Tuesday, January 06, 2009

I remember counting the days until the next silverchair record came out, camping out overnight for concert tickets, and listening to gritty rock records with a good group of friends. It was an amazing time, and music was such an integral part of so many young people's lives.

We're not even talking ten years ago here, and yet, it seems like ages ago that all of this was going on, or that there was ever such a thing as a music EXPERIENCE. Was it just that music was so much more captivating then; that we felt much more compelled to contribute to the artists we enjoyed rather than illegally download their songs, or that we weren't as impatient as we are now when it came to waiting for a new record? Whatever the reason, music is no longer the soundtrack of our LIVES.

It's strange...there are more ways than ever to access new music, yet its perceived value is so small. Maybe this is because there are so many different artists, genres and subgenres to sort through, or because music is now so easily accessible and considered FREE (to everyone else but the artist of course).

Consequently, because it is no longer seen as valuable, film and TV producers have tightened their music budgets (bad for artists wanting to license their music--one of the few money-making avenues left), major recording studios and record labels are going out of business, and thousands of artists--even name artists--are struggling more than ever.

What's even worse is that no one in the industry knows where music is going. A lot of questions are being raised by artists and industry folk alike, and it's completely understandable. If there's no money to be made in music, why make it? Why market it? What invest in it? That's not to say that I myself am going to put down my instrument and stop producing albums, because I truly love what I do, and I do it for myself, but if things continue along this trend, a lot of artists are going to have to figure out something else to do in order to supplement their income. It's either that or they starve.

More than anything though, it hurts to see that music is becoming background noise. Because we have about a billion things going on in our heads, and we're constantly barraged with advertisements and new technologies, we don't have the mental capacity anymore to actually sit and analyze a composition or watch a musical performance. If you really broke a song down, you'd really see the beauty unfold. Listen to the movements, the melody, the LYRICS. Someone wrote that song. If you were that artist, wouldn't you really appreciate it if someone took the time to truly LISTEN to what you had to say?

While it's a great thing that we have all these new and innovative methods of promotion (Myspace, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc) and distribution (CDBaby, iTunes, Rhapsody, etc) that we never had before, some of the more personal elements of music I feel have also been lost. For example, not many people buy CDs anymore (except for people from the old school like me, haha) so they won't get to see the CD inlay. There's something about looking on an inside CD cover and reading the lyrics, seeing the pictures, and finding out what kind of guitars your favorite band uses. Maybe it's just me, but I like having that little something extra. It's like looking at the special features on a DVD.

I'm not asking anyone to stop downloading or buy more CDs (because both inevitably won't happen), but I am asking everyone to APPRECIATE music. Artists struggle and suffer to make the music that's playing in the background of your favorite video game, or on the commercial you just watched. I know you've heard this a billion times, but it's true: music is the universal language. It's just up to you how you want to decipher it.

~Alexx Calise

Friday, October 24, 2008

Hey rawke​rs!​

So sorry​ I've been out of the loop latel​y.​ Been busie​r than ever!​

Just wante​d to give you guys some updat​es (​yes,​ I'm still​ very much alive​ first​ of all, hehe)​:​

1) Tonig​ht I have a show at Sierr​a Cup in Monro​via,​ CA, so if you'​re in the mood for some good tunes​,​ and some tasty​ java and ice cream​,​ head on down!​ I'll be playi​ng some acous​tifie​d versi​ons of my new songs​ at 9:30 p.m.!

2) I just licen​sed 2 of my songs​ for 2 major​ featu​re films​.​ One I wrote​ with Denni​s Moreh​ouse (for our proje​ct Sound​ of Cance​r)​ for the movie​ "In My Pocke​t,​"​ and the other​ I will revea​l soon.​

3) I have been writi​ng dozen​s and dozen​s of new songs​ for my forth​comin​g album​,​ which​ I will relea​se in 2009.​

4) I was just in a Disco​very Chann​el docum​entar​y entit​led "The Scien​ce of Sex Appea​l,​"​ which​ will be airin​g in Decem​ber.​ Very inter​estin​g.​.​.​it demon​strat​es why males​ and femal​es find each other​ attra​ctive​.​

5) I just got into model​ing and actin​g.​.​.​okay,​ maybe​ I pitch​ed forwa​rd into it and nearl​y gave mysel​f a concu​ssion​.​ It's been great​ thoug​h.​.​.​lots and lots of fun and great​ exper​ience​s so far.​.​.​knock​ on wood.​

Anywa​ys,​ pleas​e feel free to drop me a line.​ I hope you all are doing​ well and keepi​ng it RAWK as alway​s.​

Happy​ Hallo​ween :)

AC

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I'll tell you what it is...it's the musical brainchild of Alexx Calise and Dennis Morehouse!

I am very pleased to announce, ladies and gentleman, the birth of my new musical project, Sound of Cancer! It happened by accident, believe it or not, when my partner in crime, drummer/songwriter Dennis Morehouse asked me to help him compose a track for a film (...more on that later). The musical chemistry was instant and undeniable, so we both decided to join forces and create a genre-specific music project / production house that specializes primarily in film and TV composition.

Our first song, called "Darkarnival" I think can only be described as a "beautiful cacophony" or "deliciously disturbing"...either way, it's pretty scary. We will be unveiling this and some other Alexx Calise tracks shortly. Stayed tuned...

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Perhaps the most vital person involved in making your record next to you, the artist, is your producer. When it comes to selecting the man/woman for the job, you want to make sure they're on the same page as you musically-speaking, and most importantly, that you know what you want before you even start laying down tracks.

Just because a producer may have a long list of creds doesn't mean he/she knows what's best for you. The fact of the matter is they have an agenda (which is totally cool and understandable of course) and, if left to their own devices, or if you never said anything, they'd probably produce you however they saw fit.

I can't tell you how many producers I've come across with who want to make me into some super-slick pop star at first glance/listen. That would be totally fine if that's what I was going for, but the fact of the matter is, I'm a rocker at heart who plays guitar like a dude and whose favorite bands are silverchair and Stone Temple Pilots. Same goes for you. Know who you are and where you want to go before you let anyone else put their own two cents in.

If you can, try hashing out some ideas of your own on your home recording software before you step into the actual studio. This will cut your expenses way down, and it will also give you a better idea of what you want sound and tone-wise. Then, when you actually do lay down the cash to make your pro record, you won't be wasting anyone's time, and you'll continue on down the path that you set for yourself.

This is not to say that producer's are unnecessary or don't know what they're doing, because they definitely play huge roles in the execution of an album. Some arguably make a lot of the records that you hear today. However, if you're using one to help create your vision, make sure you both see eye to eye, that you're the one who is ultimately in control and that you are the head decision-maker. Take some suggestions, constructive criticism and direction if you see that it is helpful and really adds something to the recording, but don't be lead astray, or so far away that you don't even recognize yourself when you hear the end result.

The most important thing at the end of the day is that you're satisfied with the finished product. Remember: this is your record. It's the culmination of all those feelings, emotions, blood, sweat and tears that you experienced and endured during its creation. Don't you want to be proud of it?

Ultimately, just make sure to stay focused, and true to yourself. Don't keep your mouth shut because you feel you don't know as much about production as your producer (you'd be surprised how much you do know) or because it seems so much easier to sit back and let someone else take the wheel.

Believe me, you will pay for it emotionally and financially if you don't take charge of your own career and/or you let someone else dictate who you are or who they think you should be.

Production I think could be considered analogous to "makeup." Makeup is meant to enhance beauty, not create it. Conversely, when it's caked on, you notice. Let your producer enhance your sound. Don't allow him/her to give you a "makeover" and turn you into something you're not, unless of course, it's not too far of a departure from who you already are, and you're okay with it.

Otherwise, you may just end up looking like a clown…J

~Alexx Calise

Monday, August 11, 2008

Hey guys,

Just wanted to drop you all a line and let you know that I've been busy plugging away on album 2. It's been quite an amazing process, and I have some really awesome, talented people helping me along the way, including the incredible Dennis Morehouse, who is one of the best drummers/songwriters (and friends) that I know. This next album promises to be one of the best yet I feel, and I can already see I'm reverting back to my alt/grunge roots (anyone who's ever known me can vouch that I am the grunge foreverchild, hehe)...minus the mouth marbles of course, haha!

In all seriousness though, I've made myself completely vulnerable during this process, and I'm just going where my music takes me. This is the most stripped down you'll probably ever see me (short of me just rawking it out on my acoustic guitar), but I think you'll appreciate it so much more, because it is completely raw and honest. It was very important to me that I make this record by myself for myself this time around, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy making it :)

I'll be laying down vocals on my latest track this week, which is an as-of-yet untitled rock/pop tune in the style of Foo Fighters/Von Bondies, so I'll probably have a little preview for you all to snack on very soon.

Also, for all of you who haven't yet had a chance or who haven't heard, please help your favorite rawk sistah out by voting for me here. The more votes I get, the more visible I become to MTV's music supervisors (who ultimately decide what music is played on MTV shows) and new fans like yourselves. Every little bit helps, and I deeply appreciate the support.

Please keep in touch and I'll keep you updated on the writing/recording process. YOU RAWK!

~AC

Friday, July 11, 2008

I swear, if I hear one more thing about "going green" or being "eco-friendly," I'm going to have to kick someone in the face...hard. It's not that I don't care about the environment or that I think the whole idea of "green living" is bad in principle. I just think that many of the people who endorse the concept don't even know why they are or what the hell they're even talking about...

There are some things in life that just shouldn't have the potential of becoming "passe" if you know what I mean...you know, like religion for example (remember when it was cool to read the Kabbalah? I know, sooooo 3 years ago...), or "collecting" children from foreign countries like baseball cards...

Don't get me wrong, it's much better that people endorse positive things like religion and adoption, but you have to stop and think for a second if it's more exploitation and ego-stroking than serious humanitarian effort.

A great example of this feign environmentalism would be the rather horrific Battleground Earth concert I attended some weeks ago at the Greek Theater in LA, hosted by the infamous Tommy Lee (who I actually have much respect for as a musician, but little for as a lobbyist). After being subjected to a night of (at best) mediocre performances and halfhearted banter about saving the environment, I left wanting to litter, buy the highest carbon-emitting SUV on the market, and dump several thousand barrels of oil into the ocean. Not only did it look like Tommy was hocked up on just about every form of speed known to mankind, but he didn't make one remotely profound statement regarding the Greenspace, or the new Green Channel, which I thought he was supposed to be endorsing. It was merely a platform to advertise his brand and show off. Forgive me if I sound harsh, but I have to wonder just how much energy went into powering all those cameras, jumbotrons, lights, amps, and speakers (for all their talk of conservation and energy saving), and what kind of fuel that big fancy tour bus ran on...

Though I left scratching my head and wishing that those 2 hours of my life could somehow be refunded back to me, I didn't go away from the experience empty-handed....this was the birthplace of my new phrase; "eco-centric," which I will apply to anyone who jumps on the green bandwagon merely to stroke their own ego, or who tries to make me feel bad about not carrying little tote bags made of hemp to the grocery store.

Believe me, I'm not a closed-minded person. I will listen to anyone who has a valid opinion, and I will gladly admit when I'm wrong. However, I don't think that I'm wrong in assuming that the aforementioned event (along with so many others) was an obvious attempt at generating publicity. If these people really cared about the environment, they'd do something about it rather than parade around a concept they know little or nothing about and point the finger at those they deem environmentally "unfit."

When it comes to saving the planet, I do my part. I recycle, I turn off the lights when I'm not in the room, and I don't treat the world like my own personal garbage can. I should not, however, be chastised for choosing not to buy a hybrid car (which, by the way, leaves more of a carbon footprint than a Hummer H2) or using more than 1 sheet of toilet paper when I go to the bathroom...that's just impossible ")

All I'm saying is that if you're going to stand on a soapbox, make sure it's one with support. Know what you're talking about before you open your mouth, and if you truly believe in something, put your money where your mouth is. Oh yea, and until this whole thing blows over, I'm boycotting the color green.

~Alexx Calise

Friday, June 27, 2008

There comes a time in every musician's life when he/she asks his/herself, "Why the hell am I doing this? I'm broke, I'm starving, and I'm nowhere near where I want to be or should be..."
 
It's definitely a valid question. As artists, we constantly struggle and sacrifice. We constantly experience rejection. We constantly need to validate ourselves and our art. We're no picnic, and neither is this business for that matter. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself where it is you want to go, how far you're willing to go for it, and above all, if you're in it for the right reasons...
 
Having a dream is truly a beautiful thing (and by all means, follow it!), but the reality of this business is, you could have all the talent and drive in the world, and you may never be able to make the connections you need, or sustain a confortable living doing what you truly love to do. If you think that becoming a rich, famous rock star is going to be the answer to all your problems; emotional, financial, what have you, then you're sadly mistaken. Your personal success should not be determined by how much you can make or how famous you can get, but by how you feel inside. If you know in your heart that you won't be happy doing anything else, and there is no other path for you, then you're free, and there's no need to read any further.

Also know that what you do is not who you are. Never in any way, shape or form should you attach your career pitfalls or plateaus to your person. I still struggle with that to this day to be truthful, but I'm learning to accept the fact that having a "bad show," not landing a certain opportunity or not being at a certain level (playing or career wise) is not a reflection of me. I know that I'm a good person, I know I'm doing the best that I can, and I know I do what I do because I love it. Not because I expect anything from it. If you expect nothing, it's always a lovely surprise when the universe actually throws some candy your way.

The only thing you really can do is what you're doing. If, however, what you're doing isn't working, fix it. A major reason why the industry is crumbling right now is because the powers that be are operating the machine with an old manual. You're an artist. Be creative. There are ways to get yourself noticed so long as you put forth the time and effort to find out what those ways are. Don't give up. Just keep on trudging on and remember why you're doing what you're doing.

The key is having patience. Some people spend ten years playing dives and getting shafted before they achieve any kind of success. If you were to experience success instantly and without having to work for it, you wouldn't appreciate it nearly as much as if you had truly bled for it anyway. While you're "waiting," be productive with your time. Get involved in a project you can believe in, write, practice, find out as much as you can about the business.

I'm telling you from personal experience that the only way you will be happy and successful in this industry is if you know in your heart that no matter what the outcome, you will always have your music...and yourself. Don't let other people define "success" for you, and certainly don't ever "quit" because it's not paying the bills or it hasn't yet earned you a plaque on the wall. When you picked up that guitar as a little kid, were you really thinking, "Oh man, this thing is gonna make me some bread!" or, were you thinking, "I love this instrument, and I just wanna play"? Maybe your luck will change, maybe it won't. One thing that should always remain constant is your love for what you're doing, and
if it means eating Ramen noodles and peanut butter and jelly for a while, so be it. Just play with heart and you'll see that the stars will align for you, promise.

Wishing you much success!

Love,

Alexx Calise

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Whaddap rawkaz!

Thought I'd shoot you all a quick hello (and also give you a long overdue AC update) since I've been a bit out of touch...nothing personal, just hellaciously busy...

Recently, I've been doing a lot of writing towards my next album and also for my new blog on L2PNet.com, I just set up my own personal in-house recording studio, and I inked a new endorsement deal with Fxpansion for the new BFD2 (drum sequencing) software. I also have some other cool opportunities on the horizon (including some out of state shows), but I don't want to jinx myself by dishing just yet...more on that later, promise.

Right now, I'm kicking it in Arizona with my family, and we're having a wonderful time. I never get to see my relatives, and I definitely needed the vacay, so it's been a real treat. Today, we went on a Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona, and we soaked up all the sights and learned a great deal about the locales, the wildlife and the town's history. Never in my life have I ever seen such beautiful rock formations. Some of the mesas here date back to millions of years ago, and they're absolutely breathtaking. It really makes you stop and think of how insignificant we all are in the grand scheme of things...

In other news, I ate fried cactus for the first time ever today, and it wasn't all that bad. Then again, you could fry a shoe and make it taste good...just thought I'd share that...

Anyways, please stay in touch and keep checking back for updates. Should have some new music up and available for ya'll to snack on soon. Be well!

RAWK!

AC

Monday, March 10, 2008

A poem I wrote some time ago I thought you'd all enjoy...

Motel Mother

By Alexx Calise

Cigarette in hand
She drank to the night
And bled silver sequins and fluorescent Vegas signs
Thankless diamond-lined fingers traced 'long edges of dish-washed paper cup
So fervent for absolution she lapped old lovers up

Oh how she wished love canned
Over counter dinner Spam
No empty single mothers hopeless and hotel room-bound
Lied to in a Promise Land
With babes so sound in double beds
Visions of lawnmowers, absentee daddies dancing in their heads

Heart in hand she lays and perspires
Dirty fingernails part battered Harlequins
She's listening to old jazz records and drinking cheap mini-bar wine
Wishing for a paint-by-number life
Perhaps a stoppage of time

Thursday, January 31, 2008

After shopping for groceries at a Von's the other day, I started my car, and I heard a loud, whirring sound. I thought I'd run out of oil or that I needed steering wheel fluid because I couldn't cut the wheel, but it turns out that a rat had crawled under the hood of my car while I was inside (probably seeking shelter from the cold weather we've been having here), and somehow managed to take off one of my fan belts—not chew it off, but completely remove it altogether. It was quite an elaborate job, but this rat was obviously a fan of McGyver.

So, I manage to get it 4 blocks down the street to an Autozone on Pico Blvd (Of course it's the weekend, and there are no repair shops open. There would be no story otherwise). I'm pissed, I'm freezing, and I'm a girl. What the hell do girls know about fixing cars? Well, a lot apparently.

I thought she was just a cashier or a phone operator, but I was way off. Lori asked me to pop the hood to see what the problem was. The next thing I know, this girl is on her hands and knees in the freezing rain, fixing my car. I told her that there was no need for her to do all of that, and that she'd gone way above and beyond the call of duty, but she just smiled and said she was used to it. After all, she rides her bike to and from work every day, despite the torrential downpours we've been having here lately.

I was so impressed, and so grateful. If it were me, I don't know if I would have been so selfless. I don't do well with cold weather (I am a Floridian after all), and I sure as hell wouldn't be so willing to dig around under the hood of a stranger's car knowing that there's a dead rat lurking around there somewhere.

Well, for the next 2 hours that it took to fix it, Lori and I joked around about the "hood rat," and talked about life, relationships, and her love of cars. I found out that she's in mechanics school, she's a violinist, and she grew up with good Southern values (her father was from Texas) despite living her whole life in California. I knew that a regular mechanic would have charged me an astronomical amount of money for the amount of labor that went into repairing that damn car, but she didn't ask for anything. I could tell that all she wanted was to talk to someone and do what she loves to do most: fix cars. Never have I met someone so kind, and so willing to help someone they don't even know.

Life is so funny sometimes. Even in the oddest or stickiest of situations, something good can be drawn from the experience. In this case, it was Lori. If it wasn't for this extremely unusual and unfortunate incident, I probably never would have met her. I also wouldn't have gotten home that night, or, if I did, I would have had to inconvenience one of my friends to come and pick me up and then chance leaving my car unattended in a questionable neighborhood. I don't know what I did to deserve the treatment that I got the other night, but I must be in check with karma. Lori was my little glimmer of hope that day.

Sometimes, I feel ravaged by life out here—the constant struggle to survive, the competition, the extremeness of it all; but she truly brightened my day, and I felt compelled to tell the whole world about her.

A lot of people would probably agree that Los Angeles isn't so deserving of its title, but every so often, someone or something comes along to prove that miracles do happen, and that angels do in fact, exist. You just have to believe.

~Alexx Calise