Happy Thanksgiving

For all those inspired by the holiday season, I hope you have a fantastic one! Take plenty of time to relax and reflect on the past experiences of the year!

Lines of Inspiration- A Critique on Renoe Alexander (Musical Artist)

Looking at a number of artists, visual and musical, I can't help but think of their sources of inspiration. Anything from a landscape with cultural roots to a preceding artist. The thought that you can take influences from multiple places and compile them into this mess of ideas and thoughts to call your own.

I've recently been on a musical artist kick, in particular Yann Tiersen, Chris Garneau and Johnny Cash. All different sides of the musical spectrum, but none of them compromising their musical genieus. I travel from song to song, video to video trying to understand these artists; look at influences and look for cultural references. I fell into a moment of weakness this week though.

An artist, in his own right, Renoe Alexander displays his videos on youtube. After listening to a number of his covers, though well sung, I was under-whelmed and frustrated. He was very accurate in duplicating a style. Distinct styles that these other artists encompass. Bringing little to nothing of his own, not even other influences. I kept telling myself, "if I want to hear this song, I can just listen to the original version." But I neglected to think about his intention. Was it his intention to make these covers to expand his musical vocabulary? To show off his ability to duplicate? In my hasty judgement, I developed this tunnel vision and closed my mind.



I've recently downloaded his free EP, called "For When Your Skin is Cold." Safe to say, I was hasty. This EP is like many others, mostly organic in nature. Mainly acoustic and recording equipment isn't the best, but this lends itself to a more honest experience. With a mix of classic seasonal songs and some original songs by the artist, it is a nice little compilation of musical range and self expression. With his voice being subdued at times and whiley at others, it is a good start for this artist. Though in the covers, I would like to see more personality shine through, they are nicely done. With much room to grow, this is a major accomplishment for any artist. Good luck Mr. Renoe Alexander.

Podcast Idea still alive and well!

Numerous "should haves" and lack of tools has delayed this idea of podcasting. But! Fear not! I am on the market looking for a digital recorder! After a drunken/green bean casserole night talking about everything from the colour spectrum to survival of the fittest to antibiotics, it is apparent that we must record for the sake of a continued discussion and a catalogue of objective views!