Monday, October 20, 2014

The Music Industry Comes to DC this Sunday Night and We're Hosting the Kickoff Party!


I'm proud to be a part of the Future of Music Summit for the 3rd year in a row.  This is a great opportunity for local music folks to learn a ton and network with some of the most influential people in the music industry!  To kick off the conference, I'll be hosting a special Metro Music Source meetup on Sun, Oct 26, at Comet Ping Pong in DC!

This free event, co-sponsored by SpokesBUZZ, a Colorado-based music nonprofit, Listen Local First, and Sasha Lord Presents, will feature networking from 8-pm.  The featured
 topic will be 
Fair Trade Music DC.

Following the networking hour will be a showcase of live music from Wiredogsan American punk rock band from Denver, and Lowercase Letters, a powerful DC soul, funk and blues band.

For over 5 years, MMS events have been a focal point for the DC area music scene, bringing together local musicians, record label reps, artist managers, publicists, music journalists, filmmakers, designers, publishers, producer/engineers, and many others, with the goal of fostering connection, collaboration, and opportunities for the DC area music community.

Hope you can make it!

Monday, October 13, 2014

Metro Music Source Networking Event - Wed, 10/15 @ Iota!

I'll be hosting the next Metro Music Source musician-music industry meetup on Wed, Oct 15, at Iota Club and CafĂ© in Arlington!

This is a great opportunity for musicians and industry professionals to connect, share opportunities and knowledge, and discuss topics of the day in a relaxed atmosphere.  The event is free and informal.  Musicians are also encouraged to sign up for Iota's open mic, with signups at 7:30 and 10pm.

For over 5 years, MMS events have been a focal point for the DC area music scene, bringing together local musicians, record label reps, artist managers, publicists, music journalists, filmmakers, designers, publishers, producer/engineers, and many others.


Hope to see you there!

Monday, October 6, 2014

My Trip to France, or How To Save The World

A few days ago, I returned from a 10 day trip to France.  Paris, my home abroad, always seems to bring out the best in me.  Even on no sleep, I'm constantly inspired and energized to "take on the day" (a phrase drilled into me each morning by my former roommate in Paris, Jeff), and pursue greater meaning in my life.  From the brilliant art and architecture to the humble accordion music played by the panhandlers on the metro, one can't help but feel alive in this great city.  It's good to know those days of living in Paris as a student, waxing philosophical with friends over some cheap (but great) red wine, were not simply the vestiges of youth, but rather a mindset I can return to again and again.  

This trip I also traveled to the south of France. The Provence region, and all the quaint little towns we visited were exceptionally charming, with great food and wine, and incredibly picturesque surroundings. We met some great people along the way. I have to say, the concept of personal space is quite different in France.  When you get into an elevator, the French don't avoid conversation.  And at a restaurant, you're almost always sitting a scant few inches away from another table.  A simple, "Can I borrow your pepper?" can lead to an enthralling conversation replete with the joy of cross-cultural connection, and the sense that we are are all more alike than we are different.

My love for music is closely related to my passion for languages, and I have spent much time honing my French skills. The French people we met were overjoyed to find an American well-versed in their language and culture, and I found there was an openness and generosity of spirit.   Of this I am convinced: our world would be a much better place if we all took a little more time to communicate, understand, and respect each other. 

I return to the US refreshed, and invigorated with a healthy dose of perspective, 8 bottles of incredible wine, and an eagerness to make more music, the universal language.