massblunder-blog

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Whisper, filmed by Ryan K. Adams

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Like ants on a patio, we don't exactly know what exists beyond our particular time and space. On destiny, other universes, and why baseball is one of the most important things in life, and more ...

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Who is it whom I address, who takes down what I confess?

Leonard Cohen

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We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

INTEGRITY.

Integrity in your art.

Integrity in your person.

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MB Not Dead

Just sleeping. I've been on some really exciting projects and am in awe over all the experience I'm gaining and new incredible people I'm meeting. Also, might have a ridiculously lovely opportunity coming up. That said, THIS particular project is still near and dear to my heart and WILL happen - but it's a labor of love and one that will steep and coalesce in it's own perfect time. Hoping editor can release some footage of past interviews soon - so that you too can understand how important and beautiful this project is and will be.  Thank you, Dawndae

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Changing Scope.

Need to change scope of project. Thinking of making it a more intimate study, rather than a vast one. I want to approach the Portland Cello Project - amongst a few others. I want to honor the musicians already involved, and want it to be powerful. Listen to this video. Shit, you know?

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Hannah's Gone

Hannah has left for New York. She's going to be f'ing missed like nuts. I loved working with her and she's become a friend in the heart. Love her. So... no more Hannah on these MB shoots. Tom and Rod still in the fold, and possibly Josiah (and maybe I'll talk Steve into it too!) Anyways, Hannah you are adored - and we wish you so much goodness - I truly can't wait to see what you do next!! xo

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PHAME Academy Documentary: IN THIS TOGETHER

A doc on the organization that gives the gift of music to adults with developmental disabilities. 

They need a little funding, here's the kickstarter link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/phameacademy/in-this-together-a-new-documentary

Note that I don't want to use this blog as a refuge for bleeding heart causes - and don't want to harass folks for their money. But I gotta say, this is... I don't know - it just feels really good.

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Te Deum Laudamus - Attempt I

by Adam Moser 2 years ago

As part of a project entitled "Things I Can't Do" Adam Moser plays the organ despite not knowing how to play the piano or read music. One chord at a time Moser plays a verse of another favorite hymn tune by Gustav Holst. This time, he gave the pedals a shot. 34 minutes later he had completed one whole verse of the hymn.

http://cargocollective.com/moser/More-About-Adam

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Ein' Feste Burg (95 Times)

by Adam Moser 2 years ago

On October 31, 2009, in the spirit of Martin Luther, Adam Moser played a Reformation Day Concert. As Moser opened all the windows of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, he invited the surrounding community and countless passersby to experience a free organ recital. Concentrating on Luther's most famous hymn tune, Ein' Feste Burg ist unser Gott (A Mighty Fortress is Our God), Moser successfully played it 95 times. A reference to Luther's Ninety-Five Theses - which he posted on the doors of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517.

http://cargocollective.com/moser/More-About-Adam

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Spirituals for us, these are the things that get us through the misery.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCg_XS2Yrs4

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- Members of Friends of Negro Spirituals

http://www.facebook.com/FriendsofNegroSpirituals.CA

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The tunes and the beats of negro spirituals and Gospel songs are highly influenced by the music of their actual cultural environment. It means that their styles are continuously changing.

http://www.negrospirituals.com/song.htm

Which brings us today and asking what would a spiritual sound like, feel like, emote and so forth, from a largely agnostic or atheistic, progressive, somewhat privileged, mostly white, indie music community in Portland (a kind of center in our country for music right now).

Also, can an agnostic or atheist even truly write a spiritual? Definitely one of the things I'm trying to find out.

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Shape-Note Singing

"...leave your politics and religion at the door"

Hmm - shape-note singing. It doesn't sound good. I've watched many videos of it and it just doesn't. It doesn't even sound like the notes and the monotone-ness of it would be appealing to sing. But maybe they're right - maybe there's something to not having to sound good in any way, and maybe singing AT each other does have a power to it. And the power of the experience does seem pretty universal when these folks talk about it. I'm not sure I could ever try it, but I do like Matt Sheehy's thought that singing together, about stuff that matters, is something we're missing. (Singing together... sounds so corny - but it's probably not. Probably not at all.)

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Update

Not having fun with this blog format. Thought I could put separate pages under "Participating Musicians", but nope. So, will have a million buttons at the top under Mass Blunder. ugh.

Editing of first few shoots has begun - just so we can put some teasers up in the next few weeks. More interviews being planned.

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Matt Sheehy/Lost Lander "Cold Feet"

Interviewing Matt this Tuesday. Can't really tell you how touched I am that he'd agree to talk with us and play some things for us. Location TBD - but it's going to be good no matter where we land. This will be a very special conversation.

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Seriously, thanks doesn't cut it.

I cannot thank Hannah Gregg, Tom Oliver and Mike Elliott enough right now. You guys ... good grief you're stellar. 2 shoots in and so many more to go. But you've already gone above and beyond. And dear potential participants: With this crew, you are going to be treated so very well. 

God, I'm in love with these 3.