Friday, June 29, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
News and Whatnot
Hey, everybody! I have some updates and errthang. That's a word, right?
Anyway, my song "City of Flames" has officially been delivered to itunes, Spotify, and the like. They still have not posted it live, but it is much closer than before. I'll do another post when that finally happens.
Also, the album is coming along nicely. When I finish upgrading my equipment, I can start finalizing some things. I already mentioned the track listing, and that is pretty set--even though I have started writing several new songs. This is a delightfully creative and free period in my life and music. I am ecstatic to see just where this all leads me.
This brings me to my next point: how I am relishing being completely independent from a label. I am just starting to appreciate how freeing it is to be independent and how this gives me free rain to do whatever I want musically. If I want to experiment with electronica, there is no problem. If I decide to do random EPs or singles, I can do that. If I become a completely different person, my "image" can reflect that.
Actually, I do realize that there are a lot of artists that are allowed such freedom; but, in the end, the record business is more about the money than the music. Images are built (how ever well or how poorly it reflects the actual artist) for the sake of selling the records. The music is rarely allowed to stand alone, or to really breathe. If an artist debuts with one image, it will be extremely hard for them to shed said image.
A primary example of this comes in the form of two of the most influential music artists in my life: Terence Trent D'arby (Sananda Maitreya) and Michael Jackson.
I've been waxing philosophical on this thought for a while now, and I feel that it points to two possibilities: fading away or being so big one can hardly change. TTD represents the former while MJ represents the latter.
When people hear of TTD, they tend to only remember his debut "The Hardline According to Terence Trent D'arby." Most people have yet to delve any further into his catalogue under his original name. They are truly missing out, if you ask me, and it is due to his having been mishandled by the record company.
On his debut, TTD mostly stayed in the realm of R&B and Funk. These are traditional forms of music blacks did in the industry. Upon doing that, the company thought they had him pegged. It turns out that they were completely wrong, though; as TTD began to show his far larger artistic vision that incorporated elements of world music, rock, soul, and anything he could get his hands on. His second record was, needless to say, not what the company was expecting.
I cannot now recall how long he took to make the record, but it certainly clashed with how the company desired to market him. There was also an alleged tussle with another big artist who further pigeonholed TTD into the realm of "non promotion." The company did not put forth nearly the effort they did in hyping his first record.
The record, "Neither Fish Nor Flesh," would actually serve as a preview of the synthesis he was trying to achieve. It was received by some as being pretentious and, while it was true that TTD was incredibly cocky, I would have to say that those opinions likely reflected the state of race in the music industry. Most black artists, excepting Prince, TTD, and (at times) MJ; fit into a desired mold. It was simple and easy. Most were not attempting to blend or experiment with different sounds. Such forays into realms as of then unheard of, made it difficult for the music machine to know exactly how to profit from such artists.
Artists like Prince and MJ were established enough that weird directions in music were not as big of a deal, but TTD was just starting out and he already was doing weird stuff. Due to this, his company didn't hype him as they should. Their lack of promotion lead to declining sales (though still fairly good sales, if memory serves) and interest in TTD. Thus, the two records where he successfully pulled everything he tried in "Neither Fish nor Flesh" in brilliant fashion, were relatively ignored on many levels. "Symphony or Damn" and "Vibrator," moreso the former, are some of my favorite albums and influenced me greatly, as I grew as a musician.
After those two records weren't well received, TTD slowly lost his confidence and eventually himself. He changed his name because, in his mind, "they killed that boy (TTD)." That is what represents the fading away. As Sananda, TTD is still releasing music, just independently. He kept a good following as TTD and most of those likely followed him in his next "iteration." He is living in Europe somewhere and likely gaining new fans there. He releases music when he wants and makes the records he wants. He is free.
The other side of the spectrum is MJ. MJ was famous at 11 and then had to go through puberty, in front of the world. He also had to make the transition into adulthood, which he did with "Off the Wall." That record is probably his most complete work in my opinion. The subsequent three albums of Thriller, Bad, and Dangerous, were solid records; but, they were made with the intent of popular appeal. There is nothing wrong with that, but they were not done in the artful, free-flowing way he approached "Off the Wall" with.
A lot of this had to do with Michael's psyche and the damage that had been done to it; however, public and critical perception played a huge role in how he made his albums. MJ would make the albums in a way that would strike a chord and be successful. It was a response to the rather tepid recognition of "Off the Wall" in the Grammys. As slick and awesome the record was, it wasn't even in the running for anything outside of R&B (he won the award for best male R&B vocal).
There again is that whole pigeonholing of black artists thing. He was really distraught about that slight and then said it wouldn't happen again. It didn't. He structured each of his records in a way that the Grammys and other awards ceremonies could not ignore. One good thing that came out of this was Michael's reaching into more rock n roll and expanding his sound a bit. I just wonder what he could have done with expanding the sound of "Off the Wall" instead of the sound of "Thriller."
After "Thriller," people--more than ever--wanted Michael to be a very specific thing. I think that crushed him artistically.
I could go on, but my main point is that I can avoid such things and be far more connected with fans, which will get my name out there more and more. I don't need an image. I don't have to stick to certain types of music. If I want to do an oddball album like Kanye's "808's and Heartbreaks," I can do just that. I won't HAVE to change my image, because it is myself.
So, in closing, I want to thank everyone who has supported me thus far. I hope that you will spread the word of my musical deeds as I continue to grow as an artist, performer, etc. This free reign that I find myself in is perfect and will help me provide some very special music for all of you!
Peace and Love,
ZK
Anyway, my song "City of Flames" has officially been delivered to itunes, Spotify, and the like. They still have not posted it live, but it is much closer than before. I'll do another post when that finally happens.
Also, the album is coming along nicely. When I finish upgrading my equipment, I can start finalizing some things. I already mentioned the track listing, and that is pretty set--even though I have started writing several new songs. This is a delightfully creative and free period in my life and music. I am ecstatic to see just where this all leads me.
This brings me to my next point: how I am relishing being completely independent from a label. I am just starting to appreciate how freeing it is to be independent and how this gives me free rain to do whatever I want musically. If I want to experiment with electronica, there is no problem. If I decide to do random EPs or singles, I can do that. If I become a completely different person, my "image" can reflect that.
Actually, I do realize that there are a lot of artists that are allowed such freedom; but, in the end, the record business is more about the money than the music. Images are built (how ever well or how poorly it reflects the actual artist) for the sake of selling the records. The music is rarely allowed to stand alone, or to really breathe. If an artist debuts with one image, it will be extremely hard for them to shed said image.
A primary example of this comes in the form of two of the most influential music artists in my life: Terence Trent D'arby (Sananda Maitreya) and Michael Jackson.
I've been waxing philosophical on this thought for a while now, and I feel that it points to two possibilities: fading away or being so big one can hardly change. TTD represents the former while MJ represents the latter.
When people hear of TTD, they tend to only remember his debut "The Hardline According to Terence Trent D'arby." Most people have yet to delve any further into his catalogue under his original name. They are truly missing out, if you ask me, and it is due to his having been mishandled by the record company.
On his debut, TTD mostly stayed in the realm of R&B and Funk. These are traditional forms of music blacks did in the industry. Upon doing that, the company thought they had him pegged. It turns out that they were completely wrong, though; as TTD began to show his far larger artistic vision that incorporated elements of world music, rock, soul, and anything he could get his hands on. His second record was, needless to say, not what the company was expecting.
I cannot now recall how long he took to make the record, but it certainly clashed with how the company desired to market him. There was also an alleged tussle with another big artist who further pigeonholed TTD into the realm of "non promotion." The company did not put forth nearly the effort they did in hyping his first record.
The record, "Neither Fish Nor Flesh," would actually serve as a preview of the synthesis he was trying to achieve. It was received by some as being pretentious and, while it was true that TTD was incredibly cocky, I would have to say that those opinions likely reflected the state of race in the music industry. Most black artists, excepting Prince, TTD, and (at times) MJ; fit into a desired mold. It was simple and easy. Most were not attempting to blend or experiment with different sounds. Such forays into realms as of then unheard of, made it difficult for the music machine to know exactly how to profit from such artists.
Artists like Prince and MJ were established enough that weird directions in music were not as big of a deal, but TTD was just starting out and he already was doing weird stuff. Due to this, his company didn't hype him as they should. Their lack of promotion lead to declining sales (though still fairly good sales, if memory serves) and interest in TTD. Thus, the two records where he successfully pulled everything he tried in "Neither Fish nor Flesh" in brilliant fashion, were relatively ignored on many levels. "Symphony or Damn" and "Vibrator," moreso the former, are some of my favorite albums and influenced me greatly, as I grew as a musician.
After those two records weren't well received, TTD slowly lost his confidence and eventually himself. He changed his name because, in his mind, "they killed that boy (TTD)." That is what represents the fading away. As Sananda, TTD is still releasing music, just independently. He kept a good following as TTD and most of those likely followed him in his next "iteration." He is living in Europe somewhere and likely gaining new fans there. He releases music when he wants and makes the records he wants. He is free.
The other side of the spectrum is MJ. MJ was famous at 11 and then had to go through puberty, in front of the world. He also had to make the transition into adulthood, which he did with "Off the Wall." That record is probably his most complete work in my opinion. The subsequent three albums of Thriller, Bad, and Dangerous, were solid records; but, they were made with the intent of popular appeal. There is nothing wrong with that, but they were not done in the artful, free-flowing way he approached "Off the Wall" with.
A lot of this had to do with Michael's psyche and the damage that had been done to it; however, public and critical perception played a huge role in how he made his albums. MJ would make the albums in a way that would strike a chord and be successful. It was a response to the rather tepid recognition of "Off the Wall" in the Grammys. As slick and awesome the record was, it wasn't even in the running for anything outside of R&B (he won the award for best male R&B vocal).
There again is that whole pigeonholing of black artists thing. He was really distraught about that slight and then said it wouldn't happen again. It didn't. He structured each of his records in a way that the Grammys and other awards ceremonies could not ignore. One good thing that came out of this was Michael's reaching into more rock n roll and expanding his sound a bit. I just wonder what he could have done with expanding the sound of "Off the Wall" instead of the sound of "Thriller."
After "Thriller," people--more than ever--wanted Michael to be a very specific thing. I think that crushed him artistically.
I could go on, but my main point is that I can avoid such things and be far more connected with fans, which will get my name out there more and more. I don't need an image. I don't have to stick to certain types of music. If I want to do an oddball album like Kanye's "808's and Heartbreaks," I can do just that. I won't HAVE to change my image, because it is myself.
So, in closing, I want to thank everyone who has supported me thus far. I hope that you will spread the word of my musical deeds as I continue to grow as an artist, performer, etc. This free reign that I find myself in is perfect and will help me provide some very special music for all of you!
Peace and Love,
ZK
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Interesting Developments
I am fairly sure that I told you all that I have really narrowed down the songs. I have every song picked out and it is just going to take perfecting the production to finish the record. I hope to have everything finished and mastered by the end of August. This will give reverbnation time to deliver the album for its actual release date; October 13, 2012.
I am also fairly sure that I mentioned my "Speaking In Cursive" album. I said I planned to release it around this time next year, but there has been a change of plans. Here's what I mean: I just realized that I have plenty of old, mostly finished material that will NOT fit on "Speaking In Cursive."Basically, these songs are of a completely different vibe and belong on a different release.
Actually, I have so many songs; that I can, and now plan to, make two whole LPs for early next year. I guess one could call this a syphoning off on all my pre-recording artist material. I've been a songwriter for a number of years, but had not really delved far into recording because I felt that I NEEDED a legitimate studio and producer to make a good record. I had little faith in my own abilities in that regard, mostly because I lacked a tremendous amount of experience, however much I listened and--hopefully--learned from my favorite artists. I have since shed that timidness, as is made obvious by the fact that I am independently producing and releasing my first album this year.
That said, most of the songs on these two new EPs are B-sides to "The Green Line" in many ways. A majority of these songs were considered for "The Green Line," but are getting left off the record because they either did not flow with the rest of the songs or simply were not far enough along in their production to be viable options. There are also a great many of these songs that had no chance from the beginning because I had no idea how to approach those songs or felt they weren't close enough to even consider producing for the first album.
Lest we make some false assumptions, I must note that my B-sides are songs I think could all have been A-sides. They definitely can and will be able to stand on their own. These are not throw away songs, just songs that weren't ready at the time of my recording "The Green Line" in my Cove Studio.
In the spirit of these songs being worthy of being A-side songs, I decided on making two new LPs that will be released ahead of "Speaking In Cursive" and hopefully will both be released by this time next year. The first of these is called "Once Upon A Time In Waco" and are clearly songs I wrote just before or during my time at Baylor University. This, of course, means that they just were not able to fit in the first 5 songs of "The Green Line."
The second LP is called "A Long Night in Denton." This is, obviously, a group of songs that I wrote during my post-Baylor years in Denton, Texas until now; thus, they were songs that couldn't make the second half of "The Green Line."
I am finding out that I have steadily become a better songwriter and producer as time has gone on. So, I desire to showcase that. Listeners will hopefully be able to note a difference between earlier songs and later ones, though not one that would make the first album weak. The songs are still quite strong, but I was in a different place when I wrote that material. I was just entering a long period of depression and dealing with the effects of my rather rough upbringing. The tone of most of the songs will reflect this, lost love, fear, and the like are constant motifs. Surprisingly enough, there are also a lot of songs that are hopeful or about hoping. This reflects the fact that I still, despite everything, viewed people and the world in a brighter light, whatever my depressions would make me say. Death was also alluded to fairly often.
In the "Denton" record, I hope people notice that these were more hopeful times for me. The songs that will end the album will reflect the changes I've gone through the past year, while the earlier tracks will more than likely be on the darker side of life. At least, that is how things seem to be shaping up.
In closing, I am really excited about my music career and want you all to be on the lookout for more music from me. I am feeling like this is going to be a period much like the great Stevie Wonder had in the early 70s. I will have released 3 records within a year and will likely be releasing a 4th within the same time period. These are exciting times!
Peace & Love,
ZK
I am also fairly sure that I mentioned my "Speaking In Cursive" album. I said I planned to release it around this time next year, but there has been a change of plans. Here's what I mean: I just realized that I have plenty of old, mostly finished material that will NOT fit on "Speaking In Cursive."Basically, these songs are of a completely different vibe and belong on a different release.
Actually, I have so many songs; that I can, and now plan to, make two whole LPs for early next year. I guess one could call this a syphoning off on all my pre-recording artist material. I've been a songwriter for a number of years, but had not really delved far into recording because I felt that I NEEDED a legitimate studio and producer to make a good record. I had little faith in my own abilities in that regard, mostly because I lacked a tremendous amount of experience, however much I listened and--hopefully--learned from my favorite artists. I have since shed that timidness, as is made obvious by the fact that I am independently producing and releasing my first album this year.
That said, most of the songs on these two new EPs are B-sides to "The Green Line" in many ways. A majority of these songs were considered for "The Green Line," but are getting left off the record because they either did not flow with the rest of the songs or simply were not far enough along in their production to be viable options. There are also a great many of these songs that had no chance from the beginning because I had no idea how to approach those songs or felt they weren't close enough to even consider producing for the first album.
Lest we make some false assumptions, I must note that my B-sides are songs I think could all have been A-sides. They definitely can and will be able to stand on their own. These are not throw away songs, just songs that weren't ready at the time of my recording "The Green Line" in my Cove Studio.
In the spirit of these songs being worthy of being A-side songs, I decided on making two new LPs that will be released ahead of "Speaking In Cursive" and hopefully will both be released by this time next year. The first of these is called "Once Upon A Time In Waco" and are clearly songs I wrote just before or during my time at Baylor University. This, of course, means that they just were not able to fit in the first 5 songs of "The Green Line."
The second LP is called "A Long Night in Denton." This is, obviously, a group of songs that I wrote during my post-Baylor years in Denton, Texas until now; thus, they were songs that couldn't make the second half of "The Green Line."
I am finding out that I have steadily become a better songwriter and producer as time has gone on. So, I desire to showcase that. Listeners will hopefully be able to note a difference between earlier songs and later ones, though not one that would make the first album weak. The songs are still quite strong, but I was in a different place when I wrote that material. I was just entering a long period of depression and dealing with the effects of my rather rough upbringing. The tone of most of the songs will reflect this, lost love, fear, and the like are constant motifs. Surprisingly enough, there are also a lot of songs that are hopeful or about hoping. This reflects the fact that I still, despite everything, viewed people and the world in a brighter light, whatever my depressions would make me say. Death was also alluded to fairly often.
In the "Denton" record, I hope people notice that these were more hopeful times for me. The songs that will end the album will reflect the changes I've gone through the past year, while the earlier tracks will more than likely be on the darker side of life. At least, that is how things seem to be shaping up.
In closing, I am really excited about my music career and want you all to be on the lookout for more music from me. I am feeling like this is going to be a period much like the great Stevie Wonder had in the early 70s. I will have released 3 records within a year and will likely be releasing a 4th within the same time period. These are exciting times!
Peace & Love,
ZK
Saturday, June 9, 2012
GOOD NEWS, EVERYONE!
I have another most excellent update! I have officially done the things necessary to release my first single. The song is called "City of Flames" and will be available on a great amount of online retailers including:
Spotify
Itunes (globally)
Zune
Amazon MP3
and many more!
I am hella excited about this, but it will take a while for it to officially post, so be on the lookout. When I am aware of where it is available, I will post again on my various interwebby things for my music.
So, in closing, keep on the look out for "City of Flames" by Zaire Kariff! Buy the song, you won't regret it! Next month, be on the look out for "Dancing Under Orion" and "(Please) Don't Leave me," as well.
Blessings and Whatnot,
ZK
P.S. I now have an email add list, in case you haven't noticed. It is on the top right of the blog and will give you more access than ever before. You'll learn about shows, specific release dates, and many other important tidbits by signing up! So...do that too, or something!
Spotify
Itunes (globally)
Zune
Amazon MP3
and many more!
I am hella excited about this, but it will take a while for it to officially post, so be on the lookout. When I am aware of where it is available, I will post again on my various interwebby things for my music.
So, in closing, keep on the look out for "City of Flames" by Zaire Kariff! Buy the song, you won't regret it! Next month, be on the look out for "Dancing Under Orion" and "(Please) Don't Leave me," as well.
Blessings and Whatnot,
ZK
P.S. I now have an email add list, in case you haven't noticed. It is on the top right of the blog and will give you more access than ever before. You'll learn about shows, specific release dates, and many other important tidbits by signing up! So...do that too, or something!
Monday, June 4, 2012
More On The Green Line
Alright, it is high time for another blog. So, here is another album update.
Last post, I told you the title of the album and a bit of the reasoning behind the title. I am of the opinion that names should always be chosen carefully, and this carries over into what I do with making my own album titles. Speaking of which, soon after I finish "The Green Line," I will start on two more projects.
The first of these is an EP that will show the B-sides, also known as the songs that didn't make my first album. I'm thinking that I will release that around February and maybe title it "Love On the Green Line: The B-sides."6 songs that didn't make the album will comprise the contents of this record.
The second project will be my second LP, and I play to release it around June 2013. This project actually already has a legitimate theme to it. It will be called "Speaking In Cursive: A Night at the Bar" or some variation of that. The idea is to explore a night of drinking with a person who is lost in their life. I have yet to decide what sort of lostness I'll use, but that is the basic theme. There is plenty of time to flesh it out.
So, be on the lookout for those.
That said, here is more about "The Green Line." Here is my current tracklisting, though the current order is subject to change:
The cover songs, 'Wagon Wheel' and 'Wishing Well,' are in stone. I am going to keep the album at 2 covers because it costs money to put those on the record. Also, these songs are really far along and I don't need to belabour the work I am doing.
The two n/a parts are cleary where I want to place songs that are not finished yet. i'm not sure which ones should make it or not. It is a tough decision that I revel in making. Making this album is so much and sincerely hope that you all enjoy it! Mark your calendars, cause "The Green Line" comes out October 13th.
As a final note, I am releasing 3 singles this month and will update on when that happens for sure. Due to the lull it takes to get online, it might not be July 'til they are actually available. If that happens before hand then I will let you all know!
Thanks for stopping by!
-Zaire Kariff
Last post, I told you the title of the album and a bit of the reasoning behind the title. I am of the opinion that names should always be chosen carefully, and this carries over into what I do with making my own album titles. Speaking of which, soon after I finish "The Green Line," I will start on two more projects.
The first of these is an EP that will show the B-sides, also known as the songs that didn't make my first album. I'm thinking that I will release that around February and maybe title it "Love On the Green Line: The B-sides."6 songs that didn't make the album will comprise the contents of this record.
The second project will be my second LP, and I play to release it around June 2013. This project actually already has a legitimate theme to it. It will be called "Speaking In Cursive: A Night at the Bar" or some variation of that. The idea is to explore a night of drinking with a person who is lost in their life. I have yet to decide what sort of lostness I'll use, but that is the basic theme. There is plenty of time to flesh it out.
So, be on the lookout for those.
That said, here is more about "The Green Line." Here is my current tracklisting, though the current order is subject to change:
Current Tracklisting:
8th Street Station
- You Told Me You’d Be Back
- Walking On the Sky
- Scarlet Moon
- n/a
- Don’t Forget Me (When I Go)
- Wishing Well
25th Street and Beyond
- Something Strange
- Sparrowheart (Kyrie)
- Take Me Down
- n/a
- My Dear Flower
- Wagon Wheel
The cover songs, 'Wagon Wheel' and 'Wishing Well,' are in stone. I am going to keep the album at 2 covers because it costs money to put those on the record. Also, these songs are really far along and I don't need to belabour the work I am doing.
The two n/a parts are cleary where I want to place songs that are not finished yet. i'm not sure which ones should make it or not. It is a tough decision that I revel in making. Making this album is so much and sincerely hope that you all enjoy it! Mark your calendars, cause "The Green Line" comes out October 13th.
As a final note, I am releasing 3 singles this month and will update on when that happens for sure. Due to the lull it takes to get online, it might not be July 'til they are actually available. If that happens before hand then I will let you all know!
Thanks for stopping by!
-Zaire Kariff
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