As I mentioned recently, during my shelter-at-home stay, I haven’t been able to engage in songwriting because of the close quarters. I’m just too noisy when I’m working on a song. That doesn’t mean I’ve not been thinking about new songs. I have! In fact, I’ve written the lyrics for a few. Just no music…
A few months ago I had the occasion to travel through Nashville on the way to visit family. As I was passing through, I decided to take the opportunity to try to get in on the open mic at The Bluebird Cafe. I’ve heard so much about it ever since I began songwriting. I’m happy…
This is going to be one awesome night of music! Join Justin Trawick, Joe Peck, Jim Shirey, David Farah, Wes Tucker, Jason Masi, Nita Chawla, Jason Ager, and Joe Rathbone for a rousing evening of outstanding tunes. Just $10 at the door. Be there! Founded in 2008 by singer/songwriter Justin Trawick, “The 9 Songwriter Series”is…
Back on Jan. 26, I went to see Justin Trawick share a set at the ever-popular bar and music venue Iota in Arlington. Thought I’d share a quick report. Justin is a much sought-after independent singer/songwriter in the DC area for good reason. First, Justin writes very good music. You want proof? His song “All…
As some of you know, I’ve done a bit of song co-writing with some folks I’ve met via the Songwriters Association of Washington (SAW). And those efforts have been good, to be sure. But I still haven’t had the “Wow, that was an absolutely amazing, life-changing song we just wrote” experience. So when a friend…
As a singer/songwriter/performer, I find that I always have a song or two in the queue. Songs that are begun but only partially finished. Recently, I had an interesting experience in which I had some songs I was working on — more than two in draft, actually. I had mapped out the chord progressions and…
It’s done! Not without some difficulty, I might add. But I did submit a song to the contest being held via Nashville Arts Magazine for a theme song to the 2012 Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival. Did I say difficulty? Yes! Actually, the songwriting wasn’t as difficult as I thought it might be for a song “to order,” so-to-speak. …
Now I know that – in large part – all songwriting contests are designed as income sources for their sponsoring organizations. But that doesn’t stop thousands of hopefuls, including myself, from entering. Nor should it. Thus, I’ve decided to challenge myself and enter a songwriting contest for a very specific event. This contest isn’t the general…
While you’re busy finding the perfect gifts for your friends and family as part of the holiday celebrations, don’t forget to be good to yourself, too. Take a sec or two, grab the beverage of your choice, sit down, and relax to a good tune. And I’ve got just the tune for you to enjoy – free. …
Last night a bunch of talented singer/songwriters — host Margot MacDonald, Renee McCullough, Karter Jaymes, Mike Corrado, and Joe Peck (aka me) with Gabin Assouramou on percussion — played the Hard Rock Cafe DC for a BMI Songwriters Showcase benefit. It was a super night of great original tunes. BMI Senior VP Fred Cannon joined us at the Hard Rock as we…