Posts tagged music
On Greatest Hits
Feb 26th
Yesterday was my birthday, and my friends and family hooked me up with a bunch of my favorite things (Chipotle gift card, Jeni’s Ice Cream, books, etc.).
One of my presents was The Foo Fighters’ Greatest Hits
It’s unreal.
Every single song is incredibly well-written, perfectly mastered and authentically “Foo” – which got me thinking, ”How can a single band produce that many amazing songs?” Simple:
- Consistency
- Their willingness to “ship”
Consistency
The Foo Fighters was formed by Dave Grohl (of Nirvana fame) back in 1995. Now while it may not seem that long ago, 1995 was fifteen (15!) years ago. Since then, The Foo Fighters have recorded and released six studio albums with a total of 81 different tracks. That means that for the past fifteen years, they have (on average) written, arranged, edited, and recorded a new song every month – on top of touring, appearances, promotions, etc.
Obviously, some songs are better than others, which is why only 13 of the original 81 made the Greatest Hits album. But here’s the key – each of the six albums is represented on the Greatest Hits CD. Even though The Foo Fighters have gotten better (in my opinion) over the years, they still had highlights along the way.
Willingness to Ship
Yesterday I listened to a great podcast interview of one of my favorite authors, Seth Godin
The fear that most bands/authors/investors/artists/(insert profession here) face is that their album or book or investment or painting won’t be a “hit” – an overnight success.
Most people set out to create a chart-topper the first time out. But they fail to realize it takes bands decades to come up with enough hit songs to create a greatest hits album. Becoming an expert in any field takes time, persistence, and a willingness to put your neck out there and learn from your mistakes. But if you aren’t willing to “ship” your product and take a chance in the first place, you will never know what works.
Write Your Own Ending
Not everything you do today (or this year, or this decade) will be a “greatest hit.” Not everything you touch will turn to gold. But if you consistently put out high-quality content in your field, maybe (just maybe) you’ll look back 15 years from now and be pleased with the body of work you have contributed to the world.
2010 SNAP! Spring Show Preview
Feb 11th
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories include going to the park when I was six or seven years old to watch my mom’s father play the saxophone with the Army band. My dad played the drums when he was younger, so we always had a set of vintage blue pearl Gretsch drums in the basement (which my brother eventually learned to play).
I started playing cello in the fifth grade, moved on to the guitar by eighth grade, and have been singing for at least that long. Since then I’ve performed in variety shows, show choirs, a’capella and competition choirs, and most recently played with some amazing bands.
Shortly after I moved back to Columbus in 2005, I met some friends at a local bar where they happened to have karaoke going on. I hadn’t sung in a while, so I got up on stage and belted out my rendition of a Frank Sinatra classic. And the rest they say, is history…
In 2006, I became a performing member of SNAP! Performance Productions – Columbus’s most exciting, high-energy vocal and dance performance group. I was recruited by SNAP! members who happened to be at karaoke that night, and I haven’t looked back since. In 2007, I was asked to help redesign some of their visual marketing materials. In 2008, I took over as Marketing Director and joined the Board of Directors. Since then I have gone on to assist the Vocal Committee, coordinate ticket sales & promotions, and design sets for the annual Spring Show.
My point is not to brag, but to share my excitement about an organization that I feel so lucky to be a part of. Aside from being an artistic outlet in my life, SNAP! also allows me to use my talents and resources to make a difference in the lives of others. SNAP! is a 501(c)3 charity, and each year proceeds from the Spring Show are donated to some very worthy causes around Central Ohio. Since 2003, SNAP! has donated thousands of dollars to charities such as A Special Wish Foundation and St. Vincent Family Centers. This year, SNAP! has teamed up with Recreation Unlimited, which focuses on “providing year-round programs in sports, recreation and education for individuals with disabilities and health concerns, while building self-confidence, self-esteem and promoting positive human relations, attitudes, and behaviors.”
SNAP! is proud to announce that this year’s 2010 Spring Show will take place May 6th, 7th and 8th downtown at The Lincoln Theater (video):
SNAP! 2010 Spring Show Preview – Lincoln Theater
Uploaded by SnapColumbus
If you live in the Columbus area, I encourage you to mark the first weekend in May on your calendar and come out to see a performance. You will get to see some of Columbus’s most talented and creative minds perform in one of the finest theaters in the country. And it all goes to charity (what’s not to love?)!
For more information about our group, the show, or the charities we support – visit us online at http://SnapColumbus.org. You can also connect with us online at:
Facebook – SNAP! Performance Productions (Fan Page)
Twitter – Status updates and special announcements
NING – Songs, videos, and event dates for SNAP!
Flickr – Current photos of rehearsals and our members
YouTube – Videos of our performances