I sang at this gig called In the Round which was all about story telling and the art of words in music. I never had so much fun singing for a college crowd in my life. Usually when I play a gig it’s all about the music. If I play in a popular bar or a restaurant where diners are eating, nobody wants the melodic mood to be broken by the entertainer spilling their guts about why they wrote the damn song. But In the Round has struck upon a chord that I believe both artist and audience can come to appreciate. They are proud to present a showcase where the artist is given the liberty to share the story behind the lyrics.
Because I write my own music every song has its own story and I’m always syked to share where lyrics come from. The birth of a song is a very precious and intricate thing. Not many singer/songwriters sit down and say, “OK today I need to write a hit song about love,” because that would be mega lame . Music is just as organic as life and the way it unfolds in front of us is quite sudden and full of surprises that spark passion, ideas, and the need for more life. Because of how the music market has been flooded with pop artists who rely on “hit song formulas,” to amp record sales I’m convinced that the integrity of ballad music is preserved through small time showcases in which story is incorporated with song. Am I right to say that the experience one can get from a heart felt showcase like the one presented by In the Round is far more valuable than something you can get off a CD or at a Beyonce concert?
The event isn’t only about the foundational elements of song. In the Round is hosted by Take The Lead Dance Studios and presented by Double Vision Pictures. I usually don’t do free gigs but all the proceeds from the event went to the production team to help with their new feature film. Double Vision Pictures is in the process of putting together an indie film that will offer a first-person perspective of Haiti and the conditions of the country. This film will serve to raise awareness of the issues facing the Haitian people and advocate for much needed charity and relief work. Which is awesome…
I think that all art is connected one way or another. Mixing the genres of film, acoustic sound, rap, and spoken word for one night was pretty amazing. I can’t wait to do it again. If you get the chance and you see it pop up on my tour dates then come out and join us. I promise, it’ll be worth it.
