Drrty World

Life Updates

2009-07-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

Holy Monkey, it's been too long.

For those who still read the blog, just some updates:

I've finally been playing some gigs! I played off and on with a Tejano and Disco band back in April through June, and currently I'm subbing in the country/classic rock outfit High Horses for the next few weeks, culminating in a long weekend of bookings in Cheyenne during Frontier Days, Holyoke, CO, for Nebraska singer, "Lexi", and on up to Ogallala, Nebraska for some gigs up there.

I've submitted my band Third Wheel Legend into another contest-this one for a chance to perform in October in a Nashville festival.

I've also submitted a song for a couple of high profile country artists to consider for future recording projects.

I guess I need to quit being a ninny and put myself out there if I ever want a chance at songs getting published and recorded.

Well, other than some nice chances to relax at the lake and work kicking my butt, that's about it.

Until next time!

Do You Want Fries With That?

2009-05-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

If living in the city has taught me anything it's that Customer Service doesn't really exist.

Case-in-point:

We're moving on Saturday and have taken care of all kinds of ins and outs ahead of time. We changed our addresses on a bunch of important services and bills, packed up a ton of stuff, reserved the truck, gathered friends for help, etc...

We also called the new place to set up a time, in advance, to sign the lease agreement and get keys so we wouldn't have to deal with it on move-in day. Today was supposed to be that day, but when we arrived, the assistant had no clue about our agreement, and couldn't figure out how to log on to their system to get us signed up.

Now, it wasn't this poor girl's fault for the technical glitch, but we're ticked. They've had our deposit since the end of March, and even then we scheduled today as our paper signing. Is it too much to ask for things to be ready when scheduled? Our time is valuable, and a business should bend over backwards to make sure we're accommodated at the agreed upon time.

After being turned away from our apartment signing, we decided to grab Sonic for dinner, and they couldn't get our order right to save their butts.

Frustration.

Grr.

If Nashville Said It...

2009-04-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

I finally got the judging sheet back from the contest I entered back in November.

Each category is ranked from 1-10, 1 being lowest, 10 highest.

Completely:
(Score)
(8) 1. Is there a strong opening line that grabs the listener and sets up the story?

(6) 2. Is there a memorable hook?

(7) 3. Are the lyrics descriptive, clear and understandable building on the theme of the song?

(8) 4. Is there a unique, fresh approach to the theme/subject matter with which the listener can identify?

(8) 5. Does the song evoke an emotional response from the listener?

(7) 6. Is there a distinct/memorable melody in the chorus, verse, and/or bridge?

(8) 7. Is there a good marriage between the lyrics and melody?

(7) 8. Is the song format (length, structure, Etc.)appropriate for potential commercial viability?

(8) 9. Rate the "repeat listenability" of the song. Do you want to hear the song again?

(8) 10. Overall, do you like the song?

I still don't know how I feel about contests and my songs, but at least it's input from the industry.

Rant.

2009-01-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

Imagine an old, rotten, splintery broomstick handle of large diameter.

Now, imagine said broomstick being repeatedly jammed in your hindquarter.

No lube...just raw, unpolished wood.

And that is precisely what our Internet Service Provider's definition of Customer Service is.

Star Wars and Cuss Words

2009-01-04T20:32:00.000-08:00

I'm reading the Star Wars novel, Death Star (thanks, Cassie!), and I'm noticing some funny substitutions for familiar swear words.

In Star Wars Future Speak, some fine examples of swearing:

Fripp. Fripping.

Son of a Raiiitch (or something to that effect.)

It's just amusing.

That's all for today- Just checking in!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2008-11-29T21:09:00.000-08:00

It's Christmastime at the Lowry house!

Our first Christmas together felt very hurried and we weren't quite settled into our apartment. This year we decided to decorate!

Just a sample of what Katrina and I did:

For more pictures of the Season's Decorations see My Wife's Blog.

Ummm.

2008-11-20T21:09:00.000-08:00

At the risk of sounding less than masculine:

Three songs that made me cry this morning before work:

1. Rise Above This - Seether

2. For The Good Times - Kris Kristofferson

3. The Story - Brandi Carlisle

And one that gave me hope that good lyrics are still being written:

Hurt My Baby - John Hiatt.

Just thought I'd share.

Concerts!

2008-11-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

My bro, nephew, and I drove to Laramie to see Third Eye Blind on Friday night.

They were friggin' great!

The band did lots of creative arranging of the big hits like Jumper, Losing a Whole Year, SemiCharmed Life, and premiered some brand new stuff coming out this Tuesday.

If only every opening band on the planet didn't suck.

Seriously, every concert I've been to this year has had an abysmal warm-up.

We'll start with the Killers. (Okay, they were last year, but still...)
Opening acts...well...they were so horrid I forgot who they were. Just imagine jangly folk rock with dirty lyrics. And then there was Louis XIV. Like Jet, without the catchy hooks and songs about doing it.

Drive By Truckers' openers The Felice Brothers were a hodgepodge of drunken cajun-country punk songs about being drunk. Add to the mix a drummer who was a ringer for K-Fed.

Collective Soul had a generic Lillith Fair flunky named Hanna Pestle open for them in Boulder. Let's call her a boring solo act with vague similarities to Jewel and Lisa Loeb who murdered a Radiohead song for her finale.

Next up, Black Francis warming up the crowd at Red Rocks for Stone Temple Pilots. I'll describe them as a more "arty" version of the Ramones. Oh, wait, they actually had some talent, whereas BF just sounded like a speed freak muttering nonsense against a background of meandering punk noise.

Thank you Bruce Hornsby for not having an opening act!

And finally, Mark Rose, getting us ready for 3EB. Mark, Mark, Mark. There is already a John Mayer, Jason Mraz, and Jack Johnson. Watering down their styles and forgetting how to write a chorus wouldn't make them any better so why would it work for you?

Anyways, the headliners all rocked and made my ticket fees worth it. Lord help me if I announce an opening gig for a major band. There'd better be a snob in the crowd when that day comes.

I Just Halved Myself

2008-10-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

I am - Joe, hear me roar.
I want - to be a rockstar when I grow up.
I have - a gorgeous wife and enough money to live.
I wish - I had the will to practice rudimentary piano technique regularly.
I hate - pedal steel guitar used as filler in country songs.
I fear - Trace Adkin's popularity.
I hear - Big Head Todd and the Monsters with a horn section.
I search - the internet for even samples of the "New" Waylon Jennings CD.
I wonder - if the Tampa Bay Rays are going to find a way to win the series.
I always - get angry while watching the Cowboys play.
I usually - forget to pick up my drink cups after I'm finished.
I am not - that skinny.
I dance - like a 30 year old white guy.
I sing - in the car, loudly, daydreaming the whole time.
I never - can figure some people out.
I rarely - play video games.
I cry - at stupid stuff, like Shania Twain songs I've played in bands.
I am not always - willing to work hard.
I lose - my cool when family picks at me.
I'm confused - about some plotlines in CSI.
I need - to relax and not freak out about things so easily.
I should - write some new songs.
I dream - of being a nationally known songwriter.
I TAG - lobiwan, nevercountsheep, and daniel.

UnClever NearRhymes and other Mysterious Things

2008-10-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

Whilst driving today I happened to hear a couple of country songs which sent me into a little zone of unfortunate rememberance.

Songs with annoying and highly un-clever near rhymes.

I'm talking about:

Brooks & Dunn with "Jesus" and "Pieces".

Darryl Worley with "Forgotten" and "Bin Laden".

Jamie O'Neal with "Man Is" and "Atlantis".

In turn, much to my wife's dismay, this memory led me into a thought process on one man's art versus another's.

I do not like songs that spell everything out. Songs with metaphorical imagery and multiple interpretation appeal to me much more strongly than say, a Martina McBride song about pitching in at the grocery store line to help those "a little less fortunate" than she.

I love how some songs can change meaning with age. Case in point: my song, "Forget". It's my response to 9/11, cloaked in a reference to those I know who've been sexually assaulted. I didn't clearly recognize just how plural the meaning was until this morning. As Bono said once, even he doesn't know what his own songs are about until much later.

I'm not trying to put anyone else down for their listening tastes, but I am trying to clarify just what makes it "Art" to me.

Tune in next time when I'll reveal which Radiohead song is about breast augmentation.

And Another Thing...

2008-09-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

A perk of living in the country:

It would take serious effort to receive a noise complaint from a neighbor.

Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce! (Hornsby)

2008-09-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

Can't help but recommend a track.

I'm so lucky I found it, but on a whim I downloaded some stuff from Itunes the other night and found a real gem. There's a new compilation album produced by Del McCoury (bluegrass artist) called Moneyland just released last July. On this album is a new arrangement of The Way It Is, with Bruce Hornsby playing a solo piano accompaniment with some subtle gospel quarted backgrounds provided by the Fairfield Four. Please check it out. I realize I'm probably the only one to openly weep at the arrangement or the piano tone, but I am almost sure you will be touched by the sensitivity of this version.

Copy this link for a clip:

http://www.amazon.com/Moneyland-Del-McCoury/dp/B00197XF9G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1221972473&sr=8-1

Stream of Consciousness

2008-07-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

My Itunes is feeling kind of hippie-ish (Psst. I like it.)

These were all in a row with no interference from me!

Love and Peace (or Else)-U2
Listen-Collective Soul
Brother Against Brother-Degarmo&Key

Ryan Adams made me mad. He was quoted in American Songwriter this month saying how much he hates country music. May I ask you then, Sir Pretention, why you use country instruments and employ monster twang in a 90% of your recordings if you hate it so much? Fat load of good dating Mandy Moore did you. Jerk.

Reality shows that intentionally set up awkward meetings between former lovers to see if they'll kiss and make up really make me uncomfortable.

My guitar could use some new strings.

So could my bass.

100 degree days aren't nearly as fun as they sound.

Cars drive me crazy.

I need to blog more.

Ramblingnessosityism

2008-05-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

Last night I was so bored so I did a search on some classic Christian Rock Bands in our B&N network. I found out, much to my surprise, several "Big Name Studio Musicians" were in early versions of Whiteheart. Names like Dan Huff and Chris McHugh. You probably don't know them from Adam, but they are all over your favorite Carrie Underwood, Lonestar, Keith Urban, Faith Hill, and Jewel recordings.

And remember Steve Green? He recorded that nice little ditty, "People Need The Lord" back in the 80's. I can remember 1,000 different instances of people murdering that song in Special Music segments at church growing up. He was the original lead singer of Whiteheart. *Gasp* The things you find out while searching the internet.

Have you heard of Grammatrain or Galactic Cowboys? No? Those bands were keeping up with Post Grunge America, sonically, in the mid 1990s. They were alot like Stone Temple Pilots, only without the cross-dressing and heroin.

Mudcrutch reminds me of a band I played with in college. They play "Six Days On The Road" much better than we would've.

"Back To The Street", "This Means War", and "On Fire". The trifecta of amazing output from Petra. I'm glad you think so, too.

"Tea and Sympathy" by Jars of Clay has a boatload of chord changes.

I've been craving classical music. Check out the Chinese pianist Lang Lang and you'll understand.

Sushi rules.

So does Stevie Wonder.

That's all for now.

Concerts R0x0r

2008-05-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Katrina and I

went to see Collective Soul in Boulder last night. The following are some crappy cell-phone pix of the event:

Ed in a traditional lead singer pose.

Joel playing some lead riffs.

Dean, rhythm guitar master.

Dean actually moves from stage left.

Ed gets close to us.

Ryan laying the groove down.

And Will, bassman extraordinaire.

Finally, a Break!

2008-05-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

A happy post for once in a blue moon.

I had an interview for an "Operations Assistant" position at the University of Denver Bookstore on Monday, and they called me back today to offer me the position.

I gladly accepted their offer and will begin my official employment with DU on May 30th.

There are some great benefits to this position, including some great holidays off, paid public transportation pass, and education opportunities!

Plus, some of the guys on the staff are gigging musicians!

Things are looking up!

Thinky

2008-04-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

Here's some lyrics to a Pearl Jam song that I listened to tonight. Enjoy.

Marker In The Sand
Pearl Jam

There is a Marker,
No one sees it cause of sand
That has covered over
All the messages it kept
From misunderstanding,
What Original Truth was
And now expanding
In a faith, but not in love...

What went wrong?
Walking tightrope high
Over moral ground.
Seeing visions of
Falling up somehow.
Oh do come down
With the living, let
What is living love.
So unforgiving, yet
Needing forgiveness first...

God, what do you say?

Those undecided
Needn't have faith to be free.
And those misguided,
There was a plan for them to be...
Now you got both sides
Claiming 'killing in god's name'.
But god is nowhere
To be found, conveniently...

What goes on?
Walking tightrope high
Over moral ground.
Walk the bridges be-
-fore you burn them down!
Do come round
With the living, let
What is living love.
Unforgiving, yet
Needing forgiveness first...

God, what do you say?
God, what do you say?

I feel a sickness...
A sickness coming over me
Like watching freedom
Being sucked straight out to sea
And the solution?
Well, from me far would it be
But the delusion
Is feeling dangerous to me

What goes wrong?
Walking tightrope high
Over moral ground.
Seeing visions of
Falling up somehow.
Oh, do come down
With the living, let
What is living love,
Unforgiving...yet
Needing forgiveness first?

Oh, what do you say?
God, what do you say?

What do you say?

Calling out, calling out

Rockin in the Free World

2008-04-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

Anyone wanna play in a band?

Here's songs that would appear on a setlist:

1. Whiskey River-Willie Nelson
2. Superstition-Stevie Wonder
3. Above and Beyond-Buck Owens
4. Power of Love-Huey Lewis and the News
5. Note to Self-Ryan Adams
6. The Fly-u2
7. Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground-Willie
8. Heart Of Gold-Neil Young
9. Mr. Wrong-Cracker
10.Shine-Collective Soul

And that's just the first set. Probably.

To Bat It Down Is The Only Way To Beat It

2008-04-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

People in Denver are stuck up.

Example #23983849:

The sticker price is the price, unless it's on sale. I have nothing to do with setting the prices at my store. If you want it that badly, swallow your pride and buy it at Wal-mart like the rest of us "unsophisticated" folks do. You are wasting your breath yelling at me about it.

Example #95839483:

Leave for work just five minutes earlier and you won't have to rear-end me or sideswipe me to get into your preferred lane on the interstate. I really will "pay it forward" and let you ahead of me if you do it in a courteous manner.

Example #58495940:

When placing a "help wanted" ad on craigslist and receive my very interested reply, I would greatly appreciate it if you would respond. Even to tell me I'm not qualified to take your open position would be better than ignoring my inquiry. I would very much like the door to be officially closed than believe there remains a sliver of hope you'll want me to work for you.

I've got alot more gripes, but I feel like I'm wearing out my own welcome on Blogspot.

Off to peruse music-centric employment opportunities.

Tagged

2008-03-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

I got tagged. I s'pose I'll fill this out before I get ready for work.

10 years ago:

I was attending Chadron State College, hosted a daring attempt at "Live Band Karaoke" for homecoming, sported a short and spikey blonde hairdo, and began the "Buddy Holly Glasses" trend in northeastern Nebraska.

Things on my To-Do List today:

1. Eat my leftover fish taco.

2. Shower, cuz I'm getting ripe.

3. Work at B&N.

Three Bad Habits:

1. I watch too much midday tv.

2. I chew my nails and occasionally pick my nose.

3. I swear at city traffic.

If suddenly I became a billionaire:

My bills will finally get paid. I buy us a new car. I build a studio. I record, release, and promote my music on my terms. I pay off mom's house and buy me and my wife a house.
After that, I have no idea, perhaps retire to the beach with Katrina and write.

Five jobs I have had:

1. Ice Cream jockey.

2. Library slave.

3. Rib-packer.

4. Radio guy.

5. CD slinger.

Five things you might not know about me:

1. I have extreme needle-phobia.

2. I like tapioca pudding.

3. I have a closet dream of being a storm chaser.

4. I've eaten gizzards as a meal.

5. The first rock concert I attended was Petra, back in 1987.

Heath, Jenny, and Matt Jackson, you're it.

Trip

2008-03-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

I Love The Ocean:

There will probably be more posts, but for now that's a taste of it. Email for more details of what went down.

Hello, I'm Johnny Cash...

2008-03-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, not so much.

What is it with classic country music?

When I was younger, I hated it. Abhorred it. My only exposure to country music was in my early years with Alabama, Oak Ridge Boys, and Eddie Rabbitt. And Hee Haw. And later, TNN at my grandma's.

Then I went to junior high and got into heavy metal. Stayed in headbanger mode for a long time. Then I got a job at a country radio station in College, and that flipped a switch in me.

Now, I can't imagine not ever liking Waylon, Willie, Johnny, or George...

I'm a weirdo.

My Darling Moonshine

2008-03-04T14:28:00.000-08:00

Hey gang,

Just wanted to remind you to check out our song, My Darling Moonshine, on a special Unsigned band page supported by Clearchannel. Remember kids, the more plays we get, the more likely we may be considered for airplay on KBCO Denver!

Thanks a whole stinkin lot!

http://kbco.com/cc-common/artist_submission/player.html?art=139674

Well, Shoot. I Think I'll Blog Now.

2008-02-24T22:45:00.000-08:00

What a crazy weekend.

Friday night we went out and met some folks downtown for dinner and had a great time talking above bad hair-band rock and dodging drunks at the meat market, er, restaurant. Those Rellenos were tasty. Margaritas were potent as well.

Yesterday, we met my mom and sis in Brighton for lunch. It seems that is becoming a routine. I like it, except I'd really like for them to come see our apartment. It's not that scary to drive into town!

Last night, we went to see Drive By Truckers at the Fox in Boulder. The Felice Brothers opened up with a rousing set of slurry, gravel-voiced cajun-country-punk songs with lyrics about murder, drugs, and drugs. It was an uplifting experience.
They traded lead singing duties, and most remarkable of the opening bandmembers was the drummer-a ringer for K-Fed if I ever saw one. "Rocky Mountain Highhhhhh," was his chant during the set. Whee. F'n Stoner.

The 'Truckers were a decent band. Quite versatile in their shift from traditional country styles to Three-Guitar 70's Rock, complete with rousing singalongs; odes to Mama, who ran off with a trucker. And also, they had a chick bass player.

Did I mention I quite possibly had a contact high?

It's quite odd to me, and my lovely wife, how the cities and counties and states can implement a public cigarette smoking ban only to turn their collective eye away from illicit marijuana smoking at concerts.

And it makes concert goers who partake turn into obnoxious a-holes. I couldn't hear the guitar solos over the incessant "Whooooooooooooooooooooooooo!" emminating from Sir SmokesAlot behind us.

We made it home safe and sound, after battling slight driver-paranoia and an overwhelming urge to get some munchies.

Today, at home group, something clicked. Katrina contributed a point centered around asking God, "Why?", and even if we don't get to know the answers when we meet Him, we'll be too awed we're in the company of God to care "Why". In the car on the way home I took it a step further and asked if we could be amazed by God and forget about "Why" then, why couldn't we be amazed by God and let Him keep track of "Why" in the present?

It's probably over-simplified, but it makes for interesting discussion.

Okay, I need to haul my carcass to bed.

Ageless

2008-02-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

Psalm 13
For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;

4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.

6 I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.

The blues have been around forever it seems.

I've learned some things about myself lately:

I have alot of anger issues. Anger at myself, anger at dad, anger at God.

I have alot of difficulty letting go of my "post parental divorce" phase where I acted out in ways that are contradictory to my intent to be a Good Christian.

I think it's going to do me some good to concentrate on things like Grace and Mercy and Salvation, rather than on regret, sorrow, and anger.

It might take a while, but there's where I'm at.

"New" Stuff

2008-02-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

I spent the day yesterday re-re-recording my song, "Completely". I feel it's finally up to radio standards.

Listen here at:

myspace.com/musicianjoelowry

I also submitted it to KBCO Denver and their Clear Channel Indie-Music thingy.

All The Love You Need

2008-01-29T08:44:00.000-08:00

*Cheesy Game-Show Music*

It's time for another edition of, "Drrty Joe Is a Big Ol' Music Nerd."

I'm not sure how I feel about Big Head Todd & The Monsters' latest effort, All The Love You Need.

After hearing their previous three albums, Crimes of Passion, Riviera, and Beautiful World, the newest seems to lack a significant amount of effort in the production department comparatively.

Unless you count the title track, and possibly the last track.

The rest of it sounds like "that really good demo we made" back in 1991. You know, like all the rest of the Bluesy Jam Bands sounded then; bands like Toad The Wet Sprocket. The drums are way down in the mix with no effects. The vocals are dead center in the mix with no effects. Generally, everything sounds very "monaural" and flat. Even if fun effects on guitars are used, they sound very forced and out of place compared to the rest of the band sound.

Oh, did I mention they weren't on a major label and self-produced the album?

Did I also mention they secured a distribution deal with Crocs shoe company and basically gave this album away free in the mail before Christmas?

Maybe they wanted to revert back to an older sound. I dunno. But it bugs me how such a talented band can be so limited by the studio.

Perhaps they should've procured a sponsorship deal to help pay for a better studio and a big-name producer.

Or, maybe I'm misjudging the album and the songs aren't all strong enough to shine through a weak recording process.

Thanks for your patience while I figure out the reason the album doesn't click with me.

Tune in next time for another edition of "Drrty Joe Is A Big Ol' Music Nerd."

Hey You

2008-01-22T09:39:00.000-08:00

...Stop being passive-aggressive and either offer me the damn promotion or quit badgering me about my availability. I've already opened it up!

...Keifer Sutherland is out of jail, so now would be an excellent time to write some stinkin' tv shows.

...Do you even know what a turn signal is?

...Our patio is not a cigarette butt disposal area. It's called a trash can-use it!

...If we are making too much incidental noise while living in the apartment next to yours, please come over and tell us it bothers you. I'll have to introduce you to Dr. Dre if you keep pounding on our wall in disgust.

...Flava of Love, I Love New York, Rock of Love, My Super Sweet 16, The Hills...Funny, I thought with names like Video Hits 1 and Music Television you'd actually be music-related.

...You can keep your "Arctic Cold Front".

...YOU broke up with HIM. Enough with the mellodramatics!

Tarnished Hearts

2008-01-14T08:16:00.000-08:00

I'm gonna get ready for work in a minute...but I thought I'd post and let you know I'm still breathing.

5 songs.

1. Better Man-Pearl Jam

2. World I Know-Collective Soul

3. Plush-STP

4. When Stars Go Blue-Ryan Adams

5. Saints and Angels-Sara Evans

All either got me fired up or made me cry this morning.

And there were more, but I can't list every song that moves me..

or can I?

"Oh, I LOVE this song!"

2007-11-30T13:48:00.000-08:00

Ahh...a day off, and I've run my errands and not messed up the house...what do I do?

Yup.

Play.

Listen.

Mmmmmmmusic. *drool*

Question for ya'll:

Do specific songs have a tag on certain memories for you?

Like, does "2 Legit 2 Quit" by MC Hammer take you back to those awkward dances in junior high?

Just curious.

Speak up...there's too many tumbleweeds blowing around my blog these days.

Like A Record

2007-11-28T10:05:00.000-08:00

I'm going to briefly make a statement about a new trend in "Let's Try Our Damnedest To Save What's Left Of The Current Record Label Business Model".

I'm talking about the "360" deal the majors are making the new bands sign.

Basically, since CD sales are sinking to such low levels, and labels haven't been able to adapt to downloads, they've decided they need to take a cut of artists' touring, merchandice, and publishing.

So, according to a nifty graphic in Rolling Stone, under these terms an artist goes on tour and a.) Label receives 10% of the touring income, b.) 10% of the sales at the swag tables, and c.) a bigger cut of the songwriting publishing, provided the artist is also a songwriter.

On the positive side, this type of deal would force the label to have an active role in promoting the artist because they would have much to lose if the artist doesn't have any commercial success.

Negatively, artists would have an increasingly difficult time even breaking even, let alone make an actual profit due to the label's dipping into a formerly sacred source of income.

I don't know what the answer is. I feel a major sense of desperation from the labels to come up with methods to remain viable in the music marketplace.

Anyone else want to weigh in on this topic?

Wandering Blogs Make Good Reads

2007-11-27T11:53:00.000-08:00

Whew! A Day Off!

I'm listening to a slew of new music. (Thanks to the In-Store Play giveaways at work!)

J.J. Cale's "Rewind", Grace Potter and the Nocturnal's "This Is Somewhere", Killers' "Sawdust", Alison Krauss and Robert Plant's "Raising Sand", Bruce Springsteen's "Magic" among others. I love being a musician.
These CDs are alot better when I can actively listen to them, rather than have them on in the background while I sticker merchandice.

I've also slept alot. What is it with days off that require so much sleep?

Couple of insignificant things on my mind lately. Weigh in if you're annoyed, too.

1. Why hath Rolling Stone proceeded with desperate pleas for my renewal when my subscription isn't actually up until May? It's not even a great magazine anymore. I'm down with more "career specific" rags like American Songwriter and Paste.

2. Comcast is far from fantastic.

There are alot more serious things I could discuss but I'm just going to enjoy my music time.

Scattered Thoughts

2007-10-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

I like Ryan Adam's version of When The Stars Go Blue. An Awful Lot.

I'm loving Married Life.

Typing with a Wedding Band on is Most Lovely.

Old Country is Pretty Stinking Great.

R.I.P. Porter. I hope you and Dolly got it all squared away.

It's getting Awfully Chilly. Winter is on the way. Unfortunately.

I just may download the new Radiohead. (It's getting Rave Reviews.)

Sandwiches made by someone who loves you are SO much better than sandwiches made by yourself.

I can't wait until I'm able to teach.

I'm in an awfully random mood this morning.

Hey All

2007-10-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

You were all there...but I'd just like to say that

I'm Married.

It's Damn Good.

Damn Good.

Record Labels

2007-10-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would chime in on the whole Radiohead-Self-Distribution thing.

A couple of points to consider, fellow musicians:

1. Radiohead has been in existence for about 20 years, and have developed relationships with media, major labels, fans, and distributors.

They are just using their pre-established notoriety as their promotional vehicle. This issue of their website and the band as a record label isn't necessarily "revolutionary" as many press outlets have claimed. They could all get together and fart simultaneously in a secluded room in Liverpool and the world would know, soley based on their previous fame-hood.

2. Bands like Collective Soul, Eagles, and Garth Brooks also use their previously established business relationships to work exclusive promotion/distribution deals.

3. The independent, unassociated artist doesn't have any opportunity to sell incredible volumes of their product without major label help. If I suddenly announced that I was releasing my music exclusively online at www.ihaveanewcdout.com right now, only a select few of you would go there and take advantage of it, because I don't have 20 years of music industry contacts to promote my recordings to the whole world.

Record labels are still relevant, even though their business models are about a century outdated, because they have relationships with major retailers, distribution, marketing, and promotion to get artist's works in to the ears of the general public.

I know this was a long rant, but I just needed to explain what a label does. I can't knock them, because they will eventually figure out a new business model, and I might go work for one.

Woo Ha.

2007-09-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

Hey, Ya'll. I'm employed.

I start at Barnes & Noble on Thursday morning.

I'm really grateful and glad that my search has paid off.

I'm kind of sad, though.

It's not a huge deal. I hate feeling like I'm on the bottom rung again.

As though my collegiate and career experience has been worth nothing more than an, "Oh, that's nice and why are you not working in the Music Business?"

*Sigh.*

It'll be good. I'm just going to have to adjust.

Besides, there are more important things to spend my time thinking about.

Hmmmm, Okay.

2007-09-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

I'm irritated.

I'm searching for jobs. It's already degrading. I don't need any more bullsh*t judgmental looks from employees when I hand in my applications.

Just now, I turned in an app to a music store, and I waited around forever to talk to someone; passing the time by browsing through severely incorrect hack-job transcriptions of Tori Amos songs and whathaveyou.

The 50ish dude at the counter says, "Can I help you?"

I respond, "Yes, I picked this up and filled this out the other day."

"Oh," he says, with a look trying to disguise his thoughts of, "Are you kidding me? You're not seriously applying here, are you?" before finishing with, "I'll get this into the hands of the Powers That Be."

"Thank you very much!" I said, cheerfully.

I'm wearing nice clothes. I'm cleanshaven. My piercings are tasteful. I work hard. I have the talent to do a multitude of things. Being poor and jobless is wearing me pretty damn thin already Mr. Incredulous Face. Maybe you could put yourself in my shoes, and empathize a little bit instead of being suspicious of my desire to work in your sissy little music store?

Okay, I must get back to work. Perhaps I'll find somewhere more hip to waste my energy on.

Bearing Witness To You

2007-09-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

Holy Crizzzzzap! It's been a long time since I've posted.

Lots has changed for me.

The Rundown:

1. I'm not in Nebraska anymore.

2. I'm not employed currently.

3. I go to get into an apartment today. (I'll keep you posted!)

4. My Blazer is in critical condition.

5. 5 Weeks and 4 Days and then I'm a married man.

6. It's already fall. Brr.

7. Collective Soul's new cd Afterwords is pretty darn good.

8. I can whip up a mean batch of bacon if I have to.

9. Driving in Metro Denver isn't as difficult as previously thought.

10.I'm going to try and write more often, once things get settled.

I hope to hear from everyone soon!

Time to go get my background/credit checked.

Edge, You're a Genius.

2007-08-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

I am a complete music nerd.

Truely.

Watching "Rattle And Hum", and the live version of "With Or Without You" is on, and I'm noticing a secondary feedback part that I've never noticed before.

And now I'm obsessed with it!

Damn you, Edge. Your "musical psychology" working in full effect. Sustaining that erie "D" (or Db, in this version), serves to subconsciously emote that desperate longing that Bono sings.

Baroque period writers utilized this very technique, only we know it as "text painting" in that context.

Why can't more artists make their songs sound like what they mean??

Okay. I'm done. For now.

Wrapping It Up

2007-08-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

A few pix.

Barely representative.

Keep on RITFW.

Last gig in Chadron last night.

Listy Things v2.0

2007-08-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple weeks, I'm sorry.

It might be longer than that before the next one...so many changes are about to happen in this drrtyworld:

1. I'm moving in 2 weeks.

2. I am going to San Diego with Katrina after I move.

3. I am going to find a job when I get back.

4. I am going to spend more regular time with Katrina.

5. Apartment Shopping.

6. Wedding!

I came to some conclusions this week.

1. I don't really like 100 degree weather...so if I said that to anyone at any time in my life prior to now, I apologize and hereby retract my heat-loving comment.

1a) Weather forecasters are truely ignorant.

2. The more I learn about my fiance', the more I love her. (Bless that book!)

3. The more about myself I learn, the more I can love myself and let God use me for big things. (More on this later.)

4. This debut by the Bravery is kind of cool, now that I've had a moment to sufficiently crank it.

5. Salad. Who knew?

Okay, tough things.

We're all sinners, saved by Grace. God doesn't see sins when he sees His children, rather that we've accepted His son's sacrifice.

I've had a horrible time letting go and forgiving myself for stuff I did during my "dark period." It was a stretch of time where I was focused on taking care of my own needs, ignoring God's hand in my life, and pretty much blocking out all communication with Him. Without His influence, life can be really not-good.

Over the course of the last few months, I feel like I've reconnected and begun to seek more Christ-centered attitudes and habits.

What is forgiveness? I've seen it put this way: God can't punish you for sin if He's forgiven you. I've been punishing myself. I haven't forgiven myself.

I think I've figured out how, though.

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Ah-ha!

Confessing!

I have to admit to sins! THEN comes the cleansing. Wow. What a revelation. God will forgive, but I have to own up to my shortcomings.

Thus endeth Joe's "truth discovery" moment. For today, that is.

Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce!

2007-07-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

Last night, Katrina brought up how some males are "physical" with their expression of anger or frustration. I am not, in the sense that I don't bang walls or hit countertops or kick defenseless animals. But talk to my Yamaha P60, and it will tell you that when I feel helpless, or sad, or frustrated, or angry...I pray, and I talk about it with Katrina..and then I pound out Bruce Hornsby solos until I feel better.

And it doesn't take long!

Although my piano is a little worse for the wear when I'm done.

Fun Stuff

2007-07-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

My sis sent me a text with lyrics from "Stuck in a Moment" by U2, to which I replied "How True, and also one of my top ten favorite U2 songs."

Should I even give it a shot?

Yes.

All opinions are subject to change, but here goes nothing (In order of favorite, too.)

10.
9.
8.
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2. Where The Streets Have No Name
1. With Or Without You

Okay, I can't do it...I tried, I really did, but I really love too many stinking U2 songs to prioritize and categorize.

Hope the day is great for you lucky readers.

Things

2007-07-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

I learned some valuable life lessons this last weekend:

1. I love being in love with Katrina. (I knew this one already, but it's reinforced every time I see or speak to her!)

2. It is really okay to share all of my burdens.

3. I have alot of unresolved anger issues with my dad.

4. I love talking about the wedding.

5. I don't want to "leave" Katrina any more. (Also knew this, but bears repeating!)

6. I think I'll enjoy the grey showing up in my beard.

7. There are so many more wonderful things in my life than horrible things.

8. Prayer is of ultimate importance.

9. Thunderstorms still rock, but not as much when you have to drive through them.

10. Speaking of rock, R.P.M. fills the "post-grunge guitar noise" void that has existed ever since "Emo" came into existence.

I learned alot more, but there's a sampling for you all to chew on.

It's Not All Bad. Sometimes I Get To Be A Rockstar!

2007-07-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

Here's some pics from last weekend's "Fur Trade Days" beer garden at the Olde Main Street Inn..

I'm Angry.

2007-07-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

I really need a job that is not here.

I just got yelled at because my boss had to come in and work yesterday (and so did I, by the way, bossman!). He's mad because his baseball tournament is next weekend and I've made plans to be in Denver to make plans for my wedding. MY WEDDING. He said, "It's your responsibility to make sure those shifts are covered, whether you have to switch things around or work a different shift!" and, "You still have a job to do here." I'm sorry, but I've slaved for you too many times without appropriate compensation to deem my voicetracking shift more important than getting married.

What about all the times I was here thirteen or fourteen hours in a row without a break because someone didn't come in? What about the stretch of time I worked 50 days in a row without a day off? How about Labor Day weekend last year when I was in this building for 20 hours straight, only to return less than 6 hours later so we could get the new computer system figured out? What about when I bend over backwards to get a whole new category of music into rotation and all you do is buy my lunch?

I am getting sick to death of this routine. How about giving me a raise to match my performance? Oh, wait, painting our offices is MUCH more important...we should definitely spend a thousand dollars on that.

Is it this way everywhere? I hope not. I hate the feeling of being screwed all the time.

At War

2007-07-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

I have alot on my heart this morning. These verses are standing out to me:

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

1 John 4:12 No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

I'm feeling pretty attacked lately. Not by anything of this world, but on a spiritual level. I have a wonderful relationship. There are many reasons why, but the simple list includes elements like our ability to communicate, to be honest and real with eachother no matter the issue, our connection, our mutual desire to seek Godly things, our compassion for others, and many more characteristics that prove to me everyday that Katrina is my One.

Satan hates us. He hates everything good. He hates the way we communicate with God, and our desire to be closer to Jesus. He will be unscrupulous in his method to destroy us, but because we have accepted the sacrifice of Christ's death and resurrection, we have been given the power to deny the evil one.

This is all head knowledge for me, but each day, the heart knowledge of these facts grows.

I still haven't quite processed exactly what I'm trying to say, but it's taking shape. Perhaps opening the floor to discussion will help me figure it out.

Thank you for letting me share.

If I Were King

2007-07-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

Why can't we screen our calls at the radio station?

I've heard two or three really awkward calls this morning while listening to the Morning Man.

It would really help if they could do things like any other major radio station in the world, and have a "producer" with some vague idea of the tone of the phone call about to go on the air.

The main thing I noticed this morning was the ignorant nature of the callers, and the ineptitude of the host to handle such telecommunicational dumbassery.

Why I still care is a mystery to me, but I just can't stand the lack of professionalism in our sound.

And while I'm at it.

Why the $&#* did we hire an illiterate newsreporter? There's over 60,000 hits a day to our station website and we sanction a story written so poorly, a 5th grader in remedial english could've written a more succinct, grammatically correct version!

It's called syntax. It's called punctuation. Please learn what these things mean before applying for a communications-related career.

God Went Bowling

2007-07-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

God sure knows how to frame a day in greatness.

I usually abhor waking up in the early morning, but this morning was a dream. Bright flashes of lightning, and thunder shaking the whole house. Yay.

And the smell of rain, washing away that sick smell of ponderosa pine ash and soot.

It's going to be maybe 90 today. Almost 80 for a few days thereafter.

(Ask me sometime about forest fires...I still have unresolved trauma issues with them.)

May everyone have a beautiful day!

Lost in the Moment (In the Moment)

2007-07-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

I feel like such a rockstar today.

I have to learn 2 songs before 5 ish.

I'm gonna be fine.

It's the rest of the band I'm worried about "Conducting" through the gig, and remembering to sing.

If only I had some sort of confidence in the guitar player's ability to believe in his playing in moments like that.

I added some guitar parts to "completely" last night..And I transplanted 8 notes from Shawn's previous version, corrected the tempo so it would match the new arrangement. I am a genius.

Well, I hope everyone's day is as beautiful as mine is forecast to be!

Oh, Boy...

2007-07-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

It's a rejection letter!

Dear Joseph Lowry:Thank you for expressing interest in the position of Multimedia / AV Technician, in the department of Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver. We have experienced a large response to this opening from a number of highly qualified individuals. With this response, we have been able to very closely match our job specifications with another candidate.Your interest in the University of Denver is appreciated, and I wish you success in your job search.

Back to the drawing board.

3:30 AM Hurts.

2007-07-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

But in this case, it's a Good Hurt.

New arrangement of my song Completely available for your scrutiny:

www.myspace.com/drrtyjoe , as my profile song.

www.myspace.com/musicianjoelowry , with others I'm highlighting right now.

Comments, critiques, questions? Send a message.

Miscelania

2007-07-05T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yay. It's Thursday. Day after. I had to drive through a bunch of hollowed out, burned up fireworks in the middle of my street. I'm all about blowing crap up, but any time I've ever done it I've always cleaned it up right after they were all done.

I'm in a random mood right now, so bear with me.

I hate this dramatic shift in attitude that occurs in me the moment I walk into the office. I woke up feeling quite right and good. Even in the car on the way down I felt fairly okay. Upon my arrival, I instantantly feel bitter, angry, and insecure. Time to move on?

I had the opportunity to check out some interviews and live performances online of one of my favorite bands, Collective Soul. They did an acoustic lounge session at the pop station down there in ATL, Star 98.7, for those who feel like searching. Quite brilliant.

Alright, I think I'm done blabbing for now.

Later.

Rawking Out

2007-07-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

Ryan Adams, I adore your style.

The following is the oddball rock track from his new disc.

Halloweenhead.

An allegory for falling into temptation. And Hating yourself afterward.

Here comes that sh*t againI've got a halloweenheadHead full of tricks and treatsIt leads me thru the nighttime streetsBlack cats and falling treesUnder ladders always walkingSalt shaker spills just throw it over your shoulder, babeI've got a bad idea again, i've got aHalloweenhead, halloweenheadHead full of candy bagsCostume shops and punks in dragHead full of tricks and treatsPlaces where junkies meetAnd it leads me thru streets at nightThat's alright, i just watch i don't go insideIt's all the same old sh*t againI got a halloweenheadI got a halloweenheadLord, i got a halloweenheadGuitar soloI got a halloweenheadLord, i've got a halloweenheadI got a halloweenheadOh lord, i've got a halloweenheadHere comes that sh*t againI've gota halloweenheadHead of tricks and treatsIt leads me thru the nighttime streetsDowntownDowntownDowntownI've got a halloweenheadLord, i've got a halloweenheadWhat the f*ck's wrong with me, god i'm a halloweenhead.

I wish I could articulate.

2007-07-02T08:27:00.001-07:00

Ryan Adams. Easy Tiger. Brilliance. One of the nice things about a long car trip alone is the opportunity to wear a new cd out. There are plenty of tracks on the cd worth repeating and repeating, all in the "alt country singer-songwriter" style- however- a "sore thumb" track that totally rocks my world is the "single" (who the hell plays RA?) Halloweenhead. It's the most rock, in-your-face cut right in the middle of the twangy syrup.

Driving away from the woman I love is the hardest thing. Every time we see eachother, the world is changed for the better. We grow immeasurably closer. Our conversations are life-altering. Our dreams are exponentially larger than life. All is right. And then-we have to seperate because our "adult sense of responsibility" kicks in and ruins it all.

I need a job. In Denver. We're both praying like crazy. Would you?

Ugh. The real world sucks.

I just looked at my paycheck. I'll bring home all of $13, 437.84 this year. On Paper it says I make $18, 300. Wow. Even the Gross Pay looks awful.

Praypraypraypraypraypray!

I suppose I'd better get back to work.

By The Way: I love you, Katrina.

Dirty Hippies, Part 2?

2007-06-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

Galations 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

I'm sick and tired of people posting bulletins on myspace about how "unashamed" of God they are, and how I'm not really a Christian if I don't attach my name to a list, or repost a misleading bulletin.

You might well be a Christian, but I don't believe you if you don't let His Spirit demonstrate the preceeding list of attributes in your life. I don't need told how Christian you are, I want to be see it in practice in your life.

Dirty Hippies

2007-06-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

The other morning, I had the pleasure of interviewing a bunch of dirty hippies who were traveling through with a presentation on "Climate Change and the Individual Effort". It was a benign enough premise to begin with, and I figured it to be a very easy interview. Wrong.

First of all, they weren't even supposed to be my guests, they were subs. At any rate, the interview was tough from the get-go. I would pose a question and there would be 30 seconds of dead air while they would all decide who was going to talk, and when they finally came to a consensus, the ringleader, an obvious fan of mullets, weed, and never-removed aviators, would give the most insanely vague responses in the vein of "yeah, man...(random hippie gibberish here.)"

Even direct questions were answered with the vaguery of a three year old being interrogated by a reprimandant mother.

"What are some of the statistics that demonstrate the purported warming trend in our global climate?"

"I don't have any figures right off hand, but (blah blah blah rainforests, blah blah carbon output, blah blah blah killing off species of marmoset in Indochina blah blah blah."

"Do you support federal mandates encouraging the production and availability of bio fuels and alternative sources of energy?"

"Corporate Entities are bad, M'Kay. Blah blah blah the almighty dollar somethingorother. Big Brother. Ooga booga!"

"What can our community do to reduce our energy consumption and contribute in a positive manner to our climate?"

"Well, it requires a change in lifestyle, blah blah blah rain catchments, blah blah Composting blah blah blah don't truck anything into town blah blah grow your own organic gardens."

I have an idea. How about a shower. And take off those sunglasses. Also, lay off the weed, man, cuz it's affecting your ability to not sound like a complete ignorant a-hole.

The fun never stops. More Interview Stories to come, I'm sure of it.

Blue Blazes

2007-06-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

Well, crap. It's uncomfortably hot. I love warm weather, in fact, I could live where it was 80 all the time. This 100 degree afternoon isn't fun at all. To make it more painful, the electric bill will reflect the need for a little more A/C. Blah. Whaddya do.

To counteract the negativity in the preceeding statements...

I'm totally in love. Totally. I was yesterday, and before that. I've been "officially" in love for a couple of months.
Today I woke up even further in it.
Love is a many splendored thing, indeed!

Faster Than Angels Fly

2007-06-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

I know, I'm supposed to save money. I couldn't pass up the new Big & Rich cd.

I really like some of the tracks. Lyrically, they still suffer from the "Coming to Your City" syndrome, or the "I'm a white rap/rocker bragging about myself" tendency, but only in limited doses. What strikes me is the production: very well done.

I may write more if the mood strikes me; this was just a "Knee Jerk" reaction.

If I Have To Paint...

2007-06-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

I decided to go with "Damn Cool".

Did You Know (aka Random Stuff Alert)

2007-06-19T04:53:00.000-07:00

That there's a wicked-cool guitar track on "Lost In This Moment". And it's only one note. I love hearing things through 'el cheapo' speakers in the control room.

5:55 am and I'm up!?

And quasi-functional!

God Bless Coca-Cola.

God has blessed my family. And my new family. And Me.

Postin a Pic For My Blog

2007-06-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

Layin It Down For Yous.

2007-06-18T12:02:00.001-07:00

Okay, here's the deal. I wanted to get more "diary" like and personal in a blog. My real friends deserve more than the bait they're getting over at myspace. Friends, feel free to comment, and offer advice, criticism, or whatever. I'd prefer to keep this strictly friends. I hope I can write in an uncensored candor here.

Ah, Yes. A Blogspot Blog!

2007-06-18T05:54:00.000-07:00

I'm here, and new to the Blogspot world! If you're a friend, please add me!