A Musician's Rant

Imagine you show up to work and there is someone else at your desk doing your job. Even though it's a mix up, you are told to go home. You've been replaced for the day.

Also, you won't be paid because you're not working. You're going to miss the company party later that day too (and all your friends are going to be there!). Well....that's kind of what just happened to me.

My band didn't play last night, but not it was not by choice. The manager had overbooked the bands.

The guitar player and I arrived at the club first and saw this other drummer setting up. Being a little confused, we asked to talk to the manager. He was nowhere to be found.

Although our show had been booked in advance for six months and confirmed, the last email the staff received from the manager said this other band was supposed to play----NOT us. The staff was uncertain about what to do. What a nightmare.

To make matters worse, when I called our drummer to tell him about the situation, I found out he had just been pulled over for speeding (he was hurrying from another gig to make it to this one on time).

By the time our entire band showed up, it was official---we were not on the bill. None of us were in the best of spirits after that. Actually, we were pretty pissed off.

Not only was I really looking forward to my sister sitting in and playing with us again, I wasn't going to get paid (I was counting on that extra cash).

As a result of this snafu, our friends/fans started to show up only to be disappointed that we were not the rock act for the evening.

Disappointed myself and feeling a little disgruntled, I left soon after. The fact that the staff said we could stay and drink for free wasn't any consolation. I just wanted to get far away from that place and the band the took our spot.

It is important to note how much prep goes into playing a gig. The physical, mental, emotional preparation that musicians muster up to play a good show can be heavy.

Where does all of that energy go when it is not released? Well, our drummer decided to let go of all of his energy when he punched a metal door and stormed out of the club (I hope his hand is okay).

Good Ol' Family Fun

It was almost a typical gig. I arrived a little late, but I got there in time to set up my equipment, sound check, and put on my face (in the bathroom). While I was in the stall, some girl yelled my name.

"Layla?" she said.

"Yeah?" I said.

"Some guy is looking for you," she said. "He's wearing a hat."

"What?" I said. "Some guy?"

"Your boyfriend...I guess," she said.

"What????" I said. "My boyfriend??"

I was really puzzled at this point. Some stranger is yelling at me through the bathroom stall about my boyfriend, but he was at home. So, I really didn't know what was going on. I did know that I only had about two minutes to finish my eyeliner and no time to chit chat.

"He said he needs the silver?"

"Oh God!" I said. "That's not my boyfriend. That's my brother! He needs my chrome nail polish."

He knows I always pack the rocker essentials. Apparently he sent some poor girl into the bathroom to look for me and to be his go-between.

I quickly opened the door and stepped out to hand it to him.

"Here," I said. "I have to finish getting ready!"

"Thanks, sis," he said.

He ran off to finish his "look" for the gig. I ran back into the stall to finish my face.

We hit the stage a little late. By the time we started, the bar was pretty packed. The crowd was ready to get their drink and rock on.

For our last set, our sister decided to sit in for a couple of songs. She took over the bass and to make it even more entertaining, I switched to guitar.

She was awesome. She had the look, the licks, the attitude, and the spunk. A rocker through and through (it must run in the family).



There we were, Me, Skrap, and Kara, together on stage for the first time and hopefully not the last.

It was so great to jam with my big sister and brother. Such a fun night. I can't wait to do it again. We rocked that place!


Us cira 1976.

blip...blip....blip....

Okay. I have to admit that I am addicted to blipping. For those that are unsure what a "blip" is---it's the equivalent of a "Tweet" for musicians/music lovers. For those that do not know what a tweet is, well...it's the sound a bird uses to communicate. (It's also a micro-message sent on Twitter).

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let me reveal my latest guilty pleasure---blip.fm. This is a global radio station, but you become your own DJ. You can create pages and pages of your own songs to share with the world. You can also choose to listen to other DJs and give out "props."

A vast amount of songs are readily available at any moment. The only downside--- sometimes songs end up being unavailable for whatever reason.

I have heard some pretty obscure material as well. I even came across these little gems:




This is a far cry from when I was a little kid. I used to sit by the radio for hours......waiting....waiting ....waiting...for the DJ to play my favorite songs so I could tape them and listen to them later. While I waited, I would tape myself and talk about the band/song (like I was the DJ). I created a music hotline segment and I actually made up this repeat character---an old lady with an annoying southern accent. She would "call in" and complain about all the heavy music being played.
"Well--just shut yer ears!" I said.
"Well.....I never!" she I said.
"You never what?----Grandma!!" Then I pretended to "hang up" the phone.

I was a weird little kid....

Why Play The Guitar When I Have Guitar Hero® ?

Although most kids are naturally drawn to music (especially the guitar), not all will learn how to play. With the onset of video games like Guitar Hero®, the younger generation is quickly learning that they can reap some of the rewards of being a rock star, without much effort. With a few clicks of some colored buttons, they can "jam" with friends and get applause from the audience. Learn the moves----get "star power"---rock out---and the crowd goes crazy!!!

Ironically, these video games have sparked a renewed interest with the guitar. I have experienced an influx of new guitar students since these games were introduced. However, there has also been a high turnover with new students.

So, what will keep the kids interested enough to play a real guitar? I'm not sure I can answer this. In fact, I struggle with this question on a daily basis.

Try as I might:

• It's hard enough to get my guitar students excited about anything (even music)
• Teenagers usually have a hard time expressing why they want to do anything at all (playing the guitar)
  
• Some students don't even know what they like yet (some can't even name a guitar player)
  
• Typically, most students refuse to practice so they are unable to progress and eventually play something a little cooler than Skip To My Lou.

In a way, Guitar Hero® and Rock Band® are serving somewhat of a function. Even if it means that when I play Detroit Rock City, they respond with "Hey, that song is from my Rock Band® game!" And I have to say "No, that song is from the hottest band in the world---KISS!"

On one hand, those games are at least introducing some classic (and new) songs as well as some legends of rock. Still, the instant gratification they get from the game does leave the beginner guitar student somewhat disenchanted with a real guitar. I guess it's a conundrum that will continue to frustrate me.

Whether they learn the real thing or not, only time will tell. I just shudder to think that there may be a whole new trend coming though----Kids idolizing Guitar Hero® but having no idea who the real guitar heroes are. (Guess that's what I'm here for).

Metallica Makes Amends

The time we have all been waiting for is here----The Day That Never Comes is here. Metallica will finally be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009.

Metallica has decided that former bassist, Jason Newsted, should be part of their Hall of Fame experience. Despite leaving Metallica in 2001 for private and personal reasons, Newsted will be joining them for the fun and festivities.

Metallica has also asked Newsted to jam with them when they perform at the event. Newsted was told he would be the only bassist playing, but current bass player, Robert Trujillo, may have something to say about that.

Although Metallica chose not to feature Newsted on the Guitar Hero® Metallica® video game, they will put aside past differences to make this like a "family reunion" said drummer, Lars Ulrich.

Newsted was an underlining factor for some of the success that Metallica achieved while he was a member (1986-2001). Since he seemed to play in the shadow of the much loved Cliff Burton, it is uncertain whether or not Newsted ever convinced the die hard Burton fans. In any case, it will be nice to see Newsted share in some the credit that he deserves.

Practice 'Til It Hurts

I think I am finally recovered from the marathon gig with Killing Vegas the other night. We started playing at 12:30 a.m. and played four 50-minute sets. Not only was my internal clock completely screwed up, I felt like I had been hit by a truck---occupational hazard from thrashing around all night long (I think I lost about five pounds).

I prepared for the gig as much as I could, or so I thought. I rehearsed all the songs for several days beforehand. I planned on doing three acoustic songs with my brother, Skrap, so I had all my guitars out. (Two of the songs were in a different tuning so I had to have a guitar to match those tunings).

I needed to practice some solos, so I broke out the BOSS GT-8. I had to play bass on about forty other songs, so I had the bass out too. It looked like a guitar store exploded. Sheet music, set lists, chords, pedals, guitars, stands, pics, amps and empty diet Dr Pepper bottles were strewn all over my living room.



I guess I have somewhat of an odd practicing technique. Although I stay focused, nothing is really organized---I shift between playing songs and solos to listening and singing to reading music. Once I start to practice, I find it hard to stop. (My fingers on both hands were so tore up from all the practicing that I had to Super-Glue the cuts on my fingertips in order to still play---Band-Aids are not an option).



I try to schedule breaks with a timer but I just end up ignoring it. I don't take time to eat or do much of anything else---like sleep. I don't stay on one song very long. I learn the structure somewhat then I move on. Finally, I go over back over each one again and master the little nuances. Somehow my brain soaks it all in.

But I digress... The night of the show, I wanted to crawl right into bed but instead I had to get ready to leave at 11:10 p.m. I had no idea how I was going to summon enough energy to rock the house the rest of the night (morning)---but I did. I really should have been doing cardio with my bass strapped around me to prepare for this brutal gig.

Pop's, in Sauget, Ill., is open 24-7 and bands play throughout the entire night. We were booked for the graveyard shift---12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. People flock to Pop's after the regular bars close. The crowd was amazing. And by amazing, I mean good and drunk.

I made it through the morning. But by the time I got paid and loaded up my equipment, it was 6:30 a.m. The sun was up and I couldn't get home fast enough. The bar was packed and people were still coming through the door in droves. Amazing.

Note to self: Stay away from the 5-Hour Energy Shots (I took half at 12:15 a.m.). It gave me a little energy but I was up until 8:30 a.m. It was like a bad trip. What the hell?

Give It To Me Right...

Four very specific series of events had to occur for me to be introduced to one the most talented and most fresh acts that I have seen in a long time. (I really need to get out more--or move).

• The Insomnia. I was channel surfing like most people do when they can't catch any zzzzzz's. I am not a huge fan of Last Call with Carson Daly, but because the stars were aligned, I stopped flipping.
  
• The Roxy. I have always been fascinated with this legendary club. Last Call was broadcasting a live concert from the mecca of rock stardom itself.
• The Bassline. The song that was being played, sampled the classic hit Time of the Season from The Zombies. The bassline is so prominent. It drew me in and I sat up and turned it up.
• The Performer. This vibrant female singer poured her soul right into the microphone, to the audience then directly to me. Once she started singing her soon to be hit, Give It To Me Right, I was hooked.

She owned the stage with the right look, great confidence and soul. She's got it. So, take some notes Beyonce 'cause Ms. Fiona tells her man:

"I'm not, I'm not
Tryna run your life
That's why, that's why
I'm nobody's wife
But when I want it, you gotta be ready

I don't want it all the time,
But when I get it,
I better be satisfied
So give it to me right,
Or don't give it to me at all."

With lyrics like this, it has the potential to be the next girl anthem (or at least mine anyway).



Melanie Fiona is definitely my pick for best new artist of 2009. This Canadian-born singer/songwriter has a lot of obvious natural talent. She unites elements of her musical influences with originality to create a sound that is completely her own. Her debut album (The Bridge) is said to be due out this spring. The Give It To Me Right single has shot up from 96 to 86 this week on the Canadian Billboard Hot 100 and is available on Amazon and iTunes.




Seriously, someone please find more talented acts like her

or don't give 'em to me at all!

Rokkin' With Dokken

Some rock bands continue to take the stage with line-up changes. Although, few bands have been able to maintain or exceed a level of success after changing lead singers. Certain bands like Alice in Chains, Mötley Crüe and Judas Priest soon realized that the original lead singer was a major missing ingredient. (Some exceptions: Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple). But even with the right mix, success can not be ensured forever.

Dokken seemed to have a well rounded and talented cast of revolving players. Drummer Mick Brown sings, bass player Jeff Pilson plays guitar and lead singer Don Dokken has been known to play guitar also. In this live video below, Don is playing bass while Pilson takes over the pipes.

George Lynch's playing ability is what first drew me to Dokken. Just Got Lucky (1984) is one of my all-time favorite Dokken songs. (That opening guitar riff still resonates inside me). I was very excited to come across this acoustic version and hear some of the other talent. Pilson's vocal ability is very impressive---who knew? Personally, I had no idea that Pilson was somewhat concealing this gift all of these years.

Some of you may remember Pilson in his role as Jorgen, Steel Dragon Bassist in Rock Star (2001) staring Mark Wahlberg. (The movie is loosely based on Rob Halford's departure from Judas Priest).

In this rags to riches story, Wahlberg plays Chris 'Izzy' Cole, a singer in Blood Pollution---a Steel Dragon tribute band. This failed rocker gets a second chance at stardom when he is asked to replace the singer of the infamous "Steel Dragon"---a band on the brink of break up when the singer quits. (Members include: Dominic West and musicians: Zakk Wylde and Jason Bonham---son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bohnam).

Overwhelmed at first with the fame and debauchery, Izzy soon wants to contribute artistically to the band. The band members inform him that Steel Dragon adheres to a strict formula and they dismiss his input. I won't give away the ending---you'll just have to watch it for yourself.

I still believe lead singers are not always interchangeable but kudos to the bands that find the right formula for success---even if they "just got lucky."