Independent Rockstar… hmmm… cool site.

Looks like I have some reading to do.

http://independentrockstar.com/

An interview with Amanda Palmer

I found a really great article of a DIY artist.  It’s a quick read and is very inspirational.  Here’s the link: http://emusician.com/interviews/profile/amanda_palmer/

I love this one quote: “For musicians, engineers, and producers alike, one piece of advice I can give is, “Don’t act like a serious professional. We all know you’re just a dude sitting behind a computer.” So the more human and conversational a tone you can take, the more people will actually trust what you say. If you have a business tone, it’s a real turn-off. What you need to do is just talk to people in real language that is truthful and understandable.”

I hope you’ll enjoy reading it too.

vocal warm-ups

Here are some great places to visit for vocal warm-ups…

http://www.funkynfun.com/
http://www.berkleeshares.com/any/warming_up_your_voice
http://www.berkleemusic.com/store/category-browse?category_id=23

Here’s a video of me singing and playing guitar with Mahee Man on bass and Alesis on drums in Maheekats.

Helen Keller Quote

One can never consent to creep when one feels the impulse to soar.

Sun Ra – Nuclear War

If they push that button, your ass got to go.

Whatcha gonna do without your ass?

“The Lotus Eaters” by Sarah Kirkland Snider, ft. Shara Worden and Signal

Beautiful song with nicely textured harmonies and intricate crescendo.

Free Guide – 10 Licensing Tips

Need help getting your music ready for film and TV? This free download is available at Disc Makers. Here’s the direct link: http://www.discmakers.com/request/Special_LicensingTips.asp

Considering a new desk?

I am considering a new desk for work. I think I’d like to have a stand-up desk because of all the news about how bad it is for you to sit all day. Several different websites have written about this topic.

MSN’s article says that sitting for extended periods of time can be deadly: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34956099/ns/health-fitness/t/you-sitting-down-experts-say-itll-kill-you/

NPR’s article says that even if you exercise regularly, it still might not be enough to counter-act sitting all day: http://www.npr.org/2011/04/25/135575490/sitting-all-day-worse-for-you-than-you-might-think – I love NPR, there’s audio and video here to listen to or watch the article.

CBS San Francisco’s article says that sitting can be just as bad for you as smoking cigarettes: http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/06/08/healthwatch-sitting-vs-smoking/

Here are some alternatives:

1. The FitDesk: http://www.fitdesk.net/

It’s a stationary bike designed with an attachment that holds a laptop on the handlebars.

You can also just get the attachments and use your own bike.

2. The BALT® Totally Adjustable Sit/Stand Mobile Workstation: http://www.keysan.com/big/piccblt8065.html

I like the dimensions of this one because it’s wide enough to hold two monitors.

3. The BALT® Hi-Hi-Lo Adjustable Pneumatic Sit/Stand Computer Workstation: http://www.keysan.com/big/piccblt7291.html

I like the style of this one but I wish it would be wide enough to hold two monitors.

4. The TrekDesk: http://www.trekdesk.com/

This one I’m not so keen on because it doesn’t come with the treadmill. But if you already have a treadmill, this might be a great option.

5. Signature brand makes several different models: http://www.treadmilldeskinc.com/

Including this one:

This is the one I think I like the best. The company makes several different attachments so that you can customize your setup. They also come in several different colors and textures. Nice!

I hope you find this helpful! Thanks for reading!