Music Musings

The Mickey Dam 

This is a traditional song, learned from Kevin Mitchell (from Glasgow but Originally from Derry) and also from Tom Ryan (from Sudbury, ON). This is my first attempt at making such a complex video, using only iMovie and Garage Band. It's a little rough. I really should use a click track if I try this again.



Going Solo? 

In the past couple of weeks I have played a few shows without Fig For A Kiss or any other musicians. This was mainly for practical and financial reasons, and it may be necessary to do it more often. The recent gigs went very well, and in fact CD sales were unusually high, considering the small audiences. I have definitely gained some new fans. Playing solo, however, is a very different experience from playing in a band, and I feel I have a lot to learn. But I am now intrigued with the possibilities it…Read more

What is a band? 

In the typical model of a band, there are members (like John, Paul, George and Ringo) who remain consistent for touring and recording and who agree on a creative vision. The band has an agent and a manager (roles sometimes taken on by members of the band or sometimes assigned by a record label) who book gigs at established venues and negotiate contracts with record labels and music publishers. Their product (the music) is designed for a particular demographic (usually teens and young adults). The band…Read more