This Is Why The People Applaud

Today, January 17, is Benjamin Franklin's birthday. He w

as born in 1706 and is no longer living, but his quotes and inventions have lived on.

When you think of Ben Franklin, music may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, I love this quote that I put to an infographic meme:



So true...

Of course, as a musician/performer/entertainer, I admit that applause makes me feel good.  But, it does something more as well.

The quote is so true, that applause waits on success.

When I receive applause at the end of a show, and sometimes even a standing ovation, it humbles me yet at the same time inspires me to perform at my best because I realize for an audience to applaud means I have succeeded at making their day pleasurable, brought back happy memories, or just provided an hour or so of enjoyable music.

Creating Memorable Music: Easy Chord Patterns Don't Have to Sound Boring

A memorable song doesn't have to be complicated, but it also doesn't need to be boring.

On a positive note, if you want to play a lot of songs, learn the chords G, Em, C, and D.  If you want to add even more color to the sound, there is a different kind of G and C chord, and the C chord has a different name.  It's called Cadd9.

I lament that so many new songs are the same chord patterns, or they'll take a short 4 or 8-measure pattern and loop it through the entire song.  This is frustrating because these songs don't seem creative, memorable or long lasting.

In the '60's and '70's for instance, it seemed like many artists were, perhaps, given more freedom to experiment.  Within the same song, they used different tempos and sections.  It wasn't all the same beat throughout the entire song.  They used different recording techniques.

I have heard stories of rock bands putting amplifiers in an empty concrete swimming pool and then mic-ing it, etc.  Different sounds that were real creative.

So many new pop songs are just so bland.  It seems to be more of a dance beat than anything else.

An example of some good songs with the G, Em, C and D chord pattern are by Taylor Swift.  In my opinion, she has written some great songs by using those 4 chords and a capo.  Her songs are not boring.

Another famous example is Jason Mraz' I'm Yours, which uses essentially the same chord pattern throughout the whole song but provides a catchy lasting rhythm.

Also, a lot of amazing worship songs use these same chord patterns.

Selling my childhood

It has come to this!  Toys from my childhood have become quite valuable, it seems.  Combine this with my need to pay down debt and everyday living expenses, and I have decided to sell toys from my childhood, including a guitar, on eBay.

This journey is eye-opening.  It makes me feel old.  It makes me feel as if a part of my growing up and happy days are waving goodbye, and it makes me sad and full of hope all at the same time.  The hope, of course, stems from the practical aspect of the money these toys bring in.

I have come to the last of what I was able to scour from my parent's basement for now.  Only one item remains to be sold and shipped away.  So, I thought I would share some photos of my experience as well as spotlight an awesome guitar that is still for sale to the highest "bidder" (more on this in a future post).

My New Digital PR Press Kit

I have recently updated my site to include a digital press kit.

It's still in the development stage, but most of it is here now.  I'd love for you to view it.

Check out my new PR Press Kit!

I am very excited about tons of new bookings and am looking into additional venues this year and into next.

I have also started to plan our Wisconsin tour.  We are definitely planning on returning to Sheboygan.  I am still working out details on whether we will go up the Door or just skirt it with a Green Bay trip.  Or, perhaps, Milwaukee.

Full Day Of Music

Today is a full day of music.  I begin the day performing at two retirement facilities and end it up performing and DJing for a Girl Scout father/daughter dance.  So, today you might say that I run the full spectrum of ages.

My prayer is that my van holds out as the gauges have been reading that it is running hot, though the car mechanic found nothing immediately wrong.  I have quite a distance to drive for tonight's job.

My shows today will include 2 traditional classics shows and then one pop/modern music mixing in a bit of Contemporary Christian for the Girl Scout dance (as per request).  Since it's a father/daughter dance, I have selected to play at least one daddy song, such as "Lead Me" from Sanctus Real.

I like it when a client requests Christian because if I can make people smile for awhile, I've fulfilled a dream.  If I can also put a smile on my Savior's face, I have been successful!

John Scott 2012 Tour Info.

We are sitting down to plan next year's tour. We are considering doing an "Open Up The Door" tour, playing at venues throughout Door County, WI. We are also considering Apostle Island area, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton... Maybe even head back up into the Upper Penninsula. Lake Superior was awesome.

Any suggestions?