Hey All --
I'm sure you're not surprised to hear I'm injured again?!? I tore my LCL, tendon and muscle dancing at July's San Diego Future of Music Show during ToDo Mundo's amazing set. So I'm introducing crutches and a knee immobilzer into my musical set - it should be interesting indeed.
The show is free, all ages and AWAKE is providing safe rides home for everyone through Safe Ride Solutions.
Big government and their friends on the take--I thought Bush was the worst until Obama, but red or blue, the muppets in Washington are just facade. Banks with inflated, taxpayer-funded balance sheets (ah FAS 157) are earnestly clutching every dollar like a child, mid trantrum. The top 'eye' of the pyrmid has the farthest fall when the supporting pyramid layers collapse.
"When all falls apart, make art!" is a favorite Jason Brock proclamation that inspires me. I suggest we all try it--write a poem or song, draw or paint, photograph or design--something about the present state of affairs. The more creative, the better. It is time for an innovative Renaissance!!!!
As a musician, I've been given the opportunity with the FREEDOM TO SHARE project at ccMixter. So far I've recorded three pieces--other artists at ccMixer are writing some really creative stuff.
So here's a sketch of 'Oh Dear Mr Williams' with piano, lead vocal and sparse backing vocals (very rough mix--the vocal is way too loud). I've been told it's got a slight broadway feel. I hope you enjoy it--even if you're not a fan of Cabaret. ;)
I believe music, art, technology, and innovation--intertwined with community--is where our hope lies. I'm focusing locally by shopping at farmers markets, local businesses, on town committees, playing music again locally (come see me at the House of Blues this month!), etc. We will rebuild our economy one neighborhood, one town, and one creative idea at a time. The painting to the left is titled "Crash Democracy" by midSMACKDABdle.
Thanks for shining a light in darkness. Peace.
After more than six years, Emily will again perform at her favorite venue, the House of Blues--but this time in San Diego. As part of the San Diego Future of Music concert series, in partnership with ArtisTech Media, Listen Local SD and SD LIve Events, Emily will join musicians Scott West, Lee Coulter, Windser and J Grace for an evening of music celebration.
Emily, Matthew Niblock & her band at HOB Boston
This all ages House of Blues show is Tuesday, August 31 at 7p. There is no cover but artist tips are always encouraged :)
See you at the show!
Today I uploaded my own version of 'Dear Mr. Williams' as a spoken word response to ASCAP's President who claims copyleft undermines copyright (he's wrong). This FREEDOM TO SHARE project at ccMixter is really inspiring me -- as a writer and someone who stands for artistic and personal freedom.
Emily Richards recording at Kevin's in La Jolla
As soon as I heard Loveshadow's 'Dear Mr. Williams' at ccMixter Monday, I knew I wanted to cover it, but with my own stories in place of his. His story was an awful lot like mine -- even though he lives in the UK and I in the USA -- and hearing it made me feel less alone.
Dear Mr. Williams
by Loveshadow & Snowflake under CC license
Dear Mr. Williams, I am sorry to say
I have just read your letter here in San Diego today
You see, it troubles me greatly to see that you claim
That I endorse your view
Though you may not know my name
Or in fact where I live, how I think, feel or care
You see I am a Songwriter
Speaking up for a Freedom To Share.
Did we meet at the Senator’s luncheon in ‘04?
At the Red Elephant Convention with Mr. Hatch in New York?
If we did my apologies, for I met many folks from ASCAP that day
That I’d not met before.
Now I do appreciate your efforts, to speak on my behalf
But the statement’s you’ve made
Well in all honesty make me laugh.
You see as a child on my fourth birthday
My parents brought home a piano
No unions, or subscriptions to pay
I was free just to sit and improv and create
No authorisation needed to sing or to play.
Years later in Nashville and then in LA I heard:
“If you just lose some weight
And write lighter songs, love songs
You can make it real big
Lots of folks will be singing along
Now, will you dance on TV and sing our list of tunes?”
I said, “No, I’m a writer. So I pick the web over you.”
And now I write, record, upload and sing
Perform at concerts and conventions worldwide
But there are few who can or will pay
So I’ve got a job on the side.
But I still have my music and that’s a God given thing
Free to me and to all who love to play and to sing
I am free to express and share what I please
Without you or your contracts
Or your boxes and fees.
So Mr. Williams I am sure your intentions are pure
But whose words will you hear - those of your artist or of your lawyer?
Copyleft is my choice, copyright is MY right
Now if you’d just say you’re sorry
And make amends quite contrite,
Remain a member of ASCAP?
Well, I just might.
Paul Williams, ASCAP President
