The Power of Belief ::: The OA

This weekly update is brought to you via the brilliant minds of Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, the writing/acting/directing team that most recently brought us the mind bending Netflix series, The OA. A brilliant, incredibly expansive piece of work that literally leaves a lasting impact on it's viewers.

Now, I'm not necessarily here to give you a review of the OA or tell you all that much about the show itself.... cue internal monologue "why are you writing about it then!?" -- the shortest answer is to bring up some interesting ideologies that I quite literally was moved to consider whilst watching the OA.

Now, on to a bit of information on the show... mild spoiler alerts here (if you haven't watched the show or are in transition, possibly skip this paragraph if you want 100% mental virginity and wish to experience the show as I did, not knowing a damn thing!) The OA follows Prairie Johnson (Brit Marling) through an incredible journey through different layers of her reality, all along the way affecting everyone she comes in contact with. Her journey is special and incredibly interesting. The viewer is launched into so many great emotions and feelings, it's pretty amazing to me that Brit and Zal were able to create such an immersive experience. By the end of the series, the viewer literally feels like they've been a part of the journey, honestly more than I've ever experienced in Film or Television. That wasn't so bad... right!? To be transparent, I haven't told you anything about the show's details or story-line, as it's just too important to walk that path as the characters in the OA do --- with belief as their structure, faith as their guide.

That is the magic of the OA folks, it's a linear exploration of belief systems and how they can effect real interpersonal outcomes. Belief is at the core of everything we know... literally! It lives within every element of choice, not limited to me deciding to write this piece for you! Belief also has the remarkable fluidity of imparting freedom or imprisonment. It's a truly beautiful constant we all share in this life, choosing how we allow our belief to effect our lives.

The characters of the OA all share this exploration of belief. They all choose their destiny and character development based on their belief, which does indeed change as 'time' passes in the story-line. Something very much akin to what we all deal with on a daily basis. Belief and our freedom of choice contain all the elements to constrain or retain our realities --- an ever-changing flow. The viewer also experiences this exploration. Your viewpoint from the beginning of the series all the way to the last episode cannot withstand the power of belief and it's persistence to evolve.

One of the most beautiful aspects of the OA (not a big spoiler here) is the introduction of the movements. Basically, they are very simple body movements (or made to look simple) choreographed by the brilliant Ryan Heffington (Sia, Florence & the Machine, Chet Faker) that take on a role of their own in the OA. These movements become a very beautiful and special element to the story and in line with the theory of belief systems, they have a large part in supporting that flow.

I felt as though the movements were brought to the characters to allow them to embody their reality through motion and essentially opening their hearts to allow them to flow -- to change their lives through deeper understanding of their truest selves. DEEP stuff here folks! Suffice it to say, the OA is an immersive journey into fiction-based reality and I LOVE that kind of media. I want to yearn to know more and search into the deep dark of the night of the human condition. The OA touches on those elements in many different ways, bringing in the viewer just as it does it's own characters.

I watched this series twice... yup, I did - and I honestly NEVER repeat films or shows. I'm obsessed with the hunt for new information and almost always, no matter how great a show is, I'm more interested in moving forward. The OA is different (or at least it was for me) in that I needed answers, I needed more of the show's heart, and I honestly missed the characters journey of belief. I was left (after finishing the series with my wife for her first time and my second) being completely satisfied with the beauty they had created and was amazed at the intelligent experience Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij had engineered. I had the chance to review my OWN belief systems through the show, it's story and it's inevitable outcome. I also had the chance to reflect on the real life impact of the power of belief in our lives. This is the kind of show that lasts with you. It walks with you long after you've turned it's last page. How often can media, art, or the written word embody this type of magic!? The OA is a wonderful experience -- one certainly worth repeating.

Now... where is Season 2!?

The Dear Hunter /// Act V: Hymns with the Devil in Confessional

You know, there are just some times in life where you can feel the breath of life's quiet embrace --- this was the exact feeling I had when I first heard The Dear Hunter's newest offering, an incredible collection of work,  'Act V: Hymns with the Devil in Confessional'. This record is the kind of musical experience that I live for... exciting, embracing and completely engulfing. From the minute I hit play, I was transported to a distant world that seemed to completely shadow my current reality almost as if it was moving with me! Now you could be saying to yourself, "You just really like that record eh?" Well yes, that's the easiest answer, but to experience what I mean you have to fully soak up what's going on in the musical adventure that is 'Act V: Hymns with the Devil in Confessional' - you must let it in and take over. It's the kind of record that keeps me satiated during long stints of musical redundancy, the kind of record that makes me run faster and longer via my jogging playlists, the kind of record that makes me think! About something, about someone, about myself..  To put it plainly, this is the life blood of my auditory diet, the sparkle in the nights sky.

Now, there are some similarities that The Dear Hunter share with some of my favorite artists. One of those influences, or similarities as it were, would be the band Jellyfish and specifically the vocal tone and range of their singer/drummer Andy Sturmer. Casey Crescenzo yields that rich and powerful vocal prowess that literally pulls you in towards the music, leaving you no choice but to forge on albeit on the edge of your seat. Musically, The Dear Hunter have made a formidable experience for their listeners, full of segues and musical acrobatics. There is no technical wizardry or instrumental show-offs --- it's the tender filet' here folks, the top of the heap. 

It's hard to pin down the musical genres with 'Act V,' the fifth record in a series of concept music, but in my world that is always a very, very good thing. Progressive, Symphonic, Alt-Indie... etc, etc... it can go on endlessly but at the end of the day, it's an adventurous and fantastic record.

The record starts with 'Regress,' a slow and moving gorgeous track that lasts a mere 1:22 that would seem too short except that it seamlessly transitions into 'The Moon/Awake,' a rollicking prog-rock exhibition of what you're in for... a creative and extremely musical story. The harmonies and melodies shine on this record, pulling you from one moment of deep thought to another cliff hanger of toothsome chordal ingenuity. A tender track like 'Light' shows the beautiful story telling of a father telling his son the trappings of becoming a man and what it means to make a life for themselves chance taken, mistakes made and learned from. 'The March' opens with a cacophony of symphonic destruction and piano hammering like an industrial musical theater curtain flying wide open, taking the listener higher and higher until they're left with a Radiohead-esq return to the surface. 'Blood' reminds us that we ultimately are the hardest on ourselves in this life... "I'm a killer, I'm a killer, I'm a killer, But I've been killing myself all along". The record closes poetically with 'A Beginning', a slow emergence of thought and a lovely poignant ending to a beautiful record, 'Hymns with the Devil in Confessional'.

"If I fall into the ocean,
Send my soul into the sea,
Will these reflections trouble me?
Will I dream a final dream?

Can I fall into the ocean?
Send my soul into the sea,
No distant echoes haunting me
No further phantoms will I see
This silence held eternally

The silver lining still remains,
The sights I've left to see
So trust that with this end,
A new beginning's waiting patiently."

NAMM 2017 /// The Bold & Brazen, The Beauty & The Beast

If you are not familiar with the National Association of Music Merchants otherwise known as NAMM that holds it's annual convention in Anaheim, CA you might not understand the journey one takes as a musician upon entering the center's doors. Merchants, exhibitors, manufacturers and musicians come from all over the world for 4 days of non-stop auditory and visual mayhem --- an assault on the senses in the truest and most rewarding fashion. Why would anyone subject themselves to such a gregarious yet punishing microcosm of never ending hallways of light and sound? Well, to put it simply... because we love it. 

It's hard to think of NAMM without the trials and tribulations of travel, traffic, hotels, overpriced food and spirits -- the never ending Stanley Kubrick-esque halls that just seem to go on forever with no real escape for oxygen or respite of one's senses. But for many it's all worth it, and I for one, love the experience.  

One of the reasons being, I'm a Gearhead (ahem... check out my Gearheads Blog). The mechanisms of music making have always been something I've been compelled to be a part of. Seeking, learning, and finding new pieces of gear to make interesting and memorable musical experiences. There is, suffice it to say, a world of gear here at NAMM every year, and certainly this year's 2017 show. While I always feel like I never end up getting to see everything and everyone I'd like to, it's quite akin to swimming in the coral reef and just soaking up what you can. The bold and brazen, the beauty and the beast.

A very simple reason for my returning visit is that it's the one time a year where I can connect in person with all my friends from around the world who make great music gear. In the world of social/digital media it's just a nice thing to sit and connect with others who care as much as you do about this stuff. So with that, on to a few of my favorite moments and finds from the show....

My friends at Vemuram Custom Pedals have been making incredible pedals for some time and I'm happy to see their booth is getting bigger and bigger every year. I've been using their Jan Ray overdrive since it came out and have been supporting them as they support me, which I'm very grateful for. They've got some very cool new pedals coming, one of which is the new Shanks 3 knob: A new fuzz in their line of pedals co-created with guitarist/producer John Shanks. I've got their original Shanks 3K pedal, which is mixture of a treble and full range booster - not a load of gain and very good at pushing amps or pedals. Their newest offering, to my ears, is closer to a Fuzz Face but with a much different personality. It uses a mixture of Silicon and FET components and is rich with a medium gain profile, and most importantly it sounds FAT! Perfect for a robust fuzz tone and feels great, which is always important with guitar pedals --- they have to have the feel and touch that makes you want to dig in!

Photo Credits: Daiya Tezuka of Vemuram

My personal 1st version Shanks 3K (the boost version)

I also spent some quality time with the guys at Source Audio. They've got a wonderful array of digital effects that have incredible secondary control via a dedicated Source Audio APP. Look forward in the coming weeks for a review and demo of some of their pedals including the Nemesis Delay, Kingmaker Fuzz and L.A. Lady Overdrive.  One of the things that really surprised me about Source Audio was their unabashed optimism and intent on listening to their customers by constantly updating and improving their designs. For instance they recently uploaded new delay and drive engines for both the Nemesis and LA Lady pedals. The yet to be released Ventris Reverb, which is still being perfected with side by side communication from it's customers, is looking to be very interesting and I am looking forward to reviewing it. It's not too common in this age that companies are willing to create and work alongside the musicians who will be using their pedals. Very cool indeed.

Source Audio demoing their upcoming Ventris Reverb pedal

Another very cool offering is the new Digitech FreQout sustainer and controlled feedback pedal. A lot of pedals have been trying to make a natural sounding feedback emulation (Ebow comes to mind) but this is the first time I've ever heard it sound so natural in pedal form, as if you were getting the guitar's pickups right into the speaker cabinet. While this effect may have limited use in the standard sense, I can see a lot of moments where something like the FreQout would create some very interesting sounds. Check out this clip of Ford Thurston, Digitech's rep, demonstrating the tasty sustain on the new pedal.

Lastly, I'll leave you with a cool moment of improvisation with Haile Maskel on bass at the James Trussart and Arcane Inc. booth. It's always great to share some music with strangers, and of course nice to do so with such cool guitars and pickups. Now to get ready for next year!

Wings of Love ::: Nostalgia & Warmth from LIV

If you live in Los Angeles or are hip to the National Public Radio member station broadcasting from the campus of Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, KCRW, you might have heard the beautiful sunny Southern Californian song 'Wings of Love' from Swedish/American Supergroup 'LIV'. KCRW is a mainstay for my personal driving soundtracks here in the city, which at times can resemble the lowest levels of Dante's journey into the depths of hell... BUT! There's also incredible beauty in Los Angeles and when the clouds part and the sun shines down on your head --- it's hard to not enjoy being alive. In that luminous 'happy to be alive spirit' this particular track seems to come on at the very peak of these emotions and just blows the wind right up my sails... it's almost as if the tenants of the breezy Laurel Canyon folk scene of the 60's/70's are challenging the listener to brighten their day, which I might add, works every single time!

                                                          Wings of Love, Cover Art

LIV is a very cool collaboration consisting of artists Lykke Li, Andrew Wyatt & Pontus Winnberg of Miike Snow, Björn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John, and producer Jeff Bhasker.

The song itself has a quality that I find endearing as much as enduring... powerful hooks that are simple yet keep my ears coming back again and again. For a listener as myself who is more interested in buying full albums, hearing new music and constantly consuming content --- finding just a single that I've heard many times and keep coming back to, is a very good thing indeed!

I'm a fan of all kinds of music, I do literally eat music for breakfast... and while I love intricate movements and epic gestures of musical deity, there is truly something special about this simple melodic, hooky romp in the hills of sunny Southern California.

Have a listen for yourself, and I implore you to try and only listen just once :)

"I wanna live, wanna die on a silver lining
I wanna ride the wings of love
When I die, don't you cry, I'll be flying by you
I'll be riding wings of love"

A Dividing Line || The Demarcation of the Record Store

rec·ord

noun

noun: record; plural noun: records

ˈrekərd/

1. a thing constituting a piece of evidence about the past, especially an account of an act or occurrence kept in writing or some other permanent form.

Above is a very crude cut/copy/paste of Google's quickest definition of the word 'record'. Something that honestly I didn't expect to find such irony in until I stumbled upon my simple web search.

The record, album, tape, CD, MP3, track, FILE!? --- Listen... anyway you can put type to the meaning of recorded music, there's a new and required nomenclature for it. No matter how present and beaming the format may seem it still holds the same irony --- it's struggling to exist. Sounds scary right!? Well, I'm certainly not the first person to tell you how you should feel about the loss of the record or the music industry for that matter... we've been hearing this speech from every corner of the industry since the file sharing generation was birthed.

Do you remember walking into a record store? Do you remember Tower Records? Wherehouse, Music Plus!? Ok, maybe not the latter, but certainly the feeling of opening the door to a store that sells music can't be that foreign can it? In short, yes it can. I was raised in between the age of cassette tape and CD. A time stuck in between worlds really --- the digital age was upon us.

You might be asking yourself, what's your point? Is this just a cautionary tale of one's youth and comings-up? Yes and no in part, because this article is actually about the tactile element or rather how it's slowly disappearing into the history of itself. I won't lie that I certainly miss certain elements of holding onto a CD, peering at the cover deciding what it is... what it could sound like... what it could say... how it could make me feel. That my friends, is what I'm after here. This is what's slowly fading away into the shadows of format --- the life that a piece of art, a record of time, could have to an individual.

Rhino Records, Claremont, CA.

I am happy to say that one of my all time favorite record stores still exists! I grew up in the Inland Empire, spending many hours of my impressionable years at a store in Claremont, CA called Rhino Records (very much akin to the larger Amoeba Records here in LA). It was the archetype of record store ideology that you might see in films like 'Empire Records' or 'High Fidelity'. Basically, it was a self-owned, non-franchised, mom and pop sort of deal. Now, of course you could find all your newest releases (chart topping stuff was always available), but here's the thing, it wasn't put on display like you'd imagine. They didn't seem to care about selling 'those' artists as much as they appeared to care about the balance of all music they carried in their store. So basically you'd see a top 10 charting pop artist next to an underground college radio self-released record. It gave you the consumer the moment, the chance, to take into consideration what you'd like to put into your brain... not the other way around. It wasn't corporate marketing jamming a pop star down your throat, and it wasn't a hipster know-it-all forcing their own musical agenda. It was a wonderful experience --- you could find your own way just by the look of a record, the tactile element.

If my forlorn tactile memories aren't jiving, here's the kicker... Listening Stations! You could take all of that tactile experience, walking around the store for hours filling up a basket of all your wares... everything and anything that set you "off" and go right to a listening station and LISTEN TO IT! Before you say "you can preview a track or whole record on iTunes..." hey, if you've not experienced a listening station, you don't know what you're missing. The fruits of your labor are all splayed out on the table in front of you to sample. Were you correct in your assessment of that rock band with the cool cover? Is that Jazz record just as insane as the liner notes on the back assumed they'd be? Is that record your friend told you about really that good? That's the journey here --- the experience of the tactile hunt. Maybe it's the stoic hunter/gatherer in my DNA or maybe I just grew up in time on the cusp of revolutionary technological change, but in all the magical merit of iTunes (and believe me, I LOVE iTunes if not just for being able to buy an album in my underpants) but I yearn for that hunt for new and exciting pieces of music, adventurous bands and artists --- I want an experience, not a download. 

As a musician, the absence of the tactile record is such an odd experience. I am always self promoting my projects and of course I've got CD's available. They've become a wasteland product in a lot of ways due to the fact that our cars, computers, home music Bluetooth theaters - literally can't play them anymore. How as an artist am I going to let you know what I've got to say from an image standpoint without that element? "Hi, nice to meet you... here's a flash drive of my music".... end of times there, friends. Yet, I know something will change for the good of all music-kind, I'm an optimist after all! There's too much creativity flowing in this world to let it become just an MP3, just a file - binary code without any expression. 

So, with all of this in mind I should let you know that I'm a realist and also really love and appreciate the free movement of technology. I'm not sitting alone in a bunker spinning LP's and complaining about how life "ain't like it used to be". I actually really love the idea that music is so expansive and available. I love that I can get what I'm thinking of, just heard or expect to hear, right now and right at my fingertips. I just miss the hunt. I miss that tactile element and hope to see it ushered back into the new world on the other side of the line.  Let's remember that music is not disposable, it's not just a file. It's something truly alive. Together let's push that dividing line back on down the road!

Happy New Year (Goodbye 2016!) /// New Gearheads Post!

Check out the newest edition of 'Gearheads' with a post about the Shin-Ei Vibe Bro. A wonderful recreation of the vintage Uni-Vibe circuit.

Happy New Year! Goodbye 2016 & hello 2017!

http://www.tinkercitymusic.com/gearheads/2016/12/30/shin-ei-vibe-bro-vintage-60s-uni-vibe

Show Reflections: Brian Buckley Band & The Elizabeth Kill 12/16/16

It's always a great feeling to share the stage with friends, especially friends who want to give back in the same way that you do. We had exactly that chance this past December 16th at Molly Malones in Los Angeles, CA. The North Dakota Pipe Line protests from the Standing Rock Tribes have certainly been on our collective minds and what a better way to support them than to donate and make music --- live music!

We all deeply appreciate the support of our audience for joining us on this journey as it was a truly special night of music from both bands for an important cause --- one that certainly isn't over. We must continue to lend our attention to important causes like this, even when they seem to have been handled, taken care of and 'put away'. We've got so much to divide our attention in this world we live in, it's a healthy and good thing to remember what is still there.

We are also very lucky to have great artists in our audiences, in this case taking incredible photos. Major gratitude to EVERYONE for documenting the evening. Below are some really incredible moments from both Ash McClintic & Liz Larson. I personally would like to thank Ash McClintic for her work, which I've used here on this website (Gearheads pedalboard shot).

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

DAWES "We're All Gonna Die"

It's becoming more and more apparent that anything Mr. Blake Mills touches, I seem to be completely and utterly drawn to. The newest release from DAWES is exactly that. 'We're All Gonna Die" is such a fantastic record on so many levels it's actually hard to describe. I've always dug DAWES and their writing styles and tones but the specificity that is delivered via Blake Mills' (whom actually used be a member of DAWES) production really brings the listener in and holds the gaze right there. I am compelled to many return listens hearing new sounds, new ideas, new lyrical musings --- it's all there man. A standout track for me is"A Picture Of A Man" which yields a very cool Paul Simon meets serious Hammond B3 situation... it's incredible. The whole record is to be honest. One that keeps bringing me back time and time again, and that folks is all I can ask for in music in this life --- bring me back, show me something new every listen. Nothing is disposable about this record and that I love.

Dig on this sample of 'A Picture Of A Man'