Lots of miscellaneous items to discuss (including some Our Stage developments)
I’m meeting up with my friend Ryan Schmidt to talk shop in a couple of hours. Though he’s just 19, he had a lot of traits that reminded me of myself when I was 19, which makes me sound old. He has a great work-ethic, the desire to ‘do what it takes’ to make it in music, and resourcefulness to find out what needs to get done. He, however, takes everything to a new level. I swear this kid knows everyone all ready. He has a booking agent, a big-time producer working on his new album (no offense to Will), and he has infiltrated the Boston Music Scene to a high extent. Bravo to him! I’m now trying to learn from him.
In other news with people smaller than me, I’m very proud of my brother, Tim Bergeron. Also 19, he pursues music pretty casually but his confidence and like-ability helped him to win a big talent show at his high school last year and now, as a freshman at Providence College, he has garnered an opening slot for Pete Francis after only being at school for less than 3 weeks! He called me last night at 10 and told me the good news and I was absolutely glowing (aided by the fact that I spent the night drinking with Bob from Cahill). I’m extremely proud of him and he’s setting himself up for a great four years at Providence.
Our Stage update
Updated rankings: I’ve slipped a bit in the rankings. I’m now 8th in the male singer-songwriter category (though still 1st in New England, which is what matters for me and the Matt Nathanson contest) but I’ve moved up to 5th place in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest NAMM channel, though there are only 11 entries. Anyhow. Thanks to the new friends and fans who have been reading the blog!
In response to the anonymous comment on my post two days ago: He or she thinks that the voters should get rewarded for the amount of time they spent voting, besides the badges that the site awards. He or she argues that maybe after every x amount of battles, they should be able to give a bonus point to the entry of their choice because after all, a large percentage of the voters are there to support a particular artist or song and that person could spend hours and hours without hearing the song they want to hear. I’m curious what the number of voters is from the general rounds to the quarters/semis/finals. I don’t really encourage my fans to vote in the general rounds (though some do and I thank you!) because there are too many entries and the odds of coming across my song are miniscule. An interesting point from that commenter:
“People SHOULD be rewarded for sitting here for HOURS and HOURS, by being ABLE to support their favorite artist THE MOST, with their time. I know that every person I have suggested this to, has said they would vote more fairly, IF they knew they had the opportunity to vote for their FAV artist, more often.”
What do the blog readers think?
I can see both sides of the coin. Our Stage wants it to be fair and balanced and the fan wants to vote for their favorite artist. Yikes, can anyone win?
From Gene’s comment (two days ago as well):
“One thing that ourstage might try is to have a panel of pros review the three songs that are put in composition and create a pro and amateur channel in each category, which might improve everyones skill levels”
Interesting, but I can imagine people being offended if they consider themselves pro and get put in the amateur categories. Plus, that could be an organizational nightmare on the home page if not explained correctly. I like the panel of pros idea being used SOMEWHERE. Thanks for the compliments, Gene.
Conclusion
I’m driving to Vermont after meeting with Ryan to play at Johnson State College. It’s a four-hour drive and I couldn’t be happier. The drive is BEAUTIFUL, I have my iPod charged and I get to talk to myself for the majority of the drive. I mean, people, they have FREE coffee at their rest stops in Vermont. I’m looking forward to the gig, which I booked nearly a year ago.
The band is performing tomorrow night at Faneuil Hall in front of Wagamama’s. It looks like it might be a little chilly but we’re going to make it work! We hope to see you there.
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