Blog for Chords of Wood

Sweet Home Alabama - Not Really, But Close

2023-01-29T22:20:23-05:00

I don't blame any of you or my fans from yawning at yet another entry years later from the last, but the big news is my big move to Tennessee (near Alabama) in just a few weeks if our pending Minnesota home sale closes as expected.

My wife Pam and I are not only thrilled to be going somewhere south to escape these harsh Minnesota winters, but for me, being that much closer to the major hub of country and Christian music production and songwriting will finally feel like putting the frame of a jigsaw puzzle together.

Soon we can put all the little pieces together inside the frame to complete our picture.

My Seven Year Absence

2019-05-23T22:05:28-04:00

Frankly, I could attempt to explain my absence and bore you to tears, but to sum it up in a paragraph, I was working as a truck driver, and maintaining a full-time (between 15-18 credit hours) academic load at Indiana University South Bend, where I finally completed my BFA in Integrated New Media, along with 3 minors in May 2016; regrettably, I did not finish my music composition minor by one class, but I can live with that. One of my favorite songs I wrote while at IUSB was "The Way You Make Me Grin Girl." As a result of my BFA accomplishment, I left the trucking industry, and relocated to Minneapolis to pursue work in the E-commerce sector. I am still writing and hope to get several songs published this year.

Another interesting development that allows me to utilize my creative writing minor and digital photography is my volunteer photojournalism work for www.musicinminnesota.com/author/james. As a side benefit, it has allowed me to get to know some of the emerging artists in country and inspiration music. And we all know how important connections are in the music industry. Stay tuned friends.

Making the Turn

2012-11-11T13:12:43-05:00

My most recent visit to Nashville has spawned an internal combustion that will propel me into the necessary realm to become a professional writer. I'm excited about what lies ahead for 2013! Action is the only permissible substitute for hopeful results.

The Free Music Debate...

2008-11-24T21:35:37-05:00

Lately I've been quizzing youngsters on where they get there music, and although some are purchasing them (cds) at traditional retailers, the free downloading is what frightens this songwriter. Not news to me, but I'm trying to understand the reasoning behind it.
Have millions of ads in the world that promote certain "free" this and that finally corrupted the public and they're taking out their vengence on the music industry.
I'd like to see the kid's face at McDonald's, who waiting for that paycheck on Friday, gets a sly comment from his manager stating that he worked for free that week;
Perhaps this isn't the greatest parallel, but let's face it, some great future songwriter/group won't be pursuing their craft with the zeal they could if they've got to keep the 6-6/9-5 job going.

Greetings from The Wood Shop...

2008-11-20T19:59:37-05:00

Still fresh from my latest Nashville Music Row visit, eagerly ready to finish 8 to 10 songs that are laying on the wood planer to be shaved down to their finished version.
Will be in the Gaither Studios in late Jan. '09 to nail these boards to the audio console.