Hello all!
Over the next year or so, I plan to develop this blog a bit further. I have discovered I really enjoy doing this and it is n more just a class assignment. I would probably re-organize the blog and include more amazing artists that I discover because music is always better when it is shared. You can definitely expect to see more tales of my music chasing adventures with Neesha and by that time I hope some more people would join us on our adventures. You can expect more artists that are not so mainstream but are amazing and I promise to always keep you updated on a choicest lyrics and tunes.
Stay Tuned!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Join the chase on Spruz!
Hello Everyone!
Social Network Spruz is our second home for our quest for a good lyric and a tune. You can view and discuss videos and songs I post and post pictures and add your own comments on there. There is also a little Social Chat Box on the side where we can all talk. Spruz offers a blog of its own, forums and event postings. This is awesome because if any of you know of great artists like John Mayer, Maroon 5, James Morrison, Daniel Merriweather you can post news and events and information so that we all all better educated music lovers!!
Check it out and become a member and join the chase!
I Want To Be A Part Of The Chase!
Social Network Spruz is our second home for our quest for a good lyric and a tune. You can view and discuss videos and songs I post and post pictures and add your own comments on there. There is also a little Social Chat Box on the side where we can all talk. Spruz offers a blog of its own, forums and event postings. This is awesome because if any of you know of great artists like John Mayer, Maroon 5, James Morrison, Daniel Merriweather you can post news and events and information so that we all all better educated music lovers!!
Check it out and become a member and join the chase!
I Want To Be A Part Of The Chase!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Check These Podcasts Out!
Hello!
Here are 5 interesting podcasts I think you should check out. you can find them when you search for them on iTunes. Quite entertaining!
1. Sly $ the Family Stone -John Mayer
John Mayer's influences and inspirations are quite insightful. I have always been lead to some interesting artists because of JM. In this particular podcast, John Mayer collaborates with blues guitarist Buddy Guy on this fantastic version of "You can make it if you try" by none other than Sly and the Family Stone. In fact, I suggest you go ahead and check out some of their music too!
2. Nikon podcast 3 - John Mayer on Photography and blogs
This podcast was interesting because it shows one of the many various sides to this amazing artist. He talks about photography and his views and takes on it (obviously as it is done by Nikon) but it is still pretty cool. This podcast was cool because it has a lot to do with the things we learn in this class. Photos and blogs! Hey! :)
3.Morning Show with Elvis Duran - John Mayer Calls In!
This podcast is one of my favorites just because its a simple phone interview/conversation but he hits on such important points about artists these days and the 'American idol mania'. They even discuss his venture into comedy and why he does it. He is candid, and humble which is what is quite fascinating about JM. Its like there is more to him than just music and it is always interesting to see that side of an artist. And of course I cannot get over that phone voice of his. :)
4.John Mayer speaks at Berklee
John Mayer speaks at his college Berklee. This is where he attended before he dropped out to pursue his music career.
5.Fender: John Mayer- Inside the 2007 Summer Tour
This video podcast makes me happy and I promise you it will have the same effect on you. JM talks about his love for guitars and his custom made Fender brand guitars. He is an amazing guitar player and its nice to hear him speak about how he has come full circle now that he can design his own guitars after dreaming about specifications and designs for so long. By the way, that white custom made CONTINUUM guitar just melted me. Its just a gorgeous instrument.
Here are 5 interesting podcasts I think you should check out. you can find them when you search for them on iTunes. Quite entertaining!
1. Sly $ the Family Stone -John Mayer
John Mayer's influences and inspirations are quite insightful. I have always been lead to some interesting artists because of JM. In this particular podcast, John Mayer collaborates with blues guitarist Buddy Guy on this fantastic version of "You can make it if you try" by none other than Sly and the Family Stone. In fact, I suggest you go ahead and check out some of their music too!
2. Nikon podcast 3 - John Mayer on Photography and blogs
This podcast was interesting because it shows one of the many various sides to this amazing artist. He talks about photography and his views and takes on it (obviously as it is done by Nikon) but it is still pretty cool. This podcast was cool because it has a lot to do with the things we learn in this class. Photos and blogs! Hey! :)
3.Morning Show with Elvis Duran - John Mayer Calls In!
This podcast is one of my favorites just because its a simple phone interview/conversation but he hits on such important points about artists these days and the 'American idol mania'. They even discuss his venture into comedy and why he does it. He is candid, and humble which is what is quite fascinating about JM. Its like there is more to him than just music and it is always interesting to see that side of an artist. And of course I cannot get over that phone voice of his. :)
4.John Mayer speaks at Berklee
John Mayer speaks at his college Berklee. This is where he attended before he dropped out to pursue his music career.
5.Fender: John Mayer- Inside the 2007 Summer Tour
This video podcast makes me happy and I promise you it will have the same effect on you. JM talks about his love for guitars and his custom made Fender brand guitars. He is an amazing guitar player and its nice to hear him speak about how he has come full circle now that he can design his own guitars after dreaming about specifications and designs for so long. By the way, that white custom made CONTINUUM guitar just melted me. Its just a gorgeous instrument.
Rules I Live By Online
1. Never do it for the money.
2. Always work on a subject I truly care about.
3. Be Honest.
4. Always provide evidence and proof supporting my work if it is not my opinion. NO plagiarism.
5. Be open to criticism.
6. Be accountable for everything I write/post/publish
7. Always write something that I would want to read.
8. Remain neutral in reporting information except when it is my personal opinion.
9. Keep things simple.
10. Verify my information.
11. Never distort my information
12. Never use unethical and immoral means to gather information.
13. Never intrude people’s privacy to gather information.
14. Be sensitive to the voiceless and less fortunate.
15. Always ask permission to photograph and video my subjects I use.
16. Understand and never jeopardize or violate human rights
17. Respect other cultures and cultural boundaries
18. Remain non-partial when gathering information about a certain subject.
19. Correct and clarify my errors as soon as I realize them.
20. Follow all my online rules.
2. Always work on a subject I truly care about.
3. Be Honest.
4. Always provide evidence and proof supporting my work if it is not my opinion. NO plagiarism.
5. Be open to criticism.
6. Be accountable for everything I write/post/publish
7. Always write something that I would want to read.
8. Remain neutral in reporting information except when it is my personal opinion.
9. Keep things simple.
10. Verify my information.
11. Never distort my information
12. Never use unethical and immoral means to gather information.
13. Never intrude people’s privacy to gather information.
14. Be sensitive to the voiceless and less fortunate.
15. Always ask permission to photograph and video my subjects I use.
16. Understand and never jeopardize or violate human rights
17. Respect other cultures and cultural boundaries
18. Remain non-partial when gathering information about a certain subject.
19. Correct and clarify my errors as soon as I realize them.
20. Follow all my online rules.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Google Sites
Google Sites is a great collaboration tool for colleagues, classmates, families, and more. THe following is a link to my Google Site. I have embedded my calendar and a document from google docs as per the class assignment.
Google Site hperera
Google Site hperera
Saturday, July 24, 2010
The Future
So, I came across this very interesting article on how John Mayer has started something called an "augmented reality music video". Just when you thought you couldn't get that much closer to a celebrity now you can actually, virtually be in a JM video.
This is so John Mayer, not that I am claiming to know him personally but as an artist, this is so him. He loves interacting with his fans. You can tell, he always talks to his fans through twitter, tumblr, streaming video etc and eventually gets into trouble. But this augmented reality music video is an excellent addition to the John Mayer brand, it makes it seem more accessible and appeals to its target audience.
This is it! This is an absolutely brilliant idea. Well not cos of JM but its just genius!
Below is a link to an article that talks about how John Mayer "found time to revolutionize online music videos".
JM Video features YOU!
This is so John Mayer, not that I am claiming to know him personally but as an artist, this is so him. He loves interacting with his fans. You can tell, he always talks to his fans through twitter, tumblr, streaming video etc and eventually gets into trouble. But this augmented reality music video is an excellent addition to the John Mayer brand, it makes it seem more accessible and appeals to its target audience.
This is it! This is an absolutely brilliant idea. Well not cos of JM but its just genius!
Below is a link to an article that talks about how John Mayer "found time to revolutionize online music videos".
JM Video features YOU!
The Final Push
Below is a video clip from JM's live album and concert film, "Where The Light Is". This performance features three separate performances: the first an acoustic set by Mayer alone, the second with the John Mayer Trio, and the third with Mayer's regular touring band. With a cup of warm tea in hand, Neesha and I watched this concert from start to finish. By the end of the concert, we had that look in our eyes - we found our next adventure.
"I got an LOL RT!"
Since I've dedicated this entire blog to John Mayer and his musical brilliance, I thought it would be interesting to dive into his thoughts on social media. Listen to JM's take on Twitter and it's strong connection with the need for approval and external validation. This interview took place at the ASCAP's 2010 "I Create Music" EXPO in Hollywood.
Getting intimate with JM
Below is clip from an interview Fuse did with John Mayer prior to the release of his Battle Studies album on 17 November 2009. As much as we enjoyed watching him on stage in Raleigh, NC - next on the agenda: intimate jam session at home perhaps?
It's not warm when he's away
John Mayer left us in awe with his performance of the Bill Withers original "Ain't No Sunshine" at the Walnut Creek Amphitheater in Raleigh, NC. This video has been shot by a member of the audience in the 4th row (a mere 13 rows ahead of us) - seats we would have ached to call ours. Regardless, with an added reggae twist, JM had no trouble in leaving us weak at the knees.
Dwindling
I ve realized that I have put up decriptions, set lists, photos, songs and tour calendars of the John Mayer Battle studies tour. i think I have exhausted all the souveniers of my adventure with Neesha. Soon we must find a new adventure to chase.
Without a doubt though, Neesha and I have already planned numerous adventures chasing our favorite artists and of course more John Mayer. This concert was definitely the first of many. Id like to chase some other artists too like Maroon 5, James Morrison, The Dave Matthews Band, David Ryan Harris, Ash Grunwald and The john Butler Trio. Some day they will all be names associated with my adventures. You see what I mean? Adventures follow me and I follow them.
Without a doubt though, Neesha and I have already planned numerous adventures chasing our favorite artists and of course more John Mayer. This concert was definitely the first of many. Id like to chase some other artists too like Maroon 5, James Morrison, The Dave Matthews Band, David Ryan Harris, Ash Grunwald and The john Butler Trio. Some day they will all be names associated with my adventures. You see what I mean? Adventures follow me and I follow them.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Things I learned this week.
While interacting with people to take all these pictures I learned a a lot about other people and quite a bit about myself as well. There were times when we had to ask a stranger to take our picture because we would hardly get to take picture with the two of us.We would eventually make friends with some of these people too.
Even while we were in our seats at the concert, the people in the row behind us probably thought we were slightly camera happy. But of course, we didn't care at all. We were gonna get as camera drunk as we could at our first ever John Mayer concert.
I also learned that natural, candid shots make the nicest shots and thanks to digital cameras we can take a lot of pictures really fast and choose our best shot. This helps most snap happy people get really professional photos.
Even while we were in our seats at the concert, the people in the row behind us probably thought we were slightly camera happy. But of course, we didn't care at all. We were gonna get as camera drunk as we could at our first ever John Mayer concert.
I also learned that natural, candid shots make the nicest shots and thanks to digital cameras we can take a lot of pictures really fast and choose our best shot. This helps most snap happy people get really professional photos.
Good Pictures?
This is a shot of my friend Neesha walking down Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, NC. We were trying to find a bus stop. It was a long, hot walk. I used the flash for this one.
I suppose this shot takes advice from 2 tips. Use the flash outdoors and Move it from the middle.
This is John Mayer performing Who Says. This is close up shot. I used the zoom feature on my camera for this.
This is yet another awesome shot of John Mayer performing. I didn't use the flash for this one. there was a lot of light from the stage itself. This picture is an example of taking a vertical picture.
Where were we when John Mayer got into an ice cream truck.
I Want Ice Cream
So, I'm guessing Raleigh, NC was not really a much anticipated concert on John Mayer's part at least. He didn't get into any ice cream trucks before he played for us! How tragic. I am not generally a fan of ice cream, but man! if JM handed me one I'd probably at least let it melt in my hands. Okay maybe a few slurps. But damn! That would be so awesome.
I wish we could just go and hang out with him. I mean not to sound fan-like but he just seems like an interesting person to hang out with and maybe play cards or go to a bar with. Like I don't think I idolize John Mayer, I think I like him cos he is smart and his perspective of the world is interesting. And of course his music is just amazing. I respect an non-manufactured artist, I really do. They can have my iTunes gift card and concert ticket money.
This article just goes to show how quirky he is. Like he is closer to normal than most celebrities are and he actually has a claim to be like that. It's cool cos it shows that he's just as normal as we are. The only difference is he can hold a tune, strum the crazy on a guitar and ride around on an ice cream truck WITH the ice cream man's permission.
So, I'm guessing Raleigh, NC was not really a much anticipated concert on John Mayer's part at least. He didn't get into any ice cream trucks before he played for us! How tragic. I am not generally a fan of ice cream, but man! if JM handed me one I'd probably at least let it melt in my hands. Okay maybe a few slurps. But damn! That would be so awesome.
I wish we could just go and hang out with him. I mean not to sound fan-like but he just seems like an interesting person to hang out with and maybe play cards or go to a bar with. Like I don't think I idolize John Mayer, I think I like him cos he is smart and his perspective of the world is interesting. And of course his music is just amazing. I respect an non-manufactured artist, I really do. They can have my iTunes gift card and concert ticket money.
This article just goes to show how quirky he is. Like he is closer to normal than most celebrities are and he actually has a claim to be like that. It's cool cos it shows that he's just as normal as we are. The only difference is he can hold a tune, strum the crazy on a guitar and ride around on an ice cream truck WITH the ice cream man's permission.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Deep Web
To John Mayer With Love
Thats the URL of this blog I found. It is so simple and well suited. You can definitely tell it is a personal page. The blog is written by a girl called Mia. There is nothing much else I know about her except that she has a HUGE collection of JM pictures.She keeps the blog updated pretty promptly. Her credentials are that she is a highly enthusiastic JM fan and this blog is her tribute to him.
The blog has some informative widgets and information like tour dates, blogs, and links to other JM sites and social media sites.The links on her site work and her information is mostly her personal opinion and commentary.
The site does not have a lot of traffic or even one review according to alexa.com. The site has 16 sites linking in and it has a traffic rank of 1,489,581.
The purpose of this site is more personal than public. The blogger is obviously a fan of our Mr. John Mayer and this is her ode to him.
Thats the URL of this blog I found. It is so simple and well suited. You can definitely tell it is a personal page. The blog is written by a girl called Mia. There is nothing much else I know about her except that she has a HUGE collection of JM pictures.She keeps the blog updated pretty promptly. Her credentials are that she is a highly enthusiastic JM fan and this blog is her tribute to him.
The blog has some informative widgets and information like tour dates, blogs, and links to other JM sites and social media sites.The links on her site work and her information is mostly her personal opinion and commentary.
The site does not have a lot of traffic or even one review according to alexa.com. The site has 16 sites linking in and it has a traffic rank of 1,489,581.
The purpose of this site is more personal than public. The blogger is obviously a fan of our Mr. John Mayer and this is her ode to him.
See for yourselves....
This is an awesome website I came across. It has the set list for the concert we went to AND videos of each song.
NB: The videos are NOT from the concert itself, but live performances nonetheless.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Finally!
No amount of words could have described how excited we were after being dropped off at the concert venue. It had just stopped raining and Neesha and I were probably the two happiest brown girls in the world at that moment.
Train had already started singing, we could hear them as we walked in. When we found our seats and filled our eyes and ears with Train's spectacular performance. Wow! They played Save Me San Francisco, Calling All Angels,If It's Love and Marry Me. Pat Monahan got up close and personal and decided to walk into the crowd and serenade some lucky old lady during Marry Me. Sigh!
And then came John Mayer himself, opening with Vultures. It was amazing. Now THAT is a true artist. He sounds better live than he does in his recorded albums. Neesha and I were in heaven. This was actually happening. After screaming and dancing to most of our favorite John Mayer songs, we were still trying to come up with a strategy to get backstage and meet JM. Obviously, that didn't happen or else this blog would be called Finding John Mayer or something to that effect. Either way, hoping that our imaginations and wildest dreams would come true was good enough for Neesha and I.
Monday, July 19, 2010
How it all started.....
I love John Mayer (JM) as an artist and I have always wanted to watch him perform live. My friend Neesha is just as much a JM fan as I am. Since I have to leave the US to head back home, i decided to make it my mission to watch one of Mr. Mayer's concerts. I pitched the idea to Neesha, and hoped hard that she would agree to go with me. She did.
And then started the tiresome task of looking up airline deals and ticket prices, hotels and tour dates. Most good seats were sold out so we eventually settled on $244.00 for two VIP Box tickets for the JM concert in Raleigh, NC at the Time Warner Cable Pavillion on the 17th of July. The cherry on top was that Train was opening for him. By the time we had purchased out flight and hotel we had spent almost $ 500 each and had gone way over budget. Still, being almost penniless didnt even mildly affect our excitement and anticipation. We slept so happily that night. We were getting to see John Mayer live. It was gonna happen.
http://www.ustream.tv/johnmayer
This blog is about more than just a concert. Because attached to every concert is an adventure waiting to happen, a new place to be discovered, new people to meet and new things to learn about. This blog is about great artists and finding them. Most importantly this blog is about silent life experiences under the guise of good music.
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