Just Cause

So, I realize that I am the worst blogger ever. I have really fallen off the wagon since my xanga days. That thing is still up there, by the by. It's horrifying, but an excellent look into my depressed state of mind. Anyway, an old high school friend of mine wrote a wonderful defense of Kanye West here: http://handfulodust.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/you-cant-ignore-greatness-why-do-we-hate-kanye-west/ He is an excellent writer, glad to say that I know him. So, I thought I would try and blog a bit myself. He inspired me, that's why I am writing on the music aspect of my blog for tonight. I have lots of interests and millions of opinions, and one blog could not contain all of those things--though, I would note that it feels slightly schizoid. After all, it's like different personalities: one is athlete Zaire, the other musician Zaire, another is writer Zaire and the overarching one is philosophical Zaire. I am basically a crazy person, enjoy this ride. So, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, let's get down to business: In Chase's blog, he brought up this strange standard we have for musicians that are in the mainstream. We seem to pick certain artists to scapegoat, have trouble separating the artist from their art and will laud one artist for doing something another is doing in a slightly different manner. Chase brought up the Gaga/Kanye dichotomy, and I think he is exactly right on this: Gaga is as much of an attention whore as Yeezy, but she is applauded for her antics--Yeezy is hated. I find it a bit ironic that Kanye sees himself as a superhero when he is, in fact, the chosen villain by much of our music consuming society. He is the guy people love to hate. This is not just something that happens to musicians, you see it in sports (Rodman, A-Rod, LeBron) and politics (O'Reilly etc). There seems to be some sort of deep need for us to find someone or something to really dislike. Now, I am unsure as to if this is a result of the Fall, but it is a perplexing sort of issue. This seems so ingrained that most of us cannot even enjoy greatness that slaps us in the face. I wrote a bit about this during the playoffs in regards to LeBron James. Some of the criticism there is unwarranted and blinds us to some very, very good things. That said, I think that we need to check ourselves there because we are missing a lot of things with a lot of merit. As a Catholic, I am always seeking out the beautiful in everything; it is all a part of the package. Many would disagree with me, but I echo G.K. Chesterton when I say: it is not Christianity that is oddly shaped, but our own perspectives. There is more to that, but that is not in the purview of this post. My main meaning hear is that there are so many beautiful things in the world that we ignore for the sake of these negative feelings (though, I must draw a line at the floating paper bag from "American Beauty," I mean that's kind of contrived, no?). We also do it because we do not enjoy differences. It is rather telling that the people who were once considered undesirables want the rest of the world to fall in line with them, is it not? Without focusing on any particular issue, we will quibble about most anything and we are usually trying to bring someone to our side. That, to my mind, is not necessarily wrong or unhealthy; it is just something to keep in mind. In fact, that is not even the base of the issue, the issue is this hateful reaction that we have to things we do not like. The irrational hate that fails to see ANY good in what they disagree with. I am not saying that there are not things that shouldn't be hated, I think proper sentiment is incredibly important (I'm also an ancient trapped in Millenial's body). Rather, I worry about us putting on blinders so that we do not deal with things we do not like. The blinders effect is used by people to avoid a great many things including--as Chase noted--good mainstream material. I personally do not immediately dismiss someone because they are mainstream, I just dismiss them when I notice that their songs are indistinguishable from whatever is popular. I can enjoy Bruno Mars because he works on a different wavelength. The same thing goes for Kanye and many other artists. People are missing out on some great material due to such prejudice and we only become bigots when we cannot imagine how we might have gone wrong. So, a musical bigot suffers from the same ailment as a racial one. Up until now, I was in complete agreement with Chase, but here is where I diverge: I do not think we necessarily need to separate the artists from their material. I do not know if he would agree, but I believe that some artists are completely intertwined with what they do. There are those who are just using stage personas, just extending the stage over the entire globe. But, many are just playing what seeps out of them without any particular thought to it. I would say that MJ, Prince and TTD would fall into this category. Michael described much of his music as simple gift which, as a musician, I wholly agree with. For those of us who write and perform music, the songs are somewhat given to us. We become inspired by it is like we are connected to another realm and it forces words out of our mouths, minds and through our pens. One of my earliest songs is like that. "Dancing Under Orion" is way more erotic than I thought it was after I wrote it. People have thought it was purely about the sexual aspect of a relationship, but that is not what was on my mind--eternity was foremost in my mind. I was also fixated on the notion of marriage and its meaning. That's where that song comes from and the other layers therein were not necessarily conscious choices. Some have complete control over that, but I think most writers just let it flow. They are the vessel and are always connected to the other realm. Because of this, I would say you cannot fully separate most songwriters from their work, well most of their work. If you are an artist worth your salt then you should be able to write outside of your normal comfort zone. I would say that the themes that repeatedly crop up in your work deal directly with you as a person. These songs are not necessarily diary entries, "Dirty Diana" is one such song. MJ was still a virgin (amazingly) by the time he released the album "Dangerous." "Dirty Diana" outdates that album and is about about a groupie who seduces him, something that likely did not happen. Michael is giving you an insight into his heart, he was immensely religious and it always showed through his music, though many great tracks were never properly released. Who he was came through his music, at least the parts he was most aware of and concerned with. So, if I were to look at Kanye I would say that I see most of his swagger to be mere bravado. Hip-Hop, as an artform, requires an attitude and that can be affected, if necessary. I think Kanye does that and I think that his writing shows what's most on his mind. Early on in his career it was consumed with concern over inadequacy and getting a chance to shine. Those subjects pop up frequently in his first two records. He probably developed actual confidence as he continued to do well, so perhaps things are less affected now, but the last record I heard of his still had a hint of that old Kanye in there. In the end, I think it is a mistake to separate Kanye from his music, it is as much him as any number of things. His act isn't like a Madonna or Lady Gaga, who affected other personalities, and more like an MJ or Prince, who brought you what was in their heart (check "Sign O the Times" by Prince and "Destiny" by the Jacksons (Michael cowrote most of the songs)). Kanye may be loud, but there is something beneath all the noise and you don't have to like it to realize it is good. And I've rambled enough. Night. Zaire

Future Work

Hello Again, Yes, this is a second post...but, the focus is completely different. Just bear with me, k? thx. In my time away, we sort of away, I made a discovery about my personality/temperament. I "knew" that I was quieter than I seemed to most people, but I did not know all that that meant. I'm actually quite introverted and had no idea I was not taking care of myself properly. I am energized when I am alone or with just one particular person I love. I tell you all of this, to say that my recent alone times have given me the direction for four of my next albums. In the next few years, I plan to release around 5 total albums. I am not going to put a number on that, because how albums come about can change and I do not have any set plan on how I will begin the recording process. In any case, 4 of my next records will actually be one album in 4 parts. I will release each section by itself first and then, eventually, make a full album that has everything all together. The album series is called "Love in Stereo." The four parts each have their own theme, and I will go into that shortly. The whole idea behind the album is to explore the entirety of a relationship from beginning to possible end. Each record will coorespond to a season, thereby cooresponding to phases in one's relationship. Obviously, this means "Love in Stereo" parts I-IV are as follows: Spring Summer Autumn (I may change this to "fall," but I've always preferred the term "autumn" Winter Now, this whole thing is probably the most ambitious thing that I have ever thought of, because I want each album to have a distinct feel of its own. Clearly, the sequence will go from a plethora of light and bright songs in the first two records to darker and brooding one's in the final ones. In fact, I want the Spring album to be mainly 60s/70s in style, with an emphasis on psychedelia. I have actually begun delving further into those sorts of records in preparation. The summer album will likely be an old style R&B/Pop feel. I have had the sudden inspiration that the Autumn record might need to be more folky in nature, or perhaps the winter one. Those are the two that will likely be made last (depending on inspiration), so I won't worry much about those just yet. Besides these records, I will have just a regular, non-concept album, one that is just a collection of songs. I have previously indicated that I wanted to write about a night out at the bar/sinning, but that will be incorporated into the "Love in Stereo" sequence. This other album, I have no idea what I am going to do with it, other than I will be delving deep into my song catalogue. I have a lot of material that is unfinished or has not be arranged. I plan to do that for this particular album. It has no title, it is a wait and see album. Anyway, I was just letting you guys know I'm busy and teeming with ideas. Releasing my first album has opened the floodgates and lifted a huge weight off my back. Again, I hope you guys are enjoying it and you'll hear from me from time to time. Love and Peace, Zaire Kariff

Lots of Updates and Things and STUFF

Hey Everyone, It has been ages since my last post. This is partly because I was simply exhausted after finishing the album and been on a journey of self-discovery. I have yielded a great deal of insight throughout this time and will probably be able to post a bit more. I usually have things on my mind, but I was...feeling claustrophobic. Anyway, here is the biggest deal: Here is the album. Feel free to check it out! Buy it, stream it, and spread the love to as many people as you can. I am extremely proud of my work. It took the better part of six months to reach that point and this is a huge milestone for me. In a previous post, I indicated that was part of the reason for the album's title. I have received good and promising reviews from those who have listened to the record. I think I will soon send it to a music blog and see if I can get a review. If I could find a way to expand things for my next normal record I will be incredibly happy. I happened to meet an engineer who might be able ot help me with that side, as I was just making it up as I go. So, in closing (before I head to my next post) thank you all who have already listened to the record and intend to do so in the near feature. I hope you find songs that touch you and maybe even make you dance little. Spread the word! Love and Peace, Zaire Kariff

Just Because...

I am just writing this in an album making delirium...I think that means that I am "le tired." Now, before I "have a nap," I want to make some comments on what I did tonight. I locked myself in the Cove Studios (also known as my room) at around 8:30pm tonight and I am just now reaching the state of epic sleepiness that precedes a wonderful night's sleep. I worked (Please) Don't Leave Me, Walking On the Sky, Scarlet Moon, and You Told Me You'd Be Back. All of the songs are in excellent shape, and the first single will definitely be ready for this weekend. I am hella excited about that. Prepare yourselves for (Please) Don't Leave Me. It's a good summer song, methinks. In any case, I am extremely proud to note that,while the songs I have written for this album definitely sound like me, they are all incredibly different sorts of songs. I do not think any song sounds the same, and they are still pretty cohesive as an album. I have stated--on twitter I believe--that most modern records don't have such a quality (because they don't have to). That, however, would ne'er stop my desire to make albums in a way similar to my heroes. The album is an entire body of work, and should be taken as such. Making a record is more fun than I thought it would be, and doing so much on my own is quite rewarding. I look forward to sharing the fruits of my labor. I worked Something Strange (and part of (Please) Don't Leave Me) with my friend, Vinay. He plays bass, so you'll hear some of his work on this record in instances where I wasn't sure of my own line. He has been a great help. Anyway, sleep is taking me. I am just SO EXCITED! Love and Peace, ZK

Updates!

Hello Dear Ones! I apologize for being so scarce in these past couple of months. I have been hard at work on the album and planning my next moves. Now, I am ready to unveil those things. I made a facebook for my music persona (note: this is different from the page). You can friend me on facebook this way. It will essentially serve as a website and gives me an interesting way to connect with fans and well-wishers. The address is here: http://www.facebook.com/zaire.kariff.7 I also had to update my facebook page. This may be redundant, but it gives people access to the music I create that they can purchase and listen to online. A normal profile, does not connect as easily to those sites. The new site is: http://www.facebook.com/zairekariffjams Either way, liking this page and friending me will give reverbnation (among other things) a good indication of any buzz I am generating. As grateful I am to all of you who have already supported me, I do want my music to reach many more. So, you all help me more, but publicly declaring your interest in my sounds. Please like the page, for sure, and friend me if you so wish. All that said, I will soon be giving the upstart, dentonradio.com, rights to a few of my songs. It is an online radio station that plays local Denton artists, of which I still sort of am (I had to move for personal reasons). The scene is alive and well, and extremely eclectic. I am listening to it now and it has spanned pop, soul, and rock in just 3 songs. I encourage all of you to give the site a chance! All that said, the record is really coming together. I should be getting to mastering shortly. My first album related single, (Please) Don't Leave Me, will be released this week. I have been tightening the vocals and bass lines. It has been a fun, fun experience. My release date for the whole record still stands at: October 13th. I thank you all for journeying with me and look forward to it continuing. Love and Peace, Zaire Kariff

The State of the...Zaire

Hey Guys, It has been a while, but I just want to let you all know what's going on. I am now going on a performing hiatus until I finish this record. I have a lot of songs far along and performing, often as I have, is going to diminish the quality of the recordings. I will be exhausted from my day job and performing, thereby not being able to really delve into my studio recordings. Additionally, I have written a number of new songs and they may make the record. So, that first track listing may, in fact, be obsolete come October 13th. I will be making a facebook even for the album release, by the by. All that said, I am really excited moving forward and have greatly upgrading my recording equipment and capabilities. It still isn't a real studio's quality, but it sounds far superior to what I could do before. Love to you all, Zaire Kariff