A Thought on Music and Science

I recently picked up a book called This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin. It is basically about the studies of a music producer turned neuroscientist but even that simple description doesn't do it justice. The point here is after reading just the introduction it made me look at several things differently. It had compared an artist to a scientist. How an artists studio and a scientists lab are very similar. Even the way the two look at the world and create. After reading just that little bit it all made sense as to why I myself am such a fan of science. Then I began to look at my musician friends and the way the approached things as well as their own personal interests. Do you know what I found? This group of misunderstood vagabonds, drunks, emotional wrecks, unstable creatives were in fact fascinated with science as well. They all have their own experiments. Their own theories as to how they can create certain things, elements, sounds to further their own research to find a new truth in the human condition.

3/16 S.S. Web and LEONHARDT

In case you missed the show March 16th at Sheila's Corner Pub here are a few pics courtesy of Bane Rock. For more go check out the Show Pics page!

Music is a Buiness?

The music industry has progressed through the years. It's no secret that major labels are now losing the power they once had and have had to find new way to generate new revenue sources. But this little tid bit isn't about the rise, decline or adaptation of the major label. This is geared more towards those artists who wish to stay in control of their work. Some tips and advice from one artist to another. I'll try to keep it as simple as possible and if anyone has any questions, disagreements or things to add please feel free to leave a comment. Look at this as a living document of sorts by musicians for musicians.

Hidden Highlands

Welcome to Highlands County, FL. To the outside world it is a destination for northerners to escape the winter months or for race fanatics to come enjoy Race Week or The 12 Hours of Sebring. Ask some locals what there is to do and they’ll point you to the same ol’ spots which can all be found right off Highway 27 for the most part. Did you know there are some hidden gems located right under the noses of those who live and work here? Whole groups of creatives who range in ages and interests who do their best to bring in a different kind of culture. If you’re looking for music sure you can hit up the hot spots and catch the same local bands or DJs play the latest top 40 hits anywhere off 27 but what about something different, unique? Just this month alone several acts will be visiting the area. Each one with their own distinct background and accomplishments. At the moment there’s only one venue brave enough to venture into this world and that venue is Sheila’s Corner Pub and LiquorStore.

    

Possessed in Naples

Last Saturday night, Dec. 19th, Possessed by Paul James, Soda Gardocki, Lone Wolf OMB and Swamp Rats were set to play at Mereday's Brasserie in Bayfront. For those who didn't get the memo in time the show at Mereday's was moved at minute to El Rincon right next to Freedom Fine Cigars. We went by the venue that the show was suppose to be at early and saw a quaint little sign made of wood and other seemingly related items glued tight to the wood while Mereday's doors were locked and not a single light on inside. So we ventured on down to El Rincons.

It would seem the crowd that was anticipated for the night had diminished but there were still people there who were dedicated to their plans to catch this event. We spoke to a couple people who had helped set this up and they said Mereday's had shut it's doors due to technical difficulties. Odd for a venue to close down for such an event where several people were excited and expected to come out. Makes us wonder how the owner of Mereday's is going to revive the old English Pub as mentioned in the Naples Daily News. But the must go on.

It started a little later than expected. All the acts were within see sight expect for Lone Wolf OMB. We heard he decided to hang back in Miami because of the change in venues and wanting to make sure Possessed by Paul James and Soda were taken care of so we don't hold that against him. People slowly trickled in but the crowed was still disappointing.

The music started off, around 10pm, with a short set from Swamp Rats. The songs were well put together and sounded great. We felt as though the act was lacking some where but couldn't quite put our finger on it. The crowd was tough and unforgiving. Hardly any well deserved applause without coaxing. After about six or seven songs it was on to the next act.

About 10:30pm Soda Gardocki started setting up. Soda started off soft but soon hit it hard and without mercy. By now everybody who was going to show up had done so and Soda slapped everyone in the face with some of his heavy hitters. The crowd loosened up and began to show their appreciation for the music. At about 11:30 Soda played his last song and began to tear down. This is when we noticed Possessed by Paul James running around talking to a few key people who either helped set the show up or ran the fine Mexican establishment that supported the show that night. There was something about to happen.

We noticed that Possessed by Paul James began to set up outside on the patio of the restaurant. No PA is sight. Cars zoomed by with out a clue as to what they were passing. Possessed by Paul James played acoustically or unplugged just feet away from the hustle of East 41. He too played a short but meaningful set as the crowd gathered around him that chilly Florida night eager to catch every note. He even played a new song written about where he grew up, South West Florida. Just before he played his last song, local swampabilly musician, Gator Nate made a point to show up to support this event. He had played Pelican Larry's that night and for him of all people to be able to make it even for the last song shows that not one single person had a good reason not to come out. Regardless, Possessed by Paul James finished the night out strong and began to mingle with the crowd.

At the end of his set Possessed by Paul James began a discussion about issues concerning children with special needs and the school system with a couple of guys one being from Swamp Rats. The other man in the discussion is a behavioral analyst who drove all the way from Orlando to catch this show. Just goes to show you how influential both his music and his cause is.

Either way you look at it the show was a success and extremely eye opening. Some mysteries like the venue change will probably go unanswered. The thing to remember is there are people here who are trying to bring other, touring acts and break up the mundane. These people work hard to set these shows up and with little to no help from others. These events are for everyone and everyone should support our community by attending these events. Being able to do something different that caters to subcultures isn't an everyday occurrence here in Naples. Take advantage of them when they come up.

Venue Montra

Here, in Naples, we have several places you can find live music. Some of the bands who play have original material but aren't encouraged to play them. The venues here want bands to play music that is popular. They want this because most of the venues are restaurants and they want to cater to what they think their patrons want. How do they know what all of their patrons want? They don't. Restaurants get customers from all walks of life who listen to all kinds of different music. Of course there are bands who stay true to their style and music despite what the venue might want out of them. This article is for the small business owner in the area who want live music.

7 Tips to Show a Musician You Care

Leopold Stokowski once told the world, "A painter paints his pictures on canvas. But a musician paints their pictures on silence." Leo here was a composer of classical music and was named one of the popularizers of the genre around the turn of the 20th century. These are some very strong words in my opinion. But how does it pertain to us here in Naples?

Where the 1% Don't Go

When you think of Naples what do you think about? For many this is home. For many this is where they were born, grew up, went to school. This town is where many people had their first experiences. Some may have had their first kiss at one of the parks, at the pier or even in the parking garage at the mall. Naples is where many people got their first job being introduced to the work force probably in either construction or hospitality.  Many still work those jobs. See you, what the rest of the world sees is a luxury destination but for the hardworking people who live and work here it's home.

Possession and Soda

It's Sunday. A day of rest for most people for others it's a day to prepare for the onslaught of a new work week. Early Monday morning the workforce will rise with the sun and hit the grindstone hard. Well, we have a couple of notable events coming up that will defiantly lower that blood pressure! These three specific dates are geared towards the hard working tradesmen and hospitality employees of Naples so pull out your calendars and get ready to mark the dates! Two of the three events are FREE! Now there's no excuse. Read on.

Suggestions and Tips

It is now Friday! The mundane repetitive motion of the 9-5 has come to end for this week. The weekend is upon us. It's time to start planning out all the possibilities the weekend holds. If you're one of those people who sit at home complaining there isn't anything to do in this town then you simply haven't been looking hard enough or haven't found a good place to fit in yet. Don't worry thats why we're here. Even if you aren't fond of planning anything out here are a few events to note and tips to keep you safe and in the zone.

A Bit About Turtles

By now you may have noticed the artistically decorated turtles around town. Turtles on the Town is what this display has been named and features 50 turtles decorated by 50 different artists. The display is geared towards an auction, which will take place in March of 2016, that will benefit the United Arts Council, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and The Community Foundation of Collier County. Until the auction takes place and these turtles find new homes the community has the privilege of enjoying them. Each turtle was commissioned by a different local company and some reflect the companies that paid for them. There are quite a few that reflect more of the artists and their views. This is what I'd like to explore a bit today.

Hump Day Woes

It's Wednesday and people are gearing up for the weekend. It is beautiful outside today. The sun is out. Hardly a cloud in the sky. It would seem to be the perfect December day in Florida to spend time at the beach or park of your choice. Maybe do some window shopping on 5th or 3rd. Today is simply a great day to be outside in nature. Of course, that is if you aren't like most everybody else and have the day off on this gorgeous day. I can imagine most of you reading this are probably inside some building where business is being conducted, haunted by commerce and societal burdens. Right this second you already know how great it is outside and would much rather find out what is happening around town after five o'clock. Well, I will be more than obliged to let you in on a few things I highly recommend doing to ease to stress and woes of the everyday strain!

Change and Adapt

When I was a kid there were things to do for young people in Naples. There was the skating rink, King Richards, the skate park, the mall and the movie theater. Any one of these places were THE place to go on the weekends. Even though the mall is still there, the skate park is still there and the theater is just as over priced as ever but still there. Ever wonder what happened to the skating rink or King Richards? Well, the skating rink is now that bingo hall off the parkway and last I heard King Richards was torn down and turned into a car lot. There was talk about the family fun park being rezoned and turned into condos in which nobody apparently protested. These kinds of actions make the younger population take a step back and say "what about us?" I'm sure the Children's Museum just popped in your head right about now especially if you're apart of an older generation but this is more about the middle and high school aged youths of the area.

What is Right Here?

It's a rainy day here in Naples and I can't help but think about some of the areas local music. I'm awed by the talent here. Some people have no idea what has been here and what is currently here. For example mainstream punk act Against Me! is originally from Naples. Indie-punk band Fake Problems is from Naples. They were on a label called Side One Dummy which has world renown bands such as Flogging Molly and The Casualties. Even a metal band by the name of King Conquer, which is a successful world traveled act, is from right here. That's just naming a few.

Hidden Treasure of Music

There is always something going on in the Naples area. Always. It takes roughly thirty minutes to drive from one end of town to the other maybe longer depending on the time of day and year. Have you ventured out to see what it is that might be right around the corner from you? Of course you're probably bombarded by invites from friends or posts on your news feed about things everyone is going to. Most events you could go to don't even really cost that much. Have you seen something catch you by surprise altogether? One night while walking around 5th Ave I ran into a girl playing violin.

So It Begins

If your are reading this then welcome to a new source of what is happening right under your nose in our local community. Naples, FL is considered by most to be a tight knit group of artistic and culturally diverse people and they are. We aren't here to tell you other wise. There are, however, aspects of the creative community that seems to be overlooked or under appreciated at times. Next time you pick up a local paper flip through it. What do you find? What are you looking for? What isn't in there that should or could be in there?