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Doug Keith-The Interview

February 9th, 2010

Not sure who Doug Keith is? Come along with me to find out while I get to know Doug and hang out for a bit.

Doug Keith, an exceptional artist and performer, is set to release his new full-length, The Lucky Ones, on March 30th, 2010. The Lucky Ones, an 11-song collection on indie imprint The Village Label, vividly showcases Keith’s strengths as a guitarist and songwriter, capturing significant emotional truths in every song. His voice is soulful and smooth…like a great cuppa coffee. My personal opinion is that Doug isn’t just a musician, he is an exceptional storyteller.

The material on The Lucky Ones ranges from the acoustic starkness of “We Left Everything,” to the surging electricity of “The Lucky Ones,” to the buoyant textures of “Skip James Radio.” His simple-yet-poignant lyrics are layered over soaring instrumental arrangements that are expertly tailored to create distinct aural atmospheres. The link connecting each track is Keith’s weathered, knowing voice, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking.

Although The Lucky Ones is only his second full-length solo album, Keith is no stranger to the studio or the life of a touring musician. Music has been his passion for years, and it shows in the beauty and intimacy of his current work. Keith started his career playing bass with punk trio The Gods Hate Kansas, and went on to play with several other punk/avant-garde bands, including noted noise-rock combo Up the Empire. But Keith always worked on his own material, releasing a four-song EP and half of a split 7″ single under the name The First Person to See an Elephant. Here’s to Outliving Me, his official solo debut in January of 2009, was the first release under his own name and his introduction to international audiences. With The Lucky Ones, Keith delivers a moving batch of songs that are a worthy follow-up - and natural progression - to his stunning debut.

You can also find Doug Keith traveling around playing select US tour dates:

02/10: Pittsburgh, PA @ Howler’s Coyote
02/11: Columbus, OH @ The Treehouse
02/12: Ann Arbor, MI @ Hathaway Hideaway
02/16: Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
02/20: Louisville, KY @ Sunergos Cofee
02/22: Winston-Salem @ Wake Forest Radio in studio session
02/22: Winston-Salem @ The Garage
02/26: Greensboro, NC @ The Green Bean
02/27: Chapel Hill, NC @ The Cave

ThePost-ItPlace.com (TPIP)
Doug Keith (DK)

(TPIP)When did you know that you wanted to be a singer?

(DK)When it started, I really wanted to be a guitar player more than anything else. I started playing when I was 10 or so. I didn’t sing anything at all until I was about 15 or so. I remember being able to sing and play fairly early on, I never really struggled with that, I just didn’t really try singing until I was about 15. I really started singing when I realized there were things I wanted to sing about. It came more out of writing songs than anything else.

(TPIP) How did you come about writing your very first song?

(DK) My older brother has always been an amazing writer and when I was just starting to play guitar, he did to. He got together with his friend in middle school and wrote an entire 90 minute tape worth of songs about everything. Some of the songs were funny, some were sweet and some were just attempts to see how far out they could go. I probably listened to that tape more than he ever did. I remember realizing that you can write a song about anything you want from that tape, so I started to. I honestly don’t remember what was the first song I wrote, but I wrote about everything, skateboarding, my hometown, what my parent’s did for a living, girls, riding bikes. Pretty much everything I was doing around 14 & 15. I worked at a pizza place when I was 15 and I wrote quite a few songs on the way to and from work. I’d think of something walking home and try and figure it out when I got there. It’s kind of how it works for me now.

(TPIP) When did you first know you would record an album?

(DK) I’ve always recorded. As a kid, I went from asking for a motorcycle to asking for a 4 track for Christmas year after year. I never got either one. Recording has always been part of playing music for me. I recorded my first album when I was in high school with a band I was in at another kid’s house. I have just always recorded. I really enjoy the process.

(TPIP)Was it hard to get the gumption to take the leap into recording?

(DK) No, not really. I think like anything, you have to ease your way into it a bit. I started out recording on cassette tapes on my dad’s boom box. Then I found their reel to reel and could record two different things on two different tracks since left & right were separated. Then I learned that you could play the reel to reel tape backwards while you recorded another take and get some crazy sounds and on and on. I used to have the approach of doing things as fast as possible and not over thinking song lay out or approach. I would record something and regardless of mistakes, what have you, leave it as is because I was trying to capture a moment. With my recent solo records that way of thinking has changed to trying to capture a song which has been a great shift to make.

(TPIP) What has been your biggest obstacle as a musician/singer/songwriter?

(DK) For me it was deciding that I wasn’t going to join or start a new band, but instead focus on playing my songs with whoever I wanted to, whenever I wanted to. I’ve played in a lot of bands and I really like that, in fact I will probably do it again in the future at some point, but at the end of the day, I like playing the guitar and singing the songs I wrote however I feel like doing it.

(TPIP) What advice would you give to others that want to be a musician/singer/songwriter?

(DK) You get a lot of ‘no’ trying to be a musician. Sometimes from places you’d never expect. You get knocked down a lot. You just need to get back up and keep pushing.

(TPIP) What is your favorite song that you have written/sing and why?

(DK) That’s a tough question because each song has a story or situation behind it and it really just depends on my mood. I guess I’d have to say whichever one I’m writing at the time.

Thanks to Doug for his time, inspiration and for allowing me to get an early preview of “The Lucky Ones”! I love the album, it stays in my player 24/7 and has become my new favorite. I highly suggest that you check out Doug Keith the first opportunity that you get. The CD will be available on March 30th so be keeping an eye on his website for more details. And don’t forget that you can see him live on his tour.

Sing Scene

November 22nd, 2009

If you have a young one who loves to sing, JAKKS Pacific has a hot new toy for you. The new Sing Scene line delivers a premium music game experience contained in a single plug and play microphone. You can sing to the latest licensed Pop, Rock and Country hits built right inside the microphone. The Sing Scene provides quality entertainment right in your own home allowing you and your friends to sing along with hit stars such as Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, Chris Brown, Taylor Swift and many, many more.  Just plug into any TV and rock right out of the box…no video game console or software needed! Hit the right notes with the vocal meter and score big points! No additional consoles or cartridges are needed with the Sing Scene. It is recommended for ages 6-15, but we have all had a ball with it so I think it would just depend on the individual. Kids will love finding the Sing Scene under the tree this Christmas!

The Marvelous Toy (GIVEAWAY)

November 19th, 2009

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED !!!

You can however visit The Marvelous Toy for ordering information and you can always check out some of the other great giveaways going on here at The Post-It Place.

If you are looking for a very special gift to give a child in your life the Christmas…Here it is!

It went zip! when it moved

And bop! when it stopped

And Whirr! when it stood still.

It was The Marvelous Toy!

For nearly half a century, “The Marvelous Toy”-composed by the legendary singer/songwriter Tom Paxton-has enchanted children and adults alike. A simple tale about a mysterious, magical, and mystical toy that a father gives to his son-and that eventually gets passed down to the next generation celebrates a child’s sense of wonder. The witty, evocative lyrics spark the imagination. No surprise, then, that the song has been recorded by countless major artists, from Peter, Paul, and Mary to the Chad Mitchell Trio to John Denver, and won legions of fans through the years.

Paxton’s marvelous song has finally become a stunning picture book-oversized, wonderfully packaged, and complete with a CD offering three songs sung by Tom himself plus a music-only version of “The Marvelous Toy” to sing along with. Featuring incredible and wildly imaginative art by Steve Cox, illustrator of the award-winning Pigs Might Fly, the story is now as amazing to look at as it always has been to listen to.

This is such a great book and CD combo. It will be passed from generation to generation as children try to imagine what The Marvelous Toy could be and you will find yourself singing the song and reading the book time and time again.

To Enter: Visit the THIS site and leave me a comment telling me why you would like to win it. All entries must be received by November 30th at 5 PM EST. All entries must have a valid US mailing address. Winners will be selected at random and will have 3 days to respond to the verification e-mail.

Want Extra Entries:

Blog about this contest and The Marvelous Toy, with a link back to here (leave link where the post can be found).

Subscribe to The Post-It Place (either by a reader or request in your comment to be added to the e-mail list for contests and giveaways).

Place my button on your blog (leave link it can be found at).

Follow me - Jillybean01 on Twitter and Tweet this contest making sure to use the @Jillybean01 (leave ID in a comment and I will follow you back).

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A Day in the Country

September 6th, 2009

Yesterday we spent the day at my great Uncle and Aunt’s cabin in Hiawassee. I used to go at least several times a year before my grandparents died, but since, I have only attended the “gatherings” sparingly. My great uncle Clinton looks a great deal like my grandfather, as a matter of fact, when Tate was younger he used to get them mixed up on occasion.

My great-aunt Ruth, she is the best cook I know. Still to this day she grows most of her own vegetables in her garden, where nothing goes to waste. She can’s, makes jellies and jams, and cooks up a storm for family and friends weekly. She is a force to be reckoned with and I can only wish that I could keep up with her. She is also one of the kindest women you will ever meet as well as a big cut-up. As a matter of fact, there is a cookbook being made about her recipes, her garden and her life. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

Cater Camp is a refuge from the daily grind. Several times a year you can find a crowd gathered there to fellowship in food, family, friends, music and fun. In his younger years my Uncle Clinton played his guitar on a regular basis. You could find him in the midst of famous country music singers, backing them up as was needed. During that time he made some great friends that have lasted him a life-time…people like “Fiddlin” Howard Cunningham, “Chief” Jimmy Childers, and many more.

The weekend before Labor Day always marks the last get-together of the summer at Carter Camp. People come from all over to join in on the celebration. If they play an instrument, they bring it along so that they can join in on the jam session that lasts all day. People come and go as they please and the food is in abundance.

The setting is located in the mountains of North GA, in a small little town named Hiawassee…home of the GA Mountain Fair and the GA Mountain Country Music Festival…which happens to be the stage where most of these fellows met, played together and became friends. Today, the festival is still there, along with a large hall where famous stars still come to play. But on a small stage, nestled in the mountains, surrounded by family and friends is where you will find the best of times.

Super Z & Super Fun Times

August 16th, 2009

Super Z is a shortened version of Super Zeitgeist. What the heck is that you ask? Well, a band of course. Super Z was shortened specifically for their kids CD since their name posed a problem for kids to say. It actually means “the spirit of the times” in German. They take it as living in the moment, creating and performing.

Super Fun Times is a collection of songs that Super Z has been writing, playing and performing for the last couple of years. The lead singer has a 3 year old son and they found themselves writing all these kids songs and decided to put them together in a CD for your child’s enjoyment.

The songs are upbeat and fun for any preschooler. My favorite is “La-La-La Let’s Go”, but the kids really thought that “Plant In My Hair” was so funny.

You can preview and purchase their CD at www.cdbaby.com/superz

If you would like to follow them on Twitter they can be found at : http://twitter.com/superzeitgeist

You can also find their other songs at : www.myspace.com/zeitgeist

EQUIFUNK

June 26th, 2009

Nestled in the Pocono Mountains and only a 2 ½ hour drive from NYC, EQUIFUNK is a unique and intimate music festival taking place September 4-6, 2009. The perfect end to the summer, EQUIFUNK promises adults and children alike, a fun-filled musical adventure, along with a summer camp experience, complete with sports, crafts, swimming and more.

The all-inclusive 2-day event features nightly live performances by acclaimed New Orleans’ artists, The Radiators and a late night performance by England’s funkiest, The New Mastersounds.
At EQUIFUNK, friends and families can ‘bunk’ in fully renovated cabins; enjoy all meals including outdoor evening barbeques, ‘mess-hall’ breakfast buffets and lunches and poolside snacks and beverages (beer and soft drinks) throughout the day; and various camp activities including sports, gymnastics, canoeing, zipline, rock-climbing, arts & crafts and/or relaxation with music at the resort style pool. Evenings will offer fun festivities and full nights of music with the Radiators, as well as a late night show on Saturday with The New Mastersounds. Babysitting is available so parents can get their groove on!

To purchase tickets to EQUIFUNK or for more information, please visit the website at WWW.EQUIFUNK.COM.

Guitar Hero for the Nintendo DS

June 26th, 2009

Guitar Hero for the Nintendo DS has taken over our house. It is a fight for play time on a daily basis here. Everyone LOVES it! The game comes with an attachment that you hook to your DS that has the “keys” and a “guitar pick”. It is SOOO much fun.

The makers of Guitar Hero introduced Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits for the Nintendo DS system, a follow-up to the On Tour and Decades games previously released. The game features 28 songs, all radio-edits of modern rock hits from bands including Coldplay, Fall Out Boy, Weezer, The Strokes and Wolfmother. Besides being able to take the game on the road, the Nintendo DS has a wireless feature that allows song streaming and multiplayer modes. Imagine all of the kids in the backseat of your car entertaining themselves and challenging each other!

You can rock out virtually anywhere now with the portable version of Guitar Hero without worrying about being exposed to violence…except when you are fighting over play time. Check out the new Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits and Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades today and start rockin and rollin with your family today!

Thank you to MomCental for this opportunity!