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Musician Interview with Six Feet Under and Catwoman Actress and Singer/Songwriter extraordinaire Maggie Baird

S. Felix — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:50:09 +0000

Suffice it to say that I was wrong. I used to think that people should stick to what they do. Actors should stick to acting and singers should stick to singing. Well every once in a while a truly creative individual comes along that is blessed with the ability to channel their creative energy into everything that they do. Maggie Baird is one of these people. Her touching interview is inspiring and befits a person with such a charming demeanor.

You are both an actress and a musician, which role do you like playing best?

I really love acting and have been lucky enough to work on some great roles, but music has been on my mind more lately. I really need a creative life and the hard part about being an actor is you can’t just “act” whenever you feel like it, other people have to cast you. With music, if you are compelled to write a song in the middle of the night or play guitar or sing…you can just do it. You may not have control over who eventually hears it or cares about it, but the part you do for yourself is almost always available to you.

What song on We Sail is most personal to you?

I would have to say “The Sun Came Up Today” because it is a sentiment that I have faced fairly often in my life. My mother died when I was in my mid-twenties and my father died 9 years ago. Over the years, many of my friends have died too. When a close friend’s father died a couple of years ago, I was so sad about it and concerned for him and his family. I was deeply in the space of knowing what it is like when someone you love dies—you can’t believe that the whole world is just going on as if nothing has happened when your life is completely changed. I wrote “The Sun Came Up Today” for my friend, but it came from my personal experiences.

How did you get involved with writing music for Groundlings Comedy and Improv Company?

The Groundlings is a company that you find yourself in after rising through the many levels of the school. In The Groundlings everyone writes their material and performs in pieces other people write. Each show usually needs some musical pieces too, for variety and entertainment value, so I often wrote something for those occasions. I wrote mock musicals about various scandals and newsworthy events etc. I once did a musical playing Martha Stewart in embroidered Denim shirt and fishnets for example. That was long enough ago, the director of the show at that time actually said that she didn’t think enough people knew who Martha Stewart was.

I wrote a lot of songs into my character bits when they were appropriate and I did a lot of improvisation. It was really fun and was kind of a breakthrough for me in terms of singing for an audience. When the audience labels you as an “opera singer” or a “country singer” and you have to not only instantly sing like one, but make up the song at the same time, that is truly a good time.

What has been your favorite role that you’ve played as an actress?

As far as television is concerned, I had a pretty fantastic part on Six Feet Under which was especially fun because I was one of the opening death sequences. On stage, I’ve played some really nice parts. I loved playing Brooke in Noises Off which was a really funny role and I did a play called And a Nightingale Sang playing the main character Helen, which I really loved.

What are your biggest song inspirations?

Ever since I was a teenager, my way of coping with my feelings was to write songs about them. I wrote a song to sing to my husband at our wedding; I wrote lullabies when my babies cried; I wrote a song when I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror and didn’t know who the hell it was. It is how I cope with things, good and bad. Everyday kind of things that everyone experiences are primarily what I write about. Of course, sometimes I just write a song because I get a funny idea in my head.

Who is your greatest musical influence?

I have thought a lot about this and if I had to pick only one, I would have to say Joni Mitchell. When I was young I wore her albums out playing them and I think every songwriter today is indebted to her.

Since your album is called We Sail, where would you sail to and who would you go with?

I use sailing as a metaphor of course, and given that, I guess I am happiest voyaging through life with my beautiful family. I love to travel, but the people I want by my side the most are right here in my home. I guess I live in a houseboat after all.

You can listen to her music at www.MaggieBaird.com or www.myspace.com/MaggieBairdMusic.

Cheers,

Sheena

Music Podcast 037 – Acoustic Americana Triple Double Featuring Chris Knight, Willy Porter and Rob Anthony

Corey Koehler — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:52:10 +0000

In this episode, not only will you hear great acoustic music and get a great tip on how you can legally rob a bank BUT you will also find out what it is that I am doing with a Horny Goat.

You better listen now before your imagination gets the best of you…

Press play now

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Songs heard on this podcast

Rob Anthony – “The American Way”
Willie Porter – “How To Rob A Bank” (download this tune free on eMusic)

Willie Porter – “Psychi Vampire” (download this tune free on eMusic)

Chris Knight – “Summer Of ’75″ (More of his stuff is free on eMusic)

Chris Knight – “Highway Junkie” (More of his stuff is free on eMusic)

Rob Anthony – “I Don’t Need Much”

Also, Bumper music compliments of Jazz Organist Dan Fogel and his tune “Blues After All” on his album “15 West”

Links mentioned in the show:

Horny Goat Brewing company

Say something…

Have a comment, request or review of your own that you would like played or discussed on the show? Shoot me an email or give me a shout in the comments below.

Music Review: Metal ala Deflagration and Acoustic Rock ala Rob Anthony

Corey Koehler — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:20:59 +0000

Well I have a few gems for you this week. I have a new metal band that I have been listening to for the past month (and should’ve told you about long before today). And an artist who was on a previous podast that has released a masterpiece of intimate and inspiring acoustic rock. Here ya go.

Deflagration “A Call To Arms” (Metal)

This stuff is damn heavy and breaks some new ground ta boot (I can’t quite pinpoint it but you’ll see what I mean). I’ve been listening before and during my workouts for over a month now and this stuff gets me really – and I mean REALLY – jacked up (which reminds me, try not to listen around your buddies that drink whiskey, unless you are looking to break up a fight).

Anyway, they kind of remind me of the band Pro-Pain (I think its the singing). Oh and don’t just take my word for it. I’ve shared their stuff with some of my live and bleed metal buddies and here are their comments;

Mark on Facebook – “Dude! I checked out Deflagration and it was awesome! Thanks!”

Bob on Facebook – “I like them. They sound different. I like the sound though. I might have to get the CD.”

My favorite tunes are “Split Wide” and “Color and Ash”. Bottom line, if you are a metal fan, you are gonna like these guys. These tunes will fit nicely in a playlist along side Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Metallica, Slipknot and many of the newer bands of that ilk. Check them out on MySpace or CDBaby.

Rob Anthony – “While the World Sleeps” (Acoustic Rock/Americana)

Speaking of metal, Rob Anthony is an ex-thrasher who has learned how to turn it up by turning it down. He has crafted a great acoustic album.

Even though I know it’s borderline heresy in the indie world, I’ve been listening a decent amount of top 40 rock, country and adult contemporary lately as part of my songwriting self-education. The stuff on this release could EASILY go toe to toe with almost anything on the pop charts. The top-notch songwriting is both timely and timeless.

His performance is very personal and very intimate. He will tap your psychy and bleed the emotion out of you on nearly every tune. There is really no way to pick a few favorites because I love pretty much every tune on the disc. And for all of you cover tune nuts, you will want to check out his take on the DePeche Mode tune “Personal Jesus”.

Bottom line, if you haven’t heard him, you are missing out. Check him out on the official Rob Anthony Site or on CDBaby. Then tell everyone you know because he deserve to be heard. Oh and be on the lookout for an interview with Rob in the near future. We’ve been in contact and are trying to find some time in our schedules.

Music Podcast 035 – Acoustic Rock & Country Blues Blender

Corey Koehler — Wed, 20 May 2009 14:51:30 +0000

The Melting Pot is back in action and you, my friend, are not going to wanna miss a single note of any tune present in this compilation. The tunes, like me, are mellow yet upbeat and 100% thought provoking.

Grab a beer, glass of wine or mixer and press play now!

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Songs heard on this podcast:

Whitey Morgan and the 78′s – “Crazy” (download this tune free on eMusic)

Blitzen Trapper – “Black River Killer”

Lubriphonic – “Rain Keep Falling” (download this tune free on eMusic)

Junkyard – “Simple Man” (download this tune free on eMusic)

Dazy Head Mazy – “Let Me Off Here” (download this tune free on eMusic)

Scotty Dont – “Later on Today”

Also, Bumper music compliments of Jazz Organist Dan Fogel and his tune “Blues After All” on his album “15 West”

Links mentioned in the show:

10 Songs Covers You Didn’t Know Were Covers

Say something…

Have a comment, request or review of your own that you would like played or discussed on the show? Shoot me an email or put somehting in the comments below.

Music Review: The Talented Lubriphonic and Their “Soul Solution”

Corey Koehler — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:18:52 +0000

If you are anything like me, then you know that there is nothing like the feeling – a small buzz even – that you get when you pop in a new CD and realize immediately that you have stumbled onto to something that you just have to share with everyone. That is what happened to me today.

Early this morning, like any other morning lately, I reluctantly drug my ass out of a warm bed, shuffled my son through our pre-dawn sleepwalk and then headed out the door to what was looking like a long day at work.

I was tired, it was freakin cold and the snow was falling (again). I turned the key in the ignition, backed out of my driveway and this began to play…

Pssst…press play

Song is: Lubriphonic – “Walls”

…Out from the speakers came this mental massage and the feeling of “everything my friend…is gonna be alright.” That massage and that reassurance were provided by a band called, Lubriphonic on their release entitled “Soul Solution.” Like an old freind sitting next to me in the car, that CD hung out with me for the remainder of that day – and the next – and then made its way to these pages.

The band – based out of Chicago – is loaded with road tested musicians who have toured with the likes of Koko Taylor, Buddy Miles, The Ohio Players and Lenny Kravitz.

These pros have put together a disc that has a little bit of everything. If you dig soul, blues, classic rock, great guitar, a little bit of funk and a soaring horn section, you will lap this up.

Oh and I can’t forget to mention the soulful “i’ve been there” vocals, the ultra-nimble fingers that make the guitar and bass flow and groove, and man, the acoustic tunes on this disc are about as honest, as comfy and as real as it gets.

I like almost all of the tunes but make sure you check out “Rain Keep Falling”, “Walls”, “Chalk Talk, “Mexico City Blues”, and “Soul Solution.” I would also recommend ordering the CD so that you can hear the bonus live tunes. They are well worth the wait!

So there you have it, a music review for you and a great start to the day for me. Thanks Lubriphonic!

Now, do yourself a favor, go download ALL of the tunes on “Soul Solution.

MMP030 – The Stress is a Four Letter Word Music Podcast

Corey Koehler — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:48:18 +0000

As you will hear in the first tune, it is time to “Give your day the brain off.” Yep, we crack a bottle of wine (or beer or Jack or whatever), lighten it up a bit and realize that, it just isn’t that freakin bad.

For best results, grabs some good Headphones.

Find yourself a nice, relaxing place and press play now.

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Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Supersuckers – “I Don’t Wanna Know”
Darrin James Band – “Thrones of Gold” (get it free on eMusic)
Hello Dave – “Mountains”
James Dunn – “Oak Tree”
Bill Johnston – “Devil on My Shoulder”
Ethan Stone – “Ain’t That the Way”
Jon Nicholas – “Grandmas Getting High”
Great Big Sea – “Straight to Hell” (get it free on eMusic)
Fabulous Hats – “Lets Go to Vegas”
Stuckey and Murray – “Taking A Dump at Work”(get it free on eMusic)

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

MMP027 – Blue Moon Mellow featuring Collective Soul

Corey Koehler — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:09:59 +0000

Image Source:Criminal Justice

Today’s the day. We are finally gonna do it. You and I are going to tell the boss to take a freakin hike. We are gonna play hooky. Yep, we are going to the beach or the bar or wherever and we are gonna have couple….and just chill! Hold that thought, press play and check out my latest offering…

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;

Bag of Toys – “Smile So Wide” (get it free on eMusic)

Ruby Rendrag – “Meditation”

Kelly Zullo – “Where You’re Hiding”

Old Crow Medicine – “Caroline” (get it free on eMusic)

Hello Dave – “Perfect Day”

Jacob Gehret – “Won’t Remember Me”

Collective Soul – “All That I Know”

Rob Anthony – “You’re the One”

Stop by my iTunes page now, tell me what you think by posting a comment and then subscribe. Other sites mentioned in this show; Rolling Stones “Top Ten Fictional Bands”

BRAIN FART ALERT – I said Bag of Toys music was going to be on the Fox show “House”, I was wrong. The show they will be on is “Bones.” Sorry guys! Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

Watch Don Alder Bring it on the Acoustic Guitar (Video)

Corey Koehler — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 16:25:50 +0000

Just wanted to show you a video from a guitar player by the name of Don Alder. It is awesome to watch – and hear – him play the acoustic guitar. Related posts:Twenty Fingers and Only One Acoustic Guitar (Video) Acoustic Hendrix (Video) Music Video For My Memorial Song “Minnesota Got Colder” (My First Video [...] Related posts:

Twenty Fingers and Only One Acoustic Guitar (Video)

Corey Koehler — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 23:37:27 +0000

Here are a few guys who evidently have way to much time on there hands. Lucky dogs! Anyway, this is what it looks and sounds like when two poeple play the same guitar. Not bad. Related posts:Watch Don Alder Bring it on the Acoustic Guitar (Video) Acoustic Hendrix (Video) Music Video For My Memorial Song [...] Related posts:

Acoustic Hendrix (Video)

Corey Koehler — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:28:42 +0000

Here’s something you don’t see everyday. A video of Jimi Hendrix playing a 12 string acoustic guitar. Very nice. Check it out. Related posts:Watch Don Alder Bring it on the Acoustic Guitar (Video) Twenty Fingers and Only One Acoustic Guitar (Video) Music Video For My Memorial Song “Minnesota Got Colder” (My First Video Ever) Related posts:

4th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) Kicks Off

Corey Koehler — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 20:22:18 +0000

Just passing this on. Jessica Brandon at IAMA sent this to me to pass this on to all of you artists out there. Check it out.

The 3rd Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is currently accepting entries. IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) promotes excellence in acoustic music performance and artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Participating sponsors include D’Addario Strings, New Music Wekly, Loggins Promotion, Airplay Only, Superdups, Acoustic Cafe Radio Show and XM Satellite Radio.

IAMA is open to all independent artists and labels. Unlike other music industry competitions, IAMA focuses on developing new markets for Acoustic artists, labels and CD releases.

Win prizes in 8 different categories: Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental, Open, Bluegrass/Country, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo. There will also be an Overall Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth US$11,000, which includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada!

Winning songs will be heard on radio! Winners and runner-ups will be featured on IAMA’s compilation CD.

Judging is based on excellence in music performance, songwriting/composition and originality. All entries submitted will receive judging sheets containing comments and ratings by e-mail. This is open to any artist who has a CD independently released on a record label, distributed by a major or self released. Winners are selected by a panel of established artists and industry professionals. Past years winners include: Fertitta and McClintock, Jen Foster, David Francey (Canada), April Verch (Canada) and Millish.

Winners and finalists of the Awards will be featured in the IAMA website and e-newsletters, read by music press, talent buyers, promoters and other industry insiders. All songs submitted must be submitted must be original and submitted on CD, the artist may perform original material not yet released and written by other songwriters or composers. DEADLINE: All entries must be postmarked by November 9, 2007 or earlier. Check out:

http://www.inacoustic.com

Jessica Brandon
Artists Relations
IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards)
*Excellence in Acoustic Music

http://www.inacoustic.com

info@inacoustic.com

I can’t wait to hear the results.