That led to Joe attending his first Folk Alliance Conference in Nashville. While there he played the famous Bluebird Cafe, and a few major open mics, learning from those “Nashville cats” and gaining experience. He used that experience as he continued to write and play more and more original shows back in San Diego…
Category: Featured Article
Libba Lives On: The Enduring Influence of Humble Folk Guitarist Elizabeth Cotten
Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten had humble beginnings in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but she would go on to launch a storied musical career that spanned four decades, gaining national renown and the title of oldest woman to ever win a Grammy.
Cait Devin: Young Guitarist Taking the Lead and Playing It
Meet 19 year old alternative / pop singer songwriter from New York, Cait Devin. Guitar is a key part of Cait’s artistry. She dabbles in many styles, reaching a diverse range of audiences. Devin cites her influences to include Taylor Swift, Ashnikko, Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, Paramore, Chase Atlantic, Avril Lavigne, and Grimes….
How to Sell a Guitar – and Make Money
In the 30-plus years I’ve been playing music, I’ve owned dozens of guitars. Sometimes a new guitar is something you’ve been dreaming of for years, sometimes it’s a guitar that scratches an itch, and sometimes it’s a deal that’s too good to pass up. That said, I don’t think I’ve ever owned more than eight […]
Guitar Technology with Randy Tennant
Randy Tennant is the owner of R/T Customs. With over 20 years as a custom guitar builder, he takes great pride in building, maintaining, repairing and customizing acoustic guitars, electric guitars and basses.
DADGAD Tuning Explained
Alternative tunings are a fantastic way to reinvigorate your guitar playing, songwriting, and creativity. The instantly altered sound naturally gives your mind different creative ideas, and makes you play a different way as a result. And of course, many great songs are written in different tunings, meaning sooner or later you’ll encounter material you need […]
Skanson & Hansen: The Harmonious Collision of Two Guitar Worlds
As the description implies, this is not a case of one guitar player strumming a rhythm while the other flat-picks along in melodic movements. Rather, this is a case where these two gentlemen co-operate in composition. They operate more like a quartet. In this manner they can arrange their music to offer more than rhythm and melody, but also imply other parts, such as
How Fan Clubs Can Be Monetized Through Streaming and E-Commerce
Artists and performers are creatives by trade. Their right-brained sensibilities are critical to self expression and connecting with an audience. But monetizing those gifts isn’t often part of the package. Just as the average accountant or marketer would struggle through a guitar solo or comedy skit, many musicians, stand-up comics, and other artists have trouble […]
Steph Johnson — Spiraling Upward To Bright, Musical Horizons
Voices of Our City is an inspirational musical ensemble that has garnered plenty of headlines. The choir has been the focus of a documentary “The Homeless Chorus Speaks” that aired nationally on PBS stations. The group has performed with the San Diego Symphony, and opened a benefit concert at the historic Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on a bill that featured Jason Mraz and founding members of the Doors.
Good Deeds and Playing Guitar with Jason Mraz
Look For The Good, written and recorded in Jason’s home studio in Southern California, is a continuation of his career-long love for reggae music. It’s a genre he’s always returned to, inspired both by its rhythms and its revolutionary lyrics, and after making 2018’s Know. the singer found himself ready to further explore how he could participate in the style…