Music: A Powerful Tool and a Gift From God

While I really don’t “Blog” much any longer (maybe I should start again, but there is this thing called time that seems to be in short supply), I have some thoughts I wanted to share about music today. Not my own personal music, just music in general.

Music is a very powerful form of media. Some would argue it is the most powerful form of media known today. I personally feel that way myself. How much more powerful is an intense, scary or even funny moment in a movie with the appropriate music to back it up? Ever watch a movie scene with the music removed? It’s just not the same.

Music has been the top selling form of media in the entire world, though unfortunately, it is on a decline due to streaming and piracy. Both of those are on the rise though, still keeping music to be the most used form of media in the world.

MUCH of the Bible is devoted to music. We have Psalms, we have Song Of Solomon, and plenty of other passages throughout the Bible that speak on the importance of music. In fact, even Lucifer himself started out as the chief of music. Unfortunately, he perverted it and fell from Heaven. More on that in a bit.

Many Christians feel that the only purpose for music is for Praising God. I am here to tell you that that is only one purpose, but far from the only purpose. Yep. Here are some examples:

Music can be used for Teaching. Think back when you were a kid. How many songs did you learn in school to teach you something? The ABCs for example. Sunday School songs as well. Even the apostle Paul recognized this in Colossians 3:16. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”

Music can be used for relaxation. Ever get a massage? How much more relaxing is it with the soft, gentle music playing in the background? I get about 1-2 massages a month due to my severe arthritis in my neck and back as the result of a motorcycle accident I had 25 some odd years ago. One time, the music player was broken, and it just wasn’t the same. I mentioned that to the therapist, and you know what she did? She took out her phone and loaded Pandora to play some music. Simple gesture, but much better. In 1 Samuel 16, young David is described as a cunning and skilled musician who, when he played, “refreshed” the King with his beautiful and wonderful music.

See, another positive effect of music. Praising God, teaching, relaxation, what other effects could it have, you may ask.

Did you know that there is even a reference in the Bible to music being used at a party? Yep! Gen. 31:27 says: [Jacob] Why did you flee away secretly and not tell me; that I might have sent you away with mirth and songs with [timbrel], and with a harp?” In other words, Laban would have thrown a party with music to celebrate and honor Jacob!

What about love songs? The greatest love song of all written by King Solomon is an entire book of the Bible. Song Of Solomon. So even Love songs are positive…when used correctly.

So see, music is much more than just worship, however, when used correctly, all of the above things, when used correctly have one thing in common. Whether they are used to praise, express joy, teach, celebrate, relax, express love, or even just to be entertaining, music is a gift from God, so ultimately, if we use it correctly, we are giving honor and glory to the creator of music. More from Ecclesiastes, (3:1, 4) “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven…a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (I always want to sing “Turn, Turn, Turn” when I read that passage).

Even for pure entertainment, music can be good. The word “recreation” literally means to re-create or even “renew”. God expects us and allows us time to be renewed. To chill, as it were. “EVERY (emphasis mine) good and perfect gift is from above…” – James 1:17a. Ecclesiastes 2:24 says “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God.”

On the flip side, music can be used incorrectly in the exact same methods. Unfortunately, there are musicians out there that use music to give praise to their own selves, their twisted lifestyles, their gods, etc. Music can be used to teach incorrect things to people as well. You could literally teach a kid anything at all by setting it to music, even if what you are teaching is total hogwash. Ever listen to hard-core rap? (Some of) It teaches people how not to respect other people. Some music at parties can incite people’s behavior to be less than godly. Let’s not even talk about “love” songs (read “lust” songs) that are used inappropriately.

Some Christians will debate the styles of music as well, but I’m not one of them. I believe music (as a whole) was created by God. Jesus used contemporary means to teach people in His day, and I believe contemporary music fits that mold perfectly. In fact, “back in the day” as it were, the hymns that your grandparents and great-grandparents listened to and sang were put the contemporary music of the day, including bar songs. Doxology, for example. Many, many other examples too.

I believe it was God’s intention with the creation of music, to have it be used as a powerful and positive tool for us in all aspects of our lives, not just in church or for specifically to worship Him. However, understand that ultimately, if we are using it properly, it will give glory to God, and that is a form of worship. We can learn a lot from music. We can learn a lot from the examples in the Bible about music and we should strive to make music an important part of our lives.

Don’t get yourself caught up in the whole debate about what the right styles are, or if it’s “Christian” or “Secular.” The “ABC”s is a “secular” song. “Happy Birthday” is a secular song. They in no way dishonor God, but they are used in a way that it was designed. As long as the music is being used the way God intended it, it’s a positive thing.

I think I wrote a sermon. I know I probably lost some of you about the 2nd paragraph due to length, but if you read this far, I’d love to hear some comments.

The Dying Language Of Music

As you all likely know, I'm really into music.  :)  I love it.  It's a 2nd language to me.  I would even go as far as saying that it's my first language. I am fluent in it and could speak it all day, everyday if I could find enough people that would be able to understand me.

Unfortunately, like Latin, I believe it may be a dying language.

Many people enjoy listening to music, but simply listening to it isn't the same as knowing music. There is deep theory behind music.  Many people hate theory.  Not me.  I love it.  The people that say they hate it, say so because "They don't want to be bound by the rules."

The problem with that statement is, they are only scratching the surface of theory.  Usually when they say they don't want to be "bound by the rules of theory" they are nothing more than Top 40 music listeners and they do not understand that even the Top 40 music they say they enjoy is bound by those rules. The sad thing about that statement is, most Top 40 music is bound by the most simplistic of rules as well such as 4/4 time signature, 1, 4, 5 or 1, 6, 4 chord progressions, etc. (Note that I said most, not all).

Once you get deeper into the rules, you find that rules aren't at all inhibiting.  They are freeing.  Without the rules, music would sound like a total mess.  There would be nothing close to what we know music to be.

For example, recently I was talking to someone and they said "I don't like [a particular artist] because their music is all dark, and in the minor key."  The thing is, dark music isn't always minor key.  In fact, the particular artist being referred to writes very little music in the minor key.  It's almost all major key.  It is dark though.  Dark does not equal minor key.   That person then went on to describe artists and songs they did like.  Gotye, "Somebody That I Used To Know", Beyonce, "Crazy In Love", Miley Cyrus, "Wrecking Ball", Ed Sheeran "You Need Me, I Don't Need You", etc.

Funny.  Not only are every single one of those songs in the same key, they are all in E minor.  Not major.  They aren't dark.  But they are minor.

I try to accept the fact that not everybody knows music deeply. Also, please understand that I'm not trying to put myself on a pedestal.


In these times we live in, music is one of the top forms of entertainment.  It's bigger now than it ever was.  Sure, people don't buy records or CDs like they used to, but digital music sales are at an all time high.  (Unfortunately, so is digital music pirating, but that's another subject for another time). In light of this, schools are not getting the funding needed to properly teach music to students.  They barely get the funding to pay their teachers what they deserve.  Unfortunately, music is often one of the first things to go when schools lack funding.

Makes me wonder if this is why we have SO many Top 40 style musicians in this world.  People don't KNOW the deeper aspects of music and have not developed the ear for it as a result.

Let's look back in history.  Believe it or not, Classical music (which surprisingly many people claim to hate) is the foundation of much of contemporary music we hear today just like Latin is the foundation for many of the world languages spoken today.  There was true feeling and emotion in the music of days gone bye.  Musicians told stories, many times without words, through the pieces they wrote.  Listeners were able to connect...to feel what was on that musicians heart and mind.  They didn't have to be TOLD how the song was supposed to make them feel.

Much of today's Top 40 is flawless. To a fault.  It's over corrected, and over processed.  This strips out the "humanity" of the music.

I know this seems like a paradox coming from me...an electronic musician. But my roots are firmly planted in classical music and theory.  Yes, I have been known to use digital manipulation to correct vocals, or process effects on them, but I also make sure I keep my music deeply rooted in theory.  There are still plenty of artists today that do the same, they just don't make the Top 40.

My encouragement to you, dear reader, branch out.  Listen to something new. Put down your One Direction, Justin Beiber, Beyonce, and Drake CDs.  Listen to something you have never heard on the radio.  Go back to the 60s and slowly work forward.  Discover new bands and artists that some of your "weird" friends like.  Explore genre's you have not been willing to listen to before.

One band that I can suggest to listen to is Twenty One Pilots if you haven't already.  They refuse to be molded as Top 40.  Yet somehow, they are gaining popularity.

Listen to Midiboy.  He's pretty amazing. (Shameless self promotion).

Just branch out.

Help make music a language that is spoken again.

-Gregg
www.midiboy.com

My Beliefs

I am sure this post isn't going to sit well with certain people (I can think of one right off the top of my head), but I am just putting this here just to get this off my chest.  If you don't like it, feel free to unfriend / unfollow / un-whatever me that you like.

Just so you know, none of this is up for debate.  I will not argue it.  I am just sharing what I have settled on, and what I believe God has laid on my heart.

Over the last several years, I have teetered between several different "doctrines" if you will.  Be it Calvinism, Armenianism, Millennialism, Dispensationalism, etc.

After doing a good amount of studying on my own, I have come to the determination that I am a Pre-Trib, Dispensationalistic, Free Will Christian.

In other words, I believe Jesus will rapture the church BEFORE the Tribulation.  If you read Revelation, you will find that the church isn't mentioned after chapter 3.  Why?  Because it's been raptured away.  The elders mentioned as sitting around the throne with the 4 Creatures are representatives of the church.  They are there.  Not here on Earth.

I do not believe in Calvinism, though I do believe in Predestination.  I believe that God gave US the freewill to accept or reject Christ as made evident in both John 3:16 as well as Romans 8:29.

I believe the Bible is to be taken 100% literal EXCEPT where it is clear that symbolism is being used.  (Parables, etc.)   I believe in a 6 literal day creation.  I believe in the Great Flood of Noah.  I believe the Rainbow was a gift from God for us as a promise that He will never flood the Earth again. I believe that Hell is every bit as real as Heaven, and that if you are in Hell, you are there to stay.  Forever.  You are not annihilated.  You are not being "punished for a period of time" and then get to go to Heaven.  

I believe that much of today's church has fallen away from true faith in God and has become complacent in their teachings in order to appear to larger crowds and increase their numbers.  I believe that as Western Christians we have no IDEA what it is like to truly have faith to hold on to.

I also believe that as Western Christians, there will come a time that we will find out what it is like to have to hold fast to our faith. We will be tested.  Many of us (I pray not most of us) will fail.

Does any of this mean that I don't respect your rights to believe what you want to believe?  Absolutely not.  Do I believe I am right and you are wrong?  No.  I believe that God is right, and we as humans are wrong a whole lot more than we want to believe we are.   Do I believe I have all the answers?  No.  God does.  Do I believe that groups like Westboro are going about this wrong?  ABSOLUTELY.

Anyway, those are my thoughts.  Thank you for taking the time to read them.

The Silly Pigs Guide To Building A Dreamhome

Wow.  This is something I wrote years ago and apparently forgot about.  I thought it would be fun to post here.  It's a comic take on the Three Little Pigs story brought around to be an lesson for young Sunday School kids, but it's a whole lot of fun.  Let me know what you think!

The Silly Pigs Guide To Building A Dreamhome

by

Gregg Hart

Once upon a time there were three little pigs.   They were brothers from the once renowned Bits family.  One was named Porky Phat, another Bay Kin, and the oldest, Hammy Davis Jr, named after his father, Hammy Hagar.  All three brothers got along with each other, but each were pretty set in their ways when it came to certain topics.  For example, they all agreed that it was time to get out of Slopperitaville and move to a much cleaner, and more piglet friendly neighborhood.  Somewhere that "Those With Shotguns And Hacksaws" did not rule the land. 

One day, Hammy saw an ad in the local paper, "The New Pork Times" for some undeveloped land for sale. It didn't take long for him to convince his brothers to move on out of Slopperitaville to a bigger, better and safer place to finally build their dream houses.  Besides, who really wants to get their bacon fried in the hot, sizzling sun of Slopperitaville?

Once our three pigs got situated on their new land, they began working on building their new homes.  Porky called the beach!  "I want to build my house right here, right along the ocean.  I can enjoy the sound of the crashing waves all year 'round!"

Hammy shook his head and sighed. "Porky, I told you several times that you really should check out my book called 'The Silly Piggy’s Guide To Dreamhome Building' by Head Cheese.  It says not to build your dreamhouse too close to the water and definitely not on the sand.  I am not sure that is such a good idea."

Porky, tired of being told what to do by his older, overly-cautious brother snorted back, “Look, Hammy.  If I have asked you once, I have asked you 350 times, please stop snouting around in my business.  I want to build my house right here, and this is where I am going to build it, so just oink off and mind your own slop pile.  I like your book and all, and I have looked through it, I just don’t think it applies to me because it was written for a very specific group of people, and I am no Silly Piggy.”

Dejected, Hammy walked away.  Soon, he came upon his other brother building his dreamhome.  Bay’s house was starting to take shape and was looking very nice, and almost ready to move in.  The only real problem, as far as Hammy could see, was the fact that Bay was using sticks to build his home.  Mind you, it looked really nice.   It was easy to tell that Bay likely spent a lot of time finding the perfect sticks, and the perfect branches with the perfect leaves to make the perfect roof.  There wasn’t a stick less than 3 Hooves long to be found on this house, and they were all tied with perfect hoof hitch knots.

Anticipating what Hammy was about to say, Bay said, “Hammy, look.  I didn’t build my house near water or on a beach, but I don’t see why I couldn’t just put branches no my house. Everybody is doing it.  It’s the trend.  The fad.  Stick houses are the new Brick houses.”

“Ok,” replied Hammy, “But I hope I don’t have to say ‘I told you so’ when the first storm comes along!”

Hammy finally went to start on his house.  He found a nice solid piece of ground far, far away from the water and the sand.  He knew it would take a while to build because bricks don’t grow on trees and can’t simply be found laying about all brick-like on the ground.  He knew he was going to have to make molds and then pour mud into the molds, then allow the sun to bake them for about a week, but he knew that the trouble would be worth the wait.  So, while waiting for the bricks to dry, Hammy went and got himself a room at the Hogstail Inn.

After a few weeks have passed, the Bit Brothers decided to have a Corn Pellet BBQ and discuss home improvement ideas.  Porky, complete with nice suntan, commented that he had been really enjoying the weather and had been laying out in the sun listening to the crashing waves every day, since his house had been built in just a few short hours. 

Bay nodded and said that he is glad that he is getting to enjoy the sun so much, but as both brothers knew, Bay wasn’t an outdoorsy type of pig.  He had been enjoying the cool shade of his stick built home.

Hammy, looking more worn out than ever sighed. “I just got done with my house yesterday.  Let me tell you, it’s been a lot of work, but I followed every rule in my Silly Piggy book, and I can finally rest with the knowledge of a job well done.”  The other brothers just looked at him and tried conceal their snickering as they had been relaxing for quite some time now, and their poor older brother was so tired and worn out and for what?  Just to say he followed every rule in some Silly Piggy book?  Sure his house was the most magnificent house of all three, but was it really worth it?  If you can’t relax and sit around all day, what is the point?

Later that night, Porky volunteered to take all the trash with him because he figured he lived closest the sea, and he could get the trash to the garbage boat fastest and easiest.  Besides, he liked being “the hero.”  Porky put all the trash out in a bag, waiting for the garbage boat, which was scheduled to arrive in the morning.  He hoped the animals wouldn’t get into it, but he figured it was only one night, and he didn’t hear too much animal activity out and about.

Later that night, he heard a soft knocking and a quiet voice coming from his front door.  “Little pig, little pig, let me in!”

Porky, glad he installed that peep hole in his door, glanced out and saw a well groomed poodle standing there.  “Well hey there, Frenchy, what brings you around?”

“Well, I couldn’t help but smell the sweet smell of BBQ ham hoc…I mean…BBQ corn and thought I’d investigate!” replied the poodle, standing on his hind legs.

“Ah, yes.  I’m dreadfully sorry, the food is all gone, all that you are smelling is the left over trash.  What’s your name anyway?”

“My name is Stan DeVille, but my friends all call me ‘Bub.’  I’ve lived around here for quite a long time, and would like to have you for dinner sometime!”

Laughing at the overly obvious pun of having someone for dinner, Porky said, “Oh, dinner sounds fine!  How about tomorrow night?”

“How about…right NOW! Little pig, little pig, LET ME IN!” Bub exclaimed as he transformed right before Porky’s eyes into a big, nasty wolf.

Before the little pig could come back with a clever, poetic reply, Bub continued with “I’ll huff, and I’ll puff…and well…I’m going to create a tidal wave to knock your house down.  Then, I’m going to have some ham and bean soup.”

Screaming, Porky ran towards the opposite end of his house to seek shelter, but before he could get there, he saw the night sky as his house came crashing down around him, swirling in the water.  He ran as fast as his little hooves could carry him through the churning water. Finally, he made it back to dry ground and continued to run until he came to his brother, Bay’s house.  Franticly, he knocked on the door.  Bay opened the door as Porky plowed through screaming at his brother to close the door and lock it as soon as possible.

“Brother, I am starting to think that Head Cheese could have been right!  Maybe I shouldn’t have built my house so close to the water.   There is this big, nasty wolf that somehow was able to destroy my house.  I feel so much safer here since there is no water nearby!”

“Yes, you will be safe.  I followed a number of rules from the Silly Piggy book.  At least, I followed all the ones that seemed practical to me.”

Knock knock knock.

“Go away, we gave at the office.”

“Pizza Delivery.”

“We don’t want any.”

“Yes, you do!”

“No, we don’t.  We ate.”

“Newspaper Collection.”

“We don’t get the newspaper.”

“Wind Insurance Sales”

“I don’t need any.”

“Yes you do.  I’ll huff, and I’ll puff, and…well..you get the idea.  Long story short, I’m going to eat you.”

The wolf huffed and puffed, and while this house seemed to be sturdier than the last house, it eventually came down.  Because there were so many twigs and branches in the rubble, the wolf couldn’t find the pigs under the mess.  Rather than digging through them, he discovered that this house wasn’t even built on a foundation so he started digging and eventually found where the pigs were hiding under a bed.  The wolf caught Porky in his clutches and swallowed him up whole.

“Mmmm!” Exclaimed the wolf, “Porky goodness!”

While the wolf was enjoying the fact that he caught a pig, Bay slipped out underneath, using the hole that the wolf dug to eat his brother.

He ran as hard as he could to the remaining brother’s house, yelling ahead, “You were right, you were right…open up, please let me in!”

Hammy, alerted by the sound of his brother’s panicky voice, opened his door, locking it behind his brother.

Bay ran into the library and found the Silly Piggy book, frantically flipping through its pages looking for something, anything that could help them in their situation.

“Ah ha!  Hammy, I think I now realize that Head Cheese was right.  I now know why the rules for building dreamhomes were put in place.  I see here in chapter three that he warns about wolves that want to devour you.  Well guess what…a wolf ate our brother and both of our houses have been destroyed…I sure hope you followed all of the rules!”

“I sure did!  Every last one of them!”

Knock knock.

Hammy turned on the security monitor installed by the front door and saw a fluffy white sheep standing there. “Oh, look!  A little sheep…how cute.”

“Wait, Hammy…don’t open the door.  It says here that wolves like to hide in sheep clothes.  That’s no sheep, I am sure of it!”

“Get out of here, wolf!  I know your game.”

The wolf, knowing he wasn’t simply going to be able to huff and puff this house down, decided that he would come back later with reinforcements.

It had been several weeks since the pigs heard from Stan DeVille so Hammy suggested that they get to building a new house, following the rules, for Bay.

About one month later, Bay’s new house was done, complete with backyard BBQ, a deck, a pool and all the latest security technology available.

They decided to celebrate and have a party at the new place.  Later that night, Bay heard a beeping sound from the security room.  “What is that, Hammy?”

“Oh, that’s your proximity alarm.  Quick, get in the house and lock all the doors!”  They both did so.

“Little pig, little pig let me in!”

“Not by the hair of my front leg!” shouted Bay.  Hammy looked at him strange, thinking that there could have been a better come back, but not worrying to much about it as it wasn’t really important now.

“Well, this time I brought friends, and they are all going to huff and puff and stuff.”

Of course, they all huffed, puffed, and stuff like that.   The house stood strong.

Stan, being clever as ever, mentioned, “Ok boys, start digging!  Sure we can go under!”

They dug to their heart’s content, never finding a weak spot in the foundation.

“Ok, boys, let’s regroup!”

Suddenly, the pigs heard a sound that reminded them of “Those That Carry Shotguns And Hacksaws” followed shortly by whimpering and scampering.

“Run, there is no use trying to get in here, boys.  Let’s go find someone not as prepared for attack!”

Hammy, wondering what happened, look at the security monitor and couldn’t believe his eyes.  For there, standing at his doorway was Head Cheese himself and he was carrying a shotgun.  He knocked upon the door.

Hammy quickly ran to open the door for Head Cheese, still not able to believe his eyes.

“Excuse me, does Bay Kin Bits live at this address?”

“Um…yes…that’s me.” Bay said, meekly from behind a couch on the opposite side of the room.

“Well, I wanted to let you know that if you choose to accept my free gift, you can live with me forever in a house free from all animals, storms and whatever else could come your way.”

“Um…ok…how did you hear about me though?  I never signed up for anything?”

“No, you never did sign up for anything, but your brother Hammy has been writing to me for the past few years now.  I have tried to get your attention many other times, but you never saw me.  I thought I would try knocking just one more time.”  Head Cheese stood there smiling at Bay, and Bay had never seen anyone so wonderful, and so glorious in his life.  He accepted the free gift and lived forever in Pig-sty with Head Cheese and many other pigs that accepted the free gift.  He was thankful that his brother got that silly “Silly Piggy” book after all.

You're Calling

I'm just putting this out there to get my thoughts out.  I'm not looking for compliments, I'm not looking for pity.  Just perhaps a good discussion or even just something to get off my chest.

Have you ever felt like you know what your calling is?  Beyond a shadow of a doubt, you know you are meant to do something almost like it is a built in "no-brainer."  When you are doing that thing, know that you are doing what you were created to do.

That's how I feel about music.  I've recorded 7 albums now.  My second album, "Synthpops" had a few songs that were even played on underground radio.  There was a song on that album called "I'm A Pop Star" which has proven to be my most popular song ever.

I've always gotten very positive reviews on all of my albums (except for Fluffy, which has received 0 reviews, positive or negative).

Yet, in spite of all of this, in spite of the feelings that I am doing what I am called to do, I feel that it goes mostly unnoticed. I have a few faithful fans, and I really love and appreciate each and every one of them for all they have done with funding various albums, with helping to spread the word, etc., yet, I have a meager 128 "likes" on my music page. (As if Facebook is the end all / be all of popularity).  I get very few hits on my webpage.  Very few listens on Spotify, Rhapsody, etc.  I've tried to run various promotions, none of which succeeded.

Basically, this is leaving me with feeling that "My calling" is nothing more than "My hobby."

I know I'm not the best vocalist out there.  I definitely wouldn't have a place in The Voice, or American Idol or even America's Got Talent, but I have perfect pitch, and I can hear harmonies like nobody's business.  Also, not to "toot my own horn", but I'm an excellent song writer, an accomplished arranger, and a decent producer.

I've gotten a few minor music jobs on local TV for advertisers, and have done soundtracks to several local indie movies.  (all to great review).

Yet, I still feel mostly unnoticed in "the music world."

Mind you, I'm not looking for notoriety or fame, just some people that are touched by my music.  Some people that can identify with it.  Relate to it.

Appreciate it.

Again, I know the few fans I have do identify with it and love it.  I guess I'm looking for that on a larger scale.  Rather than the maybe 15 people that feel this way, I'd like to see 15,000.  Even 1500.  In fact, let's start small and get 150.

The 15 I have are amazing, wonderful fans.  They truly are.  I couldn't even do any of this without them.  My family has been amazingly supportive as well.

Any of you that may be artist, maybe you can understand how I feel.  Artists are very emotional people.  We want to create our art not only for ourselves, but for others as well.  Not necessarily to relate to them on an individual basis, but to relate with them corporately, so to speak.

You know "that song" that you hear, that has always meant something to you.  "That song" that speaks to you like few others?  Or "that story" that means more to you than mere words can describe? What about "that painting" that somehow captures your very being and places you right there in the scene?

As an artist, I strive to create "that moment" for people.  I have one fan, my #1 fan, Naomi Hanvey, that has expressed a "that song" of mine.  It's a song I wrote called "Cannot Look Away."  She has told me that she would listen to "that song" over and over and it would give her strength.  She also has a "that album" of mine as well, called "Stating The Obvious."

It's an amazing feeling as an artist to know that someone has connected with my music, and ultimately me in "that way."

But I have to say, it's like a drug.  Not that I'm not happy to have made that type of connection, I just feel that since I believe this is my calling that I'd like to make more of those connection.  No, I wouldn't "like" to.  I need to.  I need another fix.

Does any of this make sense at all?

Bad Reviews

If you are an artist, I am sure you know what it is like to receive a bad or negative review on your work. Yesterday, I was bombarded with bad reviews.  And I paid for the "opportunity" to be reviewed by 20 "random people" in what is called a Crowd Review which is a service by Reverb Nation.

The thing is, I guess I misunderstood the fact that I thought they were going to be from people that had some kind of "professionalism" and the ability to give constructive criticism as it is called a "Radio Test."

I am really regretting that I did this Crowd Review. I feel like I wasted not only my money for this "opportunity" but almost feel like I wasted my time writing the song.  I've never been so discouraged about my music before. Now, not all the reviews were terrible, but the bulk were, and honestly, to me, they have more weight than the few good ones.  Not that I agree with the weight, but it always seems like the bad things people say stick with you more than the good things, right?

I'm probably going to kick myself for doing this, but I'm going to share the reviews and my comments on each.  The ironic thing is the song is called "Never Give Up" and these reviews almost make me want to. haha.

First, here is the link to the song.  If you want to listen, please do (it will open in a new window): http://www.reverbnation.com/midiboymusic/song/19546341-never-give-up


Here goes...(in the order I received them)

Review 1: Odd, in a good way. The track doesn't feel like it matches the lyrics. I actually wanted to skip this one but, after letting it play and listening to the strong, positive lyrics, I like it more.

Ok, not too bad, actually.  I don't think that being "odd in a good way" is bad.  He says the track doesn't feel like it matches the lyrics.  I'm not really sure what he means by that.  I wish I could ask him.

Review 2: The beat and the melody are okay but the instruments are horrible. The vocals are even worse. This is terrible. I don't think anything can fix this. The chorus is too simple. The lyrics very cliche. It's just lame.

The instruments are horrible?  Ok.  This person obviously doesn't like electronic music.  I get that.  Then the vocals come.  Wow. Are they really THAT bad?  I know I'm not a great singer, but I don't think I'm "even worse than horrible".  And what's wrong with a simple chorus?  And the thing is...it may sound simple, but keep these things in mind...the chorus is based on a simple speech by Winston Churchill.  I wanted to capture the simplicity of what is considered his most powerful speech ever. We tend to over complicate things in life, so I wanted to reflect on this simple, yet truthful message. If he thinks the music is simple, that's his opinion I suppose, but any person that truly understands music can pick up on the quirky sets of three that the chorus is based on where the verse is done in sets of 4.

Review 3: Intense introduction with the heavy electronic beats. Very strong and vibrant sound. The music was very rich and distinctive. The vocals were out tune once the song started. Some parts of the song sounded choppy and cut off, pitch problems and very weak in quality recording. The lyrics were unique, but the chorus parts were very out of tune and repetitive. The lyrics had a good message, but the background vocals were very unimaginative and weak. The song was lacking in professional quality feel. The ending finished in a very awkward way.

As I started reason this, I was happy that this reviewer thought the music had strong and vibrant beat and the music was rich and distinctive.  Then he decided the vocals were out of tune. Really?  I guess I can sorta see how this reviewer might think that.  I didn't use any autotune on this piece at all, but after I read this review, I ran the vocal line through Melodyne (a program that tracks tuning), and it only detected minor variances from on pitch...the thing is, it detects things like that when you slide from one note to another note or even use vibrato.  Almost ALL singers do this, AND on top of that, no signer can ever be 100% right on pitch at all times. It would sound like AutoTune set to "Cher mode" so to speak.  Then he goes and says the chorus was very out of tune.  WHAT?  I can't accept that.  The chorus is NOT out of tune even one little bit.  In fact, it's probably one of the strongest vocal lines I've ever come up with.  Wow.  Yes.  Choppy.  Repetitive.  Whatever.  The "choppy" was intentional.  I think that's the hook of the chorus.  So he doesn't like it.  That's fine.  But it's not out of tune.  The song is lacking a professional quality feel?  Wow.  Really?  Then why is it trending?  Yes.  It ends in a "very awkward way".  OK.  Another hook based on the hook of the chorus.  Oh well.

Review 4: Oh god. is this from the Lonely Island? This song just sounds so silly. The music is alright and the lyrics are good but the way they are sung make it sound like a joke. Maybe if it sounded like you actually meant it would help.

Really? Lonely Island?  Did he actually listen to my song, or did he just decide to write a random review?  Whatever.

Review 5:  The backing track is very good and sounds very modern. I think the echoing on the vocals ruins the introduction. The vocals make the song sound dated and it is hard to understand the lyrics, as the vocals sound very dreary

That's not the introduction.  It's the first verse.  Hard to understand lyrics though?  Really?  Vocals sound dreary?  Good!  That was the point of the verses.  This guy gets it and doesn't even realize it.  Did he listen to the chorus?  Nothing dreary there.

Review 6: Good use of instruments, they compliment the tone of the vocal. The song flows well with a good range of styles and tempos especially the whispering section. This results in the song being kept interesting and fresh. Good work

Thank you. I needed this needed this one.  It seems he may have even picked up on the quirky timing of the chorus.  Thank you very much.

Review 7:  The melody of this song is very peaceful as well very up lifting . The lyrics are very encouraging. The bass is at the prefect level. I really enjoyed listen to the type of instrument that where playing in the background. When listen to this song it make you feel as if you can over come any thing that get in the way of you becoming a better person. I truly feel that this song has a lot of potential and one day it just may very successful.

Again.  Thank you!

Review 8:  Musicality is horrible. Bass beats are not timed correctly with one another. Vocals are horrible. Both lead vocals and chorus. While I appreciate the message of the song, it's very very generic. This is almost a joke song to me. I don't see this song being popular.

Musicality is horrible.  Really?  So you don't like the style?  Bass beats are not timed correctly?  Not sure what he or she means here. They are perfectly timed.  They are a Karma pattern.  They are perfectly timed.  It's not even possible for them not to be.  Maybe this reviewer doesn't like syncopation? They are not on the quarter note and have a lot of nice subtle syncopation. Vocals are horrible.  There's that again.  Am I really that bad?  A joke song though?  That's where it stings.

Review 9: Ouch. I cringed when the first lyrics hit. The singer is terrible. Simply put, there is no way he can be considered talent. It's flat all throughout, and the he can't hit a note even with a homing missile. The song is awkward and the lyrics are just embarrassing. I'm not sure if this done purposely as a joke, or that the singer has no sense of music and is tone deaf. Terrible in every way.

Again on the vocals.  Apparently I'm tone deaf and have no sense of music.  Another one that really stings.

Review 10:  the sound of this osng is very disitnctive. the music has a robotic sound to it, doesnt seem to evolve. stays the same. not fresh. the organ in this gets to overtake this song a bit.the singer in this has a voice that is not the strongest. it doesnt rise to a higher level. the mix of his voice seems lost in tone and contrast.

(Spelling errors are the reviewers, not mine) This reviewer seems to contradict themselves right away.  Apparently, this osng (sic) is very disitnctive (sic) and has a robotic sound.  Yes.  It's electronic music. Robotic makes sense to a point. But then it doesn't seem to evolve and it stays the same and isn't fresh.  Ok.  I can accept that as a constructive criticism, but it sorta contradicts the fact that they said it was very disitnctive (sic). Maybe disitnctive doesn't mean what I think it means.  Could be.  As a side note, there is no organ whatsoever in this song, though I could see where this review might think there is.  It's all synth and no organ patches at all.  I can also accept the constructive criticism that I am not the strongest singer.  I accept that and can agree.   I'm not at all sure what he means by the last line of the mix of my voice is lost in tone and contrast.  I think he doesn't know what he means.

Review 11: Nice song that demonstrates creative mood. The interlude of the song was fun and spiritually the song has a harmonic, inspired narrative. The rather genuine tune design used in this song is solid and it has a sweet bassline implementation. The tune had a creative mellowness and qualitatively it has deep, uncompromising soul. It can be touching and penetrating with its effortlessly good, astonishing elegance. I enjoy how the concept and timbre grow; the subtlety of the singing was delicious and rhythmic and the instrumentation of this piece was enjoyable. The attitude of the melody was cool though a shorter chorus would suit its imaginative rhythm. Transcendental track.

 Wow.  I actually forgot about this review until I just pasted it in here.  Thank you!  This actually made me feel a lot better.  Wish I could thank you personally. And thanks for the constructive comment about the chorus.  I do appreciate that.  I felt with the song being only 3 min long, that the chorus length was ok  I'll revisit that though and play with that.  Maybe shorten the 2nd chorus to be like the 1st and leave the 3rd chorus longer to end the song.

Review 12: Quite a thought provoking and inspirational track lyrically but the vocals are slightly challenging to listen to. The melody is slightly irritating and I would not choose to listen to this again. The melody seems thrown together without much consideration as to how it sounds.

Hrmmm.  Thanks for your comments, I suppose.  More on the vocals though. Sorry you didn't like my melody.

Review 13:  the background is funky. The lyics are square and bland. I would not want to hear a song like this on the radio. I think songs like this do not have a place in today's radio world. The background is way too loud, and the vocals much to fuzzy and quiet. The proper equipment was not used in the production of this song.

Not at all sure what this guy means by most of what he (or she) said.  Background is too loud and vocals are too quiet?  Did he listen to my song?  The vocals are right out front.  Proper equipment not used?  Really?  Whatever.

Review 14:  This song is hitting home with me because I have had it rough, but I WILL NEVER GIVE UP DAMMIT. LOL. Thanks for this song, it did well for me. Not sure about others though. I like the simplicity of everything. The melody,tempo, rhythm, all that was so simple, but the way they sang it combined with the lower tones in the beat, made it all more believable. The lyrics just hit home with me thats all and I would listen to this daily because of it. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you.  Another good review that honestly, I forgot about after processing the majority of the other reviews.  I wish I could send him the link to my page, but these Crowd Reviews are done 100% anonymously on both ends.  They don't know who they are listening too, and I don't know who listened. I am glad that the song hit home with you.  I pray that you are able to make it through whatever you are going through.

Review 15:  I hear a drum machine. I hear a voice that is rather ban and weak. He's singing "Never give up" That's convincing enough, however somehow I'm not impressed. I like the effect after the bridge. Then he whisper. I'm sure someone will love this production, however it another corny sound. The lyrics are clear English. The vocal is strong in certain areas. It's the little things that makes the difference between sounding pleasing. The lead vocal's delivery is just plain and needs an effect to compensate. Perhaps he should try doubling, echo or phasing. The masters realize this or at least have a producer cue them into it. Look at Elvis. In the beginning, before his voice developed they used slap echo. I'm not saying the vocalist can not sing. I'm only saying his sound can be enhanced for commercial value. It would appeal to even more people.

Technically, you don't hear a drum machine.  The vocals are ban and weak?  Not sure what ban means.  Maybe you meant bad?  Yeah.  I bet that's it.  Ugh. Obviously he can understand the vocals....he says they are clear English.  He should tell that guy a few reviews up that.  He even thinks they are strong in some areas.  Then he says I should try adding an echo to the vocals.  Hmmm...did he not hear the echo? I do appreciate that he said "I'm not saying the vocalist can not sing...but can be enhanced for commercial value."  Thank you.  That's constructive criticism.  Honesty is appreciated.  Thank you for that.

Review 16:  I really like the intro and how the instruments were played together. I also like that the vocalist was clear and also stylish with his lyrics. I also really like the hook because it made a lot of sense. The melody was perfect and shapely.

Thank you. It's funny how some people hear things completely different than others.

Review 17: The electronic synths seem interesting so far. Ah, the lyrics ring true but the vocals can be fixed up a bit. Since this is electronic music the artist can alter the voice to sound better. Oh, the added in instrumentals are horrible. I understand the message of the song, "never give up" and that's great. The lyrics are good but the vocals, arrangement, and instrumentals need to change big time. It will not be a hit and I do not feel someone will listen to this for the full duration. It really needs to be fixed but the artist is on the right track! Keep trying!

 Hmm...thanks...I think.

Review 18: I think the song's arrangement in the musical composition, needs some work in the vocals, and most definitely in the instrumentals, as well. I think he had heart and passion in his lyrics, and performance in the verse. But it was a total mess, especially with the hook and chorus section of the song. It does not have commercial appeal.

Ok.  Thanks.  You didn't like the song and thought it was a total mess and has no commercial appeal in your opinion.  :/

Review 19:  This song is pretty annoying especially the chorus, Probably will not make it on to the radio, but if these guys try a little harder i see potential. The never give up chorus pretty much killed the song in my opinion.

Ok.  Sorry I annoyed you.

Review 20:  The intro has too much punch on the bass drum sounding part. The overall mix could've been better, I think. I had to crank the low end eq for it to sound decent. Interesting song, lyrically. The mix sounded better at the bridge with less synth. I don't think the vocal sound sounded right for the song. I give it a halfway mark for the genre it represents.

I'm not sure what you mean.  First you say there was too much punch on the bass drum.  Then you say you said to crank the low end EQ for it to sound decent.  What is it?  Too much punch or not enough?

Anyway, I guess the point of this....see how the bad overshadows the good?  Maybe not to you the reader, but to me, the artist.  It kinda stings.  I was hoping was a score of 7 or better.  So obviously, with a score of 4.3, most people voted rather low.  :/

I would have liked to see more encouragement rather than just blatant rudeness and disregard by several of these people.  I've written many reviews, and have never once been critical to the point of being mean.  Yes, I have reviewed things I did not like, but I guess I like to keep the people's feelings in mind.

Oh well.  I guess you live and learn.

Fix Me

I'm not sure what it is about the holidays, especially the Christmas season...but people get so irritable.

But this isn't about other people.  It's about me.  I've noticed that I've been exceptionally irritable this year.

I'd like to be able to blame it on the rather large project I'm on at work, that is due by Dec. 31st, but that's not likely it.  It's almost done, and I'm ahead of schedule.

I'd like to be able to blame it on the fact that I'm a musician that is booked solid through Christmas, but, that shouldn't be it.

I'd like to be able to blame it on the fact that everywhere you go at this time of year, the wait times are increased, the traffic is heavier, and other people are also irritable and tired.

I'd like to be able to blame it on the kids arguing or fighting with each other.

But I can't.

As easy as it would be to blame this on others, I simply can't.  It's on me.

I have to do my best to not let things get to me.

I have to remember that the kids are just kids and that they will do like kids do and argue with each other, and be loud, and other kid things.  In fact, I need to hold on to the things they do that are sweet.  And loving.  I need to cherish the fact that they are 14 year old girls who still want to hang out with mom and dad.  Many kids that age want nothing to do with their parents. Not the case with our kids.  They love hanging out with us.  They don't care if we are in public, they love hugs.  I drop them off at school, with all their classmates nearby, they don't care.  Daddy gets a hug and a kiss on the cheek.  They couldn't care less who sees.

I have to remember that while there are some people that get upset at Christmas because the stores are too busy and they didn't get what they want even after camping out for a week in front of Best Buy, it is likely that those people that are that upset have their own personal demons they are battling.  There is no reason for me to be upset with them too.  I should understand that they very likely could be feeling even worse than I am feeling and need compassion.  It doesn't give them an excuse to be angry either, but I have no excuse to be angry with them.  I need to love them and TRY to empathize with them.

I have to remember that I love being a musician.  I feel it is a God given talent and I really can't explain the feeling of completing a song, or an album for that matter, knowing I put a lot of effort into it.  There is no other feeling like it.  I can't explain the feeling of playing in front of other people and touching their hearts through the music I am playing.  For example, I'm performing at a kids event this year called After School Klub (ASK) that reaches out to inner city kids.  We've rehearsed with the kids twice so far, for our performance next week.  Do you know, after the rehearsal, without being prompted, they came up to me (and the other two people in the band) and said, "Thank you!  You be jammin'!"   Seriously.  That touched me in a way I can't describe.  Kids that come from troubled homes showing appreciation that someone cares about them is the most powerful feeling.

I have to remember that this project I am on is helping a lot of people at my work.  It is solving a large percentage of issues we have had for several years here.  I also have to remember that my boss has been extremely encouraging throughout, thanking me, and telling me that I'm doing great.  She knows how stressful it is, and constantly says, "You are doing great, let me know if you need anything at all, and if I can help."  Seriously, she's among the best bosses I've ever had.  She doesn't micro manage.  She thanks her workers. She even sends notes "up the chain" to her bosses and directors to let them know how we are doing, never taking credit for the work we do.  I wish my last boss would take lessons from my current one. haha.

Some might say I can't blame any one of these issue, but perhaps the culmination of all of the stresses is understandable why one might get irritable.

Is it?

Really?

We all have a choice.  You.  Me.  A choice to be happy, or a choice to just be a grump.  A Scrooge, if you will.  While I don't feel "Scroogy" really, I am definitely not making the choice to just let it slide off me at this time.  I need to.

God, please fix me.  Help me to make the right choice and not let my current situations overwhelm me, but instead help me to constantly see the good in all of them and to be able to handle it properly when things go awry.

Help me to experience the joy that this season celebrates, and to have that joy all year, and in the years to come.

Sure, there will be days that will be harder, and there will be days when I fail, but gently remind me of the greatest gift of all.  Your Son.

Amen.

The Prodigal Son - My Take

I've always thought the Prodigal Son Parable that Jesus told was a beautiful picture of redemption, and I still do think it is, but there is more to it, that until recently, I never really thought about.

And that's the extended application of how we can further learn from it.

To truly understand a lesson from this that I've heard few people speak about, you must put yourself in the shoes of a young teen child.  I don't know how you were at a young teen age, but chances are, one thing you were concerned of was "fairness."  God forbid if your brother or sister got something that you did not get, let alone "all the other kids."

(This makes me remember something mom used to say to me..."If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you follow?"  and of course, my cocky attitude would say, "Yes, if I could get what I wanted.")

Anyway,  you are a young teenager now, right?  Try to remember the attitude you USED to have at that age. And if you remember yourself being a perfect child, then you are either a miracle child or you are lying to yourself. :)

Now, imagine that your brother went to your dad and said, "Yo, dad, like, I'm sick of living in your crib. I want you to give me the money that I would get from my inheritance when you kick it so I can go out and find true happiness and live it up in Vegas."

Now imagine your dad actually agreed to this.  (This proves that this is just a story that Jesus told, because I don't know a dad around that would actually agree to this, but that wasn't the point of Jesus' story).

Ok, now think about how you would feel that your brother not only got a large portion of money from your dad, but didn't have to do anything for it, and actually LEFT home because he was "bored" and wanted to find true "happiness."

Granted, this large portion of money he got would come your way when your dad does "bite the big one", but the point is, you are a young teen and don't think about the future.  You think about the now.  You are here stuck working in the garden, mowing the grass, sealing the driveway, and probably realizing that you are going to get stuck doing all of your brother's chores as well.

Oooh...this makes you angry, right?  How fair is that?

Really dad?  Really?

After some time passes, your jerk brother still hasn't come home, and you are still doing not only your share of the work, but his as well.

Then one day, you hear Midiboy music coming from the house and a bunch of people whooping it up and throwing some kind of party. You wonder what is going on, so you ask someone what is going on.

They say, "Oh!  Good news!  Your long lost brother came home and they are having a party in his honor.   Your dad got burgers from "The Fat Cow" and you should come join us!"

Instead, because of your teen angst, you get really upset and start back on your chores, but with a terrible attitude.  You are throwing things down, hitting the fence with the shovel.  Cursing under your breath. Regretting the fact that your brother came home and gets a party.

You then find out that he came back saying "Dad, I'm not worthy to be called your son.  I've sinned against you and God above.  Please just put me to work as a servant, I won't ask for anything from you ever again."

Your dad comes out to you and says, "Hey there, why won't you come in and celebrate your brother's return with us?"

You reply in a half cocked tone, "Look, I've been doing my work, and his share of work too, and never once disobeyed you.  I've never questioned you.  I always got my work done on time, and, if I may add, have always gone above and beyond your expectations, yet you never threw a party for me.  You didn't even take me to McDonalds, and brother gets a nice juicy meal from 'The Fat Cow' even after he took your money and squandered it on gambling, and probably all sorts of terrible things.  It just isn't fair."

Then your dad looks at you with love in his eyes, and a smile on his face and says, "My dear child, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours, but we to celebrate and throw this part because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again.  He was lost, but now is found."

How would you feel about that?

Now, let's look at this from several different angles:

If you are the younger brother and finally "find your senses" as the Bible so eloquently puts it in one translation, how would it make you feel when God accepts you back without so much a lecture?  He embraces you with open arms and says "Welcome home, son!"

What if you were the father and your son came home?  Would it be easy for you to embrace him and welcome him home?  Would you be able to resist any snide remarks?  Would you be able to resist being an "I Told You So?"

What if you were the older brother?  Would you think it was completely unfair that God accepted someone who admitted that they were a terrible sinner and asked for forgiveness?  Would you be able to trust that person?  Would you secretly wonder if it was all an act?  Would you spread rumors about him behind his back?

The point of this whole thing is this...let's leave it to God to deal with who and who is not going to be accepted into His love.  It's not for us to decide.  We can't assume we know God's mind on everything.

We do know from this story that the son came HOME and his father accepted Him.  We don't know AND CANNOT assume what would have happened had he not come home.

There is no reason we need to argue God's mind on such matters.

It so easy to say "Oh, well they go to 'that' church or believe 'that way' they can't be a Christian."

Let's let God decide that.  We need to love them anyway.  No matter what.  Jesus does.

Being A Musician

It's been a while since I've written a blog.  Probably too long.

Sometimes, being a musician is hard.  Frustrating, even.  Discouraging, too.

Let me explain, and please understand, what I am going to say in this blog isn't me being boastful or thinking I'm something better than I am, etc., it's just me being honest.

Ever since I can remember, I have loved music.  I believe God gave me this gift to use to bring Him Glory, and I do my best to do just that.  I have been writing songs since I was around 17, but have been playing various keyboard and woodwind instruments since I was 4 years old.  Didn't really enjoy the woodwinds as much, but keyboard....I love it.

I got my first keyboard for a high school graduation present.  I still remember it.  I got to pick it out myself.  You have to remember, when I graduated from High School, dinosaurs were still roaming the Earth, so this $600 keyboard was quite expensive when you account for inflation rates now.   That $600 was more likely like a $1200 keyboard now.  And the thing is...it was a Casio and had mini keys on it.  But it had some really cool sounds.   You know...it was made in 1986, and the sounds were really popular back then.  Even had a GREAT electric piano type sound for the technology that was available at that time.

I learned how to sequence on that keyboard, and that is what inspired me to start writing my own music.  Granted, my first 10 or so songs were REALLY cheesy, and I can't even tell you how they went any longer.  Just know they were cheesy, k?

Anyway, all my life people have sought me out to play keyboards for them.  Various local bands, wedding gigs, parties, churches, etc.  I can't recall a time since I was 20 that I haven't been in at least one band, a church pianist, or was working on a solo project of my own.  It's safe to say that I have at least 25 years of on stage experience.  People have always told me things like, "You are the best keyboard player in town" or "I love the textures you come up with when you play" or "I love the way you play the organ."  Yes, one of my dreams is to play a REAL B3 rather than a synthesized one, but I can make a synth B3 sound pretty darn good.  I especially love to do the "growl" as people have come to call it.

Anyway, as you likely know, I have a indie music label called Midiboy Music.  I have no aspirations of becoming a signed musician or a public label at all.  Believe it or not, Indie music is kind of where it's at now, especially now that musicians are coming to realize that being signed isn't "all that."  The labels take most of the money that the musician could make on their own.  On my label, I have two projects.  My electronic rock project, Midiboy, which is the flagship project, if you will, and one:nine, which is more of a piano based light rock style, though there are a few slightly rockier songs on there as well.

I've submitted my songs (from both projects) to various radio stations, and they aren't interested.  It's never "their format" yet when I listen to those stations, I hear songs that are practically the same style as the one I submitted, but ... they have a major label backing them.

I have ALWAYS broke even on the cost of my music.  My last two projects were fully funded via Kickstarter, which was amazing to me.  The last Midiboy project is available on just about every American music site that sells downloadable music, and the current one:nine project is available online both as digital AND physical and includes a full length DVD as well.  Not just in America, but Internationally as well.

So why is this frustrating?  Because I have always broke even.  My sales just aren't there.  Now if I were on a major label, they'd drop me if that were the case.  Since I'm on my own label, I don't think I'm going to drop me any time soon (though to be honest, I have often thought about it).

Don't get me wrong, I am NOT in this for the money.  At all.  I'm always willing to let people have a copy of my album that simply can't afford it.  But, if I were to be honest, and I'm trying to be as transparent as possible here, I would like to make some money on this so that I can fund more projects and even upgrade my gear.  But it's more than that as well...I just want to share my music and have people enjoy it.  Not just my friends and family, but people I don't know.

It has always been a dream of mine to play my original songs in front of an audience that SINGS ALONG with the songs because the songs mean something to them, and they love the song.  And not just my family that may be sitting front.  The people next to them that I've never seen before...how cool would it be if they too were singing along?  Again, I'm not saying this because I am boasting or wanting glory at all.   I just think it would be amazing...but also very encouraging to me, knowing that other people might be impacted and inspired by what I believe God has given me the talent to write.

I know I'm not the best vocalist in the world.  I understand that I will never be an "American Idol" and that's OK.  I never want to be.  But as my friend Naomi said about my vocals, "He's certainly better than 'that Creed guy'."  hahaha.  Not sure I agree, I love Scott Stapp's voice, but hey, I'll take it!  My vocals have come a LONG way over the years, and I honestly do believe I do pretty well there, too.  I can pick out harmonies without even trying, and I have expanded my range quite a bit as well.  Several songs on the new album have up to 5 and 6 distinct vocal parts, and one song has 9 parts and sounds like a choir complete with soprano all the way to bass vocals.  All me.

Again, I'm not trying to brag, just saying what is there.

Before you read on, understand one thing.  What I am about to say isn't meant to slam any of my "fans" or discount what they think of my music.  Without the fans that I have (few as they may be), I don't think the last 4 albums would have ever happened.  Especially fans like my wife and girls, and Naomi Hanvey (who I consider to be like a daughter to me as well).  Fans like Hope, Sara, Gary, Leanna, Chris. Jennifer, Kassidy, Chadd and Kevin (my Kickstarter supporters).  Without fans like these, the "one:nine" project definitely wouldn't have happened.

I guess there is one thing I need to keep in mind...technically, I write for an Audience Of One.  Yes, that has become a "cliche" among Christian artists to say this, but it is true.  I should really only care about what He thinks of my music.  But it is certainly nice to know that other people would like my music well.  Outside of the current fan base of people that I know.

Anyway, I guess that's enough of this "rant" for now.  Thanks for reading.  Hopefully this didn't come off the wrong way.

More Than We Can Handle

God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle???

I know I typically reserve this blog for music things, but today, I am going to explore the common Christian catch phrase, "God won't give you more than you can handle."  This is a phrase I hear over and over again, and every time I hear it, it makes me cringe.  First, this is not a Biblical thought in any way, shape or form.  Many people think it is scriptural because they are thinking of I Corinthians 10:13 which says:

"“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

This verse tells us that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle.  It says nothing about God not giving us other things we can't handle...and here's the proof!

As indicated in Paul's writing (2 Cor), Paul and his buddies were crushed and overwhelmed far BEYOND their ability to endure. But, and here's the awesome part...when they stopped trying to solve their problems on their own, and when they finally relied on God...He rescued them.

We need to learn this lesson.  It's sorta important.

It's so easy to get caught up in thinking that we are somehow protected by God from "too much" suffering.  In fact, that's a dangerous false teaching. God sometimes uses our trials and sufferings to either teach us something, or to get our attention.

Many of you know my story and know that I've been through a lot of trials in my life.  Yes, it was easy, at times, to think I was abandoned by God.  But doesn't Hebrews 13:5-6 tell us that He will never leave or forsake us?  (Yes, it does...look it up).

It's so typical of us silly humans to react to our troubles by trying to do "fix" them with our own "power."  Oops.  Epic Fail.  For me, the trials only got harder and harder until I realized that God gave more than I can handle...ON MY OWN!  See what I did there?

Until we face our troubles and realize they are too big for US to handle, and start to trust that God is using these troubles to either teach us a lesson, get our attention, or redirect us, we will continue to struggle...and sometimes, these troubles He allows us to deal with are a WHOLE lot more than we can handle, in spite of what all of the "good-intentioned" people in our lives will try to convince us of otherwise.

That's the point of this here little blog.  We can't do this on our own.  I can't do this on my own.  You can't do this on your own.  We are too proud to admit this many times, and that's just...well...silly.

That is all.
Gregg

A Car, A Torch, A Death

I miss blogging about songs.  I am going to start that up again, I think. But only with songs that are significant to me and have a valuable lesson we can all learn from.  It's no secret that I am fan of Twenty One Pilots.  They are a band from Columbus, Ohio and honestly, have some of the most thought provoking lyrics, which stem from their deep faith in God.

It's hard to describe their style, but imagine, if you will...throwing Elton John, Billy Joel, Muse, Freddy Mercury and Eminem in a blender and setting it to high until they are nice and pureed, and then pouring into a 2 man band shaped mold and letting if harden for a few days, you'd have a close idea of what they may sound like.

Anyway, check out these lyrics.  I will give my interpretation afterwards:

A Car, A Torch, A Death
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TIFo-GCWy8


The air begins to feel a little thin
As I start the car and then I begin
To add the miles piled up behind me
I barely feel a smile deep inside me

And I begin to envy the headlights driving south
I want to crack the door so I can just fall out
But then I remember when you packed my car
You reached in the back and buckled up your heart

For me to drive away with
I began to understand
Why God died

The demons sat there waiting on her porch
It was a little dark so we held a makeshift torch
And when my car was far out of sight
He crept in her room and stayed there for the night

And then I felt chills in my bones
The breath I saw was not my own
I knew my skin that wrapped my frame
Wasn't made to play this game

And then I saw Him, torch in hand
He laid it out, what he had planned
And then I said, I'll take the grave
Please, just send them all my way

I began to understand
Why God died

The air begins to feel a little thin
As we're waiting for the morning to begin
But for now you told me to hold this jar
And when I looked inside, I saw
It held your heart

For me to walk away with
I began to understand
Why God died

---

Most of their lyrics are word picturesque, if that makes sense.  Rather than coming right out and saying what they mean, they paint a picture with their words so that we, the listener, can interpret them in our own words.  Kind of like an artist does with a painting.  A lot of their lyrics seem kind of dark, but they also offer a glimmer of light and hope, which as you know, can penetrate the darkest of days.  That's probably why I like these guys so much, because they lyrics are so relate-able. This is just MY interpretation.  I don't feel my interpretation is the "right" one.  It's just what I get from the song.

This particular song starts off with the singer feeling lost.  He is trying to escape from what he's dealing with (packing the miles behind me) and can't even bring himself to smile. He starts to envy that cars headed the other direction, because they seem to be facing their troubles head on rather than trying to escape them.  He wishes he could just "fall out of the car" and not have to deal with anything any longer.  Then the last two lines of the 2nd section are the glimmer of hope.  He remembers that he isn't alone.  God (who this song is referring to) is with him.  (He buckled up His heart in the back).  He realizes then that he starts to understand why Jesus died for him...to offer him hope. To offer him salvation.

The next section is about another person that he knows that is dealing with issues in her life.  The makeshift torch represents him perhaps sharing a little of his faith with her.  After he left, Jesus continued to watch over her.

As he drove away, he felt a bad presence again, and felt like he just wasn't made to be able to deal with that on his own, but that's when he saw Jesus with His own torch in His hand.  He told the singer, "Hey, I will take the grave for you...just send all your problems my way...I'll deal with them Myself."

And again, the singer realizes just why God died for him.

And the final section, the singer takes solace that whenever he feels "the air is thin" he can count on Jesus being there for him, and once again, he recalls that Jesus died for him.

--

To me, that is a beautiful picture that perfectly describes reality.  Many Christians don't like to admit that they have struggles.  We are perhaps conditioned by some to believe that life is good all the time and that having faith in God is always easy.  It's not.  It's ok to have questions.  It's ok to have struggles.  We just need to take solace in the fact that Christ did indeed die for us, and that no matter what happens, He is there.

That is all.
Gregg

What The World Needs Now...

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
—1 John 4:11

A great verse that I think all of us need to remember at times.  Since we are all loved by the Creator Of The Universe, each and every one of us, doesn't it stand to reason that we should be able to love each other?  After all, we were ALL created by Him. If someone we don't particularly want to love is good enough to be loved by God, and we choose not to show them love ourselves, aren't we basically saying "God...you go ahead and love that person but they aren't good enough for ME to love."

Every day on my way to work, I am reminded of this as I approach the I475 / I75 exchange where traffic backs up for over a mile.  It's amazing to see how RUDE people to each other when the traffic heavy.  Fingers go flying.  Horns blare.  Dirty looks become common.  For what?  Just to get 1 car ahead in a traffic jam?  Really?

You see it everywhere, really...not just heavy traffic.  The grocery store.  The malls. Restaurants (especially fast food).   There is no escaping it.  There was a song that was popular when I was little by Burt Bacharach called "What The World Needs Now Is Love."  You could almost consider that song prophetic when he wrote it in 1965. I wonder what he thinks now?

I'm not saying we have to have relationships with everybody.  I'm also not saying that we have to LIKE everybody.  There is a HUGE difference between like and love.  A lot of people have it in their heads that love is a greater form of like, but it's just not true.  You don't have to like someone you show love to.


What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No not just for some but for everyone.

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No, not just for some but for everyone.

Lord, we don't need another mountain,
There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers enough to cross,
Enough to last till the end of time.

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some but for everyone.

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No, not just for some, oh, but just for
Every, every, everyone.

That is all.
Gregg

The Old Way Has To Go

It's been a while since I posted a blog up here and I have been thinking that  I need to start posting again.  Today I want to talk about something that some may not like to read.  I know I don't.

I remember growing up that peer-pressure was always a major issue.  If I wanted to do something that mom or dad didn't want me to do, there was always the old "But everyone else is doing it..." when in fact, maybe only a few were.  Of course, the parents famous reply that I'm sure you have all either heard or used as the reply is in the Parenting 101 handbook...

"If everybody else jumped off a bridge, would you?"

But now, as adults, we still have to deal with it.  Adam and Eve dealt with it as well.  The pressure to go along with the crowd and accept things that you know deep down inside are wrong.  This isn't a blog to discuss what those things are.  If certain things come to your mind while reading this, then perhaps you need to ask yourself, "is this what I truly believe, or is this what I feel is right to believe because everybody else wants me to believe it and I want to fit in and not be cast aside."

The problem with going along with the crowd is, they are empty-headed.  Mindless if you will. They have lost touch with God and ultimately, with reality. They don't think straight any longer.  The crown feels no pain and is addicted to every kind of perversion imaginable.

It's not how we as Christians are supposed to live.  We are not to go along with the crowd.  What we believe is right should be completely opposite of what the world believes is right. If we are paying close attention to Christ, we should be well instructed in these things.  We do not have the excuse of ignorance. Everything we once believed, everything we once were connected with has to go.  It's like rotten apples.  Holding on to even one small part of it will corrupt the rest of the bunch.  As Christians, we are to live a life renewed, reflecting God's very character in everything we do and say.

What does this mean?  In part, no more lies. No more false pretense. Tell the truth.  Always.  We are all connected as part of Christ's body.  When we lie to someone else, we end up lying to ourselves as well.

Does this mean we can't be angry any more?  No.  Go ahead.  Be angry. We can sometimes do well to be angry...as long as we don't use that anger as fuel for revenge.  Christ got angry with what was going on in the Temple.  Don't stay angry.  That's not good.  Never go to bed angry.  It's been said, don't let the sun set on your anger.  This only gives the Devil a foothold in our lives.

Sometimes, we might try to justify things like stealing as well. In this economy, it's harder to come by the things we desire or even need.  This doesn't mean it's ever ok to steal.  We need to work honest jobs to not only earn our own way, but perhaps help those who are in need as well.

And now for a biggie...we must watch the way we talk.  It's so easy to allow foul or dirty things to come from our mouths.  You may have heard or even participated in many arguments on what is foul and what is dirty.  This post isn't to define what those things are, but it's safe to assume that if you wouldn't be comfortable saying it around your parents, your children or your pastor, it's not likely something you should say. Say only what helps. Treat each word as if it were a gift from God Himself.  You know why?  Because they are.

Don't break God's heart. His Holy Spirit is moving and breathing in us.  It is the most intimate part of our lives, making us fit for Him.  We must never take this for granted.

We need to make clean break from our old lives and the old ways we used to talk.  The cutting, backstabbing and profane things we are tempted to say need to go away.  We need to be gentle to each other.  Kind.  Sensitive. Forgiving each other without question because God in Christ has forgiven us.

Read Ephesians 4 17 - 32.  Everything I said comes directly from that passage and is paraphrased in my own words.

A Fluffy Post

Since I am doing talking about the songs on RE:boot, I thought I would share some ideas about the next Midiboy project coming down the pipes.  I am hoping there won't be as long of a wait for the next project as there was between Rejuvenate and RE:boot.

First, my goal is to get the one:nine album out before I work full force on the next Midiboy project, but we'll see how that goes.  Most of the songs are written, they just need polished and perhaps some new vocals or vocalists.

Anyway, back to the next Midiboy project...

I am planning on calling the album, "Fluffy."

I envision the artwork to be as such...

A Las Vegas like downtown strip.  You might see people in the shadows doing drugs, or perhaps a few prostitutes on the side of the street, maybe one leaning into a car. You'll see casino signs.  You'll see shops with Adult neon signs.  I want it to be shocking, without being sexually explicit though.

In the middle of the road, being ignored by everyone except perhaps a little kid that is looking upon it with wonder...will be a pure white lamb.  While the rest of the picture will have a darkness over it, the lamb will almost be in a spotlight, cast from an unseen source from above, yet for the most part, nobody sees it.

See where I'm going with this?

Perhaps in the background on the horizon, we'll see a hillside with three crosses on it as well. I haven't decided on that yet.

The word Fluffy will be written across the top in letters made out of thorns with blood dripping from them. Perhaps written in small print within one of the arms of the "F" will be "Jn 1:36"  (Look it up)

What do you think?  Any artists out there up for the challenge?

So...why call it Fluffy?  That's such a ... silly name.

The inspiration came from our pastor's last sermon that really struck me.  Imagine being a little boy back in the days before Jesus. Imagine raising a lamb up.  It's become a pet to you.  Then you turn 12 years old, and your dad tells you that it's time to go somewhere...and make sure you bring Fluffy.  You just love Fluffy so much and are horrified...devastated that Fluffy has to give up his life as a sacrifice for your sins.

Today...we take it for granted that the true Lamb of God gave up His life for our sins.

So, the song Fluffy will be about that.  Calling this album Fluffy may make you smile, or even giggle to yourself, but the seriousness of it is very real.

That's all.
Gregg

The Wall

I am going to skip One Child as it only has a few words and they speak for themselves.  If you want to see the words, you can go here: http://midiboy.com/lyrics/reboot/onechild.htm  If you have any questions, let me know.

This song was the result of my Kickstarter campaign. As I was creating the different tiers of donation amounts, almost as a joke, I decided to make a $500 level.  I didn't actually expect anyone to do that.  The reward for that level included all from previous levels, as well as the opportunity to pick a cover song that I could do as well as be named as the executive producer of the album. 

Much to my surprise, and delight, someone did that level.  They also asked me if it were possible if they could play guitar on the song.  I figured, "Sure, why not, after all, you pretty much funded 75% of the project!"

Originally he had picked a Dream Theater song, which, to be honest scared me.  That's not easy stuff.  Fortunately, he called me and said he was also having trouble with that song and asked if it would be ok if we picked a different song.  I was like, "Oh man...really?  I guess...if you must."  No, not really.  I was relieved also.  He picked this song by Kansas.  After reading the lyrics and really seeing what they had to say, I knew this was the song we had to do, and it fit the theme of the album so well.  Here are the lyrics.

The Wall

Kansas

I'm woven in a fantasy, I can't believe the things I see

The path that I have chosen now has led me to a wall

And with each passing day I feel a little

more like something dear was lost

It rises now before me, a dark and silent barrier between,

All I am, and all that I would ever want be

It's just a travesty, towering, marking

off the boundaries my spirit would erase

To pass beyond is what I seek, I fear that I may be too weak

And those are few who've seen it through to glimpse the other side,

The promised land is waiting like a maiden that is soon to be a bride

The moment is a masterpiece, the weight of indecision's in the air

It's standing there, the symbol and the sum of all that's me

It's just a travesty, towering, blocking out the light and blinding me

I want to see

Gold and diamonds cast a spell, it's not for me I know it well

The riches that I seek are waiting on the other side

There's more that I can measure in the treasure of the love that I can find

And though it's always been with me, I must tear down the Wall and let it be

All I am, and all that I was ever meant to be, in harmony

Shining true and smiling back at all who wait to cross

There is no loss.

-=-=-=-

This song was written by Kerry Livgren while he was searching for God and it pretty much tells the story of salvation in word pictures.

The first verse describes his situation that he was in at the time.  He made a bunch of wrong choices, and one choice that he made left him so lost that he felt he had nowhere to turn to at all.  Nowhere to go. He literally felt backed up against a wall (Hence the title of the song).

The second verse describes the process we have all gone through at one time or another.  "Do I believe or do I not believe...that is the question."  He obviously wants to believe.  He wants to see, but he is still struggling with some choices and perhaps some indecision. (The moment is a masterpiece, the weight of indecision's in the air...)  There is also what seems to be a reference to Mathew 25:1 prior to that. (The promised land is waiting like a maiden that's soon to be a bride). 

Basically, this second verse is him wanting to make it to Heaven, but his view of Heaven is tarnished by sin and other things in his life at the time.

Then comes the beautiful third verse.  One might say it is his epiphany.  He finally realizes that all the money that he desires and all the possessions he may have mean nothing more than a hill of beans in the grand scheme of things. His true riches are waiting for him in Heaven. True riches come from the love of God. He also realizes that he has always had this Wall with him and that it is the thing that needs to be removed so he can truly let God into his life and experience true riches and true happiness and all that God meant him to be. Jesus is standing there, waiting for us to accept His love at no cost to ourselves. (There is no loss). 

To me, this is one of the most beautiful word picture songs I have ever heard and it was truly an amazing thing for me to record this song with both Tom (guitar) and Taylor (vocals). 

And this song concludes the series on RE:boot.  I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.  

That is all.

Gregg