First posts are a funny thing -- I feel as if I'm proclaiming my arrival to a party where not only do I know no one, but the way conversations work here is also a curious mystery.
Hello to all, you seem like a lovely bunch. I’m a musician (mostly jazz piano, so far) in my 30s, in my element when performing / composing / teaching in the 3D world -- but it’s always been a puzzle how my music can intersect with the digital world in a way that seems natural to me. (Does anyone remember FairTunes, circa year 2000ish? When mp3s first arrived to the internet, beginning their warpath transformation of the music industry, FairTunes was one of the first implementations of an “online tip jar” idea for musicians. It’s wild how twenty years later the idea of online tipping is still pretty niche.)
So I come to you with a question! Or actually more of an exploration I hope you’ll relate to / partake in: How should I best contribute to this place; what would be interesting to you? Here’s some stuff I’m already doing that can be continued or expanded --
If I’m doing a cover, I’m interested in really bringing something new to the world of the song, if possible!
For example, here’s the covers I’ve put up on YouTube so far.
These can also be by request (I’m happy to begin an improvisational expedition with source inspiration, such as an existing melody or song snippet).
YouTube playlist of some improv sessions here!
I’m down to share stuff I’ve already made, but it would be interesting to write songs based on commission -- for a person with a story, for example. (I have an album called Travel Poems coming out soon that’s based partly on this idea...songs like postcards, written for people and for places!)
Many of the above options are custom work, but I’d be thrilled to show what’s going on my music life too. The picture at the top is my place which I’m currently setting up for house concerts, and there’s gigs happening (if anyone is in Berlin, come tomorrow 8:30pm to the fantastic Twinpigs in Neukölln for a fun jazz set, entry is freeeee. In any case, let me know what you would like to hear and see! Wishing everyone a terrific wrap up to the week 🎉
