Some Different Musings

I thought I would write something a little different today, a little about the musical journey I am on right now. Well, actually it is the non musical part of the musical journey. For those interested in a career in music this might add some insight.

 

I am in the midst of trying to revive my musical dream in what is probably one of the most challenging times in commercial music history to do so. At the same time, the opportunities are also great. I have been able to produce my own CD, "Buried Thoughts", at a high quality with complete artistic control because I was able to buy my own "studio". But there are ups and downs. I personally have had very little success historically, and with the semi-release of this CD, selling online. I am going to keep hammering away, but it is a reality. That is a down. On the other hand, an up, I always seem to do very well when I sing live. Both of my release concerts have seen CD sales at a high percentage of the audience, very encouraging.

 

I know, and have read, that in the end, touring is the way to truly build a career. The above musings confirm the difference in the response between advertising and actually going out there a creating an exprience. I know I have to create some more expriences, I'll keep you posted.

Mike Janzen Jazzes

I have never actually had the pleasure of working with Mike because he does the same thing as me, plays and sings. Admittedly he is much better!!! Great job Mike!! Love the jazz stuff.

Concert in Oakville Tonight

Really looking forward to the first trio concert for "Buried Thoughts" tonight at Oakville Bible Chapel. Tickets are available for $10 the door. Concert at 7pm. Hope to see you there!!
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CD Review/Feature at Godbeat.com!!

I connected with Godbeat.com in Nashville when I was there for GMA's Immerse, and have an add running to gain some exposure in the US. They have also written a feature on the new CD. Check it out here, and please fell free to share it with many.

Concert tomorrow night in Oakville, come on by and say hi!!

Radio Interview Tomorrow Morning

I am being interviewed tomorrow morning on Joy 1250 in Oakvile, Ontario by Jim Leek. If you are up at 7:05 am and in the area, have a listen.

Another CD release concert this week

Hey come check out the Cliff Cline trio at Oakridge Bible Chapel in Oakville this week and hear the new CD live, and of course pick one up if you haven't!! Tickets are $10 at the door. See you there.

What is meaning for you? {more thoughts on Buried Thoughts}

I think I have always struggled with meaning, meaning for me I suppose. The title track on my new CD certainly deals with this.

What is it for you. Being spiritually centered, not to sound too New Age-y. Doing something meaningful in your day job or free time? Being married and raising kids? Having a significant income and perhaps notoriety. Those that know me know that music has always been a major part of my make-up, but it has never been my full-time thing. No lack of desire, just never happened in reality.

I think the process of Buried Thoughts, which I might add is significantly bigger than simply writing and producing the CD, has taught me that music brings far more meaning in my life than perhaps I have ever known. It is the way I express myself most purely, which for me in part, is poetically. I find more power in words that leave room for the listener to wrestle, to process, to read between the lines. For budget reasons I did not release the lyrics in the CD cover. I have already received requests for them. They will be offered on the site soon.

I have rightly been accused of being very intense in life. I am discovering that I am happiest, most content in that place. Life to me is to grow. Life to me is to serve in the dirt. Life to me is love til it hurts. Life to me is to laugh hard, loud and long. Life to me is to abandon self to the point where God can fill the void. Life to me is big, bigger than today, because if God wills, I can do more and better tomorrow.

Some of the bigness of life has come out in this newest CD. Someone, not my mother:), said that they thought this was my best CD so far. Cool, I hope I can grow and make my next even better, in the meantime I hope that Buried Thoughts is bigger and better in every way than that which I have done in the past.

The Buried Thoughts Evolution

I am having fun with the different kind of work that goes with starting to launch the new CD. Planning gigs (please feel free to call and book more), updating the website and promoting the CD. I really haven't really gone into earnest, this month is really pre-drop month in terms of "the world", with those that know me being first on the list to call as it were.

To that end, the site is a little cleaner now, better flash player with the whole new CD to listen to. If you like it, you can buy it for one more week for $12. After that is goes up to $15, although downloads will be available soon for $10, so keep a lookout if you don't like to have something in your hands (you own an iPod)

As I have mentioned before this CD offers a unique view I think. Not original (see my song 'Nothing New" from the Apartment Sessions on the flash player on my site) but a useful set of stories, songs and thoughts for churches to use as community building concerts. Building community with the outside community I mean. I am excited to see where this leads.