For the next 10 days or so, I'll be away from my computer, phone and guitar. I'm off to Panama for a bit of surfing. . .ok, I'm off to Panama for a LOT of surfing! As a result, I won't be blogging, emailing, facebooking or performing. If you have a Hullabaloo emergency, you can always contact Myla Stivers at booking@hullabalooband.com
Have a great week. I'll see you soon!
--Steve
Earlier this week I was listening to an album of Bob Dylan out-takes. The recordings were from the last ten years or so of his career. I was amazed at how many solid recordings he made that didn't make it to the final album.
Meanwhile, back at the Hullabaloo studio I'm working hard on our new album. I love the way it's coming along except there are two songs that are giving me some trouble.
Listening to Dylan's album of out-takes made me realize that it's ok to say no. The recordings are good, but not good enough. So, it's back to the drawing board. I'd rather re-record them than live with versions I don't like for the rest of my days.
Last Friday, I had a recording session with our favorite instrumentalist, Dennis Caplinger -- he's the amazing talent that plays mandolin, fiddle and banjo on most of our recordings. I always look forward working with Dennis for three reasons: he's really good at what he does, he's really humble and he's always encouraging.
Dennis has worked with everybody under the San Diego sun. More than that, he's worked with some really big names like Eric Clapton and JJ Cale. In fact, his work with them earned him his first Grammy Award.
Even with all his talent and accomplishments, Dennis is the nicest, most humble guy you'd ever want to meet. It makes working with him a real joy. He's recorded in the fanciest studios on really high-profile records and still doesn't mind coming to record in my little home studio.
Perhaps best of all, Dennis is really encouraging. He's quick with a compliment and makes you feel like your recording is every bit as important as the big wigs he plays with.
Thanks, [...]
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The only pressure I ever feel with Hullabaloo is to keep making new music on a regular basis. . . for the parents.
When kids latch on to something they like, they'll listen over and over again. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that if your little one insisted that you you repeat "Mama Llama" until even your car stereo speakers refused.
We grownups, on the other hand need to mix it up a bit. So, for the last four years, I've put out a new album every year to keep things fresh.
If your little one has "Ants in my Pants" on auto-repeat, fear not. The new album should be finished by late spring.
My wife has a framed card that hangs above her desk. It reads: Sometimes the biggest risk is not taking one.
I thought of that today when I heard that the music teaching position I left to play music full time has been eliminated. Back then, everyone thought I was crazy to leave a full-time salaried teaching position with benefits.
I can't claim that I saw this rotten economy coming and the eventual demise of my position. I did know that I had a shot at something better. Had I played it safe, I'd be unemployed. Who would have thought that becoming a musician would be the practical option!