If you follow touring at all, you know it's tough these days even to break even on the road. I have finally figured out how to go out for an extended tour and come out on top. Meet the new tour van, complete with retro awesomeness and a questionable sponsored. I don't smoke, but apparently now I have to. And it'll only be menthol-cooled North Pole cigarettes for me!!
If you grew up in the 90's Christian Music scene like me then you've heard of Smalltown Poets. Over the years I've gotten to know them and was privileged to design the artwork for their Christmas album that just came out. They're great guys and they made a great Christmas record for you to add to your collection so go BUY IT NOW! After almost going with the "Milk & Cookies for Jesus" concept we landed here with a fun vintage sled. Makes me want to whisper "Rosebud."
I recently found out about an unsung music blog, SoundsThatMatter.com, run by the ever-diligent Crystal Serowka. Like most music-enveloped childhoods, I spent a great deal of time trying to figure out that next big thing; that undiscovered talent before they hit the radio. My efforts have turned to writing my own next big thing, but it's great to see that enthusiasm has been picked up and run much further by people like Crystal. I recently did a video performance of "I Want You more" off my latest record for Sounds That Matter.
@evanmchugh almost 6 years ago I heard you in a Marietta church basement, just days after I left NOLA escaping Hurricane Katrina. That night was a pretty formative moment in my life, as I was a 16 year old with just a few VERY new friends. I never stopped listening to your music. I just figured I'd let you know, on days you have writers' block, or feel down on your luck, you did your part to make my time easier in 2005.
On another equally awesome note, my friend Anna Johnson (who is an awesome singer-songwriter) made this video and perfected the context in which my song "Tell Me It's Lovely" should be listened to: Watch Now!
In no particular order, I give you 5 of my favorite movies featuring pianos: 1. The Legend of 1900: Tim Roth has always been a favorite of mine and in this French-directed parable he steals the show. Born on a ship in the year 1900, he manages to become quite the famous pianist and all without ever getting off the ship. The piano duel with Jelly Roll Mortenson (played by Clarence Williams III) is one one my favorite scenes in any movie, ever.
2. The Pianist: This Roman Polanski directed "piece" takes a different approach to the WWII genocide and concentrates on one man's survival. Played marvelously by Adrien Brody, the pianist manages to survive by scavenging and ultimately wins favor from a Nazi commander by performing for him.
3. Amadeus: It is, as expected, the story of possibly the greatest composer in history. Quite interesting and I found it very educational not having known a great deal about Mozart going in. True stories are always doubly inspiring.
4. Shine: If you've recently seen The King's Speech, then you know Geoffrey Rush is fantastic. If you see this movie, you will realize he's always been fantastic. Chronicling the true life story of David Helfgott who Rush portrays appropriately cooky, charismatic and completely engaging through the whole film. Again, hard to beat true life.
5. Casablanca: One might ask why put this in a piano list, but underneath the perfect casting, perfect script and perfect delivery is a soundtrack brought to our attention by the scene-stealing piano player, Sam. (played by Dooley Wilson) He forever burned "As Time Goes By" into our memory and made us all say, "Play it again Sam." This is, by a far margin, my favorite movie.
"The World Will Move Along is packed with effortless vocals, strong lyrics, and memorable melodies. Based in Nashville, McHugh’s 12-track album showcases his talents as both a songwriter and a vocalist with an array of upbeat songs about love and life. Though there is folk firmly rooted in most of the record, McHugh’s mellow and unaffected voice is also featured in arrangements varying from pop to jazz, which adds depth to the album as a whole.
Many of the songs have a Southern soulfulness, and despite the soft nature of his vocals he commands each track, no matter the instrumentation. He achieves this partly because of the strong lyrics of a talented songwriter and partly because of the conviction, with which McHugh sings every single line."
A huge thanks to all who came out to the 30A Songwriters Festival this past weekend! It was super fun the see all the great music and play for bunches of great people. So attentive. I probably could have played my Wham set and you guys would been like, "Oh, yeah, I see what he did there." So polite. Here's a video from the crowd on Saturday night's show. Thanks Michael Lay for filming!
We don't get snow days too often in Nashville. So when it happens we have to make the most of it. I think we were successful.
I always like to help people out with artwork when I can swing it. My friend JT Spangler is releasing a Holiday EP very soon and I was glad to be a part of compelling the world to buy it. First of all, it's really good and JT has a killer voice. Second, the artwork makes me laugh...quite hard. Here's the sneak peak.
So as a little exercise, and because I don't do covers of songs nearly enough, for the next 14 days I will be doing a new cover video each day. You guys were awesome for sending in suggestions and I'd love for you to keep sending in more. Speaking of more, day one brings a song by that name written by Tyrone Wells and...well, I'll let the video speak for itself. Or I'll let me speak on the video for myself. Or...just watch.
I carved it late last night after a rousing game of Balderdash. My creativity was peaking.
Also, my hands were cramping.
If you are still unfamiliar with the great illustrative artwork at Methane Studios then I'd like to introduce you.
They have a killer style and their use of 2, 3 & 4 color screen printing leaves me riddled with jealousy. I have to give a special shout out to Methane founder, Robert Lee (who did the above poster). He was a teacher of mine at The Creative Circus, where I went to design school. I loved every minute of it and particularly getting to see all the prints in person. So go to the site and buy one (or three). You will NOT be sorry.
This is where the new album was recorded, at Alex the Great with producer Brad Jones (David Mead, Josh Rouse, Jump Little Children). Click the picture to view the full size image.
If you'll permit me to gush a moment about the studio. I loved everything about it. The lighting was low and moody. Acoustics were perfect. Brad has amazingly random vintage instruments laying everywhere at your disposal. Banjitar? Go for it! Vibes? There they are! Tack Piano? If you dare! It felt so comfortable that I didn't want to go home half the time. It was home. A second home of sorts. A place to make a great record. I think we accomplished that. My one regret is I didn't get to make use of the Ping Pong table.
A couple people now have inquired whether the second-to-last song on my new record, "You Ought to Know" is in fact an Alanis Morissette cover of a similarly named "You Oughta Know".
Though I am semi-complimented that people think I might be able to do the "Canadian Yodel" as she does so well. Also, to distinguish further, you should notice I did not use the slang "oughta" mostly because it comes across somehow as Urban & Canadian and neither is very much me. Actually, it is little known that the original title of the Alanis song was "You Oughta Know, Eh". Executives stepped in and dropped the "Eh" which boosted sales to a crossover American audience.
The globe aérostatique (or hot air balloon) is the oldest successful human-carrying flight technology. We have the Montgolfier Brothers to thank for inventing it on Dec 14, 1782 in France. With over two-hundred years of romantic sky sailing under it's belt, hot air balloons are a reminder in the most degrading of French taunts along with a white glove slap to the face that is modern technology. It is saying (in a Monty Python worthy accent to be sure) take your fast cars, jet planes, your super information highways and slow down. Look around. Take in the sights. Contemplate.
That is my wish for this new album that people would stop and take their time and enjoy it. Also, if I were to guess, I'd say the Montgolfier Brothers did better with the ladies than their future historical competitors from across the pond, the Wright Brothers. Though the latter has the clear lead in "likes" on their respective Facebook pages.