Thoughts of a DJ: 2016 in retrospect

Hey there one & all it's the DJ coming at you once again with a special look at the year 2016. Now there were some shares of good & bad times however I'm going to do something different.






For some the year is about looking back on the events that happened in the media but how about we concentrate on what happened locally & with ourselves. A perfect example is getting to travel to different places & learn a little bit about them & how they do things as far as events go. I had the pleasure of doing some traveling I was lucky for that because I got to see all kinds of things either from a distance or in person.

A perfect example getting the chance to see Atlanta's airport for the very first time was a real treat for me. As well as a chance to see new places & meet new people along the way. But aside from that this year has been great aside from getting to reunite with old friends as well as just visit new places is just what I was doing this year among other things.

However we did lose quite a few people this year which is quite tragic & they'll be greatly missed. Also we came this close to having a female president & although we made an effort & we saw our fair share of some gold medals in the summer Olympics as well as some shares of scandal & drama.

But in all of the loss of celebs & events that were considered disappointing
lets also keep in mind that the upcoming year should also be about reflecting on the moments that might not have been much to some but is still sentimental as it should be. So my main point is this: Make the year as awesome & as memorable as you can cause life is too short for drama & the best thing to do is to live life as best you can.

Now with that said here are some tunes to get things ready for the new year.

Celebrate- Pokémon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9MSzJfFNB4

Stay Away- Daniel Powter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am1PyTGpyEU&feature=share

Brianwashed Youth

This is another song that I wrote a while back Hope you enjoy it.



Brainwashed Youth - Lyrics.


(Hard rock instrumental)

(Verse 1)

Here we are & here we stand
mindless drones awaiting a command
Celebrity clones that's what we are
Duped into being the next big
so called 'superstar'

It's enough to make you shout
"Just what's this all about?!"
Ready for the truth?
It's about the brainwashed youth

(Chorus)

This goes out to the brainwashed youth
we're saying this out of truth.
The SpongeBob generation
a mass marketed sensation
Pushed & pressured to stay on top
Always see it & it never stops
Get your selfies out as proof
This is for the brainwashed youth

(Verse 2)

What's happened to individuality?
It got sucked into a so-called 'reality'
Idols being placed on a pedestal
Always buying their junk
keeping them paid in full
Being told what to say or like.
You aren't controlling me so take a hike!
I'm using my mind at all times
That's the end of my rhyme! (Right on now!)

(Chorus repeats)

(Guitar solo, Bass solo)

(Chorus repeats twice.)

WAKE UP THE BRAINWASHED YOUTH!

An interview with Eric Stuart

Hey there one & all its the DJ here & I'm proud to present an interview that I had the pleasure of doing while back with actor/singer Eric Stuart. For those who don't know him he's a folk rock singer whose also known for his voice work in Pokémon & other well known shows but as part of a report he took the time to answer some questions that I sent to him.

When did you get started in music?

 -I first really picked up a guitar in 8^th grade. We had a music teacher that thought it would be cool to form a rock band out of the class. He went around the room and asked what we all wanted to play. I had a guitar at home that I was messing around with a bit so I chose guitar. He taught us rock songs from all the classic rock groups like the Stones, the Who, anything we would bring him. That year we played for the school assembly and I was hooked.

 

 

What are your inspirations?

-My hero is Buddy Holly. I am also a huge fan of Bruce Spingsteen, Cat Stevens and Elvis. I have always been drawn to a good song, a cool vibe, and a honesty to the performer. I strive to do the same. I mostly write what I know. I find the listener relates more to music that comes across as real. I may put it in a story but the underlying emotion is always something I have experienced. Songwriting is my therapy. It helps me connect with people. There is nothing more satisfying than having a fan say ‘Your songs move me’.

 

How do you think rock music in general has impacted or revolutionized American culture?

-Rock used to be the rebellious music. The stuff your parents and society shunned so it was picked by the youth. Now that is really not the case. Rock is pop. Pop is popular. The machine behind many of the bands/artists that are out now are so groomed that there is really not a lot of rebelling. I find very few bands I actually want to listen to, let alone believe. There are exception but overall once big corporations realized that rock was a money maker it became mainstream. I am a mainstream rock guy and was never part of any rebellious band but I always played what was truly honest music. I think image over substance has ruined a lot of what rock is today. That is the risk you run when what is cool gets gobbled up by everyone, it then becomes the norm.

 

Any new material?

-Yes, I am in the middle of recording/producing our 8^th album. It will be out by mid-summer 2012. It learns toward the guitar-driven rock/pop that I love. Strong songs with very cool production. Should be one of our best.



Anyway that's it it was about 3 years ago but aside from that here's just one of his songs that I'm sure you'll enjoy.

Eric Stuart Band- Staring you in the face.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIAUbiEQ_MI

An interview with Scott Mccord

Hey there once again its The DJ coming right at you with another interview that I did this time it involves singer Scott McCord whose best known for his work in the Total Drama series & Bakugan. He also does music as the leader of his band called The Bona fied Truth.

1) I got started in music by my mom. She was a piano teacher that taught classical music. She plopped me down on the bench at the age of 6 and got me playing. At that age, I was already well versed in Elvis, 50s and early 60s rock, and early Beatles music. I had a Mickey Mouse record player and played all my mom's records. I did that instead of toys really...so a lot of music in our house - rock and roll and classical. Bands came along a little later - in high school. I played keys in my first band, and eventually moved out front and started singing and playing a little guitar.

2) My inspiration comes from all kinds of things, people, places....my wife is a big inspiration. My life with her and our daughter is what's most important, and everything I experience and discover through them and with them is what usually gets infused into the music and lyrics. But I am also inspired by books, paintings, conversations, movies - music is very cinematic to me - I have very filmic experiences with music and see a lot of my songs as scenes almost, like they could be from a movie. Artists of course - Al Green, Van Morrison, Los Lobos, Sam and Dave, Tower of Power, Bob Marley and of course the Beatles to name a few...I love Julian Schnabel's films and art, Picasso and Paul Klee, Terrence Malick's films and The Walking Dead! My wife and I love that show;)

3) Yes! New material coming your way May 2012. The band is in preproduction with our producer working and reworking new songs, old songs and recording our debut album in early January, here in Toronto. We are recording the entire band "live off the floor" just like they used to do it at Motown and Stax Records. We've also recorded a whack of live shows over the last year, and we will be releasing a bunch of live material in the spring as well. So, lots of Bonafide music coming next year. We are very excited

The DJ's Spotlight: Ravenscroft

Hey there one & all Its the DJ coming at you. & this time we're taking about a new group called Ravencroft with their new song called "Cauldron Of Deceit."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c823kZQMkUU

Feel free to give a listen to some of their stuff. Hope you enjoy it.

The DJ's Spotlight:: The Royals

Hey there one & all its DJ Dizzy here & I'm going to shine a light on a new up & coming group called The Royals

Here's a look at some of their songs which I hope you enjoy

Dream catchers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDst2Kh-2ys

The New Breed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMRKbt6OqgU

Tales from the rocker's domain:Thoughts on the music scene

Okay I got been diving through the archives of the music scene as of late & when it all comes down to it Some supposed artist that I've seen tend to worry more about there image rather than their own talents. & new singing sensations (If you can even call them that.)

It's the same thing every time just a good looking person lip syncing or taking credit for someone else's work. Even in concert these singers lip sync they don't actually sound like that off stage or in reality.  (It's either a voice track or enhancement.) & although some singers claim its their real "voice." It really is not. Also when it comes to the rock n roll hall of fame I have to side with what

Eric Stuart had to say about how they just induct random artists in there it's partly out of record sales or most downloads. What about the more iconic groups like the Beastie Boys or Red Hot Chili Peppers? Or even The Sex Pistols & the Ramones?

They've been around longer than any of today's singers & yet they get snubbed each time. Now I'll say this It should have to be not just about who's more "popular" but rather include the legends & icons. After all they set the bar for the music scene. (I may be young but I know music.) I should also mention that now some of the music isn't really as it should be. I've noticed that rock music seems to fall into the pop catagory now & speaking as a musician & rock afianado but THAT AIN'T RGHT!! In fact bublegum pop has pretty much taken over when it comes to rock music. When I think of rock that isn't what I want to hear. When you think of rock music you want a gut busting pulse pounding thumping drum solo.

The off the wall wail of an electric guitar. The soft spoken yet hard working melody of a piano & a deep sounding slap that's in your face from a supped up bass guitar. (Thats what rock music is to me.) There's nothing wrong with experimenting with other styles but don't classify it as something else.& I should mention if your at least going to give someone props when it comes to music don't ever overlook the singers that were concidered "forgotten" Cause when you least expect it they might come back just to please their fans & it's always great to have a learning experience for the next gen. Even if they aren't that well known you should give them props regardless. That & if you are planning on a career in music or show biz they thing you need to ask yourself as a performer are these

four questions:

Do you want to do this for the rest of your life?

How can your fame benefit yourself, your fans , & others?

Can your talents succeed you?

Is the world ready for you & are you ready for it?

These are some things that most up & comers forget the moment their egos take over some of them lose sight of why the got involved in the biz & what they set out to do because its a matter of I can do & say what I want with no limits & this is why they burn out. & It should be more about talent rather than image or gmmicks. They may work but in the long run stuff like this can wear on your fans & you should care more about your music rather than that or anything else.

One last thing: As much as it's cool to use a stage name or alter ego the best thing to do is to save it for the stage or when you're performing. Its cool just don't go overboard. Because I've seen enough of that Don't turn yourself into a gimmick or sell yourself out because as a musician that's the last thing you want to do. & if you want to be a good role model here's a thought STAY OFF THE DRUGS!!! PEOPLE ARE WATCHING YOU!!!

Yeah that's a big one because if you're  going to have people emulate your over move you might want to think about what you do beforehand. Well these are my thoughts mostly on the industry & what its become & it shouldn't have to be a popularity contest cause now that's all it really is. Recird sales & downloads shouldn't matter & neither should how many Grammy's you have. The only thing that should matter is what you think. Thank you.