[Harp-L] Misc...

[William Jennings <will@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

iPod recording...I've used the Griffen iTalk that has a 'plug  
through' feature, allowing you to plug a better quality mic
into your iPod...but it's max is still only 8khz 16-bit mono.  I've  
used it to get basic tunes, riffs, rehearsal bits in a 'live'
mode and then use those to woodshed tunes or transfer them to my lap-  
or desktop for use with software like
Amazing Slow Downer, etc.

Playing for money/Studio fees... Our band has played in a relatively  
small, though relatively active local market for the past 16 years.
We started by playing as many regular shows as we could to build a  
following and improve/develop our sound.
Still, from the start, we knew we were 'competing' (in a sense) with  
other more established bands and performers...many of whom
made their living by music work alone.  We did not 'undercut'  
established players by working for less. We could not, in good
conscience, ask for their rates...but we knew it was important to  
respect their rates and livelihood.  There will always be people,
some better, some worse for any given musical occasion, who will  
always work for less and then move on.
I mention this because I think it's important for up and coming  
players, bands, etc. to look at how they price themselves
relative to their local markets.  It has been my experience that  
playing for cheap just to get work is not a sustainable practice,
doesn't help you make connections in the local & regional music  
community, etc., even if it clearly 'pays off' for you in the more
immediate realm.

In some ways this is the classic 'Prisoner's Dilemma'.  If you're  
ever looking for an interesting read about how this 'game theory'
works on a larger social and economic model, read Tom Slee's book,   
"No One Makes You Shop At Wal-Mart: the surprising deceptions of  
individual choice".

And, second to lastly, our record label, Hayden's Ferry, was recently  
acquired and our new distributor is putting our band's catalog up on  
iTunes.
For a variety of economic reasons, only our original and public  
domain tunes will be sold.  Our first CD is up, with the rest to follow.
If anyone is interested, just do a search for "Big Wooden Radio" in  
the iTunes Store search box.

Finally, my father passed away last Friday, peacefully and in home  
hospice care at the age of 86.
It meant the world to me to play a soft, slow version of Brendan  
Power's version of Si Bheag Si Mhor
as he was carried from my sister's home.
He played swing clarinet before WWII and when I was in 4th grade,  
struggling to learn trumpet,
he took me to see Louis Armstrong. Seeing a small group of men move  
so many people and make all of that magic
out of nothing but air...it was a gift that has stayed with me my  
entire life.  So, if the chance ever presents itself,
take a kid to see live music and pass that moment along.

-Will