My music is an intersection of global vernaculars and art music influence.
I attempt to compose music that communicates clearly, is accessible but challenging, and engages the listener in a powerful and meaningful way, whatever that way may be and however the listener chooses to interpret the work. I am not so concerned that my music is appreciated and praised as much as I am that it is heard and impacting; I would much rather that someone hate my music than be ambivalent about it.
An artist recognizes the present of their time and embraces it, moving forward in whatever direction compels them. One of the ways that I feel contemporary music can become more relevant within the culture of our society is to explore new and innovative ways to present music. We gain very little by chastising the populace for a lack of cultural sophistication rather than attempting to reach them through avenues they find familiar.
Sounds Like
Throughout human history, as our species has faced the frightening,terrorizing fact that we do not know who we are, or where we are going in this ocean of chaos, it has been the authorities, the political, the religious, the educational authorities who attempted to comfort us by
giving us order, rules, regulations, informing, forming in our minds their view of reality. To think for yourself you must question authority and learn how to put yourself in a state of vulnerable, open-mindedness; chaotic, confused, vulnerability to inform yourself.
--Tool
One of the hardest lessons in life is learning when to open your hand with compassion to make peace and when to close it to make a fist. The former should be default, but the latter is the only language some people are willing to understand.
Imagination and inspiration are gifted, they are not the products of human effort.
Books: Bhagavad Gita, 1984, Brave New World, My War: Killing Time in Iraq, By Way of Deception.
Music: I pretty much like everything and find value in all kinds of music, but I have a recent hankerin' for: Meshuggah, Tool, The Dillinger Escape Plan, 4th25, Crutchiker, Spylacopa.
I'm not a huge fan of bios, particularly of composers, where we tend to go on and on about awards, commissions, and all that, so take a listen (which is what really counts)...if you are interested, here's a little info about me and what I'm up to now.
I was born in Wilmington, DE in 1974 and am a composer and electric bassist. Currently, I am an Associate Professor at The City College of New York and The Graduate Center, CUNY, where I teach composition (both classical and pop), theory, orchestration, and counterpoint. Some of my music was recently released on CD by the Kiev Philharmonic (inertia, included in the player above) and my solo piano works, Spiral and Shards were recently recorded by pianist Robert Auler--I'll post those when they are released. My choral music, including the tracks on the player above, is published by earthsongs (www.earthsongschoralmusic.com). I find that I am influenced a lot by metal bands like Meshuggah, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Bulb.
Download any of the non-commercially released pieces for free at: www.soundclick.com/jonathanpieslak
My work as a scholar has focused on critical theory, rhythm and meter in the music of Meshuggah (the Swedish metal band--they own), and music and American soldiers in Iraq. My work on Meshuggah appeared in Music Theory Spectrum (vol. 29, no. 2, 2007), and has subsequently been featured in Guitar World, Playback, and other magazines. Also, I am the author of Sound Targets: American Soldiers and Music in the Iraq War, published by Indiana University Press (www.soundtargets.com).
Check out my rock/electric bass performance music project: www.myspace.com/jonpieslak
The students at CCNY are fantastic and I am really lucky to be able to teach them (hopefully, they learn something too). Thanks for checking out my music; I'm always interested to know what people think.
"Wer sieht wenn ich weine - wer hört meinen Schrei ? Wer fühlt wie ich leide - wer liest was ich schreib ? Sag wer nimmt mir meine Ängste und wer gibt mir neuen Mut - wer kanns tun - wenn nicht Du ?"
Ich bin diese Woche der featured Artist auf Myspace und komme zusammen mit Afrob auf die neue Juice-CD.
Als Dankeschön für jeden der seine Stimme beim Voting für mich abgegeben hat , präsentiere ich nun den neuen Song "Wenn nicht Du" und das dazugehörige Musikvideo:
Viel Spass mit dem Video + dem neuen Song (der Downloadlink steht in der Videoinfodatei)
Bitte schreib mir ein Kommentar bei Youtube und gib mir 5 Sterne - liebe Grüße aus Neuss
I just wanted to stop by to say hello and give you a little update on what Blood Root Mother is up to! We will be recording an EP of new music in August, and we recently finished recording a live DVD. The DVD is currently unreleased and I actually just saw it for the first time yesterday. It features the last two performances with Tony Ellis still alive, and some footage from the tribute show we played on the night of his funeral.
There are some cool covers, as well as some NEW music that will be on our upcoming EP. We're very excited about the new music and we'd like to share a sneak peak with you. Here's a video of a tune called Run Bobby Run:
We appreciate that you're doing your own thing and glad that you're our friend!
I wanted to share an insight that I had recently. Blood Root Mother really believe in the power of music. Genuine music transcends all limitations and boundaries, and happens when musicians and listeners are communicating with one another on the deepest level possible. In a society overcome by an obsession with flashy images and stale radio hits, we seek to do something that shakes the foundation of the status quo. Since the dawn of human civilization, music has been about sharing humanity and truly connecting with others. So stay connected with us, and join us on our journey.
Peace, Elliot
The artistic activity does not lie in art itself as such. It penetrates into a deeper world in which all art forms flow together, and in which the harmony of soul and cosmos in the nothing has its outcome in reality. -Bruce Lee
Really liking the piece you've put up. Its great stuff, kept me captivated throughout. If you ever have time to explain your approach to the piece to me, I would love to hear it. I also wanted to say thanks so much for your help with my work - It proved to be invaluable. Sorry I havent been in contact sooner, but I am at the very end of my course and have had other work to do and exams. One more thing; The tunes on our page now have vocals! check them out if you have the time.
heh thanks but i think we were all in it together! the new album is duplicating now, i'll hook you up with a copy once i'm back in town. hope the summer's going well.
saw that you reupped "in pulverem mortis", on a whim gave it a a first listen since a couple of years ago... wow i forgot how awesome that session sounded! Holy cow on headphones its shiver-tastic! great job!
Thanks for your friendship; you are truly amazing. I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for your continued friendship. I also wanted to ask you that if you get the opportunity, please check Tim out on Reverb Nation! Thanks in advance, I truly appreciate it! Be well! d. Here is a special MESSAGE from Tim! PLEASE CHECK IT OUT! www. reverbnation. com/timoneil Tim's ReverbNation
Finally it's here!"Bienvenida" CD for sale at Cdbaby. com
I am thrilled to present to you, all my friends and colleagues the soundtrack of my life so far. I know you will love this record of Cuban Vocal Jazz
Featuring the Rodriguez Brothers, Yunior Terry, François Zayas, Cuco Castellanos and Special Guest Jeff Lee Johnson on Guitar.
I will be honored by your support and please enjoy this gift to you
Warmest regards Venissa Santí
De venta en Cdbaby. com
Por Fin llego estoy dichosa de presentar a todos mis amigos y estimados colegas la sonora de mi vida hasta ahora. Yo se que le van a amar este colección de Jazz Vocál Cubano Americano. Presentando
Los Rodriguez Brothers, Yunior Terry, François Zayas, Cuco Castellanos and Special Guest Jeff Lee Johnson on Guitar. Estaria honrada por su apoyo, Que les disfrute este regalo de mi parte "Bienvenida" Con Cariño,
Venissa Santí
Online Now!
![MaximNoise [auf der neuen JUICE-CD]](http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/93/s_60f4758222ff41ea817dc967da7b6a4e.jpg)
![I Hate This Place [New Album Out NOW!]](http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/48/s_7229954b56aa8b778d2fcc59ca568cfc.jpg)
