Nick Alexander is known as the Catholic Weird Al. He writes wonderful, funny and thought provoking Catholic parodies of popular songs. He also writes Praise and Worship music. His new project is Top Catholic Songs, which hosts a site for user generated voting on Top Ten lists of Catholic Music. We had a wonderful conversation ranging from 80’s pop and Christian rock music, questions of faith, to the nuts and bolts of songwriting. Nick also shared some of his novel ideas for how niche indie musicians can market their music. We had alot of fun recording this episode. I hope you enjoy listening to it.
You can leave comments on the blog, send me an email to ductapeguy at hotmail dot com, send me a voice feedback at 206-337-0611, or join the For The Sake of the Song Podcast group on Facebook.
This week I recorded not one, but two parody songs for specific purposes.
The first was a version of The Librivox Song Penned by Daniel known as Great Plains on the Librivox forums. It was featured on
Librivox Community Podcast 80
.
(To the tune of “I’m Henry the 8th I Am”) (Don’t worry. “I’m Henry the 8th I Am” is in the PD, so we’re clear.)
I’ll read for LibriVox dot org!
Read for Librivox dot org dot org!
I’ll go post on the message board,
then I’ll grab a micphone and record!
And every book will soon be read,
Written by the authors who are dead.
I’ll head on over to LibriVox,
And read for LibriVox dot org!
Good Job Daniel. And be sure to check out his blog.
The second was the Catholic New Media Celebration Blues. I won’t be able to go the the Catholic New Media Celebration in Atlanta on June 22, 2008, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help promote it. Here is a video and downloadable mp3 of the CNMC Blues.
I first became acquainted with Bruce Chambers last summer when he was one of the organizers of Podcamp Online. Bruce ended the event with some original live streaming saxophone music. It was a great end to a great online event. Bruce plays piano and keyboards. He currently composes and records smooth jazz music but he has a background in hard rock and heavy metal music. He is also a podcaster and web entrepreneur. He runs the Long Island Podcast Network, Hot Web Ideas and Podcaster Who’s Who, as well as hosting over 20 podcasts.
You can leave comments on the blog, send me an email to ductapeguy at hotmail dot com, send me a voice feedback at 206-337-0611, or join the For The Sake of the Song Podcast group on Facebook.
Scott Cooper is another former Midland resident who now lives in Toronto. Last fall he released his new CD, Tiny Increments. I featured him in a For the Sake of the Song Interview a few months ago.
Here is Scott Cooper singing The Summer Song, accompanied by Mike Yates on cello at the Twisted Pines Festival on May 17.
Mike Yates grew up in Midland but currently resides in Ottawa. He recently released a new CD, Songs for Tomorrow. He performed at the Twisted Pines Festival on May 17 with fellow Midland expatriate, Scott Cooper.
Here is Mike singing Art of Conversation.
And here is Mike Yates performing, State of Us.
The Twisted Pines Festival Continues until May 19. Information on showtimes and tickets for the festival can be found at http://twistedpines.com.
The podcaster’s dilemma. Do I take time to post media, or go record more?
Last night at the Twisted Pines Festival was exceptional. I recorded an interview with Washboard Hank for an upcoming For The Sake of the Song. I caught Washboard Hank and Karla Crawford’s showcase sets. The legendary Garth Hudson sat in with the Wye River Band then gave a wonderful introduction to the Daniel Lanois movie in which he appears. The evening ended with a spontaneous jam of about a dozen festival musicians led by Mansa Sissoko. I recorded many pictures and about 3 hours of audio last night but I’ve no time to post. Here are 4 youtube clips from, 2 from Washboard Hank, and 2 with the Wye River Band and Garth Hudson.
The Twisted Pines Festival Continues until May 19. Information on showtimes and tickets for the festival can be found at http://twistedpines.com.
Nick Alexander
