CinemaSlice wants to THANK a group of talented musicians by releasing a new compilation of music, known as MUSIC MIXTAPE VOL 50!
We dug deep to hand select some amazing artists to contribute 13 dope cuts for this project– Many of which CinemaSlice has never worked with before.
CLICK HERE to download the Music Mixtape Vol. 50 for free.
Turn up your head phones and zone out to J Dirty, Kemikill, Josh Alvarez, Austin-Michael Riley, Johnny Zuko, Alphabetics, Johnny ZER0, Clay Armor, Amp D (RIP), Peso, Chad Frey, Austin Schreiber, Dowsabel, Quest the Catalyst and Jaysues, 13 Dead, War Clown, and Peter Felicano.
Sometimes — actually rather often — I hear a string of words that amuses me in its content and possesses a natural rhythm. Often the rhythm of the string of words suggests the possible rhythm of the entire song.
The string of words, in the present case found at the end of the third verse, instantly suggested both a preferred musical genre (country music), the feeling of the song (comedy), and it identified itself as the “hook” or “punchline” that might reward the listener for sticking with the song through the first two and most of the third verse. I knew early on that I wanted a vocal track and guitar, bass, solo violin and percussion, and later I added a backup violin, banjo and some oohs and aahs. At its core, this is a bit of a relationship song, in which the tolerant singer identifies the limits of his/her tolerance.
As for the title, I decided that rather than use the entire eight-word hook, which would prematurely disclose the joke, I’d shorten it to just one word: “Lips.” The short title does not telegraph what’s coming, and rather might suggest a sensual love song. Surprise!
Songwriting for me is a labor of love. So, as Labor Day celebrations occur early in September, it seems fitting to have a bit of musical fun. So, clap yer hands and flap yer “Lips”!
Great music can push a mediocre short film into the realm of “really cool”. And a great soundtrack and push a good film into the “really awesome” territory.
As the 2nd full seasons of the horror anthology series, A Slice of Fright, comes to an end– and CinemaSlice reflects on the 20 short films we’ve produced for this series within the last 12 months– We wanted to shine the spotlight on the eery music that makes these films worth watching.
We’ve had the pleasure of working with numerous talented musicians to produce creepy original soundtrack compositions for each episode of A Slice of Fright. So without further ado, THANK YOU to all of the musicians featured on this free collection of original music:
In June of every year for about the past decade, I’ve played live music as part of the festivities of “A Night in June”, a music celebration which takes place in Pinconning City Park, Pinconning, Michigan, during the month of June.
This year, while I was rehearsing with my fellow musicians, it occurred to me that the festival itself has no “signature song.” So, I set about trying to see if our performance group would be interested in playing a new original song for which I’d provide the lead sheets. The group was in favor, and we rehearsed the tune in anticipation of performance.
I then decided to share the song with CinemaSlice.com for to feature as part of my “Art Lives On” series, in which I’m providing one original song during each month of 2018.
The song is a simple 1950’s-style vintage cowboy or country waltz. The recorded arrangement features vocals, violin, guitar, bass, chorus, and percussion.
During the month of July, in which we celebrate Independence Day, community activities range from parades, fireworks, outdoor concerts and gatherings of families and friends. It’s also a great time for individual reflection about what’s important and to recommit to positive action to benefit self and others.
While I planned to write a song called “You Get My Goat,” I wrote this melody and decided, “This isn’t that song.” For no particular reason, I then changed the title to “Election Day.” After writing the lyrics to the tune, I again changed the title to “What It Is.” This is, in fact a meandering song, starting out as a reflection of frustrations of searching for work in a tight job market, then morphing to an expression of a wish to find meaning in life, then starting a diatribe, an ain’t-it-awful commentary about our culture, then a questioning of whether involvement in social problems is worth the effort, then a decision to embrace action, commitment and self-acceptance, then a wish for others to see their own value and how that value may be appreciated by others, and finally extolling the value and uniqueness of each individual who chooses to try to maximize their potential.
There are two versions of “What It Is” – a moderately slow lyrical version and a faster instrumental version. The addition of lyrics and change of speed tend to create different moods. It’s my hope that after listening, you’ll at least conclude, “It is ‘What It Is’”, and not “You get my goat!” 🙂
The weather will sometimes trick you into thinking the day will remain grey, but just then the sun comes out to play. It wasn’t any different at RiverScene June 1-3 Featuring over 60+ bands, local art, eats, and brews in 2018 at Wenonah park in Bay City, Mi.
The inspiration that is conjured at events in the area is IMPERATIVE to the growth of the scene. I attended as a fam, an artist, journalist, and a contributor.
Why? Showing up for the scene is number one, and contributing is number 2, together they create a natural flow of networking and relativity. People support such events for the opportunities to experience their local culture, with one another, in the open air.
Back with another music piece to add to the “Art Lives On” project! And more directly, to release ART into the world!
Bath time!
When I recently became aware of the toxicity of the innards of a favorite children’s bath toy, the rubber duck, I set about writing a parody song, with different melody, lyrics and chord structure, yet reminiscent of a song that used to be quite popular.
My thanks to Jodi Pierson-Kraska who shared two photographs for this project.
Jason Morisette made a scary movie a few years ago and now it’s up on Amazon and a few other places for everyone to enjoy! On this, our belated April episode of the SliceCast, Jason talks about his love for film and a bit about his film, Locked Away.
After Jason wraps, Justin’s friend and favorite Philly singer/songwriter/jackass-of-all-trades Josh Alvarez takes over with a couple of tracks off of his album, The Lonely Friend.
Here’s how you check out more from Jason and Josh:
