My Writings. My Thoughts.

Mark Kano – Walking On Broadway

// March 1st, 2009 // No Comments » // Music & Entertainment

Mark Kano

I’ve met a lot of creative, artistic, music and just plain cool people on twitter. A few weeks back I met an amazing photographer named Kellie Kano. We sent a few messages back and forth and then some how I discover that her husband is a guy named Mark Kano. Mark Kano was/is the lead singer for a band that I dig called Athenaeum. Many of you will remember Athenaeum from a hit they had back in the 90′s called “What I Didn’t Know”… one of my favorite songs still.

Mark has a new CD that is amazing. I’m not saying this because he’s now my friend on Facebook… I really dig this record. I think the release and timing are perfect and truly believe you will hear some of these tracks popping up soon. Mark’s vocals are very distinct and you know it well after only hearing him once.

The opening track and album title is Walking On Broadway. This is your song of summer. When you hear it you will want to roll down the windows and drive fast even if it’s supposed to snow tomorrow! Another notable track is Calling Saturn… I absolutely love the drum track on this one, that along with the rhythmic guitar in the verse sells this songs hard. My other favorites are the ballad-’y’ tracks Telling You I Love You & Baby I’m Your Man.

Please do yourself a favor and check out this album. I’ve been listening for a few days now and just can’t cut it off!

Free Music Friday : Goodbye February

// February 26th, 2009 // No Comments » // Totally Free Music!

First off, goodbye February! Hello, March. My birthday month.. woohoo.

Free Music Friday is getting fun, I had an inbox full of indie labels/bands wanting to get on. That means you guys are reading and downloading!!! Very cool, glad to share new music with you all. As always, if you hear of some cool music please share!!!

First this week is a tex-mex, Beatles’ infused harmony alt band called The Krayolas. I’m really digging this track, it’s fresh and just feels good. The title track (not this mp3) of this album is also one of my favorites on this album, Long Leaf Pine.

Long Leaf Pine (No Smack Gum)The Krayolas
“Corrido Twelve Heads in a Bag” (mp3)
from “Long Leaf Pine (No Smack Gum)”
(Talking Taco Music)

Buy at Talking Taco Website
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

For the AAA lovers, the band Kentucky Nightmare has nailed this track. It’s got the slow groove you would love from Wilco, the edge you’d find from Steve Earle and maybe a little of that Cracker twang. Great track.

Take Her FavourKentucky Nightmare
“Caroline & I” (mp3)
from “Take Her Favour”
(Standard Recording Company)

Buy at Standard Recording Company Store
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

Sometimes a track just grabs me… not sure exactly why I like it but I do. This is one of those tracks. I like the intensity in the chorus and the vocals… Maybe one of you can tell me why I dig this track so much? It’s good, enjoy!

Your TokyoMy Fiction
“Go” (mp3)
from “Your Tokyo”
(Sugar Rush – Sol Records)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks
Buy at GroupieTunes / appliedSB
Buy at mTraks
More On This Album

Hangin Out With Middle Schoolers – Career Day 2009

// February 25th, 2009 // No Comments » // life

career day

I was asked to participate in a career day at Rollins Middle School today. Wow, what fun. Kids are cool and they have great questions! The cool thing about this is participating in the community & contributing to young minds. Now I know it sounds funny and scary coming from me but I promise– I was good!

I tweeted a bunch during it and just decided to share some pics and some of the questions that I was asked. Why am I telling you guys this? Well, I’m hoping that this will put the bug in your ear to get out there and participate in your community, get involved in young people’s lives– make a difference.

First the questions. And then my responses.. as best I can type/remember.


  • –“Do you have a life or do you just sit at a computer all day?” : Um, yeah… I mean.  Yes. Of course I have a life… sometimes!


  • –“Do you have to go to college to play on computers?” : You don’t have too, but it would be wise to have a higher education to help you stay up to date on technology, communications and latest business practices.


  • –“Do you have to work everyday?” : If I want to get paid and keep my employers happy.. yes.  But when you love what you do it’s not hard to work every day.


  • –“Do you like your job?” : I love my job.  I love teaching people about technology and I love learning about technology.


  • –“Who hires people like you?” : My thoughts exactly!  A lot of people are still learning the internet, the best practices in  communications and marketing using the internet.  I do it everyday so they can come to me and I can help them. My specialties are in entertainment, music and real estate.


  • –“What are the pros & cons of your job?” :  The pros are learning new technologies daily and meeting new people online daily. The cons are that I spend a lot of time on the computer and connected to gadgets.


  • –“Do you work for Myspace, can you fix my music player?” : No and No… you are too young to be on myspace.  “yeah, I’m not supposed to be on any of those anyway.”


Those are some of my favorite questions from today.  See you kids next year!!!

career day 09

career day 09

career day 09

career day 09

Free Music Friday : The Stimulus Edition

// February 19th, 2009 // No Comments » // Totally Free Music!

Wait.  The stimulus edition?  Free music isn’t necessarily a way to get money into the economy… or is it?  I think it is.  When you hear new music you may fall in love with it and one track (if good) only leaves you wanting more. This week for sure. 

You’ve got to hear one of my favorite singer/songwriters from Nashville… Tom Yarbrough.  You are going to want to buy his album.  He’s got another album due out this year but just in case you missed this one, I thought I’d better share.

Far Cry From GoneTom Yarbrough
“Far Cry From Gone” (mp3)
from “Far Cry From Gone”
(The Velvet Farm)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at eMusic
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks
Buy at Amazon MP3
Buy at GroupieTunes / appliedSB
Buy at mTraks
More On This Album

Secondly, is something pretty close to home. Well, my back yard actually. Recently I told you guys of an indie film called Oversold that I was fortunate enough to have a song that I wrote, sang and produced on. Many of you guys asked about it and some even laughed to know that I used to play music. Here it is- be easy. :)

American SpiritSunshop
“Like A Child” (mp3)
from “American Spirit”
(Tone Box Records)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at eMusic
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon MP3
Buy at GroupieTunes / appliedSB
Buy at DownloadPunk
Buy at mTraks
More On This Album

Last is a debut from a pretty cool/raw rock band called His Mischief. Very reminiscent of White Strips, Raconteurs, WolfMother and if you listen closely you’ll pick out some classic Who… I really dig this album. It’s set to hit online stores in April but you can grab the track Freaks Up Front now.

The Perfect LoverHis Mischief
“Freaks Up Front” (mp3)
from “The Perfect Lover”
(Modern Radio Record Label)

Buy at Modern Radio
More On This Album

We Took A Bath

// February 19th, 2009 // No Comments » // Technology, life

Blog Bath

It’s been a while since the blog was “bathed”.  I was on the other day and was thinking that the layout was just looking a bit dingy… so I gave it a bath.

I’m hoping to launch the Free Music Friday as a sidebar widget so that the artists who are featured get exposure more than just a day or so.  Also added some social media buttons so you guys can find me all over the place!

What do you think?  Like? Dislike?  Add?  Take away?

Be Love : Happy Valentines Day

// February 14th, 2009 // No Comments » // life

Valentines Day HeartHappy Valentines Day! Many years ago I worked on the production and development of this song with some cool guys from Plus One. One of my absolute favorite songs from these guys. I don’t have an audio version to play but you can hear it on Amazon.





BE LOVE

Plus One


{chorus}

Well if you need love

Take the time and be love

Breathe it out create love

See how things can turn

If you need love

Give yourself and be love

Breathe it out create love

See how things can turn

By The End Of The Day, What Do You Wish Would Happen?

// February 11th, 2009 // No Comments » // life

Interesting video asking 50 peeps from New Orleans “By the end of the day, what do you wish would happen?”.  Great question and hard to answer on the spot.

So ask yourself the same question… don’t over think it. What do you wish would happen by the end of the day? If you are reading this late at night pretend you have all day tomorrow!

Me? Direction. I wish some goals and pursuits had better direction.

You?

What The Social Media "Elite" Won't Tell You

// February 10th, 2009 // No Comments » // Technology

social media connection

So I’ve ranted and raved about social media a lot lately so I figured I’d keep going. I’m not a negative person, I promise. I just think that the mass and instant communication tools that we have all been given (for free) are quickly saturated by those who are only concerned with making a buck. I’m not talking about all of them, but a good many are only concerned with telling you how to “grow your network” and “make money”.

I’m all for making $$$ to make a living, but I’m also all for community. Real community that isn’t concerned with just making money off their friends/followers! Here are some things you won’t hear most of the social media “elite” tell you.

  1. Be Real.  Meet the people you are connecting with, don’t send DM or Instant Messages that direct them to a product or your “How to make bank with Twitter” post.
  2. Don’t Try To Make Money.  You’d be surprised at how many people meet others and create connections that lead to work.  I know.  I’ve worked with musicians and web projects with people that I met on Twitter, Facebook and Myspace.  I wasn’t trying to get work!  I was just being myself and people were able to learn who I really was.
  3. Delete Friends and Followers If Needed.  If someone you follow or a “friend” sends an automatic DM or Message that is selling you something- delete it.  Drop them.  It’s ok.  They are selling you something not trying to be your friend.  Think telemarketing.. we all hang up on most of them!
  4. Turn Down The Noise.  Do what you want when it comes to followers and friends.. accept them all or accept only a few.  It’s your network!!!
  5. Ignore The Rules.  Wait, there are no rules.  I promise.  There is no definitive rule book for social media.  Sure, a lot of stuff has been written on growing your network and community, but none of those came from the Constitution.
  6. Don’t Be “That” Guy/Girl.  Guru, Rockstar, Evangelists, Expert, Maven- all the self-proclaimed titles…  This is one the weirdest trends I’ve seen in social media.  Like I said above, there are no rules so if you are a self-proclaimed expert then you must think you know the rules and want to teach everyone.  Wrong. You don’t know me.
  7. It’s Your Social Network.  Do you let others tell you how to run your social life?  Why would you do that online?  Use your social networks how ever you like, it’s your network.  If you want to piss people off and be the high-pressure/annoying sales “friend” go for it, just know it’s not much different online than when you call my house at 9pm to sell me something!

I’m in total agreement that we all use social media for separate reasons.  We also have social lives outside of the internet that aren’t much different.  We don’t like to be sold to every other minute and not all of us are out looking for “get rich quick” schemes!

Please also know there are some great Social Media peeps who are very popular and get it.  Who do you follow or are friends with that get social media, I want to know!?

Is Twitter Heading Down The Myspace Road?

// February 3rd, 2009 // No Comments » // Technology

myspace and twitter

You guys know I love Twitter…  as a matter of fact, most of you think I live on Facebook because my Twitter account is connected to my Facebook status updates.  BUT, I’ve recently started feeling a bit the same about Twitter as I did when I was ready to abandon Myspace.  Why? What has happened?  Here’s my thoughts on the future of Twitter, I may be way off but hear me out!

Twitter is about connecting and building community.  Myspace was about finding friends and building community as well (before it became a booty call station).  However, Myspace became a game about who had the most friends.  I’m guilty… I had 1800+ friends and really only talked/connected with a hundred or so…  I was overwhelmed with trying to keep up with them all and usually missed the “real” friends because of the noise of unknown “friends”.  It wasn’t long after reaching that 1800+ mark that I “cleaned” house and narrowed my connections back down to people that I knew or people that I had common interests with.  Even so, I eventually looked at Myspace as a chore- and have since moved on to Facebook.  The whole Facebook vs. Myspace saga is another post, I just choose Facebook over Myspace.

So how do I see Twitter as another Myspace?  The “followers” war.  Once again, I’ve played this game too.  I started following anyone who followed me even if I had nothing in common with them.  As the numbers started to grow I slowly disconnected with the people that I had truly connected with.  Then I started seeing people post stuff like “If you don’t follow me back, you will be dropped…  Fair is Fair!”.  That’s not a joke.

First off people, get a clue.  A follower doesn’t mean a friend-  friendships are built by talking and getting to know one another.  There are many folks that I respond too and converse with but don’t follow and the same with other folks who respond to me.  Why do I follow people who’s sole goal is to gain followers then 90% of their tweets are the song they are listening to.  Really? Really?  Ego trips are quickly taking over Twitter… one guy is following 12,000+ people and he has 11,000+ followers, yet he doesn’t talk with his followers rather he spouts out information and 9 times out of 10 it’s a retweet of someone else that everyone is already following.   I’m seeing this more and more daily which is why I’ve realized that soon we are all going to get tired of the game and look for the next manageable communication/media breakthrough.

This is how I relate Twitter to Myspace… Myspace and Facebook are basically the same idea, Facebook was executed better by giving the user more control over their connections and privacy… the interface was also very user friendly. Twitter is basically an open & easy interface place to connect. However with mass followers it gets hard to manage (I say hard to manage, I’m talking about the average user- see below to see how I manage Twitter sanely!!!)

I know I’m stepping on some of the toes of the “Twitter Elite”.  If it feels like I’m stepping on your toes, I’m sorry but I just don’t think you get the idea of building community- whether online or off.  Give me some info, give me a reason to be your “follower”!

This applies to me as well.  I try to be myself on Twitter, I post through out the day with stuff I’m working on, music I like, food I love, interesting links I find, and respond to those I may be able to help.  If I’m not offering you anything then unfollow me… it’s ok… I’m not going to be offended!!!

I still love Twitter but mainly because I’ve found a way to manage it.  If you are overwhelmed with Twitter or feel like you are missing conversations then I encourage you to check out Tweetdeck.  Tweetdeck let’s you create groups…  I have the following groups setup:  local/real friends, music related friends, marketing/interactive friends, then the big group of “All”.  :)

I have hope for Twitter but we’ve got to get a grip on the egos and the serial followers to create a great and useful community.  Who’s on board?

25 Random Things – Getting To Know Your Community

// January 25th, 2009 // No Comments » // life

25 Random Things

This started many years ago with some social network.  Most of the time I’ve tuned it out and just ignored the requests.  Last week the “random things” resurfaced (as it does every few months).  I read a bunch of them… it was awesome.  I learned so much from many different people especially the ones that I don’t usually communicate with on that level.  So, I’m a fan.  No, I’m not going to push you or start sending you forwards ever day but this one is pretty cool.  I’ve listed my 25 random things below.  Please feel free to share yours in the comments or link back to your list, I want to read!

  1. I love the Wizard of Oz (see #2 for why this is a big deal).
  2. I have a bit of a phobia for short people.
  3. I’ve been married 17 years this June… to the same hot lady.
  4. I’m supposed to be watching a movie right now.
  5. I own an indie record label with 25+ artists.
  6. My favorite guitar is a Gibson SG.
  7. My favorite song ever is “Missing You” by John Waite
  8. I have a red Mickey Mouse tumbler that I like to drink diet coke and Gentleman Jack out of.
  9. I still buy vinyl records.
  10. I own 3 Apple computers and 4 pcs. All in one house for 2 people.
  11. I’ve worked in music over 14 years and NO gold/platinum records but my wife has one.
  12. My first 45 record was Kiss’s “I Was Made For Loving You” – I think it was a disco/metal attempt… still listen to it when I can.
  13. I was born in Union, SC
  14. I was told not to go to college and should find a trade- I went to college and graduated… no problem.
  15. My first suspension from school ever (yes, there were a few times) was in 7th grade for “prolonged kissing” in the hall.
  16. I cried the first time I saw E.T.
  17. I own 7 guitars (9 if you include the 2 guitar hero controllers!) and one bass guitar.
  18. Since 1985 I’ve lived in Nashville, TN 3 different times.
  19. My first job was at Phar-mor. A drug store. Cart go-getter. Eventually worked my way into the video rental dept.
  20. I hate to fly… unless going somewhere cool…er… warm.
  21. I love the TN Titans. Have the swag/garb/junk to prove it.
  22. I love motorcycles and want to build one from the ground up.
  23. I have 8 hand guns and 14 rifles. Some as old as the 1800s.
  24. I have a garage full of tools that I have no idea how to use. From jack hammers to welding kits to a large drill press.
  25. I’ve written a lot of music, some that’s been on TV shows & Indie Films.

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