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What's MUSE'IK?
Two things, simply. Muse, representing thought, Ideas and Ponderments, and, Ik, meaning a possible different taste altogether. These were articles from the Muse'Ik column from the Maverick Free Press paper (in the past).
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Muse'Ik is no longer being published but I have included some articles here for your interest and pleasure.
MUSE'IK
The Muse and the Ik
Theoretically, it is possible to do many things. Realistically, we are limited. What defines these limitations? And how does progress broaden the realm of possibilites? Hmmm.
No, I won't go there. I'd rather stand beneath the stars on a snowy hillside, as Elk pass within reach. This war thing has gotten me to a'thinkin'. First, it brought back reminders of the past, when I thought about how my family would survive a nuclear attack. Russia had her missals parked offshore in this place called Cuba. Bomb shelters were the rage of desperation. Then on to Vietnam and so on. So on? Lack of respect? No, just weariness from all the battles. Sure, we've all experianced problems with our neighbors, but most times, these things are resolved and life continues. I never understood how this wasn't applicable to the world on a global scale.
It shouldn't be that hard. Were intelligent people aren't we?
So, how do we go about obtaining this serenity? All I know is that ever since I can remember, there has been conflict and warring among the nations and counries of the world, and we were involved in our share.
I was watching the videos from the tanks the first day or two of the attack, and it gave it all an unreal-video game like texture. A replay, repeat, even a rerun of the past. I'm tired of it all, but there's nothing I can do. Nothing we can do. Or, is there?
MUSE'IK
By: Bill Freeland
Talent in a Bottle
Perhaps you know one. Perhaps you've met one. I call them, Talents in a Bottle. Here's the pocket. I have been involved with everyone from office to industrial workers, sound techs to major entertainers in my years. Every so often, I meet people who derive their talent, not from their true inner selves, but from things like speed, cocaine, over the counter diet pills, you name 'em, they're taking them. If they don't, they either can't perform, perform badly or just don't get into the groove of things. Let me tell you, if you need this to do your job, your in the wrong profession. You think you have the talent and the edge, but look again. It's in that bottle. Your work hopefully is something you enjoy, and have a desire to do. Yes, we all have the daily grind, but choosing the proper job and environment can make for a happier person and better health.
One radio jock I know took 4 to 6 ephedrine tablets before doing his show every day so he could have a good show. Listening to it, you could hear laughter that was faked/pushed and the show ended up being an unappealing product overall. If you're in the bottle, you don't see it and you don't want to hear about it. After seeing many people, even a few friends in the industry die early deaths because of this, I tend to speak out if I see it.
Face it. Why do anything that ends up taking the very life from you? Sometimes it's good to reflect on our own values, habits and tendencies to assure we're not falling blind into an unhappy situation. No one's perfect, but if someone approaches you about the subject, don't be rude or push them off. It takes a lot to bring it out sometimes, and if done to preserve one's privacy, then helping another person is what's going on. Keep your health, and your happiness. Try to do what your COMFORTABLE doing, not what you think your good at. Change jobs, professions if you have to. You'll be glad you did. And I'm not talking about habits of all sorts either.
Heck, this column is a habit. I take comfort in the time I take writing it. But it's not going to kill me if I write too much, too long or not at all. As I mentioned before, I have lost acquaintances and even a friend or two, and don't want to lose anymore. Someone's got to say it sometime, and I guess this time it's me, so, take a few steps back and ask yourself, is this really me, or is my Talent in a Bottle?
A FEW LOCAL MUSIC HAPPENINGS
Horizon will be at the Little River Lounge in Springerville, CCX will be at Serengeti's starting the 13th (Serengeti's is where the old Wagon Wheel club was if you don't know). That's all in the E-mail this week. If you want your gig announced here, drop me a note. Till next, take care all and a-MUSE yourselves.
Winter Hearts, Love and such.
Well, to date, not enough snow has fallen for me. I figured if I put it in print, the clouds would take notice and perhaps give us some snow before Valentines day. Speaking of, remember that Sunday night, February 9th from 10pm to midnight, I'll be hosting the Love Is Majik special on Majik 101.7 FM.
I thought it would be a great chance for a 2 hour block of romantic love songs and such. It's also a good one to record to play back when you have your special Valentines encounter. Music, Moods, Love, Hearts, it's all interlaced (Lace, no pun intended) on Valentines day. If you want your special someone mentioned or a dedication made, E-mail me at billfreeland@radio.fm or call me the night of the show.
Love? Let me tell you, I used to think I was a romantic at heart. However, the years and evidence have proven otherwise. I never was much of a cards and roses kind of guy, much rather preferring the intimacy of two alone. I've known people on both sides of the fence. To some, it is not a big deal. To others, it's the world itself. Better know which one your partner is, or, look out !!!! I found that two can work well together as long as they share the same basic values, and that leans over into the cards and roses thing too.
My idea of romantic is drinking cups of coffee near a campfire while watching the stars fade away into first light, Watching the sun creep across the desert floor as it rises, from a high mountain perch, and feeling the solar wind blow across our shoulders while the sun warms us up.
What is love to you? What expression of love means or has meant the most to you? Do you have true love?
Changing the subject, I went out and saw Horizon performing at the Little River in Springerville. They had a good sound going and the crowd liked them a lot. I missed the party there the night before, but still want to put in a note that you should stop in when they are there and support your local musicians. There are so few up here. I am looking for some myself. No other club news in the mailbox this week, so take care and keep the peace till next week.
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Past Articles in no particular order
Muse'Ik
By: Bill Freeland
Cohesion
Tape? Glue? I believe the term was 'That's Cohesive,
Man!'. So, what's it all about? Let's take a look at
professions, music to be more specific (No, this guy
never talks music). I like to think of Cohesion as
the binding together of two or more musical elements.
This can be instruments, people, writers, the list is
endless. Think of some of the music you like and who
performs it, or who wrote it. True, some musicians
are talented and gifted from the start, but I find
that the bands that have lived life together,
developing that bond (Cohesiveness) that only comes
with time, produces a musical expression of emotions
that really hits home. I'm not including the solo
performer in this although his bond with deep emotions
may find him on this level too.
I basically speak of the togetherness of a group. If
a band works together on an equal basis to create
their works, then the strength of the material
increases for each has his share, his part. True,
perhaps one member writes everything and dictates
everything. If this is an agreed upon ideal, then
then product shouldn't suffer but when Ego's get out
of hand (No, Musicians don't have those), then
Cohesiveness takes a back door and things eventually
fall apart. So one guys got more talent. Music is
the sum total of the musicians involved, not only
musical talent and abilities, but attitude too.
I think of the symphony, where the blending of many
talents produces the composers thoughts. Music is
also unforgiving as you can take a test and do well
with a score of 90%, but music has got to be played
100%, especially symphonically or the mistake is
noticed. The wrong note, the wrong tempo, the wrong
inflection or expression of certain notes or phrases.
Music's tough, but when everything's 'Cohesive', the
product is wonderful.
Of course, Cohesive applies to every life thought or
drive, for it's in the spirit of being cohesive (or
Working/Sharing together) that we hold hands, share
hugs, do for others that are in need and the like. We
all realize (hopefully) that while we are each
individuals, and our own people, that it is as a
people together, that makes life worth it. O.K., so
I'm a positive thinker. What's wrong with that?
An Indy Live Note:
Indy Live would like to thank all it's listeners for
helping to further the Independent Music Scene, not
only on the show, but locally too
. Hats off to our local
performers. Let's encourage them and even bring the
ones that aren't currently out and playing to light.
With the season upon us, the choices are any. Merle
Haggard is coming to HonDah. I remember seeing him in
the late 80's and his band smoked. Even Ponderosa
Lanes will have a Jam Night this friday eve if my
sources are correct. Speaking of jams, let's remember
to give everyone a chance. That's the jam spirit.
And be Cohesive (There's that word again) and make
sure you pay attention to the overall mix. Of course
Hat Trick is at the Black Bull (Except for Mon/Tue
Karaoke). I'd tell you more, but that's all I got in
the E-mail pile this week. I'd like to hear from
non-musicians with their thoughts on our 'Scene'.
Muse'Ik
By: Bill Freeland
Got The Blues?
If your into the Blues (music wise), are you into any
Local Arizona Blues Artists? The Payson Junebug Blues
Festival is just around the corner, and it's a great
showcase for local talent, local great blues talent.
Last years festival had the likes of Stephan George,
Uvon, Shri and others not on the tip of my tounge at
the moment. Joe Shaker (Event Organizer/Promoter) has
not let me know the line up yet, but I expect it in
this week and I'll air it on Indy Live Sunday night.
(Note: Indy Live Programming Changes at the end of
this column).
Joe said he's sending up a few pair of tickets and so
I'll be giving them away on the air and also through
next week's column. I'll figure out some sort of
contest I guess. Anyway, If you like the Blues, it's
a great gig to hit, and it's only 80 some miles away
(Practically a 'Day Trip'). Acts and Schedule to be
announced.
Indy Live News
I've gotten alot of blues sent to me through the first
30 weeks of Indy Live and in celebration of the afore
mentioned festival, I'll be playing nothing but Blues
from 11-12 Midnight next Sunday Night. The big
programming change is that now the show will be split
into two one-hour segments. The first hour will
feature nothing but brand new Independent Music
(Usually the materials first Radio airing), and the
second hour will be the songs that are in Indy Live's
regular rotation (Played or requested alot). This
way, you'll get a guarenteed hour of new stuff and
then another hour of the best of the Independents.
This Sunday's show will feature nothing but Blues in
the last hour and will have cuts from Arizona Artists
like Joe Hage, Krissy Lee, Shri, Uvon, Chico Chism and
The Chuck Hall Band. Out of towners like Todd
Tijerina/Albuquerque, Leszak Cichionski/Warsaw Poland
and Delbert McClintock to name a few. Plus I
anticipate giving away a few tickets to the Payson
Junebug Blues Festival. If you like the blues, then
this assortment of originals and covers should have
something you'll find interesting. Best to get the
recorder out as most of this music has never been
aired on Radio before. {Indy Live airs every Sunday
Night from 10pm till Midnight on The Mix, 96.5, KRFM}
Relief
On of the things that relieves my blues is knowing
that most Independent Bands out there have websites
and offer free Mp3's of their stuff, as well as an
avenue for you to communicate directly with them.
Most Indies are very friendly and like contact with
their fans. Some of the bands from the UK that I play
on Indy Live really get jazzed to get E-mails from us
here in the states, and often in talking back and
forth with them, you learn a litle more about
different peoples and cultures. A benefit that's hard
to get out of a main stream commercial band where
you'r usually just sent the form lyrics and form
response leter that your a great supporter. {My first
experiance with this was back in '76 with B.O.C.. I
must say that my request for lyrics was filed quickly
(Computer Run) but the general tone of the package
suggested handling by a corporate clerk. After this,
I sought to become fluent in obtaining access to
Artists and Venues so I could actually meet the
performers, and thus obtain the enlightenment I so
heavily sought. Found out the Enlightenment wasn't
there. I'd tell you where I found it, but if your
looking yourself, you'll appreciate the journey.}
Bands and promotions companies that get not only band
product but also band ideals into the hands of
potential paying customers and ardent fans in a
friendly and expiditious nature tend to grow quicker
than other bands (Basically, good promoting). Of
course, this only succeeds if the product being sold
is worth the price. A band without success means the
blues. A blues band with success? I don't know.
I'll have to figure that one out in some other column.
Muse'IkBy: Bill Freeland10 is not the answer.Last week we saw how we can use music to help us get abetter focus on life. I'd like to step into the Finer Sound aspects of musicthis week. How do we get the music to sound the wayit should, or the way we want it to? The normalresponse is, 'Crank it up!'. Well, cranking it upsometimes, most times, makes the music worse if thesound is being reproduced incorrectly. I don't careif you spent .oo on your system. Money may giveyou the means to make or handle good sound, but thatdoesn't mean you'll get good sound. Put too big a speaker in too small a space, and thesound never really developes. You get magnet bounceand rumble along with a dead signal. Sometimes I heargreat stereo's that are just too loud. The speakersare distorting (Static sound) and a great song isruined, and that's coming from someone who's used toworking loud shows years on end. If you take the timeto mix (Equalize) your signal, you'll get a greatsound. Here's a couple thoughts to keep in mind whenbuilding your system. If you have an EQ, put all thesliders in the mid or neutral position. Add or takeoff a few at a time (in small increments) and listento how each affects what your hearing. An EQ(Equalizer) allows you to adjust and add or eliminatethe frequencies needed to balance your signal so itwill be clear and powerful. Don't mistake it for aBass or Treble Volume switch. Yes, it can add volume(db's) but it's intent is for balancing the overallsound output, then you can go to the regular mainvolume, and, crank it up. If there's too much bass,the speakers will rumble and too much treble makes thehigh pitchs screechingly clear.Personally, I go for an overall normal mix that soundsgood on alot of music, but I still adjust all the timebecause I just have that habit. Sometimes I like to'bring out' or 'highlight' certain instruments and theEQ is great for this, especially when making custom recordings. For some people, this is all just too much. "I justwant to stick the CD in, play it and turn it up". Well, graciously, most systems are made to work thiseasily. Just back off the volume if there'sdistortion or excessive rumble as it could damage yourspeakers. They can get to sounding real terribleafter awhile. Also remember that hearing loss,although lengthy in onset, is permanent. If your earsring, it was too loud. Sometimes, loudness cannot beavoided. In these cases, I try to keep cotton in theears as I can still hear what's going on, and theCotton breaks the strength of the soundwaves reducingdamage to the sensitive fibers within. I'm not goingto give this lecture on hearing however. Just onhaving your stereo sound good and being respectful ofneighbors, etc. I like to rock in my place, but I usethe EQ to keep most of the freq's in the house. Basscarries so you have to avoid excess in apartments orclose knit dwellings. Give it just enough for yourspace. If you mess around with the EQ long enough,you may just get the hang of it. You've got nothingto lose (Unless you crank everything and ruin yourspeakers) and if you get frustrated, just put it backto the original settings or flat. The more you explore and play (so to speak) with sound,manipulating volumes, frequencies and such, the morethe world of sound will open up to you. At one time,I thought only in the terms of Volume, Treble, Midsand Bass. Now I'm talking Compression, Noise Gatesand Amp Racks. If I can, you probably can too. Justlike playing guitar. Wanna be great? Practice inhonest 5 hours a day straight for a year, and yourfingers should fly down the fretboard. Get into soundapplications, and maybe you'll 'fly' a new sound ofyour own some-day. Indy Live #35Hopefully I'll be featuring an interview with theband, Nucleus. I kind of describe them as a jam band,but I'm going to get their thoughts on it, plus a fewother views. If you have any questions you'd like tofield to the Independent Scene, Just E-mail. I'lleven ask the bands. I appreciate everyone who listensto the show and who supports Independent music and/ortheir local music scene. Your E-mails are appreciatedas are your calls. Be sure to check out the Indy LiveWebsite at for comlete listingsof Artists, Playlists and other show information. It's the place to go also if you want to get on theshow. See you next week.
Muse'Ik By: Bill Freeland
Fishin' with the Indies
Fishing? What's that got to do with music? Have you ever checked out Johnny Johnson (jr.) and his fishing show? Well, there's music behind the picture, and most all of it (if not all) is done right here in our fair berg by Darin Perkins. Now if you know the local music scene, you'll know Johhny and Darin from their band called 'Loose Change' who used to appear regularly at Mr C's (Now the Italian Cowboy). Many local musicians have sat in or been in the band at onetime or another. Before my gig in the old Risky Business band, Loose Change was the first band I made money with up here. Well, Johnny has moved up and on and has his fishing show on the TV waves for us all toenjoy. I tune in as I like to hear what Darin has come up with music wise. Darin, A guitarist and songwriter, has many originals which have been played not only by loose change but by other mountain bands as well. I bent his arm and talked him and Johnny into coming into the studios Sunday Night and doing the next Indy Live with me, provided Darin brings some of his stuff to listen too. I know they have a fishing tournament that weekend and will be getting in late, but hopefully they'll make it in and you can all hear for yourselves, first hand, Darin's pickin'. Besides, they're just 2 great guys and good people, so it should be fun regardless. Maybe I can get some tips from Johnny on getting the one that shouldn't getaway. I'll also have a new band out of Canada called 'Lister' doing a phone interview on the show as well. No, I'm not changing the format to Talk Radio, unlessof course it's Music talk. Speaking of music........Nessa Marquez - Grand Adventure When it come to music, some types seem to be filled with male performers and lack the female voice or vision such as in electronic or classical guitar music. After finding a great female electronica artists out of Warsaw Poland, it was only fitting that the classical genre be filled next. That's when I got Nessa's CD. From Colorado, Her playing abilities change as much as her persona. Depending on what she wears, she takes on many different styles. The same applies to her music. Her CD, Grand Adventure ,actually starts with a hand-drum percussion track and then on into the guitar stylings she offers, from jazzy to spanish to classical. Her influences early in her teen years were Earth, Wind and Fire, Ramsey Lewis, Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorius and Ronnie Laws. I find it different from the normal releases you see everyday, and it's going to be available locally in the next week or so (I believe at Mountain Edge). E-mail me in a few days and I'll certainly know for sure by then where you can get it. And, so you can get to know Nessa Marquez, I'll be featuring some music from the 'Grand Adventure' CD this Sunday night on Indy Live in the first hour (From 10pm till midnight on The Mix, 96.5, KRFM). Take Care and until next week, keep music in your heart and you may find yourself smiling more than usual....
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In Memory of 'SHOT'
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MUSE'IK
By: Bill Freeland
The forest, quiet, in the morning snow,
Before the coming pre-dawn glow,
Flakes falling big on the needles small,
Covering the trees, pines oaks and all.
I listen intently,
For the sound of each flake,
As it touches the ground in it's silent felt wake,
And yet,
It seems I can hear it, the sound ever so slight,
Even in the moon lit dark of the early morning night.
And ever so wonderful, the feeling I get,
To be out in the snow and the forests light set.
Christmas is here, and it's time we remember,
The pains of those people we should call our brother,
Knowing if in your path, need is found,
Bless the day and do what you must, abound,
In Glad Tidings.
And, if you get the chance,
Listen for the snow, falling ever so quiet,
In the middle of the night,
Perhaps even under starlight, firelight, moonlight the same,
White falling snow, God's crystal frozen rain.
Happy Holidays and New Years to you.
New Years Resolution Idea?
Be Positive, a Candle in the night. Quiet, yet strong.
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