Typically, I listen to music from my iTunes library on “shuffle” mode. That’s my default, which varies depending on the goal at hand (not that listening to music is always attached to a goal). The songs, however, also can be lined up according their timed lengths, which can alter the way one passes time. “OK,Continue reading “3:07 w t h?”
Category Archives: Music
not even almost a little bit ‘famous’
My young songwriting partner in Josephmooon, Ronan, is consistently interested in how we can get more “famous.” “Is so- and-so famous?” he will ask about almost anyone. Sometimes the answer is easy, but there’s a lot of grey area. If I bring up Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy as an example of a songwriter who is knownContinue reading “not even almost a little bit ‘famous’”
stamina, accuracy
The 2020 Summer Olympic Games offered a delightful distraction to the day’s overarching situation – especially the spellbinding visuals displayed at the opening and closing ceremonies. To this viewer, the combined effect of lighting, projection, pyrotechnics, drones, and music, appeared magical and mystical. I know, technology, but still, heart and soul always must exist inContinue reading “stamina, accuracy”
smiles for Biles
Over the weekend (31 July) the Matt Davies (Newsday) commentary you see here appeared in the Bangkok Post ed/op pages (ask your parents). A few days later, this comment appeared in the Post’s “letters to the editor” section: “I consider the content of that cartoon extremely vicious. Cartoonists who mock mental issues are treading onContinue reading “smiles for Biles”
two months of prep
In the present moment, with a dozen Josephmooon songs recorded, mixed, mastered, and scheduled for independent release on all streaming and download platforms 1 October, our focus for the next two months turns to those ugly behemoths of commerce – marketing, publicity, and advertising. For the last decade, these responsibilities largely have been assumed byContinue reading “two months of prep”
“How to write a song”
After we’d had four sessions or so, Ronan sent an email summarizing some of the songwriting areas we had discussed. This is a version I’ve edited from his original email. “For your first song it’s good to have a teacher. In this case you don’t need a teacher, because I’m the teacher. These are thingsContinue reading ““How to write a song””
more backstory
It may seem a big strange for a “music tutor” and their student to be separated by 9,000 miles – I’m living in Thailand, Ronan is in Texas – so perhaps it is important to explain that my role is not as a traditional “instrument” teacher, but more of a creative coach. [He also hasContinue reading “more backstory”
josephmooon explained
Here’s the story. Early in 2020, as a pandemic encouraged people around the world to “stay home,” Josephmooon was created as a stage name and music project for the lyrics by Ronan Boren. Ronan is autistic, and his imagination is vast, as revealed in the songs featured on the debut josephmooon album, “So Far SoContinue reading “josephmooon explained”
“Is there something you’re not telling me?”
New music, rocketing to release on all digital platforms October 1, 2021. Watch this space.