In order to continue working while we look for our dream drummer, we have begun using a great drum program, and we have to admit, it really works. Our songwriting approach varies. So, having access to a tool that gives us another option for creative exploration is a lot of fun.
Sometimes, a melody just pops into someone's head, and we build upon it. Other times, we start with a chord progression that needs some fleshing out. Frequently, we start with a bass line. A good, interesting bass line is a fundamental foundation for the feel of the rest of the song. A powerful bass line invites a multitude of chord progressions. Chord progressions give rise to melodies, and melodies seem to have this mysterious, parthenogenetic quality. One begets another, and no one is quite sure how it happened, because there was only one in the beginning... Ultimately, however, it is the percussion, the drumming, the rhythm, that is the framework that can make or break a song. If you're a musician, and you've spent some time with a keyboard or organ with multiple drum tracks programmed into it, you've had a chance to hear how profoundly a different rhythm changes the feel of a song.
Now that we have the ability to craft our own rhythms, we're free to explore beyond pre-programmed beat standards. While there is no substitute for a highly talented human drummer, and we really want to stress that- great drummers cannot be replaced by machines- having a means to give your music a spine when you're deep in the writing process really helps with bringing your vision to life. Some of our best material was written over an established rhythm.
We look forward to the day when we have another creative partner to add their ideas to the petri dish. In the meantime, we have the chance to develop what we want to hear so that our future drummer has a guide to our percussive aesthetic, and we also get to continue to play shows before we find that perfect fit.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Seeking a Drummer
Morning Shadows is officially scheduling auditions for our next drummer.
The ideal drummer will be someone who has fun planning stagecraft. The ideal drummer will enjoy wearing a costume both onstage and off. He or she will also be versatile, have their own transportation and drum kit, and be sober and on time regularly. A tall order, of course, but this area is bursting with talent, so we're holding out for someone special.
Contact us via morningshadowsannarbor@gmail.com to schedule an audition.
The ideal drummer will be someone who has fun planning stagecraft. The ideal drummer will enjoy wearing a costume both onstage and off. He or she will also be versatile, have their own transportation and drum kit, and be sober and on time regularly. A tall order, of course, but this area is bursting with talent, so we're holding out for someone special.
Contact us via morningshadowsannarbor@gmail.com to schedule an audition.
Friday, April 7, 2017
That Other Band and Their Bullshit
Today, we just feel like talking about attitudes. There are lots of bands out there. If you play in an active, gigging band, you're going to play shows with several of them. Some are terrible. Some will blow you away. Most fall in between, and of those, many won't be the sort of thing you'd want to hear.
It's important to remember that we are not competitors. We are colleagues. We don't all share the same tastes, and perhaps we don't appeal to the same groups of people. Still, any local music scene as a whole does better when the bands in it do not disparage one another. Perhaps you've heard the expression, "No man is an island." Well, neither is any band.
Audiences are comprised of friends, family, coworkers, and fans. Who wants to be the guy shouting into her or his friend's ear, "What the fuck is this awful bullshit?!" or "These guys are horrible musicians," when the song suddenly has a break in it, or while unknowingly within earshot of the other band's good friends or family? Or perhaps that awful band is a favorite of a major local promoter, and that promoter or the show organizer is sitting right next to you as you heap insults upon the other band. That is a great way to burn bridges, and make your band persona non grata.
What to do instead, if you don't like a band? Be polite. They 're either going to get better over time, or they will ultimately dissolve. Playing a show with them won't hurt your reputation. If they're really that terrible, it will go without being said. If they're really alright, but not your style? HELP THEM OUT. A music scene cannot depend on one band alone, and diversity makes for an elaborate tapestry of sound. Our thanks to the musicians with whom we have been able to play that understand these things, and that how we treat each other colors how our scene is viewed.
With that out of the way, it's a good time to mention that Morning Shadows is currently seeking a cellist or standup bassist who is skilled with bowing their instrument. Alternatively, a talented tuba player would be most welcome! Interested? Email us at morningshadowsannarbor@gmail.com.
It's important to remember that we are not competitors. We are colleagues. We don't all share the same tastes, and perhaps we don't appeal to the same groups of people. Still, any local music scene as a whole does better when the bands in it do not disparage one another. Perhaps you've heard the expression, "No man is an island." Well, neither is any band.
Audiences are comprised of friends, family, coworkers, and fans. Who wants to be the guy shouting into her or his friend's ear, "What the fuck is this awful bullshit?!" or "These guys are horrible musicians," when the song suddenly has a break in it, or while unknowingly within earshot of the other band's good friends or family? Or perhaps that awful band is a favorite of a major local promoter, and that promoter or the show organizer is sitting right next to you as you heap insults upon the other band. That is a great way to burn bridges, and make your band persona non grata.
What to do instead, if you don't like a band? Be polite. They 're either going to get better over time, or they will ultimately dissolve. Playing a show with them won't hurt your reputation. If they're really that terrible, it will go without being said. If they're really alright, but not your style? HELP THEM OUT. A music scene cannot depend on one band alone, and diversity makes for an elaborate tapestry of sound. Our thanks to the musicians with whom we have been able to play that understand these things, and that how we treat each other colors how our scene is viewed.
With that out of the way, it's a good time to mention that Morning Shadows is currently seeking a cellist or standup bassist who is skilled with bowing their instrument. Alternatively, a talented tuba player would be most welcome! Interested? Email us at morningshadowsannarbor@gmail.com.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Ch Ch Ch Changes
Morning Shadows is evolving, which means lineup changes and some new songs we've been keeping up our sleeves. We've also applied to some local music festivals, and are planning more shows, so watch for our announcements.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Friday, March 10, 2017
Last Night's Show
Last night was a blast! Everyone who came was enthusiastic, and Pancho Villa's Skull and Blue Black Hours put on stellar performances. Pancho Villa's Skull blew us away with their energy and gorgeous harmonies, colorful melodies, and tight rhythm, and Blue Black Hours drenched the house in a swirling, psychedelic display, setting the atmosphere for their echo laden stoner groove, and their strong, husky vocals, reminiscent of Chris Cornell's lower register.
We'll have pictures to post soon, and we also learned that NO, the Blind Pig has NOT been sold. Keep an eye out, as we'll also have video, and will update shortly. Many thanks to everyone who came out to see us, students, townies, and bands!
We'll have pictures to post soon, and we also learned that NO, the Blind Pig has NOT been sold. Keep an eye out, as we'll also have video, and will update shortly. Many thanks to everyone who came out to see us, students, townies, and bands!
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
About to Hatch
Have you ever used Songkick? You can follow your favorite bands, or even your favorite venues, and get notified when they have a show. We're new to the site, so we're not sure, but it appears you can buy advance tickets there. http://www.songkick.com/concerts/28968324-morning-shadows-at-blind-pig
Tomorrow is the big day!
Pancho Villa's Skull plays first at 10pm SHARP, followed by Blue Black Hours. Morning Shadows caps off the evening. The show is only $5, but $8 if you're under 21 years of age. 18 and up are welcome. We will see you in a little over 24 hours! Please let us know you're coming by RSVPing on the FB events page that Blue Black Hours has created for the show, or through Songkick. https://www.facebook.com/events/372919386417329/
Tomorrow is the big day!
Pancho Villa's Skull plays first at 10pm SHARP, followed by Blue Black Hours. Morning Shadows caps off the evening. The show is only $5, but $8 if you're under 21 years of age. 18 and up are welcome. We will see you in a little over 24 hours! Please let us know you're coming by RSVPing on the FB events page that Blue Black Hours has created for the show, or through Songkick. https://www.facebook.com/events/372919386417329/
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