I’m just beginning to read up on the whole Web Version 2.0 phenomena. Like most people, I’ve happened to stumble across great sites like lastFM, MOG, and Facebook. Myspace is always a given and I could honestly care less about updating it with all these other aesthetically pleasing sites that will lead me directly to my fellow music fans and peers. And hopefully, many future fans of Pirate Prude.
I am gradually becoming self-actualized. My biggest hope is that before I take my last breath, I can sigh with a sense of accomplishment because I have given something back to the world. I want this ‘something’ to be my music. I want my music to enrich the listeners’ inner lives and beings. I want it to inspire much in the way I have been inspired by some of my favorite artists and musicians. I want listeners to not only listen, but to appreciate the songs enough to give repeat listens. I want it all to sink in.
The ball is in motion probably harder and faster than it ever has been. With all the various social networking sites gaining online momentum, I think anything is possible nowadays. I’m trying not to get overwhelmed by the ‘big picture’ and just keep chipping away at the PR side of the business. I dislike having to think of my music in terms of business. For me, it isn’t the business of money that fuels me. It’s the business of getting this music out to as many listeners as possible. Hopefully from repeated plugs and spreading my ‘online identity,’ my musical niche will come increasingly into play. Everything else that is a byproduct of this I will consider gravy.
I urge you to do more than just listen. If you like what you hear, leave me a comment. Better yet, ask me about the music. It could be anything from how I record, what guitar I like to play, who I record and play with. If there is something you really like in particular, pass it on! Help me get the word out. Help me get more people to listen. This is usually how it works for anyone else. Not everyone is a trust fund baby or has a friend of a friend who is friends with an A&R rep. I’m actually glad I’m neither of these. I prefer to fight the good fight and find my allies on my own. Yes I know. How ani difranco of me. I’m not ruling out the record labels, but I also don’t feel like they are essential to the music discovery process.
Good things are on the way. The debut is coming along a little slower than I’d like but I also have to consider that it’s not just me making this. It truly is a collaborative project and I am depending on others to add their personal touches throughout the tracks. Drums should be done on the first weekend of October. The graphic art for the record will definitely complement the songs and give probably the best visual representation of my music to date. The official website will hopefully be ready to go live the beginning of 2008.
On a sidenote, I suggest that anyone go to Kristin Hersh’s website at www.throwingmusic.com In regards to brilliant songwriters who remain under the radar, I think she deserves a spot at top 5 on the list. She is a brilliant writer as well. Check out her most recent blog entry which I found very moving and full of utter integrity and sincerity. Also, check out the new Pj Harvey record, White Chalk.
Goodbye for now.
— pp
