Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Is Music Dead?
I remember counting the days until the next silverchair record came out, camping out overnight for concert tickets, and listening to gritty rock records with a good group of friends. It was an amazing time, and music was such an integral part of so many young people's lives.
We're not even talking ten years ago here, and yet, it seems like ages ago that all of this was going on, or that there was ever such a thing as a music EXPERIENCE. Was it just that music was so much more captivating then; that we felt much more compelled to contribute to the artists we enjoyed rather than illegally download their songs, or that we weren't as impatient as we are now when it came to waiting for a new record? Whatever the reason, music is no longer the soundtrack of our LIVES.
It's strange...there are more ways than ever to access new music, yet its perceived value is so small. Maybe this is because there are so many different artists, genres and subgenres to sort through, or because music is now so easily accessible and considered FREE (to everyone else but the artist of course).Consequently, because it is no longer seen as valuable, film and TV producers have tightened their music budgets (bad for artists wanting to license their music--one of the few money-making avenues left), major recording studios and record labels are going out of business, and thousands of artists--even name artists--are struggling more than ever.
What's even worse is that no one in the industry knows where music is going. A lot of questions are being raised by artists and industry folk alike, and it's completely understandable. If there's no money to be made in music, why make it? Why market it? What invest in it? That's not to say that I myself am going to put down my instrument and stop producing albums, because I truly love what I do, and I do it for myself, but if things continue along this trend, a lot of artists are going to have to figure out something else to do in order to supplement their income. It's either that or they starve.
More than anything though, it hurts to see that music is becoming background noise. Because we have about a billion things going on in our heads, and we're constantly barraged with advertisements and new technologies, we don't have the mental capacity anymore to actually sit and analyze a composition or watch a musical performance. If you really broke a song down, you'd really see the beauty unfold. Listen to the movements, the melody, the LYRICS. Someone wrote that song.If you were that artist, wouldn't you really appreciate it if someone took the time to truly LISTEN to what you had to say?
While it's a great thing that we have all these new and innovative methods of promotion (Myspace, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc) and distribution (CDBaby, iTunes, Rhapsody, etc) that we never had before, some of the more personal elements of music I feel have also been lost. For example, not many people buy CDs anymore (except for people from the old school like me, haha) so they won't get to see the CD inlay. There's something about looking on an inside CD cover and reading the lyrics, seeing the pictures, and finding out what kind of guitars your favorite band uses. Maybe it's just me, but I like having that little something extra. It's like looking at the special features on a DVD.
I'm not asking anyone to stop downloading or buy more CDs (because both inevitably won't happen), but I am asking everyone to really APPRECIATE music. Artists struggle and suffer to make the music that's playing in the background of your favorite video game, or on the commercial you just watched. I know you've heard this a billion times, but it's true: music is the universal language. It's just up to you how you want to decipher it.
~Alexx Calise
We're not even talking ten years ago here, and yet, it seems like ages ago that all of this was going on, or that there was ever such a thing as a music EXPERIENCE. Was it just that music was so much more captivating then; that we felt much more compelled to contribute to the artists we enjoyed rather than illegally download their songs, or that we weren't as impatient as we are now when it came to waiting for a new record? Whatever the reason, music is no longer the soundtrack of our LIVES.
It's strange...there are more ways than ever to access new music, yet its perceived value is so small. Maybe this is because there are so many different artists, genres and subgenres to sort through, or because music is now so easily accessible and considered FREE (to everyone else but the artist of course).Consequently, because it is no longer seen as valuable, film and TV producers have tightened their music budgets (bad for artists wanting to license their music--one of the few money-making avenues left), major recording studios and record labels are going out of business, and thousands of artists--even name artists--are struggling more than ever.
What's even worse is that no one in the industry knows where music is going. A lot of questions are being raised by artists and industry folk alike, and it's completely understandable. If there's no money to be made in music, why make it? Why market it? What invest in it? That's not to say that I myself am going to put down my instrument and stop producing albums, because I truly love what I do, and I do it for myself, but if things continue along this trend, a lot of artists are going to have to figure out something else to do in order to supplement their income. It's either that or they starve.
More than anything though, it hurts to see that music is becoming background noise. Because we have about a billion things going on in our heads, and we're constantly barraged with advertisements and new technologies, we don't have the mental capacity anymore to actually sit and analyze a composition or watch a musical performance. If you really broke a song down, you'd really see the beauty unfold. Listen to the movements, the melody, the LYRICS. Someone wrote that song.If you were that artist, wouldn't you really appreciate it if someone took the time to truly LISTEN to what you had to say?
While it's a great thing that we have all these new and innovative methods of promotion (Myspace, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc) and distribution (CDBaby, iTunes, Rhapsody, etc) that we never had before, some of the more personal elements of music I feel have also been lost. For example, not many people buy CDs anymore (except for people from the old school like me, haha) so they won't get to see the CD inlay. There's something about looking on an inside CD cover and reading the lyrics, seeing the pictures, and finding out what kind of guitars your favorite band uses. Maybe it's just me, but I like having that little something extra. It's like looking at the special features on a DVD.
I'm not asking anyone to stop downloading or buy more CDs (because both inevitably won't happen), but I am asking everyone to really APPRECIATE music. Artists struggle and suffer to make the music that's playing in the background of your favorite video game, or on the commercial you just watched. I know you've heard this a billion times, but it's true: music is the universal language. It's just up to you how you want to decipher it.
~Alexx Calise
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
New album update!
Hey guys,
Just wanted to drop you all a line and let you know that I've been busy plugging away on album 2. It's been quite an amazing process, and I have some really awesome, talented people helping me along the way, including the incredible Dennis Morehouse, who is one of the best drummers/songwriters (and friends) that I know. This next album promises to be one of the best yet I feel, and I can already see I'm reverting back to my alt/grunge roots (anyone who's ever known me can vouch that I am the grunge foreverchild, hehe)...minus the mouth marbles of course, haha!
In all seriousness though, I've made myself completely vulnerable during this process, and I'm just going where my music takes me. This is the most stripped down you'll probably ever see me (short of me just rawking it out on my acoustic guitar), but I think you'll appreciate it so much more, because it is completely raw and honest. It was very important to me that I make this record by myself for myself this time around, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy making it :)
I'll be laying down vocals on my latest track this week, which is an as-of-yet untitled rock/pop tune in the style of Foo Fighters/Von Bondies, so I'll probably have a little preview for you all to snack on very soon.
Also, for all of you who haven't yet had a chance or who haven't heard, please help your favorite rawk sistah out by voting for me at http://soundtrack.mtv.com/profile/alexxcaliserawks. The more votes I get, the more visible I become to MTV's music supervisors (who ultimately decide what music is played on MTV shows) and new fans like yourselves. Every little bit helps, and I deeply appreciate the support!
Please keep in touch and I'll keep you updated on the writing/recording process. YOU RAWK!
~AC
Friday, August 1, 2008
Finding Out What's Important
If you ever find yourself becoming overwhelmed by all thevarious tasks and roles associated with being a Do-It-Yourself musician, make it a point to PRIORITIZE. You're only one person, and one person can only do so much. You have to accept the fact that in order for certain aspects of your career to improve, some other things may have to suffer until you start acquiring some more hands and/or capital along the way.
For instance, if you spend all your time promoting on Myspace, then your playing will suffer. If you spend allyour time in the garage or the studio, no one will know who you are. It's all about finding a happy medium and PRIORITIZING the things that are truly important in your life and career. Instead of trying to do everything at once and becoming frustratedthat nothing is moving forward, schedule times for promoting,practing, rehearsing, etc. Not only will you be perfecting the art of time management, you'll also be able to gauge just how much time you'respending on a certain task. You may come to find that your playingis suffering because you're focusing too much on the business side of your art, or you're not taking enough time to exploit it.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to take some weight off your shoulders. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help, especially from those who believe in you and your art. This is HUGE, especially when you're first starting out and/or don't have the means to faciliate your music. If you don't have enough time to effectively promote your band, employ one of your loyal fans, friends, or family members to help you. Make sure, however that they're trustworthy, willing to put in the time, are knowledgeable about the local music scene and know how to work all the social networking websites, forums, etc. If you can't pay them, offer incentives like backstage passes or free schwag, or, you can always just give them the tried and true sad puppy dog face :) Works like a charm.
You should also at some point draw up some kind of business model for your project. After all, having a band is the same as owning a business. You're your own CEO, just remember that. Figure out your plan of action, what it will take to execute your plan, and what strategies you'll take to make your plan known. This will not only force you to think outside of the box and come up with unique ideas on how to market your music, but you will also be forced to PRIORITIZE, and list in order of importance all the things neccessary to make your "business" a success.
Once you figure out what's most important, you'll cut all the unneccessary stuff out of your life and save yourself some huge headaches. Think of it as trimming the fat. So, do yourself a favor. Make prioritizing your highest priority (I know, such a profound statement...) Good luck and godspeed my friends...
~Alexx Calise
For instance, if you spend all your time promoting on Myspace, then your playing will suffer. If you spend allyour time in the garage or the studio, no one will know who you are. It's all about finding a happy medium and PRIORITIZING the things that are truly important in your life and career. Instead of trying to do everything at once and becoming frustratedthat nothing is moving forward, schedule times for promoting,practing, rehearsing, etc. Not only will you be perfecting the art of time management, you'll also be able to gauge just how much time you'respending on a certain task. You may come to find that your playingis suffering because you're focusing too much on the business side of your art, or you're not taking enough time to exploit it.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to take some weight off your shoulders. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help, especially from those who believe in you and your art. This is HUGE, especially when you're first starting out and/or don't have the means to faciliate your music. If you don't have enough time to effectively promote your band, employ one of your loyal fans, friends, or family members to help you. Make sure, however that they're trustworthy, willing to put in the time, are knowledgeable about the local music scene and know how to work all the social networking websites, forums, etc. If you can't pay them, offer incentives like backstage passes or free schwag, or, you can always just give them the tried and true sad puppy dog face :) Works like a charm.
You should also at some point draw up some kind of business model for your project. After all, having a band is the same as owning a business. You're your own CEO, just remember that. Figure out your plan of action, what it will take to execute your plan, and what strategies you'll take to make your plan known. This will not only force you to think outside of the box and come up with unique ideas on how to market your music, but you will also be forced to PRIORITIZE, and list in order of importance all the things neccessary to make your "business" a success.
Once you figure out what's most important, you'll cut all the unneccessary stuff out of your life and save yourself some huge headaches. Think of it as trimming the fat. So, do yourself a favor. Make prioritizing your highest priority (I know, such a profound statement...) Good luck and godspeed my friends...
~Alexx Calise
Friday, June 27, 2008
In it for the right reasons?
There comes a time in every musician's life when he/she asks his/herself, "Why the hell am I doing this? I'm broke, I'm starving, and I'm nowhere near where I want to be or should be..."It's definitely a valid question. As artists, we constantly struggle and sacrifice. We constantly experience rejection. We constantly need to validate ourselves and our art. We're no picnic, and neither is this business for that matter. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself where it is you want to go, how far you're willing to go for it, and above all, if you're in it for the right reasons...
Having a dream is truly a beautiful thing (and by all means, follow it!), but the reality of this business is, you could have all the talent and drive in the world, and you may never be able to make the connections you need, or sustain a confortable living doing what you truly love to do. If you think that becoming a rich, famous rock star is going to be the answer to all your problems; emotional, financial, what have you, then you're sadly mistaken. Your personal success should not be determined by how much you can make or how famous you can get, but by how you feel inside. If you know in your heart that you won't be happy doing anything else, and there is no other path for you, then you're free, and there's no need to read any further.
Also know that what you do is not who you are. Never in any way, shape or form should you attach your career pitfalls or plateaus to your person. I still struggle with that to this day to be truthful, but I'm learning to accept the fact that having a "bad show," not landing a certain opportunity or not being at a certain level (playing or career wise) is not a reflection of me. I know that I'm a good person, I know I'm doing the best that I can, and I know I do what I do because I love it. Not because I expect anything from it. If you expect nothing, it's always a lovely surprise when the universe actually throws some candy your way.
The only thing you really can do is what you're doing. If, however, what you're doing isn't working, fix it. A major reason why the industry is crumbling right now is because the powers that be are operating the machine with an old manual. You're an artist. Be creative. There are ways to get yourself noticed so long as you put forth the time and effort to find out what those ways are. Don't give up. Just keep on trudging on and remember why you're doing what you're doing.
The key is having patience. Some people spend ten years playing dives and getting shafted before they achieve any kind of success. If you were to experience success instantly and without having to work for it, you wouldn't appreciate it nearly as much as if you had truly bled for it anyway. While you're "waiting," be productive with your time. Get involved in a project you can believe in, write, practice, find out as much as you can about the business.I'm telling you from personal experience that the only way you will be happy and successful in this industry is if you know in your heart that no matter what the outcome, you will always have your music...and yourself. Don't let other people define "success" for you, and certainly don't ever "quit" because it's not paying the bills or it hasn't yet earned you a plaque on the wall. When you picked up that guitar as a little kid, were you really thinking, "Oh man, this thing is gonna make me some bread!" or, were you thinking, "I love this instrument, and I just wanna play"? Maybe your luck will change, maybe it won't. One thing that should always remain constant is your love for what you're doing, and if it means eating Ramen noodles and peanut butter and jelly for a while, so be it. Just play with heart and you'll see that the stars will align for you, promise.
Wishing you much success!
Always,
Alexx Calise
Having a dream is truly a beautiful thing (and by all means, follow it!), but the reality of this business is, you could have all the talent and drive in the world, and you may never be able to make the connections you need, or sustain a confortable living doing what you truly love to do. If you think that becoming a rich, famous rock star is going to be the answer to all your problems; emotional, financial, what have you, then you're sadly mistaken. Your personal success should not be determined by how much you can make or how famous you can get, but by how you feel inside. If you know in your heart that you won't be happy doing anything else, and there is no other path for you, then you're free, and there's no need to read any further.
Also know that what you do is not who you are. Never in any way, shape or form should you attach your career pitfalls or plateaus to your person. I still struggle with that to this day to be truthful, but I'm learning to accept the fact that having a "bad show," not landing a certain opportunity or not being at a certain level (playing or career wise) is not a reflection of me. I know that I'm a good person, I know I'm doing the best that I can, and I know I do what I do because I love it. Not because I expect anything from it. If you expect nothing, it's always a lovely surprise when the universe actually throws some candy your way.
The only thing you really can do is what you're doing. If, however, what you're doing isn't working, fix it. A major reason why the industry is crumbling right now is because the powers that be are operating the machine with an old manual. You're an artist. Be creative. There are ways to get yourself noticed so long as you put forth the time and effort to find out what those ways are. Don't give up. Just keep on trudging on and remember why you're doing what you're doing.
The key is having patience. Some people spend ten years playing dives and getting shafted before they achieve any kind of success. If you were to experience success instantly and without having to work for it, you wouldn't appreciate it nearly as much as if you had truly bled for it anyway. While you're "waiting," be productive with your time. Get involved in a project you can believe in, write, practice, find out as much as you can about the business.I'm telling you from personal experience that the only way you will be happy and successful in this industry is if you know in your heart that no matter what the outcome, you will always have your music...and yourself. Don't let other people define "success" for you, and certainly don't ever "quit" because it's not paying the bills or it hasn't yet earned you a plaque on the wall. When you picked up that guitar as a little kid, were you really thinking, "Oh man, this thing is gonna make me some bread!" or, were you thinking, "I love this instrument, and I just wanna play"? Maybe your luck will change, maybe it won't. One thing that should always remain constant is your love for what you're doing, and if it means eating Ramen noodles and peanut butter and jelly for a while, so be it. Just play with heart and you'll see that the stars will align for you, promise.
Wishing you much success!
Always,
Alexx Calise
Friday, February 1, 2008
This really is the City of Angels...
After shopping for groceries at a Von's the other day, I started my car, and I heard a loud, whirring sound. I thought I'd run out of oil or that I needed steering wheel fluid because I couldn't cut the wheel, but it turns out that a rat had crawled under the hood of my car while I was inside (probably seeking shelter from the cold weather we've been having here), and somehow managed to take off one of my fan belts—not chew it off, but completely remove it altogether. It was quite an elaborate job, but this rat was obviously a fan of McGyver.
So, I manage to get it 4 blocks down the street to an Autozone on Pico Blvd (Of course it's the weekend, and there are no repair shops open. There would be no story otherwise). I'm pissed, I'm freezing, and I'm a girl. What the hell do girls know about fixing cars? Well, a lot apparently.
I thought she was just a cashier or a phone operator, but I was way off. Lori asked me to pop the hood to see what the problem was. The next thing I know, this girl is on her hands and knees in the freezing rain, fixing my car. I told her that there was no need for her to do all of that, and that she'd gone way above and beyond the call of duty, but she just smiled and said she was used to it. After all, she rides her bike to and from work every day, despite the torrential downpours we've been having here lately.
I was so impressed, and so grateful. If it were me, I don't know if I would have been so selfless. I don't do well with cold weather (I am a Floridian after all), and I sure as hell wouldn't be so willing to dig around under the hood of a stranger's car knowing that there's a dead rat lurking around there somewhere.
Well, for the next 2 hours that it took to fix it, Lori and I joked around about the "hood rat," and talked about life, relationships, and her love of cars. I found out that she's in mechanics school, she's a violinist, and she grew up with good Southern values (her father was from Texas) despite living her whole life in California. I knew that a regular mechanic would have charged me an astronomical amount of money for the amount of labor that went into repairing that damn car, but she didn't ask for anything. I could tell that all she wanted was to talk to someone and do what she loves to do most: fix cars. Never have I met someone so kind, and so willing to help someone they don't even know.
Life is so funny sometimes. Even in the oddest or stickiest of situations, something good can be drawn from the experience. In this case, it was Lori. If it wasn't for this extremely unusual and unfortunate incident, I probably never would have met her. I also wouldn't have gotten home that night, or, if I did, I would have had to inconvenience one of my friends to come and pick me up and then chance leaving my car unattended in a questionable neighborhood. I don't know what I did to deserve the treatment that I got the other night, but I must be in check with karma. Lori was my little glimmer of hope that day.
Sometimes, I feel ravaged by life out here—the constant struggle to survive, the competition, the extremeness of it all; but she truly brightened my day, and I felt compelled to tell the whole world about her.
A lot of people would probably agree that Los Angeles isn't so deserving of its title, but every so often, someone or something comes along to prove that miracles do happen, and that angels do in fact, exist. You just have to believe.
~Alexx Calise
So, I manage to get it 4 blocks down the street to an Autozone on Pico Blvd (Of course it's the weekend, and there are no repair shops open. There would be no story otherwise). I'm pissed, I'm freezing, and I'm a girl. What the hell do girls know about fixing cars? Well, a lot apparently.
I thought she was just a cashier or a phone operator, but I was way off. Lori asked me to pop the hood to see what the problem was. The next thing I know, this girl is on her hands and knees in the freezing rain, fixing my car. I told her that there was no need for her to do all of that, and that she'd gone way above and beyond the call of duty, but she just smiled and said she was used to it. After all, she rides her bike to and from work every day, despite the torrential downpours we've been having here lately.
I was so impressed, and so grateful. If it were me, I don't know if I would have been so selfless. I don't do well with cold weather (I am a Floridian after all), and I sure as hell wouldn't be so willing to dig around under the hood of a stranger's car knowing that there's a dead rat lurking around there somewhere.
Well, for the next 2 hours that it took to fix it, Lori and I joked around about the "hood rat," and talked about life, relationships, and her love of cars. I found out that she's in mechanics school, she's a violinist, and she grew up with good Southern values (her father was from Texas) despite living her whole life in California. I knew that a regular mechanic would have charged me an astronomical amount of money for the amount of labor that went into repairing that damn car, but she didn't ask for anything. I could tell that all she wanted was to talk to someone and do what she loves to do most: fix cars. Never have I met someone so kind, and so willing to help someone they don't even know.
Life is so funny sometimes. Even in the oddest or stickiest of situations, something good can be drawn from the experience. In this case, it was Lori. If it wasn't for this extremely unusual and unfortunate incident, I probably never would have met her. I also wouldn't have gotten home that night, or, if I did, I would have had to inconvenience one of my friends to come and pick me up and then chance leaving my car unattended in a questionable neighborhood. I don't know what I did to deserve the treatment that I got the other night, but I must be in check with karma. Lori was my little glimmer of hope that day.
Sometimes, I feel ravaged by life out here—the constant struggle to survive, the competition, the extremeness of it all; but she truly brightened my day, and I felt compelled to tell the whole world about her.
A lot of people would probably agree that Los Angeles isn't so deserving of its title, but every so often, someone or something comes along to prove that miracles do happen, and that angels do in fact, exist. You just have to believe.
~Alexx Calise
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Mem-or-ies!
Wassap rawkers!
How goes it? Everything is going great here in LA. Just having some trouble believing it's already the end of 2007, geez :)
This has definitely been one hell of a year. Released the album, moved out to the City of Angels, licensed "Morning Pill" to MTV/VH1 networks, in the process of recording the follow up...whew. My New Year's resolution is definitely to take some more "me" time. Well, I say that now...
Anyways, just wanted to give you all a quick update. I just finished writing and recording a brand new song with my producer, Luigie Gonzalez (A BALLAD OF ALL THINGS...), which is as a of yet untitled. It's probably one of the most thoughtful and beautiful works I've ever written, and it really showcases my range, which has improved drastically by the way thanks to my awesome new vocal coach, David Coury (Menudo, Lance Bass). Check him out, he's the bomb diggi-tay!
Luigie and I will also be working on yet another song, entitled "No Rompes Mi Corazon (Don't Break My Heart) over the next few weeks as well. I guess I was inspired by the whole Menudo resurgence :)
Thanks so much to everyone who voted for the song for the next AC vid by the way. I'll have the results of that very soon! We'll be shooting the vid out here in LA next year, so if you just so happen to live in or around the area during the time of the filming, we may just need your lovely mug(s) ;)
A message to all you AC diehards out there:
If you're looking to be more involved with the Alexx Calise cause (hehe), then join the AC Police. In exchange for helping to spread the word about your fave chick rawker, you'll receive free schwag, and you may even get to sit in .. AC recording and rehearsal sessions. For more info about this, please send me a message saying you're in it to win it.
Well, I hope you all are having a fantastic holiday. I'm really grateful to have all of you in my life! You make all of this possible.
Love Always,
AC
How goes it? Everything is going great here in LA. Just having some trouble believing it's already the end of 2007, geez :)
This has definitely been one hell of a year. Released the album, moved out to the City of Angels, licensed "Morning Pill" to MTV/VH1 networks, in the process of recording the follow up...whew. My New Year's resolution is definitely to take some more "me" time. Well, I say that now...
Anyways, just wanted to give you all a quick update. I just finished writing and recording a brand new song with my producer, Luigie Gonzalez (A BALLAD OF ALL THINGS...), which is as a of yet untitled. It's probably one of the most thoughtful and beautiful works I've ever written, and it really showcases my range, which has improved drastically by the way thanks to my awesome new vocal coach, David Coury (Menudo, Lance Bass). Check him out, he's the bomb diggi-tay!
Luigie and I will also be working on yet another song, entitled "No Rompes Mi Corazon (Don't Break My Heart) over the next few weeks as well. I guess I was inspired by the whole Menudo resurgence :)
Thanks so much to everyone who voted for the song for the next AC vid by the way. I'll have the results of that very soon! We'll be shooting the vid out here in LA next year, so if you just so happen to live in or around the area during the time of the filming, we may just need your lovely mug(s) ;)
A message to all you AC diehards out there:
If you're looking to be more involved with the Alexx Calise cause (hehe), then join the AC Police. In exchange for helping to spread the word about your fave chick rawker, you'll receive free schwag, and you may even get to sit in .. AC recording and rehearsal sessions. For more info about this, please send me a message saying you're in it to win it.
Well, I hope you all are having a fantastic holiday. I'm really grateful to have all of you in my life! You make all of this possible.
Love Always,
AC
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