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/

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.

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