I was born in Chicago, Illinois (let's just say it was in the 60s), and have loved music from the very beginning; practically listening to the radio before I can speak. However, I was sort of a late bloomer as far as playing music went. I didn't pick up a guitar until I was nearly 20 yrs. old, and believe me, my voice left little to be desired(I have tapes of myself from that era,yikes!). I moved to Minneapolis in the late 80s and joined many bands all of which went absolutely nowhere(and still they are nowhere), bad choices on my part. I did do a short solo stint on cable tv a few times in the early 90s. I took more of a Euro influenced approach(as I still do), and I would perform my keyboard/guitar Brit 80s style music on this tv program. All of a sudden Nirvana hit, and "raging and rebellious music" was on, so I decided to hop on the bandwagon so to speak. It took me a few years to realize that I just didn't have it in my soul to be rebellious all of the time..I did like some of the acts that were coming out of the era, but I decided almost too late, "be what you are, not what you aren't". I eventually leaned away from the negativity and narcissism (that I'm sorry is still too prevelant in many parts of the musicscene these days), so consequently I started leaning toward a more "uplifting and positive" sort of direction w/ my songwriting...and that's where I'm at right now. I do look around however and see that the world seems to be younger(I'm talking of the music world)..where did it go? I know I've worked harder than most, but hey, life is not fair now, is it? Most (or all of you myspace friends) are 30 and older here, and I wouldn't have it any other way.We are young babyboomers and generation Xers and do have the advantage in this era to be "more vibrant and alive" than ever before. Many people think that I should "give it up" and many clubs and entities won't hire you if you look over 30..I protest and reject every time. So bottom line is, we do have our own little nation, so don't give up on any dreams you may have. The "big money" will always be the young crowd..it was when we were younger too, so it's all relative, or as my Dad says "it's all of our relatives".
As far as current influences, some of them are not so current, but they are prevelant and most of them Euro: (Snow Patrol,Bowie,Coldplay,U2,Sarah McLachlan, David Gray, John Mayer and Dido as among favorites of inspiration & influence). ..On my latest project "Million Miles from Zen" I offer 11 songs combining acoustic guitar with various keyboard and beat sounds, and then mixing it all with lush melodies, vibrant vocals and songwriting. My favorite songs..Hmm.. they include the title track, "Beautiful Sunday" and "Rage Within". It's hard to self analyze sometimes; I guess my music is "loving,moody,trippy and romantic" and draws on many personal experiences dealing w/ relationships and oneself. It's basically of light rock caliber, but I do really rock at times! I am capable! I've performed in many cities ... Venues include State Fairs,clubs,coffeehouses, museums, parks and hotels.). but I relegate to perform not in quantity, but in quality. I found that racing too fast didn't get me anywhere, so these days, I'm laying back and finding that enjoying the journey is a valuble key to life, something I didn't figure out a few years ago.
In other interests, back in 2004 I produced and hosted my own program called "The Strawberry Pop Show"on KFAI radio in the Twin Cities.It basically was an oldies program specializing in pop music(and album cuts and what not) of 60s-early80s..I did the program for about 15 months and am currently working the legal angles out so as to put my "recorded programs" on my main website as a sort of archive, so stay tuned!
I am currently based out of Minneapolis MN.
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hi Larry, not sure if you're talking to me...lol, probably not...but yes it fits.......and yes I am still on myspace. Sometimes we are lost souls, searching for a place we need to be....sometimes a rest is as good as a change!
Larry, I listened to "Everybody Needs" and it's just what I needed!! HOoray. Like my dessert after dinner. The icing on the cake so to speak. Ya, I hear some Moody Blues in you, very nice! Kudos and I shall listen to more now.
hey I just listened to Life After Dark "Imagination". Stii think that's the best Ravenswood song yet written! Hope you are well, and I wish you all the best in 2009!
