Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
Born to be Country
As Craig walked the worn limestone river path, the stars gave just enough light, so he wouldn’t trip on the occasional rock or small boulder that popped up along the trail that perched on the river’s edge. His floppy eared basset hound Elvis, wet nose up, happily inhaled the fresh summer scents. This nightly routine was Craigs respite from long days of working as a life insurance agent, a job Craig had only intended to be temporary. Talking to people about their impending demise had turned into 15 miserable years where every day tasted like a Monday and every evening was saturated with the promise of another dreadful workday the next morning. As the sound of the rushing river current and the cool night breeze washed over him, he could feel the ever-present tension in his body drift away into the night. His minds usual flip flopping over the actuarial table’s death rate for the morbidly obese had stopped and he began to dream about his passion of moving to Nashville and becoming a country music artist. A dream he had put off for more than a decade because of his own life which had become its own tragic country song of sorts. Lost love, broken hearts and wasted moments. In fact, that was going to be the name of his first album which he knew would give him the adulation of the future fans which were just patiently waiting for his debut. Unfortunately, his divorce from 5 years ago had put him into a semi-permanent state of debt that kept him from relocating until he could pay off the remaining agreed to settlement. Just waiting for a miracle, Craig thought. Which could be the name of one of his many future hit singles. Along with Damn you Colleen, the name of his ex-wife. Craig pulled out his small black Moleskine notebook and pen from his back jeans pocket and made a few quick notes. Just waiting for a miracle & Damn you Colleen. *Future hits*.
Keith JohnsPublished 3 years ago in BeatScat Scat with a Baseball Baaaat
“One day I went too the mooooon, playing a trumpet with a big baloooon. Heel on toe, foot in yo noseee.” - Author Mike Harris, hey I can scat too
Michael J. HarrisPublished 3 years ago in BeatGet Tickets to the Michael McDonald Concert Today
The Michael McDonald concert phenomenon has taken the world by storm. A versatile and popular performer Michael McDonald first gained notice with his performance as Donnie Yen in the Kung Mangarap Ka's "Reelin' in the Years." This followed the release of his self-titled album. He then joined the group Kung Fu and went on to play on all of their singles, as well as a few B-side songs. He is also a member of the band Steely Dan, along with John Cusack, Walter Becker, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
ThinkThankThunk
I hated the Cow Palace—a big concrete box built for livestock shows and basketball games, not music, so of course the acoustics were horrible. Sonic mud.
Michael FlemingPublished 3 years ago in BeatHow to Overcome Your Fear of Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream
Every time I take out my excerpts book it falls defiantly open at one page featuring the excerpt that every clarinetist fears the most: the Scherzo from Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream. While there are many ideas about how to tackle this passage without getting your tongue in a twist, I don't want to get too technical with details of how to position your tongue within your embouchure or how to take a proper breath as it is my belief that with just a few general pointers it should be possible to improve your playing of this piece.
Clarinet UPublished 3 years ago in BeatTRAINWRECK
A dozen teenagers and some people in their early 20s, mostly dressed in black, carrying symbols of Iron Maiden, Megadeath, Slayer, Slipknot and Metallica on their T-shirts. Some of them with long hair and accessories sprinkled across their bodies. They are prattling and waiting eagerly for the gates to open to an underground auditorium. As soon as they all shift inside, the growing riff of Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman’ echoes. Band after the band gets on the stage of this dark and cheaply lit venue, leaving the audience banging their heads with immense intensity. This is an image of the underground metal music scene in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Zaima NuzhatPublished 3 years ago in BeatOut With The Old
When I begin my workday, I always throw on the radio. Radio isn’t something people typically listen to anymore – with the advent of streaming services, podcasts and the ability to listen to just about anything you can dream of at your fingertips. But radio has always been my way of connecting to the world around me – especially now as we draw closer to the first anniversary COVID-19 was announced as a global pandemic.
Simon J. SpencerPublished 3 years ago in BeatHow New Wave Saved My Life
It wasn't long after my Boyz In Fashion era that I fell completely in love with New Wave music. Yes, being that it was 1990 (or so) I know that I was late to the game, so to speak. If I recall correctly, it was Respect by Erasure that really did me in. That rhythm, that voice and the desperation in it, really ignited a flame within that I can't extinguish to this day. I became voracious for that music then. I visited record stores and asked the clerks for recommendations. They introduced me to The Smiths, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Echo and the Bunnymen, OMD, Psychedelic Furs, New Order, Talk Talk, Pet Shop Boys, etc. I was completely overwhelmed.
E. L. SotoPublished 3 years ago in BeatAnalyzing“Sesshoumaru and Rin’s Theme” and “Setsuna’s Violin”
Introduction: So I’ve seen a lot of posts about the comparison between “Setsuna’s Lullaby” and the “Sesshoumaru and Rin” theme from the OG series. I thought I’d take a crack at providing some thoughts and notes à la music theory/history.
Home Ain't No Place
I only had a few dozen interviews under my belt when I got the call that Smokin’ Bo Waites was willing to let me do a feature on him-- his first interview in over forty years. He was a fiercely private man and didn’t care at all for the media circus side of the music business. But when I reached out to his manager, I explained that I wasn’t just another young gunner, looking to break through by getting his name attached to my CV. I had been a disciple of his music since I was fourteen. The first time I ever heard one of his songs, it pierced me to my core and brought me to tears. He was more than just a blues legend to me; he was a religious figure, a mystic, a saint, who had led me through some of the darkest times in my life. I’d like to think that something I said must have convinced him, but in reality, Bo probably just decided the time was right to share his story.
A. L. HamiltonPublished 3 years ago in BeatI'm crying Cuz I love you (and you helped me love myself)
“Why are men great until they gotta be great?” Have truer words ever been spoken when you’re in the midst of a breakup? I remember watching the movie, Someone Great, when I first heard the aptly named, "Truth Hurts" song by Lizzo. The iconic scene is depicted below, yet, little did I know the larger role Lizzo would play in my life.
Lauren A RadspinnerPublished 3 years ago in BeatPowerful With A Little Bit of Tender
I usually like to write these in lists. Top 5 reasons for this or top ten songs for that, but when it comes to an artist I admire I figured I should go a little off the beaten path in her eclectic honor. Janelle Monáe is more than just a fantastic musical artist and a talented actress. She is an innovator in modern art. So here is my love letter to this creative powerhouse who has inspired and entertained me and will continue to do so for many more years to come.
yanina maysonetPublished 3 years ago in Beat