AlexNelson

I’m probably going to get some sh*t for this…

Hello everyone! I know, I know. It’s been a while since i’ve sent out a message. The good news is though that things have been really good and I’ve been doing a lot of traveling this year. Tonight I’m in Houston, TX and getting ready to head over to LA tomorrow. Things are going well and I can’t stress enough that it wouldn’t be happening without all your help.

Now to business… I’ve heard through the grape vine that a local paper has placed me on a list to be voted on for best band. Please DO NOT VOTE FOR ME. Yes, you heard right. Don’t vote for me. Why? well, they want your phone number. And why do they want your phone number? So they can send you txt. For me, that’s just a bit too personal. I can understand an email address but as companies are now trying to figure out how the hell to start using ‘social media’ and trying to get close to the consumer they are just trying some really stupid stuff (‘stuff’ is the nice word). I’d rather not be a part of that.

Here’s what I’ll do. If you really want to show some support, send me your phone number. For each phone number or EMAIL I get, I’ll release a song or something I’ve been working on. I think that’s a better deal than giving Village Voice Media your phone number. Some of you told me you already voted. And I do appreciate it. And if you still want to vote, go ahead. But know that none of the artist are getting anything from it and neither are you.

You can send your info to alex {at} alexnelsonmusic.com.

Can musicians learn anything from politicians?

I was on the road a lot this year during the midterm elections.  Every once in a while during a drive I would switch the radio over to a news channel where I would be bombarded with coverage of the elections.   Usually when I hear news stories about strategies or business my mind begins to wander, as it usually does,  and I start to think about how these stories might relate to music, what I do, how I do things, etc.

Initially, I was just finding common parallels.  Both politicians and musicians have to come up from obscurity and make themselves known to a large audience.  Where politicians have their political ideals and agendas, musicians have their music.  We both travel tirelessly attempting to get in front of as many people as we can to spread our word in the hopes that someone in the audience is listening and better yet, become a supporter.  One difference I see is that in some cases certain politicians have to come up from obscurity much more quickly; during a short campaign cycle leading up to the election, where musicians can make a slow climb.

As I was listening more to the politicians and analyst discuss campaign strategies and predict results, one particular story kept surfacing until it was mostly the only thing being discussed; the enormous amounts of money that was being spent on the campaigns.  I’m not talking about contributions from corporations and other outside groups.  Though this was high, what I related to more, were the politicians who were spending their own money.   In the lead was Meg Whitman with $142 million of her own money. $142 Million!

This got me thinking.  A lot of musicians I talk to say that a large influx of cash would really help to push them to the next level.  But could it?  Meg Whitman didn’t even win the election. And neither did other’s who forked out a ridiculous amount of their own money.  What could a boat load of cash really do for a musician?  Make it easier to travel?  Make it easier to record?  When I think about the analogy I made above, I’m not so sure it could do much in terms of sustainability. Which, in my opinion, is high level of importance if you are looking at this as a ‘career’.   It’s only a temporary solution.

I was thinking a politicians run up to the election day can be compared to the publicity push for an album.  Each night a new place. A new audience.  Next day, in the van. New city. Another night. Play. Repeat.  Each night you could be pushing your merch, making money for the next day’s trip.  Hoping that you’re building a steady following.  Make the round trip, do it again.  Did you make enough money or fans to warrant doing it again? (Oh, and politicians know which states to hit harder.  Do you know where your audience is?)

If a politicians first album (i.e.-time in office) wasn’t something people ended up liking, they don’t get re-elected.  Of course, if they want to continue, they are going to promote the next album (uh.. run for re-election).  But if the people aren’t buying it (and I don’t mean that in the financial meaning) then they lose their job.  Which is pretty much the same that could happen to a musician.

Do I think more money could help?  Uhh…  (A gray) Yes.  But not in the terms of marketing.  No amount of money could change peoples perceptions on how music makes them feel.   In terms of helping with paying expenses while on the road and getting you through the bad nights, yes, it can help. But if your first ‘go around’ wasn’t memorable enough to have momentum for the second ‘go around’ then are you just spinning your wheels.  But, then again, this all depends on your goals.  If you’re doing it for the love it, as a secondary thing, then ok.  It’s up to you.

So can more money push you to the next level?  I doubt it. In the end it’s down to writing better songs each time out.  And giving everything at every performance.  And breaking down walls and hoping that those people that walk through to you, stick with you. And help you. And push you forward. With you being the lead pusher (cause let’s face it, at times you are your own enemy). Keep pushing and when you least expect it, something will happen.

What do you think?

Fear of Failure

A while back I went through a creative drought.  I know. Hard to believe.  But after months and months on the road I found myself sitting at home.  In my room.  Not a hotel room.  No excitement of knowing that something ‘different’ was outside or something new was coming tomorrow.  It was very surreal.  Almost as surreal as it was every night that I was playing.  But my mind was making me think this was permanent.  It’s not to say that when I am ‘home’ that I don’t do stuff and I don’t have fun. I do.  I have friends that I play with.  And let’s define ‘home’ for a moment.  Home for me is more defined by:  the room where I bought most of the stuff that’s in it and the bills are mailed to”.  Not ‘home’ in the sense of the ‘feeling’.  If that makes any sense at all.

I started thinking about the year and the people I would run into when I was home that would ask me how I was doing what I was doing.  How I kept going.  I didn’t really understand what they meant.  What was I doing?  To them I was being successful playing up and down the east coast.  To me, I just thought I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.  I just kept going.  Sometimes when they would ask for help or advice on who to call or where to go I would think “uhh… I’m no different than you. Internet + cell phone + car”  (notice… money isn’t in that equation)  but being home and taking the break made me think more about that.  And as I started coming out of the slump and prepping myself mentally to get ready for the barrage of rejection for the coming year (if you’re an artist, you get used to hearing “NO” what feels like, almost ALL THE TIME) I start looking out for some inspiration.  A little pep rally for myself.  There are a lot of those in my head.  Ready?  OK!

So here are some things that I would like to share. Both for people that might care, but mostly for my music/art friends that sometimes feel like giving up. These things apply to life. Not just to life as an artist.

I was going to number these but I’m not sure how far I’ll get. So you get a narrative…

I was watching David Cross:  Let America Laugh. This is not a stand-up DVD. It’s a behind the scenes of his tour in 2002.  This was someone I thought was pretty successful (HE IS) but after seeing this, I saw he had a lot of the same problems while on the road.  It made him more relatable(?).  Or rather, that some of the things I go through on the road are ‘normal.’ I mean, this is a guy who, up until that point had some rather successful television runs and some movies. Granted, his career wasn’t as big as it is now, but it gives a good glimpse of life on the road.  Watch it.

Next up,  The Comedians of Comedy. Another behind the scenes of a comedy tour of a group of semi-famous comedians.  This one has Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn,  Maria Bamford (now in the Target holiday ads), and Zach Galifianakis. Just read the previous paragraph again and change 2002 to 2005.   I’ll add that the scenes of Patton promoting a show in a book store for 15 people was cool and so was Comic book day. Watch it.

If you haven’t caught Believe: the Eddie Izzard Story, you should.  Without getting much into it, Eddie, apparently gave up on comedy for a while.   But the movie itself is an awesome inspiration. Persistence. Persistence. Persistence.  This was THE MOVIE that got me out of my slump.  If you’re an artist and you’re feeling like crap watch this. It will remind you that everyone goes through the same shit.   It’s a good look at what it’s like to be a performer and a writer.  Something that I think parallels the musician world and the comedic world. In essence we’re doing the same things. We are trying to relate to people.  Another thing that stuck with me was at one point Eddie is talking what it feels like to be on stage and the mental challenge that performing presents.  (it’s at 42 minutes).  Watch it.

So there you have it.  Some of the things that have recently motivated me.  None of this means that I don’t feel like I got kicked in the balls when someone doesn’t like my stuff.  I get the “your stuff is really mainstream” from the alterna-crowd and at the same time I get the “your stuff is too alternative” from the mainstream crowds and sometimes it gets to me.  But sometimes I think, “well then, I must be doing something right.”  Because in the end, I’m doing what I want.  And there are people out there that are supporting me.   And that amazes me and I am grateful.  Cause they are smart and everyone else is obviously stupid.

I know sometimes you don’t feel it’s worth it.  Just don’t forget that you are doing it for yourself first. If you feel you hit a wall think about this quote from Randy Pausch

“Brick walls are there for a reason. They are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. The brick walls are there to stop people who don’t want it badly enough.”

And if that doesn’t work for you then try “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and gosh darnit, people like me.” (Senator Stuart Smalley)

Now go change the world or… whatever.  I’m going to go finish watching the Battlestar Galactica spinoffs.  You should be happy I didn’t get into those parallels.

PS:  I want to add this link to an interview with Greg Giraldo in Psychology today.  Read it.

Another year… almost over

Well, I finished off the last of my scheduled shows for the remainder of the year this past weekend with a show on Friday at the Luna Star and ending on Saturday night with a showcase at the Miami Music Festival.  Both great nights and it was good to be back in town.  Now it’s time to get to work scheduling for next year and editing all the video from this one.  Hours and hours of it.

Some of you may have already seen some of the images I’ve put up on the facebook page the other night and I’ll spend this weekend putting together more and perhaps some of the footage of the new songs as well.  A lot was written on the road this year and I’m proud to say that I feel like there has been some improvements.  I’ve had wonderful opportunities this year to play with some really amazing people.  As we get close to the end of the year I’m going to try to post a list of those people because they are totally worth checking out.

These last few months while on my way home I’ve really been spending a lot of time with the songs and listening to as much music as I can.  I’ve found music that just fills all spaces both inside and around you.  Music that you just can’t make loud enough to fill all those spaces.  And I’ve been trying to incorporate that same feeling into my songs and that is reaffirmed when I hear from you guys that it is working.

Many thanks to everyone!

Neal Fox's The Life and Times of Satchel Tomain film screening and live performance

Well, I was in a movie.  Sorta but not really.  I was constantly told by Satchel that he was “the Star and I was not” and that I should just “shut my hole and play my stupid guitar or get off the stage”  He wasn’t really in a good mood, but I let it slide considering everything he’s been through.    Satchel said it’s his night, so I’m not playing, but Neal Fox will be playing and showing his creations. And that’s as good excuse as any to be there (and the beers, if you’re into that sorta stuff).

It’s at 8:00Pm on Thursday Sept 23 at the Funky Buddha in Boca Raton.    See you there!

Insync With Autism Event at Stage84

We’re being told to show up this day and play.  We’re asking you to show up so that we can play for you.  hooray!!!  This is a show for Insync With Autism.

I don’t have all the details yet.  They are in a pot, being stirred up and the poster for the show is baking. However,  Here’s some info about the performers:

Brian Franklin

Alex Nelson

Paul Roub

random musings…

a lot of netflix. and hotels with slow or internet.  but you find a place.  being on the road provides a lot of time for that.

So… if you haven’t heard of Hifana, you should check them out.  a electronic duo from Japan.  They’re on the W+K Tokyo Lab label. (an advertising agency’s label!  Yeah, I know right?)  I became aware of them when they released Fatbros.  (yes, i listen to all kinds of music. and this song caught my attention because of the samples, but that’s another story.  So they did this commercial (see, ad agency ref. above) for nike which just blew my mind.  I love the mix of technology and music and this just added an entire other element. and if you don’t believe this is real, check out the making of video [techies will love, you can see some screens].  awesome.

Is we making an update? We is! We is!

There’s not too much to report at the moment… I’ve been practicing practicing practicing since the Country Throwdown Tour in preparation for June.    Getting ready for Eddie’s Attic on June 5 and then Rockitcon later in the month!  X-Files is coming a long very well, although that progress has been slowed because of the music priorities.

A confession or a realization…

well, ladies and gentlemen, if there is one thing i do very well, and i mean so well that I could be a professional, is procrastinate.  The first few months of the year have flown by and wow, we’re already in the first week of may.  these last two weeks I’ve found myself… recuperating… yeah, we’ll go with that…   and all this down time is really getting me down.  It’s cyclical of course.

I start to think of all these things i want to do, make lists, then ‘poof!’ the time is gone.  Where the fuck did it go? I have no idea, but i would imagine the first 24 episodes of the X-files followed by the next 24 of season 2 had something to do with that.  of course, during this time, Moulder has taught me that in reported cases of abductions, abductees have reported ‘lost’ time.  where time has actually stopped for them.  I’ll go with that excuse.  where was I?  yes… cyclical…

so yeah, I make all these lists to do things and they don’t get done… then I feel bad because they don’t get done, then I start to feel like I’ve been unproductive, so I make more lists aaaannnnddddd…. repeat.  I think I’m just looking for some inspiration here…  I did manage to read one book over the last two weeks.  And I have a small mountain of them that “i will eventually get to.”  I think that’s what I’m going to try to do…  let’s read a few books and find some inspiration because lately, I haven’t found any good music ideas to steal… i mean borrow… i mean attribute to as an influence.

So at some point, I’m going to ween myself off the X-Files (I’m in the middle of the 3rd season!) and try to read at least one book a week.  I’m just finishing Shakespeare Wrote For Money at the moment.  I am almost finished with it.  It’s the third (and last) book of published book reviews written by Nick Hornby for the Believer Magazine.    I’ve got one chapter (month?) left and I’ll be done.  But it’s relatively short read.  I started yesterday and I’m just about done.  But it still counts dammit!

So I’ll add this to the list. ‘read a book, find inspiration.’ We’ll see.  Looking at the pile of ‘here, you read this’ on my desk I’ve got one book in the ‘read’ pile and 7 in the ‘i’ll get to it.’   well then… time to get to it…   GOOO!!!

Ok, not so fast.  I should let you know what’s really going to happen.  I’m going to finish the Hornby book now.  Seriously what’s 20 minutes?  Then I’ll pack the car and head out to play some music with some really good friends, head back home around 4am and start another episode of the X-Files.  I’ll wake up in the morning wondering where the time went and feeling like I need to get everything done.

Shit. Another confession.  More realistically, I’ll probably be waking up late in the afternoon and feel like crap for wasting most of the day. Go ME!  

May 5, 2010 – Video, ugh!

I have spent the day going over hours and hours of video.  Just from January.  Trying to put something together for this crazy idea I had.  Seriously I don’t know how video editing people can do this.  But I push through it.  I”m trying to condense all these hours into digestible chunks.  So about 12 hours of video for Jan is now condensed into 5 minutes.  Cause… seriously, who wants to sit through all that?  (this?)  Anyway, a lot of quicks cuts, but I think it’s coming out nicely.   As a reminder, you’ll see some of the clips below and more…

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1dVKEJFfZc