Jackson Browne's "For a Dancer" - Do We Really Need To Know The Meaning?

I have to admit it is (almost) amusing to research material online and constantly discover how many different (and contradicting) facts there are available for any given subject. Of course it can also be a bit alarming if one is researching something where misinformation can cause harm (i.e. medicines or medical treatments etc.) Since those posting incorrect "facts" about the meanings behind certain popular songs are not going to cause much harm or change the earth's rotation we'll forgive these transgressions. However from a songwriter's perspective the question needs to be asked: Do we really NEED to know the original "meaning" behind a song?

Jackson Browne's "For a Dancer" first appeared on the 1974 platinum album Late For The Sky and has prompted online fans to debate whether the song was as a result of Browne's wife's suicide (which actually occurred after the song was released) or the death of his friend Adam (who inspired "Adam's Song" on Jackson's debut album in 1972) among other theories. This mixing of facts and fiction really does prompt the question: Why is it important to know the actual meaning behind a song? Especially when it is clear, given the online postings relating to this song, "For a Dancer" had different meanings to many different people regardless of what prompted Browne to write this song.

One fan wrote of their father (who they referred to as their "best friend") passing away three years ago and related how difficult this loss has been. The father was a huge Jackson Browne fan. Recently the writer was with their dying uncle, left the bedside and Jackson Browne's "For a Dancer" suddenly played. The uncle died several hours later and the fan believes their father "played that song" (from above) to help get over the uncle's loss.

Another online writer dedicated "For a Dancer" to their mom and friend who had recently died. A ballerina wrote how she relates to the song and wants to keep it in her head until she dies. Another wrote: "My dad and my ex (plus a dog, a cat, a horse and an uncle) left this crazy planet over the past year. This song speaks to my heart. Finally, another fan posted: "My dad died ten years ago. He LOVED this song since I was a little kid. They played it at his funeral. Whenever I hear it I remember the good things about him."

Regardless of what really prompted Jackson Browne to write "For a Dancer" the song is among Browne's best work. The four minute, forty two second piece was the sixth song on the Grammy-nominated album Late For the Sky and is a must-listen for any music fan. And it is our suggestion you listen, enjoy and place and attach your OWN meaning to the song. It's the only one that really matters.

Kenn Morr http://www.kennmorr.com/ is an internationally acclaimed Singer/Songwriter, Performer, Producer and Author with six albums to his credit. Originally from Long Island, NY Kenn lives in the foothills of New England's Berkshire Mountains with his wife and two young sons.

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Is Lady Gaga Really That Great?

This madness started one year back when my friend told me about Lady Gaga. Before that, I knew her as someone who appears in weird dresses and alien makeup to gain everybody's attention. My friend told me a picture of Gaga hanging on his workstation becomes source of inspiration whenever he needs instantly to come up with something creative. This is not the story of my friend, millions follow Lady Gaga as religion for being unconventionally inspiring and talented with unthinkable versatility.

Recognized for her flamboyant and diverse contributions to the music through experimental fashion, performance and music videos, Gaga went through hardship in her early life. Raised as a Roman Catholic, she describes college life as very studious, disciplined but a bit insecure. Her father never understood her reasons behind becoming increasingly experimental with drugs.

Settled in a small apartment, this five Grammy Awards winner started struggle with creation of a band with some New York friends and traveled daily from New York to New Jersey. In process of coming up with a stage name, she decided to be called Lady Gaga inspired by Queen's song. Being called one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine, she has sold estimated 23 million albums making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Never afraid of exploring her wild side, Gaga was named one of the Best Dressed people by Vogue.com. US President Obama described interaction with Gaga intimidating when he met her in sixteen inch boots at Human Rights Campaign fundraiser.

In her every single number, Gaga is not the same, be it music genre, her makeup or singing style, Gaga always experimented without leaving any chance to fulfill her hunger for versatility. Her single, Born this way inspires millions in believing who they are without regretting what they are given by god. In Telephone, she combines showmanship of Michael Jackson and provocative instincts of Madonna. Not to forget, she continued having her unique place in Music world by pairing up with veteran artist Tony Bennett to record The Lady is a Tramp.

With launch of Born This Way Foundation, Gaga shifted focus on youth empowerment and issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying and career development. Having spiritual influence of Indian public speaker, Lady Gaga gets engaged in Gay-Lesbian Support cause on regular basis. Accused of being bad influence just like Madonna 25 years back, Gaga expresses how she feels without caring what people think.

The Article is also published on writer's blog

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How Renting or Buying a Karaoke Machine Can Make Your Party Really Special

To have a party that is truly memorable, a karaoke machine may be just the thing needed to really get things going. Party guests can practice their singing skills, and either sound good to everyone, or if they are a bit tune-challenged and are able to laugh about it, many laughs will be provided by entertaining with Karaoke machines.

Let your guests channel their inner Elvis or Michael Jackson by singing their famous tunes, or your older guests may wish to channel Sinatra! Whatever kind of music your guests enjoy, it can be found for use with karaoke machines.

If you entertain often, buying a karaoke machine can be a great option. If your entertainment is less frequent, renting could be the perfect choice. There are many karaoke rental companies to be found either through an internet search or by asking acquaintances who have hosted parties in the past using karaoke machines.

There are some important things to consider when renting a karaoke machine for your party. One of the most important of these is how easy it is to move the karaoke machine, look for features such as wheels, making it easier to move. Ask the rental company about transporting the karaoke machine. Some may have delivery and set up included in the price and some may have it available at additional charge. Having the machine delivered and professionally set up, and having someone that will show the person who will be operating the machine how to do it is invaluable. If delivery is not an option, you will have to make arrangements perhaps by borrowing a van or truck from a friend. Sizes of these machines can vary, so thinking of transportation is important.

Ask the karaoke machine rental company about their policy for damages. You hate to think of that happening, but in the midst of a party, a drink can be accidentally spilled onto the machine or it can incur other possible damage. Great care should be taken so this doesn't happen, but knowing what the company's policy is beforehand is valuable information to have.

Get all of the information you need about the machine's operation before renting one, ask how many audio and video outputs there are, and how to use them. Multiple outputs allow you to have several screens, one for the singer, and one or more for the audience. This allows a more professional setup of your karaoke feature. Also ask the rental company about extra features, enabling you to enhance or change voices, things that will add some extra spice to the party. Be sure to check into the music provided, if your party includes a young audience, make sure music is appropriate for them, children will want to have children's music, and older adults will appreciate the music of older artists.

After all, the goal of renting or buying a karaoke machine is to have a party that is truly memorable. Guests will talk about your party fondly for years to come.

Gary is a freelance graphic designer and has worked with several companies in the past. In his spare time, he likes to unwind by belting out a few tunes with his friends using one of their karaoke machines. For more information on the topics raised, visit Sing To The World.

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Does a Band Really Need a Label to Be Successful?

Almost every band and artist I have talked to or read about; or stumbled across on the internet seem to have one major thing in common - They are looking for a label to sign them. My question is always this; why? The answers, although obvious, still baffle me. The common answer? To get out there in front of people and sell music!

In today's age, the internet creates a completely different playing field than any other of the past. Almost all people know this, but yet they do not act on it. Most of the websites available for artists and bands seem to entice musicians into creating a profile with the promise of the "ability" to gain a fan base. These sites show numerous "Fan" profiles, and to the musician this seems like the "best place" to be. Well it ALMOST is! But why almost?

Sites like ReverbNation.com, MySpace.com, SoundClick.com, and even Facebook offer the idea of getting in front of lots of people. And for the most part, that is possible, but it will take a lot of work and money from the band to accomplish something. On top of that, it's the focus that is also wrong. And I mean the focus of the BAND or ARTIST. The web sites that an artist use already have their focus. It's to get as many people surfing their sites as possible so they can increase their AD REVENUE. They rely on a musician's thirst for "the label" to sign them. These sites know bands and artists are hungry for recognition solely for the purpose of getting a label to sign them. But again, WHY? I mean, why would a band work so hard ON THEIR OWN to get fans, traffic to their profiles and websites, and build a "consumer base" - all of which is handily done by using tools that they PAID FOR from some of these sites - just to get the recognition from a label?

Think about it... a band works up several thousand fans by paying a site to use a fan building utility, the social site connection of fans bring more fans. The band continues to brand itself (spends more money) and more fans follow. The next thing you know, they have two million fans traveling their site profile on a site like Facebook, MySpace, or ReverbNation... and NOW you want a label to sign you? For what? All the work has been done! The band in question has enough followers to have not one, but TWO platinum albums! Not to mention they have generated an enormous amount of revenue already for the sites that house their content. Remember the AD REVENUE part of this story? Two million unique visitors to a web page can yield about $5,700 to $10,000 a month in ad revenue from impression ads and click through advertising. That isn't exactly "rags to riches", but it certainly creates buying power to continue the brand building process. But does the band see ANY OF THIS from the sites that house their profiles? NO! And what the hell is a label going to do for the band now?

The fans and followers are already in place! All the label does is sign the band and start taking 75 to 80% of everything the band makes. They do not need to promo the band very much at all, that has already been done. Do you see it? Maybe you do, but then you still have the question of, what about the BIG money? Well, when you have enough followers that want to hear you, they will be willing to buy music from you, or at the very least ATTEND A SHOW AND PAY TO SEE YOU. You don't need a label to do that, you have iTunes and other mediums for the sale of your content and you can post show dates and locations on your own site or profile. What a band needs is a way to do all of this in the beginning without having to spend a ton of money, and perhaps even receive some financial rewards in the process. Let's face it; making music and recording it does take work!

The entire industry still makes musicians think they need a label. What they really need is a partner of sorts. Specifically a website or online group that can offer all the things the others do, but with a twist. A couple of twists actually. Here is a list of some things that would help:

1. A website that provides the tools to build a fan base by allowing a band to directly introduce themselves to a large audience, for free.

2. The ability to share in ad revenue from their profiles. (Heck, it's their content to begin with, right?)

3. A website that allows the band to "broadcast" a show or gig date and its details to a certain (and possibly rather large) demographic of fans, for free.

Some of the things an artist needs to consider:

1. Giving away your music for free. YES! Give it away for now. Am I crazy? Well, are YOU famous yet? The answer to both is NO. Although people can listen to your music on a website (but only while they are on the website), you should allow downloads of your songs. You would be surprised at how many people listen to music from their smart phones and iPods. And they do it while OTHER people are in ear shot. Give them a few of your BEST mp3's.

2. Do live shows at local bars and establishments, and while doing so, let the people who are watching know where you are online. Easy access makes for more fans.

3. Listen to negative comments about your sound. Yes, you are a professional and you "know what you are doing", but do people actually like the result of your work? Do you really sound all that good? Do the songs you write have a "hook"? Put in the work and listen to what people say about your music. And I don't mean your friends and relatives... I mean people you don't really know. Which brings us to the last piece of advice.

4. ALWAYS OFFER a place and a way for those visiting your online profile to leave comments. This does two things. 1) it gives you a true insight to what passing strangers think of your sound. And 2) it sparks social conversation between you, your fans, and the fans to each other. Almost everyone loves a little controversy, and let's face it, voicing their opinion. Viral elements on the web get going at blazing speed based on that premise alone.

Basically, all most bands need is a web site or web group, or even a group of websites (as a combination) that does not charge for anything, but offers everything. The sites are out there. It simply takes a little creativity and awareness of your true goal. A band should NOT be focused on getting signed by a label. Their true focus should be on their music, their brand, and the fans that show interest. If you please the fans consistently, the rest will follow. Good luck, and keep jamming. The fans are out there... somewhere.

Ty Keller is a musician and Sr. Web Application developer. He is the lead developer of BuzzardBucket.com which is a web application built on the concept of social media and fan building for artists. The web site offers several tools for free to musicians and fans alike. Its core purpose is to bring entertainment to the masses in the form of music downloads and live entertainment information. One of its flagship offerings allows bands to connect with large demographic sectors of fans via messaging and email - for free.

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