Saturday, we have a show in Canal Winchester, OH.
Check out the details at the brand new Marc Andre myspace site: http://www.myspace.com/marcandreband
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
One Man's Song
While we were at the Salvation Army, one gentleman handed me the lyrics to a song he had written. He wanted his words to "get out there" in one form or another. I told him I might post them on my website. Awesome to see so many Christian brothers and sisters in so many places.
"Lost in Jesus"
Written by R. Johnson
Help me find my way / Can't go another moment / I'm lost and don't know what to do / What to say or where to go / Lost sinners everywhere / All i can think of is invite, Your love my way / Holy Spirit come into my life / Live within my heart / Help me find my way / Can't go another moment / Been through too much / But i know a friend named Jesus / A light in time of trouble / Praise You Lord / Praise You Lord / Praise You Lord / The Father sent His Son to die for me / Thank you Jesus for dying on Calvary / To free me from sin and death / The Love of my life, a gift that redeems me, Calvary / Thank You Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit for saving me / You're the One i need right now today / Spirit of Restoration
"Lost in Jesus"
Written by R. Johnson
Help me find my way / Can't go another moment / I'm lost and don't know what to do / What to say or where to go / Lost sinners everywhere / All i can think of is invite, Your love my way / Holy Spirit come into my life / Live within my heart / Help me find my way / Can't go another moment / Been through too much / But i know a friend named Jesus / A light in time of trouble / Praise You Lord / Praise You Lord / Praise You Lord / The Father sent His Son to die for me / Thank you Jesus for dying on Calvary / To free me from sin and death / The Love of my life, a gift that redeems me, Calvary / Thank You Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit for saving me / You're the One i need right now today / Spirit of Restoration
Monday, December 12, 2005
Salvation Army
Just a little review on this last week's show at the Salvation Army on Front St. in Columbus, OH...
Wow, what a cool experience! What an encouragement it is to encourage others. Last wednesday, Rob, Joey, Chris and I were able to play a concert for 85+ guys at the Salvation Army drug/alcohol rehab center on Front St. in downtown Columbus. Our hour long set list consisted of songs from both "Dishes" and "Backstage Pass" as well as a few familiar rock covers from the 70's/80's. We closed with "Amazing Grace" with 80 voices filling the room. We could just sense the Spirit of God working in this place. Afterwards, we received tons of hand shakes and "thank you's." One of the guys in the band remarked that he had never been thanked that much in his life. After the show, we grabbed some ice cream in the kitchen and had the opportunity of talking with a couple of the guys enrolled at the rehab center. We heard some amazing stories of struggle and victory, and were encouraged as we were reminded of the power of God in the life of a submitted heart.
It's amazing the contrast you see between different concert crowds. The men at the Salvation Army had really experienced some true loss and struggle in their lives. They knew how to be thankful, because many of them had been to the bottom and had learned to appreciate God's faithfulness and forgiveness. You don't always see this sort of sincerity and gratitude at Christian schools and churches. We've played some gigs where Christian kids have been asleep in the front row. We can't appreciate the words of the Healer until we understand how sick we are.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Update
Started working on some new songs this weekend. Also preping for a show tomorrow at the Salvation Army here in Columbus. Joey, Rob, Chris and I will be playing an acoustic set for 85+ guys. I pray that it is an encouragement to all of us. I've also been busy trying to set up gigs for next year, including some potential shows at a number of Indiana colleges.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Crossroads
Every so often in life, there seems to be a time when everything pauses or slows down for a moment, and you finally get a chance to step back and re-evaluate your priorities and ambitions. That's where I've been the last couple weeks. It seems like I have a lot more freedom these days in regards to my free time. Things at the tv station have gone from a whirlwind to a swim in molasses. I'm now back to 20 hrs there, spending many of my days backing up data and cleaning up after the craziness of 50+ hours with Taylor's Attic (the kids show). I imagine there will be some other big project in the future, but sometimes, I wonder how long I will continue to be employed here given the barebones work load, and the abrupt layoff I was blindsided by almost 2 years ago. I suppose I have to be ready for anything. In addition to working at the station 20 hrs a week, I am running sound for various events at a local church (sunday services, concerts, weddings, funerals)...so God is providing extra work that way. I've also done some custom music for several companies including Layson's Restorations and Crown Financial.
We've been having band practices at least once a week, which seems to really be tightening our sound. Rob (guitar), Joey (bass), and Chris (guitar) are doing incredibly well. I think its just a matter of continually rehearsing so the music becomes second nature. We are still working through some issues with memorization. Next Wednesday, we are doing an acoustic set (one electric guitar, one acoustic guitar, percussion, and keyboard) for the Salvation Army on Front St. here in Columbus. I've been there in the past with my previous church's youth band, and the guys were always responsive. I pray they are as enthusiastic as they've been before. I see this as a great opportunity to encourage these men, and I hope the band guys will leave feeling like they've really helped somebody. I suppose it can be a humbling thing too, as of course, we would love to be playing for big festivals or large college crowds, but there is more to writing songs and playing out than drawing huge attendance (although I hope God grants us some bigger opportunities in the future). So, for those of you who are praying for us, please pray that God will use us next Wednesday.
Traveling to King College in Bristol, TN was very humbling. I spent so much time working out travel & technical details, I failed to really rehearse enough personally and with the band. I don't think we did all that great at King, and I guess the lesson here is simple...practice and don't throw random people together at the last minute and expect them to play songs solidly and from memory given only a week of practice. I did what I could given the time restraints, but I also learned some valuable lessons. I've realized that I've got to think long term with the band. The hardest thing to find (in my opinion) is band members who are committed, flexible, and agreeable. I would much rather take someone who is a decent player and knows how to keep his/her word, return phone calls, etc. over someone who is an amazing player, but doesn't get along with other people, is hard to get a hold of, and drops out on you at the 11th hour. I believe its easier to teach someone to become a stronger musician than to reform a person's attitude or lacks of discipline (heart issues). It's amazing to me how many excellent musicians there are out there who have very little or no respect for commitments. That's why I love to boast about Joey, Rob, and Chris. They are guys I can depend on, and that to me, is an incredible answer to prayer after over a year of last minute back-outs and great players with basic respect issues.
I've started to write some new songs. Nothing is finished yet, but I feel I'm on the right track as far as ideas/content. I've really wrestled with the question of making a new album as "Backstage Pass" has been given rave reviews, but has sold modestly. I'll be paying off debt from that project probably until Spring 2006. I have been a bit discouraged, but I really sense that I am supposed to get up and keep going. There are people that need to be encouraged, and God has given me a platform even if it appears tiny at the moment. I've certainly fallen on my face a number of times, but have been learning invaluable lessons all along. The goal here is not to become a world famous solo artist; the goal is to use what I have for God's glory, in whatever capacity. People have all sorts of conceptions about success. All I know is, this isn't my home and my Lord tells me to seek His Kingdom first, and leave these worldy concerns of popularity behind. He is in control of all this stuff and can open any door at any moment. I'm just called to keep traveling in such a way that I honor Him.
We've been having band practices at least once a week, which seems to really be tightening our sound. Rob (guitar), Joey (bass), and Chris (guitar) are doing incredibly well. I think its just a matter of continually rehearsing so the music becomes second nature. We are still working through some issues with memorization. Next Wednesday, we are doing an acoustic set (one electric guitar, one acoustic guitar, percussion, and keyboard) for the Salvation Army on Front St. here in Columbus. I've been there in the past with my previous church's youth band, and the guys were always responsive. I pray they are as enthusiastic as they've been before. I see this as a great opportunity to encourage these men, and I hope the band guys will leave feeling like they've really helped somebody. I suppose it can be a humbling thing too, as of course, we would love to be playing for big festivals or large college crowds, but there is more to writing songs and playing out than drawing huge attendance (although I hope God grants us some bigger opportunities in the future). So, for those of you who are praying for us, please pray that God will use us next Wednesday.
Traveling to King College in Bristol, TN was very humbling. I spent so much time working out travel & technical details, I failed to really rehearse enough personally and with the band. I don't think we did all that great at King, and I guess the lesson here is simple...practice and don't throw random people together at the last minute and expect them to play songs solidly and from memory given only a week of practice. I did what I could given the time restraints, but I also learned some valuable lessons. I've realized that I've got to think long term with the band. The hardest thing to find (in my opinion) is band members who are committed, flexible, and agreeable. I would much rather take someone who is a decent player and knows how to keep his/her word, return phone calls, etc. over someone who is an amazing player, but doesn't get along with other people, is hard to get a hold of, and drops out on you at the 11th hour. I believe its easier to teach someone to become a stronger musician than to reform a person's attitude or lacks of discipline (heart issues). It's amazing to me how many excellent musicians there are out there who have very little or no respect for commitments. That's why I love to boast about Joey, Rob, and Chris. They are guys I can depend on, and that to me, is an incredible answer to prayer after over a year of last minute back-outs and great players with basic respect issues.
I've started to write some new songs. Nothing is finished yet, but I feel I'm on the right track as far as ideas/content. I've really wrestled with the question of making a new album as "Backstage Pass" has been given rave reviews, but has sold modestly. I'll be paying off debt from that project probably until Spring 2006. I have been a bit discouraged, but I really sense that I am supposed to get up and keep going. There are people that need to be encouraged, and God has given me a platform even if it appears tiny at the moment. I've certainly fallen on my face a number of times, but have been learning invaluable lessons all along. The goal here is not to become a world famous solo artist; the goal is to use what I have for God's glory, in whatever capacity. People have all sorts of conceptions about success. All I know is, this isn't my home and my Lord tells me to seek His Kingdom first, and leave these worldy concerns of popularity behind. He is in control of all this stuff and can open any door at any moment. I'm just called to keep traveling in such a way that I honor Him.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
New Beginnings
Today, I just want to thank God for new beginnings. Life has slowed down a little bit after a crazy weekend, and previous week. I'm back at the tv station now working 20 hrs, and doing a few freelance jobs on the side. I'll soon begin working on some custom music (sort of a 50's feel) for Layson's Restorations in Washington. I'm also beginning to look for some new show opportunities. Over the last 8 months, we have not been able to practice that often as a band. I think that was really seen at our performance at King College. My goal is to start practicing about once a week, if possible...while bringing in some new players, so that I have a larger "pool of musicians" to pull from. I still have my key players, but need to have some options when I've committed to a show, and not all of my "regular" band can make it. Far too many times, I've booked shows and have ended up with half a band the week before we're supposed to play. I'm also going to start researching information on concert promotion and concert promoters.
Although the King College show was a little bit of a disappointment (as far as numbers go), I think there's a lot to be thankful for. We did take some big steps with this show...hauling our own sound gear across the country, working with in-ear monitors (my first time), playing with supplimentary tracks (strings, loops, etc. from both albums...all triggered from my laptop). I think things can only go up from here. We have to get our songs down so much so we don't have to even think about the notes when we're playing. The more practiced we are, the more we can focus on interacting with the people we're playing for. I made some pretty glaring mistakes when it came to transitions while at King College. I personally need to practice more, that's all there is to it...actually speaking my transitions out loud, instead of expecting to come up with something fluid when I get to the stage. I can always change what I'm going to say when I get on stage, but I need to at least have something nailed down. Now with less hours at the tv station, I should be able to focus more on improving my own performance. I also want to get together with Rich Barrett (who played piano on my album) and work through some of the piano parts. Rich cannot always make it to our shows to play, so I'm often covering the piano parts myself. Ideally, it'd be great to have him there so I can put my full attention on singing, but unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way. He is a much better keyboard player than I am, and I'd really like to work with him so I can learn how to better emulate the parts he played on the album (and to learn to be a better player overall). I did come up with all the basic chord movements and melodies, but he then further embellished the piano parts that I had given him. He had to learn (and enhance) my piano playing and now I am trying to learn his playing. The best way to get better is to surround yourself with people who put you to shame. =)
The thought of writing some new songs has been in the back of my mind for quite some time, and I think I am now in the place where I feel ready to start writing again. Over the last year, I have been jotting ideas down, but haven't spent any extended period of time widdling ideas and concepts into actual song lyrics. God has put a lot of things on my heart, and I need a constructive way to vent both my frustrations and convictions.
Although the King College show was a little bit of a disappointment (as far as numbers go), I think there's a lot to be thankful for. We did take some big steps with this show...hauling our own sound gear across the country, working with in-ear monitors (my first time), playing with supplimentary tracks (strings, loops, etc. from both albums...all triggered from my laptop). I think things can only go up from here. We have to get our songs down so much so we don't have to even think about the notes when we're playing. The more practiced we are, the more we can focus on interacting with the people we're playing for. I made some pretty glaring mistakes when it came to transitions while at King College. I personally need to practice more, that's all there is to it...actually speaking my transitions out loud, instead of expecting to come up with something fluid when I get to the stage. I can always change what I'm going to say when I get on stage, but I need to at least have something nailed down. Now with less hours at the tv station, I should be able to focus more on improving my own performance. I also want to get together with Rich Barrett (who played piano on my album) and work through some of the piano parts. Rich cannot always make it to our shows to play, so I'm often covering the piano parts myself. Ideally, it'd be great to have him there so I can put my full attention on singing, but unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way. He is a much better keyboard player than I am, and I'd really like to work with him so I can learn how to better emulate the parts he played on the album (and to learn to be a better player overall). I did come up with all the basic chord movements and melodies, but he then further embellished the piano parts that I had given him. He had to learn (and enhance) my piano playing and now I am trying to learn his playing. The best way to get better is to surround yourself with people who put you to shame. =)
The thought of writing some new songs has been in the back of my mind for quite some time, and I think I am now in the place where I feel ready to start writing again. Over the last year, I have been jotting ideas down, but haven't spent any extended period of time widdling ideas and concepts into actual song lyrics. God has put a lot of things on my heart, and I need a constructive way to vent both my frustrations and convictions.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Always an Experience
It seems that I never take a dull road trip. Our trip to King College in Bristol, TN was fun and disappointing at the same time...as you will read in the blog entry below, written by guitarist Rob Bradley. This was our first real "road trip" where we hauled all our own equipment and traveled outside of the Ohio area. In the end, I was happy because we accomplished what we set out to do...but not without some mistakes and wrong turns. Life is like that. You try things, you fall down, and you get up and try again...hopefully having more experience and wisdom the second time around.
We started playing shows last November after I released my second project "Backstage Pass." It's been quite an experience. I can't hardly remember all the times we've walked away from shows disappointed and discouraged...mainly because of the lack of turnout. Repeatedly, we've been promised a certain number of concert attenders, and in most cases, our crowds have been a 1/3 or even a 1/4 of the number we expected. The most people we have played for is about 80 people. The average concert attendance is about 30-50 people, and I generally sell about 3-10 CDs per show. I'm trying to figure out if God has something against me...am I doing something wrong?...is it because I have not been tithing regularly...am I not living a pure enough life...why for years have concerts come as such a dissapointment? I say years because this is has been a pattern all the way back to the release of my first project "Dishes" in 2001 when I traveled to California in hopes of playing for several 1000 youth, and was instead dropped from the roster and given the opportunity of playing in front of 100 50-60 year olds. I think I spent over $500 to get out to California and probably sold about 10 CDs.
I know I have to just get up and keep pressing on. I know people like the music...I've heard it time and time again. People of all ages and from all walks of life have expressed their love for "Backstage Pass." The devil wants to make me think I suck as a writer, as a performer, and as a Christian. That's his job...that's what he does to all of us. I can sit here and whine and feel sorry for myself or I can get up and move forward. I can look for a booking agent. I can improve on the areas I need to improve on. In the midst of working out all the technical details of this trip, I hardly had time to work out my transitions between songs, and our band was only able to have 3 practices...all with a drummer who had never heard the tunes before. My first instinct is to blame myself for not doing better, for not being more prepared, for not being more proactive in advertising...but the reality is, I did everything I could. I put forth %100 with the time and resources I was entrusted with, and that's all I could have done.
I think God keeps trying to show me that it's not about the destination; it is instead about the journey. There is a dry cleaner place in Columbus which I often drive by...a place which displays words of wisdom on its sign. Most recently, the sign has read "Failure is not fatal and success is not permanent." Good perspective. I think recently I've just felt like my life is supposed to slow down and be mundane now that I am 30. I've lived with this misconception that "if I haven't accomplished it yet, it's too late." This goes for my pursuit of music and my pursuit for a lifelong companion. I just feel old...and again, this is the way the devil wants me to feel. I'm sure he wants to make me feel like "my life is over." I've wrestled with such thoughts as "No record label wants to hire a 30 year old artist...I'm too old for artist development" and "You've had trouble getting any women's attention thus far, and now you've missed your chance...all the good ones have been married, and you're too old to be dating the younger ones." He also likes to tell me that "I'm a terrible Christian because I struggle with impurity, and there's no way God can use me or my ministry because I am not perfect." Doesn't the Bible say that "the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy"? Why would these types of thoughts be inspired by a loving God who wants my best and wants me to remember that "He will never give me anything I can't handle" and "He will never leave me or forsake me?" How can I stand in this time of "failure" and "consider it pure joy when I face trials of many kinds?"
We started playing shows last November after I released my second project "Backstage Pass." It's been quite an experience. I can't hardly remember all the times we've walked away from shows disappointed and discouraged...mainly because of the lack of turnout. Repeatedly, we've been promised a certain number of concert attenders, and in most cases, our crowds have been a 1/3 or even a 1/4 of the number we expected. The most people we have played for is about 80 people. The average concert attendance is about 30-50 people, and I generally sell about 3-10 CDs per show. I'm trying to figure out if God has something against me...am I doing something wrong?...is it because I have not been tithing regularly...am I not living a pure enough life...why for years have concerts come as such a dissapointment? I say years because this is has been a pattern all the way back to the release of my first project "Dishes" in 2001 when I traveled to California in hopes of playing for several 1000 youth, and was instead dropped from the roster and given the opportunity of playing in front of 100 50-60 year olds. I think I spent over $500 to get out to California and probably sold about 10 CDs.
I know I have to just get up and keep pressing on. I know people like the music...I've heard it time and time again. People of all ages and from all walks of life have expressed their love for "Backstage Pass." The devil wants to make me think I suck as a writer, as a performer, and as a Christian. That's his job...that's what he does to all of us. I can sit here and whine and feel sorry for myself or I can get up and move forward. I can look for a booking agent. I can improve on the areas I need to improve on. In the midst of working out all the technical details of this trip, I hardly had time to work out my transitions between songs, and our band was only able to have 3 practices...all with a drummer who had never heard the tunes before. My first instinct is to blame myself for not doing better, for not being more prepared, for not being more proactive in advertising...but the reality is, I did everything I could. I put forth %100 with the time and resources I was entrusted with, and that's all I could have done.
I think God keeps trying to show me that it's not about the destination; it is instead about the journey. There is a dry cleaner place in Columbus which I often drive by...a place which displays words of wisdom on its sign. Most recently, the sign has read "Failure is not fatal and success is not permanent." Good perspective. I think recently I've just felt like my life is supposed to slow down and be mundane now that I am 30. I've lived with this misconception that "if I haven't accomplished it yet, it's too late." This goes for my pursuit of music and my pursuit for a lifelong companion. I just feel old...and again, this is the way the devil wants me to feel. I'm sure he wants to make me feel like "my life is over." I've wrestled with such thoughts as "No record label wants to hire a 30 year old artist...I'm too old for artist development" and "You've had trouble getting any women's attention thus far, and now you've missed your chance...all the good ones have been married, and you're too old to be dating the younger ones." He also likes to tell me that "I'm a terrible Christian because I struggle with impurity, and there's no way God can use me or my ministry because I am not perfect." Doesn't the Bible say that "the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy"? Why would these types of thoughts be inspired by a loving God who wants my best and wants me to remember that "He will never give me anything I can't handle" and "He will never leave me or forsake me?" How can I stand in this time of "failure" and "consider it pure joy when I face trials of many kinds?"
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Winding Down & Looking Forward
Well, I'm finishing up the last episode of Taylor's Attic (the puppet show) this week...what a relief...after 8 months of working with silly songs and crazy characters...I'm ready for something different. I've praying and asking God to show me what the next step is. He always gives us just enough knowledge to do His will in a given day. Sometimes, I wish the whole plan was laid out in front of me, so I could plan out every detail of my travels.
I should be recieving a new Apple Powerbook laptop this week. I'm really pumped about that. I've accumulated quite the music software/samples over the last couple years; some of the more recent upgrades I haven't even installed as both of desktop Macs (a G3 and an older G4) have been rendered useless with this ever changing world of technology. I'm hoping to start working on some new songs in the near future. Technology has progressed so much that you could basically compose an entire CD on your laptop. The mixing and editing stages might need to be reserved for a more hefty desktop machine, but there's quite a bit you can do on small portable notebook. The possibility of writing/composing songs in a coffee shop or at the park has fascinated me for years, and I'm finally just now breaking down and moving that direction.
Co-producer Dave Bechtel is creating submixed tracks for me today. Basically, he is mixing down groups of instruments from "Backstage Pass" (drums, keys, strings, etc.) so I can play back whatever recorded instruments I need in a concert setting. It's been difficult to have the full band with me everytime I play out. The option of substituting the recorded drums from the project (when my drummer can't make it to a show) is a great help. The cool thing is I should be able to run all these tracks from my powerbook. =)
Still trying to work out the details for the Nov 7th show at King College in Bristol, TN. As the puppet show winds down, I think I will have a bit more time to plan for this show, as well as upcoming shows. The band hasn't practiced in a while!! We need to start rehearsing reguarly again.
Check out the Nov/Dec issue of Relevant Magazine. "Backstage Pass" is being featured in a Grassroots Music Ad. Check out the ad at: http://www.grassrootsmusic.com/saleemails/relevant.html
I should be recieving a new Apple Powerbook laptop this week. I'm really pumped about that. I've accumulated quite the music software/samples over the last couple years; some of the more recent upgrades I haven't even installed as both of desktop Macs (a G3 and an older G4) have been rendered useless with this ever changing world of technology. I'm hoping to start working on some new songs in the near future. Technology has progressed so much that you could basically compose an entire CD on your laptop. The mixing and editing stages might need to be reserved for a more hefty desktop machine, but there's quite a bit you can do on small portable notebook. The possibility of writing/composing songs in a coffee shop or at the park has fascinated me for years, and I'm finally just now breaking down and moving that direction.
Co-producer Dave Bechtel is creating submixed tracks for me today. Basically, he is mixing down groups of instruments from "Backstage Pass" (drums, keys, strings, etc.) so I can play back whatever recorded instruments I need in a concert setting. It's been difficult to have the full band with me everytime I play out. The option of substituting the recorded drums from the project (when my drummer can't make it to a show) is a great help. The cool thing is I should be able to run all these tracks from my powerbook. =)
Still trying to work out the details for the Nov 7th show at King College in Bristol, TN. As the puppet show winds down, I think I will have a bit more time to plan for this show, as well as upcoming shows. The band hasn't practiced in a while!! We need to start rehearsing reguarly again.
Check out the Nov/Dec issue of Relevant Magazine. "Backstage Pass" is being featured in a Grassroots Music Ad. Check out the ad at: http://www.grassrootsmusic.com/saleemails/relevant.html
Friday, September 30, 2005
One Puppet At A Time...
Lots is going on. Still working on Taylor's Attic, the kids tv show. I have 3 more shows to go, and then the first season is complete. We're now at the point of shipping one show out a week. For those of you who don't know, I work at a production company/tv station in Columbus, OH. This is what I do to pay my bills. Recently, I've also been producing some original music for Crown Financial Ministries in GA. In addition, I lead worship/play keyboards periodically at my home church.
God is good, and is always teaching me to trust Him more. The band thing continues to be on hold as I am so busy with the "day job." We're still planning to play at King College in Bristol, TN on Nov 7th. After I get through working on this kids show, I want to get back into playing out, and may start trying to write some new songs this fall (on my new laptop which I hope to get soon). I've been away from the blogging thing for quite some time, but hope to resurrect the hobby in the fear future.
I'm moving into a new condo this weekend, and am heading out on a young adult retreat next weekend. It's definitely been a great thing to be plugged back in with "community." I was pretty isolated during the production of "Backstage Pass."
God is good, and is always teaching me to trust Him more. The band thing continues to be on hold as I am so busy with the "day job." We're still planning to play at King College in Bristol, TN on Nov 7th. After I get through working on this kids show, I want to get back into playing out, and may start trying to write some new songs this fall (on my new laptop which I hope to get soon). I've been away from the blogging thing for quite some time, but hope to resurrect the hobby in the fear future.
I'm moving into a new condo this weekend, and am heading out on a young adult retreat next weekend. It's definitely been a great thing to be plugged back in with "community." I was pretty isolated during the production of "Backstage Pass."
Monday, August 29, 2005
A Pause For Refueling
Still cranking away on the kid's show "Taylor's Attic" which will soon be airing nationally on iLife televsion, and eventually locally here in Columbus, OH on PAX51. We are currently shipping one show (there are a total of 11) a week to iLife. The last show ships October 29th. I've been working a lot - sometimes, 50 or more hours a week - but it is good to have a job - not to mention I am learning a lot. Regardless of whether the show goes anywhere, we will all (producer, editors, cameramen, etc.) will walk away having learned a ton. I think, as far as a long term job goes, I'd really enjoy writing music and doing sound design for tv/film. God has been very good in providing this work for me. Last year at this time, I was basically unemployed, except for some freelance jobs here and there.
I'm still paying off some debts accumulated from the production of "Backstage Pass." Unfortunately, I've had to back off from touring for the purpose of working a "real job." After playing a number of concerts where I have literally gone away having spent money, I've decided to take the route of working a "real job" where I can knock my debt out quickly. I feel like this is the most responsible and God honoring thing to do at this time.
As far as the band goes, the next show isn't scheduled until November 7th in Bristol, TN at King College. My uncle and aunt both work at King. I am quite excited to play this show. For those of you out there praying for us, please pray that God will bring together the right band for this event. I feel like I've been banging my head against a wall when it comes to building a band.
God has been teaching me alot. I've been attending a Tuesday night men's Bible study, as well as a young adult group called "Front Porch" every Thursday and Sunday nights. As a creative person, it's very easy to be somewhat anti-social at times. It's important to spend time alone so you can create, but too much time alone leaves you pretty imbalanced. I've met a lot of cool people through these groups. It's consoling to know that other people are that same place where I am in life, and are having the same struggles.
I've started to write some new songs...just basically getting some basic thoughts and chords together.
I'm still paying off some debts accumulated from the production of "Backstage Pass." Unfortunately, I've had to back off from touring for the purpose of working a "real job." After playing a number of concerts where I have literally gone away having spent money, I've decided to take the route of working a "real job" where I can knock my debt out quickly. I feel like this is the most responsible and God honoring thing to do at this time.
As far as the band goes, the next show isn't scheduled until November 7th in Bristol, TN at King College. My uncle and aunt both work at King. I am quite excited to play this show. For those of you out there praying for us, please pray that God will bring together the right band for this event. I feel like I've been banging my head against a wall when it comes to building a band.
God has been teaching me alot. I've been attending a Tuesday night men's Bible study, as well as a young adult group called "Front Porch" every Thursday and Sunday nights. As a creative person, it's very easy to be somewhat anti-social at times. It's important to spend time alone so you can create, but too much time alone leaves you pretty imbalanced. I've met a lot of cool people through these groups. It's consoling to know that other people are that same place where I am in life, and are having the same struggles.
I've started to write some new songs...just basically getting some basic thoughts and chords together.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
What's New?
Hey, it's been a long time since I've been blogging!! Things have been quite busy with work at the tv station. Last week, I went on a work trip to Phoenix, AZ. Currently, I'm working on episodes 4, 5, and 6 (there are 11 total shows) of the new kid's show. Check out a rough website for the show. www.taylorsattic.com
Some journal entries coming soon...
Some journal entries coming soon...
Monday, July 25, 2005
Taking A Break
Had a great time at Teens at Bethel (in Point Pleasant, WV) the other week! We got to hang out some with The Afters who just recently finished a tour with Mercy Me. Cool guys.
Things are quite busy these days...between church, 50+hours at work ( my tv audio job and sound tech job at a local church), and social involvements, I'm finding it difficult to play, let alone schedule shows. Our next show is Nov 7th in Bristol, TN at King College. I'm not sure that we will be able to play any gigs before then. Things should hopefully calm down a bit by October, and I'll be able to start focusing a bit more on doing live shows.
There's a new review of "Backstage Pass" at grassrootsmusic.com...check it out at http://www.grassrootsmusic.com/artist/andremarc/andremarc1
God is good, and I'm being challenged in many ways. I will try to write more in the near future.
Things are quite busy these days...between church, 50+hours at work ( my tv audio job and sound tech job at a local church), and social involvements, I'm finding it difficult to play, let alone schedule shows. Our next show is Nov 7th in Bristol, TN at King College. I'm not sure that we will be able to play any gigs before then. Things should hopefully calm down a bit by October, and I'll be able to start focusing a bit more on doing live shows.
There's a new review of "Backstage Pass" at grassrootsmusic.com...check it out at http://www.grassrootsmusic.com/artist/andremarc/andremarc1
God is good, and I'm being challenged in many ways. I will try to write more in the near future.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Teens At Bethel Show Tomorrow
Well, we're gearing up for tomorrow's show at Teens at Bethel in Point Pleasant, WV. Had practices last Saturday, Sunday, and also yesterday (Wednesday). The band is sounding AWESOME!! We're praying that God will use our concert to really encourage and challenge the teens at the camp. Nine other bands will be playing over the 3 day camp event. We hope to get some pictures and even some video. God really worked things out for this show...I almost cancelled because I having so much trouble getting the band organized. More news to come...
Read more about the camp at: www.teensatbethel.org
Read more about the camp at: www.teensatbethel.org
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Finding Balance
A journal entry written during my time at "Driven" June 16th
It's amazing how anxious and overwhelmed I've been, even doing things I enjoy. I've spent the majority of this week either practicing or playing for the worship band. I really wanted to come here to meet and encourage people. It's not very often that you meet this many young folks from all the state and country.
I'm just weary of trying to keep up. If you live your life clinging to other's expectations, you'll find you'll get behind real quick. I even feel a pressure here and at home to seek more and more social interaction, as if one day, I'm going to finally have enough friends. I just honestly feel like I'm trying to dip out of too many buckets - I'm involved at "Front Porch" (a young ministry at my church) on both Thursday and Sunday nights, I go to a Bible study on Tuesday nights, I run sound for Saturday weddings and Sunday morning services at a local Presbyterian church. I have the responsibility of Taylor's Attic (a tv show I'm producing music and sound for) on my shoulders, and I'm trying to keep a struggling rock band afloat. On top of that, I'm trying to stay connected with my parents (I'm over there every week...always an awesome time) and seeking to stay in touch with both my close hometown friends and my college buddies from Liberty. I know so many people, I'm involved in so many things...and you'd think this would make a guy happy. The reality is, I'm overwhelmed, stressed, and excited all at one time. Good things are happening, but I feel like I'm losing touch with God. I've been down the path of trying to make all these things my means to happiness, better self worth, etc. and I've realized just how empty those things are in themselves (worldly success, man's approval, etc.) I want to live a life of dependency upon Christ, a life aimed at eternity...yet I know that includes people, and choices, and letdowns...this is the reality of being a spirit man in a physical world.
I just wish I knew what I'm supposed to do next. I don't think I can get plugged into one other thing without first disengaging from another. Sometimes, God calls us to stay where we're at. Often, we're simply driven by the excitement of something new - if it's using another stupid Christian catch phrase (post modernism, relavance) or whether it's a deam of building a new church. Some people hate change (I know some) while others feed off of it, as long as it betters themselves (I personally have the problem of focusing on the next goal, acheivement, etc). I suppose this is not always the case; some individuals want change so that it might benefit others - this being the only Christlike motive for accerelating change.
Today, one of the pastors here asked me what my gift was - feeling a bit unprepared, I responded with a hestitant "encouragement." Ironically, I'm sitting here alone writing in a journal when I could be initiating conversations with hurting people. In regards to "encouraging people"...I suppose, if anyone, I am drawn to kids as well as any number of "outcast" types, especially the artsy music folk. In a way, I feel I am one of them; I can talk on their level, and hopefully, I can encourage them in ways in which I have been encouraged as both a musician and a Christian. I also have an interest in reaching teens through music...I just despise the idea of being trapped in a dying stagnent youth group...I've been there and it's depressing. I think the reality is, kids have changed (compared to when I was a kid)...it feels like there's so much apathy these days. I hate apathy from anyone because you feel like your words, your actions, and your heart are just falling on the floor. How can you reach someone who just doesn't care? There are however greater virtues of response such as grace, persistence, and faith.
It's amazing how anxious and overwhelmed I've been, even doing things I enjoy. I've spent the majority of this week either practicing or playing for the worship band. I really wanted to come here to meet and encourage people. It's not very often that you meet this many young folks from all the state and country.
I'm just weary of trying to keep up. If you live your life clinging to other's expectations, you'll find you'll get behind real quick. I even feel a pressure here and at home to seek more and more social interaction, as if one day, I'm going to finally have enough friends. I just honestly feel like I'm trying to dip out of too many buckets - I'm involved at "Front Porch" (a young ministry at my church) on both Thursday and Sunday nights, I go to a Bible study on Tuesday nights, I run sound for Saturday weddings and Sunday morning services at a local Presbyterian church. I have the responsibility of Taylor's Attic (a tv show I'm producing music and sound for) on my shoulders, and I'm trying to keep a struggling rock band afloat. On top of that, I'm trying to stay connected with my parents (I'm over there every week...always an awesome time) and seeking to stay in touch with both my close hometown friends and my college buddies from Liberty. I know so many people, I'm involved in so many things...and you'd think this would make a guy happy. The reality is, I'm overwhelmed, stressed, and excited all at one time. Good things are happening, but I feel like I'm losing touch with God. I've been down the path of trying to make all these things my means to happiness, better self worth, etc. and I've realized just how empty those things are in themselves (worldly success, man's approval, etc.) I want to live a life of dependency upon Christ, a life aimed at eternity...yet I know that includes people, and choices, and letdowns...this is the reality of being a spirit man in a physical world.
I just wish I knew what I'm supposed to do next. I don't think I can get plugged into one other thing without first disengaging from another. Sometimes, God calls us to stay where we're at. Often, we're simply driven by the excitement of something new - if it's using another stupid Christian catch phrase (post modernism, relavance) or whether it's a deam of building a new church. Some people hate change (I know some) while others feed off of it, as long as it betters themselves (I personally have the problem of focusing on the next goal, acheivement, etc). I suppose this is not always the case; some individuals want change so that it might benefit others - this being the only Christlike motive for accerelating change.
Today, one of the pastors here asked me what my gift was - feeling a bit unprepared, I responded with a hestitant "encouragement." Ironically, I'm sitting here alone writing in a journal when I could be initiating conversations with hurting people. In regards to "encouraging people"...I suppose, if anyone, I am drawn to kids as well as any number of "outcast" types, especially the artsy music folk. In a way, I feel I am one of them; I can talk on their level, and hopefully, I can encourage them in ways in which I have been encouraged as both a musician and a Christian. I also have an interest in reaching teens through music...I just despise the idea of being trapped in a dying stagnent youth group...I've been there and it's depressing. I think the reality is, kids have changed (compared to when I was a kid)...it feels like there's so much apathy these days. I hate apathy from anyone because you feel like your words, your actions, and your heart are just falling on the floor. How can you reach someone who just doesn't care? There are however greater virtues of response such as grace, persistence, and faith.
Monday, June 27, 2005
The Wounds of A Friend / The Love of a Father
God is good. Yesterday, I was just really praying that the Lord would speak to me in some way. He sure did. I recently approached a friend regarding some concerns which I had in regards to his motives. Funny how we're reminded of our planks when we start pointing out the spinters in others' lives. I suppose you need to ready to take it when you dish it out. My friend was just as ready to address a number of issues in my life, and though I was hurt for a moment, I'm glad the truth was spoken. Proverbs 27:6 says "faithful are the wounds of a friend." I walked from the situation both relieved and saddened. For one, I'm disappointed that I would be such an inconsiderate friend. I'm also saddened as I think I may have damaged the friendship...so much so, I'm not sure that it will ever be repaired. I've definitely sought forgiveness, but I still don't know that this will make a difference in regards to the friendship. On the other hand, I'm glad I've been made aware of some issues I need to take care of in my own life. I wish I could pursue the relationship, but I'm not sure that this other person is interested in continuing where we left off.
Heb 12:7-11 reads "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Sometimes, it's easy for me to doubt God's love. I think the fact that He continues to pursue me and discipline me (even through the words of a friend) is a reminder that He truly cares, and stilll longs to mold me into the image of His Son. It's amazing how in a single day, you can see both God's blessing and discipline. In one hour, He gives you what you don't deserve and in the next moment, He gives you a "time out." I'm glad to have a Father who has the grace to both give me gifts of joy and pains which force me to grow up.
Heb 12:7-11 reads "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Sometimes, it's easy for me to doubt God's love. I think the fact that He continues to pursue me and discipline me (even through the words of a friend) is a reminder that He truly cares, and stilll longs to mold me into the image of His Son. It's amazing how in a single day, you can see both God's blessing and discipline. In one hour, He gives you what you don't deserve and in the next moment, He gives you a "time out." I'm glad to have a Father who has the grace to both give me gifts of joy and pains which force me to grow up.
Monday, June 20, 2005
News From "Driven"
Just returned this weekend from a 3 1/2 day Grace Brethren young adult retreat. Very cool experience. I played keyboard in the worship band every morning and evening, and the guys (from my band) came up Thursday night and we had a concert. Been super busy with church, work, and family...all great things. =) It's been a long time since I've worked on the webpage. Hopefully, I'll work a bit on that in the next week or two. The band and I are preparing our time at Teens At Bethel in WV in July. We'll probably have a number of practices over the next couple weeks.
God is good, and I am learning a ton. More coming soon...
God is good, and I am learning a ton. More coming soon...
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