What's Going On?

All This Music and No Cover Songs...?

by DPM on 12/06/12

I had the opportunity to visit an old college buddy of mine and his family this weekend. We had a great time catching up and visiting and then we went to hear a little music. First stop, Smith's Olde Bar in Mid-Town Atlanta, GA. First band up was my buddy's band, Kevin Jackson and The Lost Souls. And just as I remember him, great vocals, right on key, and this melodic trance that his music will send you into. Great lyrics, wonderful vibe, amazing musicians, and the crowd was nothing but attentive and very appreciative. Next band up, Chris Stalcup Band. They take the stage, turn up the amps, and kick you in the face with raw Americana music. Nothing like getting kicked in the face with the raw truth of a great lyric, and the crunch of a Marshall Half Stack.

Then it was off to Athens, GA and the 40 Watt. If you've never been to Athens or this venue, do yourself a favor and check them both out. And trust me, you don't have to be a "Dawg" fan to enjoy it. The 40 Watt is a dark, grimy old bar with a great story to tell but laid back like the comfort of home. First band up, Communist Daughter, a Minnesota based band. The first thing I notice are the incredible vocal harmonies that are flowing from the stage. They were a very talented band that I would highly recommend to anyone that is wanting to check out a new band. Next up, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Jason is an ex Drive-By Trucker guitarist and singer. Words can not begin to describe this true american talent. He's not old enough yet to be a legend, but trust me, it's coming. Jason has to be one of the greatest songwriters of recent history. Trust me when I say that you do not want to miss an opportunity to see Jason and his band perform.

I say all of that to say this, through two nights of music, and four bands taking the stage, I only heard 3 cover songs. That gave me hope that one day I will not have to learn anymore radio hits to cover. Not saying that there is anything wrong with cover songs and cover bands, but if someone does want to play their own music, sit back and listen to it. You never know... You just may like it.

Until next time...

Daniel

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Ray Charles Music Festival

by DPM on 10/26/12

Tomorrow, I have the distinct pleasure of playing at the Ray Charles Music Festival in Albany, GA. I go on stage at 12 noon and play a 30 minute set. If you happen to be in the Albany area, stop by and hang out with us. It should be a fun time, and you'll meet a lot of wonderful people, and you will get to hear a bunch of great music. So come by, show your support for the music of Ray Charles Jr. and together let's make this a great event. See you there.

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Stick to Your Guns

by DPM on 09/10/12

Stick to your guns... You've always heard this saying (or at least I grew up hearing it). But whatever saying you heard from whatever region you came from, it always meant the same. If you believe in something, and you believe that it is the right thing to do, then continue on this path even if it is not always the easiest or most favorable of choices.

The other night I was offered a slot to play at a local event called the Deck of Arts in Downtown Albany, GA. (If you haven't gone and checked out this event yet, do yourself a favor and go.) When I arrived, originality and art was in the air. I decided at that moment that I was going to play all originals, all night. No cover songs!! Not that I don't like some cover songs, but it was an art festival so I wanted to show off my art form and my creativity. I stepped up on stage and played my 45 minute set and when it was done I thought to myself... Self, they hated you!

Oddly enough though, when I left the stage this stranger (soon to be friend) came up and shook my hand and said that he appreciated what I had just done. This then led to a conversation where he invited me to play at another larger festival. (Shameless promotion I know but I'll be playing at the Ray Charles Music Festival in Albany, GA on October 27.) If I had succumb to the pressure of playing what I know would have entertained the masses, I may have missed out on this larger opportunity.

So in leaving, I remind you to always remember why you're doing something and stay the course. Or in other words.... Stick to your guns.

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Want to play a little game...?

by DPM on 07/25/12

I'm reaching out to all of you to ask you for a little bit of help. Help me promote my song "Who I Am (New Holland Song)" on the New Holland Agriculture Facebook page. Here's what you need to do: 1) go to the New Holland Facebook page and then go to the "posted by others" section. Or simply follow the link that I've provided below. http://www.facebook.com/NewHollandAgriculture?filter=2

Once there, scroll down until you see a post from me "Daniel Parrish Music" about their new theme song. Please make any and all comments, Likes, or shares from that post on their site. And please share it with all of your people to do the same thing. Thank you for your efforts. Let's see if we can get their attention.

You guys rock!! Until next time....

Daniel

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Try Try Again!... and Again... And

by DPM on 07/23/12

When I first tried to ride a bike, (i don't remember that long ago) but I'm positive that I crashed HARD. I'm sure that I got up (probably cried a little), dusted myself off and got back on and tried again. Like I said, I don't remember that long ago, but that is usually how things go. Of course, after many years of trying, training, blood, sweat, and tears, I was racing bicycles and doing pretty good at it.

This past weekend I took my family out to the lake. Everyone was having a great time in and on the water. After watching some others ski around the lake, my youngest decided that she would like to try to ski. Of course as any parent would be, I was proud, a little scared, but mostly curious how it would all play out. She got in the water, put on the skis, got some instructions from everyone, the boat takes off, and then... you guessed it! Face plant!! In true fashion, she cried and decided that she did not like skiing at all. I'm sure she'll try it again soon, but not today. It was just one of life's little reminders that to be good at something, we have to work at it.

No matter what your passion in life is, don't let a few setbacks keep you from trying to be what you want to be. It's your life, live it, enjoy it, and if it doesn't work out the first time, try try again. Until next time...

Daniel

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