead singer for Boston, Brad Delp, died yesterday at 55. Yes, we did just lose the nicest guy in rock and roll.

When I played as a member of the East Coast tour band, Primadonna, my drummer and friend was Ben Mason. Ben's father was a Technical Writer in Washington, DC and friends with Jack Hashian--father of Boston's drummer, Sib Hashian. Ben also knew Sib through some of his earlier years prior to Boston. An aside was that Jack Hashian was reputed to have written The Eiger Sanction under the name Trevanian.

Long way around, I know, but I have a tie in. Whenever Sib was in town, he and his dad would make sure we (our entire band) had tickets and back stage passes for at least one of the shows. They typically played the Capitol Centre in Largo, MD, and would sell out every time.

Meanwhile, I was published as a songwriter with Columbia/Screen Gems. My mentor, Irwin Schuster, a VP with the company signed Boston's publishing by giving each of them $500,000 before they had released a single song. Turned out to be an amazing investment.

Without ever having much direct contact with this amazingly successful band, my life just happened to intertwine a bit. And on occasion I got to see them literally up close and personal.

On June 18, 1979, Boston played the last date of their huge first tour. They'd been on and off the road for something like 18 months, touring the world. I believe they had just come back from Japan. Tom Scholz told us they chose to close the tour at the Capitol Centre because DC audiences were the best (a nice thing to say, whether or not it was true). Their favorite warm up act, a relatively unknown singer from Montrose, opened the show. His name was Sammy Hagar.

After seeing the show from the 12th row, I made my way backstage with my friends and bandmates. Most everyone had blown out by the time I got there, but Brad was hanging out talking. It was the last show of a very long tour, and he stood there for almost a half-an-hour. He talked shop about the tour and how he took care of his incredible voice, signed autographs for us, and just spent time talking to us like we were old frieinds--which we really weren't. For me, he set the gold standard for how to handle fans. He--and for that matter, all of Boston--were some very nice people in a very nasty business.

Godspeed, Brad. Thank you for all that you gave to us.

20 Ways to Make it in the Music Business, Part 2

2007-01-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

Like I said last time, I’m not a complete advocate of getting a record deal, but these suggestions will help you pretty much no matter how you want to execute your music career. How many of these you use will depend precisely on how serious you are. Now stand up and get to work, or sit down and shut up.

11. Commit and show up. Say what you’ll do, do what you say. It’s just like a job and people get pissed off when you don’t.

12. Answer your freakin’ phone messages and your email. If you’re not, you are not only rude, you are missing opportunities.

13. Eliminate impediments. A lot of things stand in your way, some that are due to your limitations or bad decisions, others are thrust upon you. Get them out of your life, if you possibly can. Bad friends reinforce your self-doubt, set up conflicts, get you into trouble, or let their problems slop into your life. You may be shy; learn to “act” past it until you’re comfortable. You may be angry or mean; learn to manage it. You may lack confidence; learn to overcome it. You may not have the proper equipment; figure out where to borrow, rent or buy it. You may not have experience; enter talent shows, open mic nights, sit in with other bands or friends—get the experience. You may lack transportation; make friends with people who have cars, find mass transportation, learn to use a cab, or focus on all the other stuff that you can while you are waiting to get transportation. Think outside of the box. No one is going to do this for you.

14. Build support teams. Enlist someone creative and high-energy to help you create your vision; where you want to be in how much time. Find friends who want to help you make the vision happen; people who can write press releases, make media contacts, or book your act for a fee. Pull the people who are just hanging around with you into street team work, like getting the word out about shows, and creating energy in the audience (loud applause, encores, etc.).

15. Be knowledgeable enough to be secure. You’re going to get offers. Learn what a good offer looks like compared to a bad one. Hire help, or be totally prepared to hire help (have them lined up) for when the offers happen. Not knowing, not being ready, means you will freeze when the opportunity comes. You’ll either sign a bad contract, or fail to sign a good one, because you won’t know the difference. Again, read The Ultimate Survival Guide to the New Music Industry: Handbook for Hell by Justin Goldberg, How I Make $100,000 in Music by David Hooper, The Gigster Textbook by Ryan Michael Galloway, This Business of Music by M. William Krasilovsky, Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook by Bob Baker, CDBaby artists’ area.

16. Promote online. Garageband, Live365, Taxi, IdolUnderground, Myspace, YouTube.

17. Promote offline. Local newspapers, TV, radio, charity events.

18. Learn about equipment (lights and sound). The Gigster Clinics are there for ya’ :-)

19. Drive your own progress. No one wants you to make it as much as you do. Everyone is running their own lives. They get distracted, things come up. If they’re into you and your quest, they’ll be fine when you ask them if they did that thing they were going to do for you. Nag—gently—but nag. Set your own goals. Communicate them to the people on your team, especially your mentors and visionaries.

20. Be relentless. Do not stop pushing. This may take ten years, but sometimes outlasting everyone else is what gets you over the top. The Beatles didn’t happen over night.

20 Ways to Make it in the Music Business, Part 1

2006-12-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

I’m not a complete advocate of getting a record deal, but these suggestions will help you pretty much no matter how you want to execute your music career. How many of these you use will depend precisely on how serious you are. Now stand up and get to work, or sit down and shut up.

Focus. Limit anything outside your career that you can. Boyfriends, girlfriends, irrelevant job, irrelevant school (okay, high school and college can be VERY relevant—so you’re not off the hook), drugs, hobbies, clubs, etc. I said, “anything that you can.” I know it’s impossible to drop completely out of your social life, but a distracting relationship, a demanding sport/hobby, a pregnancy, etc., can derail your focus very quickly. You can’t be in two places at one time, let alone three, four or five. The people you depend on must be equally as focused. That’s why moms and dads move their whole lives so their children who are Olympic hopefuls can get training. It’s like that. You’re in training—like an athlete.
Network. All the other performers and musicians in your area are trying to develop their own industry and venue contacts. Share yours and get theirs—as a group you can move forward more quickly than as an individual. Try to develop an atmosphere of cooperation that extends across the boundaries of musical style—being a bigot in your own genre only limits your opportunities.
Get the facts. There are dozens of books available to learn about the music industry. Read them. Learn from others. Learn about song copyrights, promotion companies, record companies, record deals, independent releases, songwriting, song publishing, CD pressing, digital distribution, online downloading. Read The Ultimate Survival Guide to the New Music Industry: Handbook for Hell by Justin Goldberg, How I Make $100,000 in Music by David Hooper, The Gigster Textbook by Ryan Michael Galloway, This Business of Music by M. William Krasilovsky, Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook by Bob Baker, CDBaby artists’ area.
Choose your genre. The more you focus your musical style, the more chance you have at commercial success. You probably can’t find too many places that you can place boot-scootin’ country mixed with occasional Mohawk spiked-inspired punk—although it would be really cool to try. Edgier style mixed with smooth jazz probably won’t work. If commercial success is not your goal, then go crazy…no limits. But if you’re trying to be a mega star or want a quicker start, you could make an already uphill climb much steeper by combining the wrong genres.
Choose your image. This goes along with choosing your genre. If you keep changing your onstage persona, your audience will never know what they’re looking for. They want to find something new and then stick with it. The audience doesn’t always follow when you re-invent yourself, but it will be easier to make changes later in your career than right after your initial successes. If you’re still not sure who you are, go to http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm and start figuring it out.
Learn to “sell.” You need to be a cooperative person, even if you’re not. You need to get a song across in a way that rips the heart out of your listener, even if you’re shy. You need to pitch ideas to record companies, promoters and managers, even if you are inarticulate. Learn to communicate on many levels.
Practice. Even a pro (Jessica Simpson) has trouble overcoming a screw-up when they are obviously unprepared. A little mistake is common, and fine. Constantly messing up because you’re not ready, is not.
Play live. A live performance is worth ten rehearsals. If you don’t have paid bookings, play for free.
Write or acquire original songs. It is hard to compete with no new content. If you can’t write, there are armies of songwriters who want you to cover their songs. Contact groups like the Collin County Songwriters Association, Blogging Muses (World’s #1 Songwriter Blog Site), GarageBand, or IdolUnderground as sources for writers and material.
Polish. Review with your team after every performance, rehearsal, disaster or success. Reinforce what works, tweak what doesn’t. Do it always, even if you just address it in informal conversations.

To be continued...

Mudcat Rocks

2006-11-14T19:59:00.000-08:00

Many new alliances have formed out of the Collin County Songwriters Association, from the obvious Founders Band to the rise-and-fall-and-rise of Faith 11:1 to StoneAge picking up a great new drummer (David Henington). Now bursting onto the scene a seasoned, full-blown blues rock trio that will knock your socks off--Mudcat.

Mudcat is a 10,000 watt bulb shining out in the local music scene, with an earthy rockin' blues that can groove, howl, or power-up. Lead singer/songwriter, Michael "Mudcat" Reames formed the trio from the membership of the association, tapping a driving rhythm section in bassist Scott O. Thomas and drummer Chad Ireland.

"All I can say is these guys COOK!" said Reames in a recent interview. And, true enough, they do. When you pull together seasoned musicians that know when to show off and when to hold off, it makes a huge difference.

Thomas actually has a style, something you can't always count on to be tasteful in a bassist, but he pulls it off with amazing slapping, tapping, and funky licks just in the right places. Holding it together with this kind of partner might be difficult, but Chad Ireland does it with subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) virtuosity.

As usual, Michael Reames is just plain fun. Alternating between lead vocals, blues harmonica and guitar, the songs are punctuated by great war stories and humourous banter. Mr. Reames played as a teenager with Stevie Ray Vaughan in a band called Liberation. He's been around long enough to carry the blues with conviction.

The band will be working on their first recording project soon. Expect updates in this space.

Dangers of the "Idol" Mind

2006-11-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

The following appeared in the Dallas Morning News, Neighbors suppliment for McKinney, Texas on October 27, 2006.

Neighbors McKinney Columnists

Aspiring musicians should just tune out the world's Simon Cowells

Friday, October 27, 2006

By RYAN MICHAEL GALLOWAY / Contributor

I’m afraid that people are giving up on their dreams of becoming performers. If everyone embraces the mindset of “American Idol” we are going to end up with a very boring world, musically.

The ‘American Idol' mindset pushes everyone to a view that everything in the music world has to fit a certain mold. And while the winners themselves have shown great range and variety, it’s Simon Cowell whom everyone seems to listen to.

Can you imagine if Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, or even someone more contemporary such as Counting Crows had to audition for Mr. Cowell? I can almost hear him saying, in that condescending voice of his, they will never have any place in music because of the way they look or the way they sound, and that they should just give up.

While there are many performers on “Idol” who aren’t ready yet, I don’t believe there is enough attention given to helping people grow and position their talent. Yes, the record companies look for a sure thing, but some of the greatest successes have been more risky and less formulaic.

The independent music or “Indie” market is also a factor. Last year a band called Clap Your Hands Say Yeah sold nearly 40,000 copies of their self-released CD, which could have easily netted $200,000 because they didn’t have to split the profits with a record company.

Having seen the success of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, I think it’s safe to say at least a million people out there will buy just about anything interesting, you just have to break the code and figure out how to get to them. The band did not impress me very much, but in this case a major music blogger became a fan and suddenly they were showing up on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and selling a lot of CDs; so many CDs, in fact, that a band promoted and produced by a record company would have to sell millions of units to make the same amount of money.

I would also counsel people to redefine their notion of success. A big record deal is fraught with all kinds of opportunities to get ripped off, and you may never see a dime. A good, self-promoting act that concentrates on a smaller region can do extremely well, and probably deal with less craziness in the long run. Wouldn’t it be nice to be a star in Texas, but be able to leave the state and be anonymous again?

If you have doubt about what you’re doing, just keep trying to get better and never stop working on building your audience. Resolve to be relentless in your pursuit of your goals for at least 10 years. Often, it’s just outlasting everyone else that gets you where you want to be. Time will tell you a lot more about whether you’re going to “make it”— whatever that means —than Simon making a snap decision that you’re all wrong.

Ryan Michael Galloway is co-founder of Collin County Songwriters Association and founder of The Gigster Clinic. For more information about CCSA visit www.ccsongwriters.org. For more information about The Gigster Clinic visit www.GigsterClinics.com or call Galloway 972-841-0226.

Frisco Storytelling Festival: RMG kickoff

2006-10-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

For the third year in a row, I was honored to kick off the Friday night performances for the annual Frisco Storytelling Festival, October 20th, 2006.

As usual, Shelley Holley and her team at the Frisco Library did their outstanding job of project management and organization. What was different this year was the venue, our new city council chambers--a unique room and stage with an intimate atmosphere and (with Tom on the sound board) great acoustics.

A number of months ago I attended the first Frisco City Council meeting in the new coucil chambers. I remember sitting in the back and saying to myself that I'd love to do a musical performance in this room, but it would probably never happen. Lo and behold, here I was getting to play this incredible room just a few months later.

Another change from previous years was the crowd--standing room only! The night sold out and I got to play for an attentive audience in a wonderfully intimate invironment. Stage, lights, good acoustics, and eye contact with 300+ people--a musician can hardly ask for more.

I'm sure people wondered why a singer/songwriter would lead off a night of storytelling. I explained that songs either are stories, or have stories behind them. Emboldened by my recent experience with New York City audiences, I challenged them to listen to a complete show of original music. They didn't disappoint me. The whole show consisted of songs most of them hadn't heard. They stayed with me to the end, bopping along, clapping rhythm where I needed them, and giving me back the energy I needed to keep me going.

Thanks, Frisco. A great night.

Frisco, the arts, and the national media

2006-10-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

I’m involved in the arts in Frisco, Texas. Progressive Frisco. Cutting edge Frisco. Ninety-thousand-people-strong-and-growing-by-leaps-and-bounds Frisco. THAT Frisco.

As I write this I’m sitting in Newark, NJ, and watching the national news. The firing of Frisco teacher Sydney McGee over an elementary class art museum field trip is making us look like a backwater rural town, and enough of the story is being left out that it’s very one-sided. The nation’s media has unfortunately decided to laugh at that little bible-belt town in Texas that is so uptight that the people there can’t handle a nude statue in a museum. There really is no such thing as “fair and balanced.”

Frankly, I’m not in Dr. Rick Reedy’s (Frisco Independent School District Superintendent) shoes, so I can’t judge. I know for sure the situation is complex, with allegations and required posturing on both sides. These are symptoms of a small town becoming a big city. Ten years ago when I moved to Frisco, it was hard to imagine that a little town with 7,000 people or so would build into 90,000 in short order—headed for 350,000 in the next half-decade. Now when we have a problem that concerns political correctness and bible-belt influences, it’s national news. It requires a steady hand when facilitating resolution to these issues.

I pray that the situation is settled equitably, if that’s at all possible. I hope that small groups of people aren’t given undue power over everyone else. I will leave it to Dr. Reedy’s deft skills and good intentions.

So why am I writing this? As an antidote to the one-sided national story, I’d like the world to know how progressive Frisco is. Frisco is a bold and diverse place. I live in an upper-class neighborhood delightfully peopled by Caucasian, African-American, East Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Mexican, South American, Chinese and other Asian families. I go to church with a similar mix. My God, I’ll bet we even have some people that come from Oklahoma here (you’re supposed to laugh). Our community contains many different houses of worship, from Catholic to Mormon to Baptist to Methodist to Presbyterian to Sufism (I keep hoping to see a mosque and a Jewish temple show up, but as yet we haven’t been blessed with their presence).

I am in an interracial marriage. In our years of being Chamber of Commerce members, patrons of local businesses, and involved in Scouts, local sports, and the school system, never have I felt looked down on, harassed, or that I’ve ever lost an opportunity because of it.

We recently lost Dr. Erwin G. Pink, one of our outstanding citizens. I have a story about him that says it all. A few years ago I attended an event sponsored by Frisco’s Heritage Association. It was an event that awarded high school students for outstanding essay writing about what it meant to be a citizen. Of the three that won the contest, one was a Chinese-American boy, another was a white American girl, another was an African-American boy (forgive me for delineating race, but you’ll see my point in a minute). Each of these young people rose to read their essays, each did such an outstanding job that you got a lump in your throat, and each received a warm applause from a Frisco audience. Finally Dr. Pink, old, gray and hopefully wiser than most of us, rose to close the ceremony. I wondered what this old man, who had grown up with Frisco from a time when it really was a backwater farm town, would say. He had every chance to blow it, and all the stereo types of old, scared, white-guys flashed through my mind. He kept it short and sweet.

“I think the future of our Frisco is in very good hands,” he said with heartfelt enthusiasm. He shook hands and hugged each of the winners.

“That’s Frisco,” I thought. It may have been a small, suspicious, closed-minded place at one time—but I’ve never seen it.

Citizens here are, for the most part, tolerant and open minded folks. This is why I enjoy practicing my art of songwriting and music here. I’ve seen Frisco crowds listen to homegrown country music, rock and roll, and hip hop. I’ve seen people appreciate avant-garde visual art, and western sculpture. I’ve seen droves of people show up to listen to both adult-oriented and children’s storytelling at the Frisco Storytelling Festival. Even the local coffee shops hang the works of excellent local artists and photographers.

Having spent the last few weeks combing the nooks and crannies of NYC and looking around New Jersey, I can tell you that when it comes to quality, these hotbeds of artistic expression don’t have much on Frisco except for sheer volume of people.

So, to the world out there: the story is not simple. Please don’t look at it and think that Frisco is just redneck southern town.

Gigster Clinic debuts

2006-09-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

The following appeared in the Dallas Morning News, Neighbors suppliment for Frisco, Texas on September 2, 2006.

Neighbors ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

School of rock meets business school at first clinic

A powerhouse of North Texas musical talent attended the inaugural sessions of the Gigster Clinic Aug. 26 to share and learn about the art, science and business of music.

The musicians, songwriters and composers learned about forming their act, enlisting technical and marketing support, show and marketing project management, sound systems, lights and acoustical theory.

Referring to the session and the accompanying textbook, Melanie Tyson said, "This was an awesome clinic. We learned so much and know that we will refer back to the guide time and time again -- there’s so much info in there."

Tyson is a parent who audited the clinic so she could better support her daughter, Faith [of Faith 11:1], a performer from Wylie.

David Vermette, with Christian band Enamored, added, "It was incredibly helpful, and I know I’m going to be constantly referring to that book as I try to build a fan base for my band."

The beauty of this clinic is that it walks participants through the textbook so they get really familiar with how it is laid out and can return to the checklists, diagrams and guidance for the next several years. Every time a band reconfigures, the textbook can provide useful information in selecting the right equipment for the new band configuration.

The performers in attendance represented a variety of musical styles including jazz, punk, emo, funk, folk, adult contemporary, country and Contemporary Christian. Performers can use the information shared in the clinic no matter what genre of music they play.

In attendance were Aaron Yuhas, C. Aaron Moore, Dan Scott Parr, David Vermette, Diane Hart, Faith [of Faith 11:1], Tyler Keating, Joyce Sanders, Linda Nobel, Mel Tyson, Michael Reames, and The AC.

The clinic will be offered again in October, November and possibly January.

Visit www.GigsterClinics.com, call 972-841-0226 or e-mail Ryan@RyanRocks.com for more information.

In the Music Room

2006-08-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

This evening I had a truly great experience that I'd like to tell you about. I got to appear on "In the Music Room," an Internet radio program hosted by Randy Tredway and Helen Kennedy (www.InTheMusicRoom.com). Randy is famous in North Texas for hosting "Randy Tredway and Friends," a singer/songwriter showcase that has moved around between a number of local coffeehouses and other venues.

Randy sets a date every-so-often to tape songs and an interview with local and not-so-local songwriters. This evening I was there to do my show, and to meet Octavia, another singer/songwriter who was taping right after me--actually their 46th show since the beginning of the year. The studio is the size of a couple of large bedrooms, with a good selection of microphones, studio board, and digital recording equipment. At the other end of the room, a small but wonderful audience listens intently to the music (okay, a little intimidating at first) moving, grooving, and clapping after each song.

Randy and Helen conduct the interviews and keep things moving along, while Reno--the engineer--runs the buttons, and photographer Joy snaps pictures. It is a delightful time, with lots of great conversation and fellowship between musicians and interested followers of original music. There is plenty of time to talk about your songs, influences and background while your at it, which of course make the songs a bit richer for the listener.

Thanks Randy, Helen, et al, for a wonderful evening. I look forward to participating at one of your upcoming showcases at Dunn Bros. in Addison. Of course, you're always welcome to join us at any of the Collin County Songwriters Association gigs.

Neighbors Magazine Features RMG

2006-07-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Neighbors Arts and Entertainment
[Dallas Morning News' Neighbors Magazine, Frisco Edition, 7/1/2006]

Local musician mentor launches Gigster Clinic

STAFF REPORT

Collin County management consultant and veteran performing songwriter Ryan Michael Galloway has set out to help the youth of North Texas capitalize on their musical talent.

Galloway, who hails from North Texas where he plays regularly as part of the local live music scene, has launched a new seminar program aimed at 14- to 19-yearoldmusicians who want to take their talents to the next level. The program is appropriate for performers within most musical genres, including rock, hip hop, pop, country, R&B, techno, punk and most of the contemporary Christian permutations. Dubbed The Gigster Clinic, the seminar teaches young musicians how to develop an image, select a band, enlist technical and marketing support teams, promote and manage shows, select equipment, and keep fame, drugs, alcohol and money from ruining their life.

This clinic is not about the attitude of rock and roll, playing loud and acting obnoxious. Galloway says he believes that a performer's talent and onstage attitude are only two components of successful shows.

"I'm trying to give people a five year jump on their performing careers," Galloway said. "When you're doing this as a teenager, or even as a supportive parent, you simply don't know what you don't know."

Galloway got the idea from teenagers as he's played to support his recent CD Also Known As Ryan Michael Galloway. He says that when he performed publicly, he was besieged by young would-be performers who peppered him with questions about the equipment, songwriting, and performing. It dawned on him that no one is providing this training and mentoring, and the Gigster Clinic was born.

The multi-faceted Galloway has performed for more than 35 years, including stints as a jazz guitarist in Washington, D.C., a singer and rock guitarist touring with various bands on the east coast, and two bands based in Texas. In addition electric and acoustic guitar, Galloway plays blues harmonica, bass, mandolin, violin, viola and trumpet. His music style is just as varied with classical, rock, jazz, pop, disco and blues to his credit. He has arranged music for orchestra, including a 15-memberensemble of New York Philharmonic string players. He has produced recordings, provided project management for live events, promoted musical acts and concerts, and managed other musicians. Several major music companies, including RCA's Sunbury/Dunbar Music and Columbia Screen Gems Music have published his original songs.

Currently, Galloway provides formative management and mentors a number of performers, including Faith, a young Contemporary Christian artist from North Texas, and recently helped found the Collin County Songwriters Association and serves as its acting director.

Galloway says he is excited about this first clinic and has cut his rate by nearly 95 percent. Full participants will pay just $12 and will work hands-on and interactively with the presenter. This is just a small fraction of the usual $235 price tag," he said. "If individuals would like to audit the clinic and not participate in the hands-on stuff, the price is $5. The workbook for the clinic is $25 for everyone."

The text is a comprehensive reference document with checklists and information to support their efforts for years to come. Attendees can also contact Galloway for advice and mentoring on appropriate equipment purchases and career decisions.

The inaugural Gigster Clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, 6843 Main St. in Frisco. This session will be limited to 15 participants. To register for the clinic, call 972-841-0226 or email mailto:Ryan@RyanRocks.com.

Frisco Grooves

2006-06-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

I just got through backing up Dan Scot Parr this evening at Frisco Grooves. We played an outfield "stage" prior to the main show--Sara Hickman. It was a beautiful evening, and if you missed it, you should vow to make the next one for sure. It is a great event to bring the family, buy some of the vendor food or bring your own.

Frisco Grooves runs every Friday Night in June at the Warren Sports Complex on Eldorado in Frisco, and features regional level "stars." The pre-show entertainment starts at 6:45 and goes until 7:15. The main act comes on at 7:30. The event is sponsored by the American Bank of Texas and the Frisco Association for the Arts.

Concert Schedule:

Sara Hickman, June 2, 2006
Bruce Robison, June 9, 2006
Brave Combo, June 16, 2006
Terri Hendrix with Lloyd Maines, June 23, 2006
Matt the Electrician, June 30, 2006

Pre-concert Schedule (begins at 6:45 p.m.)

June 2, 2006: Collin County Songwriters Association represented by Dan Scot Parr
June 9, 2006: Frisco Community Theatre
June 16, 2006: Word of Mouth Productions
June 23, 2006: Visual Arts Guild of Frisco & Cross Timbers Youth Orchestra June 30, 2006: Collin County Songwriters Association represented by The Founders

Rockin' the Park 2006 in Frisco, Texas

2006-05-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

Despite threatening weather, last Saturday night’s Rockin’ the Park (4/29/2006) event drew about six hundred people with a consistent crowd near 400, collected an eighth of a ton of food for Frisco Family Services Center, and presented eleven excellent original acts from in and around Collin County. The crowd was treated to door prizes generously provided by local area merchants (see below).

CCSA would like to thank the City of Frisco’s Parks and Recreation Department, especially Ashley Blanchard, for their sponsorship and help throughout the event. The following individuals and businesses contributed door prizes, technical expertise, equipment and onsite assistance:

Aaron Yuhas (logistics)
Anderson Guitar Gallery
Cable One
David Henington (technical consultant)
Dunn Bros. Coffee
EDS Credit Union
EmbroidMe
Gatti-Town
JT Snacks and Rentals (at Hidden Cove Park)
Lone Star Photography, Stevie G! (official photographers)
Marty Sims (technical consultant)
Mentally Cranked Productions (official videographers)
Papa Murphy's Pizza
Sa’diyya’s School of World Dance
Shelley Laine (equipment)

The following acts donated their performances:

Angela Carmen (w/Eric Sykes), C. Aaron Moore, Dan Scot Parr Band (with Neil Dronet), Diane Hart, Faith 11:1, Michael Reames, Paul Gorman, Robert Leahey Group, Ryan Michael Galloway, StoneAge and Teenage Symphony

Watch for upcoming performances, showcases, and open mic nights presented by CCSA or its members. In addition to Dunn Bros. Coffee, expect to see appearances at Gatti-Town, Anderson Guitar Gallery, Hidden Cove Park (JT Snacks and Boat Rentals), and venues in Allen and McKinney. For more information call Ryan Michael Galloway at 972-841-0226.

Rockin' the Park Rides Again

2006-03-02T19:20:00.000-08:00

Some of you may remember that this whole blog started when I wanted to share the development and lessons learned from the first "Rockin' the Park" show in Frisco, Texas. The show will happen, once again, this spring on April 29, 2006 at 6:00 PM, back in Frisco Commons Park, 8000 McKinney Road, in the amphitheater.

This time we're pushing the event into the evening to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. The city informed me that 500 people cycled through last time, so this event might grow a bit. Changes include a wider variety of performers (still mostly singer/songwriter types) because we have a newly formed organization that will present the event: The Collin County Songwriters Association. We will also use the event to collect food for Frisco Family Services (FFS). The city has okayed CD sales for this performance, so the artists will also donate a part of their CD proceeds to FFS.

The usual list of suspects has also changed. Joining C. Aaron Moore, Dan Scot Parr, and me is former Blue Rocker, Michael Reames from New Orleans. Not only does Michael have a great voice--appropriate for everything from blues to Sinatra standards--he has a lot of great ideas and unstoppable energy. Beyond that, we have a bunch of talented members who are ready to get up on stage and share some great original music with us.

Watch this space for further developments. We have a jump on the event this time, so publicity is already starting. Now to pull together the equipment, personnel and order...and here we go again!

Collin County Songwriters Association in Local Press

2006-02-13T18:41:00.000-08:00

The following article is used by permission of the Dallas Morning News, and does not constitute endorsement of the association by the newspaper. It was published in the Frisco edition of Neighbors magazine on Saturday, February 11, 2006.

Neighbors ON THE COVER
Collin County songwriters band together

By JODI SHUMWAY Neighbors Editor

Four local musicians and songwriters joined forces to encourage up-and-coming musicians and to learn from those who have been in the business for years. The newly formed Collin County Songwriters Association, made up of Dan Scot Parr, Ryan Michael Galloway, C. Aaron Moore and Michael Reames, hosts free performances and reaches out to other performers in the area. Their hope is to promote and support live music and songwriting in North Texas. The association’s initial mission is to create a Web portal with links to performers’ Web sites and raise awareness of the Collin County music scene. You can often find its members playing at local events and fundraisers.

Galloway said the CCSA’s philosophy is “If you are better than us, we want to learn from you. If you’re as good as us, we want to team up. If you’re not as good, we want to help you get there.”

One event the association would like to incorporate on a regular basis is Song Circle, where 10 to 15 musicians listen to each other play songs they have written, and then, if the artists requests, provide advice. The Song Circle is designed to help musicians improve their skills and get used to performing in a non-threatening environment.

About the musicians

Dan Scot Parr, CCSA cofounder and assistant principal at Curtsinger Elementary School in Frisco, has released two CDs and was recently nominated to the Arts of Collin County Advisory Committee.

Parr and his group, the Dan Scot Parr Band, have been on the front lines, playing at such notable events as the recent TXU Energy Winter Games of Texas and charity dates for American Cancer Society and hurricane relief. Parr and his band play all over Dallas-Fort Worth, but have a particularly strong following in Collin County.

“I think music, as well as all the arts, is a critical part of a person’s education,” Parr said. “Music touches people. A great song has the power to make a person think and feel. Teaching children about music and art is important for creating a society of balanced people.

Parr’s song, “She’s a Trainwreck,” is featured on the soundtrack of a recent documentary about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, airing currently on CBS and ESPN. Another song, “Why Am I Here?,” has been chosen for an upcoming documentary called Motivated by Death.He was also enlisted to help compose the soundtrack for the film.

Ryan Michael Galloway, veteran performing songwriter and cofounder of CCSA, has appeared on his own at corporate functions, clubs and coffeehouses. Galloway, with 35 years of experience, was once published by Columbia/ Screen Gems and RCA’s Sunbury/ Dunbar.

Galloway was a 14-year-old Boy Scout counselor in Montana when he wrote his first song, “I finally got enough time on my hands [at camp] to write down some of what I’d been thinking.”

Galloway has recently garnered attention in the indie-music world. “Give Sorrow Words,” a song from his latest CD, was tagged for Best Male Vocals of the week and Track of the Day in the folk rock category on GarageBand.com.

C. Aaron Moore, co-founder of CCSA, entered an original composition in the BMI Foundation Pete Carpenter Fellowship for aspiring film composers under the age of 35. In addition to writing film scores, Moore also writes funk and R&B inspired songs. He is a degreed filmmaker and produces music videos for local bands.

In a departure from the other founders of the association, Moore plays keyboards and delivers a very lush sound. He is known for his layered productions, reproduced live via a mixture of midi sequencing, live playing and live vocals.

The fourth member of the association is Michael Reames, who joined the other co-founders when he recently moved to Frisco from New Orleans. Reames is a veteran performing songwriter and former lead singer with Blue Rockers out of New Orleans. He is a partner in a recording studio that just moved out of New Orleans and will soon set up shop in Houston.
If you’d like to be a part of the Collin County Songwriters Association either as a member or on the email list for local performances, call Galloway at 972-841-0226 or reach him at by e-mail Ryan@Ryan Rocks.com.

For more information about the association, visit www. CCSongwriters.org.

Collin County Songwriters Association

2006-02-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

Ryan Michael Galloway, Dan Scot Parr, Michael Reames, and C. Aaron Moore have joined forces to promote Collin County musicians by forming the Collin County Songwriters Association. They plan to host free performances, provide related news to local media, and reach out to other performers in the area. Ulimately, they want to promote and support songwriting and live music right here in North Texas. Their initial mission is to create a web portal with links to performers’ websites, and raise awareness of the Collin County music scene. Members often play at local venues and fund-raisers. On February 24 and March 18, Dunn Bros. Coffee in Frisco will host some of the association’s players from 8-11PM each night. Watch for upcoming stories in the local media.

Rock the Big House Down

2005-12-21T21:27:00.000-08:00

Now Begins the Revolution—and its big…REALLY big

I was at the grocery counter when the cashier—a lad less than half my age—said, “You look like your getting ready for a party.”

“My fiftieth,” I said, sheepishly.

“Wow, you don’t look fifty,” he said. Before I could wish him a God-bless-you-for-that, he added, “I’ve heard that fifty is the new forty.”

What an idea. Stay with me here, because his insightful comment speaks to a lot of things about our changing world. Today I will build a musical analogy.

Okay, what if fifty is the new forty? I’m game for that. I’ve got a parallel in the music world. I’ve been thinking it’s time to turn the music world upside down, and to steal back the control of making music from the record companies. Here’s my observation: “Pop Music” is the new “Folk Music.”

Yeah, I know—I’ve got some ‘splainin’ to do.

First, my definition of “Pop Music”: rock and roll, blues, R&B, hip-hop, rap, rock-a-billy, jazz, punk, ska, and just about anything you want to throw on the pile—except for classical.

In days of yore, for century-after-century, people made music in the caves, tents, hovels, living rooms, and garages of the world. The influences of the times and the regions have fertilized the evolution of music that fills thousands of genres. In short, music has been developed by the garage-bands of the ages, and it’s still going on now.

But things have changed

Now there is a lot of technology to back the garage-bands up. The equipment that filled a million-dollar recording studio in 1975 can now live on a PC for $7,000 or less. That means an album that once cost $100,000 to produce costs “virtually” nothing (pun intended). With the introduction of digital downloading, our modern “folk musicians” can move their product to market with very little production costs. Thanks to the Internet, I think we might be ready to cut out a certain really ugly middle-man—the record companies.

Music only got seriously “product-ized” over the last 70 years. Oh, sure, all the classics had their concerts and king’s-courts to make money from. But the music of the Earth, the many-ethnic folk songs, the blues, rap, and rock-and-roll didn’t have a real mass venue until the record companies made one.

Well, thanks, Fat Cats in the Big House, but it’s time to reclaim our ownership. Want to join the revolution? Start checking out and buying independent music of all kinds using the Internet. Granted, this takes a little more work than what the record companies spoon-feed you with their advertising. But it’s worth it, AND you have help.

Read the blogs, listen to Internet radio stations that feature your kind of music. Get out there and get some musical passion back in your life, while encouraging the artists that are making the music. Find the stuff you like, buy the CDs or download songs and get them onto your MP3 player. You do have an MP3 player, don’t you (please don’t be hopeless)? Songs cost a mere 99 cents to download, and the price is going down. Check out the following:

www.GarageBand.com
www.CDBaby.com
www.SaidTheGramophone.com
www.SonicBids.com
www.PitchForkMedia.com
www.Gothamist.com
www.Fufkin.com

Now get out there and rock the big house down!

Dunn Bros. Coffee Frisco Opens

2005-12-09T21:40:00.000-08:00

Dunn Bros. Coffee is up and running in Frisco, Texas. In their very first moves, the coffee house is showing support for local musicians. Collin County performing songwriter Dan Scot Parr will appear at the grand opening on December 17 from 8-11, and will be joined by yours truly, Ryan Michael Galloway and teen artist, Faith. Neil Dronet will accompany Mr. Parr on bass.

The evening will be filled with a mixture of folk rock, folk jazz, blues, and classic rock. The artists will play alternating half-hour sets.

Dunn Bros. latest location is a cozy room, nicely finished out and comfortably inviting. A drive-through window will soon make it possible to pick up your drink without leaving your car, but you'll really want to consider coming inside. There are several computers with Internet access for your browsing pleasure, and free WiFi for those with their own wireless-equipped laptops.

When I've played the Dunn Bros. location in Addison, I've literally had listeners call up my website on their browsers and sing along with the lyrics that I've published there.

Dunn Bros. is located at:

3685 Preston Road Suite 101
Frisco, Texas 75034
214-705-8558

Welcome to Frisco!

Organization: For performers, it makes all the difference

2005-09-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

As a performer, do you want to play charity events, festivals, or other venues that are somewhat out of your control? Look for the hallmarks of a well organized event, or be prepared to totally roll with the punches. I've played the Frisco Storytelling Festival in our little city for the last two years, and I'm excited to do it again next year, if they're inclined to invite me. Why? From a performer's perspective, it the best run event I've ever seen. Shelley Holley, Marcy Jones, and literally scores of volunteers have run this event with incredible effectiveness each time, and it actually seems to be getting better--if that's possible.

One of the things that makes this event so great, from a performer's perspective, is that expectations are set up front. As a musician, a sponsor, or a volunteer, I like to know one thing: what am I supposed to do? For this event, performance times and expectations are all spelled out in a plain-English contract, and we get a good look at contract well in advance. I expect everyone else's duties are spelled out as well. That means everyone knows what they're supposed to be doing. And if a little guesswork or a few problems pop up, that's okay--they're the exception as opposed to the rule.

For the festival this year, Diane Hart and Faith joined me for the Friday night kick-off, and C. Aaron Moore and Dan Scot Parr/Neil Dronet (Diane also returned) for songwriter performances throughout the day Saturday. I advise that if someone approaches you to play this event, jump at the chance. We had a great time.

An event that has made great improvements in execution this year is the Alzheimer’s Association silent auction and marathon sign-up, held at Millennium Jaguar in Plano, this past Thursday, September 22. Bonnie Resnick-Destruel, and her army of volunteers (among them, husband Jean-Claude) did an outstanding job this year--building on an already excellent event. Faith (with sister, Holley) and I were honored to be a part of the effort, and I hope we get invited back once again, next year.

Has someone invited you to perform, but you can't get them to follow-up with show times and logistics? Do things seem to be helter-skelter? You can volunteer to play such events if you want to, but be prepared for a lot of unpredicted things to happen. The most critical is that you may not be able to control the quality of your sound and the surroundings in which you play. That's okay, but it should be just once-in-a-while. If you make a habit of playing in uncontrolled situations, your quality will suffer and so will your image. That really won't help anybody.

Right now, I'm proud to be a Texan

2005-09-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

I might be stating the obvious, but please humor me.

I could not be more proud of our Texas communities, cities, charities, musicians, artists, and citizens than I am right now, in their response to the two recent hurricanes. All across Texas, it seems that every town, school, special interest group, church, charity, and individual has found either time or money to contribute to the cause of our neighbors in Louisiana and South Texas. Our respective governments may not quite have it together, but our people have their hearts in the right place and they are being very effective.

I, myself, have been lucky enough to be involved in several charity events over the past few weeks, including an effort to raise money for Katrina victims at Frisco's StarCentre on Saturday, September 10th. Special thanks to Dan Scot Parr for organizing the musicians for this event. And, of course I have to mention City Councilman Matt Lafata, who put in a particularly active stint in the dunk tank--I'll bet he single-handedly raised a couple of thousand dollars all by himself :-)

By the way, Matt, how's that cold coming?

But I digress. The people that are making the real difference are not us high-profile types. They are the individual contributors who throw in five or ten dollars, time-and-time again, and the hundreds of nameless volunteers who work tirelessly to make these events happen, and to keep awareness going, way past the catastrophe.

Hats off to all of you, friends and neighbors. Let's keep it going!

Rising Star: "Faith"

2005-08-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

"Where does that voice come from?!"

"Such a big voice from such a little body"

"She has the voice of an angel"

These are just a few of the comments I hear about a local Wylie talent that's making her way to the top. A honeywheat blonde-haired, blue-eyed, 15 year old talent with a voice that is astounding even celebrity judges across the state of Texas. "Faith" is a force to be reckoned with!

I've had the pleasure of working with Faith, mentoring her and helping her learn songs--including some of my own. I've shared the stage with her many times over the first half of 2005, and I can tell you she gets better every time I hear her.

From her unique styling of the classic hit "Crazy" made famous by Patsy Cline, to her heartfelt emotional rendition of "Cry" by Crystal Gayle, Faith is able to bring a depth of musical soul that far surpasses her youth. While her range is impressive and her ability to conquer most any song is inspiring, her unique gift spans many genres of music. She has beenknown to pay tribute to the classics, kick it up a notch with current hits and do proper justice to original songs. Faith can do it all.

Recently, Faith entered the Texas state competition for the National American Miss pageant. Not a surprise to me, she wowed 'em--so much so that she will compete in the national pageant in November. NOTE: Any of you that would be willing to sponsor her, please give me a call at 972-841-0226 or contact her mother at singingbyfaith@yahoo.com. This young lady has worked hard and deserves our support.

Part of that work has included performing at the Wylie Opry, The Garland Opry (including their Talent Search), Coffee Dreams and Dunn Bros. Coffee (with me), and numerous school choirs, including All Region.

Collin County Live! Music Venues Abound

2005-07-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

NOTE from Ryan: The following article appeared in the July 2005 Homesteader in North Texas. Many thanks to the Homesteader and the folks that publish it for touting live music in Collin County, Texas. There's even some tidbits from yours truly.

Looking for live music in Collin County? We really do have a music scene, and it’s coming into its own. Like as not, your musical tastes will be satisfied, just about no matter what you like, who you’re with, or what you can afford. Family-friendly or rockin’ bar scene, it’s all here.

We’ll start off with the Down Under Pub and Grub in the Centre at Preston Ridge, 3231 Preston Road, in Frisco. Rock to live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and don't miss Karaoke Wednesdays for a chance to win $300. This is a drinking establishment as well as a restaurant, and in the evening caters to a crowd that likes a loud, rollicking time and wants to have a cigarette with their beer. On last visit, people were on the dance floor, having a great time.

The Irish Rover Pub & Restaurant, 8250 Gaylord Parkway, phone (214) 618-6222, has a similar fun and noisy atmosphere. On Saturdays, see great cover bands like Day Job Refugees, Take 5, Impostals, and Gene Pool. Around St. Patty’s day you’re bound to hear an authentic Irish band.

Randy White’s BBQ & Grill at 720 (Main Street) and Preston Road, in Frisco, has an open mike night on Tuesdays, hosted by KHYI. The music ranges from Texana (Texas-style country music) to classic rock. They’ve been known to have single singers on Saturday nights, and most of the smoke you smell will be from the barbecue, a definite plus because it’s some of the best in town. For a real treat, go see Mr. Zen Bubba himself, Bob Williford, occasionally there on Saturday nights. Bob put the “honky” in honky-tonk, and he’s a real truck driver to boot—cowboy boot that is.

Want to hear live Texana and country music in Plano? Check out Love & War in Texas, 601 E. Plano Parkway in Plano, phone (972) 422-6201. Call to find out what their music event is when you decide to visit. They have everything from bands to a bluegrass jam on the porch (you can bring your own acoustic instrument).

Okay, so you want to hear a variety of music, you can’t find a babysitter for the kids, and you sure could use a latte? Try Coffee Dreams at 1314 W. McDermott in Allen, phone (214)-495-3991 [Note from Ryan: Coffee Dreams just closed]. Every Saturday night there is live music, and it’s always something different. Songwriters to steel drums to hammer dulcimer to jazz. There is no smoking in this coffee house, unless you go out front, so it’s a welcome venue for kids. There are two separate rooms to the side that have huge open windows (no glass), and some cards and board games for the kids to amuse themselves—and they can still hear the music. You can’t always talk over the music here, but it is a comfortable volume.

If you like the coffee house environment, many of the Starbucks Coffee locations also have live entertainment on the weekends, but you’ll have to call ahead to find out for the particular location you’re going to. We recently caught Robert Leahey playing classic rock, and some of his own original Christian rock at the 7135 Preston Road store in Frisco.

A variety of single singers, usually with acoustic guitar, play on Saturday nights at The Sweet Tomato restaurant, 107 S. Church Street, in McKinney, phone (972) 562-8386. Weather permitting, the music is outdoors, and it’s a very relaxing backdrop to your dining experience. The food has a great reputation, too.

If you want a little garlic and Italian spice with your music, try the new Campisi’s at Granite Park, North Dallas Tollway and 121 (next to Blue Mesa) on the Frisco/Plano line. If you’re developing your taste for original music, call them and ask when The Dan Scot Parr band will play there. Dan has two CDs out and can be found on the web at www.danscotparr.com. His music is Indie Folk-Rock, and he happens to be an assistant principal at Curtsinger Elementary School in Frisco. Music is usually outdoors on the patio, a smoking area, but most of the smoke blows away with the wind.

And speaking of performing songwriters, veteran Ryan Michael Galloway (www.RyanRocks.com) is working hard not-so-behind-the-scenes to form a loose alliance of North Texas songwriters. Teaming with Mr. Parr, and Plano songwriter/composer C. Aaron Moore, the team staged a free concert recently in the Frisco Commons Park amphitheatre, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. They are enlisting other performing songwriters to participate in future “Rockin’ the Park” events, and are promoting live music in Collin County at large.

“I’m supposed to be the organizer of this thing, but right now it’s not real organized,” jokes Galloway. “To start off, we’re just a rag-tag group of songwriters who want to help get the growing Collin County music scene on the map.” Stay tuned.

Mr. Galloway is also appearing at an exciting new venue in Frisco—Cruisers Restaurant—a beautiful facility in the old Bahama Breeze space across Preston Road from Stonebriar Mall, phone (972) 712-0066. Cruisers will feature bands, singles, and disco music spread throughout the week, as well as car and motorcycle shows. Catch Mr. Galloway on Sunday afternoons from 4-8, when he’ll be playing classic 70s music, mixed with originals and a smattering of 50s – 2000s. The restaurant and club have a classic car and motorcycle theme that is pure fun. The restaurant section caters to families during the day, and the swings at night. The bar has large Key West style windows that will open in the afternoon and evening to allow music to pour onto the patio.

Be on the lookout. Collin County establishments are finding live music to be a great draw for patrons, and you never know when a place will add music to the menu. In the meantime, watch your local listings and the Internet for the happenings at these restaurants and clubs. See you out on the town!

Cruisers Opens

2005-06-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to the friends, fans, and supporters that showed up to check out the Cruisers Grand Opening weekend and ribbon cutting in Frisco, Texas.

I don't know if you've ever been to the first weekend of a major new restaurant before, but there are always challenges. For Cruisers, no amount of shakedown could have kept their computers from crashing during the rush--which was basically all day. Saturday night and Sunday the crowd was non-stop, as families and couples came by to take in this motorsports free-for-all for the senses. Food orders backed up a bit, but give them a minute. These guys know how to run a restaurant, and they'll have it nailed down in a jiffy.

Beatles tribute band, A Hard Night's Day, played Saturday night in the bar--a large glassed-in room with windows that open out to the huge patio on the side of the building. A hard-sided room like this is a volume control challenge, but they adjusted well and turned out a fun night of music.

By Sunday afternoon, it was my turn. My video director, and fellow musician, C. Aaron Moore dropped by early to show his support--thanks guy! He left at the end of the first set as the crowd dwindled for a moment. Suddenly, a group of about 70 showed up and packed the place. It was an upscale Harley riders club from Allen, loud and full of energy. I couldn't hear myself sing, but they were a good bunch and stayed for about two hours.

Right after that, a number of folks showed up to see me, just in time to mellow out for the last set.

Having discussed the acoustics of the bar with the owners, we already know we have to make some adjustments. They will have some acoustics experts visit shortly to offer their opinions. In the meantime, I will see if I can reconfigure my set up. First, since the room is glass-sided, we know the sound will improve when the windows are opened, but I don't think we can do that until later in the evenings. Another option is to move the speakers to strategic positions around the room, and to keep them at low volume. That way the sound doesn't have to project from one end of the room to the other and the amount of decibels introduced into the room will be lower.

A third option is to move the music to the patio, which is just beautiful in the evenings. Do that and the acoustic problems just go away.

All involved will work diligently over the next week or so to make sure Cruisers is a great experience. I predict big things for this venue, and I just can't wait to get back and play next Sunday.

Constant Contact-Staying in Front of Your Fans

2005-06-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

So you're trying to promote your live show and keep yourself in front of your fans as much as possible. One accepted approach is to maintain the all-important fan email list. But if you have it, what do you do with it to get the loudest bang for your effort?

First, build the biggest list you can. You probably have at least 250 friends, between you, your band members, and all of your affiliations with jobs, civic associations, schools, churches, fraternities, sororities, professional associations, etc. Ultimately, you're looking for thousands of people, so get creative.

And don't forget your local chamber of commerce. Be sure to join it and seek email-list signups there. You'll probably be the only music act in the chamber, and you can go to the networking events to find playing gigs…restaurants, parties, that kind of thing. You also get great exposure playing free for the chamber, if you have the appropriate music for that group. If you have too brash a sound, join anyway. Many of us in the chamber have kids that may like what you do. I'd be the coolest dad on the block if I hired a punk band for my son's party. Okay, maybe not.

But I digress. Of course, you'll want to send emails out to your fans every time you have a gig, and that's great. But there's more. Make sure your emails have links to your website. Make basement tapes, demos, home-made or professional videos and put them up on the site. Announce those features every time you add them, so people have a reason to go there. If you don't know how to do this, I promise you that someone in your circle will be just geeky enough to handle it for you. If you're like me, you're just geeky enough to do it yourself, which gives you a lot of control over how quickly things get on the site and how they look.

Have you hit a slow period? Keep in front of your fans by sending emails that recommend other local acts that you like. Publish your suggested music agenda for the upcoming weekend. Go out and support your fellow musicians, and you'll run into a lot of your own fans when you do.

Managing an email list is hard at first, but gets easier with time. It's worth it to spend the money to join an email list management site like www.bcentral.com, to keep track of different fan-bases in different geographical areas, track reads and click-throughs, and send professional looking communications to just the right group.

Cruisers Restaurant Heats Up Collin County Music Scene

2005-06-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

One of the best (and sometimes worst) things that can happen for a musician is the "steady gig." It can come in the form of a house-band gig six nights a week, or two shows a month. It means less work promoting to new venues, and a chance to build up a bigger following in a certain area—or it can mean working yourself to death for no reason.

I have been poking around Frisco, Allen, and Plano for just the right place. Every once in a while I'll think I’ve found the right spot. But the stars haven't aligned to my satisfaction—until now!

The old Bahama Breeze space in Frisco has been sitting idle for almost a year since it went out of business. It was a $5 million facility, and just a beautiful building. I kept thinking, "if I only had the money." Enter Kelly St. André, local businessman and star restaurateur, with a crack team and an incredible concept: Cruisers.

I was driving by the location on Sunday evening and saw a fresh new sign. I was back with CD and a smile on my face the next evening. I opened the door of the still-under-construction renovation site to be greeted by a very busy individual. I explained my interest in playing there, and was told Mr. Kelly was very busy. I left my stuff, said a quick prayer, and headed to the car.

I was just out of the parking lot when I got a call on my cell. It was Kelly asking if I could return and talk for a minute. You bet I could.

It just so happened that he was looking for exactly what I had to offer. We had a great talk, shook hands, and it was done. I'll start on Grand Opening day, June 19, 2005. I'll play every Sunday, 4-8, from then on, as long as my quality and product remains in line with the establishment. Needless to say, I have very high hopes.

Even if you don't come for my music, you must visit this venue and check it out. It's at 2750 Preston Rd., Frisco, TX 75034(972) 712-0066. The theme is classic cars and motorcycles with actual cars and motorcycles built right into the facility. There will be classic car and motorcycle shows, 70s disco nights, great music, and great fun. The restaurant is family friendly, there's a swingin' bar and stage area—and, of course, Sunday afternoons you can come chill to the sounds of classic rock and original music by RMG.

I never smoked, but I did inhale

2005-05-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

One of the toughest things I've learned over 30 years in music and business—and it seemed to take forever for this to dawn on me—was that talented associates are not the key to success. Stable associates make a much bigger difference when you're trying to start a band, a company, or scout troop. And stable people that also work well in a team can help you reach the gold.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be with friends that were dangerous, because I thought it was cool. I remember hanging out at parties and concerts where the marijuana smoke was so thick that I probably got high. I wasn't a smoker or a drinker, but the environment was intriguing. I think Joni Mitchell wrote, "I'm frightened by the devil, but I'm drawn to those who ain't afraid." That was me.

When I got a little older, I had to pick my band members. Sometimes the most talented people were also the most messed up—I took them anyway. I can't tell you how many times I was hurt by these people, and I just kept making excuses for them and coming back for more. It's never a good thing when four members of a five-piece band have to cover for a member that got busted for smoking dope in the alley behind the club. Wish I could say that it only happened once.

How your colleagues work with you and each other is only part of the story. The record companies, sponsors, club owners, and business people that you associate with may be able to put up with spiked hair and a gritty exterior, but they still want you and your band to show up clean, chemical-free, on time, and ready to rock...just like any other employer would expect. Trust me, you can be insanely talented, but they're going to dump you quick if you mess them over--and you don't get a second chance.

Now with the miles behind me, I find myself having to be wary of this stuff all over again. Compared to the people that I mentor, I am really old. I get involved in chambers of commerce, networking groups, volunteering to run events, playing at clubs, and speaking at charity functions. Be aware that this stuff is not limited to young people. I go to business events and see leaders of commerce getting drunk and forgetting they're still on the job. I go to charity events where the organizer loses credibility for her whole organization because she gets potted by the end of every event. I see otherwise bright and creative individuals written off by everyone around them because they mix their medication and their alcohol and can't remember most of the conversations they've had all evening. Who wants to work with these people?

In a business community, in your school, in your job, you will have to work with some people you don't like. Having said that, do whatever you can to distance yourself from those that exhibit signs of these kinds of problems. You can help them, within very tight limits, but be aware that you're probably wasting your time. Team with people that are better with you, or at least as good. Mentor and encourage your lessers, but beware of the leech that will never take your counsel and grow with it.

Concert Post Mortem Post

2005-05-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Last post I was about to make a go/no go decision on the May 14 songwriter showcase concert—we were waiting on weather. We were also trying to find a place to do a CD signing/sales event, because the city would not allow sales on city property. In this post I’ll recap, since were at a milestone in promoting original music here in Collin County, Texas.

To promote and carry off an event of this kind, activities fall under these three areas:

Science
-Electronics/Electrical
-Acoustics
-Lights (sometimes, but not this time)
-Weather (outdoors)

Business
-Project Management/Coordination
-Promotion and Advertising

Art
-Music Selection/Set Pacing
-Rehearsal
-Health Management
-Presentation

In some of the areas above, we had smashing successes. In others, we could have done better. All-in-all, the show went off very well, everyone sounded great, it was a wonderful evening, and no one—audience, crew, or musicians—got hurt.

Personally, I think the big winner of the evening may have been Chris, who despite fighting sinus problems (like all of us), just had an incredible sounding set. His keyboard stack through that PA system sounded like a big-time concert, and he was in the best voice that I’ve heard.

Dan had a full band, of course, so the energy coming off of the stage was outstanding. They, too, had a great set and sounded terrific. Everyone played solid and was fun to watch. Being a guitar player, I especially watch Danny (not to be confused with “Dan”) Carroll, who really does some nice stuff—even when his fingers are frozen (i.e., Relay for Life gig..COLD).

Science

Our first need was electricity. This show took place in an open air amphitheatre. The “stage” juts out into a small lake, so the lake is at the back of the musicians. The players face an audience that sits on concentric semi-circle terraces built into a small hill on the side of the lake. Electrical outlets ring the area behind the musicians, but the area is huge. We brought a ton of extension chords just to cover the distances. Luckily, we didn’t run short.

Acoustics in an outdoor concert are almost always a dream come true, as long as you have enough power to cover your area—and did we have power. By cobbling together several systems, we ended up with over 1200+ watts per side, in stereo. We did not have active crossover capability for bi-amping, tri-amping, or quad-amping, but I’m not sure it mattered. We had so much overhead that we didn’t need that level of efficiency.

For those who are not familiar with this approach, when you have active crossovers you can have separate amps that power separate speakers for the low frequencies, low mids, high mids, and ultra highs. This would be called “quad-amping.” Use one less division of frequencies and it becomes “tri-amping,” and so on. When you’re actively crossingover in this manner, the sound reproduction becomes incredibly efficient, and the sound is wonderful.

No matter. In our case, we had so much power for the area that our PA amps barely broke a sweat.

By being outside, you can allow speakers and monitors to run in the way they were designed, and not have to compensate for room resonance by massively equalizing frequencies with a graphic or parametric eq. It simply means that all of the power that you have goes to making the sound. Having more power than you need means you have a lot of “headroom.” You won’t use all of that power all of the time, but peak volumes won’t distort, and everything sounds “cleaner”—more clear and precise. The sound was so good that you couldn’t even whisper something on stage without the audience hearing you. Okay, that’s good and bad.

Wishes for next time: I really wish we had had a snake cable—a bundled cable that has a box with mic inputs at one end, and plugs in to each mic channel of the board at the other. That way, everyone plugs into the box on stage, the other end into the mixer, and the mixer is placed in the middle of the audience where a sound person can make adjustments on the fly. I also wish I knew the board better. I never could figure out how to get a proper monitor mix out of the board’s bussing. We ended up with a monitor mix that matched the main mix. I was able to completely exclude channels from the monitor, but when I had the channel engaged, each channel’s monitor volume was controlled by the fader, which controlled that channel in the mains as well.

We watched www.accuweather.com for the weather tracking. The predictions solidified pretty well, 24 hours in advance of the show. They make an attempt at hour-by-hour forecasts as well, so when the call is for 80% chance of rain you can find out that’s in the morning, evening, or all day.

Business

No doubt about it, organization for an event like this is absolutely key. Classic project management techniques work well for an event: Schedule what’s supposed to happen when, plan what you will do if a problem comes up (like weather), keep all involved parties informed, try to figure out what could go wrong and plan to keep that from happening—and know what you’ll do if it does.

People often shrink from the project management role because they don’t want to appear bossy. Maybe the guys and gals involved can comment here and let us know if I got overbearing or pushy. I don’t think you have to really get that way, although I went through a few moments of panic three hours before the show and we hadn’t started our real sound check yet. I know I sounded hystrionic in my head, so hopefully that's not what came out of my mouth. The fact is that someone has to take the lead in order to make it happen. Without a person in that role, everyone stands around and looks at each other.

As the Project Manager, at least on the performer/tech side, I inventoried the equipment from all team members, coordinated with Marcy, our Parks and Recreation representative for onsite logistics (ingress, egress, shutting of the fountains in the lake), and made sure we knew what equipment we needed to bring and who would bring it. I should note that Marcy put in unpaid time to make this event happen. And when she was there, she was really there.

Even though we ran into some glitches—deviation from the timelines was a big one—we knew what we had to do to get the show up and running. Recovery from the time slip was pretty easy because we weren’t standing around wondering what to do.

On the promotion and marketing side, we had help from everywhere and did a pretty good job, with about two weeks to make it happen. Each act contacted their fan base. I had Chris produce a 30 second commercial that the city was kind enough to run on local cable access. A local councilman listed then event in his newsletter for two weeks running, circulation 25,000. Another councilman with ties to the arts put the listing on a Collin County arts site that gets 70,000 hits a month. We tried for several local television shows, but were too late to get air time. Even if no one showed up, this publicity made it all worth it. We got visibility to thousands whether they showed up or not. It is not about the success of this one event as much as it is about creating wide awareness over time.

Wishes for next time: I would like to find out what is happening in the entire Dallas metroplex, not just Frisco, before scheduling the date. I had searched the date on Frisco, and found mostly morning events—except a RoughRider’s baseball game. Had I searched wider, I’d have realized we were competing with Taste Addison (and a huge number of nationally known acts), Asia Festival, Kenny Chesney was appearing at American Airlines Center, and The Byron Nelson Golf Tournament (with Tiger Woods in attendance). We simply could have picked a better date. I’d like to have a solid date at least six weeks in advance of the event. That would give me a fighting chance of getting local media coverage, which I submitted but missed because of the tight time window.

Art

There was little to complain about from an artistic standpoint. Each act set a nice pace, and added a few cover songs in to keep the audience from having to work to hard to enjoy the show. Everyone rehearsed prior to the gig and they were ready. Most of us had significant sinus problems due to the allergens floating around. We had to have sunblock and plenty to drink.

Wishes for next time: I’d like to get stage lights and put the show on later in the evening. As we closed up shop for the night, we noticed how beautiful the later evening was, and speculated about a later show. I think lights would have made it a far more dramatic event, and we would have gotten better attendance because of the cooler time of day.

After all was said and done, we ended up with an audience of about 150 (my quick count). With a longer run, and more care about watching the competition, I think we can get this thing to the next level pretty easily.

Thanks to:

-Rick Wieland, Director, Parks and Recreation Department, City of Frisco, for jumping on this thing and giving it the okay
-Marcy Jones, Superintendent, Recreation, City of Frisco, for putting in personal time during the event, and for preplanning and coordination activities with logistics.
-Chris Aaron Moore, for directing and editing the TV spot, and for the best set I’ve ever seen him do
-Dan Scot Parr, Neil Dronet, Danny Carroll, and Cory Carroll for all their work before and during the show, working to merge equipment, and being total team players
-Ed Mahoney, Bounce for Fun, who provided a bounce house for the event, free of charge
-Jennifer Wittstruck, who supervised bounce house operations (made that sound as official as I could, but she did a great job)
-Aaron Yuhas, Super Roadie and video tech
-Jenny Yuhas, equipment driver and roadie
-Jesus (didn't catch his last name), park worker and all round great guy, who showed up early and made sure we had everything we needed

Don't like the weather in Texas...wait five minutes

2005-05-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

The Frisco Commons gig is an outdoor show, if I failed to mention that previously. So the tough part now is the weather. Chris, Dan and I have watched the weather with interest, along with our teams, all week. This is the downside of outdoor shows, but I'm hoping we'll be okay.

Weather is hard to predict more than literally a few hours out, so we are planning a go/no go call on Saturday at noon. Right now, Accuweather's hour by hour for Frisco is calling for a shower around 10 AM. Looks like the front is trending earlier, not later, so I'm hoping for it to look better with every weather prog release, which happens every 12 hours or so. I think this link will have updated information: www.accuweather.com. If you follow it, try going to zip code 75035, click the 15 day forecast, and the "hour-by-hour" link for 5/14. If rain shows up after 1:00 PM on this chart, we'll have to postpone to our raindate, 5/21.

To be safe, I'm buying a bunch of plastic covers for everyone's equipment tonight.

Final touches on "Rockin' the Park"

2005-05-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

Had a great time at the Frisco Texas Chamber of Commerce tonight, in their first night time networking meeting. Publicized the "Rockin' the Park" gig and have a lot of interest.

My co-performers, Dan Scot Parr and Christopher Aaron Moore have both been in touch today with last minute ideas and catching up. Also spoke to the Community Relations person at the local Barnes and Noble who may host a signing party after the gig--we can't sell our CDs on city property, according to our liasons with the Frisco Parks and Recreation Department...our sponsors.

I also sumbitted video material to the local WB channel for possible mention in a segment on Friday night. Crossing my fingers.

Last week, I spent a little money and had Chris (above), also my music-video director, cut a non-commercial commerical for the gig. We were able to get it aired on the local cable channel in town, which could hit 20,000 people. Since it's a free concert sponsored by the city, promotional opportunities abound. We've been included on a local arts website that gets 70,000 hits a month, and a local city coucilman's email that reaches 25,000. All good reasons to invest time and energy in entertaining your hometown for free, if you're willing to try to get the most out of the exposure.

My advice: Do free gigs, but don't just let them lie there. If it's for a charity, try to be part of the publicity and draw for the event. I've also found that there is a lot more momentum teaming up with other acts and colleagues than trying to be the only performer. The very fact that you've formed an alliance becomes a story in and of itself. It's also much more fun.

Introduction

2005-05-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

This is my first post, so please be gentle :-)

...okay, whip me, beat me, make me write bad checks!

Hello to all from North Texas. I am looking for performing songwriters in the area to join an informal songwriter coalition. I am helping to organize showcases in some of the parks this summer, and would like to augment our ranks.

In the meantime, I'm up for discussions about songwriting in general, and would enjoy mentoring and exchanging information with others. This blog will detail the expoits of myself and my musical colleagues, as we try to get a Collin County music scene noticed by enough people to matter. First try: "Rockin' the Park" event at Frisco Commons Park, 8000 McKinney Road in Frisco, 5-8 PM, 5/14/2005--raindate: 5/21/2005. Stay tuned.