tag:jasondidner.com,2005:/blogs/blog-jason-didner-music?p=3
Blog - Jason Didner Music
2024-02-28T13:57:31-05:00
Jason Didner
false
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7358799
2024-02-28T13:57:31-05:00
2024-02-28T13:57:31-05:00
Giving a Second Chance Benefit with BlowUpRadio
<h3>Webathon and Compilation Album to benefit National Foundation for Transplants</h3><a class="no-pjax" href="https://give.transplants.org/fundraiser/catherine-wacha" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/c7da9dbbe524c16d7043f289a3d8f31f7f7960cd/original/2024nftcover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" height="5000" /></a><p>If you know me, you know what a pivotal role organ transplantation plays in my life. It's made a tremendous difference in my quality of life and that of my family. Without it, my wife Amy would have been on dialysis for the past 8+ years rather than living free of a machine that she would have depended on for several hours a week to serve a vital function. </p><p>So, Amy and I are always delighted to open the laptop and hash out song ideas and lyrics to come up with something we can offer exclusively to BlowUpRadio's annual benefit for the National Foundation for Transplants. </p><p>This year, we dialed up the funny. Our new song “Underwater Basket Weaving” originated with a conversation about a friend and bandmate who is taking electrical engineering courses in college. Amy joked that the class is not exactly underwater basket weaving (a term intended to imply that a course of study or school isn't very serious). But I replied, “You know, I think underwater basket weaving would probably be pretty hard!” We both had a good laugh and mutually came to the conclusion that this should be a song. </p><p>So, here's a video of me performing “Underwater Basket Weaving.”</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="kquhcW9IAfA" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kquhcW9IAfA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>The full, official recording of this song can only be obtained by donating to the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://give.transplants.org/fundraiser/catherine-wacha" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>3rd Annual Giving a Second Chance</strong></a> benefit with the National Foundation for Transplants. </p><p>As with all of BlowUpRadio's compilation records, I'm in the company of many great artists, several of whom live in, or have ties to, New Jersey.</p><p>💸 <a class="no-pjax" href="https://give.transplants.org/fundraiser/catherine-wacha" data-link-type="url"><strong>Donate to Giving a Second Chance.</strong></a></p><hr><h3>Live Performances this Weekend</h3><p>On Saturday March 2 and Sunday March 3, BlowUpRadio will present live performances by several of the artists who appear on the compilation. </p><p>Catherine Wacha, a kidney recipient and key organizer of this event, kicks off the online concerts at 12 noon Saturday. You'll hear me play an acoustic set on Sunday at 6PM. </p><p>📻 <a class="no-pjax" href="https://blowupradio.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Tune in to BlowUpRadio to hear the webathon live. </strong></a></p><p> </p><p>Thanks for joining me in this life-affirming benefit! Comment below on our new song “Underwater Basket Weaving!” </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7346803
2024-02-06T11:19:05-05:00
2024-02-26T14:56:07-05:00
Billy Joel's Full-Circle Grammy Moment Reminds Me of My Own (except for the Grammys part)
<p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/132b9df29314eb185b1ebd3c97c5ba0665b15a55/original/billy-joel-lights.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><p>If Eddie Van Halen made me a rock guitarist in high school, Billy Joel brought me back to make room for piano and voice late in my college years. See, my college was on Long Island, a place as closely identified with Billy as my home state of New Jersey is with Bruce. During my college years, going out to a place with a jukebox meant more likely hearing Billy's deep cuts than his mega-hits. Billy's live album “Songs in the Attic” made me want to sit down at a piano and sing. So I learned “Miami: 2017,” “I've Loved These Days” and “She's Got a Way.” </p><p>Fun fact: My college, Stony Brook University, had a terrible flood in its performing arts center shortly after I graduated. The headline in our school paper was “Steinway Stew,” describing the ruined grand pianos. Guess who donated replacement pianos to his local school in need? I'll give you a hint. His first name's Billy and his last name's Joel. </p><p>So, I was more than interested when Billy took to the piano on Grammy night to debut his first newly recorded song in over 30 years, “Turn the Lights Back On.” With this performance he created a full-circle moment involving the last song we had previously heard from him: “Famous Last Words,” the closing track to his 1993 album “River of Dreams.” </p><p>In that previous midtempo melodic rocker, Billy asserted that he's done making records and he doesn't know when, if ever, he'll return to the process. And for three decades, he lived by that declaration. In that time, he composed classically influenced pieces for concert pianists to record. He also wrote a song to commemorate American sacrifice in Iraq, to be sung by another artist. </p><p>A record producer, Freddy Wexler, befriended Billy not long ago and gradually convinced him to try making just one more Billy Joel record to see how it felt, to give his fans something. The result struck me very much as a conversation with “Famous Last Words” across the decades. Billy's new song “Turn the Lights Back On” expressed a sense of wanting to return, to help bring the magic back if possible, if it's not too late. Back in ‘93 it was a goodbye song. Now it’s a hello again song that goes with it. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="LuOgUHBX7rM" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LuOgUHBX7rM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>I geek out over moments like that! Here's why… </p><h3>My own Full-Circle Moments in Songs</h3><p>I too have had full-circle moments with my songs and records. Both were conversations across the decades with selections from my 2003 debut album “American Road.” </p><p>On that first record I had a song called “My Gentle Warrior,” an ode to my wife Amy, observing the patience, vigilance and persistence it took for her to manage a very brittle case of type 1 (childhood onset) diabetes. Nearly two decades later I've come to learn a better way than to be at war with parts of yourself, even with illness. Self-compassion can yield much better benefits than a mentality of fighting - it's like the ultimate humanitarian mission to yourself. So I wrote “Battle” in 2020 with the message “I thought this was a battle…” The resulting song appears on my 2022 album “Salt and Sand: Rock Songs to Heal the Mind.” </p><p>My other full-circle moment came courtesy of my mom. My debut album contained a track “It's About Time,” which remains a staple of my live shows. This song calls for examination of repeated patters of conflict with loved ones (but also more globally, like with other countries) and the courage to change. Two decades later Mom expressed interest in creating a song that could speak to having heeded the words of “It's About Time” and having made some of those hard changes. So she presented me with a poem containing what I considered to be verses in a potential new song. I gave it the chorus and the title “When the Time Came.” </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="k56XCVNyg5s" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k56XCVNyg5s?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="nLut8hnrBXw" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nLut8hnrBXw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Talk to me about your own full-circle moments in life or in art using the comments below. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7345116
2024-02-02T22:22:41-05:00
2024-02-02T22:22:42-05:00
Artist on Artist: Shootout at the Not OK Corral by Rockin' Rich Lynch
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/c491f8a6f60663d3242036b3c7af95fd08eb5bd4/original/richlynch.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" />This energetic new rock single by Nashville's Rockin' Rich Lynch features tight, dynamic instrumental arrangements supporting Rich's strong voice urgently warning us that something's about to go down. This is the combination that made The Who's “Won't Get Fooled Again” tick. The doubling of Rich's voice (the singer recording his vocal part twice, making it sound bigger) gives off some classic Ozzy Osbourne vibes with a touch of Cheap Trick and Tom Petty. This is the stuff that gets me excited about rock-n-roll. </p><p>This single is available for purchase on Bandcamp for $1.00 (or more if you choose to support the artist at a higher level). Purchasing the track gets you a high-quality download and/or unlimited streaming in the Bandcamp mobile app. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><iframe style="border-width:0;height:120px;width:100%;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=745047958/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless=""><a href="https://rockinrichlynch.bandcamp.com/track/shootout-at-the-not-okay-corral">Shootout at the Not Okay Corral by Rockin' Rich Lynch</a></iframe></p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7340520
2024-01-26T12:02:04-05:00
2024-01-26T12:32:33-05:00
Honoring Eddie Van Halen on his 69th Birthday
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/0f85c2e05a5504963706d3fac937759f2df597b1/original/evh-86.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Simply put, I would not be a guitarist if it weren't for Eddie Van Halen, may his memory be a blessing. As a pre-teen in the early days of MTV, my first encounters with the name Van Halen was seeing that angular logo scrawled on school desks and walls. Not long after, I saw the Jump video. At the time I was a restless piano student seeking music to inspire me. The pre-classical exercise pieces were not quite grabbing me, and my practice habits reflected that. “Jump” captured my attention. </p><h3>Keyboard Hero at First</h3><p>I was already a huge fan of synthesizers thanks to my friend Brant who had a professional-grade synth (An ARP Omni if memory serves) and was composing some great instrumentals on them, plus covering some of the great progressive-rock synth riffs of the day. Seeing Eddie create such a catchy synth part and that flowing guitar solo sure captured my imagination. </p><p>I would then play “Jump” on any keyboard in any department store I found myself in, often drawing a crowd when the song was a fresh hit. </p><p>As a high school sophomore in ‘86, I entered the spring talent show with a keyboard composition and won my category. With the prize money I picked up Van Halen’s new album with Sammy Hagar: 5150. I loved the album and especially gravitated to (and promptly learned) the three keyboard songs: “Why Can't This Be Love?," “Dreams” and “Love Walks In.” I formed a band that summer and those are the first three songs we learned together. </p><h3>An Earth Shattering Rock Guitar Experience</h3><p>Also that summer I went to my first rock concert - Van Halen in New Jersey's Meadowlands Arena, touring behind this exciting new album. As much as I loved Eddie's keyboard work, I was blown away by the sheer joy of Eddie's guitar playing, evident by his body language, even in the back of the arena where I was seated. His featured solo was my first time hearing “Eruption” - can you imagine? </p><p>Soon after that earth-shattering show I picked up a Guitar Magazine with Eddie on the cover and sheet music that showed how to play some of Eddie's parts. Then I dug the guitar out of the closet that I had gotten for my Bar Mitzvah, but had kept stashed away while I concentrated on keyboard. I worked for hours at a time on those Guitar Magazine sheet music pages until my fingers toughened up and I could play the rhythm and lead parts to where they were at least recognizable. I quickly developed basic competence on rock guitar. I never ended up sounding like Eddie, but I continued to pursue this goal. I also started to dress like him with tank tops and bandanas. And I started growing my hair (which, if you've seen me back in the day, grows up and out, not down!) </p><p>In my band “Lost and Found” I switched from keyboards to guitar and we brought on a dedicated keyboardist. Through college I continued going to Van Halen concerts, practicing guitar and playing in bands. </p><h3>Singer/Songwriter + Shredding</h3><p>In my years after college I headed in a more singer/songwriter direction and got my first acoustic guitar. Some of my multi-track demos would give me the opportunity to add some VH-inspired flash to songs with messages more serious than what would typically show up in the lyrics of a Van Halen record. I liked the combination. I still do. I wore my Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Van Halen influences on my sleeves for my debut solo album “American Road.” But I didn't use any of Eddie's signature techniques (although I had a guest guitarist in Scott Landers who fingertapped up a storm to great effect on “Enemy of my Enemy.”) </p><p>I would later find more inspiration in Van Halen's reunion with David Lee Roth in 2007 with a certain up-and-coming young musician joining that tour on bass - none other than Eddie's son Wolfgang. Van Halen's reunion and subsequent (and final) studio album “A Different Kind of Truth” would get me playing. Ultimately this led to my forming a rock band for kids and families - the Jungle Gym Jam. By this point, since I was introducing kids to rock, I felt free to throw in any guitar technique that would work well on record and on stage. I joyously played a tapping passage in my solo to our signature tune, “Jungle Gym Jamming.” </p><h3>A Musical Legacy</h3><p>The real jolt to my musicianship came with Eddie's passing and the launch of Wolfgang's solo project Mammoth WVH in tribute to him. This occurred in the depth of the pandemic in late 2020 and I felt a new urgency to create music, especially songs about mental health. The Jungle Gym Jam was on hold, as all our gigs had been canceled except for the occasional virtual opportunity. I was watching every TED Talk I could about mental health, since some issues were affecting my family life. My lifelong friend Ross' drum kit (he plays in the Jungle Gym Jam) sat gathering dust in the basement. </p><p>Along came Wolfgang performing every instrument on “Distance.” I had experience playing guitar, keyboard and bass, but none on drums. I had programmed drum parts into computers in the past, or collaborated remotely with drummers. I took a long look at Ross' drum kit and thought about physicalizing my intellectual knowledge of the role of drums in a song. Then I took to YouTube and searched for beginner drum lessons. I started with the basic backbeat and videos by Drumeo, or sometimes my phone's metronome app. </p><p>Soon, I was ready to record “Because I'm Grateful,” my first rock song intended for adults, in years. And to play all the instruments, including drums. Little over a year later, I'd launched my album “Salt and Sand: Rock Songs to Heal the Mind.” </p><p>I've recorded and released two more albums since then, with yet another in post-production as I write this. I'm not sure any of this material would have existed without the inspiration of Eddie Van Halen's wizardry. Eddie gave me an identity and connection with my musicality that I needed at a sensitive time in my youth. It gives me great joy to connect back with that these days. </p><p>For Eddie's sharing of his joy I will always be grateful. May his memory be ever a blessing. </p><p>Jason </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7336114
2024-01-18T15:19:06-05:00
2024-01-26T11:36:11-05:00
Album Production Update from the Home Studio
<p>Hey friends! </p><p><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/b546799a38c1cfeb4c8bb0897cb17438916e77b2/original/jason-vocals-01-17-24a.jpeg" class="size_m justify_right border_" alt="Jason Didner in his home studio recording vocals for his 2024 album " />I'm delighted to tell you that I'm now 2/3 of the way through recording the vocals for my upcoming album “Digital Carnival.” I'm listening to the rough mixes in the car and they're shaping up to be absolute bangers! I'm really proud of these songs and I'm sure you'll like them. </p><p>In this photo, you'll see blankets hung on mic stands to absorb sound so it doesn't bounce off the walls and reflect back into the mic. I got this advice from my friend, a producer, Marc “Baze” Bazerman. I'm always trying to improve my craft. </p><p>By this weekend all recording on the album should be complete. Then I'm onto mixing and mastering the tracks, which I expect to take about 2 weeks. </p><p>My first single “Digital Carnival” will launch on all streaming services on Friday, February 2. I'll release a few singles 3-4 weeks apart until the album launch date of April 19. </p><p>This rock album is on a mission to make you more mindful in the online part of your life. I hold up a funhouse mirror to the absurdities of our online culture. </p><hr><h3>How do you listen to music? </h3><p>I have a question for you. How and where do you listen to music? </p><p>In the car do you play CD's? Stream to your phone? listen to radio or satellite radio? </p><p>At home, do you play vinyl? CD's? streaming music? Which service - Spotify? Apple? Amazon? </p><p>Let's have this conversation. I want to make sure my music is where you can most easily and happily access it. You can comment below. </p><p>If you listen to Spotify, please take these two quick steps now:</p><p><a data-link-type="url"><strong><u>🚶♀️ </u></strong></a><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/27hjIQR2jF1rZQ7WJTQWiW?si=U55th_x_SF68FMrvLDa2vw" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong><u>Follow me</u></strong></a>.</p><p><a data-link-type="url"><strong><u>🔽 </u></strong></a><a class="no-pjax" href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jasondidner/digital-carnival-2" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong><u>Pre-save my single “Digital Carnival” so it shows up in your Release Radar on Feb 2</u></strong></a>. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7330791
2024-01-09T11:15:03-05:00
2024-01-16T11:37:11-05:00
New Single "Digital Carnival" slated for February Release
<p>My first single “Digital Carnival” - the title track of my upcoming album - is scheduled for release on Friday, February 2. It's an energetic rock anthem beckoning like a carnival barker for you to “step right up!” </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/a6064d286da40e933d067e77c9ce6e802451cd8a/original/digital-carnival-lyric-meme-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" alt="Lyric meme for Jason Didner's upcoming rock single " />I wrote this song as an overture to the full album, introducing themes related to life online - insecurity, expectations of success and popularity, envy and FOMO (fear of missing out), political arguments and who really benefits from your online activity. </p><p>As an independent music artist who relies on social media for the promotion of my music, I've sure lived the experience of announcing new music online with hopes people will listen and share, and getting results that can make me question why I ever release anything. Of course, time and deeper thinking usually bring me back around to get back on the roller coaster when I bring my next creation into being. </p><p>The full album will be available for pre-order on Bandcamp starting that day, which is also the first Bandcamp Friday of the year. On Bandcamp Friday, this online store waives its commission so artists get more support from their fans. </p><p>✍ <a class="no-pjax" href="/mailing-list" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Mailing List"><strong>Sign up to my mailing list to get exclusive looks and listens before this song and album are released</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7327780
2024-01-03T14:30:47-05:00
2024-01-03T14:30:47-05:00
New Album in the Works. This One's on a Mission.
<p>Happy New Year! </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/b61daad4621a9dbaa930d8a832ff2ba4a09c7286/original/jason-prs.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" />I've been at work on a new album that's on an important mission - to help you use technology mindfully! You'll benefit from even a moment of remembering how absurd our online world can be. Then the powerful emotions that come from moments of envy, political anger, sales pressure and expectations of likes and shares, won't have as much control over you. </p><p>I use music and humor to build you and your relationships up. On this album you'll hear a funny rant about overuse of acronyms in our vernacular, set to an AC/DC inspired track. When I lament feeling like the only one without a yacht and all the fabulous photos posted online, I set the music to…what else?… yacht rock! I sing about noticing that I'm distracted in a sea of social media on “Too Many Tabs Open.” When I call out the hypocrisy of social media moguls making these online gathering spaces meaner, I go with a funk setting. On “Disinformation Overload,” I set the ominous lyric to grunge. </p><p>I plan to release this album, titled “Digital Carnival,” this spring. For the first time, I'm considering offering vinyl records of this album. In order to make this commitment, I'd need to know that enough people want to buy vinyl. </p><p>Do you listen to or collect vinyl records? If you want me to press vinyl and you want a copy, please email me at <a class="no-pjax" href="mailto:jasondidner@gmail.com" data-link-type="email">jasondidner@gmail.com</a>.</p><hr><h3>A New Recording Process</h3><p>On all my previous albums I'd write a song, either alone or with Amy, rehearse it, record all the parts for that song, usually starting with a temporary “scratch” vocal and a guitar part, then layer the drums, bass, keyboard and more guitars, then mix and master the one song. </p><p>Then I'd wait for inspiration to strike and repeat the whole process, one song at a time. </p><p>Since much of the songwriting came together in bunches, I went with a different process. I concentrated on acoustic-only or piano-only pre-production versions of these songs and waited until the entire album was written to start on a band instrumentation. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/73f47821a632d840982204880c1c34e64b23ef6e/original/jason-drums-digital-carnival-sessions.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" />I then recorded drums for each of the songs, in album order. I felt my grooves get tighter with each successive song and I was able to leave my gear set up for recording drums, so I'd spend less time setting up and breaking down recording equipment. </p><p>I then went through all the tracks on bass and got into a good groove as that part of the process went on. </p><p>When I got to rhythm guitar (which is what I'm currently near completing), I immediately noticed how much it paid off that I had invested in effects pedals and a new amp. Usually to make my guitar sound “big” I have to apply distortion. But my new Ibanez Tube Screamer pedal I got this summer could make the guitar sound big while maintaining lots of clarity - kind of like The Edge's tone on U2's anthems. You'll hear this on several of our tracks. Of course some tracks demand that more distorted sound, like when I go for the AC/DC vibe on “People Against the Abuse of Acronyms (PAAA).”</p><p>By tonight I expect to have the rhythm guitar done, and this weekend I can move into guitar solos. Then keyboards, lead and background vocals.</p><p>By working in this new way, I'm able to make the songs more consistent with each other, creating a more unified and cohesive album than I've done before. </p><p> </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7308361
2023-11-23T10:24:34-05:00
2023-11-30T17:00:50-05:00
A Very Surprising Collaboration, 38 Years in the Making
<p>On BandLab, my new friend K'chiro took a very old song of mine in a very new direction! Back in 1986 I composed “Stakeout” on synthesizer and performed it in my high school talent show. Recently I revisited my earlier instrumentals and gave them fresh recordings using the latest technology. I made a version in BandLab and invited other musicians to add to it what they would like. </p><p>K'chiro added guitar, bass and drums to my layers of synth, giving the song a more blues/rock edge. And then he asked me to sing on it. This pushed me into a more flexible way of thinking. Sure it had been an instrumental for 38 years, but why couldn't we play around with giving it lyrics? It could be fun and help build my ability to write songs to prompts. </p><p>So, I give you this new version of “Stakeout” that features my lyrics and vocals, K'chiro's multi-instrumental parts and, of course, my original synth composition in the mix.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://u648841.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=GY2BDz5lq2B6kc-2BGGfYMnNQE5688tOC-2FKS1Rus8b3b28XRSijfajbwn-2Bk9BD7CGA9z6AKYUophHljNMCl8XAVMNoaltKUTpfvAsg4qu525REF9B-2B7qpBaq5wfKhvAiO3cGIiSKESi2rwob7Vm1d61J6MrCeTTbj7UcxNiVFw1wE-2FZSdNIrk-2FivxpaHNaGHgGKqS1sKJb2aXJ-2FZImzkm6Nw-3D-3DhPtV_fVpI6eXjbP6A8dlFD5DC5Oqt9EwUMpDIx2AnLflOZWSOk6auYx2G0kX0jhXsgsYx0XcVY85056M2JyPPb7alL7n-2Ff3h8EjdsuK7fBbgr4puJvPGbYRRCZAhQJlMnsmUPz5jSDQV9Ljlug5kqoexTdFpo1nSAuzPfkzM5nD43EuKh1FkI46KSd6rAo8U5izj3LSU51gv78eh9heRM0PgdfeAsB8JmhvM-2FrjqgTHWVSbypryAq1Qde7wce97yG9OHddgp1aCtKj5CueGBeqs2RJmNZ0zq5-2BF50HsgVZemWvWOfVn8f9xxdc-2BGofAUZn5BuoM3aEmnZG2-2B3r1cgF1IB9g-3D-3D" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://u648841.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn%3DGY2BDz5lq2B6kc-2BGGfYMnNQE5688tOC-2FKS1Rus8b3b28XRSijfajbwn-2Bk9BD7CGA9z6AKYUophHljNMCl8XAVMNoaltKUTpfvAsg4qu525REF9B-2B7qpBaq5wfKhvAiO3cGIiSKESi2rwob7Vm1d61J6MrCeTTbj7UcxNiVFw1wE-2FZSdNIrk-2FivxpaHNaGHgGKqS1sKJb2aXJ-2FZImzkm6Nw-3D-3DhPtV_fVpI6eXjbP6A8dlFD5DC5Oqt9EwUMpDIx2AnLflOZWSOk6auYx2G0kX0jhXsgsYx0XcVY85056M2JyPPb7alL7n-2Ff3h8EjdsuK7fBbgr4puJvPGbYRRCZAhQJlMnsmUPz5jSDQV9Ljlug5kqoexTdFpo1nSAuzPfkzM5nD43EuKh1FkI46KSd6rAo8U5izj3LSU51gv78eh9heRM0PgdfeAsB8JmhvM-2FrjqgTHWVSbypryAq1Qde7wce97yG9OHddgp1aCtKj5CueGBeqs2RJmNZ0zq5-2BF50HsgVZemWvWOfVn8f9xxdc-2BGofAUZn5BuoM3aEmnZG2-2B3r1cgF1IB9g-3D-3D&source=gmail&ust=1700838854799000&usg=AOvVaw3FGp9l-uHGp3yZZSFHAS-u"><u><img src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/0eFuermx7MLHbQK47rognsNlV7p8RD2zPvzw79RZ_UPbVL1umkXXRFmBLCMu1Pq_Oy5blO0e7n5gloyftksBZWKTO9UI1O6HyCqgmNMGexFWp12ny4_4slPxGm3AITr8Xmbho9HPC59r-vhBVe3Bo4hE_CZ_m1LZupx5M1xItzCjSvIjjAjgZMWTsWkeF0loX79v_gpvMuzgaGK-1L3mU9vLQMTk2uHcT0mOcz07ZG__erFbnr1GkGjb0xbS=s0-d-e1-ft#https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/a7d199adb44cb9113963de4ded9a6a751ac2eafa/original/kchiro-play.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></u></a> </p><p><img src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/25b6_fe0f/72.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="▶️" /> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://u648841.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=GY2BDz5lq2B6kc-2BGGfYMnNQE5688tOC-2FKS1Rus8b3b28XRSijfajbwn-2Bk9BD7CGA9z6AKYUophHljNMCl8XAVMNoaltKUTpfvAsg4qu525REF9B-2B7qpBaq5wfKhvAiO3cGIiSKESi2rwob7Vm1d61J6MrCeTTbj7UcxNiVFw1wE-2FZSdNIrk-2FivxpaHNaGHgGKqS1sKJb2aXJ-2FZImzkm6Nw-3D-3D6TeX_fVpI6eXjbP6A8dlFD5DC5Oqt9EwUMpDIx2AnLflOZWSOk6auYx2G0kX0jhXsgsYx0XcVY85056M2JyPPb7alL7n-2Ff3h8EjdsuK7fBbgr4puJvPGbYRRCZAhQJlMnsmUPz5jSDQV9Ljlug5kqoexTdFpo1nSAuzPfkzM5nD43EuKh1FkI46KSd6rAo8U5izj3TJ6ninUUrufELRphQ8XDfuz7ocUT1wpLjahukOKet19zpJTV7czoCb4lyc9Fn49zC56KCrDl-2BZ61971N483JyX85QO7Tgf4GCs0ZvvVcOVSxvnIfe3tVBytr238eK-2Bz1QpDQxdGB5DOexN01MlFeSw-3D-3D" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://u648841.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn%3DGY2BDz5lq2B6kc-2BGGfYMnNQE5688tOC-2FKS1Rus8b3b28XRSijfajbwn-2Bk9BD7CGA9z6AKYUophHljNMCl8XAVMNoaltKUTpfvAsg4qu525REF9B-2B7qpBaq5wfKhvAiO3cGIiSKESi2rwob7Vm1d61J6MrCeTTbj7UcxNiVFw1wE-2FZSdNIrk-2FivxpaHNaGHgGKqS1sKJb2aXJ-2FZImzkm6Nw-3D-3D6TeX_fVpI6eXjbP6A8dlFD5DC5Oqt9EwUMpDIx2AnLflOZWSOk6auYx2G0kX0jhXsgsYx0XcVY85056M2JyPPb7alL7n-2Ff3h8EjdsuK7fBbgr4puJvPGbYRRCZAhQJlMnsmUPz5jSDQV9Ljlug5kqoexTdFpo1nSAuzPfkzM5nD43EuKh1FkI46KSd6rAo8U5izj3TJ6ninUUrufELRphQ8XDfuz7ocUT1wpLjahukOKet19zpJTV7czoCb4lyc9Fn49zC56KCrDl-2BZ61971N483JyX85QO7Tgf4GCs0ZvvVcOVSxvnIfe3tVBytr238eK-2Bz1QpDQxdGB5DOexN01MlFeSw-3D-3D&source=gmail&ust=1700838854799000&usg=AOvVaw1JNdkajhrZXV3uiunw1ZMx"><strong><u>Play the new “Stakeout” collaboration on BandLab</u></strong></a></p><p>I hope you have as much fun listening as we did re-imagining this song from my teen years. </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://u648841.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=GY2BDz5lq2B6kc-2BGGfYMnNQE5688tOC-2FKS1Rus8b3b28XRSijfajbwn-2Bk9BD7CGA9z6AKYUophHljNMCl8XAVMNoaltKUTpfvAsg4qu525REF9B-2B7qpBaq5wfKhvAiO3oxflI53JN5rDhttyRr-2BstLJPTpYroMwQKGFHnjpLuCo-3DiejQ_fVpI6eXjbP6A8dlFD5DC5Oqt9EwUMpDIx2AnLflOZWSOk6auYx2G0kX0jhXsgsYx0XcVY85056M2JyPPb7alL7n-2Ff3h8EjdsuK7fBbgr4puJvPGbYRRCZAhQJlMnsmUPz5jSDQV9Ljlug5kqoexTdFpo1nSAuzPfkzM5nD43EuKh1FkI46KSd6rAo8U5izj3dCkCg6-2BKCemClPRB7bAxBdbwybHao6K7Yxi2iNeGlDeG-2FE1C2B1WiHgA1sU3jNi5MZo2Rdn6ggq7rYhjzyMPqbfaW5gTJij6awZjG06wAhCERfUv1yEIR1hDqa7xhPT2dydODyrOLhRSvjp82xr-2FFQ-3D-3D" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://u648841.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn%3DGY2BDz5lq2B6kc-2BGGfYMnNQE5688tOC-2FKS1Rus8b3b28XRSijfajbwn-2Bk9BD7CGA9z6AKYUophHljNMCl8XAVMNoaltKUTpfvAsg4qu525REF9B-2B7qpBaq5wfKhvAiO3oxflI53JN5rDhttyRr-2BstLJPTpYroMwQKGFHnjpLuCo-3DiejQ_fVpI6eXjbP6A8dlFD5DC5Oqt9EwUMpDIx2AnLflOZWSOk6auYx2G0kX0jhXsgsYx0XcVY85056M2JyPPb7alL7n-2Ff3h8EjdsuK7fBbgr4puJvPGbYRRCZAhQJlMnsmUPz5jSDQV9Ljlug5kqoexTdFpo1nSAuzPfkzM5nD43EuKh1FkI46KSd6rAo8U5izj3dCkCg6-2BKCemClPRB7bAxBdbwybHao6K7Yxi2iNeGlDeG-2FE1C2B1WiHgA1sU3jNi5MZo2Rdn6ggq7rYhjzyMPqbfaW5gTJij6awZjG06wAhCERfUv1yEIR1hDqa7xhPT2dydODyrOLhRSvjp82xr-2FFQ-3D-3D&source=gmail&ust=1700838854799000&usg=AOvVaw1I6MG4FcJp2pXPUNBIQTTd"><u>Follow me on BandLab and jam along with me there! </u></a></p><p>For reference, here's the official video of Stakeout prior to this collaboration. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="I0ZgwX_-ry4" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I0ZgwX_-ry4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>📰 <a class="no-pjax" href="https://jasondidner.com/blogs/blog-jason-didner-music/posts/7293303/stakeout-new-recording-of-a-synth-instrumental-i-wrote-in-the-80s" data-link-type="url"><strong>Read my story about “Stakeout” in my previous blog post here. </strong></a></p><p> </p><p> </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7305263
2023-11-17T15:00:44-05:00
2023-11-27T16:01:55-05:00
Made in Japan...and New Jersey - an International Collaboration
<p>Radio Alert: This collaboration will air tonight Nov. 27 at 7PM Eastern-US on <a class="no-pjax" href="https://blowupradio.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>blowupradio.com</strong></a></p><p>I'm really excited to share this international collaboration with you! It's “Molasses Blues” with my lead vocal and rhythm guitar, plus the drums, bass and lead guitar of Japan-based blues virtuoso Keiton “K'chiro” Itoh. He's got that Stevie Ray Vaugh-type twang to his guitar sound, and boy does that benefit this song! </p><p><iframe width="560" height="518" src="https://www.bandlab.com/embed/shout/?id=110cc747-f884-ee11-b75e-000d3a428fff" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </p><p>Amy had written Molasses Blues years ago, before a pancreas transplant put her Type 1 diabetes in remission. The lyric captured her predicament of having wildly fluctuating blood sugar and spiraling complications, all while craving sweets. And it was the quintessential blues lyric, boiled down to its essence: </p><blockquote><p><i>No sadness fades slower than molasses blues </i><br><i>No sadness fades slower than molasses blues </i><br><i>Takes longer than scrapin' tar off the devil's shoes</i></p></blockquote><p> I performed it with other musicians at a few open mic nights and then made the official recording and lyric video for my album “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://jasondidner.com/album/2368285/side-effects" data-link-type="album" data-link-label="Side Effects"><u>Side Effects</u></a>” earlier this year. </p><h3>Bandlab: Evolution of online musical collaboration</h3><p>Over the past 2 decades I've enjoyed collaborating musically with talented and creative people in other parts of the world. </p><p>But never before has it been quite this fast and fluid to record my parts and let other musicians add theirs. Now I don't even have to upload and download huge files as part of the process. On Sunday night I recorded the rhythm guitar and vocal to “Molasses Blues” and published these parts to Bandlab with an open invite for any musician to add their parts to it. </p><p>K'chiro came along and clicked the “Fork” button, which then gave him a copy of my project. Now he could add his tracks and mix the volume levels. He could also play with the stereo arrangement (bass on the left, rhythm guitar on the right, vocals in the middle, more noticeable through headphones or a car stereo) to his liking. Last night he published his changes. Now another musician can fork either my original or the version where K'chiro added his parts. Rumor has it that another musician is working on an organ part. I'm kind of geeking out over this! </p><p>Bandlab is equal parts collaboration and social network for music. It acknowledges the many different ways people enjoy and interact with music. Most of us listen to music around the house, at work, in the car, as part of TV and movie soundtracks, and even when we're out at the grocery store. On special occasion we get to go to concerts. Many of us sing or play an instrument. Some of us write our own songs. A very small minority have gotten rich and famous doing it. We all enjoy music somewhere along this continuum. Bandlab brings together musicians at any/all levels to participate in the music however we like. It even offers tools to help beginners jump right in and make music, much as Apple GarageBand does. So if you're a fan of an artist and you play a little, that artist may let you fork their track and add your bit to it. </p><p><strong>📝 </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.bandlab.com/jasondidner" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong><u>Sign up with Bandlab and follow my artist page.</u></strong></a></p><p> </p><h3><strong>About the Guitar I Played on this Collab</strong></h3><p><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/9ce309e43594c5a10645180e58a08cdb7c020e78/original/jason-ibanez-600.jpg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" alt="Jason Didner with the Ibanez Artist AR30 guitar he got for his Bar Mitzvah." height="600" width="600" /></p><p>I played the rhythm guitar part on the guitar my grandparents, aunt and parents surprised me with on my Bar Mitzvah! At that time I wasn't thinking about guitar. I was a keyboardist and I was crazy about synthesizers. But I was overjoyed getting this guitar and I set about learning my way around it. Over time I was drawn back to the keyboard. Until I was almost 16 and saw my first rock concert: Van Halen. Watching Eddie shred so joyously made me want to do that too. Then I couldn't put down the guitar! </p><p>It's a 1983 (I think) Ibanez Artist AR30. Only 1,300 guitars of this model were manufactured. </p><p>As legend has it, my grandparents walked into Sam Ash on 48th street, taking their place in line among the spiked, mohawked punk rockers to ask a sales rep about the best guitar to give their grandson as a special gift. </p><p>When I got deep into Eddie Van Halen's style of playing, I needed a guitar with a whammy bar built-in, something this guitar does not have. So it saw a lot less playing time until recently. Lately I've found a role for it in my recording efforts. It has a great feel and tone when I don't need to dive-bomb a whammy bar! </p><p>This guitar does have a bit of “character” though. When I was 16 I bumped into a desk with it and cracked the paint and wood around the volume and tone knobs. I also lost a tone knob in the process and replaced it with a generic knob back then. I've ordered a matching knob over eBay. I'll keep you updated on this…</p><p><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/8836bf2029449041756ddaec9f06b197def52780/original/ibanez-character.jpg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="424" width="442" /></p><hr><p>I hope you enjoyed the collab and found the backstory interesting. I'd love to see your comment with your stories about international friendships or collaboration made possible by technology. Or how you may use tools, skills or items from your childhood that hold special meaning. </p><p>It's always great to get your comments. It makes my day! </p><p>Musically yours, </p><p>Jason Didner<br>Jersey Rock with Jersey Humor… and Heart <br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://jasondidner.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><u>jasondidner.com</u></a></p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7297295
2023-11-01T14:47:45-04:00
2023-11-03T08:40:14-04:00
Holiday Sale in the Jason Didner Store!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/a73eb5d8c7936bf5422a68479ec39e9cb068a870/original/jason-waterbottle.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" alt="Musician Jason Didner holding a stainless steel water bottle bearing the album artwork for " />Offering products and services that reflect my art is a way to deepen the relationship I have with my audience. If you admire my music and want to learn an instrument from me, it's a great way to connect, build a lifelong skill and more deeply understand what it is I create. When you order a coffee mug or water bottle bearing the album cover and it comes with a free download of the album's tracks, you get to experience the album differently than you might through a streaming service alone. The album artwork becomes part of your daily living and a reminder of how you feel when you listen to the music. </p><p>This holiday season I'm happy to offer you some unique gift options for your friends, loved ones or yourself at a very good deal! </p><p>Every product or service <a class="no-pjax" href="/store" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Store">in my store</a> is on sale through the end of the year: </p><ul>
<li>Piano or guitar lessons (via Zoom) now at $35 per half hour (down from $40)</li>
<li>Handwritten lyric sheets, written to order at $40 (down from $45) *</li>
<li>Autographed CD's - shipping now included along with digital downloads - all for $10 each * </li>
<li>Album cover coffee mugs (with album digital downloads) for $12 each (down from $14) * </li>
<li>Album cover stainless steel water bottle (with album digital downloads) for $25 each (down from $30) * </li>
<li>T-shirts (come with digital downloads) for $12.00 each (down from $15).</li>
</ul><p> </p><p>* Minimum price with option to support my music at whatever price level you're comfortable with. </p><p>These reduced prices are only in effect through December 31, so get your best deals now! </p><hr><p>🛒 <a class="no-pjax" href="https://jasondidner.com/store" data-link-type="url"><strong>Check out the Jason Didner Store here. </strong></a></p><p><strong>📧 </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="/mailing-list" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Mailing List"><strong>Sign up on my mailing list to know about new shows, music, products & services.</strong></a></p><p> </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7293303
2023-10-25T13:03:29-04:00
2023-10-25T13:23:25-04:00
Stakeout - New Recording of a Synth Instrumental I Wrote in the 80s
<p>Here's a real throwback to the 80s - because that's when I wrote this! </p><p>Before I played guitar, I played synthesizer. When I was 15 I composed this instrumental “Stakeout” inspired by the Beverly Hills Cop and Miami Vice soundtracks. This new recording and video are a tribute to those strong influences on my early music-making. I give you “Stakeout.” </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="I0ZgwX_-ry4" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I0ZgwX_-ry4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>I performed this song in my high school's1986 talent show and won the instrumental music category. With the prize, a gift certificate to a local record store, I bought Van Halen's new album “5150” featuring newly added singer Sammy Hagar. I loved the synthesizer songs and wanted to go to their show when they came to town that summer. This would be my first rock concert. I left that show a fan of Eddie's guitar wizardry as well as his synth hooks. That was when I became determined to learn guitar. </p><h3>Talent Show Night '86</h3><p>I had composed Stakeout to perform at my high school talent show. I had a Casio CZ-101 synth, plus my more basic Casio keyboard so I could combine the tones created by both. I had a Casio sequencer connected to the synth so I could compose a drum beat and bassline that would play through the synth while I played the melody. </p><p>At the talent show rehearsal the MC asked me about the sequencer, a big square box. I said, “Oh, that? That's my beat box.” From that candid response I got my nickname, Jason “The Beat Box” Didner, which I think lasted the rest of sophomore year! </p><p>My stagewear reflected that strong Miami Vice influence. I wore the white jacket and pants with Docksiders shoes and no socks - just like Don Johnson. The only thing missing was the 5:00 shadow! </p><p>When the curtain opened for me to begin playing “Stakeout,” there was no sound! Curtain closed. Still no sound. Curtain opened again. Still no sound. Crowd is beginning to murmur. They had already made a classical guitarist walk off stage mid-piece by talking over his performance. Heart pounding! One more check of the keyboard. PHEW!! Finally a synth tone coming through the speakers. </p><p>Curtain opened. I played a mysterious-sounding melodic intro. Crowd got really quiet. Then I pressed the beat box button. As the beat and bass kicked in, the crowd EXPLODED! They clapped along on the 2's and 4's. I had them with me through the performance. I was floating on air for days after that! </p><p>After my performance I joined my parents and brother in the balcony. When it was time to announce category winners, Lance, the MC announced that the instrumental/miscellaneous category went to “The Beat Box.” My dad said, “Jason should have won!” My mom answered, “Jason IS The Beat Box!” </p><p>Since the prize led me to buy a Van Halen album, you can say “The rest is history!” </p><h3>Your Turn</h3><p>What are some of the early influences on your creativity? Have they remained constant influences? Have you returned to them from time to time? How did they point you to your next influences? Comment below, and let's have a conversation! </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/d401fc40c3bc04051f7a5bac2b7e3c19831ab2ff/original/jason-keyboard-stakeout-processed-1080.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" alt="Jason Didner recording Stakeout on synthesizer" /></p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7292059
2023-10-23T11:10:51-04:00
2023-10-25T12:49:44-04:00
Geeking Out over Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Movie
<p>Wow! Just…Wow! </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/dae721d9798e66963a60cee494685908d971b26e/original/taylor-swift-eras-tour-movie-poster.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" alt="Taylor Swift - the Eras Tour official poster image" />So, last weekend Amy and I took our daughter and a friend to Taylor Swift's new concert film “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/taylor-swift-the-eras-tour-74500" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.</strong></a>” The show was in its second week, so tickets were attainable (in the front 2 rows). But the energy of the audience had a strong opening night/in-person at the stadium vibe. </p><p>Girls were singing and dancing in the aisle together. My daughter said she nearly lost her voice singing at the top of her lungs with her friend. Clearly, Taylor keeps tapping into something big, now appealing to a second generation of superfans, with no sign of letting up.</p><h3>A Method to the Moments</h3><p>As a fellow musician who loves to perform live, I recognize that Taylor did not accidentally stumble into captivating and engaging and audience. In fact, I've benefitted from a book by the guy who produced Taylor's early concerts - Tom Jackson. In his book “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://onstagesuccess.com/merch-table/tom-jacksons-live-music-method-book/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Live Music Method</strong></a>” Tom compellingly argues for creating <i>moments </i>over the course of a show - not just playing songs. He lays out the case that if your songs all look alike, they will all sound alike to an audience - even in different keys, different tempos, different moods, with different themes, etc. </p><p>Taylor certainly established distinct moments - lots of them! Sure, it helps that she had state-of-the-art lighting, set design and visuals, but even if you took that away, the artist made the moments. She acted out “Tolerate It” in heartbreaking fashion, ran the show like a boss in “The Man” and broke it down to just her voice, her piano and the stadium crowd on several occasions between the big pop song and dance moments. </p><p>Of course, Taylor has long since overcome a key challenge Tom highlighted in his book. Taylor's audience (both the stadium crowd onscreen and the movie theater crowd) is absolutely married to her - they know every lyric to her 17 years' worth songs. Tom's book is for the unknown artist who is “dating” their audience - maybe trying to break through to a small crowd at a coffeehouse or opening for a more established act - an artist still trying to make those first impressions. </p><p>This is the space I occupy. My application of Tom's method looks more like:</p><ul>
<li>intentionally ordering my set list to create different moments (an introductory moment, a musical moment, a “different” moment, a “big fun” moment, a touching moment, a “raise-the-roof” moment) in an order that gives the audience a complete experience. </li>
<li>getting out from behind the mic stand when not singing (in some instances, not all), </li>
<li>introducing some of my songs while playing my guitar underneath my banter, </li>
<li>working out transitions between songs as a key part of rehearsal, whether solo or with a band, </li>
<li>using a looper pedal to keep an accompaniment going while I get away from the mic and play a solo, </li>
<li>altering the lengths and arrangements of songs to prioritize connection with audience over reproducing my records, </li>
<li>expressly giving my audience permission early in my show to enjoy the show in their own way, </li>
<li>balancing eye contact with sections of the audience, </li>
<li>interacting with the band when I have one, and much more. </li>
</ul><h3>The Eddie Van Halen Connection</h3><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/2bbf189bcc2d61e1b41eff5f9b91be49b93a698b/original/paul-sidoti-frankenstrat-taylorswift.jpg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" alt="Taylor Swift guitarist Paul Sidoti playing his EVH Guitars replica of Eddie Van Halen's iconic Frankenstein Guitar while Taylor Swift rocks a Strat. " />If you know my story, you know that Eddie Van Halen is the reason I play guitar. So you can imagine how I geeked out at the maybe 2-second sighting of Eddie's iconic red guitar with the crazy white and black stripes - you know, from the “Jump” video! Taylor's longtime guitarist Paul Sidoti rocked his <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.evhgear.com/tribute/frankenstein" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>EVH Gear replica of Eddie's axe - the Frankenstein</strong></a>. This brief moment filled me with unexplainable levels of joy! I later went down this rabbit hole and found that Paul endorses EVH Gear guitars and amps. </p><p>This is not the only connection between Taylor Swift and Eddie Van Halen. Taylor is said to have had the “Eddie Van Halen effect” on the next generation of pre-teen and teenaged (mostly) girls buying guitars and learning to play, just as Eddie had on (mostly) boys of my generation. <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/taylor-swift-new-eddie-van-halen" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Guitar World ran this article about the phenomenon back in 2016</strong></a>. </p><p>This concert film experience was unlike any movie theater outing I'd ever experienced. It reminded me of when I was a teenager captured by a concert video. It was 1986 and I watched “Van Halen Live Without a Net” repeatedly in the basement with guitar in hand, studying Eddie's wizardry and trying so intently to come away with even a fraction of it. And yes, Eddie was playing a replica of his own legendary striped guitar! </p><h3>My Key Takeaways</h3><p>My overall feeling with the Taylor Swift concert film is delight at having seen my daughter have such a blast with her friend, and to have been in a setting where such sheer joy filled the space. </p><p>Secondary to that, just as when I was a teenager learning guitar, hoping to harness a fraction of Eddie's magic, I found myself again studying Taylor's show for ways I can bring a fraction of that unbridled joy to my audiences. </p><p>Watching Taylor apply Tom Jackson's onstage success principles gave me things to consider to enhance my live show, even if I have nowhere near Taylor's budget, cast and crew: </p><ul>
<li>Lavish lots of gratitude on the audience</li>
<li>Really, really, really take in the applause and reflect it back - don't rush past it! </li>
<li>Tell a relatable story at a key moment in the show - just not before every song</li>
<li>When you give an audience member a special honor, that audience member becomes a stand-in for the whole audience - like when Taylor gave a girl her hat. </li>
</ul><p>Did you go to any in-person Eras Tour concerts? See the film? What were your takeaways? Discuss in the comments below. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7290165
2023-10-19T14:03:36-04:00
2023-10-19T14:03:36-04:00
I Wish I Could Be Two Places at Once! 😎😎
<p>What would your superpower be if you could pick one? Super strength? Super speed? I'd like to be two places at once - so I could work and play at the same time! So I could live up to all my commitments and still have all the time I need to treat myself to what I love to do. </p><p>So, I present to you the world premiere of my lyric video “Two Places at Once!” </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="YY5uYqD_08k" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YY5uYqD_08k?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>This video completes the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqFZGe58ErexSly9kMu3AfY-9yYECznC" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">playlist of my album “Side Effects”</a> on YouTube - a mix of live action videos and lyric videos. </p><p><img src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f4bf/32.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="💿" /> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://u648841.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=GY2BDz5lq2B6kc-2BGGfYMnNQE5688tOC-2FKS1Rus8b3b0TwWRYps1MLJIZ1GS5W9tKxwiI-2FNa18qPzzohzM91jzTs-2B4dqdJ3cZNmM03I-2BuQBAfr-2BXfJputq5e8iE69hqOiNigEGInHHy7K50ZTIdpI39Cch4rjvQ8rNCuNJXODChyPk-2B06-2Bf7r1ZZR1lmfVKjpeKSm_fVpI6eXjbP6A8dlFD5DC5Oqt9EwUMpDIx2AnLflOZWSOk6auYx2G0kX0jhXsgsYx0XcVY85056M2JyPPb7alL7n-2Ff3h8EjdsuK7fBbgr4ptXSj4it1bG9aLu8wWEiVrU1A9SYzdWs5JhGTeSU30vK7fy46UH-2FBgOB-2F32w8oWb9N1LFKcnEa3UHfIMuDQtM0KQk0IKyAgAtcQYpRfPKJLPrjQqmJKNFcUVSW3YJupDYF6HplkljUaLxELFBrghT8SDjnuKv4T4CmAY-2BkN3AYKDU-2FnfQksXifahSc1VuioLWdR7epOpcO5T5QaggHs5YAeRARcuEdC55scqAuSghO7Cw-3D-3D" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://u648841.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn%3DGY2BDz5lq2B6kc-2BGGfYMnNQE5688tOC-2FKS1Rus8b3b0TwWRYps1MLJIZ1GS5W9tKxwiI-2FNa18qPzzohzM91jzTs-2B4dqdJ3cZNmM03I-2BuQBAfr-2BXfJputq5e8iE69hqOiNigEGInHHy7K50ZTIdpI39Cch4rjvQ8rNCuNJXODChyPk-2B06-2Bf7r1ZZR1lmfVKjpeKSm_fVpI6eXjbP6A8dlFD5DC5Oqt9EwUMpDIx2AnLflOZWSOk6auYx2G0kX0jhXsgsYx0XcVY85056M2JyPPb7alL7n-2Ff3h8EjdsuK7fBbgr4ptXSj4it1bG9aLu8wWEiVrU1A9SYzdWs5JhGTeSU30vK7fy46UH-2FBgOB-2F32w8oWb9N1LFKcnEa3UHfIMuDQtM0KQk0IKyAgAtcQYpRfPKJLPrjQqmJKNFcUVSW3YJupDYF6HplkljUaLxELFBrghT8SDjnuKv4T4CmAY-2BkN3AYKDU-2FnfQksXifahSc1VuioLWdR7epOpcO5T5QaggHs5YAeRARcuEdC55scqAuSghO7Cw-3D-3D&source=gmail&ust=1697823075148000&usg=AOvVaw2Y2eQsB6_x-ck_i_iFWKNR"><strong><u>Get my album “Side Effects” as an autographed CD or digital download.</u></strong></a></p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7288479
2023-10-16T13:45:10-04:00
2023-10-16T13:45:11-04:00
Introducing Synth City - a Real Throwback Instrumental
<p>…and now for something completely different - a return to my musical roots as a synthesizer enthusiast! </p><p>I give you “Synth City!” 🎹🏙</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="f2W7Ibl2JmY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f2W7Ibl2JmY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">This is an instrumental composed entirely with synthesizer patches I designed using Logic Pro X Retro Synth, analog setting (except the drums, designed with Drum Kit Designer in same app). This track has an early 80s feel. </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">Around this time, when I was 12 my friend Brant showed me his Arp Omni analog synthesizer and I was hooked. I got a little Casio keyboard and later a Casio CZ-101 digital synthesizer. </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">My influences for synth music with big hooks include Harold Faltermeyer (Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack), Phil Collins, Eddie Van Halen (for his synth composition on “Jump”, “I'll Wait” and later “Dreams”) and Jan Hammer (Miami Vice soundtrack). </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">This brand new composition felt like a return to my roots. Look for a new series of instrumental compositions by me - in various genres, in between the songs with vocals you've come to expect. </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">Video produced using Microsoft Clipchamp</span></p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7286126
2023-10-11T09:15:16-04:00
2023-10-16T11:06:25-04:00
Banding Together: A Webathon and Compilation Album for Spondylitis
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://spondylitis.org/webathon/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/b919952c8e9c93910b4ab04e0af585f850c90282/original/banding-together-2023-1024x1024.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" alt="Banding Together 2023 Compilation Album for Spondylitis Association of America" /></a>This weekend New Jersey-based Internet radio station <a class="no-pjax" href="https://blowupradio.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">BlowUpRadio.com</a> hosts a webathon of musical performances by artists with New Jersey ties. I'm proud to say I'm part of this lineup. </p><p>The webathon benefits the Spondylitis Association of America, an organization to help improve the lives of people coping with spondylitis. This medical condition causes persistent back pain and interferes with mobility, often from young adulthood on. </p><p>All who <a class="no-pjax" href="https://spondylitis.org/webathon/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">donate $10 or more</a> during (or even before, hint…hint…) this webathon will get full access to a compilation album by these artists - all new songs or new versions of existing original songs. </p><p>My contribution to the “Banding Together 2023” compilation album is my piano version of my new song “Better Self.” This version can only be heard on this compilation at this time. </p><p>Tonight, Wed 10.11.23, <a class="no-pjax" href="https://spondylitis.org/webathon/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">BlowUpRadio.com</a> will air the compilation in its entirety, starting at 7PM Eastern-US.</p><p>Starting Friday 10.13.23 at 11:15 AM Eastern-US, the webathon kicks off with a performance by Tony Tedesco. The webathon continues on Saturday and Sunday, running from 11:15 AM to 9:00 PM each day. </p><p>My set airs Sunday 10.15.23 at 4:30 PM Eastern-US. </p><!-- more --><p>📻 <a class="no-pjax" href="https://blowupradio.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Tune in to BlowUpRadio.com</strong></a></p><p>🔽<strong> </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://spondylitis.org/webathon/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Donate to Spondylitis Association of America to stream or download the compilation</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7284965
2023-10-09T11:41:26-04:00
2023-10-11T09:00:26-04:00
Parents Rocking for Affordable NJ Housing
<p>Yesterday I had the great honor to return to <a class="no-pjax" href="https://parentswhorock.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Parents Who Rock's</a> annual backyard benefit concert. This year the fundraising and promotion was for <a class="no-pjax" href="https://homecorp.herokuapp.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">HomeCorp</a>, an organization that advocates for affordable housing in my hometown of Montclair, New Jersey. </p><p>The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, October 7, a date that posed a scheduling conflict for me. But weather intervened in those original plans. The event would be moved to the next day, making it possible for me to get involved. Fortunately, Lightning Leah was already booked to perform with her main band Innes and the Brushes and could stick around to jump behind the drum kit for my set. </p><p>Amazing Amelia had a prior commitment for yesterday, so I asked the event's longtime sound engineer Excellent Ed Carine if he'd like to sit in on bass. So we forged ahead with an altered lineup of Jason Didner and the Drive. Here's our cover of Bruce Springsteen's “Dancing in the Dark.” </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="6JtPoNN6cvE" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6JtPoNN6cvE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><strong>🏠 </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://homecorp.herokuapp.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Learn more about HomeCorp and its work on local affordable housing here. </strong></a><a data-link-type="url"><strong>Donations are gladly accepted. </strong></a></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/bca6faa83d907c6e119649c793c6e9bfaca3d04b/original/jd-drive-jason-leah-pwr-2023.jpg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" alt="Jason Didner and the drive: Jason Didner on guitar and Leah Fox on drums" /></p><p>I also had the honor of sharing the stage with Leslie Masuzzo for her set yesterday. Leslie lives across the street from me and sings with a golden voice. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/407621162307f9d1f9272f07d1061ea1475f8851/original/jd-drive-jason-leslie-pwr-2023.jpg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" alt="Leslie Masuzzo with Jason Didner accompanying on guitar at Parents Who Rock Backyard Benefit Concert 2023 in Montclair, NJ" /></p><p>I even got to close out the show with Parents Who Rock founder Alma Schneider, who provided me with a chord chart to 12,000 Lines by Big Thief, for me to play on guitar. I hadn't heard this song prior to covering it, but I sure have a special bond with the tune now. </p><p>Were you there? Share your story in the comments section below. </p><p>Photos captured by Alma Schneider</p><p>Video captured by Martin Fox</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7284313
2023-10-07T11:12:07-04:00
2023-10-07T11:12:07-04:00
Dedicated to Entertainment Unions: "Exposure" Lyric Video
<p>We artists are accustomed to getting offers for unpaid gigs because they'd be “good exposure.” So I wrote this tongue-in-cheek song as a response to these insulting offers. To be clear, I don't oppose playing for free when it's a benefit concert or other charitable event. I just don't like working for free while making someone else a profit. </p><p>And the lyric video is out just as the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.wga.org/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Writers' Guild of America (WGA)</a> has settled their strike with the Hollywood studios on decent, livable terms, which is all they wanted. As I write this, the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.sagaftra.org/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Screen Actors' Guild (SAG-AFTRA)</a> remains on strike, also trying to make their profession one that could support a family. This is only fair, given the record profits the studios have been raking in. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3bL-JiJZFgM" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3bL-JiJZFgM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Of course, I'm also rooting for the United Auto Workers to get more favorable terms after they gave up so much in the financial crisis of 2008 to keep the industry afloat. Now the automakers turn record profits; it's only fair to restore a dignified compensation to the workers who built the profitable products. And of course the healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente. If we're going to call them heroes, we need to not just praise them, but <i>pay</i> them! </p><p>Do you have exposure stories? Share them in the comments below. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7281047
2023-09-30T14:46:43-04:00
2024-02-13T15:25:47-05:00
Video, Pictures and Stories from The Fine Grind 09.09.23
<p>Thanks to all who braved the elements to join us at The Fine Grind last night! We had a great time! </p><p>Special thanks to Amy and Nicole for capturing video; I was able to edit your footage together for multiple camera angles, like in this duet with Leslie Masuzzo on “A Moment of Loving Kindness.” </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="NbyUssmLR4U" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NbyUssmLR4U?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>It was great to have Lightning Leah join me on percussion for my second set, representing our band Jason Didner and the Drive. Amazing Amelia was stuck in Brooklyn as a result of a flooded-out subway system. New York might as well have been across the ocean rather than across the river the way the weather worked out. </p><p>Here's Leah with me on a spirited version of “You Can't Get There from Here in Jersey!” </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1vXmIAovYbY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1vXmIAovYbY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>A special highlight for me was debuting two new originals: “Disinformation Overload” in the solo portion of my show and “Too Many Tabs Open” when Leah joined me onstage. I loved the spirited call-and-response with the audience at the end of “Too Many Tabs Open.” </p><p>The Fine Grind has an interesting new addition: a robot server bringing our food and drinks to the tables. Definitely a conversation piece! Leah snapped this photo during my solo portion of the evening. </p><p><img src="https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/J4RwDKXagO94mMVmsFS8h_i-kIkewlGzoHx4lAHEoilsiz58KmS9CNzgvUq7gi3_rDsP3Zet_J5UBjMrdNkCRZxHmUUwds2jvpp4X5vY1TpcogCYqCban57Ei9MHjNrPYS2r51GFWZE9WKVFNdZ-AoMGRn3VSTmgnyyVW-uec_EN1_NL7zILX6uCClbUbhfytwMDSHsmRkcx7yk3ce9lz2VwdYXmbk5irlfik-s0hgPxM-erZyHwAMeVjzWH4YGkpXSwbshVGJHKzxWa=s0-d-e1-ft#https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/81b4a27fbc5a6fb5c08e6a8969e0e4056006d890/original/fine-grind-robot.jpg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></p><p>Hilariously, my friend Lazlo at BlowUpRadio virtually hacked this robot to put him in service of my efforts to entertain. </p><p><iframe class="mastodon-embed" style="border-width:0;max-width:100%;" src="https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio/111155194494739885/embed" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><script src="https://gardenstate.social/embed.js" async="async"></script></p><p>As always, thanks for taking the time to check out my blog posts and my web site. Use the comments below to be part of the conversation. Were you there? Add your story to the mix! </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7275766
2023-09-20T13:52:36-04:00
2023-09-30T14:46:06-04:00
Sammy Ash: May his Memory Be a Blessing
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/f56c1d23ea8e5d41768af7069f331c882fa8137d/original/sammy-ash-guitar-1120.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" alt="In Loving Memory of Sammy Ash - C.O.O. of Sam Ash Music" /><p>I never got to meet Sammy Ash, but I sure do have lifelong musical ties to the music store chain named for his grandfather. Sammy was the chain's Chief Operating Officer until he passed away at age 65 from skin cancer on 09.16.2023. </p><p>I've developed friendly relationships with many members of the Springfield, NJ store on Route 22. There's George, the general manager, who is also a member of local funk/rock band KQ and the Sound Trip (more about this band later, I hope…). Then there's Reggie in pro audio, Michael, Jeff and Dave in guitars, and Rob in instrument repair. And Joe who calls me when a harder-to-get item has come in. These folks have been vital influences on the evolution of my sound as an artist. And it's Sammy's vision for the Sam Ash chain's modern presence that brought us together. </p><p>This store has not only connected me to instruments, gear and supplies, but also to a beloved bandmate. Lou DiMartino ("Mr. Lou") was working in the store when he observed a flyer I posted on the bulletin board seeking a bassist for the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://junglegymjam.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Jungle Gym Jam</a>. He called, and came over to audition. He was great! He also confessed that to cut down the competition he took the flyer off the board. I was flattered that he wanted that much to be in our band. We would share in Lou's talents along with his longtime band <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.jdcaravan.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan</a>. Our projects co-existed rather well because our band for kids & families played by day and Joe played mostly evenings. =</p><p>Tragically, Lou's life came to a sudden end due to an asthma attack after only 3 months with us. But he brought so much kindness and love for music into our lives for the short time we had together. He taught us the phrase LLU, which stands for “Lou Loves You” which he placed at the bottom of all his emails to us. And he connected us to the Light of Day community, in which he was a passionate participant. </p><p>My ties to Sam Ash stores go back before I ever picked up a guitar. In fact, my grandparents surprised me with my first-ever electric guitar as a Bar Mitzvah gift I never expected. Where did they buy it? Sam Ash in NYC! I still have that guitar and just picked it up to play recently. </p><p>As I was nearing high school graduation I participated in a sight-singing competition, in which I was given sheet music for the first time and called upon to interpret the melody with my voice. I won the competition and enough money for a gadget that would transform my music-making: a Tascam 4-track cassette recorder. Where did I go? Sam Ash of Paramus! </p><p>These days I work in Mountainside, NJ, about a 5-minute drive to Sam Ash of Springfield. Most of my musical gear comes from this store. I've also traded in gear to this store as my musical needs have changed over time. </p><p>Here's a fun fact about Sammy: he gave the iconic Ibanez Tube Screamer pedal its name. And I recently purchased one without having known that. </p><p> </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7275566
2023-09-19T10:30:47-04:00
2023-09-19T15:22:51-04:00
Challenging White Guy Privilege in Rock Music
<p>Rock-n-roll is supposed to be rebellious. It's supposed to upset the powerful and scramble the default settings. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/9d6133126cf64a98bf9d995b1727cb4c136a05cf/original/189725359-312049376951857-1864112441556902029-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" alt="Rock band Living Colour, from their official Facebook page" />Yet I often find myself gravitating back to establishment defaults in my selection of music in the car and to accompany my morning runs. And those defaults in my case largely consist of the generally accepted white guys as the icons of rock. The concerts I've attended in arenas and theaters have been overwhelmingly put on by white guys, with an overwhelmingly white audience. </p><p>When I get intentional about it I seek out music beyond the defaults, and I'm richly rewarded. My fondness for Living Colour goes back to my college days when they lit up MTV and then rocked my school gym. dUg Pinnick's soulful voice in the band King's X does things to me no other voice does in rock music. I sit in awe of H.E.R.'s songwriting/multi-instrumental gifts. Yet it sometimes takes that push, my thinking “I haven't listened to a Black or female artist in a few days. Let's work out that muscle today.” </p><p>Jann Wenner, co-founder of Rolling Stone Magazine and founder of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recently inserted his foot in his mouth on the subject <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/15/arts/jann-wenner-the-masters-interview.html" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">in an interview with the New York Times</a>. When asked about a list of only white men as “masters” he answered that the most accomplished Black and female artists didn't “articulate” well enough for his purposes. He jammed his foot so deeply in there that he managed to get himself dismissed from the board of directors of the Rock Hall that he had founded. My diverse, artsy hometown's <a class="no-pjax" href="https://montclairlocal.news/2023/09/montclair-literary-festival-cancels-jann-wenner-event-after-new-york-times-interview/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Montclair Literary Festival also rightly canceled an event</a> with Jann as a result of his deeply un-rock-n-roll statement. </p><p>Aside from playing into well-worn racist and sexist tropes, Jann also missed a glorious opportunity to upset the apple cart in a much more useful way - the way rock-n-roll is supposed to do. Had he answered that the industry holds built-in advantages for white men to run the table in rock culture, which arose from Black musical traditions, and that even Jann, a powerful industry tastemaker himself, is not immune to those defaults, that could have been thought-provoking. </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://livingcolour.com/home/blog/7275308/in-response-to-jann-wenner-s-article-apology" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Living Colour issued an official statement critical of Jann's gaffe and the larger problems beneath it</a>.</p><h3>A Nuanced Conversation</h3><p>Bruce Springsteen, one of Jann's “masters” from his book, and one of my strongest musical influences, held a nuanced conversation with former president Barack Obama in their “Renegades: Born in the USA" podcast <a class="no-pjax" href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vcmJpdHVzYS13aWRl/episode/NTNkZGI2MWEtNjZhNS0xMWViLWIzMDEtZDMzYjE5YTkzZjM3?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiAgobHg7eBAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQJQ" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">in their episode on Race in the United States</a>. They discussed the intersection of race and music as part of a larger discussion of race issues. Together they explored what it meant that the E Street Band was integrated and that a white guy was the frontman, a composition mirrored in my own band. They also held a meaningful conversation on American music in the same series. </p><h3>My Big Takeaway</h3><p><a class="no-pjax" href="H.E.R.%20with%20her%20Fender%20Strat%20at%20the%20Grammy%20Awards" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/e3af2f03cf662b1f143b26d1265c10ca169761a3/original/h-e-r-grammys-2022-2000x1500-648x486.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></a>Jann's revealing blunder revealed something about me as well - that I've consumed the same pop culture that advantages white men. MTV, which I consumed voraciously as a pre-teen, stuck to a diet of only White artists until CBS Records challenged their default. I would learn much later that the record label pushed MTV on the matter, withholding videos by Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel until MTV agreed to play Michael Jackson's ingenious videos. </p><p>So for me to experience the broader, richer spectrum of rock (and related genre) artists, I need to go beyond the obvious defaults - my “go-to's” like Bruce, The Killers, Van Halen and The Foo Fighters. I cherish these artists and yet I can hold space in my playlists for more of the music of H.E.R., The Black Pumas, Alabama Shakes, Miss Jill Scott, the entire Clemons family and so many other artists who speak to me. </p><p>One great resource to check out is the <a class="no-pjax" href="http://blackrockcoalition.org/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Black Rock Coalition</a>, a group Living Colour strongly advocates for. Its Artists A-Z section is a goldmine of legendary artists and those who may not yet have crossed your radar. </p><p>Some will dismiss my claim of white guy privilege or get angry at it. But let's get this straight. This is not about guilt or self-loathing. Not even a little. It's about getting mindful and expanding what we listen to beyond the defaults provided by the establishment. Now that's rock-n-roll. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7274951
2023-09-18T10:18:16-04:00
2023-09-18T10:18:16-04:00
Watch: Our Band Debut at Millburn Rocktoberfest 2023
<p>Last week, on September 9, 2023 my band Jason Didner and the Drive played its first live set in its current incarnation. Heavy rain and thunderstorms scattered festivalgoers in the hours leading up to the show, but a die-hard core of music fans stuck around, and the rain ended just as we were setting up. </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/113a467407ff7870ad2dd29a59b3107d636c64eb/original/jason-didner-drive-rocktoberfest-live-2023.jpg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" alt="Jason Didner and the Drive perform at Millburn NJ Rocktoberfest 2023. Amelia Chan, Leah Fox and Jason Didner are in this photo. " /><p>Here's a phone camera video from Nicole Gray that captures band and audience alike, on our performance of the funk blues tune “Quit While You're Ahead:” </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="w-sifa4Ov64" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w-sifa4Ov64?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>And here's stationary footage of the whole set provided by Martin Fox. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="2sDqkCBm98I" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2sDqkCBm98I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> Our set that day consisted of: </p><ol>
<li>Salt and Sand</li>
<li>Asking for a Friend</li>
<li>Quit While You're Ahead</li>
<li>Two Places at Once</li>
<li>You Can't Get There from Here in Jersey </li>
</ol><h3>My Thoughts on the Performance</h3><p>I was delighted with Ameila and Leah's performance, especially as our debut show in a festival setting where you face the challenges of having to set up very quickly with no soundcheck. For Leah this meant playing on an unfamiliar drum kit. </p><p>Check out the amazing tightness of “Quit While You're Ahead!” This sure doesn't sound like a first time playing it live. </p><p>For my own part, I came away with some lessons learned for my own performance: even when in a rush to set up, check the volumes of both my rhythm and lead guitar tones! When my first guitar solo of the day came up on “Asking for a Friend” I switched to the overdrive channel, stomped on by booster and… blew my own head off with outrageously high volume! I managed to adapt using my guitar's volume knob, which also changes the tonal characteristic of what I played. </p><p>I also learned to look down at the set list occasionally. I accidentally skipped over intended song #5: “It's About Time,” straight to our closer, “You Can't Get There from Here in Jersey.” It would have been great to share that important message and create that moment with the audience… but there's also something to be said for the addage “Always leave them wanting more…” </p><p>Rocktoberfest is an annual festival that benefits the Millburn Education Foundation. We look forward to returning next year. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7271756
2023-09-11T16:47:49-04:00
2023-09-11T16:47:50-04:00
Commemorating 9/11 in Song
<p>Since my teen years I've reached for music to help me through tough moments, and to process the most difficult of feelings. </p><p>In late September of 2001 I had my first business meeting back in New York City after the terrible attack on the World Trade Center a few weeks prior. Walking from the bus terminal to the United Nations building I saw countless “MISSING” flyers, printed on home inkjet printers, the ink smudging slightly from light rainfall, adding to the feeling that the whole city was weeping, mourning those lost. On that walk I wrote this song in my head. When I got home, I worked out a guitar part for it. </p><p>Today, 22 years later, I gave this acoustic performance for the camera at Union County, NJ's 9/11 memorial site in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. Lyrics are superimposed over the performance. I hope you find this comforting, like you have a kindred spirit who feels the way you do. Go ahead and press play. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="LFXmIeBDnBY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LFXmIeBDnBY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>The official recording first appeared on <a class="no-pjax" href="/album/2459930/american-road" target="_blank" data-link-type="album" data-link-label="American Road">my 2003 album “American Road.”</a> </p><p> </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7268948
2023-09-05T12:04:50-04:00
2023-09-05T12:04:50-04:00
New Lyric Video - "This Heart Was Built to Last"
<p>I'm pleased to share with you this new lyric video: “This Heart Was Built to Last.” It's an upbeat rock anthem with a touch of the blues. </p><p>The song's hook proclaims: </p><p>"This heart was built to last<br>From the joy and pain in my past" </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bpNaBNAwVW0" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bpNaBNAwVW0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Blogger C Lee Reed commented, “<span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">This song reminds me of driving up the coast in a convertible with the radio blaring. Gave me an absolute End Of Summer Good Time feeling. Loved it!” </span></p><p>📺 If you enjoy this tune, please comment on the video and subscribe to my channel on YouTube. </p><p>💿 The song is also the lead track on my latest album <a class="no-pjax" href="/album/2368285/side-effects" data-link-type="album" data-link-label="Side Effects">“Side Effects,”</a> available right on my site for download. </p><p>📧 For more of my music as it comes out, as well as live show and streaming dates, <a class="no-pjax" href="/mailing-list" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Mailing List">sign up to my mailing list</a> and I'll immediately send you an exclusive recording of a brand new song. </p><p>Rock on! </p><p>Jason </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7267259
2023-09-02T08:44:40-04:00
2023-09-02T10:32:43-04:00
New Fee Ideas for Ticketmaster
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/906c0e1c828ad6730b2bc3eae7f9d96e2ce967a5/original/jason-amy-at-concert.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" />I'm glad the Biden administration is taking action on “junk fees” tacked on to services we buy, like airfare and concert tickets. Perhaps this will let Ticketmaster focus on charging fees that might encourage improvements to the experience for more concert goers, like: </p><ul>
<li>
<strong>Standing up when everyone else is sitting down fee.</strong> Calculated to be higher if you're toward the front row of a section. </li>
<li>
<strong>Big Head fee</strong>. See also, sitting-behind-someone with a big head discount.</li>
<li>
<strong>Repeatedly climbing past other concertgoers to get beer fee.</strong> Goes into effect after first trip to concession. </li>
<li>
<strong>Clapping on the 1's and 3's fee.</strong> Is there a musician in the house? </li>
<li>
<strong>Drowning out the Lead Singer fee. </strong>That's great that you know every word to every song. But wait for the singer to point the mic at the audience and say “Everyone” (like when their voice is shot) before you go full volume. Your neighbors will thank you. And you'll save some money. </li>
<li>
<strong>Bopping other concertgoers with your stuff fee</strong>. Yes, you're operating in severely confined space. But your neighbor in front of you doesn't need your coat repeatedly grazing their head. </li>
<li>
<strong>Free Bird request fee</strong> - in effect at any concert but a Skynard concert. </li>
</ul><p>That's my bit of observational humor about the concert going experience. What fees would you add to this list? Comment below. </p><p> </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7264659
2023-08-28T13:46:04-04:00
2023-08-28T13:46:05-04:00
Six Virtues of Making Mistakes while Practicing Music
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/3b51d5ce348dc3d77e0af4c0216d4c367afcc719/original/drumfail-capture-processed.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" alt="Jason Didner has a good laugh after a mistake recording drums on his multitrack music projects. " />Practicing an instrument inherently means making mistakes - playing wrong notes, losing concentration, losing your place in the song or exercise. Now's a good time to look at our relationship with the errors we all make along the way. Let's tune in to the benefits we get from our miscues that happen in practice. </p><h3>1. This Mistake Wouldn't have Happened if I Weren't Practicing </h3><p>When you choose to sit passively on your couch watching TV or scrolling through social media, you're not exposing yourself to the risk of playing wrong notes. So, when you're actually practicing and missing the mark on a phrase, you can give yourself plenty of credit for choosing (and sticking with) an activity that brings some discomfort alongside its many rewards. </p><h3>2. This Mistake Happened in Practice, Not Onstage</h3><p>Every mistake you make during practice reduces the likelihood of your making that same mistake onstage, especially if you concentrate on developing your ability to play that passage that's giving you trouble. Try repeatedly playing that part at a very slow tempo with a metronome, gradually increasing the tempo when you're playing it without much trouble. </p><h3>3. This Mistake is Training Me to Recover in Real Time</h3><p>Eddie Van Halen called it “falling down the stairs and landing on your feet.” He also shared advice from his musician father who taught him if you make a mistake onstage, play it that way again with a smile. The audience will think your miscue was deliberate. </p><p>My piano teacher in college taught me that recovering from a mistake is the real skill; not the expectation of never making mistakes. </p><p>If you can get confident enough in what you're playing, you can move right on from a stumble with your heart and mind still emotionally connected to what you're playing <i>now</i>, rather than dwelling on a mistake from moments ago. </p><p>Once you're past the point of trying to learn a piece and you're now rehearsing the performance of it, see how readily you can get back in the flow of what you're playing even when you've hit a clunker. Then you'll be much more resilient onstage. </p><h3>4. My Mistake May be Telling Me to Simplify</h3><p>If your mistakes are consistently happening during a complicated passage of a song leading up to a live performance or group recording session, this is valuable information that you're pursing something too difficult musically for the moment you're preparing for. If you're vocally straining at high notes, this may be a cue to lower the song's key. If you're working on an elaborate drum fill or ultra shredding guitar part and you're struggling with a challenging passage, see how you can simplify it for your upcoming gig. Then after the show you can gradually increase the difficulty level - at a slow tempo - with a metronome. </p><h3>5. My Bandmate's Mistake can Help Us Clear Up a Musical Misunderstanding in Practice</h3><p>If you're practicing in a group, do you notice a consistent pattern of wrong notes from a bandmate? Is it the same mistake in the same spot in the 1st and 2nd verse? This is a good opportunity to pause the song, go to that trouble spot and loop through it as a band to bring clarity to the whole group's understanding of the song. </p><p>Be kind and constructive when pointing out the error. Looping through a short passage surrounding the error should make it clear to all that you're interested in having everyone play the right part, not in belittling your bandmate. </p><h3>6. My Mistake is an Ideal Object for Compassion</h3><p>As a user of the <a class="no-pjax" href="tenpercent.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Ten Percent Happier</a> meditation app, I've gotten lots of personal development out of compassion practice - where we wish health and happiness for ourselves, those close to us and ultimately all beings. This practice grows the parts of our brains that strive to make life better for ourselves and those around us. </p><p>In that regard, approaching practice with a compassionate mindset can really add to the joy of practicing music. When we treat mistakes - our own or a bandmate's - with compassion, we better accept the inevitability of errors along the way toward developing a compelling musical act. </p><p>We've examined here the ways in which mistakes serve as markers of the effort you're making, valuable information about the need to simplify, an occasion for compassion toward yourself and others, and a situation to develop resilience to recover onstage. Talk to me in the comments below about your relationship with your musical practice and the mistakes that come with it. </p><p> </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7263197
2023-08-25T09:23:43-04:00
2023-08-25T09:23:43-04:00
Getting Gear is Great...But Practicing Matters More
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/3fa3e6f0fa36d002edc517e78cb9dd4431c09310/original/jason-didner-this-mans-eyes-video-thumb.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" alt="Singer/songwriter Jason Didner with his electric guitar" />Having just downsized my amp and upgraded my guitar effects rig, I sure am enjoying the new vocabulary of tones I can produce with my axe. I'm aware of how much further down this rabbit hole I could go… shopping for more and more effects pedals, reading endless reviews and getting into online debates about which amp or pedal is better. </p><p>But my latest purchases revealed something else – the importance of spending time on practicing, expanding the vocabulary of <i>what </i>you play, not just what effects you can add to what you play. I could have all the latest and greatest gear, but if I'm stumped at the moment my solo comes up in a song, what good is all that “stuff?” </p><h3>How to Practice</h3><p>I've had many teachers along the way - on piano, guitar, voice , alto sax and trumpet. I've also had long stretches of being self-taught. But it's only recently that I've really developed a solid idea of <i>how </i>to practice my instruments. Here are some keys to how I make my practice time count: </p><h4>Slow the Whole Thing Down! </h4><p>How many times have you sped through the parts of a song that you know well and slowed down when the going gets tough? Then you go back and do the familiar parts fast again — because blazing through the easier parts feels so good! </p><p>You can smooth out those trouble spots and make the whole song more consistent by playing the whole song slowly. Use a metronome on a slow tempo to hold you back from rushing the easier parts and give you time to motorically plan for those trickier passages. </p><p>You can gradually increase the tempo as you get the tougher parts under your fingers. </p><h4>Be a Looper! </h4><p>When learning to play a tougher passage, take a small chunk of that and play it repeatedly, as if you were a looper pedal. When you combine this with the metronome and slow tempo, you will train your hands (and/or feet, voice, etc.) to do what you want them to do. </p><p>Start with repeating a very short passage - even just a run of 2, 3 or 4 notes. You're building muscle memory here. </p><p>Loop through two short passages separately, then put them together when you can play them in time at the selected tempo (even if it's really slow). </p><h4>Keep it Interesting! </h4><p>There are lots of psychological and physiological benefits to practicing an instrument. This is something I certainly did not notice when I was a kid resisting my teachers' urging me to spend more time practicing (aside from the panicked 30 minutes before a lesson). When you're engaged in musical practice, you're not ruminating over your troubles; you're concentrating on creating art. </p><p>If you can get “in the zone” practicing scales, that's great. I've gotten there that way. But you probably wouldn't want all your entire practices to consist of only scales. You need enough variety to keep things interesting for you. </p><p>You can divide your practice into scales, learning and practicing cover songs, and creating your own riffs and licks. And when you do create your own music in practice, use the voice memo recorder app in your phone to capture what you came up with so you can remember it and develop it further. </p><p>The more sophisticated the parts are that you come up with or that you're learning, the more the principles apply where you slow it down, use a metronome and loop short passages until you can play them proficiently. </p><h4>Improvise at Your Level…and a Little Above It</h4><p>Even if you're a beginner, you can start to improvise on your instrument. When I was in the Summer Performance Program (for high school students) at Berklee College of Music in Boston, we had a brilliant teacher who limited us to three notes: C, D, and E. We improvised vocally on the corresponding syllables, do, re and mi. We had a great time and learned a lot about the myriad possibilities contained in just three notes! Improvising within tight limits cuts through the paralysis of too many choices and gives you focus and direction to get started. </p><p>So, try the three-note improvisation first. Keep it locked in to the beat; I suggest using a metronome. Fewer notes lets you emphasize the rhythmic aspect more. </p><p>Record your improvisations; you may find licks that can be further developed. </p><p>Gradually expand your limitations. Add a 4th note. Then a 5th. </p><h4>Practice Emotional Expressiveness</h4><p>Your instrument contains many possibilities to express emotion. On a piano you can play aggressive slides and vary your touch on the keys from whisper soft to uproariously loud. On a guitar you can bend notes, add vibrato, use a whammy bar (or whammy pedal) or use a wah-wah pedal. </p><p>Learning to play the correct notes is great. But do not forego the time it takes to make your playing more expressive. Practice bending notes, varying your touch and adding those nuances that express genuine emotion. This is the thing that will make an audience care about what you're doing on that stage or on a record. It will also make your own experience of practicing and playing more cathartic. </p><h3>About All that Fancy Gear… </h3><p>Now that you're taking the time to enhance your ability to play, if you have the budget and the time to shop for gear that further improves your sound, go for it! </p><p>Talk to me in the comments below about your practice time, what it does for you emotionally and how it translates to the studio and stage for you. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7260300
2023-08-21T11:03:33-04:00
2024-01-16T11:37:11-05:00
My Guitar Gear Gets an Update
<p>Changes to my musical gear are often inspired by changing gig circumstances, including my mode of transportation. Over the past week this has again been the case. </p><p>Recently I got the opportunity to assemble a band to perform at Millburn Rocktoberfest on September 9. I got inspired with having a live band perform songs that I've only been able to perform solo acoustic or record all the band parts one at a time. I also had to face the reality that my musical gear would need to shrink to fit my downsized vehicle and my bandmates' small cars. </p><p>See, my other band, the Jungle Gym Jam, played the majority of its gigs when I had a minivan and could haul everything we needed to a gig. In the pre-COVID era there were plenty of gigs - about 50 per year - certainly enough for the big vehicle to be worth it. </p><p>Then came the pandemic and with it, only virtual gigs. Then came Vladimir Putin's Russian invasion of Ukraine. It became immediately apparent to me that continuing to burn large amounts of gas, mostly to commute alone to/from work, would continue to fund autocrats and waste my money, I decided to go for a plug-in hybrid car, the Prius Prime. </p><h3>A Smaller, but Still Very Effective Amp</h3><p>My previous guitar amp, a Blackstar HT-120, took up the entire hatch of the smaller car, though it offered an absolutely glorious guitar tone that I loved. With the new gig coming up, I decided to make my move and trade in the big Blackstar amp for a much smaller (but still loud and clear) <strong>Orange Super Crush 100 combo</strong> (pictured below). This transaction took place at Sam Ash in Springfield, NJ. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/76f8c3380951c23767af841e20edef11f3465b63/original/orangecrush100.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>This amp only takes up half of my hatch, making much-needed room for my accessories and the merchandise I sell at my shows. The clean channel offers great clarity and definition. The dirty channel can provide anything from a classic rock overdrive to full-blown metal distortion. I auditioned the amp by playing the original songs I'm preparing with the band for Rocktoberfest, and was plenty pleased with the sounds I got out of it. </p><h3>The Incredible Shrinking Bass Amp</h3><p>Just as I parted with a larger guitar amp whose tone I loved in favor of a smaller one with a pleasing sound, I needed to make a similar move with the bass rig. Amelia, our bassist, lives in the city and borrows a small car when she comes out to NJ. She was never able to fit my Hartke HD 150 in the car, so I'd put it in the minivan and we'd have what we need. Lately we all have small cars; none of us could fit it if we're carrying anything else, so I downsized that as well. </p><p>The new bass amp is significantly smaller, shockingly light weight and throws plenty of bass sound. It's the Fender Rumble 100. One night I played my bass through it with my looper pedal. Once the loop played back I hopped over to my guitar and jammed along with my bass part still playing through that amp. I was delighted with how the two amps sounded together. </p><h3>Pedal, Pedal, Pedal!</h3><p>The previous Blackstar amp had 3 channels - one clean and two dirty. I could have an overdriven rhythm guitar sound and another slightly louder lead guitar sound. I had to work out a similar solution for the new amp, which features one dirty channel, not two. Jeff at Sam Ash suggested a signal boost pedal I could stomp on to quickly raise my volume from dirty rhythm guitar level to lead guitar level when I have a solo to play. </p><p>The need for another pedal called my attention to an issue with my old setup. I'd place my amp footswitch and my tuner pedal on the floor and they'd sort of drift around over the course of a rehearsal or performance. The addition of another pedal led me to think of a more stable solution - a pedal board. </p><p>I chose the Pedal Train Classic Jr., a moderately-sized, slanted aluminum pedal board, which comes in a carrying case. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/e2dda30e18bf69050f6ec033f840a1747d7c257d/original/pedalboard.jpeg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>As long as I was making the move to a pedal board, I added a Roland Super Chorus CH-1 pedal, which adds terrific richness to a clean guitar tone. I love how my “Salt and Sand” guitar accompaniment comes out with the pedal on. </p><p>I tried playing with my Vox wah-wah pedal on the board, but quickly found it physically awkward to work that pedal while it's on an upward slant. It reminded me of when I played on a stage built on a hill where I was flexing my calves for the entire show! So when I use the wah, it will be on the floor to the right of the pedal board. Bonus: that leaves more room on the board for other pedals anyway! And I'm much more comfortable working the wah with it flat on the floor. </p><p>Jeff wisely suggested mounting my wireless receiver to the pedal board, which will make my gig setups quicker and easier. </p><p>The Orange amp footswitch is mounted to the board for quick changes between the clean and dirty channel. I placed it next to the booster pedal so I can quickly stomp both pedals when switching from clean to lead. </p><p>On the pedal's upper-right corner you'll see my tuner pedal, the TC Electronics PolyTune 2. This pedal can allow for quick silent tune-ups one string at a time but you can also sound all the strings at once and have the pedal indicate to you which strings are in tune and which are not. I could use a bit of practice with this mode, but I can see that as a convenient way to quickly check tuning between songs. What I like best about this pedal is its very bright display which is most helpful when performing outdoors in strong daylight. </p><h3>More Power To You </h3><p>The addition of more pedals brought about the need to consider powering those pedals. When I was taking just the tuner (and sometimes the wah) to gigs, I could just put fresh batteries in the pedals and not worry about a power supply. But adding more pedals, especially the boost pedal, brought new considerations. The boost pedal does not take a battery. And individual power adapters for every pedal is not practical, especially since each has a large AC/DC converter at the plug (affectionately known as a “wall wart.” Try plugging all those individual wall warts into a multi-outlet strip! </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/1f536c8725114577826e5bb0e74473e57d78d1b4/original/mini-iso-brick.jpeg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />So I invested in a MXR Mini Iso-Brick power supply. This little device, smaller than a cell phone, has only one wall wart and powers up to 5 pedals. The important thing about it is that it provides isolated power to each pedal. There are other options, like running a daisy chain of power from one pedal to the next, in succession, but this solution tends to add unwanted noise to the audio signal. I've experienced the purity of the sound when the pedals are connected to the Iso-Brick Mini. </p><p>Using Velcro (which came with the pedal board) I mount the brick under the pedal board and run power cables to those pedals that require power. </p><p>When one of the five outputs failed to provide power (and its corresponding blue lamp did not light, confirming an issue), I brought it back to Sam Ash where they arranged a replacement pedal to be promptly shipped to me. The replacement has worked well so far. </p><h3>Improvements in the Works</h3><p>In the above photo you'll notice some crowding issues where I only had straight ¼" cable plugs, like the one coming out of the Orange footswitch or the left side of the wah-wah pedal. I've just received replacement cables with right-angle plugs, which should go a long way toward neatening the board. </p><p>Also, I'm considering adding an overdrive pedal, like perhaps the iconic Ibanez Tube Screamer, for the purpose of using my looper pedal, which is very useful for practicing leads over a just-recorded rhythm guitar part. I also like the looper for creating short videos. </p><p>The problem with the looper is that when I play a lead over a rhythm part through my amp now through its dirty channel, it lacks clarity in both the lead and the rhythm. And if the amp is providing all the distortion <i>after</i> the looper, you can't make the looped part clean and the lead distorted. That could be achieved if you add an overdrive pedal to the signal chain <i>before</i> the looper. Look for updates on an overdrive pedal… </p><h3>My Go-to Electric Guitar</h3><p>For the past 11 years my go-to electric guitar has been a PRS SE Custom 24. I installed Schaller locking tuners when I first got this axe. It's served me well in bandshells, at the Stone Pony, on the Coney Island boardwalk and in the home studio. I'm convinced this guitar immediately made me a better player; I'm still enjoying finding new licks with it. I'm considering upgrading the pickups, as I'm still using the stock pickups that came with it. </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/5ba68914b1e4d6fb1195bbb76726c6d39601a30d/original/jason-w-prs-se-custom-24-jan-2024.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><h3>Winter 2023-24 Update</h3><p>I've since added the Ibanez Tube Screamer and Boss Tremolo pedals to my board. The Tube Screamer has given me so many great tone options on both the clean and dirty channel. It can make a clean tone more forceful or provide color to a dirty tone (amp's drive about halfway up the dial, Tube Screamer does the rest). </p><p>The tremolo pedal makes its debut on two tracks on my upcoming “Digital Carnival” album. </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/99f4948c65fd1864b9972b1e6ca6c3786d9ee5d2/original/jasons-pedalboard-jan-2024.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Are you a gear-head? what kind of musical gear are you most excited about? Let's geek out about it in the comments below. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7255616
2023-08-12T10:31:34-04:00
2023-08-21T10:51:52-04:00
Introducing Jason Didner and the Drive!
<p>Last time I had a band perform my original songs (other than specifically for kids) was in 2012, for a handful of benefit shows. </p><p>From 2013 until the pandemic, my musical focus was almost entirely on “Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam” - original rock songs for kids and their grown-ups. Since COVID-19 has receded to endemic situation, I've begun receiving and honoring requests for that band to give concerts, which is always a thrill. </p><p>But during that lockdown period I got inspired to write and record lots of songs about what was on my mind. I began giving virtual performances from home. I released three albums under the name “Jason Didner” and as the pandemic eased, I began giving solo acoustic performances out in public. </p><p>Now I'm pleased to introduce the band that will join me in going electric: <strong>Jason Didner and the Drive</strong>. This is the same band name I used a decade ago, but with a changing, flexible lineup, as my musician friends are mostly in multiple bands with varying availability. I felt that the band name's two meanings of the word “drive” fit this project well. There's the role that driving plays in my formation of musical ideas (many were inspired in the car) and there's that sense of “drive,” a strong intent to express myself to you through music. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/1f9609964253a7dd7b82527f36d5fbcb263f8087/original/jason-didner-and-the-drive-2023-01-w-logo.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" alt="Introducing Jason Didner and the Drive, set to perform at Millburn NJ Rocktoberfest on September 9, 2023" /></p><p>Heading into <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rocktoberfest.millburnedfoundation.org/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Millburn, NJ's 2023 Rocktoberfest</strong></a> on September 9, our lineup is as pictured: </p><ul>
<li>Amelia Chan on bass and backing vocals</li>
<li>Yours truly on lead vocals and guitar</li>
<li>Leah Fox on drums</li>
</ul><p>We've had a couple of rehearsals and this rhythm section is really gelling around my multitrack recorded arrangements; we're having a great time bringing this music to life. My fellow musicians are finding their own way to interpret these songs and help tell the stories they contain. </p><p>We're playing in the Music on Main Street space at 5PM. The festival begins at noon and runs until about 10 PM. You'll find a pleasing array of food vendors, shops and nonprofit organizations to connect with. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7249898
2023-07-31T13:34:45-04:00
2023-08-11T09:34:41-04:00
Introducing Easy Piano Songs by Jason Didner
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/9246fa0f58d9e098a24e722f90910fdc96046494/original/jason-keyboard-web.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" alt="Rock singer/songwriter Jason Didner has composed a series of easy piano pieces for beginners to learn.. " />Lately, I've taken to composing easy-to-play piano instrumentals that can quickly feel rewarding to master. I've published the first five of these on flat.io, a platform for composing, arranging and sharing sheet music notation. </p><p>Whether you're a piano teacher looking for new material to keep your students motivated or you're learning a keyboard instrument and want to sound great playing an easy piece, I'd be delighted to hear what you do with these songs. </p><p>Remember: when you're learning these songs, break them down to the smallest passages and there's no limit to how slow you take the tempo at first. You can always increase the tempo as you become familiar. </p><h3>The Heart Knows</h3><p>This first one is “<strong>The Heart Knows</strong>,” which I improvised at the piano after teaching my wife Amy. At the time I remembered a bit of my own beginnings as a young keyboardist and the types of pieces I was given to learn. I mixed in a bit of rock/pop sensibility to the composition and got this result. </p><p><iframe src="https://flat.io/embed/64c523b95791a1beb9c988cb?_l=true" height="450" width="750" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; midi"></iframe></p><div style="color:#3981FF;font-family:Inter, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-break:anywhere;margin-top:4px;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap;word-break:normal;">View on <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io" target="_blank" title="Music notation software">Flat</a>: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io/score/64c523b95791a1beb9c988cb" target="_blank">The Heart Knows - Easy Piano</a> by <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io/@jasondidner" target="_blank">Jason Didner</a>
</div><p>The beginner pieces I was given as a child were very “square;” all quarter notes and half notes with no syncopation. For this piece I kept the simple fingerings and adherence to the C major scale but added some syncopated rhythms so beginners can more accurately capture the authentic feel of rock and pop. </p><h3>Welcome Monday</h3><p>This new tune introduces an <i>accidental</i>, a note not normally in the major scale of the song's key. In the key of C, any black key would be an accidental. When the left hand plays a B-flat (Bb in notation) in the transition between sections, it creates a dramatic musical moment a beginning pianist and their audience can enjoy. </p><p>Fun fact: I asked Amy to title the song and she came up with “Welcome Monday.” I hope your work or school weeks all start out cheerfully in this manner. </p><p><iframe src="https://flat.io/embed/64c6a6bee57ec18603a1e5d8?_l=true" height="450" width="750" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; midi"></iframe></p><div style="color:#3981FF;font-family:Inter, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-break:anywhere;margin-top:4px;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap;word-break:normal;">View on <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io" target="_blank" title="Music notation software">Flat</a>: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io/score/64c6a6bee57ec18603a1e5d8" target="_blank">Welcome Monday - Easy Piano</a> by <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io/@jasondidner" target="_blank">Jason Didner</a>
</div><p> </p><h3> Beyond</h3><p>I composed the this song's main theme when I was just 13 years old and obsessed with my little Casio keyboard (which I've since passed on to my daughter). I just recently added a “B section” that I believe nicely complements the main theme. It was nice to co-write with my (much) younger self! </p><p>This tune's main theme gives the melody to the left hand while the right hand adds accompaniment that changes each time through. You'll hear some of these right hand patterns in much of the rock and pop that's featured keyboards since the 1980s. See if you can make the left-hand melody a bit louder than the right-hand accompaniment so it really shines through. Then pass the lead to the right hand in that new “B” section. </p><p><iframe src="https://flat.io/embed/64c559cc76b25bffb968c26d?_l=true" height="450" width="750" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; midi"></iframe></p><div style="color:#3981FF;font-family:Inter, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-break:anywhere;margin-top:4px;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap;word-break:normal;">View on <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io" target="_blank" title="Music notation software">Flat</a>: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io/score/64c559cc76b25bffb968c26d" target="_blank">Beyond - Easy Piano</a> by <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io/@jasondidner" target="_blank">Jason Didner</a>
</div><p> </p><h3>The Barrelhouse</h3><p> This more challenging song gets its title and its its style from the piano-based blues music heard in barrelhouses (bars) where the piano player would really get the audience up and moving. The driving rhythms of the left hand and the memorable melodies of the right hand would lay the early foundations in American music for what would later become rock-n-roll. Black artists like Pinetop Smith, “Cow Cow” Davenport, and Leroy Carr sounded like full bands when they sat down at the piano! </p><p>This is the first time I show you a key signature other than the key of C. Every line shows that F# and C# just after the treble or bass cleff. This simply means that every F or C that appears in the notation should be treated as F# or C# unless otherwise marked (remember my introducing <i>accidentals </i>in “Hello Monday”?) If an accidental is shown during a measure, it “wears off” by the next measure unless it's marked again. </p><p>This one is a slower, more simple entry into this fun and expressive style of music. To give the melody its distinct feel I added a “blue note," the lowered third followed by its natural (to the key) counterpart. In the key of D, the lowered third is an F-natural; the natural 3rd is F-sharp (F#). </p><p>If you've learned the blues scale, you're aware of the other blue note - the raised 4th. In this key of D, the raised 4th would be a G#. I didn't hear a good use of the raised 4th in this tune, but others are on the way! </p><p>Also keep in mind that we “swing” the eight notes, giving this song its jazzy, bluesy rhythm. When you see a pair of eight notes, you'd play the first eight note longer than usual, leaving less time for the second eight note. As the notation shows, a pair of eight notes should be treated as if it were a quarter note triplet followed by an eight note triplet. </p><p>Remember, there's no limit to how slowly you can play this song as you're getting familiar with it. Have fun adding a bit of swing to this one! </p><p><iframe src="https://flat.io/embed/64c569f805c4051d9b061adf?_l=true" height="450" width="750" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; midi"></iframe></p><p> </p><div style="color:#3981FF;font-family:Inter, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-break:anywhere;margin-top:4px;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap;word-break:normal;">View on <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io" target="_blank" title="Music notation software">Flat</a>: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io/score/64c569f805c4051d9b061adf" target="_blank">The Barrelhouse - Easy Piano</a> by <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io/@jasondidner" target="_blank">Jason Didner</a>
</div><p> </p><h3>Salt and Sand</h3><p>This is the first of my existing rock songs from my catalog of recorded tracks that I've transcribed for easy piano. I kept it in the original key so you can play along with the recording. It has the opening sax melody written for piano. I've also moved the vocal melody to the piano's right hand. </p><p>It's in the key of B-flat (Bb), so every B or E in the notation should be interpreted as B-flat or E-flat accordingly, unless otherwise marked. </p><p><iframe src="https://flat.io/embed/64a2c7e9fa08b1322f303397?_l=true" height="450" width="750" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; midi"></iframe></p><div style="color:#3981FF;font-family:Inter, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-break:anywhere;margin-top:4px;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap;word-break:normal;">View on <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io" target="_blank" title="Music notation software">Flat</a>: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io/score/64a2c7e9fa08b1322f303397" target="_blank">Salt and Sand - Easy Piano w Melody</a> by <a class="no-pjax" href="https://flat.io/@jasondidner" target="_blank">Jason Didner</a>
</div><p> </p><p>I hope you have as much fun playing these songs on keyboard as I had creating them. If you create any video or audio recordings of yourself performing these songs for social media, you can tag me on any platform. If not, you can always privately send me your recording; I'd love to hear what you do with these!</p><p>Rock on<br>- Jason</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7196481
2023-04-25T09:32:51-04:00
2023-05-19T15:01:23-04:00
My Songs are Finding their Way on Spotify
<p>Since 1999 I've posted music online in hopes that listeners like you would discover it and relate to the song's message and intent. Back then there was MP3.com.</p><p>Flash forward 24 years and Spotify is the go-to place to have your album tracks heard (or not). The music business now works from the bottom up more than ever before. Record companies used to pluck artists from obscurity and push their music to radio stations. Now, those same companies look at what is already a hit with listeners and then sign the makers of those already-proven hits. </p><p>With the help of a service called <a class="no-pjax" href="https://groover.co" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Groover</a>, I was able to pitch a couple of my songs to a few discerning playlist curators on Spotify. Some of those playlisters added my tunes when they sensed a good fit.</p><figure class="table"><table style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);border-style:solid;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;width:420px;"><strong>Playlist Title/Link</strong></td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;"><strong>Curator</strong></td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;"><strong>Song</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;width:420px;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0v1zr3N1eT8Zh3pnvsVFMd?si=2d60b0ea04aa4b7c" data-link-type="url">All Monkey Gone To Heaven</a></td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;">Blue Orchid</td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;">Give Up the Ghost</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;width:420px;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7vSKP8baBCUt7JTKNLWaaS?si=18f6b042288543dc" data-link-type="url">Rock Acùstico | Internacional | As Melhores | Acoustic Rock | Unplugged | The Best | Grunge</a></td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;">Manga Rosa Playlists</td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;">Give Up the Ghost</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;width:420px;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4NhzSCiyhvs0D4RF3FEW2E?si=8e2c160470514f36" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Playlist</a></td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;">Showland Productions</td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;">Side Effects</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;width:420px;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/73z8lbpWyfV7FX2WwpzCgt?si=0800a288999a494a" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Breathe The Music</a></td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;">Stellar Voices</td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;">Side Effects</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;width:420px;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/73z8lbpWyfV7FX2WwpzCgt?si=0800a288999a494a" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Pop Squad</a></td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;">Tata Kim</td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;">Side Effects</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;width:420px;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/627aLiTKOjoWAfyqcdqQie?si=8050116c0743405c" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Music for Monday</a></td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;">Jon Pinter</td>
<td style="border-color:hsl(0, 0%, 90%);border-style:solid;padding:4px;">Cubicle</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table></figure><p>If you listen to Spotify, please give these playlists a go and support all the artists you enjoy hearing. </p><h3>How Groover Works</h3><p>Groover connects artists to music curators - playlisters, journalists, radio hosts, and concert bookers. While it's strictly against Spotify policy (and artistic integrity standards) for playlist curators to sell guaranteed slots on their lists, there's another way. Artists can pay Groover to share their pitch with curators, who are then free to accept or reject the pitch. The curators make a cut of this money, incentivizing them to listen and provide feedback, not necessarily to use the music. You're not paying for <i>placement</i>; you're paying to <i>advertise </i>to the curators.</p><p>If an artist has a budget set aside for music promotion and wants to put some of their tracks in a position to be heard, they can give this a try. </p><p>It took two campaigns for me to start to see a noticeable increase in listeners. My songs don't always fit neatly in a given subgenre, so matching my music with the tastes of the right curators based on genre is a learning curve. The table above lists the curators who chose to include a song I pitched. Many of my other pitches ended up getting feedback that the song I sent was not exactly the genre they promote. </p><p>I hope I will continue to find my way to new listeners and deepen my connection with existing ones. My second Groover pitch got more results than my first; if I see this continue to improve, I'll stick with this as part of the process of promoting my new musical releases. </p><p>Spotify's library grows by about 80,000 songs a day. Standing out in that crowd to someone, for a moment, is a good start. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/839b5a698d3035159bd085c6fb374861b3555420/original/headphones.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" alt="Earbud headphones" /></p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7193824
2023-04-20T14:06:23-04:00
2023-04-20T14:06:39-04:00
Here's Why I'm Offering Handwritten Lyric Sheets in my Store
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="/store" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Store"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/1a8ddaa4a6c3310c055815d0988994c757b3da66/original/salt-and-sand-handwritten-lyrics-action.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" alt="Jason Didner signs his lyric sheet for his song " /></a>It pleases me to create original music. Each song idea arises from what I want to say - lessons I've learned in life; emotions I feel keenly; observations that activate my sense of humor. The mere existence of my own material that I can enjoy in the car the morning after I recorded the demo or twenty years after releasing it to the world is a gift to delight the soul of my future self. </p><p>Still, there's an equally powerful emotional reward when I hear from others how one my songs landed with them, and what it meant to them. You've laughed; you've been deeply moved. Your remarks remind me how my songs become conversations between us. </p><p>So, how do we deepen the connection between artist and audience in an age when millions of songs flows freely out of Spotify and Apple Music like so much tap water? </p><p>One way is to create an inherently rare expression of my song, right from my hand to your home. I find it thrilling to handwrite these lyrics that are so close to my heart, knowing they will be proudly displayed and will remind you of your experiences with the song.</p><h3>Album Downloads Included</h3><p>When you order a handwritten lyric sheet, you immediately get a full digital download of the album that contains that song, and a digital booklet of all the lyrics and stories behind the songs (which are typed).</p><p>✍ <a class="no-pjax" href="/store" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Store"><strong>Order your lyric sheet in my store. Get an album download with the sheet. </strong></a></p><h3>Choose the Album, then the Song</h3><p>At present time I have four albums out. You can order the handwritten lyric sheet for one of those four albums. Then you get to select the song title for which you want me to handwrite the lyrics. </p><p>✍ <a class="no-pjax" href="/store" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Store"><strong>Choose your preferred album and song title for your lyric sheet in my store. </strong></a></p><h3>Name your price, starting at $45</h3><p>Original handwritten lyric sheets from the hand of the artist/songwriter are inherently rare. The going rate for a small, independent artist's lyric sheets starts out at $45 and rises well into the hundreds. I've opted to let you name your price, starting at $45, so you can support my songwriting and record production at a level you're comfortable with, at the value level you believe this lyric sheet to have for you. </p><p>✍ <a class="no-pjax" href="/store" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Store"><strong>Order your lyric sheet in my store for the price you want, starting at $45. </strong></a></p><p>Do you collect lyric sheets from musicians you admire? Feel free to discuss in the comments. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7192503
2023-04-18T13:32:00-04:00
2023-04-18T13:32:01-04:00
New song "Disinformation Overload" - short video
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtube.com/shorts/w4fqL-9H5CQ?feature=share" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/eb0072b90a5818c9c11da8a564284fd3e9db0e6f/original/disinformation-overload-short-thumb-play.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></a>It's really been bothering me that cyber spies from opposing countries were so easily able to use social media against us - to gin up divisions among Americans with disinformation. </p><p>So I wrote this song to not only express my frustration but also to urge mindfulness of the information we consume. Do we believe the headlines that pop in our social feeds? Or do we check out claims with reputable news outlets that actually follow journalistic methods? </p><p>This has a more grungy, alternative sound to it than I usually go for - but it's no imitation of a 90s Seattle band. It's filtered through my melodic sensibilities. </p><p>If you like the short video shown here, <a class="no-pjax" href="/mailing-list" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Mailing List"><strong>sign up here to get an acoustic demo of the full song emailed to you</strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Disinformation Overload</strong></p><p>© 2023, Lyrics and Music by Jason Didner</p><p><i>Lyrics of the 1st verse and chorus, as shown in the video: </i></p><p>Cyber spies recognized our weakness<br>They saw we were exposed<br>We left our front door open<br>While our minds were tightly closed</p><p>They simply used our anger<br>At those who disagree<br>To divide and conquer<br>Preying on our vanity</p><p>We were glued to our phones<br>So they flooded the zone</p><p>Disinformation overload<br>Disinformation overload<br>The truth got tossed by the side of the road<br>Disinformation overload</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7189531
2023-04-13T13:28:18-04:00
2023-04-13T13:37:44-04:00
A New Dimension to my Performance: Looping
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtube.com/shorts/IAjPQXGRhaQ?feature=share" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/4d1acd1d9034e42bd18713241e80b7adf21a6db8/original/jason-looper-thumb-4-11-23.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></a>I've just added a new dimension to my live music performance - something I figured I'd get around to someday, but my upcoming show Saturday gave me a really good reason to make it happen now. </p><p>I've been rehearsing for a benefit concert for my daughter's school. My neighbor Leslie Masuzzo is a teacher in the district and will sing while I play guitar. During a practice, Leslie suggested we replace a sung part with a guitar solo. As the only guitarist in a duo, I'd normally have to drop the rhythm guitar to play lead guitar and try to imply the rhythm part, frequently punctuating the solo. Now I don't have to! </p><p>Thanks to this new looper pedal I'm using, I can capture the rhythm guitar part live and immediately play it back on repeat, then play my guitar solo over it, as shown in this one-minute video! </p><p>This will now become a moment in my live shows whether I play solo or in a duo, whether I'm playing in person or on live stream. </p><p>The new pedal is a Boss Loop Station RC-1 - the simplest pedal they make. I'm counting on the simplicity of operation to make me less likely to misfire in my capture and playback of a rhythm part to solo over, and to make sure I end playback gracefully. I'm practicing this regularly and you'll likely see more videos like this one as I go. </p><p>The guitar is also new - a Yamaha APX 600, a physically smaller acoustic guitar, more closely resembling an electric guitar in feel and playability. Since I'm now in a position to play guitar solos, I suddenly found myself in need of an acoustic guitar where I didn't have to press down to hard to clearly sound the notes. This instrument is nicely satisfying that need, as you'll see in this clip. </p><p>For more videos like this: </p><ul>
<li><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtube.com/jasondidner" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Subscribe to my YouTube channel</a></li>
<li><a class="no-pjax" href="https://instagram.com/jasondidner" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Follow me on Instagram</a></li>
<li><a class="no-pjax" href="https://tiktok.com/jasondidner" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Follow me on TikTok</a></li>
</ul>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7182720
2023-04-02T10:03:51-04:00
2023-04-02T10:06:50-04:00
Advocating for Julia Beckley, an Advocate for Adaptive Sport
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/6a2ddefe45958dd58d65c44e42a253ba3d8937bf/original/jason-didner-julia-beckley-online-benefit-2023.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Last night I gave an online benefit concert to help Julia Beckley raise funds to replace the racing wheelchair that was stolen out of her garage this week. As of this writing, she is more than ⅓ of the way to her $7,500 fundraising goal. She can still use more support. </p><p>During the benefit show, we took a bit of time for Julia to appear onscreen and chat with me about her participation in accessible sport, some of the races she's been in and a race she dreams of taking part in. </p><p>💸 <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/replace-julias-stolen-rim-chair" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Donate to Julia's GoFundMe page.</strong> </a></p><p>📺 <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/one-colorado-adaptive-athlete-opens-up-about-her-experience-and-challenges-for-all-athletes-like-her?_amp=true&fbclid=IwAR3z6OtcMAo-xwjqO19NKjzsa4K4Fbk7-41nvtPltxFKWskTSupVJ_hvXRY" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Watch a local news interview (ABC affiliate in Colorado) with Julia about adaptive sport.</strong></a></p><p>Here's a replay of the benefit concert from last night. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="UMVyoWEkRYA" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UMVyoWEkRYA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Here's the official music video for “<strong>Run With My Troubles</strong>," with an appearance by Julia at the 1:44 mark. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-wEMhVu2sJc" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-wEMhVu2sJc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7181758
2023-03-31T09:01:31-04:00
2023-03-31T10:11:12-04:00
Saturday April 1 - Online Benefit Concert for Julia's Racing Wheelchair
<p> </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/4700b60d482d8c5507c72b32628675e1372b8f37/original/338169476-1276980656247121-1469037140194575016-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_right border_" />Julia Beckley loves to race. She is an integral member of the running community online. For her, racing is done in a pushrim wheelchair, as she has a bone disorder that causes high risk of stress fractures.</p><p> If you've ever seen Julia's social media posts, she exhibits this sense of euphoria after every race, after every workout, every day she's not in the hospital and can do her favorite thing. Even in those harder times, she's grateful and hopeful. </p><p>So, when I saw a post yesterday morning that her pushrim wheelchair was stolen from her garage, I felt the weight of that injustice and the imperative to do something about it. I had already scheduled an online concert. But this news made me change it to a benefit concert so we could raise funds to replace this chair. For Julia, a pushrim wheelchair is more than a prized possession. It's the key to her way of life. Race season is just beginning and she'll now have to wait until the funds are raised and a specialty pushrim shop can customize a vessel for her. </p><h3>Join us Saturday April 1 for an Online Benefit Concert for Julia</h3><p><strong>📅 Date:</strong> Saturday, April 1</p><p><strong>⌚ Time:</strong> 7:30 PM Eastern-US</p><p><strong>📺 Platform: </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://livestreamercafe.com/viewer.php?sid=93" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Live Streamer Cafe</strong></a> (this link takes you directly to my lounge). </p><p>Arrive 5-10 minutes early and set up a username and password. Live Streamer Cafe will verify your email address, so check your email during the process. </p><p>If you can't see the chat window, click the Expand button. Otherwise the chat window is below the video frame. </p><p><a data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Mailing List"><strong>✍ </strong></a><a class="no-pjax" href="/mailing-list" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Mailing List"><strong>Sign up for my email to get a reminder about the show and an exclusive live single</strong></a>. 🎧</p><h3>Run With My Troubles</h3><p>Julia contributed an incredible clip to my video “Run With My Troubles,” which features runners across the USA who realize the mental health benefits of their exercise efforts. Look for Julia training in her pushrim wheelchair at the 1:44 mark. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-wEMhVu2sJc" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-wEMhVu2sJc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><h3>Julia's GoFundMe</h3><p>The benefit concert's environment will contain a donate button for Julia's GoFundMe - but you can donate now and get updates about this effort at Julia's GoFundMe page, maintained by her friend PJ and PJ's mom Cindy. </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/replace-julias-stolen-rim-chair" data-link-type="url"><strong>See Julia's GoFundMe page here</strong></a>.</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7173508
2023-03-17T12:45:08-04:00
2023-03-21T09:30:53-04:00
Finding my Singing Voice by Controlling Acid Reflux
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/f8c7a8974d58e9566d99ad0cbc32ee8b80393eef/original/jason-outpost-2023-by-nicole-wide.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" alt="Jason Didner singing and playing acoustic guitar solo at Outpost in the Burbs in Montclair, NJ March 10, 2023. Photo by Nicole Gray" />When you learn to listen to your body, many things in life get better. I've gotten several benefits from recognizing when my stomach is about full. One of them is in rehearsing, recording and performing with my singing voice. </p><p>Chronic stomach acid issues had me frequently clearing my throat or singing through intermittent spikes of burning pain. My voice was hoarser with less range and endurance. Doing vocal exercises a few times a week helped, but did not prove sufficient. The acid was affecting me as it occurred during singing and it was having a cumulative effect by coming up for much of the day and night. </p><p>What really helped was cutting my meal portions in half and recognizing that 20 minutes later I wasn't actually hungry. When my stomach is less full, I'm less likely to have acid rush into my esophagus over the course of several hours a day. </p><p>It also helped to see <a class="no-pjax" href="http://johntaglieri.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">John Taglieri</a>, a singer with a voice strong and true, share stories of his own struggles with gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD) and its effect on his vocal abilities. This keeps me more aware of the importance of managing my own case of GERD. </p><h3>Mindfulness plays a role</h3><p>I credit my meditation practice with the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.tenpercent.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Ten Percent Happier</a> app for a subtle improvement in my awareness of my bodily sensations. I believe this is how I'm better able to know when I'm full. I still want snacks between meals, but I'm better able to discern want from need. Also, by eating smaller meals, I know that a snack will not overfill a stomach already inundated with the most recent meal. </p><h3>Benefits offstage too</h3><p>I've experienced benefits besides the onstage ones. I've lost weight after I'd been gradually gaining. I sleep better and am now unlikely to wake up an hour into sleep with my throat on fire, which would happen after a late, rich, big dinner. I worry a little less about my heart (My ongoing issues with anxiety have sent me to the ER three times now). I've slowed my consumption of cough drops by a lot, because I'm not spending hours a day feeling the burning of acid in my throat. </p><h3>Self-care, not deprivation</h3><p>I view my new-found eating habit as a matter of self-care rather than deprivation. It's rooted in feeling better and safer, not in feeling badly about myself, my appearance, etc. It's reinforced by my having given the best vocal performance of my life when it mattered most. I was on top of my game in front of the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://outpostintheburbs.org" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Outpost in the Burbs</a> audience in my hometown of Montclair last week. </p><p>I understand a little better what the inside of my body feels like from meditation practice. This way I know when I'm satisfied with what I ate. When I feel satisfied, I don't feel like leaving food for later is punishment or deprivation. Plus when I save the rest for the next day, I get to enjoy more of my favorite foods at a time when I will be actually hungry again. </p><p>Self-care also means checking in periodically with my gastrointestinal doctor, Mark Tanchel with <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.ganjllc.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Gastrointestinal Associates of New Jersey (GANJ)</a>. I take famotidine to limit the amount of stomach acid that comes up my esophagus at Dr. Tanchel's direction. I also get endoscopies when my symptoms are particularly troubling. </p><h3>I'm not on a diet</h3><p>I'm not on a diet program. I'm not accounting for point values of the foods I'm eating. I'm not “being good” or “being bad.” I'm not “sticking with a program” or “cheating.” I'm simply, for the first time in my life, at age 52, eating enough to feel satisfied, no more, no less. </p><p>Most of my life I've been a visual eater. You put a thick 6" sub and chips in front of me and I'll eat the whole thing – because that's what's there for me to eat. I remember hearing of a fascinating psychological experiment with bowls of soup that secretly refilled through a tube to the bottom if the bowl. As long as the subjects had a visual cue there was more soup still in the bowl, they continued to eat more than a bowl full. </p><p>I haven't stopped eating visually; I've just added the element of listening to my body. This has helped me change my visual references. At a restaurant, I'll typically plan on saving half of what's presented to me. I've tried that plan before, and then I'd eat right through it, to the point where there isn't quite enough left over to save for later, so I'd might as well eat that too. And I'd feel the pain in my throat later. These days, I seem to appreciate the many benefits of limiting my portions to what won't set off my acid. </p><h3>Your Story</h3><p>If you like, use the comments section below to share your story of managing GERD and the difference that control is making in your music or your life in general. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7171875
2023-03-15T14:10:24-04:00
2023-03-15T14:10:25-04:00
My Unconventional Path to the Microphone
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/84cf89e010b3c8673c98637d4a8dfcb505fc8f35/original/330448981-171453005651066-2242426984706479963-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" alt="Jason Didner at Outpost in the Burbs in Montclair, NJ in 2003. Photo by John Muller" />Sure, I could carry a tune as long as I can remember. But my real passion was always for my instruments, not vocals. </p><p>At age 10, it was trumpet and piano. By 12 I was fascinated with my friend's synthesizer and certain that was my path. When I was almost 16 I attended my first Van Halen concert (because of Eddie Van Halen's synth parts) and became spellbound by Eddie's guitar wizardry. I picked up guitar and gave it my all to learn to play. </p><p>In high school I formed a rock band and wanted to shred like Eddie. I was more than happy for a classmate to handle frontman duties so I could pour my passion into the guitar. It turns out we had a harder time keeping singers in the band than Van Halen themselves! And there were interim periods where I substituted on vocals. All the while I was way more interested in the guitar part. Given my rapidly deepening voice, I was not about to chase the high wailing vocals of Sammy Hagar, David Coverdale (Whitesnake) or Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin). I'd make do by singing their parts an octave lower, in a low, raspy growl. I sang in the school chorus my senior year, but did not enjoy the feeling of vocal fatigue that would come on halfway through a rehearsal. </p><p>This preference of mine continued into college where I was perfectly content to blast riffs and solos and let singers handle the vocal work and the rapport with the audience. </p><p>Two events in my last year of college started to shift my relationship with singing lead. One was the discovery of Billy Joel's live album “Songs in the Attic.” See, I went to college at Stony Brook University on Long Island where Billy is a true hometown hero. Around my school, Billy's deep cuts were heard coming from a dorm or a jukebox more often than the hits. I could hear my baritone voice in Billy's. I could sing his songs and back myself up on piano with some authenticity. I was learning to open up my throat and sing naturally. </p><p>The other event that got me into singing was the early-90s rise of karaoke, which came to our campus bar. I took my chances and signed up to sing Billy Joel, of course. It was a new experience to hold a mic and not play an instrument. Now I needed to figure out what to do with this new mobility of not being stuck behind a mic stand. I continued to enjoy karaoke after graduating, and even while writing songs and getting interested in the acoustic guitar. </p><p>In my cover band after college, I enjoyed taking a turn at the mic to sing Billy Joel's “Miami: 2017” and “You May Be Right.” I started to take on solo acoustic gigs to perform both my originals and a growing number of cover songs. I enjoy the direct communication with an audience that I get by singing my originals right to them. I cherish this opportunity to entertain this way either in-person or in an online performance. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7170315
2023-03-13T11:18:47-04:00
2024-02-26T14:56:07-05:00
Willie Nile - a True Inspiration for My Artist’s Journey
<div data-pm-slice="1 1 []" data-en-clipboard="true">My journey as a music artist is now forever linked to <a class="no-pjax" href="http://willienile.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Willie Nile</a>, New York City’s quintessential rock-n-roll poet. At age 74 (or 14 or minus 4, whatever he feels like saying into the mic), Willie exudes rock-n-roll passion and vitality I hope awaits in my future.</div><div> </div><div>I’m 52 and just achieved a high-water mark in my music career last weekend opening for Willie. Like Willie, I’ve chosen a patient and persistent approach to my artistry. Like Willie, I’ve chosen family over pursuit of fame. Like Willie, I’ve given myself the flexibility to work at a non-musical career that keeps my family stable and provides health insurance.</div><div> </div><div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/68627daa8afae62d070a31c8466c24b496cb42ca/original/willie-nile-jason-didner-backstage.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_right border_" alt="Willie Nile backstage with opening artist Jason Didner at Outpost in the Burbs in Montclair, March 2023" /><p>And last night I warmed up his audience for his show at <a class="no-pjax" href="https://outpostintheburbs.org" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Outpost in the Burbs</a> in my hometown of Montclair, New Jersey USA.</p>
</div><div> </div><div>In Willie’s two-hour <a class="no-pjax" href="https://lefsetz.com/wordpress/2023/03/02/willie-nile-this-weeks-podcast/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">podcast interview with Bob Lefstetz</a>, he generously shares an alternative route to a creative way of life without sacrificing one’s most important ties. When the business of major label records got him down, Willie moved out of the city and kept on writing. He eventually started his own record label and got to define success on his own terms, not those of the mass market.</div><div> </div><div>I never got anywhere near a major label opportunity and would not have been eager to bend my life to its demands or business model of keeping its artists indebted. <a class="no-pjax" href="/music" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Music">All four of my albums</a> are self-released, as are all but the first three of Willie’s.</div><div> </div><div>Like Willie, I’ve had decade-long gaps between album releases and am experiencing firsts past age 50. Willie’s story affirms for me that in music, age matters way less than artistry when you’re not in it for fame. We’re both more prolific past age 50 than before that mark.</div><div> </div><div>Preparing for this concert exposed me to a great deal of Willie’s story and his vast musical catalog. It reassured me that it’s OK to still want to grow my artistry and audience even as I live up to my adult responsibilities of work, livelihood and family. Willie’s story strengthened my belief that I have not aged out of rock & roll striving.</div><div> </div><div>Willie and I also share the memory of a common acquaintance, “Mr. Lou” DeMartino. <a class="no-pjax" href="https://jasondidner.com/blog/blog/7143814/i-m-opening-for-willie-nile-in-march-in-my-hometown-this-one-is-personal" data-link-type="url">You can read more about this connection here</a>. </div><div> </div><div>Here's a clip of me performing my signature song “You Can't Get There from Here in Jersey.” Note: This sound comes direct from the board and the mics do not pick up the audience participation or reaction. </div><div> </div><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7Xh7LGeV7B8" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Xh7LGeV7B8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7163027
2023-03-01T12:52:02-05:00
2023-12-10T13:09:25-05:00
A kidney donor and a recipient co-wrote a new song
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://donate.transplants.org/story/Burwebathon" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/678981/8079b0e1b55188268349968ae1fd315e5317dc66/original/nft-full-color-vertical-logo.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" alt="National Foundation for Transplants logo" /></a>That kidney donor would be me. The recipient, Catherine Wacha, brings the perspective of someone who was previously on dialysis from the time her case of lupus attacked her kidneys until her life-changing transplant freed her. Catherine also benefitted directly from the services of the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://transplants.org/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">National Foundation for Transplants</a> and wants to give back to this organization through her musical talents. </p><p>Together we wrote and recorded a new song "This Gift," which will appear on the 2nd annual "<a class="no-pjax" href="https://donate.transplants.org/story/Burwebathon" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Giving a Second Chance</a>" compilation album, featuring a whopping 45 previously unreleased tracks by artists affiliated with <a class="no-pjax" href="https://blowupradio.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">BlowUpRadio.com</a>, an independently-run Internet radio station out of New Jersey. </p><p>This uplifting rock anthem brings together the perspective of a grateful recipient and an awestruck living donor. I had given my wife Amy my kidney to fend off the threat of her diabetic complications. It was one of the most important things I will ever do in my life, and it affected the way I express myself as a songwriter and performer. </p><p>Right now, you can get the compilation that includes "This Gift" for a donation of $10 or more at <a class="no-pjax" href="https://donate.transplants.org/story/Burwebathon" data-link-type="url" contents="BlowUpRadio" data-cke-saved-href="https://donate.transplants.org/story/Burwebathon">BlowUpRadio's benefit page</a>. Your donation will help National Foundation for Transplants in its mission to provide financial and material support to transplant recipients as they recover from their operations. </p><p>Then this weekend, March 4-5 you'll hear intimate performances by many of these artists, including separate sets from Catherine and me, by tuning in to <a class="no-pjax" href="https://blowupradio.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="blowupradio" data-cke-saved-href="https://blowupradio.com">BlowUpRadio from their home page</a>. You'll find the full performance schedule on the home page, with Catherine leading off Saturday at 12:05 PM. My performance airs Sunday at 3:55 PM. </p><p>Thank you for considering a donation to this uniquely life-affirming cause. </p><p>Jason Didner <br>Jersey Rock with Jersey Humor... and Heart <br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://jasondidner.com" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="jasondidner.com" data-cke-saved-href="https://jasondidner.com">jasondidner.com</a></p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7149955
2023-02-07T16:01:10-05:00
2023-02-07T16:39:35-05:00
What Grammy-winner Bonnie Raitt and I have in common
<h4>Bonnie Raitt just won "Song of the Year" with a song about Transplant. I've got a few of those... </h4>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/678981/dd91bb8a36cf27a14d286f2812517c30bd510ee0/original/jason-amy-post-transplant-edit2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" />Blues/country singer/guitarist Bonnie Raitt has captured the coveted "Song of the Year" Grammy with an incredibly moving song "Just Like That" about a mother who meets the recipient of her deceased son's heart via transplant. Bonnie had found her inspiration watching a TV interview with a mother who got to listen to her late son's heartbeat in the chest of a transplant recipient; she included that exact moment in her lyrics. </p>
<p>My wife Amy and I are twice blessed with organ transplants Amy received at Hackensack University Medical Center. Amy is a survivor of a grueling 46-year run with Type 1 diabetes. This cruel condition had damaged her kidneys beyond repair.</p>
<p>The transplant team suggested I get screened to see if I could be a match for Amy and donate a kidney of my own to her. I turned out to be a match and, in May of 2015 Amy and I were wheeled into neighboring operating rooms.</p>
<p>My first question when I was awakened was whether the transplant was working. I was delighted to see the color return to Amy's face after she had been so sick for so long with the failure of her native kidneys. </p>
<p>But she still had diabetes, which threatened the health of her new kidney and would continue complicating every other aspect of her health. Three years later, the Transplant Team located a pancreas from a deceased donor that would immediately put Amy's decades-long case of diabetes into remission. Today she lives without diabetes, and she'll continue to do so as long as the transplant holds out. </p>
<p>In 2022 I reflected on our experiences and wrote this song: "A Complicated Miracle." </p>
<p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=784781344/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1314033578/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;"></iframe></p>
<p>As you might imagine, we have frequent doctors' appointments. These days, that means going online and filling out lots of medical forms repeatedly. We've kept our sense of humor throughout the medical twists and turns in our lives. So we lovingly co-wrote this one: "Patient Portal," which appears on my recent album "Side Effects." </p>
<p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3132355734/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1791666042/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;"></iframe></p>
<p>The title track to "Side Effects" takes the "complicated miracle" concept further. The good things in life, from love to medical miracles to that pill that protects your vital organs, come with a very long list of side effects. You may look at that list and still decide the benefits are worth it. </p>
<p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3132355734/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2345779912/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;"></iframe></p>
<h3>In support of the National Foundation for Transplants</h3>
<p>Since 2022, Internet radio station BlowUpRadio has hosted a webathon to raise funds and awareness for the National Foundation for Transplants - an organization that helps recipients afford not only the transplant if their insurance doesn't adequately cover it, but also the essential costs associated with recovery - lost wages, transportation, food and shelter. </p>
<p>Kidney recipient and singer/songwriter Catherine Wacha is collaborating with me on a new song about the transplant experience for this year's digital compilation album. Listeners to the webathon who donate at least $10 to NFT will receive this compilation. </p>
<p>This special presentation of "Giving a Second Chance" airs the weekend of March 4-5 on <a contents="blowupradio.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://blowupradio.com" target="_blank">blowupradio.com</a>. I will perform a solo acoustic set, including the two songs above. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7143814
2023-01-26T11:17:18-05:00
2023-03-08T11:05:19-05:00
I'm opening for Willie Nile in March in my hometown. This one is personal.
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/678981/d202b20bd32435d805992f542b7d541dde4c5e5a/original/willie-nile-mr-lou-rockland-begren.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_l justify_right border_" alt="Willie Nile and Mr. Lou DeMartino playing in Joe D'Urso's band ad Rockland-Bergen Music Festival" />I felt strongly that I would pair well with <a class="no-pjax" href="http://willienile.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Willie Nile</a> when I learned that he was coming to Montclair to perform at our town's <a class="no-pjax" href="https://outpostintheburbs.org" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Outpost in the Burbs">Outpost in the Burbs</a> concert series for a Friday night, March 10 performance. And I was delighted to learn that Outpost's organizers shared that belief and chose me to open the show. This booking holds a deep meaning for me based on a special common acquaintance we share. </p><p>I was first introduced to Willie Nile's musical stylings in 2003 when an Internet radio station sent me a promo copy of the Light of Day compilation of Bruce Springsteen covers. Willie played "I'm on Fire" in a signature soulful rasp I'd get to know better over time. </p><p>I was later drawn further into the Light of Day movement when one Lou DeMartino responded to my flyer seeking a bassist for my rock band for kids and families - the Jungle Gym Jam. Lou was also the bassist for <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.jdcaravan.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Joe D'Urso &amp; the Stone Caravan">Joe D'Urso & the Stone Caravan</a>, a band that was the driving force behind the Light of Day project's musical initiatives. The <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.lightofday.org/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Light of Day Foundation">Light of Day Foundation</a> raises funds and awareness for Parkinson's Disease and ALS. </p><p>In the spring of 2015 Lou joined the Jungle Gym Jam as a side-hustle. He quickly got to work recording and performing with us. He loved entertaining kids from the bandshell stage. Shockingly, he passed away from an asthma attack a mere 3 months after joining us. </p><p>After Lou's passing, I got involved with the Light of Day Foundation, creating kids' music fundraiser concerts to help with the cause. I always think fondly of my brief time with Lou when I think of Light of Day. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/678981/8fb541e1f4b6b6fdc88eb05f15a9732109d79572/original/jungle-gym-jam-tbz-mr-lou-2015-06-22.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_right border_" alt="Jason Didner, Ross Kantor and Lou DeMartino as Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam in June 2015" />In our time together, Lou quickly made a deep impression on me as a humble and loving human being, deeply devoted to whatever he took on. He confessed to me that in order to improve his chances of getting into the Jungle Gym Jam, he took the the flyer off the wall where it had been displayed so no one else would see the flyer and compete with him for the gig! I wasn't mad. I was impressed that such an accomplished and well connected musician wanted so badly to be in my group. </p><p>He was a quick study and was quick to make arrangement suggestions that added dynamics to our songs. His tasty embellishments on songs like “Jam Packed” took the funny song about family trips to the next level. </p><p>Lou took it upon himself to carry the PA system and other heavier equipment while Amy and I healed from our kidney transplant and were not medically cleared to lift objects yet. He ended all his emails with LLU - "Lou loves you." </p><p>So you can imagine the emotional response I'm having to the news that Outpost in the Burbs said yes to my pitch to open for Willie Nile - a perennial star of the Light of Day concerts and recordings. "Mr. Lou" is very much at top of mind as I prepare for this very special evening of music. I'll be thinking "LLU" when I'm playing that night. </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7143396
2023-01-25T15:42:06-05:00
2023-12-10T13:09:26-05:00
Big Changes in the Live Streaming Performance Landscape
<h2>Sessions Live has Shut Down</h2>
<p>Over the holiday week in December, my friends who give streaming concerts from home started posting on social media that Sessions Live had gone out of business, taking with them the last of their in-app currency that fans had tipped them. Performers who earned that currency (or at least their 2/3 of it) were not able to cash it out. <a contents="Billboard Magazine's web site confirmed the closure" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.billboard.com/pro/livestreaming-platform-sessions-shuts-down/" target="_blank">Billboard Magazine's web site confirmed the closure</a>.</p>
<h2>Live Streamer Cafe is Now Free for Artists to Use</h2>
<p>My preferred live streaming platform, <a contents="Live Streamer Cafe" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://livestreamercafe.com" target="_blank">Live Streamer Cafe</a>, initially operated by charging artists a monthly subscription fee. In turn, LSC would not touch the artists' tips - simply provide buttons to their Paypal/Venmo accounts so audience can tip them directly. Artists only have to share the usual small percentage with PayPal or Venmo, not the massive 1/3 cut that Sessions took. </p>
<p>But since Sessions folded, Martyn and Kristopher, the founders of LSC, decided to go with a "freemium" model for artists. It's free to stream. But if an artist elects to subscribe at $1, $2, or $3 per month, they will be listed higher on the site's home page and easier for audience to discover, more so at the higher subscription level.</p>
<p>I am a coach at Live Streamer Cafe and can answer your technical questions about how to use it as an artist. </p>
<h2>Live Streamer Cafe Remains My Favorite Venue to Give Online Concerts </h2>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/678981/9b74fff7309798ae83b94b773208954d0909392e/original/jason-lsc-digiflyer-general.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" />I've given streaming concerts since 2004 when there was no video - just choppy audio and chat. Everyone in the room would have an opportunity to "grab the mic," which resulted in chaos during virtual open mic events and even concerts. </p>
<p>Since then, Concert Window came and went. I had a very difficult experience putting on an online concert with StageIt where most of my audience couldn't see or hear me. We quickly scrambled over to Zoom where a new issue popped up - "What's the link?!??!?" </p>
<p>Sessions Live had moved the process to an app that worked, but between their in-app currency and their convoluted layout for watching the show, having a strange cartoon avatar represent you in a "party" and navigating multiple tabs, my audience was confused and distracted from the show. Also, dealing with the in-app currency made the process more overwhelming for my existing fans. </p>
<p>Along came Live Streamer Cafe, an intuitive and elegant environment for watching and interacting with a solo performer. This is a virtual neighborhood coffeehouse, comfortable and intimate. I give a streaming performance every 2-3 weeks and manage to attract a friendly, international audience most times. People in Europe stay up very late to catch my show. </p>
<p>Kristopher, the site's developer, continues to do a great job listening to and implementing artists' suggestions, building the ideal venue to help an artist entertain their audience, raise funds for good causes, earn tips and sell merch. One key to this is the addition of "compliments," which come from a dropdown list and contain words and graphics of applause and appreciation. He creates new compliments that might even fit the theme of a song selection, like "Bigman Forever" when I cover a Bruce Springsteen song and a Clarence "Big Man" Clemons sax solo section comes up. </p>
<p>Martyn, the site's charismatic co-founder, has created a <a contents="YouTube channel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/@LiveStreamerCafe" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> with numerous tutorials on using the platform's various features to best effect. He's also a marvelous singer/keyboardist with an amazing home studio setup that rivals broadcast television. </p>
<h2>Using ReStream to Broadcast to LSC, YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Simultaneously</h2>
<p>I subscribe to <a contents="ReStream.io" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://restream.io/" target="_blank">ReStream.io</a> which lets me multi-stream to Twitch (my chosen back-end for Live Streamer Cafe), YouTube, and Facebook all at the same time. During the show I urge users watching on any other platform to join the interactivity at Live Streamer Cafe. It's a good way for my Facebook friends, YouTube subscribers and even newcomers to discover my live streaming shows in the first place. </p>
<h2>Artists and Audience - Sign up for Live Streamer Cafe for Free Today!</h2>
<p>Hop on over to <a contents="Live Streamer Cafe's web site" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://livesreamercafe.com" target="_blank">Live Streamer Cafe's web site</a> and click Sign Up. Whether you're looking for quality entertainment in a friendly online , international space, or you want to put on a show, you will see why I consider it the best.</p>
<p> </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7140737
2023-01-20T11:50:12-05:00
2023-01-25T09:50:24-05:00
Notable Music from the Mastodon Community
<p>Here are some tracks by fellow artists on Mastodon I found intriguing - both the music and the way these artists tell their story on the open-source microblogging platform. </p>
<p>I've embedded two playlists from the third-party site BNDCMPR that enables playlists of Bandcamp tracks. The first playlist has songs with lyrics/vocals; the second contains instrumentals. </p>
<p>Hit me up on Mastodon @jasondidner@mstdn.social to let me know about Bandcamp tracks I should check out for possible inclusion on these lists. Artists, listen to these tracks and promote each other. You may be tired of shouting into the void about your own music all the time. You'll get better audience engagement and make new fans more readily if you mix in promoting other acts you're excited about. </p>
<h3><strong>Musicians of Mastodon curated by Jason Didner</strong></h3>
<p><a contents="Go to the playlist on bndcmpr to support an artist you like." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bndcmpr.co/b0e63d17" target="_blank">Go to this playlist on bndcmpr to buy a song you like and support the artist.</a> </p>
<p><iframe src="https://bndcmpr.co/embed/b0e63d17?orientation=portrait" style="height:600px;width:350px;border:none;" title="Musicians of Mastodon curated by Jason Didner"></iframe></p>
<h3><strong>Musicians of Mastodon - The Instrumentals</strong></h3>
<p><a contents="Go to this playlist on bndcmpr to buy a song you like and support the artist." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bndcmpr.co/c42ee0da" target="_blank">Go to this playlist on bndcmpr to buy a song you like and support the artist. </a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://bndcmpr.co/embed/c42ee0da?orientation=portrait" style="height:600px;width:350px;border:none;" title="Musicians of Mastodon - the Instrumentals"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://mstdn.social/@jasondidner" rel="me">Follow me on Mastodon. </a></p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7133848
2023-01-06T11:47:00-05:00
2023-01-20T11:42:25-05:00
New video: Side Effects
<p>My official video premieres at noon eastern today (1/6/23). "Side Effects" is a funny and touching song that lightly pokes fun at the disclaimers in those pharmaceutical ads while showing people living their best life! Musically inspired by Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="AX4Je1XbV68" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/AX4Je1XbV68/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AX4Je1XbV68?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>It's the title track for my new album "Side Effects." <a contents="Pre-order the album" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://jasondidnermusic.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Pre-order the album</a> and immediately get the 6 singles from the album. You'll get the rest of the tracks on release day, February 3. </p>
<p> </p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7125922
2022-12-12T11:12:35-05:00
2023-12-10T13:08:30-05:00
How Learning Drums during the Pandemic Developed my Musicianship
<p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, at age 50, I learned to play drums so I could record drum tracks while isolated from my musician friends. I marvel at the far-reaching benefits of this new skill for my musical artistry. </p>
<h2>Inspiration from the Van Halen Family</h2>
<p>Anyone who’s known me since high school remembers my absolute devotion to learning to play guitar and keyboard anything like Eddie Van Halen (I managed an average teenage approximation of Van Halen’s maestro). As musical life went on, I picked up other influences, especially in the singer/songwriter/storyteller direction. Still, that desire to shred sometimes pops up when I think it can help with the story I want to tell in a song. </p>
<p>Learning of Eddie’s passing in late 2020 was a clarion call to me to make what music I still can while I still can. But I found myself gobsmacked by hearing his son Wolfgang’s musical tribute to him. Wolfgang’s solo music project “<a href="https://mammothwvh.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mammoth WVH</a>” features Wolf in full multi-instrumental mode playing every instrument: drums, guitar, bass, keyboard and all vocals. </p>
<p>In past musical efforts, I had played all instruments except drums. When I wanted percussive sounds on a solo effort, I’d program drum parts or collaborate with a drummer, either in-person or online. Occasionally, I’d record a hand-percussion part. I’ve always had a clear understanding of how a drum part could enhance my song. Until my moment of inspiration form Wolfgang, I lacked the physicalized experience of drumming. </p>
<h2>Opportunity and Technology Meet Inspiration</h2>
<p>Prior to the pandemic, my lifelong friend Ross kept a spare drum kit at my house so we could rehearse as a rock band for kids and families. The virus cancelled our gigs and the drums collected dust. When inspiration came calling, a drum kit awaited in my basement. I found a YouTube channel, “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DrumeoOfficial" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drumeo</a>,” where I could get beginner drum lessons and begin making the experience physical. I had known how I wanted the drumming on my songs to <em>sound</em>. Now I could get into how it might <em>feel</em>. </p>
<p>Those first few lessons led me to keep a simple beat and enhance a song with simple fills upon transition from one section of a song to the next. When I’d master a simple part at a slow tempo, I’d use a metronome to gradually increase the tempo. </p>
<p>I wrote the song “<a href="https://jasondidnermusic.bandcamp.com/track/because-im-grateful-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Because I’m Grateful</a>” with the intent to record all the parts, including drums. I arranged it so I could play a simple drum beat with my budding new skills. In the video below, I recorded my drum part on-camera as I was capturing it to the multitrack recording on my laptop. This is not a lip-sync. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe title="Because I'm Grateful by Jason Didner - Official Video" width="525" height="295" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TsEUlEsweHQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jason’s first recorded track to include him playing drums</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Evolution of My Drumming and Musicianship</h2>
<p>Over the past two years since that seminal track, I’ve experienced the evolution of my drumming and overall musicianship. Since I record all the parts, I generally rely on a click track to keep all the parts cohesive over time. This forces me to really focus on precise timing when I play drums. My early takes of any song often find me falling behind the beat. I would then re-record, attempting to better lock-in the timing. Fortunately, that insistent click keeps me from rushing too far ahead or falling too far behind for too long. I’ve developed greater patience and more of an expectation of multiple takes. </p>
<p>What I’ve learned about timekeeping on the drums has carried over to my playing of guitar, bass and keyboard too. I’m more conscious of being ahead of, behind, or exactly on, the metronome’s beat. I strive for “very close” rather than “exact” because I don’t want or need to sound robotic. I’m aware that in my past when I’d program drum parts, they sounded computerized even though they mimicked the tone colors of drum kits, since every hit fell precisely on the beat. But if a bass note misses that “very close” mark, I will re-record the passage until I’m there. </p>
<h2>Break it Down</h2>
<p>For the first few songs I recorded on drums, I either limited the arrangement to fit my new abilities or I broke the song into sections so I could work out a section, record it, and move on to the next one, as the music changed. That’s how I recorded my second full multi-instrumental track, the more challenging “<a href="https://jasondidnermusic.bandcamp.com/track/salt-and-sand-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salt and Sand</a>.” I’ve always heard certain cymbal accents in my head. I wanted these parts to emphasize accented guitar chords since having written that tune in 2004. I did not realistically expect myself to tackle a more sophisticated arrangement of a whole song from beginning to end. Rather, I took it section by section, about 30 to 45 seconds at a time. In the video below, you’ll see footage of my drum takes in separate sections of the song, in a split screen with me playing other instruments and singing. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Salt and Sand by Jason Didner - Official Video" width="525" height="295" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GKxF9HCJBFY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jason Didner’s “Salt and Sand” features accents that required him as a new drummer to break the recording down into manageable sections. </figcaption></figure>
<p>Watching videos, I picked up other drum styles like a “one-drop” reggae beat for “Back to Our Bliss,” a song that needed that sun-drenched, seductive quality. I advanced another level with the more sophisticated drum part for “<a href="https://jasondidnermusic.bandcamp.com/track/a-complicated-miracle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Complicated Miracle</a>.” Again, I broke the recording into manageable sections. This enabled me to shift the beats and accents in each distinct section of the song. </p>
<h2>Going Electronic</h2>
<p>As I neared completion on my album “<a href="https://jasondidnermusic.bandcamp.com/album/salt-and-sand-rock-songs-to-heal-the-mind" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salt and Sand: Rock Songs to Heal the Mind</a>” my family and I learned a lesson as important as rhythm skills. Playing an acoustic drum kit in the house when everyone’s home requires sacrifice by everyone not playing. This level of sacrifice can hit a tipping point. My wife and daughter didn’t always feel like hearing out-of-context drum parts being played repeatedly. And I felt mounting pressure with each take to get it over with. I also developed a soft touch on the kit, perhaps too soft for the rock music I was hearing in my head. </p>
<p>Amy suggested I get an electronic kit. I agreed. My next album would be recorded using an electronic drum kit. In my headphones, I hear a thunderous, mic’d-up drum kit. In the family, my wife and daughter hear the soft taps of drum sticks on mesh practice pads. To them, it’s not silent, but it’s a lot better than the racket I was making in the house on the acoustic kit. Also, I’ve learned to whip the stick to sharply crack that snare drum the way my rock songs require. </p>
<h2>The Electronic Experience</h2>
<p>I found a large overlap in the skills required to play an acoustic or electronic kit – and some subtle differences. The electronic kit poses limitations on some of the nuance of acoustic drumming. I cannot, for instance, muffle a crash cymbal with my free hand to create a crash sound that ends abruptly – but I can go back to what I’ve recorded and edit that sort of crash accordingly. A hi-hat cymbal is either “open” or “closed” on an electronic kit. On an acoustic kit I’d be able to work the pedal to create “half-open” hi-hat sounds. I’d imagine I could tinker to produce that effect as well. I have yet to feel the need for it for the purposes of my songs. </p>
<p>I went electronic a little over one year into my drumming journey. I’m now almost two years in. My evolution on the instrument continued. My existing songs like “<a href="https://jasondidnermusic.bandcamp.com/track/this-mans-eyes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This Man’s Eyes</a>” and “<a href="https://jasondidnermusic.bandcamp.com/track/quit-while-youre-ahead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quit While You’re Ahead</a>” featured more complex beats, where my guitar strum featured 16th notes rather than the 8th notes found predominantly on my “<a href="https://jasondidnermusic.bandcamp.com/album/salt-and-sand-rock-songs-to-heal-the-mind" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salt and Sand: Rock Songs to Heal the Mind</a>” album tracks. Now we’re in more of a jamband or funk feel. Some of the drum lessons I played along with on Drumeo provided ways to imply the 16th notes. I could include off-beat embellishments on the kick drum while playing steady 8ths on the hi-hat.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="This Man's Eyes by Jason Didner - Official Video" width="525" height="295" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ep04aE1F7Bs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jason Didner makes his electronic drum kit video debut with “This Man’s Eyes” as his ability to play sophisticated parts grows. </figcaption></figure>
<p>For my most well-known song “<a href="https://jasondidnermusic.bandcamp.com/track/you-cant-get-there-from-here-in-jersey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">You Can’t Get There from Here in Jersey</a>” I needed a straight-ahead Johnny Cash style country beat. After some searching on YouTube I found the traditional “train” beat where I’d play the hi-hat’s usual part as softer snare drum hits, where the back beat is hit on the same snare with noticeably more “crack.” I was proud of adding that style of drumming to my repertoire. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="You Cant Get There from Here in Jersey (Official Video)" width="525" height="295" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d0IxKguQArw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jason learned to vary his drum styles to fit the needs of the song. Here, he plays the “train” beat. </figcaption></figure>
<h2>“Give Up the Ghost” – A New Rhythmic Milestone</h2>
<p>In the early 90s I wrote my first real singer/songwriter rock song, “Give Up the Ghost,” which featured some sophisticated accents and changes between half-tempo and double-tempo. As soon as I wrote the guitar part I could hear the drums in my head. Over the years I recorded demo tapes where I had programmed the drums. My 23-year-old self could not have imagined I’d record the drum part myself one day. </p>
<p>I consider my drum work on “Give Up the Ghost” a high water mark in my drumming so far. Unlike the previous, more sophisticated tunes I broke into pieces to record, I captured a base take where I played all the way through the song – through all the changes. I then replaced parts that inevitably needed a re-do. You’ll hear this new track on my upcoming album “Side Effects,” due out in February 2023. </p>
<h2>Conclusion – Benefits of Learning Drums During the Pandemic</h2>
<p>I experienced many benefits by deciding to learn to play drums while restricted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This journey has further developed my sense of timing on all my instruments and helped me create more danceable grooves. </p>
<p>Drum practice and recording sessions are physical workouts snuck into a creative activity. I tend to break a sweat when I get into drumming. </p>
<p>The experience has supercharged my respect for my drumming friends like Ross. My goal in any given sitting is typically to make a 3-minute recording with me on the drums. Drummers like Ross sustain this awesome power for 2 or 3 hours a night – live with no chance for a do-over! </p>
<p>If you sing or play an instrument other than drums, I highly recommend investing time and energy into learning this skill too. </p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com/2022/12/how-learning-drums-during-the-pandemic-developed-my-musicianship/">How Learning Drums during the Pandemic Developed my Musicianship</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com">Jason Didner</a>.</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7125923
2022-12-02T10:30:33-05:00
2022-12-20T15:12:20-05:00
New Single: “When the Time Came”
<h2>New release on Bandcamp and All Streaming Services</h2>
<p>My latest single, “When the Time Came” is launched on Friday, December 2. It’s an adult contemporary rock song about conflict resolution and breaking cycles of suffering over difficult emotions to find inner peace. </p>
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=578274720/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless=""><a href="https://jasondidnermusic.bandcamp.com/track/when-the-time-came">When the Time Came by Jason Didner</a></iframe>
<p>You can also stream this/add it to your library in:</p>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5Rox9ZGOd4OND6U0yxUB5y?si=b654d9863dfb42b9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/when-the-time-came/1654745112?i=1654745113" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Music</a> | <a href="https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0BMKW5G7B?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_j2fzxSB5N0ag6M41D8FG8ZejH&trackAsin=B0BMKZ7QYT" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a> | all other streaming services</p>
<p>Here’s the lyric video:</p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="When the Time Came - Jason Didner (Lyric Video)" width="525" height="295" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nLut8hnrBXw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lyric video for “When the Time Came”</figcaption></figure>
<h2>A Poem at First</h2>
<p>My mother, Linda Didner, wrote this poem, which I then edited into song lyrics as verses. I then added the chorus and bridge. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://b334a6.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/When-the-Time-Came-Poem-pxlr-1024x768.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Original handwritten poem by Linda Didner that became the lyrics for "When the Time Came" by Jason Didner" height="768" width="1024" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Original handwritten poem by Linda Didner that became lyrics for “When the Time Came”</figcaption></figure>
<p>This song is my mom’s idea of a sequel to my 2003 song “It’s About Time.” The premise is that she applied the lessons of the original song and wanted to say that she went about the changes that the changing times called for. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="It's About Time - Jason Didner (Lyric Video)" width="525" height="295" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k56XCVNyg5s?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">“It’s About Time” – Jason Didner’s 2003 song that inspired “When the Time Came”</figcaption></figure>
<p>Mom and I have co-written songs as gifts for family members before, but this is our first one to be released publicly. </p>
<p>I sang all the vocal parts and played all the instruments. </p>
<p>Here are the lyrics: </p>
<pre class="wp-block-verse">When the Time Came
(c) 2022, Lyrics by Linda Didner and Jason Didner
Music by Jason Didner
I've broken a cycle
May it never return
It took long and hard looks
To finally learn
Now I know what it takes
To be peaceful and strong
To be happy and loving,
My whole life long
When the time came
I let my feelings be
When the time came
I set my spirit free
Extinguished the anger
And put down the blame
I did what it takes
When the time came
I've gone through some changes
They were worth the pain
I shouldered the heartache
But so much was gained
I journeyed so deeply
So deeply inside
I read that old screenplay
That played in my mind
When the time came
I let my feelings be
When the time came
I set my spirit free
Extinguished the anger
And put down the blame
I did what it takes
When the time came
Sure I was scared
of how I might change
Still nothing's more frightening
than staying the same
When the time came
I let my feelings be
When the time came
I set my spirit free
Extinguished the anger
And put down the blame
I did what it takes
When the time came
When the time came
And may I do it again</pre>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://b334a6.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/jason-drums-768x1024.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Montclair, NJ based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jason Didner records the drum track to "When the Time Came." " height="1024" width="768" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Me recording th8e drum track to “When the Time Came” </figcaption></figure>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com/2022/12/new-single-when-the-time-came/">New Single: “When the Time Came”</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com">Jason Didner</a>.</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7125924
2022-11-22T15:46:47-05:00
2022-12-20T15:12:20-05:00
A New Playlist Platform for Bandcamp
<h2>Introducing BNDCMPR</h2>
<p>I was introduced to a new platform for making playlists on Bandcamp. An independently-created web site enables you to build playlists of Bandcamp tracks by pasting URL’s into the site’s interface. </p>
<p>I find this significant as a way to help cross-promote music with fellow artists. I imagine the benefits of combining followings and introducing your fans to music they might like. A supportive community can grow as people discover music that may excite them, thanks to thoughtful curation from among the millions of songs to choose from. </p>
<p>Here’s my playlist of compelling artists I’ve encountered on TikTok, who do a great job telling their story of their artistic journey while also making exceptional music on their own. </p>
<iframe src="https://bndcmpr.co/embed/94973851?orientation=portrait" style="height:600px;width:350px;border:none;" title="TikTok Musicians Curated by Jason Didner"></iframe>
<p> And here’s a playlist I created from my local Montclair, NJ USA music scene. </p>
<iframe src="https://bndcmpr.co/embed/d34388e2?orientation=portrait" style="height:600px;width:350px;border:none;" title="Montclair, NJ Music Scene"></iframe>
<h2>Make Your Own Bandcamp Playlists on BNDCMPR</h2>
<p>Want to make your own Bandcamp playlist? Hop on over to <strong><a href="https://bndcmpr.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bndcmpr.co</a></strong> and start making and sharing your own Bandcamp playlists.. </p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com/2022/11/a-new-playlist-platform-for-bandcamp/">A New Playlist Platform for Bandcamp</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com">Jason Didner</a>.</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7125925
2022-11-22T11:40:29-05:00
2022-12-20T15:12:20-05:00
I’m now on the Mastodon Social Media Network
<h2>Let’s connect! </h2>
<p>Mastodon is an open-source microblogging network of social media platforms. It does not have an algorithm that favors inflammatory content over more benign offerings. It leads to quality conversation, not obsession over trending. Feel like part of a community instead of shouting into the void. </p>
<p>I’m connecting with friends old and new there, and I’d like for you to join in! </p>
Find me at <b><a rel="me" href="https://mstdn.social/@jasondidner">mstdn.social/@jasondidner</a></b>.
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com/2022/11/mastodon/">I’m now on the Mastodon Social Media Network</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com">Jason Didner</a>.</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7125926
2022-11-21T14:29:56-05:00
2023-12-10T13:10:07-05:00
Coming Dec 2: New single “When the Time Came”
<h2>Let me e-mail you the secret link now! </h2>
<p>A new song is on the way out: “When the Time Came.” I co-wrote this song with my mom as a sequel to my 2003 track “It’s About Time.” These songs are both about conflict resolution, a topic near and dear to my heart. It’s got a decidedly adult contemporary vibe to it, reminiscent of The Eagles. This will be a track on my upcoming album “<a href="https://jasondidner.com/2022/11/new-album-side-effects-scheduled-for-feb-3-release/">Side Effects</a>,” due out early next year.</p>
<p>Here’s a 1-minute performance of the new song, via Instagram. </p>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CklHiyNPpcd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jason Didner (@jasondidner)</a></p>
</div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>I can email you the official lyric video of the single, which will launch on Friday, December 2. Just sign up below and I’ll send you the secret link so you can view it today! This is an exclusive for my email subscribers. </p>
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://bandsintown.com/artist/14376679/email_signup_form?headerTextColor=rgba(0,0,0,1)&backgroundColor=rgba(255,255,255,1)&ctaBackgroundColor=rgba(0,180,179,1)&title=MAILING%20LIST&headerTextStyle=normal&headerText=Sign%20up%20to%20get%20exclusive%20access%20to%20my%20new%20music.&font=Helvetica&ctaIcon=show&ctaBorderRadius=4px&ctaBorderWidth=2px&ctaBorderColor=rgba(0,180,179,1)&ctaFontColor=rgba(255,255,255,1)&alignment=center&emailInputField=show&ctaLabel=Subscribe&layout=wide&locale=en" width="100%" height="300px" title="newsletter-widget"></iframe>
<p>Do you listen to music on Spotify? You can<a href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jasondidner/when-the-time-came" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> presave the track now</a> so it will appear in your Spotify feed on release day. </p>
<h2>A Single Release Concert Online</h2>
<p>On Friday, December 2, the same day I release the single to Bandcamp and all streaming services, I will give an online concert at 7:30 PM Eastern-US on <strong><a href="https://livestreamercafe.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Live Streamer Cafe</a></strong>, as well as YouTube, Facebook Live and Twitch.</p>
<p>Join me for a live performance of this new song and your requests! </p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com/2022/11/coming-dec-2-new-single-when-the-time-came/">Coming Dec 2: New single “When the Time Came”</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com">Jason Didner</a>.</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7125927
2022-11-16T12:41:32-05:00
2022-12-20T15:12:21-05:00
Never miss a show or new music release!
<p>Enter your email below and I’ll send you a secret link to my single “When the Time Came” before it’s released. </p>
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://bandsintown.com/artist/14376679/email_signup_form?headerTextColor=rgba(0,0,0,1)&backgroundColor=rgba(255,255,255,1)&ctaBackgroundColor=rgba(0,180,179,1)&title=MAILING%20LIST&headerTextStyle=normal&headerText=Sign%20up%20to%20get%20the%20latest%20updates%20and%20exclusive%20access%20to%20music%20before%20it's%20released.&font=Helvetica&ctaIcon=show&ctaBorderRadius=4px&ctaBorderWidth=2px&ctaBorderColor=rgba(0,180,179,1)&ctaFontColor=rgba(255,255,255,1)&alignment=center&emailInputField=show&ctaLabel=Subscribe&layout=wide&locale=en" width="100%" height="300px" title="newsletter-widget"></iframe>
<p></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com/2022/11/never-miss-a-show-or-new-music-release/">Never miss a show or new music release!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com">Jason Didner</a>.</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7125928
2022-11-11T15:38:29-05:00
2022-12-20T15:12:21-05:00
New Album “Side Effects” Scheduled for Feb. 3 Release
<p>Almost a year to the day after the release of “Salt and Sand: Rock Songs to Heal the Mind,” my new rock album “Side Effects” will launch on Bandcamp and all streaming services on February 3, 2023. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://b334a6.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/side-effects-meme-coming-2-3-23-1024x1024.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Coming February 2023: Side Effects, a new album by Jason Didner" height="1024" width="1024" /></figure>
<p>It will contain my five already-released singles from over the past year: </p>
<ul>
<li>This Man’s Eyes</li>
<li>Patient Portal</li>
<li>Side Effects</li>
<li>Molasses Blues</li>
<li>Another Plot Twist</li>
</ul>
<p>…plus “Two Places at Once,” which made its debut on a Banding Together compilation for BlowUpRadio.com. Banding Together is an annual fundraiser for the Spondylitis Association of America. </p>
<p>On this album I sing all the vocal parts and play all the instrumental parts. You’ll hear sounds influenced by Van Halen, The Who, Ozzy Osbourne, Elvis Costello, U2, Bon Jovi, BB King, No Doubt and Eagles. </p>
<p>To keep informed on the new album, enter your email address below. </p>
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://bandsintown.com/artist/14376679/email_signup_form?headerTextColor=rgba(0,0,0,1)&backgroundColor=rgba(255,255,255,1)&ctaBackgroundColor=rgba(0,180,179,1)&title=MAILING%20LIST&headerTextStyle=normal&headerText=Sign%20up%20to%20get%20the%20latest%20updates&font=Helvetica&ctaIcon=show&ctaBorderRadius=4px&ctaBorderWidth=2px&ctaBorderColor=rgba(0,180,179,1)&ctaFontColor=rgba(255,255,255,1)&alignment=center&emailInputField=show&ctaLabel=Subscribe&layout=wide&locale=en" width="100%" height="250px" title="newsletter-widget"></iframe>
<p>The subject matter of the lyrics will split the difference between funny and earnest. Here’s my official video for “Patient Portal,” which will appear on the album. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Patient Portal Jason Didner (Official Video) - Medical Humor" width="525" height="295" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_hkHRjS5ZHU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
<figcaption>Jason Didner’s single, “Patient Portal” will be included on the album “Side Effects.” </figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://b334a6.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jason-organ-768x1024.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1024" width="768" /></figure>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com/2022/11/new-album-side-effects-scheduled-for-feb-3-release/">New Album “Side Effects” Scheduled for Feb. 3 Release</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com">Jason Didner</a>.</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7125929
2022-11-04T01:39:23-04:00
2023-12-10T13:08:22-05:00
“Another Plot Twist” – New Single and Lyric Video
<p>I’m pleased to announce the launch of my latest single, a hard rocker called “Another Plot Twist.” Musically it takes its cues from Van Halen, The Who and Ozzy Osbourne. Lyrically, my wife Amy and I drew upon lessons from the Zen Thinking Podcast. We had learned to embrace the unforeseen as a “plot twist,” an adventure rather than a catastrophe. </p>
<h2>Lyric video now on YouTube</h2>
<p>Here’s the new lyric video. Hold onto your hat! </p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Another Plot Twist Lyric Video" width="525" height="295" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vmkz8mKKhog?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<h2>Single Available on Bandcamp </h2>
<p>Just in time for #BandcampFriday, here’s the track on Bandcamp, where you can support your favorite artists and enjoy the convenience of streaming or downloads. </p>
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=3618733507/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="https://jasondidnermusic.bandcamp.com/track/another-plot-twist">Another Plot Twist by Jason Didner</a></iframe>
<h2>Track is Out on Streaming Platforms</h2>
<p>Add “Another Plot Twist” to your favorite playlists on… </p>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jason-didner/5959735" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple </a><a href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/another-plot-twist-single/1650077883">Music</a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/7sGEBkxIBrHm3mMiYfAras?si=16c7d295293d4225">Spotify</a></li>
<li><a href="https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0BJ9MDHJ1?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_HM3YJoQp4ynF2C3pubavsY49G&trackAsin=B0BJ9LT6KR">Amazon Music</a></li>
<li>…and many more</li>
</ul>
<pre class="wp-block-verse">Lyrics:
Another Plot Twist
Lyrics by Jason Didner and Amy Didner
Music by Jason Didner (c) 2022, All Rights Reserved
To hell and back on a roller coaster
In and out the revolving door
Up and down faster than a yo-yo
And then falling off the floor
If they tried to make a movie
Hollywood would not believe
Anyone could really have
Such a story up their sleeve
This is what we're dealing with
This is our real lives
Here comes another plot twist
Keeping us on our toes
Just when we thought we knew
How the story goes
Here comes another plot twist
Rocking us back on our heels
Just when we thought we knew
How we were gonna feel
No way any more could happen
We had our hands quite full
Then we felt a new change coming
The rug was getting pulled
In the hurricane of chaos
We found some inner peace
Angels in our souls to save us
And grant us some release
This is what we're rolling with
This is our real lives
Here comes another plot twist
Keeping us on our toes
Just when we thought we knew
How the story goes
Here comes another plot twist
Rocking us back on our heels
Just when we thought we knew
How we were gonna feel
Tell me how can this be real?</pre>
<h2>Credits: </h2>
<p>Lyrics by Jason Didner & Amy Didner<br>Music by Jason Didner</p>
<p>Jason Didner – vocals, electric guitar, bass, drums</p>
<p>Produced, recorded and mixed by Jason Didner</p>
<p>(c) 2022, All Rights Reserved</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://b334a6.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Another-Plot-Twist-Cover-1024x1024.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Another Plot Twist - single by Jason Didner" height="1024" width="1024" /></figure>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com/2022/11/another-plot-twist-new-single-and-lyric-video/">“Another Plot Twist” – New Single and Lyric Video</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com">Jason Didner</a>.</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7125930
2022-11-03T13:27:52-04:00
2022-12-20T15:12:21-05:00
Coming 11.04.22 – New Single: “Another Plot Twist”
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://b334a6.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Another-Plot-Twist-Meme-horiz-1024x768.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Another Plot Twist - a hard rock single inspired by Van Halen, The Who, Ozzy Osbourne. By Jason Didner. Available everywhere Friday, 11.04" height="768" width="1024" /></figure>
<p>I’ve prepared a hard rocking new single for release tomorrow morning, November 4, 2022. This one’s called “Another Plot Twist.” </p>
<h2>Story behind the Song</h2>
<p>I got the seeds of inspiration for this one years ago while listening to the Zen Thinking Podcast by Brian Thompson. In one episode, Brian taught resilience through a sense of fun and adventure. He encouraged his listeners to call out “Plot twist!” if the unexpected should arise in real life so we don’t catastrophize it. Perhaps instead we can rise to the challenge in an engaged way. </p>
<p>I recently thought about writing a song centered on a “plot twist,” so I shared the idea with my wife Amy. She had heard that podcast episode with me. We often referred back to it when dealing with the unforeseen. So she fed me the hook, “Here comes another plot twist.”</p>
<p>As soon as I heard that line, I could hear the crunch, hard rock guitar in my head, supporting the vocal. I heard influences of Van Halen, The Who and Ozzy Osbourne coming together. Then I dialed up the overdrive on my amp, tuned the low E guitar string down to a D and went to work! </p>
<h2>Where to Find the Single</h2>
<p>Tomorrow you’ll see a thrilling new lyric video on YouTube (hold onto your hats, folks!) </p>
<p>It’ll be Bandcamp Friday, a day once a month where the very artist-supportive platform gives us an extra boost by waiving its portion of proceeds. <a href="https://jasondidnermusic.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bandcamp</a> is the preferred platform to support an independent artist while also enjoying the convenience of streaming. </p>
<p>And the track will make its way to Apple Music, Spotify and wherever else you stream your music. You can <a href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jasondidner/another-plot-twist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pre-save Another Plot Twist in Spotify</a> right now so it’s delivered to you in the app on release. </p>
<p>You’ll also be able to make your own TikTok and Instagram videos with this song as your soundtrack. Use the hashtag #AnotherPlotTwist so I can find your video! </p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com/2022/11/coming-11-04-22-new-single-another-plot-twist/">Coming 11.04.22 – New Single: “Another Plot Twist”</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com">Jason Didner</a>.</p>
Jason Didner
tag:jasondidner.com,2005:Post/7125931
2022-11-01T14:41:52-04:00
2022-12-20T15:12:21-05:00
TikTok Artists Curated by Jason Didner – a Spotify Playlist
<h2>Artists Whose Music and Stories I Find Compelling</h2>
<p>Here is a playlist of independent artists I found on TikTok. </p>
<p>I created it because we operate in an age of high quality bedroom recordings. We have access to the same markets as major-label hitmakers. Combined, we release nearly 100 thousand songs a month on Spotify! We share our music one minute and our story at a time on TikTok. </p>
<p>So how do you, dear listener, even begin to sort through all that? You can start by pressing play right here! I’ve assembled for you several of the artists I’ve found in my travels on TikTok – singers and songwriters who found compelling ways to share their songs and stories in this medium. Some have even taken the time to sing duets with me or have put “Duet This” tracks that I chose to add my voice or instruments to. </p>
<iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/0t45SwA3K8DRUBwQpyu8U5?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="380" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe>
<p>This playlist has given my mood a boost while at work and while driving. It contains covers and originals. It’s got rock, pop, jazz, blues, country, and singer/songwriter. As I connect with artists of more genres, they will find their way to this playlist. </p>
<p>If you go on TikTok, feel free to recommend artists who you find fascinating. </p>
<h2>TikTok Duets Create Deep Musical Connections</h2>
<p>Here are some duets I’ve performed with artists from this playlist: </p>
<p><strong>An X’s and Arrows original: Don’t Leave Me Hanging</strong></p>
<p>I loved Courtney’s clip and chose to add harmonies and a shaker for some rhythm. </p>
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@jasondidner/video/7138971534634454318" data-video-id="7138971534634454318" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@jasondidner" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jasondidner?refer=embed" rel="noopener">@jasondidner</a> <a title="duet" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/duet?refer=embed" rel="noopener">#duet</a> with @xsandarrows <a title="musiciantok" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/musiciantok?refer=embed" rel="noopener">#musiciantok</a> <a title="inverted" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/inverted?refer=embed" rel="noopener">#Inverted</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Xs & ARROWs" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7094491465279212334?refer=embed" rel="noopener">♬ original sound – Xs & ARROWs</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>Check out southern California based X’s and Arrows’ heartfelt music starting with <a href="http://www.xsandarrows.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their official web site</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown – a rock/blues jam</strong> <strong>duet</strong></p>
<p>Tyler opened up spaces to add lead instrument parts between his licks. So I took him up on this and added a little shredding of my own. What a fun way to keep up on my lead guitar playing! Check out his track in the playlist as well! </p>
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@jasondidner/video/7139977921971637546" data-video-id="7139977921971637546" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@jasondidner" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jasondidner?refer=embed" rel="noopener">@jasondidner</a> <a title="duet" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/duet?refer=embed" rel="noopener">#duet</a> with @tbshakedown <a title="duet" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/duet?refer=embed" rel="noopener">#Duet</a> <a title="inverted" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/inverted?refer=embed" rel="noopener">#Inverted</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - TBSHAKEDOWN" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7131004742780193582?refer=embed" rel="noopener">♬ original sound – TBSHAKEDOWN</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>This exciting touring band can be found at <a href="http://www.tylerbryantandtheshakedown.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their official web site</a>. Check their live dates to see if they’re coming to your town. </p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com/2022/11/tiktok-artists-curated-by-jason-didner-a-spotify-playlist/">TikTok Artists Curated by Jason Didner – a Spotify Playlist</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jasondidner.com">Jason Didner</a>.</p>
Jason Didner