Xenicus

I love playing bass live. There seems to be more guitar players than bass players so I end up playing it. Guess that's why I bought it. I had a "Norman" many years ago I had to get rid of it as I fell on really hard times. I sold that guitar and it just about killed me. I felt as though a part of me was missing, and vowed NEVER AGAIN. Amazing we musicians ... we'd rather starve than sell our instruments.

I have three guitars. A custom Left handed Strat, Custom Precision bass, and a Takamine G360. They are simple, but I love them.

A producer will be in on the project right from the beginning. Help with the arrangements of the music, help make it sellable (Sometimes) They will guide you to make the best possible music. Pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat as it were. Different producers will get different sounds out of you and the musicians. Sometimes but not always they will take it to industry friends. But for the most part Indie musicians will sell it and promote it them selves. Hope this helps. Brian

Although I would be the first to admit I forget this trick. If you don't panic and don't even think about it the words, just blurt them out. But the second you panic ...poof there gone. It happened to me doing War Pigs by Black Sabbath, and Hold On Loosely, by 38 Special. The Song would start (I knew I hand forget the first line but did not panic) Started singing and out they came. Then the next night I panicked they were gone. The Bass player prompted me while the guitar did the intro lead. It's a tough trick but it really does work. Brian

I put a Seymour Duncan Hot Rail on my strat it's got a thicker sound and it's quiet. Brian

But like John said sometimes your better off taking to a pro and be safe!

Yeah I had the same problem with my Fender BXR. I had to change the pots on it and clean the eq with spray. If you like the amp it is more than worth being reunited with an old friend! Works great now Brian

F works well which means Dm minor will work and Am. I think Dm is a little less suttle that Em, and sets up for the C. Just a thought Brian

I have found that guitars like the higher end models that the price does not reflect the sound. I have a cheap acoustic guitar that I love the sound. If I put a studio mic in front of it the sound is amazing. As far as electrics go, If the guitar plays nice and feels good, replace the pickups and get the sound you want. I've seen garbage guitars turned into incredible sounds just by replacing the pickups, caps, resistors, and wiring. It also has a lot to do with the player. Brian

Everything you do in music is related to theory. Whether they admit it or not is another story. Take a jam for example, improvising music involves theory, adding parts (that sound good) to the jam is theory. Picking chords and changing chords, substituting chords is all theory. Those who say that it makes music mechanical just use that as a excuse to not learn. When my musician friends open my eyes up to it a whole new world opened up. Brian

Most of the time I have no problem with melody. For those times I do I create a quick recording using any sequencer, and go to the scales. I find I have luck in the Minor harmonic scales or the minor pentatonic scales. I take the first two notes in the scale to start with. Then replace the third note with the forth, fifth, sixth until something stands out. Try starting in the next scales mode and repeat. For example 1st 2nd 3rd, 1st 2nd 4th, 1st 2nd 5th note. I hope this helps Brian

Yes I do warm up's. I start with the "ah sound" in the medium low notes. This get a little vibration going and helps to clear the flem. Also a little spray. After this I sing some folk songs until the voice feels "loose". Then I just let er rip for about five minutes. I find the high notes with power start to get clean. Then I'm ready to go This works for me Brian

Hi gang Brian here. I think my favourite singer would be the late Ronnie James Dio for his unbelievable power, and his lyrics. When asked where he got his lyrics from he replied "I saw them in a dream" With a honesty I would also have to mention Freddy Mercury, who needs no explanation as to why. Well just my opinion Brian Singer for Xenicus

1. Do you sing, play an instrument or instruments? What instruments? Guitar, Vocals When did you start playing? 1967 Did you teach yourself? Some lessons, but mostly myself 2. Are you in a band or bands? What is the name of the band? Xenicus What do you play? Vocals What other instruments are in the band? Lead Guitar, 12 string acoustic, Organ, Mini moog, bass guitar, drums, mandolin Do you have a band website? Yes 3. Do you write songs? Do you write lyrics, music or both? I write lyrics for the most part, but I've written a few with music such as "Where You Began" Do you have a writing partner? Yes Mark Murphy 4. Do you record your music? Do you use a home studio? If so what gear do you use? I use motu in my home studio Do you use a recording studio? yes Do you have music available on the web? if so where? CD Bay, ITunes, Amazon.mp3, and many more 5. What other roles do you perform in the music business? Promo, graphic art, Management? Label owner? Publishing? Promotion? Other? 6. Are you a tech head? yes 7. What country do you live in? Canada 8. What are your ambitions? Play write and listen to good music 9. Do you draw/paint/write stories/computer art/dance or other creative pursuit? not much What are your pastimes? music, guitar, writing, 10. What would you like to get out of Songstuff? meet help and be helped with music and gear I think that covers the main musical things!