I can't even remember the last time I wrote on here. I could go back and find out in my little account manager area, but that would take me away from the moment. I need to write quickly and to the point...and with passion. I have one sick baby and one happy healthy baby and mornings can be tough.
SO, I've been busy writing with some great people. I've also taken on the task of recording some of my demos at home. I am going to put a few of them on my Songs in the Raw Myspace Page. I've been doing so much writing with other folks that my own writing has taken a back seat. I've got a bunch of ideas to finish up, but haven't got the time.
I'm going to put a few songs that I demo'd at home as well as a couple that were put on a friend's record. My friend Hollie Jett and I wrote a couple cool country-pop songs. The first one is called "Break Me" and the second one that I'm going to post is called "Skinny Jeans". I'll also include "I'm a Pearl" that I wrote with Connie Howard and "The Scar Remains" and "You've Got a Hold on Me" that I wrote with Marcia Ramirez. It's a good mix of tunes that were either demo'd at home or at my favorite studio in East Nashville, Eastwood Studios.
If you're interested in hearing what I've been doing lately, check out Songs in the Raw Myspace Page and leave me a message.
A bit of good news came down the pipe in the last couple of weeks. I singed a "Single Song Publishing Deal" with a company called Gateway Entertainment/Cornelius Companies in Nashville. The song is called "Crumbling Pride" and I hope that it gets cut by some one huge!! Fortunately for me, it's a song that I could never put on one of my own records since it's written from a female perspective. It's nice to see it find life in some one elses arms.
Anyway, head over to Songs in the Raw Myspace Page and drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you.
Peace,
Jon
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Songs in the Raw Myspace
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Monday, April 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Song of the Week - March 11, 2009
Maybe it's the long, cold winter. Maybe it's the fact that the world seems like it's collapsing on itself. Maybe I'm just really tired, but I cannot seem to write a happy go lucky song. You know...high school dating or college drinking or 20 something bliss. I can't seem to find the happy place....in my songs. Otherwise, I'm feeling pretty good about things.
"Buffalo Nickel" started out as a sort of happy tune and made it's way into a bath in self pity. I am not even sure when it changed. I was cruising along through the fist verse and all of a sudden I was in a dark cafe with rain and the smell of last night. I'm picturing a winter morning in New York before the snow falls. It's not cold enough to snow so it's just really cold rain. Quite different from the Santa Monica cafe that I often picture for happier songs. Why New York? Why LA? There's sun in NYC. Maybe all the Marvel Comic Movies have made their way into my psyche. I'm living in Gotham.
"Buffalo Nickel" is the latest entry on Songs in the Raw. I've got a few tunes up there from Feb and March. I'm actually almost done with Songs in the Raw Vol 6. I am trying to figure out a way to make all these available in a more convenient manner. Right now, Vol 1-3 are available on SNOCAP and through various paypal pages and Myspace pages, but I am not that happy with that.
If you come out to a show some time, I have all the SitRaw Vol 1-6 with me and all my other CDs, EPs and merch. You know...got to do what you got to do!
Anyway, head over to Songs in the Raw and let me know what you think of my personal Gotham. I'll get to work on some brighter tunes for you next time around.
Peace,
Jon
www.jonroniger.com
www.myspace.com/jonroniger
www.myspace.com/songsintheraw
www.digitalrodeo.com/jornoniger
www.reverbnation.com/jonroniger
"Buffalo Nickel" started out as a sort of happy tune and made it's way into a bath in self pity. I am not even sure when it changed. I was cruising along through the fist verse and all of a sudden I was in a dark cafe with rain and the smell of last night. I'm picturing a winter morning in New York before the snow falls. It's not cold enough to snow so it's just really cold rain. Quite different from the Santa Monica cafe that I often picture for happier songs. Why New York? Why LA? There's sun in NYC. Maybe all the Marvel Comic Movies have made their way into my psyche. I'm living in Gotham.
"Buffalo Nickel" is the latest entry on Songs in the Raw. I've got a few tunes up there from Feb and March. I'm actually almost done with Songs in the Raw Vol 6. I am trying to figure out a way to make all these available in a more convenient manner. Right now, Vol 1-3 are available on SNOCAP and through various paypal pages and Myspace pages, but I am not that happy with that.
If you come out to a show some time, I have all the SitRaw Vol 1-6 with me and all my other CDs, EPs and merch. You know...got to do what you got to do!
Anyway, head over to Songs in the Raw and let me know what you think of my personal Gotham. I'll get to work on some brighter tunes for you next time around.
Peace,
Jon
www.jonroniger.com
www.myspace.com/jonroniger
www.myspace.com/songsintheraw
www.digitalrodeo.com/jornoniger
www.reverbnation.com/jonroniger
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Songs in the Raw - March, 2009
I was having a nice chat with another songwriter the other night. I got off on this tangent for a while about writing a "hit." You know, those songs that you hear for the first time and you cant get it out of your head. These days you also have to factor in the songs that you don't really like but you her so many times on the radio that you cant get them out of your head. Some have the power of longevity and some fade away until VH1 does a show on "One Hit Wonders."
Anyway, I was saying that I have not felt like I've written a "hit" in a while. NOW, keep in mind that I have not ever had a real "hit". I am in a state of obscurity. No one knows who I am and no one plays my songs over and over again while they get ready for a Friday night. However, I have, sometimes, felt like I just wrote a really good song. It's a pretty cool feeling. You put the pen down and sit back with a grin saying "that actually sounds pretty cool."
I have been doing a ton of writing these days. I keep on chugging along with the weekly songs at Songs in the Raw. I've also been writing some great folks around Nashville. Anyway, my conversation with the other writer on Friday night led to to the rediscovery that it's not about writing "hits". It's about WRITING SONGS!! It's not up to me to determine which song will be a hit, if any. It's my job to write songs. It's the songwriter's job to see the world through song.
I've added a few new tracks to Songs in the Raw. Not saying that any of them are hits, but I am pretty happy about how they came out. "Growing Old" is a little diddy about how growing old is not all that cool. I've been reconnecting with a lot of my old friends. It's been great. At the same time, everyone has a story or two about some really bad crap that has happened to them. Sometimes, it's really really bad. The kind of thing that you would never wish on your worst enemies. We were 20 years old when we were friends and now, many years later, we've seen many fantastic and wonderful things, but also been put through the ringer. It seems the older you get, the tougher life is on you. So, "Growing Old" is about that. "No matter how you slice it, growing old is hell."
Another track at Songs in the Raw is "Alive and Well". I was pretty happy with this tune when I wrote it cause it has a little bit of that sticky factor. It's basically about a girl who broke my heart and how I really don't care what she's doing. "To me you're dead" is one of the lines in the song and I'm sure that we've all felt that way once or twice.
I hope that you go over and check out Songs in the Raw. The third song I posted is called "My Own Angel". Everyone needs their own angel. Mine would need to know how to hang out in late night pool halls, make sweet tea and find me some bar-b-q.
I ain't writing hits, I'm just writing songs....and I like it that way....although it would be nice to write a hit every now and then.
head over to Songs in the Raw and let me know what you think!
Peace,
Jon
Jon Roniger Songs in the Raw
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Nashville Music Pros
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Anyway, I was saying that I have not felt like I've written a "hit" in a while. NOW, keep in mind that I have not ever had a real "hit". I am in a state of obscurity. No one knows who I am and no one plays my songs over and over again while they get ready for a Friday night. However, I have, sometimes, felt like I just wrote a really good song. It's a pretty cool feeling. You put the pen down and sit back with a grin saying "that actually sounds pretty cool."
I have been doing a ton of writing these days. I keep on chugging along with the weekly songs at Songs in the Raw. I've also been writing some great folks around Nashville. Anyway, my conversation with the other writer on Friday night led to to the rediscovery that it's not about writing "hits". It's about WRITING SONGS!! It's not up to me to determine which song will be a hit, if any. It's my job to write songs. It's the songwriter's job to see the world through song.
I've added a few new tracks to Songs in the Raw. Not saying that any of them are hits, but I am pretty happy about how they came out. "Growing Old" is a little diddy about how growing old is not all that cool. I've been reconnecting with a lot of my old friends. It's been great. At the same time, everyone has a story or two about some really bad crap that has happened to them. Sometimes, it's really really bad. The kind of thing that you would never wish on your worst enemies. We were 20 years old when we were friends and now, many years later, we've seen many fantastic and wonderful things, but also been put through the ringer. It seems the older you get, the tougher life is on you. So, "Growing Old" is about that. "No matter how you slice it, growing old is hell."
Another track at Songs in the Raw is "Alive and Well". I was pretty happy with this tune when I wrote it cause it has a little bit of that sticky factor. It's basically about a girl who broke my heart and how I really don't care what she's doing. "To me you're dead" is one of the lines in the song and I'm sure that we've all felt that way once or twice.
I hope that you go over and check out Songs in the Raw. The third song I posted is called "My Own Angel". Everyone needs their own angel. Mine would need to know how to hang out in late night pool halls, make sweet tea and find me some bar-b-q.
I ain't writing hits, I'm just writing songs....and I like it that way....although it would be nice to write a hit every now and then.
head over to Songs in the Raw and let me know what you think!
Peace,
Jon
Jon Roniger Songs in the Raw
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Nashville Music Pros
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Feb SitRaw on the move!
I've been a bit out of touch lately. I am sorry for that. I am not sure if it's the kids, the new president, the writing appointments that keep canceling, the fact that football season is over or the anticipation of Mardi Gras. I'm sure that I could pull out a few more excuses but I figured that 4 or 5 would do. I am going to make a real effort to stay on my game a bit more now that we're six weeks into the new year! Oh yes...it's flying by!
The thing is, I've been doing a ton of writing, so it's odd that I am not writing my blog more regularly. There are certainly plenty of things to discuss. Let's just dive right in with the last two songs that I wrote for Songs in the Raw. "Nice, Disguise" is a song about finding crap in your closet that belonged to an Ex. I think that we've all done it. At the very least, finding those random pictures that you have in the back of the drawer in the hallway closet under your 10 year old biking shorts next to that paper-weight you've been looking for. "Nice, Disguise" is about finding a sweater and a picture that lead me to the discovery that she had been seeing some one else and that relationship was probably the reason that she left me.
Now, maybe this has happened to you....maybe not. Either way, I decided to take the song to a place of malice. "It must be hard to be human when you're cold as ice." That's line that ends the chorus. The title comes from the first lines in the chorus, "You looked so nice, maybe that was your disguise." Have you ever known one of those beautiful people who is the meanest, ugliest person on the inside. Sort of a wolf in sheep's skin type of thing. Head over to Songs in the Raw and let me know what you think.
"Love for the Week" is the next song that you should listen to on Songs in the Raw. It's a song about love....obviously. We all go through rough times, I think that most people get that, especially now. I find it very comforting that I have my wife and kids to get me through bad days. "Love for the Week" is about days of noddle soup, rice and baked potatoes for lunch and dinner. I had an egg crate bed and a clock radio for entertainment. Going out meant a bottle of Mad Dog 20/20 and a $2 joint. They we still good times. Of course, for me, I was not involved with anyone at the time, but IT IF WERE, I would have been comforted by the love of my companion. Instead, little old me had to do it alone. Head over to Songs in the Raw and let me know if it strikes a chord with you.
I am going to try and be more diligent about writing my blog. I am busy writing songs and making demos and working the Nashville scene. I look forward to any comments or input from anyone.
All the best,
Jon
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
The thing is, I've been doing a ton of writing, so it's odd that I am not writing my blog more regularly. There are certainly plenty of things to discuss. Let's just dive right in with the last two songs that I wrote for Songs in the Raw. "Nice, Disguise" is a song about finding crap in your closet that belonged to an Ex. I think that we've all done it. At the very least, finding those random pictures that you have in the back of the drawer in the hallway closet under your 10 year old biking shorts next to that paper-weight you've been looking for. "Nice, Disguise" is about finding a sweater and a picture that lead me to the discovery that she had been seeing some one else and that relationship was probably the reason that she left me.
Now, maybe this has happened to you....maybe not. Either way, I decided to take the song to a place of malice. "It must be hard to be human when you're cold as ice." That's line that ends the chorus. The title comes from the first lines in the chorus, "You looked so nice, maybe that was your disguise." Have you ever known one of those beautiful people who is the meanest, ugliest person on the inside. Sort of a wolf in sheep's skin type of thing. Head over to Songs in the Raw and let me know what you think.
"Love for the Week" is the next song that you should listen to on Songs in the Raw. It's a song about love....obviously. We all go through rough times, I think that most people get that, especially now. I find it very comforting that I have my wife and kids to get me through bad days. "Love for the Week" is about days of noddle soup, rice and baked potatoes for lunch and dinner. I had an egg crate bed and a clock radio for entertainment. Going out meant a bottle of Mad Dog 20/20 and a $2 joint. They we still good times. Of course, for me, I was not involved with anyone at the time, but IT IF WERE, I would have been comforted by the love of my companion. Instead, little old me had to do it alone. Head over to Songs in the Raw and let me know if it strikes a chord with you.
I am going to try and be more diligent about writing my blog. I am busy writing songs and making demos and working the Nashville scene. I look forward to any comments or input from anyone.
All the best,
Jon
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Two More Songs for January
I can't believe that January went by like that. I do have to say that it was a great month in the history of the world. I'm not just talking about the songs that I wrote. No, in fact there were some wonderful and incredibly tragic events that happened in the month of January 2009. I don't really want to go into it right now, I am here to talk about songwriting.
I have put two more songs on Songs in the Raw MySpace page. "A Thousand Words" and "Play the Fool" were posted a couple of days ago. I was trying to finish one song and the other one popped up in my head.
"A Thousand Words" is a love song. I talk about poets and songwriters searching for the perfect words to write a poem or song. I've found, that in affairs of the heart, words just get in the way. A look in your lover's eyes says it all. Check out Songs in the Raw MySpace page and let me know what you think.
"Play The Fool" is a melody that I had been churning around for a while. I kind of couldn't get it out of my head, but was never happy with the lyrical direction that I was taking. As it turns out, it's about the contradictions that life seems to display from time to time. "I've seen rain fall from a clear blue sky." "I've seen tears come from the eyes of laughter." "I've seen bad things done by good people." Things like that seem to happen all the time in this crazy life! "I'm not a fool, but I've been foolish." What can I say, I do it all the time!
Head over to Songs in the Raw MySpace page and let me know what you think. I love to hear from you.
Here are some more Jon Roniger links for you;
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Sonicbids
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Jon Roniger Facebook
Jon Roniger Songs in the Raw
Jon Roniger American Songspace
take care....keep on rockin!
Jon
I have put two more songs on Songs in the Raw MySpace page. "A Thousand Words" and "Play the Fool" were posted a couple of days ago. I was trying to finish one song and the other one popped up in my head.
"A Thousand Words" is a love song. I talk about poets and songwriters searching for the perfect words to write a poem or song. I've found, that in affairs of the heart, words just get in the way. A look in your lover's eyes says it all. Check out Songs in the Raw MySpace page and let me know what you think.
"Play The Fool" is a melody that I had been churning around for a while. I kind of couldn't get it out of my head, but was never happy with the lyrical direction that I was taking. As it turns out, it's about the contradictions that life seems to display from time to time. "I've seen rain fall from a clear blue sky." "I've seen tears come from the eyes of laughter." "I've seen bad things done by good people." Things like that seem to happen all the time in this crazy life! "I'm not a fool, but I've been foolish." What can I say, I do it all the time!
Head over to Songs in the Raw MySpace page and let me know what you think. I love to hear from you.
Here are some more Jon Roniger links for you;
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Sonicbids
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Jon Roniger Facebook
Jon Roniger Songs in the Raw
Jon Roniger American Songspace
take care....keep on rockin!
Jon
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Songs in the Raw - Week #2 - 2009
"Numb and Number"...that's basically how I feel these days when I tune into the world's issues. I mean, can anything else actually go wrong. HEY....I'm trying to raise a family here!!! If you dont feel like reading any more, just give a listen at SONGS IN THE RAW.
The Middle East...financial markets...unemployment....SAINTS going 8-8 with world class talent. What else can possibly happen?
I think that we have become less and less connected to what it is to be a human! Everyone is so fixated on making sure that they're RIGHT!!! Who f*#cking cares if you're right, if you're dead! This is mine...that is yours...I want yours and you cant have mine...I'm not rich enough...you're too rich...your TV is bigger than mine..it's too cold...it's too hot...my job's not good enough....you're lucky to have yours!! I mean, what the f*#ck is going on? Neighbors are killing each other and blaming it on god. I am dumbfounded! No, I am numbfounded and getting numbfoundeder.
I only rant here on the blog. My song "Numb and Number" is a little more luke warm than that. I dont want to scare anyone. I am just writing a song to help get it out of my system. These days, I need to get the song done and loaded on to SONGS IN THE RAW, before I can get on to another song.
Seriously though....what the hell is going on? I don't have a clue!!!!!
Here are a few more links for your Jon Roniger needs;
Jon
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger - Songs in the Raw
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
The Middle East...financial markets...unemployment....SAINTS going 8-8 with world class talent. What else can possibly happen?
I think that we have become less and less connected to what it is to be a human! Everyone is so fixated on making sure that they're RIGHT!!! Who f*#cking cares if you're right, if you're dead! This is mine...that is yours...I want yours and you cant have mine...I'm not rich enough...you're too rich...your TV is bigger than mine..it's too cold...it's too hot...my job's not good enough....you're lucky to have yours!! I mean, what the f*#ck is going on? Neighbors are killing each other and blaming it on god. I am dumbfounded! No, I am numbfounded and getting numbfoundeder.
I only rant here on the blog. My song "Numb and Number" is a little more luke warm than that. I dont want to scare anyone. I am just writing a song to help get it out of my system. These days, I need to get the song done and loaded on to SONGS IN THE RAW, before I can get on to another song.
Seriously though....what the hell is going on? I don't have a clue!!!!!
Here are a few more links for your Jon Roniger needs;
Jon
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger - Songs in the Raw
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Sunday, January 11, 2009
First song of 2009
I'm back in action after a few weeks off. Family, travel and general Holiday madness took me away from writing for a little while. It feels good to be back in the game. I certainly hope that everyone had a great New Years and arrived safe and sound in 2009.
I posted a new song on Songs in the Raw - Myspace called "Slip Up PHD". It's about making mistakes. I have made plenty of them. The phrase "you learn from your mistakes" came to mind. I am not really sure if I have learned from all my mistakes. I'm pretty sure that I have learned from some of them, but I also feel like we make the same mistakes over and over again. Sort of the human condition. However, if I was to learn from my mistakes, then I should be the smartest person in the world! Maybe I'd be a PHD....a slip up PHD!!
I also put a demo'd version of "Quickie Mart Rodeo" up on Songs in the Raw - Myspace for you guys. It came out really cool and I'm pretty happy with it. It also kind of fits the Songs in the Raw theme. We did it in one take and feels like a band vibe.
It's good to be back in the writing world again and I look forward to giving you guys some cool material to chew on!!
Here are some more links for you guys to eat up;
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Songs in the Raw
All the best,
Jon
I posted a new song on Songs in the Raw - Myspace called "Slip Up PHD". It's about making mistakes. I have made plenty of them. The phrase "you learn from your mistakes" came to mind. I am not really sure if I have learned from all my mistakes. I'm pretty sure that I have learned from some of them, but I also feel like we make the same mistakes over and over again. Sort of the human condition. However, if I was to learn from my mistakes, then I should be the smartest person in the world! Maybe I'd be a PHD....a slip up PHD!!
I also put a demo'd version of "Quickie Mart Rodeo" up on Songs in the Raw - Myspace for you guys. It came out really cool and I'm pretty happy with it. It also kind of fits the Songs in the Raw theme. We did it in one take and feels like a band vibe.
It's good to be back in the writing world again and I look forward to giving you guys some cool material to chew on!!
Here are some more links for you guys to eat up;
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Songs in the Raw
All the best,
Jon
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Songs in The Raw - some new ones
I'm sitting in a coffee shop in Nicholasville, KY getting ready for a show with my friend Dustin Overbeek. We played in Danville, KY last night to a rowdy crowd of 12 people. It must be my bad luck, but I have a habit of playing towns on the day when the entire city leaves for a Holiday. Seriously, this has happened to me at least ten times. The bartender says something like "You should have been here last night. The whole town was out and partying...but they all left today!" My hope is that Nicholasville always gives Danville shit for leaving a week early. After all, it's December 13th....does Christmas vacation actually start now? Cause, if it does, that's a long vacation. When I was a kid, we got like a week off and we were so fried from mid terms it would take us through New Years Eve to get over the work load and start enjoying the Holidays.
All of this would have been true, if I actually did the work! I never worried too much about school....maybe why I am writing songs and looking for a bag of money on the ground where ever I go.
At any rate, none of that has to do with anything about the songs that I put on SONGS IN THE RAW this week. I've been doing a ton of writing lately. I am really happy with the folks that I have been meeting with to write. Maybe one day I'll include some of the tunes that I am co-writing on SONGS IN THE RAW. But for now I am happy to put my solo writes on there.
The first song is called "21st Century Casualty". I was thinking about the folks on Haight Street and how the winter must affect them. It must be tough to sleep in the park during the winter. I remember living in Colorado and every winter a few homeless folks would die during the winter from exposure to the elements. That's got to be a tough way to go! It feels like society gets to a point where you're just left behind. People care up to a certain point, but there is a line that gets crossed and the hearts stop bleeding and the hand outs stop flowing. No more pity, no embarrassment, no more sorrow, just a sense of "we'd be better off is you just disappeared". That's where "21st Century Casualty" come in. Like life is a war and there are some casualties in a war and some are acceptable. Head over to SONGS IN THE RAW and check it out.
The second song is called "It All Goes Slow Mo'" and it's a lullaby....sort of. I recorded it and looked at the little timer in the corner of the editing window and realized that it was 2 minutes long...with a 30 second outro. Hey, what can I do. If the song is over, the song is over. But I am pretty happy with it. It's a song about how it feels to be in love and with the person that you love. How it can be dreamy and magical and surreal. Time falls out the window and even the most mundane tasks become moments of excitement. It's a pretty cool thing! Check it out....SONGS IN THE RAW.
I hope that everyone is reflecting on an important year in the World's History and the History of our country. It's a brave new world....just glad to be a part of it!!!
Peace,
Jon
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Songs in The Raw
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
All of this would have been true, if I actually did the work! I never worried too much about school....maybe why I am writing songs and looking for a bag of money on the ground where ever I go.
At any rate, none of that has to do with anything about the songs that I put on SONGS IN THE RAW this week. I've been doing a ton of writing lately. I am really happy with the folks that I have been meeting with to write. Maybe one day I'll include some of the tunes that I am co-writing on SONGS IN THE RAW. But for now I am happy to put my solo writes on there.
The first song is called "21st Century Casualty". I was thinking about the folks on Haight Street and how the winter must affect them. It must be tough to sleep in the park during the winter. I remember living in Colorado and every winter a few homeless folks would die during the winter from exposure to the elements. That's got to be a tough way to go! It feels like society gets to a point where you're just left behind. People care up to a certain point, but there is a line that gets crossed and the hearts stop bleeding and the hand outs stop flowing. No more pity, no embarrassment, no more sorrow, just a sense of "we'd be better off is you just disappeared". That's where "21st Century Casualty" come in. Like life is a war and there are some casualties in a war and some are acceptable. Head over to SONGS IN THE RAW and check it out.
The second song is called "It All Goes Slow Mo'" and it's a lullaby....sort of. I recorded it and looked at the little timer in the corner of the editing window and realized that it was 2 minutes long...with a 30 second outro. Hey, what can I do. If the song is over, the song is over. But I am pretty happy with it. It's a song about how it feels to be in love and with the person that you love. How it can be dreamy and magical and surreal. Time falls out the window and even the most mundane tasks become moments of excitement. It's a pretty cool thing! Check it out....SONGS IN THE RAW.
I hope that everyone is reflecting on an important year in the World's History and the History of our country. It's a brave new world....just glad to be a part of it!!!
Peace,
Jon
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Songs in The Raw
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Songs in the Raw - 2 new ones!
Well, I had a chance to finish up a couple of new tunes over the Thanksgiving Holiday. I've gotten the recording process down to the very barest elements that the song needs to live. I record the guitars during nap time and lay down the vocals when the kids are being fed and are captive in their highchairs. I've had to get it done quickly, which I like. No time for second guessing and retakes on guitar parts. I'm getting better at making last minute decisions and living with them. Of course, the beauty of it all is that I can always make changes when it comes time to making a record.
"Noise Pollution" is the first song that I put down. Just watch the news and read the paper and you'll understand where this song came from. I wonder if the networks realize that they're pumping out so much news, most of it negative, that slowly but surely we're all becoming numb to it. It's more like noise pollution than important world events. I'm not even getting into the 24 hour loop that happens when there is something major. Try it one day. Leave the news on all day. Notice by the end of the day, you don't even hear them talking about the world falling apart. It's more like the hum of the refrigerator.
"Quickie Mart Rodeo" was an idea that popped up while I as writing another tune. I've spent a lot of time at 7-11s, Time Savers, Truck Stops, and various gas n' goes. It's kind of a trip. 3am in Nebraska on interstate 80 can provide some real world entertainment. If I wasn't in such a hurry when I was at the Quickie Mart, I might stay a while and soak it in. But that's the point of the "Quickie Mart". Gas up, grab a microwave burrito and diet beverage and hit the road. Barrels of sodas, candy of every kind, dirty magazines and a laminated map of whatever state you're in. How 'bout a pack of smokes and a slim jim? Maybe a gallon of washer fluid and a six pack of oreos might tickle your fancy. OH...don't worry...they got it!
Head over to Songs in the Raw on Myspace and check it out! Also don't be afraid of Jon Roniger on Myspace!
I hope that life is treating everyone well!
Peace,
Jon
more links;
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger - Songs in the Raw
"Noise Pollution" is the first song that I put down. Just watch the news and read the paper and you'll understand where this song came from. I wonder if the networks realize that they're pumping out so much news, most of it negative, that slowly but surely we're all becoming numb to it. It's more like noise pollution than important world events. I'm not even getting into the 24 hour loop that happens when there is something major. Try it one day. Leave the news on all day. Notice by the end of the day, you don't even hear them talking about the world falling apart. It's more like the hum of the refrigerator.
"Quickie Mart Rodeo" was an idea that popped up while I as writing another tune. I've spent a lot of time at 7-11s, Time Savers, Truck Stops, and various gas n' goes. It's kind of a trip. 3am in Nebraska on interstate 80 can provide some real world entertainment. If I wasn't in such a hurry when I was at the Quickie Mart, I might stay a while and soak it in. But that's the point of the "Quickie Mart". Gas up, grab a microwave burrito and diet beverage and hit the road. Barrels of sodas, candy of every kind, dirty magazines and a laminated map of whatever state you're in. How 'bout a pack of smokes and a slim jim? Maybe a gallon of washer fluid and a six pack of oreos might tickle your fancy. OH...don't worry...they got it!
Head over to Songs in the Raw on Myspace and check it out! Also don't be afraid of Jon Roniger on Myspace!
I hope that life is treating everyone well!
Peace,
Jon
more links;
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger - Songs in the Raw
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Songs in the Raw Nov 18, 2008
"Life Goes On"...I only wish that I could tell my 15 month old twins that. The milk running out, the blocks falling over, the "must have" toy out of reach under the couch...this is not the end of the world.
It's the same at any age. I think that we all get down and feel like the mountain ahead of us is too hard to climb. I actually think about it every day! But, in the end, "LIFE GOES ON". You better find a way to pick yourself up by the boot straps and get going!
Here's the drill! Economy in the toilet...Wars popping up everywhere...bail out this...bail out that...foreclosures everywhere! All I know is that "Life Goes On". get out of bed and get to work. If you don't have a job, play with your kids. If you don't have any kids, go for a walk. If you don't like walking and you don't have any kids....pick up a hobby! Figure it out. There is always something that you could be doing to make life better, or at least tolerable. And, in the my personal opinion, burying your face in US Magazine and watching The E Channel doesn't count! I feel like, as a society we tend to look at how other people are doing instead of focusing on how WE ARE DOING! Who actually gives a crap about Brad and Angie? Heidi Montague can kiss my ass and I am insulted by stupid shows like The Hills and the new 90210. Life is too short to spend watching rich 20 year olds worrying about who broke up with who and what purse they bought this week!
For god's sake, Learn how to play an instrument. Break out a piece of paper and a pen and write something. Paint! Read! Rake the leaves! Meditate! Have sex! Do something...anything to help make your future look or feel a little brighter. "Life Goes On" but it will be over eventually! Find a way to see the brighter side and get on with it!
OK...sorry....I'm done now. I feel much better!
Head over to Songs in the Raw and check out "Life Goes On". There are a few of the newer songs still up there as well. have a poke around and say hello!
Here are some more AWESOME LNKS;
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Thanks for listening!
Peace,
Jon
It's the same at any age. I think that we all get down and feel like the mountain ahead of us is too hard to climb. I actually think about it every day! But, in the end, "LIFE GOES ON". You better find a way to pick yourself up by the boot straps and get going!
Here's the drill! Economy in the toilet...Wars popping up everywhere...bail out this...bail out that...foreclosures everywhere! All I know is that "Life Goes On". get out of bed and get to work. If you don't have a job, play with your kids. If you don't have any kids, go for a walk. If you don't like walking and you don't have any kids....pick up a hobby! Figure it out. There is always something that you could be doing to make life better, or at least tolerable. And, in the my personal opinion, burying your face in US Magazine and watching The E Channel doesn't count! I feel like, as a society we tend to look at how other people are doing instead of focusing on how WE ARE DOING! Who actually gives a crap about Brad and Angie? Heidi Montague can kiss my ass and I am insulted by stupid shows like The Hills and the new 90210. Life is too short to spend watching rich 20 year olds worrying about who broke up with who and what purse they bought this week!
For god's sake, Learn how to play an instrument. Break out a piece of paper and a pen and write something. Paint! Read! Rake the leaves! Meditate! Have sex! Do something...anything to help make your future look or feel a little brighter. "Life Goes On" but it will be over eventually! Find a way to see the brighter side and get on with it!
OK...sorry....I'm done now. I feel much better!
Head over to Songs in the Raw and check out "Life Goes On". There are a few of the newer songs still up there as well. have a poke around and say hello!
Here are some more AWESOME LNKS;
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Reverbnation
Thanks for listening!
Peace,
Jon
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Songs in the Raw - Nov 16
I was thinking about the few people I know that have married their high school sweetheart. I actually know more than you would think. It must be a really comforting feeling to know your spouse through the many changes that take place between high school, college and early adulthood. Kind of a trip to think about some one knowing all the tiny events that helped to form the person that you become. And, at the same time, you knowing all the events that helped to form the person that you love.
Were you an athlete in high school and now you don't even get off the couch? Was your wife a cheerleader and now she's a member of the PTA? Were you both big drinkers in college and now you barely even drink a glass of wine before you get tired at 8:30 on a Friday night? Did you used to smoke a ton of weed and now you smoke once a year when you get together with your college buddies? Were there breakups and make ups and little flings that caused massive fights and now you can't even imagine kissing another person? I am blown away when I think about how two people can stay together through all these little things and forge out a life and a family.
There has to be a really strong bond between them. Or is it the same for folks who met in their thirties and married quickly? Was there always that "perfect fit" and it just took some longer to find it and some found it early on?
Anyway, this week's song was spawned from that thought. It's called "There is No I" and it's about a couple who met in high school and stayed together through all the little changes. Check out Songs in the Raw and give it a ride.
Also, feel free to join the Jon Roniger mailing list via the ReverbNation easy form on the right!
Anyway, here are some links for you if you want to dig a little deeper into the Jon Roniger playbook;
Jon Roniger website
Jon Roniger myspace
Jon Roniger Reverb Nation
Jon Roniger - Songs In The Raw
Take care,
J
Were you an athlete in high school and now you don't even get off the couch? Was your wife a cheerleader and now she's a member of the PTA? Were you both big drinkers in college and now you barely even drink a glass of wine before you get tired at 8:30 on a Friday night? Did you used to smoke a ton of weed and now you smoke once a year when you get together with your college buddies? Were there breakups and make ups and little flings that caused massive fights and now you can't even imagine kissing another person? I am blown away when I think about how two people can stay together through all these little things and forge out a life and a family.
There has to be a really strong bond between them. Or is it the same for folks who met in their thirties and married quickly? Was there always that "perfect fit" and it just took some longer to find it and some found it early on?
Anyway, this week's song was spawned from that thought. It's called "There is No I" and it's about a couple who met in high school and stayed together through all the little changes. Check out Songs in the Raw and give it a ride.
Also, feel free to join the Jon Roniger mailing list via the ReverbNation easy form on the right!
Anyway, here are some links for you if you want to dig a little deeper into the Jon Roniger playbook;
Jon Roniger website
Jon Roniger myspace
Jon Roniger Reverb Nation
Jon Roniger - Songs In The Raw
Take care,
J
Friday, November 7, 2008
Songs in the Raw - Nov 7, 2008
I am not sure if I told you about the new song that I put up on Songs In The Raw. It's called "Food For Worms".
I don't mean to be so morose, especially after the new "Election of Hope" just came down the pipe. But, it was on my mind and just came out. The title should say it all. I just thought that I'd remind everyone about it. So, head over to Songs In The Raw and give it a listen.
I've also just finished "There is No I" and will have that posted by the end of the weekend.
Stay tuned......
Peace,
Jon
I don't mean to be so morose, especially after the new "Election of Hope" just came down the pipe. But, it was on my mind and just came out. The title should say it all. I just thought that I'd remind everyone about it. So, head over to Songs In The Raw and give it a listen.
I've also just finished "There is No I" and will have that posted by the end of the weekend.
Stay tuned......
Peace,
Jon
Friday, October 31, 2008
Songs in the Raw - still here
Oh my gosh..it's been a long time. I need to check back in to let you know that I am still here and writing. Actually, I'm writing quite a bit. I've been meeting with some great Nashville songwriters and I'm getting ready to make another demo of some of the new material.
BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M DOING HERE!
In case anyone has been by the Songs in the Raw home page, I put three new songs up there at the beginning of October. It seems as if some folks have made it there since there are a few plays on the play counter. The songs are called "Punching Bag", "Crumbling Pride" and "The Man Who Loves You". I am pretty happy with the way they turned out. As always, with Song in the Raw, I try to get them done and out without too much thought and detail work. I like it cause it allows me to be able to move on to another song. Plus, there's always time to go back and edit later.
I have tow new songs coming down the pipe this weekend. I'll have them out for you on Sunday. ""There is No I" is about a couple who have been together a long time. I think that we all feel this way after years in a relationship. While you still maintain a sense of self, the feeling of "us" gets stronger and stronger.
The next song is "Food For Worms" which is a little on the darker side. These days I feel like I have to be on the darker side more often. I was accused, early in my writing days, of being too dark. I've written a lot of happy songs along the way and fell like it's time to get back to breakups, death, end of the world type of stuff. What the hell....no one's listening anyway!
So, keep an eye and an ear out for "Food For Worms" and "There is no I" in the next couple of days. In the mean time, try out the new stuff on Song in the Raw. Don't ever be shy! I love to hear form people about this kind of thing....or anything.....
Here are some more JR sites for you;
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo Page
Jon Roniger MySpace
Peace,
Jon
BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M DOING HERE!
In case anyone has been by the Songs in the Raw home page, I put three new songs up there at the beginning of October. It seems as if some folks have made it there since there are a few plays on the play counter. The songs are called "Punching Bag", "Crumbling Pride" and "The Man Who Loves You". I am pretty happy with the way they turned out. As always, with Song in the Raw, I try to get them done and out without too much thought and detail work. I like it cause it allows me to be able to move on to another song. Plus, there's always time to go back and edit later.
I have tow new songs coming down the pipe this weekend. I'll have them out for you on Sunday. ""There is No I" is about a couple who have been together a long time. I think that we all feel this way after years in a relationship. While you still maintain a sense of self, the feeling of "us" gets stronger and stronger.
The next song is "Food For Worms" which is a little on the darker side. These days I feel like I have to be on the darker side more often. I was accused, early in my writing days, of being too dark. I've written a lot of happy songs along the way and fell like it's time to get back to breakups, death, end of the world type of stuff. What the hell....no one's listening anyway!
So, keep an eye and an ear out for "Food For Worms" and "There is no I" in the next couple of days. In the mean time, try out the new stuff on Song in the Raw. Don't ever be shy! I love to hear form people about this kind of thing....or anything.....
Here are some more JR sites for you;
Jon Roniger Website
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo Page
Jon Roniger MySpace
Peace,
Jon
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Tails from the Road #9 - Sponsored by Digital Rodeo
Tails from the Road #9 – Sponsored by Digital Rodeo
I have to start my final “Tails from the Road” journal entry by saying that none of this would be possible without the help of Digital Rodeo. I am honored to represent those guys. I hope that you take the time to head over to Digital Rodeo and check it out. While you’re there, don’t be shy! Stop by Jon Roniger’s Digital Rodeo Page and say hello. I’d love to have you as a neighbor!
I don’t know about you, but I don’t sleep on airplanes. I just cant do it. I’ve tried many times and now that I don’t drink, it’s just not going to happen. I sat next to a guy that tried for like 5 hours to sleep and all he did was toss and turn and drive me nuts. Even the six jack and gingers that he drank when he got on the plane didn’t help.
So, back to my last day in Amsterdam! I was thrilled to have a day off in such a wonderful city, but I spent most of the day trying to figure out a way to make it go by faster! A stroll through the city’s canals and the red light district, an hour or tow spent writing and sipping on coffee at a local café…Amsterdam is a great place to spend the afternoon killing time.
I had some time to look back on my tour and the folks that I met and places that I saw. Even though every night was a great night, there were a couple of highlights for me. I had a Monday night off in The Hague and spent it at a place called De Oude Mol. I met some wonderful people there and actually booked show there for my return some time in 2009. It’s a tiny café on the first floor and a restaurant on the second floor. They have acoustic music on Sunday and Monday nights. The great thing about that is that most places are closed or don’t have music on those nights, so for a touring artist, it’s the perfect gig…dinner and drinks included!
My Tuesday night show at Café Stiels in Haarlem. I always have low expectations for early weeknight shows. It’s just that most people don’t go out on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday nights. I was pleasantly surprised at Café Stiels in Haarlem. The crowd was there early and stayed all night long. I also had the pleasure of playing with a fantastic artist named John Carrie. It was a great night and the owner was enthusiastic about having me back in 2009.
I can’t say enough about my radio shows in Amsterdam! Everyone that was involved with the shows were nice and gracious and a few of them ran clubs in the area and offered me shows for my return. I actually think that I got like four shows for my 2009 return out of my radio appearances there.
All in all it was a successful trip and I am looking forward to a return when I get a chance. My good friends at Digital Rodeo will be involved in with all my tours in some form or another. They have been instrumental in helping unsigned artists and independent music lovers find each other.
I hope that life is treating every one well….even in this tough time of debates, crumbling economies and terrorist threats. I am doing my best to keep it real and an unreal time!
Chasing my tail on the road!
Jon
I have to start my final “Tails from the Road” journal entry by saying that none of this would be possible without the help of Digital Rodeo. I am honored to represent those guys. I hope that you take the time to head over to Digital Rodeo and check it out. While you’re there, don’t be shy! Stop by Jon Roniger’s Digital Rodeo Page and say hello. I’d love to have you as a neighbor!
I don’t know about you, but I don’t sleep on airplanes. I just cant do it. I’ve tried many times and now that I don’t drink, it’s just not going to happen. I sat next to a guy that tried for like 5 hours to sleep and all he did was toss and turn and drive me nuts. Even the six jack and gingers that he drank when he got on the plane didn’t help.
So, back to my last day in Amsterdam! I was thrilled to have a day off in such a wonderful city, but I spent most of the day trying to figure out a way to make it go by faster! A stroll through the city’s canals and the red light district, an hour or tow spent writing and sipping on coffee at a local café…Amsterdam is a great place to spend the afternoon killing time.
I had some time to look back on my tour and the folks that I met and places that I saw. Even though every night was a great night, there were a couple of highlights for me. I had a Monday night off in The Hague and spent it at a place called De Oude Mol. I met some wonderful people there and actually booked show there for my return some time in 2009. It’s a tiny café on the first floor and a restaurant on the second floor. They have acoustic music on Sunday and Monday nights. The great thing about that is that most places are closed or don’t have music on those nights, so for a touring artist, it’s the perfect gig…dinner and drinks included!
My Tuesday night show at Café Stiels in Haarlem. I always have low expectations for early weeknight shows. It’s just that most people don’t go out on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday nights. I was pleasantly surprised at Café Stiels in Haarlem. The crowd was there early and stayed all night long. I also had the pleasure of playing with a fantastic artist named John Carrie. It was a great night and the owner was enthusiastic about having me back in 2009.
I can’t say enough about my radio shows in Amsterdam! Everyone that was involved with the shows were nice and gracious and a few of them ran clubs in the area and offered me shows for my return. I actually think that I got like four shows for my 2009 return out of my radio appearances there.
All in all it was a successful trip and I am looking forward to a return when I get a chance. My good friends at Digital Rodeo will be involved in with all my tours in some form or another. They have been instrumental in helping unsigned artists and independent music lovers find each other.
I hope that life is treating every one well….even in this tough time of debates, crumbling economies and terrorist threats. I am doing my best to keep it real and an unreal time!
Chasing my tail on the road!
Jon
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Tails from the Road #8 - Sponsored by Digital Rodeo
Tails from The Road #8 – Sponsored by Digital Rodeo
Life on the road, chasing your tail, in the search for some luck and live, sometimes you find that you barely have a moment to organize your thoughts and your bags much less take the hour or so to write about the day’s events. That being said, I am sorry to have had to take a couple of days off of my tour entries here. I’ve enjoyed sharing them with you.
Amsterdam was a fantastic place for me on this trip. There were so many great things in a two day span, that it is going to be hard to get them all into this blog. I was honored to be a part of The Amsterdam OBA LIVE Radio show. This is a nationally broadcast show that is about arts, culture, entertainment and politics. It was a listenership of somewhere near 50,000. It was pretty cool of them to have me on as the “entertainment” for the show. There were several authors and journalists and activists and local leaders on the show. I only wish that I had the slightest clue about what they were saying, as it seemed at times to get sort of heated!
The next day I was on another locally broadcast radio show about culture and “outside the lines” type of learning and culture. I was again honored to be the entertainment part of the show. There were several different hosts for the show, each with his or her own area of interest. I was interview by a woman named Gwen who’s area of interest was alternative learning and culture. I am not sure how I fit into that segment, but I was glad to answer questions about my thoughts on life, love, the soul and their effects on my music and songwriting. She decided not to translate my answers into Dutch, so I am very curious to know how my opinions were perceived by the listeners. I am not sure how more metaphysical topics translate since I don’t even know what I am talking about, I wonder how others can know what I am talking about…..in Dutch…no less!
I came home from a double gig night on Thursday to find a group of drunk Germans on my boat. They were very suspicious of me when I walked in at 2am with my guitar and looking rather spent. I, of course, was suspicious of them as they had taken over my boat with flags and cheese and empty beer cans and were smelling like cologne and getting ready to head out for a night of hash and singing of German Beer-hall songs. They thought they had rented the entire boat and I had to produce my key and unlock the door to my cabin and show them my stuff for them to leave me alone. It was rather annoying since I had been there for two days and they had come in for one night and taken over the place. They all came home at 4 or 5 in the morning and started throwing things around and being generally loud and obnoxious. The funny thing is that they were all in their late 30s or early 40s and were acting like college kids on a weekend bender in Amsterdam.
Needless to say, I got about 1 hour of actual sleep that night and was up at 7am to get on the road for my 10am radio interview at Radio Emmen. I was totally burnt for the interview and arrived in Groningen at around 1pm felling like a bag of shit! Fortunately for me there was a nice hotel next to The Café de Hertog Groningen and I checked in without much hesitation and went right to sleep!
It’s amazing what a few hours sleep will do for you! Followed, of course, by a triple cappuccino! Which, in Europe means that you have a double cap followed by a single cap. It’s just not possible to order a triple…..maybe they don’t like to get as jacked up as I do!
Let me take a step back and talk about the two shows on Thursday in Amsterdam. I played at Skek for about an hour and a half. This place is one of the coolest little café/restaurants that I’ve seen in a while. It’s full of young, hip college age kids and serves a very eclectic menu. They feature singer/songwriters a few nights a week and I was followed by an open mic. So, there were a lot of anxious musicians waiting for me to finish so they could get up and play a few cover tunes.
I finished my set at Skek and went around the corner to Molly Malone’s wehre there was another open mic going on. I was basically there for a live audition for a future gig. The owner, who is a very nice man named Mathew explained that they mostly like cover tunes. I had to say that I rarely do covers and was out promoting my new record and would be playing my own material. He allowed me to play and I ended up being very well received by the Thursday night locals and played for about 40 minutes. I guess I passed the audition as Mathew handed me his contact information and said “we’ll talk about a fee for a gig when you come back”. I actually ended up selling a few CDs to some German tourists who described the music, in a brilliant way I thought, as “hand made”. I love this expression and I intend to use it for myself as often as possible.
Keep this in mind as you remember the drunk Germans back on the boat. I’ve now done a 2 hour radio show, a 90 minute gig and a 40 minute gig….it’s 2am and I need to get some sleep for a 10am radio show. Then come the Germans!
OK….so I’m back in Amsterdam to finish the tour in style. I am back on The Piccolo and I have no gig tonight. I am basically a tourist waiting to leave to go home. I have no intention of reflecting on the gig until I am back at home and have a few hours of peace with my family. I can say that I’ve had a wonderful time and met some fantastic people. I’ve been to places that I’ve never seen before and I have filled my soul in ways that only travel can do.
I’ve included a bunch of pictures from the last few days……I hope you enjoy them;
Happy Bar Owner at Café Steils in Haarlem
Me and Jessica de Wal (Radio/Press for Jon Roniger “Charmed Life”)
Playing live at Radio Amsterdam OBA LIVE
On the deck of The Piccolo in Amsterdam
Self Portrait on board The Piccolo
Live at Skek in Amsterdam
Radio Emmen
JR and Morgan Finly at Café de Hertog along with a friendly patron
Me and my European Passtime
Chasing my tail on the Road!
Jon
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Website
Life on the road, chasing your tail, in the search for some luck and live, sometimes you find that you barely have a moment to organize your thoughts and your bags much less take the hour or so to write about the day’s events. That being said, I am sorry to have had to take a couple of days off of my tour entries here. I’ve enjoyed sharing them with you.
Amsterdam was a fantastic place for me on this trip. There were so many great things in a two day span, that it is going to be hard to get them all into this blog. I was honored to be a part of The Amsterdam OBA LIVE Radio show. This is a nationally broadcast show that is about arts, culture, entertainment and politics. It was a listenership of somewhere near 50,000. It was pretty cool of them to have me on as the “entertainment” for the show. There were several authors and journalists and activists and local leaders on the show. I only wish that I had the slightest clue about what they were saying, as it seemed at times to get sort of heated!
The next day I was on another locally broadcast radio show about culture and “outside the lines” type of learning and culture. I was again honored to be the entertainment part of the show. There were several different hosts for the show, each with his or her own area of interest. I was interview by a woman named Gwen who’s area of interest was alternative learning and culture. I am not sure how I fit into that segment, but I was glad to answer questions about my thoughts on life, love, the soul and their effects on my music and songwriting. She decided not to translate my answers into Dutch, so I am very curious to know how my opinions were perceived by the listeners. I am not sure how more metaphysical topics translate since I don’t even know what I am talking about, I wonder how others can know what I am talking about…..in Dutch…no less!
I came home from a double gig night on Thursday to find a group of drunk Germans on my boat. They were very suspicious of me when I walked in at 2am with my guitar and looking rather spent. I, of course, was suspicious of them as they had taken over my boat with flags and cheese and empty beer cans and were smelling like cologne and getting ready to head out for a night of hash and singing of German Beer-hall songs. They thought they had rented the entire boat and I had to produce my key and unlock the door to my cabin and show them my stuff for them to leave me alone. It was rather annoying since I had been there for two days and they had come in for one night and taken over the place. They all came home at 4 or 5 in the morning and started throwing things around and being generally loud and obnoxious. The funny thing is that they were all in their late 30s or early 40s and were acting like college kids on a weekend bender in Amsterdam.
Needless to say, I got about 1 hour of actual sleep that night and was up at 7am to get on the road for my 10am radio interview at Radio Emmen. I was totally burnt for the interview and arrived in Groningen at around 1pm felling like a bag of shit! Fortunately for me there was a nice hotel next to The Café de Hertog Groningen and I checked in without much hesitation and went right to sleep!
It’s amazing what a few hours sleep will do for you! Followed, of course, by a triple cappuccino! Which, in Europe means that you have a double cap followed by a single cap. It’s just not possible to order a triple…..maybe they don’t like to get as jacked up as I do!
Let me take a step back and talk about the two shows on Thursday in Amsterdam. I played at Skek for about an hour and a half. This place is one of the coolest little café/restaurants that I’ve seen in a while. It’s full of young, hip college age kids and serves a very eclectic menu. They feature singer/songwriters a few nights a week and I was followed by an open mic. So, there were a lot of anxious musicians waiting for me to finish so they could get up and play a few cover tunes.
I finished my set at Skek and went around the corner to Molly Malone’s wehre there was another open mic going on. I was basically there for a live audition for a future gig. The owner, who is a very nice man named Mathew explained that they mostly like cover tunes. I had to say that I rarely do covers and was out promoting my new record and would be playing my own material. He allowed me to play and I ended up being very well received by the Thursday night locals and played for about 40 minutes. I guess I passed the audition as Mathew handed me his contact information and said “we’ll talk about a fee for a gig when you come back”. I actually ended up selling a few CDs to some German tourists who described the music, in a brilliant way I thought, as “hand made”. I love this expression and I intend to use it for myself as often as possible.
Keep this in mind as you remember the drunk Germans back on the boat. I’ve now done a 2 hour radio show, a 90 minute gig and a 40 minute gig….it’s 2am and I need to get some sleep for a 10am radio show. Then come the Germans!
OK….so I’m back in Amsterdam to finish the tour in style. I am back on The Piccolo and I have no gig tonight. I am basically a tourist waiting to leave to go home. I have no intention of reflecting on the gig until I am back at home and have a few hours of peace with my family. I can say that I’ve had a wonderful time and met some fantastic people. I’ve been to places that I’ve never seen before and I have filled my soul in ways that only travel can do.
I’ve included a bunch of pictures from the last few days……I hope you enjoy them;
Happy Bar Owner at Café Steils in Haarlem
Me and Jessica de Wal (Radio/Press for Jon Roniger “Charmed Life”)
Playing live at Radio Amsterdam OBA LIVE
On the deck of The Piccolo in Amsterdam
Self Portrait on board The Piccolo
Live at Skek in Amsterdam
Radio Emmen
JR and Morgan Finly at Café de Hertog along with a friendly patron
Me and my European Passtime
Chasing my tail on the Road!
Jon
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Website
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tails from the Road #7 - Sponsored by Digital Rodeo
Tails from The Road #7 – Sponsored by Digital Rodeo
I am going to have to include today’s Radio Show in this message. But I’ll begin with yesterday.
I was in The Hague (Den Hague) for a night and a wonderful show at Cafe Steils. The Hague, like a lot of European cities, was formed and seemed to have survived from the Cathedral outward. At the heart of every city that I have been to in Holland, and in most of Europe, the Cathedral is the focal point of the city. All else stems from it. It also seems to me that there is always construction going on when I get to the Cathedrals. DEN HAGUE was no exception.
Cathedral construction creates a real traffic problem in cities with tiny streets that all converge on it’s centre. Seriously, it is not a wonder why most people don’t drive….much less drive SUVs. Anything bigger than a matchbox on wheels is too big for the streets of Europe. Add in some construction on the local Cathedral and you’ve got gridlock. My next tour will be by bike!
I think that I digressed a bit….but you should have seen this traffic! Cafe Steils was fantastic and, for a Tuesday night, was packed. It’s a small Jazz, Blues, Roots, Acoustic music club about 200 yards off of the Centre Square in The Hague. I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with a singer/songwriter named John Carrie.
The night started out with a bunch of young drunks partying and dancing and taking stupid pictures and screaming at each other. It ended with a bunch of older drunks partying and dancing and having a generally good time. The smoking ban has taken hold of Holland and there are always groups of people outside of every pub, café and venue smoking and talking. Just like in San Francisco in 1999, they are all complaining about being forced to smoke outside and they huddle in groups and feverishly chug down their cigarettes as if their lives depended on it. I hate to mock the smokers, as I used to be one, but it really is funny how some one who is deliberately killing themselves and everyone around them, can complain about being forced to SPARE US YOUR MISSERY!
OK, back to the task at hand. Today I arrived in Amsterdam for a radio show on Oba Live Radio Amsterdam. The show was from 7-9pm and featured politics, culture and arts. I was the arts part, I guess. There were writers and journalists and activists and they seemed to be having a great time arguing about what ever it was that they were arguing about. I have no idea what any one said, but it seemed to get a bit heated towards the end. I think that it turned to politics and religion and we all know what can happen when you start to talk about those things in mixed company. I was happy just to be the little music guy in the corner to provide artistic relief from time to time.
I have no idea what tomorrow’s show will bring but I am back in the same building at a different time for a different program. If you ever get a chance to visit the Amsterdam Public Library, I strongly recommend that you do it. There is a fantastic café on the top floor that has a wonderful view of Amsterdam and the food is REALLY GOOD!
Let me take another opportunity to thank my wonderful sponsors Digital Rodeo. I hope that you get a chance to make your way to the Digital Rodeo site and see what a great thing that they started.
Chasing my tail on the Road!
Jon
I am going to have to include today’s Radio Show in this message. But I’ll begin with yesterday.
I was in The Hague (Den Hague) for a night and a wonderful show at Cafe Steils. The Hague, like a lot of European cities, was formed and seemed to have survived from the Cathedral outward. At the heart of every city that I have been to in Holland, and in most of Europe, the Cathedral is the focal point of the city. All else stems from it. It also seems to me that there is always construction going on when I get to the Cathedrals. DEN HAGUE was no exception.
Cathedral construction creates a real traffic problem in cities with tiny streets that all converge on it’s centre. Seriously, it is not a wonder why most people don’t drive….much less drive SUVs. Anything bigger than a matchbox on wheels is too big for the streets of Europe. Add in some construction on the local Cathedral and you’ve got gridlock. My next tour will be by bike!
I think that I digressed a bit….but you should have seen this traffic! Cafe Steils was fantastic and, for a Tuesday night, was packed. It’s a small Jazz, Blues, Roots, Acoustic music club about 200 yards off of the Centre Square in The Hague. I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with a singer/songwriter named John Carrie.
The night started out with a bunch of young drunks partying and dancing and taking stupid pictures and screaming at each other. It ended with a bunch of older drunks partying and dancing and having a generally good time. The smoking ban has taken hold of Holland and there are always groups of people outside of every pub, café and venue smoking and talking. Just like in San Francisco in 1999, they are all complaining about being forced to smoke outside and they huddle in groups and feverishly chug down their cigarettes as if their lives depended on it. I hate to mock the smokers, as I used to be one, but it really is funny how some one who is deliberately killing themselves and everyone around them, can complain about being forced to SPARE US YOUR MISSERY!
OK, back to the task at hand. Today I arrived in Amsterdam for a radio show on Oba Live Radio Amsterdam. The show was from 7-9pm and featured politics, culture and arts. I was the arts part, I guess. There were writers and journalists and activists and they seemed to be having a great time arguing about what ever it was that they were arguing about. I have no idea what any one said, but it seemed to get a bit heated towards the end. I think that it turned to politics and religion and we all know what can happen when you start to talk about those things in mixed company. I was happy just to be the little music guy in the corner to provide artistic relief from time to time.
I have no idea what tomorrow’s show will bring but I am back in the same building at a different time for a different program. If you ever get a chance to visit the Amsterdam Public Library, I strongly recommend that you do it. There is a fantastic café on the top floor that has a wonderful view of Amsterdam and the food is REALLY GOOD!
Let me take another opportunity to thank my wonderful sponsors Digital Rodeo. I hope that you get a chance to make your way to the Digital Rodeo site and see what a great thing that they started.
Chasing my tail on the Road!
Jon
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tails from the Road #6 - Sponsored by Digital Rodeo
Tails from The Road #6 – Sponsored by Digital Rodeo
As fate would have it, my show last night fell through. I am actually relieved that it was a Monday night show and not a Friday night show. It happens once per tour and last night was “the once”. I actually showed up and the bartender was like, “who are you and why are you here.” The manager and I did a little research and discovered that the gig was never confirmed by either side. There was an email trail that had the date and time but never a mention of “OK…we’re confirmed for this date”. I was bummed not to be playing another show in The Hague, but I was glad to have a night off to hang out and taste some local flavor.
The manager of MUSICON, where I was supposed to be playing, called another bar to see about a last minute show. It was very nice of him. He called a place named OUDE MOL in the center of town, very near my hotel. I could not have been happier with the venue. There was not a chance of me playing there, but the acoustic duo that was on for the evening was fantastic and I met some really great people! The owner and bartender was incredibly nice and offered me a show if and when I return to Holland. They actually played my CD between sets. I had not heard that CD, “MY WORLD” in a long time and I actually enjoyed hearing myself in the bar as people talked and drank and smoked up a storm!
There was a woman there who had done booking for rock bands all around Europe. There was a local country/blues singer and his wife. The owner’s husband was a great local drummer and a local percussion player had stopped in to see the show. There was a gentleman from Sheffield, UK and three locals arguing over US Politics at the bar. I wanted to chime in, but they seemed pretty down on both parties. I didn’t want to get into a fight and decided that it was best left to them to figure out who not to be able to vote for.
I think that I might have done more to spread the word about my music last night sitting at the bar, then had I played to an empty rock bar across town. I actually even sold a CD! I managed to give away about 4 more CDs to the musicians and might even have a small ensemble waiting for me upon my return.
When you’re chasing your tail on the road, improvisation becomes very important! This is how you make the most out of a bad situation!
Until next time……
Jon
Here are a few more pictures;
Live in The Hague – Taken by a drunk!
The Hague Festival
Oude Mol Café in The Hague
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Website
As fate would have it, my show last night fell through. I am actually relieved that it was a Monday night show and not a Friday night show. It happens once per tour and last night was “the once”. I actually showed up and the bartender was like, “who are you and why are you here.” The manager and I did a little research and discovered that the gig was never confirmed by either side. There was an email trail that had the date and time but never a mention of “OK…we’re confirmed for this date”. I was bummed not to be playing another show in The Hague, but I was glad to have a night off to hang out and taste some local flavor.
The manager of MUSICON, where I was supposed to be playing, called another bar to see about a last minute show. It was very nice of him. He called a place named OUDE MOL in the center of town, very near my hotel. I could not have been happier with the venue. There was not a chance of me playing there, but the acoustic duo that was on for the evening was fantastic and I met some really great people! The owner and bartender was incredibly nice and offered me a show if and when I return to Holland. They actually played my CD between sets. I had not heard that CD, “MY WORLD” in a long time and I actually enjoyed hearing myself in the bar as people talked and drank and smoked up a storm!
There was a woman there who had done booking for rock bands all around Europe. There was a local country/blues singer and his wife. The owner’s husband was a great local drummer and a local percussion player had stopped in to see the show. There was a gentleman from Sheffield, UK and three locals arguing over US Politics at the bar. I wanted to chime in, but they seemed pretty down on both parties. I didn’t want to get into a fight and decided that it was best left to them to figure out who not to be able to vote for.
I think that I might have done more to spread the word about my music last night sitting at the bar, then had I played to an empty rock bar across town. I actually even sold a CD! I managed to give away about 4 more CDs to the musicians and might even have a small ensemble waiting for me upon my return.
When you’re chasing your tail on the road, improvisation becomes very important! This is how you make the most out of a bad situation!
Until next time……
Jon
Here are a few more pictures;
Live in The Hague – Taken by a drunk!
The Hague Festival
Oude Mol Café in The Hague
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Website
Monday, September 22, 2008
Tails from the Road #4 - Sponsored by Digital Rodeo
Tails from the Road 4 – Sponsored by Digital Rodeo.
I have to say that, without Digital Rodeo. this tour would not be possible. Again, I must start by saying that I am honored to be carrying the DR flag! I hope you take a little time to go by the DR website and poke around. They are the most user friendly community website that I have been a part of!
Making my way through the Dutch countryside, I am taken back by the natural beauty and lushness of the waterway-ridden landscape. Green pastures and canals weave their way across the horizon and even at 90 miles an hour, I am amazed at how they never seem to end. Cows and endless fields or green dotted by humans on bikes. I will always remember Holland for it's affinity to the bicycle. It's got to be the number one mode of transportation in the country.
Actually, I was almost killed by a biker about 9 years ago when I was last in Amsterdam. First of all, there are lots of things to see in Amsterdam. The endless sightseeing can get tedious and is dotted only by the stops at the local cafes and partaking in the local freedoms. Anyway, I was stoned, of course, and walking back to my hostel when I heard the dinging of the tram bells. I am not sure how close they came to me, but I jumped out of the way just in time to get run over by a biker. They're probably not used to idiot stoners getting in their way….wait a second….I'm sure it happens all the time. Come to think of it, her should have known that I was going to get in his way. I was clearly stoned out of my mind and carrying a guitar. That should have been an immediate signal to stay clear of me. I had a limp for about a week from my knee getting smashed by his front tire.
But I've digressed! I was in Hardenberg for a radio interview yesterday at Blues Meets Rock Radio Show. I was honored to be a part of their fantastic show. The hostess, Gerda, and her husband Len, were kind and generous and I really had a fantastic time. I also got the chance to enjoy some of the local fare at Len and Gerda's local pub. Wiener Schnitzel was what I ordered and ate every bite!
The radio show features a variety of music from rock to blues and Americana. I felt right at home! I got to play cuts from the record, "Charmed Life" and a couple of new songs. I would love to do more shows like that! I am not sure of their listenership, but they mentioned that people in the USA and Argentina were tuned into the show. Their website gets 4000 hits a week and the show is streaming live on Saturdays and again all week long for anyone to download or listen to.
I've included some pictures from the tour so far in this email. I hope you enjoy them!
Live @ Steinbruch, Duisberg
Gibson Takes the Stage @ Steinbruch
Blues Meets Rock Radio – Herdenberg, NL
The Rambler – Eindhoven, NL
Den Hopsack – Antwerp, BE
Peace from the Road.....chasing my Tail...
Jon
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Website
I have to say that, without Digital Rodeo. this tour would not be possible. Again, I must start by saying that I am honored to be carrying the DR flag! I hope you take a little time to go by the DR website and poke around. They are the most user friendly community website that I have been a part of!
Making my way through the Dutch countryside, I am taken back by the natural beauty and lushness of the waterway-ridden landscape. Green pastures and canals weave their way across the horizon and even at 90 miles an hour, I am amazed at how they never seem to end. Cows and endless fields or green dotted by humans on bikes. I will always remember Holland for it's affinity to the bicycle. It's got to be the number one mode of transportation in the country.
Actually, I was almost killed by a biker about 9 years ago when I was last in Amsterdam. First of all, there are lots of things to see in Amsterdam. The endless sightseeing can get tedious and is dotted only by the stops at the local cafes and partaking in the local freedoms. Anyway, I was stoned, of course, and walking back to my hostel when I heard the dinging of the tram bells. I am not sure how close they came to me, but I jumped out of the way just in time to get run over by a biker. They're probably not used to idiot stoners getting in their way….wait a second….I'm sure it happens all the time. Come to think of it, her should have known that I was going to get in his way. I was clearly stoned out of my mind and carrying a guitar. That should have been an immediate signal to stay clear of me. I had a limp for about a week from my knee getting smashed by his front tire.
But I've digressed! I was in Hardenberg for a radio interview yesterday at Blues Meets Rock Radio Show. I was honored to be a part of their fantastic show. The hostess, Gerda, and her husband Len, were kind and generous and I really had a fantastic time. I also got the chance to enjoy some of the local fare at Len and Gerda's local pub. Wiener Schnitzel was what I ordered and ate every bite!
The radio show features a variety of music from rock to blues and Americana. I felt right at home! I got to play cuts from the record, "Charmed Life" and a couple of new songs. I would love to do more shows like that! I am not sure of their listenership, but they mentioned that people in the USA and Argentina were tuned into the show. Their website gets 4000 hits a week and the show is streaming live on Saturdays and again all week long for anyone to download or listen to.
I've included some pictures from the tour so far in this email. I hope you enjoy them!
Live @ Steinbruch, Duisberg
Gibson Takes the Stage @ Steinbruch
Blues Meets Rock Radio – Herdenberg, NL
The Rambler – Eindhoven, NL
Den Hopsack – Antwerp, BE
Peace from the Road.....chasing my Tail...
Jon
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Jon Roniger Myspace
Jon Roniger Website
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Tails from the Road #3 - Sponsored by Digital Rodeo
Tails from the Road #3 – Sponsored by Digital Rodeo
Where was I last night….oh yes…in Duisburg, Germany! I played a great placed called Steinbruch Cafe. There was a big beer garden out front, a wonderful café inside where folks had gathered to watch the local football match and a fantastic venue in back. The owners had clearly thought about capturing all possible interests from their customer base. They served breakfast all day and food until late in the evening. I ate about five times yesterday. Those kind of eating days are rare on the road!
The venue held about 200 people standing. There was a great sound system set up to work for full bands. Great monitors and a lighting system designed for rock shows. I was right at home on a stage full of other band’s stuff. I would have loved to have brought my band with me for that show. But, alas, I was solo! I did, however, use all the monitors to make myself sound like a powerhouse. I was stereophonic on stage. It might have sounded like crap in the front house, but I was enjoying every note! The Sound man, Scotty (German name…..?) was very helpful in every way and even recorded the show. He plans to mix it down for me and send over the polished product. Let me tell you that this tool is unbelievable for a guy like me. First of all, I get to hear what the show actually sounds like outside f my head. But, I also get to have a “Live CD” version of the show for more product or promotional use. I’m thinking of using some of the show and some tour photos for a montage of the tour….a low budget effort on my part, but I aint no Fort Knox!
I have to give a shout out to my new friend Christoph who put me in his flat for two nights. He is one of those rare people that truly believes in paying it forward. He enjoys housing touring musicians and travelers. He likes to meet new people and in doing so has managed to travel to many places around the world and stay with the folks that he has met. For a guy like me, it is a real help on the road to be able to save 40-60 Euro. Over a twelve night tour, I can save a lot of money!
The bands last night were Nemo and The Loox. They managed to bring out a great crowd and I was pleased to play to a good crowd that had showed up early. I love “early” people. I can’t tell you how many times I have finished a set to have my friends/fans show up ten minutes after I am done. “Did we miss it?” It’s to the point where I wonder why I bother putting the time of the show listed anywhere. BUT, not last night. The people were there early and ready with beer and cigarette in hand. I call it a natural smoke machine. Every day that I am in Europe I am reminded of why I quit smoking. Hack coughs are everywhere and dry, grey, dehydrated skin is the color of choice amongst smokers. Coffee and a cigarette, beer and a cigarette, cigarette while you wait for the bus. I actually saw a couple of women in the Tanning Salon waiting to be nuked, smoking away. The irony was that the tanning salon was marketing itself as a way to “look more healthy”. I really should have taken a picture!
Ah…the joy of being on the road. Chasing my tail!
Until tomorrow,
Jon
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Songs in the Raw
Jon Roniger Website
Where was I last night….oh yes…in Duisburg, Germany! I played a great placed called Steinbruch Cafe. There was a big beer garden out front, a wonderful café inside where folks had gathered to watch the local football match and a fantastic venue in back. The owners had clearly thought about capturing all possible interests from their customer base. They served breakfast all day and food until late in the evening. I ate about five times yesterday. Those kind of eating days are rare on the road!
The venue held about 200 people standing. There was a great sound system set up to work for full bands. Great monitors and a lighting system designed for rock shows. I was right at home on a stage full of other band’s stuff. I would have loved to have brought my band with me for that show. But, alas, I was solo! I did, however, use all the monitors to make myself sound like a powerhouse. I was stereophonic on stage. It might have sounded like crap in the front house, but I was enjoying every note! The Sound man, Scotty (German name…..?) was very helpful in every way and even recorded the show. He plans to mix it down for me and send over the polished product. Let me tell you that this tool is unbelievable for a guy like me. First of all, I get to hear what the show actually sounds like outside f my head. But, I also get to have a “Live CD” version of the show for more product or promotional use. I’m thinking of using some of the show and some tour photos for a montage of the tour….a low budget effort on my part, but I aint no Fort Knox!
I have to give a shout out to my new friend Christoph who put me in his flat for two nights. He is one of those rare people that truly believes in paying it forward. He enjoys housing touring musicians and travelers. He likes to meet new people and in doing so has managed to travel to many places around the world and stay with the folks that he has met. For a guy like me, it is a real help on the road to be able to save 40-60 Euro. Over a twelve night tour, I can save a lot of money!
The bands last night were Nemo and The Loox. They managed to bring out a great crowd and I was pleased to play to a good crowd that had showed up early. I love “early” people. I can’t tell you how many times I have finished a set to have my friends/fans show up ten minutes after I am done. “Did we miss it?” It’s to the point where I wonder why I bother putting the time of the show listed anywhere. BUT, not last night. The people were there early and ready with beer and cigarette in hand. I call it a natural smoke machine. Every day that I am in Europe I am reminded of why I quit smoking. Hack coughs are everywhere and dry, grey, dehydrated skin is the color of choice amongst smokers. Coffee and a cigarette, beer and a cigarette, cigarette while you wait for the bus. I actually saw a couple of women in the Tanning Salon waiting to be nuked, smoking away. The irony was that the tanning salon was marketing itself as a way to “look more healthy”. I really should have taken a picture!
Ah…the joy of being on the road. Chasing my tail!
Until tomorrow,
Jon
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo
Songs in the Raw
Jon Roniger Website
Friday, September 19, 2008
Tails from the Road #2 - Sponsored by Digital Rodeo
I'd like to start this by thanking my wonderful sponsors Digital Rodeo. If you have not been over to Digital Rodeo yet, you really should. These guys have started a very cool community of artists and fans. Artists are able to upload as many tracks as they'd like to their artist page and fans and friends are referred to as "neighbors". Even the people who started the community can be easily reached and actually respond to your questions and comments personally.
So, check out Digital Rodeo! While you're there you should pop by the Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo Page and say hello. I'd love to have you in the neighborhood!
Now down to the business at hand! I was lucky enough to be a witness to a wonderful celebration yesterday in Eindhoven, NL. September 18 is the day that Eindhoven celebrates their "Liberation Day". It was on that day in 1944 that Eindhoven was liberated from the Nazis. There was a parade with American, Dutch and British military. There were bands and flags and children with torches and people drinking beer and coffee and having a good time all around. It came as a complete surprise to me and I was actually proud to be there. Let me just say that moments like that make being a touring musician a very special thing. Here I am, a little troubadour, stumbling upon history. A history that I can actually feel like I was a part of. It was a proud moment for Netherlands and America.
The venue I played in Eindhoven was called THE RAMBLER. I was the closing act of 4 acts for the night. I was immediately reminded of some of the gigs that I did on Sunset Strip at THE RAINBOW. I would be wedged between a punk band and a hard core band. Last night I followed a Dutch metal band. The evening started with a woman on piano backed by a gentleman playing a cajon. She called herself "acoustic, soul punk". I was glad to call myself "Rock and Roll". The lines of musical genre are becoming so blurred that I don't even know what I like anymore. I'm pretty sure that I just like music. I don't care if it comes in a cowboy hat, with dreadlocks, layered in distortion, with a horn section and a piano solo or is delivered by the son of satan. If it sounds good and I like it, I don't care what you call it.
Let me refocus my tail. I've gotten a few comments about the use of the word "Tail" in my "Tails from the Road". Many of you might be saying....."what a freakin' idiot" and you're actually right. I am not the brightest bulb in the forest. However, I use the word "tail" to indicate that, in the business of being on the road, even the best layed plans are usually thrown out the window and improvisation and adaptation become the program. As soon as you think you've got it all worked out, the venue shuts down, the promoter has a stroke, the car blows up, your guitar gets stolen, the drummer runs away with a local hooker and authorities grab your passport and your bank card. That's right! You are now flying by the seat of your pants...."tail"...as it were. And, after all, that's life....isn't it?!
So, I played my set to a mostly rock laden room and was pleasantly received! I sold some CDs and the bartender, an all black wearing rocker chick, actually was the one screaming for an encore. I thought that maybe it would be the older gentleman who was so attentive during the set or the parents of the kids in the previous band or the drunks at the bar, but it was the rockerest of them all who enjoyed the set and wanted more. Even the sound man ended up BUYING CDs. I usually give the sound guys CDs to play between sets, but he refused to take them for free and payed for them. The owner wanted to give me a night of my own upon my return and suggested a few artists to contact for more gigs in the area.
Let me just go on record as saying that I am always surprised by the kindness of people. The willingness to help out. A smile and a kind gesture go a long way to a stranger. Please and thank you are understood by everyone on the planet. Maybe one day our world leaders will figure this shit out and we can stop this madness.
So, for now, I am going to keep singing my little songs and smiling and shaking hands and spreading love and music where ever I can......fuckin' eh!
Until Tomorrow,
Jon Roniger
Jon Roniger website
Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo Page
Jon Roniger MySpace Page
So, check out Digital Rodeo! While you're there you should pop by the Jon Roniger Digital Rodeo Page and say hello. I'd love to have you in the neighborhood!
Now down to the business at hand! I was lucky enough to be a witness to a wonderful celebration yesterday in Eindhoven, NL. September 18 is the day that Eindhoven celebrates their "Liberation Day". It was on that day in 1944 that Eindhoven was liberated from the Nazis. There was a parade with American, Dutch and British military. There were bands and flags and children with torches and people drinking beer and coffee and having a good time all around. It came as a complete surprise to me and I was actually proud to be there. Let me just say that moments like that make being a touring musician a very special thing. Here I am, a little troubadour, stumbling upon history. A history that I can actually feel like I was a part of. It was a proud moment for Netherlands and America.
The venue I played in Eindhoven was called THE RAMBLER. I was the closing act of 4 acts for the night. I was immediately reminded of some of the gigs that I did on Sunset Strip at THE RAINBOW. I would be wedged between a punk band and a hard core band. Last night I followed a Dutch metal band. The evening started with a woman on piano backed by a gentleman playing a cajon. She called herself "acoustic, soul punk". I was glad to call myself "Rock and Roll". The lines of musical genre are becoming so blurred that I don't even know what I like anymore. I'm pretty sure that I just like music. I don't care if it comes in a cowboy hat, with dreadlocks, layered in distortion, with a horn section and a piano solo or is delivered by the son of satan. If it sounds good and I like it, I don't care what you call it.
Let me refocus my tail. I've gotten a few comments about the use of the word "Tail" in my "Tails from the Road". Many of you might be saying....."what a freakin' idiot" and you're actually right. I am not the brightest bulb in the forest. However, I use the word "tail" to indicate that, in the business of being on the road, even the best layed plans are usually thrown out the window and improvisation and adaptation become the program. As soon as you think you've got it all worked out, the venue shuts down, the promoter has a stroke, the car blows up, your guitar gets stolen, the drummer runs away with a local hooker and authorities grab your passport and your bank card. That's right! You are now flying by the seat of your pants...."tail"...as it were. And, after all, that's life....isn't it?!
So, I played my set to a mostly rock laden room and was pleasantly received! I sold some CDs and the bartender, an all black wearing rocker chick, actually was the one screaming for an encore. I thought that maybe it would be the older gentleman who was so attentive during the set or the parents of the kids in the previous band or the drunks at the bar, but it was the rockerest of them all who enjoyed the set and wanted more. Even the sound man ended up BUYING CDs. I usually give the sound guys CDs to play between sets, but he refused to take them for free and payed for them. The owner wanted to give me a night of my own upon my return and suggested a few artists to contact for more gigs in the area.
Let me just go on record as saying that I am always surprised by the kindness of people. The willingness to help out. A smile and a kind gesture go a long way to a stranger. Please and thank you are understood by everyone on the planet. Maybe one day our world leaders will figure this shit out and we can stop this madness.
So, for now, I am going to keep singing my little songs and smiling and shaking hands and spreading love and music where ever I can......fuckin' eh!
Until Tomorrow,
Jon Roniger
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