tag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:/blogs/blog?p=1Blog2023-06-29T17:20:02-04:00Matt Gerberfalsetag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/72347832023-06-29T17:20:02-04:002024-01-23T09:02:44-05:00Release of single "The Most Beautiful Corner"<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://mattgerbermusic.hearnow.com/the-most-beautiful-corner">https://mattgerbermusic.hearnow.com/the-most-beautiful-corner</a></p><p> </p>Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400412016-10-15T20:00:00-04:002022-05-31T09:21:56-04:00Song Talk Radio on CJRU-1280AM
<p>I had a chance to be interviewed on the Ryerson radio program Song Talk Radio on October 4th, 2016. I had a chance to play a recording of "Every Dog Has Its Day" from my upcoming Kids Album, and also played "Mr. Furious" live.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>http://www.songtalk.ca/shows/writing-humour-songs-not-novelty-songs-matt-gerber/</p>
<p> </p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400402014-03-30T20:00:00-04:002023-12-10T14:44:41-05:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge - Week 6 - Collaborations
<p>Collaborations!</p>
<p>This week I had a wonderful experience co-writing with two wonderful musicians. I was able to do some Skype chatting with both Scott Perrie and Kimberley Beyea. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Scott sent me a really cool mandolin track with some melody ideas. I had some lyrics that I thought would suit the music and so sent them to Scott. He added a great chorus and some some other instrumental magic to the mix. </p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>LADY OF THE WOODS (https://soundcloud.com/scottperriemusic/lady-of-the-woods)</strong></p>
<p>(Scott Perrie & Matt Gerber)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Let me paint you a story,</p>
<p>Let the colour seep into your ears.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I wouldn't call her a stranger,</p>
<p>But no one ever knew her name.</p>
<p>She'd stand out from the scenery,</p>
<p>And blend in just the same.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Wandering through the woods as she pleased,</p>
<p>Every now and then I would hear, I'd hear her sing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>La da dai da da da, (3 x)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>She carried the scent of cedars,</p>
<p>In the early autumn air.</p>
<p>A certain kind of stillness,</p>
<p>Followed her everywhere.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Wandering through the woods as she pleased</p>
<p>Every now and then she would sing, she'd sing for me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>La da dai da da da, (12 x)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The song that I co-wrote with Kimberley went together quickly as well. She sent me a recording of a song idea, including some verses and the refrain "O, you're my only vice". This was a great starting point and I was able to make a contribution to some of the verses as well as adding a bridge (which is repeated). We were able to combine vocals and I was pleased that Kimberley added some flute solos!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>My Only Vice (<a href="https://soundcloud.com/matt-gerber/my-only-vice-kimberley-beyea" data-imported="1">https://soundcloud.com/matt-gerber/my-only-vice-kimberley-beyea</a>)</strong></p>
<p>(Kimberley Beyea & Matt Gerber)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's not the alcohol,</p>
<p>Or the drugs of choice,</p>
<p>I don't need cigarettes,</p>
<p>Or any fancy toys</p>
<p> </p>
<p>O, you're my only vice</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Don't need the decadence,</p>
<p>Of an aristocrat,</p>
<p>And for the latest trend....</p>
<p>I'm so over that.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>O you're my only vice</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This feels so right to me,</p>
<p>It's better than a shopping spree</p>
<p>So cut up the cards</p>
<p>Throw away the dice,</p>
<p>How could it be a sin, you're my only vice.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You're all the sex I crave</p>
<p>You're my war and peace</p>
<p>You're the thrill I get,</p>
<p>Running from the police</p>
<p> </p>
<p>O, you're my only vice</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You give me all the kicks,</p>
<p>I could ever need,</p>
<p>You're the single weakness,</p>
<p>That I'd concede.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>O, you're my only vice</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This feels so right to me,</p>
<p>It's better than a shopping spree</p>
<p>So cut up the cards</p>
<p>Throw away the dice,</p>
<p>How could it be a sin, you're my only vice.</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400392014-03-23T20:00:00-04:002023-12-10T11:50:45-05:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge - Week 5 - "Diamonds In a Dog's Mouth"
<p><strong>This week’s challenge:</strong><br> Over the course of the next five days, spend at least 10 minutes (or until your hands get tired) writing from your stream of consciousness. At the end of the week, review what you have written and look for at least 5 ideas that could become songs. Choose one to bring to fruition.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The 5 Ideas I came up with:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1) Poking holes in ourselves</p>
<p>2) Looking at trees</p>
<p>3) Every thought is a universe</p>
<p>4) Diamonds in a dog's mouth</p>
<p>5) Not enough hours in the day (for me to waste)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I decided to go with "Diamonds in a dog's mouth".</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The overall theme is that entrusting money grubbing profit-eyed bottom line Corporations with any of the items that are of the most value to humanity are like putting diamonds in a dog's mouth.</p>
<p><a href="https://soundcloud.com/matt-gerber/diamonds-in-a-dogs-mouth-2014" data-imported="1">https://soundcloud.com/matt-gerber/diamonds-in-a-dogs-mouth-2014</a></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">Diamonds In A Dog's Mouth</span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Oh how lucky we're living on,</p>
<p>This lonely exclusive blue and green ball.</p>
<p>There are treasures everywhere,</p>
<p>For the enjoyment and benefit of all.</p>
<p>But to certain entities,</p>
<p>That only see the cost</p>
<p>They may not appreciate,</p>
<p>What they've got until it is lost.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Diamonds in a dog's mouth.</p>
<p>Diamonds in a dog's mouth.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Try to name a corporation,</p>
<p>That ever made a work of art,</p>
<p>Or demanded Nature's protection,</p>
<p>By building a National park.</p>
<p>It's a horribly bad idea,</p>
<p>To let the wolves protect the sheep.</p>
<p>Because once they get a hold,</p>
<p>It will be theirs to keep.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Diamonds in a dog's mouth.</p>
<p>Diamonds in a dog's mouth.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I won't take part, in this lunacy.</p>
<p>It doesn't make a single lick of sense to me.</p>
<p>It's farcical. It's a tragedy. </p>
<p>Don't let this be the measure of humanity.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Diamonds in a dog's mouth.</p>
<p>Diamonds in a dog's mouth.</p>
<p>Diamonds in a dog's mouth.</p>
<p>Diamonds in a dog's mouth.</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400382014-03-14T20:00:00-04:002023-12-10T12:07:39-05:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge - Week 4 - Rock The Cliche
<p>This week we’re going to look inside the box by examining how to Rock The Cliché.</p>
<p>Songwriters are a restless lot. We get bored easily and sometimes abandon things too quickly, perhaps leaving behind some good ideas. We also have a love/hate relationship with clichés. They can sound tired and shopworn or tried and true, depending on the circumstances and how lazy we feel. In this segment, one of the best-loved songwriters of all time weighs in on not avoiding the obvious.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Pick 10 clichés and brainstorm ways each could be interpreted from a different perspective.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Pick one to expand into a song.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. Which cliché you chose to use.<br> 2. A link to your blog.<br> 3. A link to your song.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">10 Clichés</span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>Misery loves company</li>
<li>Asleep at the wheel</li>
<li>Time to pay the piper</li>
<li>Take the bull by the horns</li>
<li>Grass is always greener on the other side</li>
<li>Early bird gets the worm</li>
<li>Robbing Peter to pay Paul</li>
<li>Barking up the wrong tree</li>
<li>Every dog has it`s day</li>
<li>Reinventing the wheel</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>After some brain storming, I found that a couple of the cliches had some promise (and could still yield some other songs yet), but the one I chose to go with was "Every dog has it`s day". </p>
<p>I considered it from the perspective of a concession stand hot dog at a ball park. This was based on a story I read about what happens to some hot dogs at the end of the day if they didn`t get sold....</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The lyrics are;</p>
<p>(SoundCloud link: <a href="https://soundcloud.com/matt-gerber/every-dog-has-its-day-2014-sac" data-imported="1">https://soundcloud.com/matt-gerber/every-dog-has-its-day-2014-sac</a>)</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">Every Dog Has Its Day</span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Every dog has its day,</p>
<p>Every dog has its day,</p>
<p>Every dog has its day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm a ball park hot dog, I've been grilled until I'm done,</p>
<p>I'm ready and I'm willing, just stick me in a bun.</p>
<p>I'm filled with goodness, and other stuff I can't remember,</p>
<p>But like my package said, I'm best before November (2054).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>(Chorus)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Let me be frank, I'm tired of excuses,</p>
<p>It's been several days now, and I'm stewing in my juices.</p>
<p>I'll keep hoping, for some emancipator,</p>
<p>Or they're going to put me back, in the refrigerator.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>(Chorus)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Was it Sunday? No! Everybody walked on by.</p>
<p>Was it Tuesday? No! I'm so lonesome I could cry.</p>
<p>Was it Friday? No! I`m feeling grungier than Eddie Vedder,</p>
<p>But tomorrow's looking better,</p>
<p>Saturday's a double header!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>(Chorus X2)</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400372014-03-06T19:00:00-05:002023-12-10T13:09:51-05:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge - Week 3 - "Sober Second Thought"
<p>This was the challenge;</p>
<p>"It’s easy to get caught up in using the age-old forms when writing a song – Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus/Bridge/Chorus. Yes, it works, but sometimes you can freshen up your writing and find yourself going down new pathways if you mix it up a bit. Something as simple as starting with the chorus like so many Beatle songs did (‘Cant Buy Me Love’, ‘Please Please Me’) and like Maroon 5 do in ‘Payphone’, can pull a listener in very quickly because they don’t have to wait for the big hook.</p>
<p>Using odd line lengths or unexpected rhyme schemes can get you out of a rut too. Remember – you can always get back in the box and colour inside the lines another time!</p>
<p><br> 1. Identify your common songwriting ruts. Why are these structures/forms comfortable for you?<br> 2. Write a song that breaks 1 or more of these “rules.”<br> 3. Have fun writing outside the box!"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1: Songwriting Ruts:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>- writing with an "instrument in hand" - I tend to try out lyrics while playing an instrument (or with background music) to hear how they sing, and if the words have the right feel. For me it's an iterative approach. Melody and rhythm gives me inspiration for lyrics. I tend to write songs piecemeal, usually by starting out with a melody idea, and then finding a lyric seed to plant the song (either a phrase, word, etc.) that manages to evoke a feeling for me with the music. From there, I'll sit down and try to hammer out some lyrics. Then I'll go back to the instrument of choice and try how it plays. If I like it, then it stays, otherwise I'll ditch the idea (while still keeping a copy of the original lyrics, because you never know...). Once the song has taken some sort of real shape, then, I'll sit back and reassess what I've done, to try and ensure that there's a cohesive thought and that I'm not repeating ideas.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>- going to familiar chords/shapes/melodies - when I play familiar chords, then I don't have to think too much about where my fingers are going, so I'm not distracted by clunky playing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>- familiar strumming patterns - similar to the familiar chords rut</p>
<p> </p>
<p>- familiar picking patterns - ditto</p>
<p> </p>
<p>- standard tuning on instruments - I'm a bit intimidated by alternate tuning. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>- writing from a "melody first" point of view - I'm very comfortable coming up with melodies</p>
<p> </p>
<p>- Developing the chorus first, and then trying to develop a "story" around the chorus - once I feel I've got a good chorus, I feel like 90% of the work is done.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>- writing songs in Standard format - verse, chorus, bridge.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>2: Writing the song.</p>
<p>I found this challenge really pushed me. I thought to start off that I would chose a song to emulate that would be way different from the type of song that I usually write, and then I would write all the lyrics first before trying to put them to music. I thought that using Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" as some sort of template would be interesting for lyrics. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm very familiar with the song, and have done the head bash thing too many times to count, but this was the first time I'd actually tried to understand how the song was structured. And I failed.</p>
<p>Luckily Google has many answers, and after a quick search on the song structure of "Bohemian Rhapsody", I came across a very interesting blog: (<a href="http://andything.wordpress.com/2012/07/01/notes-on-notes-an-in-depth-analysis-of-bohemian-rhapsody/" data-imported="1">http://andything.wordpress.com/2012/07/01/notes-on-notes-an-in-depth-analysis-of-bohemian-rhapsody/</a>). </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This introduced me to the concept of something called "The Hero's Journey" and "The Monomyth". This format has been used in countless times to tell stories, and probably one of the best examples is Star Wars. Essentially the model is that the Hero accepts a call to adventure and travels from the "known" to the "unknown". While in the "unknown", the Hero faces many challenges, is subject to a revelation and transformation, and then eventually returns from the "unknown" to the "known" a changed person.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After reading about these ideas, I decided to write a song using "The Hero's Journey" as a template. I chose as a title "Sober Second Thought", from a previous week's challenge. This phrase to me evokes thought of the Canadian Senate (which has been much in the news recently). </p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a nutshell, the song is a story about a character who is in a lofty position in society who has become corrupted. A "mighty wind" of discontent removes this person from their position and is harshly scrutinized and picked over. It's a song of redemption and second chances, so eventually the character actually goes through a transformation and returns a changed person.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Although there are some oblique references to the Senate (such as the title, and also "Curia" actually means "the Senate house" in Latin), it is not my intent for this song to be solely about the Senate. I was hoping to try and capture the feeling about this being a song about any significant institution in society.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After writing the lyrics, I sat down to try and make some sense of how the music might go. It was a real challenge to try and emulate "Bohemian Rhapsody" and move through the story without repeating musical sections. One neat thing I started working on was to try and use my voice as the sole instrument for some of the sections. It really gave me a chance to work on my "vocal chords"!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>3.: Putting the "mental" into experimental</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm happy that the challenge has been completed, but I can honestly say that it took a lot of hard work. I felt like I was stumbling out of a rut and into a ditch while trying to complete the song. That being said however, I feel I've learned a few new tricks and will be looking forward to Week 4's challenge.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A recording of the song can be found on my SoundCloud page (https://soundcloud.com/matt-gerber).</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">SOBER SECOND THOUGHT</span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>These halls,</p>
<p>Have seen them all,</p>
<p>They've watched them rise,</p>
<p>They'll watch them fall.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>From the great plains come a mighty wind,</p>
<p>To shake the apples in the trees.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Should not the fruit that accepts the worm be cast down?</p>
<p>Its flesh be tread upon and be exposed to the sun?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Still,</p>
<p>The sun shines on all of us,</p>
<p>The best and the worst.</p>
<p>The sun shines on all of us,</p>
<p>The blessed and the cursed.</p>
<p>The sun stays uncorrupted.</p>
<p>It illuminates and casts no doubt.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Scavengers do their part,</p>
<p>Take every scrap 'til even worms lose heart.</p>
<p>A wasted core alone and bare,</p>
<p>Just left lying there.</p>
<p>Perhaps through kindness or coincidence,</p>
<p>A seed may find itself,</p>
<p>And, underground, take,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Solace.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In the peaceful quiet nurturing ground,</p>
<p>The transformation starts.</p>
<p>Towards the sky it goes,</p>
<p>As it slowly grows</p>
<p>A noble monument.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Curia</p>
<p>Curia</p>
<p>These halls have seen,</p>
<p>These halls have seen them all.</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400362014-02-28T19:00:00-05:002023-12-10T14:00:47-05:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge - Week 2, Day 6 - finished song!
<p>This is the end of Week 2 of a 6 week S.A.C. (Songwriters Association of Canada) songwriting challenge guided by Christopher Ward.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I decided early on that the idea "Cranes in the sky" had some meaning to me. I could use it as a concept of death and rebirth in every part of the world, the natural and the man made. The idea of a town/city living and dying as an organic entity had a some interest to me. I wrote the chorus first, and came up with a melody for it, as well as a rhythmic guitar picking part. However, after trying to write verses, I found a more natural strumming pattern and melody for both the verses and the chorus.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I finished most of the lyrics on Friday night, and then reworked them a bit on Saturday. After recording guitar and vocals, I attempted to experiment a bit by adding in some Stylophone. The end result is "A Sky Full Of Cranes". I hope that although the song lyrics have a bit of a down and out feel at the beginning, that by the end, and in combination with the upbeat guitar and melody, that this song finds its level on the happier side of life.</p>
<p>https://soundcloud.com/matt-gerber</p>
<p> <span style="text-decoration:underline">A Sky Full of Cranes</span><span style="text-decoration:underline">:</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are days my dreams feel like these streets,</p>
<p>Worn out, tired, crushed by defeats</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Some power lines drag down an old telephone pole,</p>
<p>It can't complain, just takes the strain, I feel kindred soul.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Catch a reflection in a broken window pane,</p>
<p>Wonder how we manage to survive,</p>
<p>But then I look around and see the sky is full of cranes,</p>
<p>And I know this town is still alive.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I will walk the very ground where skyscrapers grow.</p>
<p>In time, even they will find, it's back to the earth they'll go.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There is beauty, there is life, there is death and decay</p>
<p>That's the rule, no exceptions, just happens this way.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Catch a reflection in a broken window pane,</p>
<p>Wonder how we manage to survive,</p>
<p>But then I look around and see the sky is full of cranes,</p>
<p>And know this town is still alive.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>(Stylophone solo)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Catch a reflection in a broken window pane,</p>
<p>Wonder how it all can still survive,</p>
<p>But then I look around I see the sky is full of cranes,</p>
<p>And I know this town is still alive.</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400352014-02-27T19:00:00-05:002023-12-10T11:56:32-05:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge - Week 2, Day 5
<p>The last day of the observation portion part of the assignment. Now to writing!</p>
<p>Friday morning, at work, discussing politics (Titles/Ideas/Themes/Lyrics):</p>
<p>- The last fall of Hazel</p>
<p>- puppets and strings</p>
<p>- I'm just a monkey in search of an organ grinder</p>
<p>- the once and future Hazel McCalion (sort of like the Dread Pirate Roberts from the Princess Bride)</p>
<p>- pigs in the mud</p>
<p>- thy binder overfloweth</p>
<p>- helping ourselves because no one else can (quia nullus alius can succorro nos)</p>
<p>- not enough knuckles in the sandwich.</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400342014-02-26T19:00:00-05:002023-12-10T11:58:17-05:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge - Week 2, Day 4
<p>Thursday morning, hanging out at a Second Cup at Eglinton and Mt. Pleasant (Titles/Ideas/Themes/Lyrics):</p>
<p>(yep, it was a cold morning!)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>- Too cold outside</p>
<p>- too cold to wait</p>
<p>- Late is bad, but latte is good</p>
<p>- impatient drivers</p>
<p>- tinned music</p>
<p>- too cold to cry</p>
<p>- the dirtiest snow</p>
<p>- even hope freezes</p>
<p>- the morning light jackhammers my eyes</p>
<p>- better latte then never</p>
<p>- it's all right if you're dressed for it</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400332014-02-25T19:00:00-05:002022-05-27T00:34:21-04:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge - Week 2, Day 3
<p>Wednesday Evening, TSG meeting (Titles/Ideas/Themes/Lyrics):</p>
<p>- Flowers on your boots</p>
<p>- the old wicker basket</p>
<p>- wooden chair leg scraping on the floor</p>
<p>- square pillar, round world</p>
<p>- irons in the fire</p>
<p>- the best of dust</p>
<p>- I'll row the boat, you just watch out for stuff</p>
<p>- fingernails in search of a chalk board (a pest)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Let me paint you a story,</p>
<p>Let the colours bleed into your ears,</p>
<p>I may lay the truth on thickly,</p>
<p>Or so thin it disappears.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Your eyes are mugged by the suns brightness,</p>
<p>The air robs your lungs of breath.</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400322014-02-25T19:00:00-05:002023-12-10T12:54:16-05:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge - Week 2, Day 2
<p>Tuesday Evening, The Rivoli While waiting for the Mullet Night Show(Titles/Ideas/Themes/Lyrics):</p>
<p>- Red & blue spotlights flooding the stage in a violet glow</p>
<p>- wet and slushy</p>
<p>- warm hearts, cold beer</p>
<p>- a Baritone smile</p>
<p>- stolen, broken or lost</p>
<p>- dirty, loud and respected</p>
<p>- the coldest hands in February</p>
<p>- robbed, broke and losing</p>
<p>- party in the front (and business in the back), a reverse mullet</p>
<p>- said the patron to the zombie bartender "I need a drink, stiff.".</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400312014-02-23T19:00:00-05:002024-01-23T09:02:44-05:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge - Week 2, Day 1
<p>Challenge: Spend 10 minutes a day for the next 5 days in <strong>5 different places</strong>, i.e. subway, take-out counter, coffee shop, etc., and turn on your antennae. Jot down some song ideas based on each of those 10 minutes. Then, at the end of the week, choose your favourite and write a song.</p>
<p> I have written several songs based on this principle. Why do all the heavy lifting if your friends (or the world around you) can provide the inspiration. It's a ripe apple on the tree, just pluck it. </p>
<p> I think this may be a slightly tougher challenge then last week since I'm going to have to wait until at least Friday to start writing. </p>
<p> Day 1:</p>
<p>Monday Morning Car Ride (Titles/Ideas/Themes/Lyrics): I got these ideas driving into work, listening to the radio and just observing my surroundings.</p>
<p>- Fêted then forgotten</p>
<p>- So long Sochi</p>
<p>- Pot holes in my soul</p>
<p>- The sword and shield tactics</p>
<p>- L8 4DINR</p>
<p>- Cranes in the sky</p>
<p>- Wind chill</p>
<p>- Red light on the road of life.</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400302014-02-19T19:00:00-05:002022-05-09T04:28:50-04:00Addendum to Week 1's SAC Songwriting & Blogging Challenge
<p>Wouldn't you know it, I ended up getting inspired by one of my Opening Lines "The elephant in the room just farted.". It's a silly Monty Python style of tune (with some environmental undertones) that I think could be developed as a show tune or a barbershop quartet....I've posted it on SoundCloud;</p>
<p><a href="https://soundcloud.com/matt-gerber" data-imported="1">https://soundcloud.com/matt-gerber</a></p>
<p> </p>
<h1>
<strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM.</span></strong><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline"></span></strong>
</h1>
<p> </p>
<p>The elephant in the room just farted!</p>
<p>An eruption packed with pestilent bouquets.</p>
<p>This wasn't a dirty duster from the 30s,</p>
<p>But rather like an oily dank malaise.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Even now, some would still deny it,</p>
<p>Say it's perfectly normal for their eyes to bleed.</p>
<p>Then they'll try to profit from the last pockets of fresh air</p>
<p> (I tell you that's a special type of greed!)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's as plain as your proboscis this will surely spell our doom,</p>
<p>If we disregard the elephant in the room.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As they tiptoe 'round the steaming piles of failure,</p>
<p>That the elephant has gifted to the floor.</p>
<p>They will blamestorm, barter, brawl and bicker</p>
<p>Yet the elephant is studiously ignored.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That's what happens when the fertaliars,</p>
<p>Influence us into making more mistakes.</p>
<p>And before you know it, if we keep the status quo</p>
<p>We'll be totally dunged up for goodness sakes!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are a lot of things in life that are unnecessary,</p>
<p>Like planning for the future once we've burried the canary.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The elephant in the room is getting restless,</p>
<p>It's taking up a lot more space each year.</p>
<p>And if the elephant keeps on growing bigger, and bigger.</p>
<p>Then everybody else will disappear.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's as plain as your proboscis this will surely spell our doom,</p>
<p>If we disregard the elephant,</p>
<p>Especially as it's relevant,</p>
<p>We can't ignore the elephant in the room.</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400292014-02-18T19:00:00-05:002022-05-06T03:17:12-04:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge - Week 1 - "In A Perfect World"
<p>Please click on the below link to take you to a demo recording of "In A Perfect World" on soundcloud.</p>
<p><a href="https://soundcloud.com/matt-gerber" data-imported="1">https://soundcloud.com/matt-gerber</a></p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400282014-02-18T19:00:00-05:002022-05-12T02:26:29-04:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge, Week 1 (Continued) Tweaking (Not Twerking!!!)
<p>I'm constantly going back to make adjustments to my lyrics, especially once I try to put them to music and try to perform them. This involves trying to find the right phrasing and weeding out the words that don't "sound right". Also, it's where I experiment with moving verses around. Here's the latest version of "In A Perfect World", I've added a coda;</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a perfect world,</p>
<p>We would all be equal,</p>
<p>No one would be labeled rich or poor.</p>
<p>Money would be as free as breathing</p>
<p>But in a perfect world,</p>
<p>Could I love you more?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a perfect world,</p>
<p>Everyone is friendly,</p>
<p>It's a place where no one ever locks the door</p>
<p>We would take only what we need</p>
<p>But in a perfect world,</p>
<p>Could I love you more?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our love has built a bond between us,</p>
<p> From every trial faced along the way.</p>
<p>And it's getting stronger every day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a perfect world,</p>
<p>We wouldn't have to worry,</p>
<p>What the years ahead of us have in store.</p>
<p>All our plans would come together</p>
<p>But in a perfect world,</p>
<p>Could I love you more?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's not a perfect world,</p>
<p>But I love you to its core.</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400272014-02-17T19:00:00-05:002023-12-10T11:45:19-05:00Week 1 Challenge (Continued)
<p>I found that at first glance, none of the titles, themes or opening lines that I came up with inspired me. For some reason, another title popped into my head "In A Perfect World" (which I'm going to swap with "A Seed In The Wind"). A song came together quickly after that. Here's the lyrics;</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a perfect world,</p>
<p>Things would be so easy,</p>
<p>I wouldn't have to struggle any more.</p>
<p>Money would be as free as breathing</p>
<p>But in a perfect world,</p>
<p>Could I love you more?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a perfect world,</p>
<p>There would be no evil.</p>
<p>No reasons for us to go to war.</p>
<p>No man's fist, raised 'gainst another.</p>
<p>But in a perfect world,</p>
<p>Could I love you more?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a perfect world,</p>
<p>Everyone is friendly,</p>
<p>It's a place where no one ever locks the door</p>
<p>We would take only what we need</p>
<p>But in a perfect world,</p>
<p>Could I love you more?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our love has built a bond between us,</p>
<p>With every hardship faced along the way,</p>
<p>That's getting stronger every day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a perfect world,</p>
<p>We wouldn't have to worry,</p>
<p>What the years ahead of us have in store.</p>
<p>All our plans would come together</p>
<p>But in a perfect world,</p>
<p>Could I love you more?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Now I've realized that I've rhymed 'more' with 'more' in the 1st verse (which is unfortunate, but I don't want to keep that). Also, I think I have one verse too many. The easiest path for me to take is to just drop the 1st verse, and then I've resolved both issues!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I decided to write this on guitar and came up with a pleasant melody. Hopefully I'll be able to make some sort of recording of this prior to this coming Monday's deadline.</p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400262014-02-17T19:00:00-05:002023-02-27T06:03:00-05:00S.A.C. Songwriting and Blogging Challenge - Week 1
<p>This week's challenge has a couple of parts. The first is to identify 3 song titles, 3 themes and 3 opening lines that strike me as interesting for existing songs. The second part is to come up with 5 titles, 5 themes and 5 opening lines of my own. The 3rd part is to write a song using one of those titles, themes or opening lines and to have it completed by Monday, February 24th.</p>
<p>I've now completed parts 1 and 2 of this week's challenge;</p>
<p>Titles:</p>
<ol>
<li>The Greedy Ugly People - Hefner</li>
<li>Karma Police - Radiohead</li>
<li>Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>This Side Of The Ground</li>
<li>How The West Was Lost</li>
<li>Sober Second Thought</li>
<li>A Seed In The Wind</li>
<li>Analysis Paralysis</li>
</ul>
<p>Themes:</p>
<ol>
<li>Death/Dying - (Knockin' on Heaven`s Door - Bob Dylan)</li>
<li>Perspective - (Do You Realize - The Flaming Lips)</li>
<li>Longing/Depression - (Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths)</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Beauty of Nature</li>
<li>Regret</li>
<li>Warning about the future</li>
<li>Anticipation</li>
<li>Super Heroes</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Opening Lines:</p>
<ol>
<li>"It's so cold this morning that my breath comes out like steam." - (She Doesn`t Belong To Me - Pete and the Pirates)</li>
<li>"Lover now that you've left me I'm glad you're unlovely." - (Love To A Monster - Okkervil River)</li>
<li>"I am a man of constant sorrow, I've seen trouble all my day." - (Man of Constant Sorrow - Traditional)</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>"Atheism is a non-prophet organization."</li>
<li>"I have a half million reasons to leave you."</li>
<li>"I was a fool to think I understood."</li>
<li>"The elephant in the room just farted."</li>
<li>"The waves of Civilization continuously crash against the shores of time."</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Matt Gerbertag:mattgerbermusic.com,2005:Post/60400252014-01-24T19:00:00-05:002023-12-10T12:15:19-05:00Positive Music Imperative (PMI)
<p>A wonderful friend of mine, Heather Hill, invited me to be a part of the project Positive Music Imperative.</p>
<p>Part of the project involves a series of compilation albums, with different themes. I've been fortunate to have contributed to two albums thus far. The link is below.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.positivemusicimperative.com/discography/pmi-compilation-january-2014/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://www.positivemusicimperative.com/discography/pmi-compilation-january-2014/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>"The Positive Music Imperative is a collaborative collective, social enterprise, creating a legacy through the creation of positive music, and by educating people around the world about the role and importance of Positive Music in being an agent for personal, community and global change.</p>
<div>
<p>Our mandate is to both create and positive music as well as to educate the importance of Positive Music and its ability to change people, communities and the world like no other force we know. That’s the Positive Music Imperative."</p>
</div>
Matt Gerber