What is everyone doing right now?

I know I am finally getting everything caught up. After two long years of non-stop political action (internet activism, public appearances and protests, campaign work, email campaigns, etc) I am finally able to get back in the music. I have decided to call it quits for the most part as a political activist. My job is pretty much done there. Now, I am going to do about three days worth of filing paperwork and reference materials, and then I am going to begin completely focusing on music. I have been really into Trevor Horn's productions lately, and I am going to be doing more. I just recorded about 6 songs last week, and I plan on doing more soon. I also plan on working with Kelly and the NFO to release a special CD sometime in the future.

What are you guys up to?

Jason

i have to admit ... your life sounds so exciting compared to mine !

Kind of shocking hearing you say all this - on election day !!??

I read your post mainly because of a new motivation lately for myself ... i have been pondering going out on my own (business-wise) for 2006 - we shall see .... but i kinda made up my mind that November is a big month for me ! ... trying to not procrastinate any of that stuff any MORE !!!

good luck on the music jason - and whatever you get yourself into ! (the politics will always be there with ya !)

I've been heavily inspired lately, getting ideas while I'm driving or while I'm at work and writing them down... Recording the vocal ideas when I get home so I don't forget them. I'm going to do some real recording in the next few weeks and I'm really excited to finally show you guys how much I've grown in the last few months... I hope it will be apparent.

I've got some kirtan (Indian chanting) with tabla loops, some sexy grooves with provocative lyrics, and a spiritual tune that's kinda bluesy with acoustic guitar. I will hopefully hookup with a new friend this week to work on the guitar number. Plus I'm doing a few shows a month with www.templebhajanband.com , we are going to Palm Springs for New Years!

I have been busy discovering the downside to overbooking.

In October, I had some awesome shows with pretty decent turnout. In November, I started out with just one gig, but then some "can't miss!" gigs fell into my lap, and now I'm playing 4 gigs in the next two weeks... which wouldn't be so bad if it were cover songs at a bar that brings out their own following...

But since I need to bring people out to the shows, I've stretched my fan base too thin. Two weeks ago, FIVE people came to a show. Last night, it was 15.

So, when this month is over, I'm dropping the gigs back down to once a month, I don't care how awesome they sound. Which is damn hard when a club you've been TRYING to get into for MONTHS calls you up with a high-paying opening in two weeks... blah blah whine whine.

Add to that the colds that have been whirling through the family, which keeps me from getting out and pimping the shows - augh. It's been a challenge, but i'm learning from these things. When there's only 1 gig per month, it's a lot easier to time the promotion machine, flyers, press, emails, etc. Right now I'm like a blind man herding cats.

Hopefully, in three weeks, I'll be rested, healthy, and refining the pimp machine. With stickers, t-shirts, thongs, and items to give to OTHER people as well.

Sigh. I've always got my laughter.

Well the Artists Studio Tour I was just involved with this year (a first for me since I moved out of Toronto and into the country) was really not that successful (sold two) and for a tour in it's 20th year, I thought it had legs; expected much more. The other 35 Artists are also ranting about a bad turn out too. I say, what the heck do you expect holding it over a Canadian Thanksgiving weekend....duh. Anyway, tonight we are all getting together and as the tour is going into a new decade of 21 years I have drawn up a sponsorship proposal for Crayola (which is just down the road from me) that could kick next year into a whole new game. I've built in a Gala Evening with band and performance art and an instore contest givaway (trip for two to the Louvre in Paris or the Tate in London) and changed the dayum date. Hope it flies.