Hey there, big fella! It's me again. You know? The kid who in 9th grade asked for a Dreamcast and got a leather coat instead. I'm not here to hold a grudge though. This letter is more important than any because this very well may be my last letter to you. Don't worry, I'm not dying or anything. I am getting older though. Ever so much more than twenty. As such, I will soon be moving out of my parents' house. For my last list, I tried not to ask for anything crazy expensive but let's face it, I am still a spoiled little brat. Don't get me wrong. I've been grateful for every single gift. A dude like me, however, has an affinity for high-end merchandise. So here we go.
THE FINAL CHRISTMAS LIST
You have the option of sending my one, any, some, all, or none of the following:
- An Anahiem Mighty Ducks Jersey with the Captain "C" on the front and "#96 Conway" on the back.
- An XBOX 360 with a 250GB Hard Drive and the game Sonic Generations or WWE '12.
(PLEASE NO KINECT!!!)
- A set of Scratch Off Lottery Tickets.
- Funds towards the purchase of a 40" TV be it gift card or cash.
Thank you for all the clothes, video games, Fisher-Price vehicles, and Megazords! Hope to see you again when [and if] my kids ask for stuff!
Happy Holidays!
Doug Mason
Friday, December 9, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Time To Be Brave
For those of you who don't know, Utica was a pretty amazing time. I must have played "Back Of Your Car" four million times in my bedroom over the past seven years. To come full circle and play it with the band was unreal. I'm still trying to figure out if it was all a dream. Maybe Leo Dicaprio can make me a totem.
I'm here tonight to make a confession. As much as I talk about my voice and how great the songs are, the truth is that I haven't been confident in my ablities at all. Utica, however, changed all that. To quote Gaga, the experience I had "made me brave". I realized that I'm not scared to be on a stage in front of a huge crowd. If anything, the crowd put me on a high. It fueled my fire. Made me want to perform at my best. In short, I realized that this is what I want to do for a living. I want to perform in front of people and get a crazy reaction like that over and over again. With that motivation in mind, I have an announcement to make for all of you.
On November 23, 2011, I will begin production of a 5-Song Acoustic EP!!
For the past six months, I have been writing constantly. Out of hundreds of ideas, I have five songs that I consider to be my favorite. These songs will be recorded the only way I know how; me and my guitar. It's all about honesty is this EP. The lyrics are true stories from the heart that need to be heard. Instead of sugar coating them with synth, lead guitar, and....[twitch]....auto-tuning, I'm going to let my voice do the talking. One thing I take pride in is my ability to sing. I believe I have a strong enough voice to get the message across in every single piece. The only way to prove that to you is have you listen to the finished product. Will it be perfect? Doubt it. Will it be true to who I am as a person and musician? Hell yes it will!!
It's time to be brave my friends. I can't continue to be afraid of failure. The least I can do is try and hopefully you all like what you hear. There's no release date for this EP yet but once I have one, you will all be the first to know. Until then, stay tuned.
Lessthanthree,
Doug
I'm here tonight to make a confession. As much as I talk about my voice and how great the songs are, the truth is that I haven't been confident in my ablities at all. Utica, however, changed all that. To quote Gaga, the experience I had "made me brave". I realized that I'm not scared to be on a stage in front of a huge crowd. If anything, the crowd put me on a high. It fueled my fire. Made me want to perform at my best. In short, I realized that this is what I want to do for a living. I want to perform in front of people and get a crazy reaction like that over and over again. With that motivation in mind, I have an announcement to make for all of you.
On November 23, 2011, I will begin production of a 5-Song Acoustic EP!!
For the past six months, I have been writing constantly. Out of hundreds of ideas, I have five songs that I consider to be my favorite. These songs will be recorded the only way I know how; me and my guitar. It's all about honesty is this EP. The lyrics are true stories from the heart that need to be heard. Instead of sugar coating them with synth, lead guitar, and....[twitch]....auto-tuning, I'm going to let my voice do the talking. One thing I take pride in is my ability to sing. I believe I have a strong enough voice to get the message across in every single piece. The only way to prove that to you is have you listen to the finished product. Will it be perfect? Doubt it. Will it be true to who I am as a person and musician? Hell yes it will!!
It's time to be brave my friends. I can't continue to be afraid of failure. The least I can do is try and hopefully you all like what you hear. There's no release date for this EP yet but once I have one, you will all be the first to know. Until then, stay tuned.
Lessthanthree,
Doug
Monday, November 7, 2011
Twenty-Five
November 7th, 1986. That's the day I came to this world. It's been twenty-five years since that day and while I don't remember everything, I have a pretty good idea how it all went down.
Year 0-10: I was a young, curious individual who had a really active imagination. So much so that most of the time I thought I was somebody else. My alter egos included, but were not limited to, Inspector Gadget, Fat Albert, and Superman. Funny how I pretended to be the most fearless characters considering I was damn near afraid of everything.
Year 11-17: This was when I was having trouble fitting in. No idea why. Middle School and High School is a social nightmare as it is but mine was no underdog story made by Disney. Musically, I had this big identity crisis. Couldn't fucking decide whether I was a rapper or a goth. Somehow I kept my head on straight enough to get myslef a girlfriend twice. Senior year was the high point though. Straight A's without giving a shit. Sounds like the title of a book.
Year 18-25: For every friend I left behind in High School, two took their place by the time I walked into college. It's amazing how popular being a music major/Magic The Gathering player makes you. Losing my girlfriend of five years screwed me up pretty bad. Almost gave up on everything. Thanks to a few really awesome Oswegonians, however, I came back to earth again. Random inside jokes from my brother and his crew helped too. Since then, I've been a stronger person and a better musician. Not to mention I got back my imagination from when I was young.
That was just a flashback of things I remember off the top of my head. Telling the whole story would take as long as all three Lord Of The Rings movies and I don't know anyone who has that kind of an attention span. There's no telling what the next twenty-five years will bring. I'm hoping my hair will just turn a light shade of grey and not dissappear altogether. There is one thing I do know. With the purchase of my car, I'm one step closer to freedom. If all goes according to plan, I will be starting off 2012 living with my two best friends. Not a bad way to start another quarter century. Thanks for the Birthday wishes everyone!
Cheers,
Doug
PS: Couldn't quite blow out the candles on my cake this year. There were only two. FML.
Year 0-10: I was a young, curious individual who had a really active imagination. So much so that most of the time I thought I was somebody else. My alter egos included, but were not limited to, Inspector Gadget, Fat Albert, and Superman. Funny how I pretended to be the most fearless characters considering I was damn near afraid of everything.
Year 11-17: This was when I was having trouble fitting in. No idea why. Middle School and High School is a social nightmare as it is but mine was no underdog story made by Disney. Musically, I had this big identity crisis. Couldn't fucking decide whether I was a rapper or a goth. Somehow I kept my head on straight enough to get myslef a girlfriend twice. Senior year was the high point though. Straight A's without giving a shit. Sounds like the title of a book.
Year 18-25: For every friend I left behind in High School, two took their place by the time I walked into college. It's amazing how popular being a music major/Magic The Gathering player makes you. Losing my girlfriend of five years screwed me up pretty bad. Almost gave up on everything. Thanks to a few really awesome Oswegonians, however, I came back to earth again. Random inside jokes from my brother and his crew helped too. Since then, I've been a stronger person and a better musician. Not to mention I got back my imagination from when I was young.
That was just a flashback of things I remember off the top of my head. Telling the whole story would take as long as all three Lord Of The Rings movies and I don't know anyone who has that kind of an attention span. There's no telling what the next twenty-five years will bring. I'm hoping my hair will just turn a light shade of grey and not dissappear altogether. There is one thing I do know. With the purchase of my car, I'm one step closer to freedom. If all goes according to plan, I will be starting off 2012 living with my two best friends. Not a bad way to start another quarter century. Thanks for the Birthday wishes everyone!
Cheers,
Doug
PS: Couldn't quite blow out the candles on my cake this year. There were only two. FML.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
When My Mind Was Lost On Wine
Of all the iPods in the world, I'd like to think that mine has the most random of playlists. I love it all. As long as it sounds good, my ears are open. While some of my friends will say that their favorite artists include greats like Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, The Beatles, Madonna, and so on, I think outside the box. Sure I dropped some big names but there is one artist who is my favorite and has influenced me to pursue a career as a songwriter and recording artist. Dave Navarro called him The Dark Horse. The fans and I know him as Ryan Star. Who is he? I hope you like stories.
I was about 16 at the time. The Bridge Street Music Hall was putting on a concert featuring Trapt and The Exies, who at the time were some of the most popular bands that year. The opening band called themselves Stage. Never heard of this band before so of course I was a bit skeptical. The lead vocal was a man named Ryan Star. The sound that came from him was nothing I had ever heard before. He put his heart and soul into every single word. Not once did he lose his energy or his audience. I wouldn't see Stage again for another two years. I was in the front row when Ryan wrapped his mic cord around another stand. He pointed at me and asked me to fix it for him. Took me awhile but I got it done. Afterward, I bought the album. Every song was just as powerful as the live show. As I like to tell people, the CD was stuck in my stereo. Not because it was broken, but because I didn't want to stop listening to it.
Shortly after that, Stage broke up. All I had was their CD and a few B-Sides by them. It wasn't until I went on myspace one day that I stumbled upon a familiar face. The user name was r. star. Losing Your Memory was the first song playing and I fell in love. The power of a rock band mixed with the grace of a piano. He was his own one man rock show. I bought the album it was on called Songs From The Eye of an Elephant and made that my soundtrack for the forseeable future. I had to go see him live somehow. Just needed a ride.
Dad was awesome enough to take me to Boston to go see him. It was a small venue but the atmosphere seemed perfect for what the Elephant album was and still is; a collection of stripped, acoustic songs. I sang every word to every song and he played with all the power I remember him having when he opened for Trapt. Initially, the hope was to get an autograph or picture after the show and be on our way. Ryan, however, took the time to sit with me and my Dad and talk with us for a while. We chatted about how far we travelled, how I was a music student, and what how much he inspired me. Ryan then took me backstage and we sang one of his songs together. As I recall, it was called Sink or Swim.
Ever since that time we have kept in touch. Even after gaining fame from Supernova and 11:59 (my new soundtrack). Whenever I go to one of his shows, it's like seeing a friend. In a lot of ways, he is my friend. In some ways, he's like my mentor. Ryan is the guy who basically told me to let the lyrics come to me instead of forcing them. It had to be as if I was telling a story. I have written many songs through his advice. Some of you may know two of them as Everybody's Hero and Hallway Lights.
Who is Ryan Star? He is a real musician. One who isn't afraid to write what he feels and one who doesn't mind taking the time out to get to know the people who listen to his work. For a musician like me, if it wasn't for Ryan, I wouldn't have direction. Ryan Star is now and always will be the artist that I look up to.
PS: Shameless plug for Mr. Star ----> http://www.rstar.net/
I was about 16 at the time. The Bridge Street Music Hall was putting on a concert featuring Trapt and The Exies, who at the time were some of the most popular bands that year. The opening band called themselves Stage. Never heard of this band before so of course I was a bit skeptical. The lead vocal was a man named Ryan Star. The sound that came from him was nothing I had ever heard before. He put his heart and soul into every single word. Not once did he lose his energy or his audience. I wouldn't see Stage again for another two years. I was in the front row when Ryan wrapped his mic cord around another stand. He pointed at me and asked me to fix it for him. Took me awhile but I got it done. Afterward, I bought the album. Every song was just as powerful as the live show. As I like to tell people, the CD was stuck in my stereo. Not because it was broken, but because I didn't want to stop listening to it.
Shortly after that, Stage broke up. All I had was their CD and a few B-Sides by them. It wasn't until I went on myspace one day that I stumbled upon a familiar face. The user name was r. star. Losing Your Memory was the first song playing and I fell in love. The power of a rock band mixed with the grace of a piano. He was his own one man rock show. I bought the album it was on called Songs From The Eye of an Elephant and made that my soundtrack for the forseeable future. I had to go see him live somehow. Just needed a ride.
Dad was awesome enough to take me to Boston to go see him. It was a small venue but the atmosphere seemed perfect for what the Elephant album was and still is; a collection of stripped, acoustic songs. I sang every word to every song and he played with all the power I remember him having when he opened for Trapt. Initially, the hope was to get an autograph or picture after the show and be on our way. Ryan, however, took the time to sit with me and my Dad and talk with us for a while. We chatted about how far we travelled, how I was a music student, and what how much he inspired me. Ryan then took me backstage and we sang one of his songs together. As I recall, it was called Sink or Swim.
Ever since that time we have kept in touch. Even after gaining fame from Supernova and 11:59 (my new soundtrack). Whenever I go to one of his shows, it's like seeing a friend. In a lot of ways, he is my friend. In some ways, he's like my mentor. Ryan is the guy who basically told me to let the lyrics come to me instead of forcing them. It had to be as if I was telling a story. I have written many songs through his advice. Some of you may know two of them as Everybody's Hero and Hallway Lights.
Who is Ryan Star? He is a real musician. One who isn't afraid to write what he feels and one who doesn't mind taking the time out to get to know the people who listen to his work. For a musician like me, if it wasn't for Ryan, I wouldn't have direction. Ryan Star is now and always will be the artist that I look up to.
PS: Shameless plug for Mr. Star ----> http://www.rstar.net/
Friday, October 14, 2011
Bellatrix Killed The Wrong Black
Greetings! I am not Space Ghost! I do, however, remember that show like it was yesterday. But I didn't come here to tell you that. Today, I come to you with some things to get off my chest. Most of these things have to do with music. Agree, dissagree, love it, or hate it. I leave it up to you.
This may not apply to you but one misconception that too many people have is that just because I work in a hotel means I gave up on music altogether. I'll be as blunt as possible. THIS IS NOT TRUE! To be an up and coming musician with social networking, YouTube, open mic nights, etc. is common nowadays. A guy like me, however, needs money for certain resources (equipment, software, and studio time). Then there's my soon-to-be expenses which include a car and apartment I will be sharing with my two best friends. What else am I forgetting? Oh yeah! My $40,000+ in student debt! All of these things cost money and as much as I would love to make my career a 24/7 lifestyle, I can't move forward without keeping all of this in mind.
What style am I? What do I write about? Who do I sound like? All good questions but only one sums it up. Who am I as a musican? I didn't have that answer before. I can now give you several answers. I am not now nor will I ever be the best there ever was. I merely listen to the best. All things considered, I suck at guitar and would much rather have it be me and a microphone. I'm the kind of songwriter who tells a story. I tell stories that people can relate to. You'd be surprised at how moving a story told in four chords can be.
More importantly, while I don't believe I am the best, I do believe that I am way goddamn better than a lot of acts that are currently getting attention. One name comes to mind. You all know her. It's the eigth grade elephant in the living room that made Friday absolutely suck. Forgive me if I sound cruel, but the fact that she got tens of millions of views for having no talent makes me worried for this industry. What has music become if all the fame, press, and attention. goes to a girl who literally sounds like a dying cat? It's not just her either. I'm still trying to figure out that bullshit about Adele winning ZERO awards at the VMAs!!!
I know I'm not the best but I sure as hell have the heart. It may not seem that way given what I do for a profession but trust me, music will be a huge part of me for a very long time. How much success I have with it is entirely up to you. All you have to do is go here (www.youtube.com/november7video). Watch the vids. Comment them. Subscribe to the channel. Share the links on your facebook walls. I wouldn't have been this confident in my work if it wasn't for your feedback. All I need now is that little extra push. You want to make Friday awesome again? Let the world know who I am and what I do!
Wednesdays Are Better,
Doug
PS: 13 year olds can't drive convertables. I don't care what state it is.
This may not apply to you but one misconception that too many people have is that just because I work in a hotel means I gave up on music altogether. I'll be as blunt as possible. THIS IS NOT TRUE! To be an up and coming musician with social networking, YouTube, open mic nights, etc. is common nowadays. A guy like me, however, needs money for certain resources (equipment, software, and studio time). Then there's my soon-to-be expenses which include a car and apartment I will be sharing with my two best friends. What else am I forgetting? Oh yeah! My $40,000+ in student debt! All of these things cost money and as much as I would love to make my career a 24/7 lifestyle, I can't move forward without keeping all of this in mind.
What style am I? What do I write about? Who do I sound like? All good questions but only one sums it up. Who am I as a musican? I didn't have that answer before. I can now give you several answers. I am not now nor will I ever be the best there ever was. I merely listen to the best. All things considered, I suck at guitar and would much rather have it be me and a microphone. I'm the kind of songwriter who tells a story. I tell stories that people can relate to. You'd be surprised at how moving a story told in four chords can be.
More importantly, while I don't believe I am the best, I do believe that I am way goddamn better than a lot of acts that are currently getting attention. One name comes to mind. You all know her. It's the eigth grade elephant in the living room that made Friday absolutely suck. Forgive me if I sound cruel, but the fact that she got tens of millions of views for having no talent makes me worried for this industry. What has music become if all the fame, press, and attention. goes to a girl who literally sounds like a dying cat? It's not just her either. I'm still trying to figure out that bullshit about Adele winning ZERO awards at the VMAs!!!
I know I'm not the best but I sure as hell have the heart. It may not seem that way given what I do for a profession but trust me, music will be a huge part of me for a very long time. How much success I have with it is entirely up to you. All you have to do is go here (www.youtube.com/november7video). Watch the vids. Comment them. Subscribe to the channel. Share the links on your facebook walls. I wouldn't have been this confident in my work if it wasn't for your feedback. All I need now is that little extra push. You want to make Friday awesome again? Let the world know who I am and what I do!
Wednesdays Are Better,
Doug
PS: 13 year olds can't drive convertables. I don't care what state it is.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Lessons Learned
Welcome, awesome people! I finally got around to making one of these. Had to talk you guys somehow right? I wanted to do it through video but I look like a big enough fool singing on video. I'd like to think that some of you disagree.
OH! Before I forget! Anyone who can't stand "bad" language, READ ANOTHER BLOG! Thank you. =)
Today was a learning experience for me. Just when I think I know everything about music, I find out I have no damn clue. While [trying] to record today, I found out two new things. Two very important lessons that I'll keep for years to come.
First lesson. There are some songs that NO ONE can do justice to. Just because it sounds amazing in your bedroom or in the shower does not mean that's guaranteed to sound good in a performance setting. I found this out through Rollin' In The Deep by Adele. Fantastic song by a great artist. Shower? Amazing. Bedroom? Rockin'! In front of my camera? I SOUND TERRIBLE! Long story short, songs like that are great to entertain people with at parties for the shits and giggles. Posting it on YouTube, however, might put you in the same category as Rebecca Black.
Speaking of talent-less 8th graders, this brings me to the second and maybe most important lesson. Making YouTube videos strictly for views IS NOT a good idea. I'm not gonna lie. The fact the Ms. Black is at least 49 million views ahead of me still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Maybe if I just sucked at stuff I could be famous too. Since I wasn't willing to do that, I decided to record songs that are popular. Again, I found out the hard way that some of them shouldn't be done. From here on in, I'm gonna do the ones that I can do justice. As far as how many people watch, Just Close Your Eyes is taking care of that for me.
It took over a year and 3,800 views to figure all that out. Expect more originals and a few surprises. Hope you guys continue to watch and read. Thanks to those who already do so!
Love and Peace,
Doug
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