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TopMon, 26 May 2008
May 26, 2008, 22:36
[home/music] A fan named Vinuthomas has created a fan page for me, and posted an article on “Sites and Sounds.” Thanks Vinuthomas!
Cool Fan Page
~Jason
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May 26, 2008, 22:20
[home/journal]
Camping at Selkirk Provincial Park
We had a fantastic time this weekend camping as a family at Selkirk Provincial Park. Jay Forderer and his boys camped two lots down from us so the kids had lots to do.
What beautiful weather for it too— a soothing breeze off Lake Erie, the bright sun warming us while we read in front of the tent trailer. Enjoyed a camp fire Saturday night with S’mores, wine, and song.
Definitely have to do this more often. The only (downside?) was that we missed church. Hmm. How could I reword that…. **grin**
~Jason
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Thu, 22 May 2008
May 22, 2008, 22:21
[home/music/gigs] I’ve been invited to return to Buchanan Free Methodist Church’s coffee house to do a set from my new CDs. I hope you can come. I’m taking requests for any of the songs I’ve written, so please leave your requests in the comments box. ~Jason
Playing at Coffee House
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Sun, 18 May 2008
May 18, 2008, 23:07
[home/journal] Star Trek and Monty Python: ~Jason
Two of My Favourite Things Combined
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Sat, 17 May 2008
May 17, 2008, 13:52
[home/music]
Magnet URL
Jason Silver torrent download: Click to Download In Azureus Bit Torrent Software
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Wed, 14 May 2008
May 14, 2008, 14:49
[home/journal] I’m fascinated by the diverse hiring practices various churches have for picking a worship director for their congregation. Of particular interest to me are the types of questions that are asked. In each situation, the questions tell me more about the state of the church than they wanted me to know. This is because the questions betray either the issues they’re facing as a congregation, or the focus and values they have as a congregation. And sometimes these are one and the same.
Churches And Hiring
For example, some churches are preoccupied with my ability to work with video, or drama, to play various instruments, or to manage the sound system. Other churches focus on the style of music I prefer to listen to. But very rarely am I asked personal questions about worship itself: what I believe it to be, how I approach leading others into a place of worship, the role of tradition and innovation in worship, and more.
Wouldn’t you agree that these are much more important things to find out about a person who would lead you?
Very rarely am I asked about my inter-personal skills. How does a music director handle prima donnas? What about conflict resolution? In my opinion, musicians are potentially the most difficult group of volunteers to lead. They are often driven to express themselves through art because of deep inner struggles and pain. A good music leader understands how to make the most of wounded people, how to accept people for just how they are, and how to encourage and love people despite their short-comings.
It makes choosing a church to work in much more difficult. I believe I could make use of my gifts in almost any congregation, but also that I have a responsibility to invest my talents wisely, in a place where there is the greatest chance of multiplication.
Actually, upon reflection, I am beginning to see that one reason it had become so difficult to work at my last church, was because the potential to grow the church had been thwarted by these very problems. At the crux of it all was the underlying understanding of worship and giftedness. This church still struggles with finding a style everyone is comfortable with, and it demonstrates a lack of understanding of the true nature and purpose of worship.
Nevermind that there was a demonstrated UNwillingness to accept people for who they are, warts and all.
Would you agree with the statement that churches have become increasingly distasteful to non-church-goers precisely because they don’t accept people for who they are? I want to hear what you have to say. Make some suggestions too, as to what kinds of questions are better to ask a would-be music director or worship pastor.
~Jason
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May 14, 2008, 11:29
[home/music] This is absolutely awesome. It’s where I want my music to go:
Do You Like This?
Emm Gryner sings live
Do you like this?
~Jason
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Tue, 13 May 2008
May 13, 2008, 22:58
[home/music] I read recently that musicians aren’t in the business of selling CDs, or tickets to concerts— they’re in the business of selling an EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE.
Music and Emotions
It made me think: what is the emotional experience people get when they listen to my stuff? How can I reword my invitations for people to “have a listen” so that they’re drawn into the sensation potential my music can have on them?
I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on this. What do you “feel?”
Jason
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Mon, 12 May 2008
May 12, 2008, 22:44
[home/music]
Christmas CD
I’m thinking a lot about how to monetize the Christmas CD I’m getting ready to release.
As you likely know, I’ve been giving away my last two “scratch tracks” CDs over at Last.fm. It’s been cool to see a huge increase in downloads and plays over the last four or five weeks. And in the process I’ve sold a few more copies of my other projects via iTunes and other outlets.
But I’m thinking of other ways to creatively "sell" the ChristmaSongs CD.
I thought I’d throw it out there: do you have any ideas? What’s a new, creative, thinking-outside-the-box way to make a bit of money from this music?
One thought: go around to churches and play evening concerts of music and either give the CD away free there (and get paid to play) or play for free and get paid for the CDs.
What’s your idea?
~Jason
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Sun, 11 May 2008
May 11, 2008, 19:42
[home/music] A week ago I uploaded both of my new albums to a site called “Podsafe.” I gave permission for anyone doing a podcast to use my songs in their shows for free.
Podcast Played Sunny Days
So today I was informed by email that Sunny Days was used here, on iPadre Catholic Podcast. How cool is that!?
Thanks to the priest who found it, and included it!
And thanks to my dear heavenly Father for gifting me with a language of emotion.
~Jason
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Fri, 02 May 2008
May 02, 2008, 09:30
[home/journal] CHCH News is having a contest for the perfect mom. I submitted my beautiful wife this morning: With four children, she has certainly earned the name “mother,” but mother is more than an inherited title. She is the ideal mom, sacrificially giving herself to the role. In a day and age where the traditional roles of mom are no longer fashionable, she embraces them— keeping our home running like a finely tuned machine. She would say she is no perfect mom, and wishes that she could keep up better with the laundry, or that she played more with her children. But the woman I see is magnificent. No details are left undone, and she is much too hard on herself. Our home is so comfortable, welcoming, and really open to all. Joanne reaches out to everyone around her with gentle grace, generosity, and hospitality. Our children are happy and loved. In fact, not only is she mother to her own children, but to our children’s friends as well. Our house is often vibrating with the laughter of next door neighbour kids who are staying for supper, spending the night, or just passing through for a drink. Please consider my beautiful wife to receive this prize. I enthusiastically present her as an ideal mother, worthy of celebration. ~Jason
Mother’s Day
My wife, Joanne really deserves to win this mother’s day contest.
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