I'm very inspired and excited about the ccMixter 'Freedom to Share' Remix Event.  This is our community's response to ASCAP's false claim that Creative Commons licensing undermines copyright and artist royalties.  I will personally attest, as an artist -- this is just not true.  The more I create and share at ccMixter, the more other licensing opportunities come to me (for which ASCAP represents me).   

I've been a member of ASCAP since 1995. I would love to see: 1) ASCAP retract its letter to its members asking for money to fight Creative Commons; 2) Paul Williams correct his statement once he understands copyleft a bit more; 3) an apology be issued to Creative Commons, EFF and Public Knowledge; and 4) an effort made to move forward together -- to help artists continue to find new ways to support themselves in an ever-changing world.

As one of their own artists, I would take the time to meet with ASCAP in New York -- and patiently and respectfully show them how it really works.

Copyright Machine by doctormo

I've found that by sharing my Works under Creative Commons license, I have been blessed with some of the most valuable creative partnerships of my career thus far.  I've found that with producers, songwriters, fans and friends interacting with my music 'source' -- creations beyond my own vision have been born.  My original creation is still mine.  But the new works created as a by-product are, well, ours.  And I don't take issue to sharing with those that share with me.

I want to make a living as an artist.  I think we as musicians and the music business on the whole need to keep working to create new ways to make that possible for musicians. I am committed to it.  But one thing I won't do?  Criminalize someone who actually wants to listen to one of my songs -- or share one of my songs with someone else.  That person just became my fan!

I look forward to sharing my poem for Freedom to Share with you all soon and can't wait to hear yours.  I love Creative Commons licenses -- because you can cut, mix and mash my works, but you are required to Attribute me and anyone else that participates.  That's a credit you can't buy or take away!

Peace.

This 4th episode of the Iglu features some of my favorite dance/house mixes at ccMixter, many of them from back a little further in the archives.  Instead of announcing the tracks in the beginning of the podcast or before and after each track, the attribution credits are all announced at the end.  I was thinking people will more easily remember the artist names that way, but I'm not really certain which announcing format I prefer best?

The podcast is named Dance Over Dark because all of the tracks make me want to dance, and overcome the void of inner darkness with the pulse of rhythm.  The podcast is a continuous mix and features:  Black Is The Night [Omni Vista's Deep Mix] by Omni Vista, I Wonder If God Was Sleeping (Transcendence Edit) by: scottaltham, Beginnings and Endings (GE Feel for More mix) by: George_Ellinas, CCmixter.org by: Code,  Get It On Mix by: Lasswell,  Lets get deeper (Essential Dark Deep Remix) by: DJ_Essential_I, Ramune Pop by: morgantj, CHERRY (Mr N Ms V's Mix) by: Vidian,  Klute by: Neurowaxx.

Dance by ~ColourUpKarma

Recording this podcast was a great experience for me - melos, rhytmos and harmonia has shone light upon me, lifting my personal darkness this day. :)

Subscribe to the ccMixter podcast channel in iTunes or listen in the ccMixter Listening Lounge.

Check out this live DJ set from DJ QuikPick (he mastered the Peace of Winter album) -- pretty bad ass eh?  (Gotta find out which spelling of his name to use!)

DJ QuikPik (or Qwick Pik) is Sean Halley....I first started recording with Sean in the mid-nineties while touring for my first album (yes it was country, recorded in Nashville).  We even played a gig for Dan Quail together in Arizona!  Sean is one of the most talented musicians I know....and one of the coolest too....and a true friend.

Enjoy!