Michael Scott

The Videos you Might Have Missed

2012-01-26T03:35:00.001-06:00

Before I add any new videos, here are the links to some older ones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX5uUN_FiBU&context=C34d585eADOEgsToPDskJC-nTVhXseB6C_6_ySLSbM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFxAmwwAfG8&feature=related

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcPe7xr5dVg&feature=related

thanks for viewing these!

COUNTRY MUSIC

2012-01-24T05:52:00.000-06:00

SO PEOPLE THINK IT'S TOO SIMPLE. SOME PEOPLE EVEN THINK IT'S STUPID BUT LET'S PRESENT AN ARGUMENT.

FEW PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE WAY COUNTRY MUSIC SPEAKS OF PRIDE. FEW PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE WAY COUNTRY MUSIC SPEAKS OF FOOLISHNESS. FEW PEOPLE UNSERSTAND WHAT COUNTRY MUSIC HAS TO SAY ABOUT LOVE. I KNOW OF FEW SIMPLE SONGS WHICH SPEAK OF HUMANITY WITH SUCH GRACE AND CANDOR.

YOU SEE, OFTEN COUNTRY MUSIC IS SANG FROM THE PROSPECTIVE OF THE PROTAGONIST (IF YOU WANT TO THINK OF IT AS A STORY.) IT DOESN'T MAKE THE SINGER LESS INTELLIGENT. IT MAKES THE SONG MORE BELIEVABLE.

IN GARTH BROOK'S "LONG NECK BOTTLE," IT'S THE BOTTLE THAT WON'T LET GO OF HIS HAND. IN GEORGE STRAIT'S "FOOL HEARTED MEMORY," IT'S THE JUKEBOX THAT KEEPS PLAYING THAT SONG.

REAL PRIDE MAKES REAL MEN UTERLY DISMISS THEIR FEELINGS. IT SAYS 'I AM ALREADY OVER HER,' AND 'MAYBE I NEVER LOVED HER.' THE MESSAGE IS MUCH DEEPER. COUNTRY MUSIC WARNS OF SHALLOW LOVE. IN COUNTRY MUSIC IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO LOVE THE BEST YOU CAN, NO MATTER THE OUTCOME. BUT THIS IS NOT AN EXAMPLE OF FOOLISHNESS, RATHER, IT'S A MESSAGE TO A WORLD THAT NOW KNOWS LITTLE OF CLASSIC VALUES: SURENDER, MAINLY.

THAT BEING SAID, THIS BLOG SHOULD BE ABOUT MICHAEL SCOTT'S MUSIC. SO GET AHOLD OF MY LATEST RECORD AND DISCOVER COUNTRY MUSIC AT ITS ESSENSCE.

THE FISHING METAPHOR

2012-01-16T04:56:00.000-06:00

I WAS THINKING ABOUT DREAMING AND I WAS THINKING ABOUT FISHING. I WAS THINKING ABOUT HOW I OFTEN DON'T APPRECIATE LIFE.

JUST BEFORE I FELL ASLEEP TODAY I THOUGHT ABOUT DREAMS ON THE LINE. I THOUGHT ABOUT HOW I SOMETIMES WANT TO TRADE THEM FOR NEW DREAMS, BEFORE I EVEN GET THEM IN MY BOAT

OFTEN TIMES FISH SWIM WITH THE CURRENT AND YOU DON'T REALIZE HOW BIG THEY REALLY ARE. SOMETIMES A SMALL FISH FIGHTS LIKE HELL AND SWIMS AGAINST THE SURRENT. YOU NEVER KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU HAVE ON THE OTHER END OF THE LINE.

THIS METAPHOR APPLIES TO DREAMS AND GOALS OR FISH IN THE SEA, OR WHATEVER YOU WISH. BUT THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS THAT YOU CAN'T BECOME ATTACHED ANEW WITH THE OLD ON THE LINE. AND YOU HAVE TO TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT YOUR CATCH BEFORE YOU THROW IT BACK.

New Video

2012-01-04T03:32:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone!
I done went and made a stop-motion animation video for the song "Choke." For those of you who don't remember, "Choke" was released on "Dark Reds and Purples," which came out in the summer of 2010. It has been available exclusively on this record.

I am in the process of getting a Youtube channel started. There will be a lot of exciting videos in the Future. I plan to make a few videos to represent each of the Grief Series records and some additional Grief Series promotional videos at a later date.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

2011-12-28T06:34:00.000-06:00

I'M COMPARING MY LIFE TO A SEVEN-DAY WINTER VACATION. AT 25YRS OLD, IT'S AS IF I HAVE ONLY USED UP THE FIRST DAY. AND NOW I AM STAYING UP LATE TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT.

WE ARE ALWAYS RUNNING AROUND, NEVER APPRECIATING TIME ITSELF. ONLY MOMENTARILY DO WE EVEN REALIZE THIS. WHEN THIS IS REALIZED WE MAKE STUPID VOWS THAT WE CAN NEVER POSSIBLY KEEP. THESE MOMENTS ARE HERE TO REMIND US THAT WE ARE IMPERFECT BY DESIGN. WE MUST BE HUBELED BECAUSE NO AMOUNT OF MOTIVATIONAL SPEACH WILL MAKE THESE THOUGHTS OF PEACE EVER-PRESENT.

I HAVE STARTED MY ACCEPTANCE THINKING. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

CHRISTMAS MUSIC

2011-12-08T13:46:00.000-06:00

I THINK YOU ARE ALL WONDERING IF I WOULD EVER DO A CHRISTMAS ALBUM. THE ANSWER IS NO UNLESS I COULD WRITE ALL THE SONGS.

THERE WOULD HAVE TO BE SOME OTHER WIERD THEMATIC ELEMENTS TOO. AND IT WOULD HAVE TO BE AS MUCH OF A ROCK RECORD AS A CHRISTMAS RECORD. THEY ALL SAY THAT DON'T THEY? BUT THEY DON'T ALL DELIVER.

lately

2011-12-03T15:08:00.000-06:00

Lately I have been thinking about the acceptance record. The hardest thing is the title--though I don't have to name it right off. It's in the works in my brain. I ask myself questions about what it's about. And I still don't really know how I want it to sound. All I know is that it will be pagan and modern in its musical stylings and that it will be somewhat like a quilt in its visual stylings. As far as the title goes, I just want it to not be descriptive or be a place or be a statement. You'd be suprised how few titles that leaves me. I'm open to suggestions.

Brand New Video For You, My Friend

2011-12-01T08:57:00.000-06:00

You like that, do you? Well, check this out!

New Show!

2011-11-29T19:51:00.000-06:00

Also I'm playing at the Perk On Weddington, Friday 6-9p.m.

gone away

2011-11-29T18:12:00.003-06:00

check out my very first youtube video celbrating the completion of Simplify My Eye.

SIMPLIFY FINISHED

2011-11-26T19:33:00.000-06:00

I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT THE RECORD IS FINISHED. NOW I HAVE A LOT OF FREE TIME. I WILL BE SPENDING THIS TIME SEEING YOU LIVE, CONCEPTUALIZING THE FINAL RECORD OF THE GRIEF SERIES AND PREPPING SOME PRETTY HEAFTY INTERNET PROMOTIONS.

I PROMISE TO BE MORE AVAILABLE. A HUGE WEIGHT HAS BEEN LIFTED, BUT THE PAIN WAS WORTH THE PLEASURE I HAVE NOW. I HAVE JUST FINISHED THE GREATEST MUSIC I HAVE EVER WRITTEN...NOW IT'S TIME TO TAKE A BREATH.

great idea

2011-11-18T02:51:00.000-06:00

Had a great idea.

Thought that I might do a cocert tour to promote the Grief Series. I would play the two most loved songs from each record in the order they were recorded--this way the audience can watch the emotions unfold.

It will be a well thought out stage performace with many characters playing various roles. I myself will play the feature instruments from all five records (which means that i have to change instruments every two songs) but if we rehearse it enough we can make it smooth.

I just want to do justice to the series as well as play a string of big shows before I leave town. Were talking about lights and video in a real emotional stage play--where the lyrics are the voice and the music is the soundtrack, seems simple (and visual)

still simplifying my eye

2011-11-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

THE MORE I THINK ABOUT FINISHING THIS RECORD THE MORE I THINK I'M GOING TO HAVE TO REDISCOVER WHAT IT MEANS. EACH RECORD OF THE GRIEF SERIES HAS UNDERGONE AN INTENSE FINAL PRODUCTION PROCESS. I USUALLY LIVE THE RECORD FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. I MAKE SURE IT MEETS ALL THE CRITERIA AND THAT I MYSELF KNOW HOW IT DESCRIBES IT'S STAGE IN THE GRIEF SERIES COMPLETELTY. I DIDN'T THINK THERE WAS ANYTHING MORE TO LEARN...OR I'M MAD AT MYSELF FOR TAKING SO MUCH TIME AWAY FROM THIS ONE...I'M SURE IT WILL WORK OUT IN THE END.

SO I GOT TO GO HOME (EVERY GOOD CHANCE I GET) AND LISTEN TO EVERY WORD AND IMAGINE THAT I AM A PERSON WHO HAS JUST FINISHED THE OTHER THREE...IMAGINE I AM SITTING THERE EXPERIENCING LIFE AND DEATH...EXPERIENCING REBIRTH...EXPERIENCING THE SAME RECORD FROM A DIFFERENT MINDSET (OVER AND OVER AGAIN) I HAVE TO WONDER WHERE MICHAEL SCOTT IS TAKING ME. I'LL WONDER IF THE NEXT RECORD WILL SIMPLY BE AN EXPLOSION. I'LL WONDER IF I CAN TAKE IT ANYMORE. AND AS THE RECORD GOES ON I'LL WONDER THAT I'M STILL ALIVE.

WHEN I FININSH THE RECORD...WHEN I KNOW THAT I KNOW THAT I KNOW THAT I'M DONE...I'LL BREATHE A HEAVY BREATH AND PREPARE TO BRING MY AUDIENCE ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EDGE OF THAT CLIFF. WE'LL BE ON TOP OF THE WORLD LOOKING DOWN AT THE MAGNITUTE OF ONE STRUGGLEING SOUL. FROM HERE WE CAN SEE ALL OF MICHAEL SCOTT AND KNOW THAT HE HAS GIVEN EVEYTHING TO INCLUDE HIS EVERY NUANCE. IT MIGHT NOT BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PICTURE BUT IT IS A COMPLETE PICTURE. IT WILL BE THAT MUCH MORE "SIMPLE" AND CLEAR FOR YOU WHEN THIS ONE'S DONE.

smoke break

2011-11-03T12:51:00.000-05:00

standing outside. studying for a test. wondering how much material can stick when you are mindlessly reading.

realized that it does have something to do with how much you trust what's internal.

a fleeing thought: this is one of the most important days of my life. i've reached
new territory. i have seperated myself from new people...and there's no guilty conscience. her test is written in foreign language. my understanding is God-given. i am trusting.

i look to the sky and see the leaves fall. i know that this is one of the most important days of my life. i also know that i will have so many more of these. i've reached new ground. on this ground i stand both humbely and proudly. i have written verses of words to convince myself of these things.

i love myself now. i trust myself. i have put so much evil doubt to rest. i wonder what the leaves falling have to do with where i am...with who i am. i realize that after this strong summer some things will die. i realize that i will never die. i will live on in the path i have choosen. and i realize that this moment is a small story representing my entire lifetime.

i walk back towards the school and i pretend that the door opening represents that time when i'll walk through the gates of heaven. everything is a gift. every color. every person means something very specific for me. God has given me wisdom and the courage to accept that some things die. these lessons shudder through me as i look forward to more of God's love.

2011-11-02T11:50:00.000-05:00

been thinking a lot about the ucoming project. that's how i know that simplify has to be done soon. i feel like the music makes itself and it's trying to get me to begin the planning process.

usually i get mad. i say i wish i didn't have so much school and work standing in between me and a finished record. but that's old junk! i chose to be here. furthermore, most of the battle was teaching myself that i was capable of finishing the record (or if you want to think of it this way: i was capable of simplifying my eye.)

all i had to do was wear some holy jeans for a few days. halloween allowed me to do that. in no time my fiddle was sounding more in tune. now i'm just waiting to finish with my teeth on edge.

yes folks. i am getting better at this. you are entering my private world of music. there are much more intimate changes to follow. this has begun in high gear since i attempted to post that beautiful unfinished post.

thanks for listening to me. i feel wild today.

2011-10-31T02:29:00.001-05:00

COMING OFF ANOTHER LONG WEEKEND. DEFINETELY IN THE PROCESS. FINDING MY MOTIVATION. MADE ME A NEW BRACLET TODAY.

WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON

2011-10-21T05:56:00.000-05:00

I'VE BEEN TRYING TO MAKE TIME TO FINISH SIMPLIFY. IT'S COMING OUT SOON. I SWEAR IT! THE PROBLEM WITH THE FIDDLE IS A "HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH" PROBLEM. I KEEP SAWING IT AS IF IT'S THE ONLY INSTRUMENT IN THE SONG. THEN I HOLD MYSELF BACK AND SAY TO MYSELF, "MICHAEL, THE RECORD IS NOT CALLED, 'COMPLICATE MY EYE."

I ALSO WONDER IF THE COLORING BOOK WILL BE DONE BEFORE THE RECORD. I ALSO WONDER IF THE RECORD WILL BE DONE BEFORE I'M SATISFIED. I AM WORRIED. AND I GOT A LOT OF IRONS IN THE FIRE. BUT TODAY I AM OFF OF WORK AND I WILL DO MY BEST TO FINISH. IF IT WASN'T THE BEST RECORD OF MY LIFE I WOULDN'T FEEL SO ANXIOUS. IT'S LIKE I'M STANDING NEAR THE EDGE OF A CLIFF.

just thinking

2011-10-15T19:39:00.000-05:00

I WAS JUST THINKING THAT MAYBE THE PRESTINE SOUND QUALITY OF RECENT MUSIC HAS SPOILED US--TO AN END THAT WE CARE MORE FOR THE SOUND OF THINGS THAN WE DO THE EMOTION IN THEM. YOU COULD SAY THAT THERE IS A CLUB BEAT PUSHING UNDERNEATH ALL OF POPULAR MUSIC, BUT YOU COULDN'T SAY THE BEAT IS THE ONLY REASON FOR IT'S POPULARITY; IT SELLS ITSELF ON THE THIN RADIO AS WELL.

AND I DON'T THINK THAT ALL OF POP MUSIC IS VOID OF EMOTION. IT EXPRESESS A LACK OF CAREFULLNESS IN EVEN IT'S CAREFULLY CONSTRUCTED THUMP. BUT I BELEIVE LARGELY THAT IT'S OUR CULTURE DEMANDING WHAT'S EASY. OUR CULTURE IS DEMANDING SIMPLE SOUND COLORS TO FIT OUR MONETARY FRAMES OF MIND. PERHAPS WE WILL AGAIN CARRY OUR SITUATIONS AND ENCOUNTERS WITH US FROM CLUB TO HOME. PERHAPS MUSIC WILL SOMEDAY BE A BIGGER PART OF OUR LIVES AGAIN.

old posts

2011-09-23T11:25:00.000-05:00

Everytime I see these old posts it makes me feel all gooffy inside. The only reason you should be seeing my work in such elemental stages is if you could then see it grow beyond. And I know my writing makes little sense sometimes, but it's not impossible...and I really got to keep this going in order that you have a reason to keep reading.

On the old posts still on the page:
The simplify songs turned out as I had planned them. With the exception of the wizard in the swamp--but existing still is a song that takes place in the swamp.

Where friends and neighbors failed to share stories I filled in the blanks. But I got two very dear and beautiful stories from two close friends. The elements of their stories exist in two songs and are some of the most beautiful elements the record has to offer. By the way, these elements seem a bit antastic. And I'll never give away the secreats. I will only say: Simplify My Eye = based on a true story.

UPDATES

2011-09-16T03:40:00.000-05:00

UPDATES. THAT'S ALL IT IS FOR NOW.

1. INDUSTRIAL NOWHERE--IS NOW AVAILABLE. (NOTICE THE COVER AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE) IT TURNED OUT BEAUTIFUL.

2. SIMPLIFY MY EYE--THE FIDDLE REMAINS COMPLICATED, BUT IT'S CURRENTLY BEING ADDED (CURRENTLY BEING SIMPLIFIED.) EVERYONE IS GOING TO LIKE THIS RECORD THE BEST. PRODUCTION BEGINS SOON.

3. I HOPE TO START POSTING REGULARLY. I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A JOYFUL DAY.

2011-04-05T18:25:00.001-05:00

Simplify will be a record of story songs. I’m going to throw some themes out here and ask that you give me some southern plot ideas. Real life experiences work the best...

     I’m looking to write songs about:

     Modern prescription pill abuse (as opposed to the country classic “alcohol”)

     The Arkansas ice storms

     A ghost that lives in the garden (preferable the gone wife of a widower)

     A wizard in the swamp who teaches children new age concepts

     How a child’s hand-drawn world is more beautiful than our actual world

I promise I will use one of your idea if it is southern enough, Michael Scott enough, country music enough, family-related and slightly depressing in it’s nature. Also, if it’s inspiring or relatable to those who are oppressed in any way; women, children, animals, homosexuals, middle easterners, etc., you can bet I will use it.

Playing You Like A Fiddle

2011-03-28T23:05:00.001-05:00

The fiddle is a very hard instrument. A lot of people say this but they have no idea what they are talking about—which is why I can’t agree with them. The fiddle is a hard instrument but it is exactly what I need—as smoothly as I can bow.

If the records were landscapes, Simplify would be a valley. It may take longer to cross this territory, though it is familiar. As always, there will be people to meet and people to leave but these characters have been involved in my body for so long.

Depression

2011-03-23T11:29:00.000-05:00

I’m sitting here at another one of these crossroads. It’s time for the Depression record and I suppose I am meeting it halfway. And when the snow clears I’ll go out and take Industrial Nowhere to the printers. It’s time that you see it and can hold it in your hands.

As for me, I’ve been holding the fiddle a lot lately, trying to saw out the first song. Its name is ‘Mind of Mary.” The record’s name will be “Simplify My Eye.”

Once again, thank you to those who are reading these and, once again, I will promise to keep you posted and fail to do so.

Slowing Down...

2010-11-28T16:12:00.001-06:00

I’ve made myself slow down and breathe because time, too, is an illusion. I keep feeling like I am running behind, like there is another item on the to-do list.

...clean the fret board and re-string.

Anyway, I got to get around and do some contacting people, after I took a breather. I should be thankful that my sickness last week forced me to rest. When I rest I sometimes realize that God is taking care of me. He is making me an instrument. My heart is being rewarded. I trust that there is a day in my future when I do less non-musical things.

Evil tries hard to distract me. What used to work no longer works. What remains is a strength I’m not often enough grateful for and mostly unaware of. Thank the Master of the Sky!

Music shows me the world.

2010-11-23T08:11:00.002-06:00

And what do you see in my music? What you see will tell me a lot about you, and about me, for the second time. I’ll learn about the general condition and what it means to have special consideration. Life, love and the pursuit of truth. Only the pursuit however, because I have come to understand that the most important thing is the feeling. And most times, I feel. So, I make a note of those feelings. That is my job. And that is what I do best.

I don’t write so that I can become a conversation piece, but it is nice to help set off a discussion. At the end of the day I don’t need to know what they are saying at their tables. But I feel wonderful when my voice is taken with you.

The Comforter

2010-11-20T10:00:00.001-06:00

“The Comforter” is insane! Again, track two has proved the record more than any other. It’s head-over-heals pop! It is completely rebellious with the vocals. It has an abundance of hand claps and china crashes. Fun!

I’m trying to sound vaguely like a sell-out. Actually, I am making use of sell-out principals. [Thank you very much.]

Now that the drums are here I can tell that they are overly jubilant but have not overshadowed a lyric one. Success! Middle ground! Bargaining! Chance Taking! Now that I can focus, the record begins to come alive again.

Inspiration

2010-11-15T15:00:00.001-06:00

I feel so inspired! I have learned so much from the making of the last two records. Now that they are done, I can put the majority of my focus on Industrial Nowhere.

Underneath my inspiration, however, is a fear that the third leg will not live up to the last two. But these are the thoughts I always think when I am distracted... when I am being fearful.

So, I’ve taken the doubt and I have used it. After all, this is part of the theme!

Done!

2010-11-10T13:00:00.002-06:00

Finished! The work is done! The record that would not be born IS!

Yes, Dark Reds and Purples is finished. Be sure to get yours. I have plenty for all!

Perfection

2010-11-05T10:00:00.006-05:00

At this point I am done with the soul of the new record, but still haven’t finished the old one’s production. I am very sorry for this but it just has to be perfect...

The new record’s title has become “Industrial Nowhere.” It’s become about recording in different moods and in different places. It has to do with the pressures of work. It’s sounds a lot like the pain from the pressure coming from above: it most closely speaks to and about the most oppressed. And just so you know… the lower you go, oppression and exploitation of the weak still exists… the proposed weak, that is.

So Here I Am...

2010-10-26T13:45:00.001-05:00

…six rough drafts into the third leg. I’ve been through hell — and I’ve been from here to San Diego. I’m currently coming down from my high. We’ll see what the trips lend. So far it's been a struggle. You might have gathered that this is a mess of a project.

But it’s your turn now to know! I have made about ten diary-type audio tapes (cassettes). These have been glued instrumentally to recordings I’ve made from here to California. Some of the recordings (we’ll call them masters) were recorded high atop the city of San Diego.

Step two will be to take the masters — those purposefully disembodied cuts — complete with my audio diary sound clips, and begin to design upon them. If I look at them as colorful works and not less than perfect sound collections — thank you very much! — I will be able to ghost a machine-like emotional element underneath for support. Here goes...

Don't Forget!

2010-08-29T10:21:00.002-05:00

We are all still very hard at work on the third leg. The second leg is completed and awaiting approval from the production department for release. Also, it lacks funding. But the third leg is in process, nonetheless. A very tiring process... Bargaining is a very hard concept to conceptualize.

Finally, though, I have found a way. The record will be stylized with an exposing glamour (visually that is) while the prominent instrument will be… you guessed it… a tape recorder. I am finding new ways to incorporate lesser known aspects of my life and the lives around me into my recordings. I am carrying a tape recorder everywhere and taping audio journals. So far I have gathered some great stuff. I will insert this material as if it were a bit of instrumentation into the third leg. I will sugar it with nasty sounding tape noise as if tape noise were an ancient instrument sound.

And my photographer friend and I are once again partnering up. We are scouting some fancy and flattering locations (some familiar, some far away). It will be this marriage of the familiar and the alien, the poor and the rich, the static and the clarity, that will bring the record concepts to your ears and eyes instead of your reading brain.
I will fill you in more as I go along. For now, thank you so much for your support and for your diligent listening.

NOTE: I’m sorry if I offended some of you with my referring to a certain someone as “my photographer friend.” This friend has a name; his name is Caleb. And he is one of my closest friends in the world. But he is also and amazing photographer. Recently we have added more depth to our friendship by introducing our art to each other... Now you know.

2010-08-22T09:47:00.002-05:00

I am making a remake record. It will be full of old songs that people love to hear live, but were first recorded so long ago. These old versions are hard to hear (some of them have static). Oh what a tragedy! But seriously though, it prevents people from hearing a song they might otherwise love. I know they love them because I see them love them all the time.

I’ve been opposed to doing this kind of work for so long. But, six songs in, I find the cuts to be as refreshing as when they were first recorded. Also, the project will be very beneficial for booking. And when people say, “I need a copy of your record,” And I say “which one?”, I don’t have to worry about them missing out on the greatest cuts from Records 1-7 because of sound quality. Seriously, some of the earliest material was recorded on tape! Oh, I know... tape!

It went like this: boom boxes in front of each other, to karaoke players and other dual tape decks, to PA systems blaring to get over that noise ratio the old fashioned way, to a four track tape recorder, to a digital recorder with computer software. Thankfully I can resurrect some of those beautiful, terrible songs.

2010-07-23T07:25:00.002-05:00

I was talking to my photographer friend. I told him that I wanted him to lend more of his photography to the second leg - I consider him one of the great undiscovered photographers in the area. And as I was describing my still-forming ideas, I said, “You know, dark reds and purples.” He asked, “Oh, is that the title?” And I said, “Well, maybe it is.”

Well folks, I like it too much to reject it. I just hope we don’t have to take a bunch of red and purple pictures now. Whatever we come up with will be fantastic though. I will be previewing the songs for him, so that he can visualize with me. He will be responsible for more than just the cover shot this time - I told him that you all very much loved that picture. This time he will help me design the entire package.

I love it when artists combine their powers to make an entire package that works together as a single piece of creation. I’m conditioning myself to share with you. I’m thinking that the third leg will have a hand-drawn cover. It’s too early to say why. But it’s not too early to say that I might like to work more closely with you.

Three Songs Into the Second Leg

2010-07-17T11:06:00.000-05:00

I was worried that my mix volumes weren’t matching. Worried because I had been distant enough to lose touch with the themes and feelings that are barely in process. I think I have a handle on it now.

It’s hard to stay as intense and angry as the project demands. It’s an experimentation in emotional elements commonly associated with hard rock of all types. It’s also a spiritually themed record dealing with the common ugliness caused by common ugliness.

Most of us grew up in churches. We rebelled against our teachings. We rebelled against our teachers. We distanced ourselves from all the things associated with the pain of our childhoods. Thus, religion has become unpopular; particularly Christianity. And our fight for freedom has become equally as violent as religion ever was. We think of ourselves as a hero generation who lives and lets live. In reality, we ignore and are okay with being ignored. We make excuses for the things we do and excuse others for using us. It’s time to take another look at that Book, because any supreme God, even imaginary, will help us hold onto our self-respect and hold us accountable for our self-worshiping ways.

Great Stuff!

2010-06-24T00:02:00.001-05:00

For the Birds is one record shy of being sold out! You’ll want to get it so that you can hear the full picture. Work has already begun on the second leg. There will be five different legs, each expressing a different phase of loss. Each will be an experimentation in what some would call “genre.”

You’ll want to experience these themes in each focused manner. You may discover many sub-themes as well. As the seasons change, more characters will emerge. There were a lot of birds in the first leg. The second will take you to a far different setting. Bees are buzzing, the sky is growing darker more often, the trees have become fixated with their colors. It’s what For the Birds warned you about.

Now you’re here in the emptiness of this clutter, surrounded by insanity. You should be afraid. Very afraid.

2010-06-17T20:35:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone... Things have been going well. Meeting a lot of people at my shows. It gives me joy each time I receive new feedback from my audience.

I’ve given enough music out by now that I’ve started to find people who prefer the more obscure songs that I adore. Great! Someone besides me likes “A Ghost.” Great! Not everybody likes “Firelight,” because it’s at least vaguely familiar. I know a lot of people claim to be original, but I, together with my fans, could show them a few things. And I don’t work hard to be unique, I just live in a territory of music for survival; my emotions alone steer me and the way I play.

Much love,
MS

Thank You

2010-06-10T19:58:00.000-05:00

Thank you. Thank you for being so adoring and for listening so closely. For putting my record into your dreams as you sleep. I’m not saying that you are an angel, but I can feel you reaching. Reaching to understand.

You make me feel purposeful. Keep listening for those answers, darling. You can almost hear me yelling from the same theater. And it’s All for Love.

2010-05-28T20:13:00.000-05:00

I know. Same old... It’s been awhile.

I've been playing a lot of places below the radar here in NWA. Keeping my feelings alive and watching them grow into record concepts. Patiently waiting. The record is well on it’s way. The drums are all done and I’m almost exhausted.

I’ll try to keep you posted... Things are about to get busy! I feel like my head is being divided in many places between the studio and stage, but I can handle it. I know how to imagine and how to not let imagination swallow me up. By now I have my hand on the valve.

Second Leg

2010-04-27T22:18:00.000-05:00

After a slow start, the second leg of Records 10 has begun! The concept, as I understand it so far, is to have a continuance of For the Birds. Like For the Birds, the second leg will be an experimentation in genre (a perversion, if you want to be real about it). But mostly it will restate my purpose, this time more aggressively.

Could you hear me begging you on the last record?

Do you have any idea how hungry I am?

2010-04-23T12:14:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! I'm playing at Jody's Living Room (aka the Lit Lounge) on Sunday, April 25. Would love to see you there! Let me know you read this post and I'll give you a free (yes, free!) copy of my latest recording For the Birds.

What's better than a live performance by Michael Scott and a free CD?

Great Shows!

2010-04-19T12:03:00.015-05:00

Had a blast playing for you at Arsaga's last Friday and it was good to see some of you at the Hot Rod Show in Hackett, AR on Saturday morning.

Gave out some copies of my latest project For the Birds. Would love to hear your thoughts on the sound of it! Just leave a comment here...

Love to you,
MS

For the Birds

2010-04-10T09:10:00.003-05:00

Have you ever felt your dreams momentarily slip away? And in the morning you found them again, hiding out of your reach, high in the trees.

Then, you realized the simplicity of it all is that you only have to listen.

For the Birds is an experience in faith restored. It speaks of impermanent and permanent things... of beginnings and of endings. And of the power that comes to you indefinitely when you reach one.

This record is for my muse; for my lost loves, and most of all, for me. And it's for the birds, because I believe they too know that good prevails. And because so many people are no longer listening.

Listen with attention. Your love may be no more than the bird's song you hear everyday.

Sneak Peek!

2010-04-02T19:46:00.010-05:00

This is a little snippet of All For Love...

It's track 3 on the first leg of Records 10, For the Birds!

Hello Fans!

2010-04-02T17:47:00.004-05:00

Ready for the start of this magical season? I sure am. I have a lot of love to give and you’ll be seeing me give it everywhere! Exciting times.

On the 17th of this month I’ll be waking Hackett up early at 10 in the morning. Come and see me! It’s sure to be a great time.

Just finished the first leg of the Records 10 project. A ten song record with lyrics printed for those who are heard of hearing. For The Birds will be ready April 10!

6th Annual Hackett Hod Rod Show

2010-03-31T17:51:00.005-05:00

So I'm playing a set at the Hackett Hot Rod show in Aril. It's an outdoor show (all ages) at the Hackett City Park in Hackett, AR. Show is on Saturday, April 17th and I'll be playing a one hour acoustic set starting at 10am.

Stick around to hear the Cabbage Heads afterward!

Updates Too

2010-01-12T20:05:00.003-06:00

Well, rock n' roll. Still getting my head ready for the record. It's been really nice to relive some of these songs. I can almost remember being that innocent. And I feel fine. Some feelings in me are not hard to find. I can't wait for you to hear where I've been and how it fits with where I am now. I know you'll be quite pleased. Thanks to everyone reading these posts as the site gets off the ground and the music finds it's way to all you very special people.

Love,
MS

Updates

2009-12-23T12:54:00.003-06:00

Hi guys!

I've been really working hard on writing and preparing for my record. We're in the process of picking through hundreds of tracks to find the ones we want to toy with. Very exciting times! We'll be in the studio shortly, and then I'll have sound clips and songs posted for you to hear!

I've been playing around Northwest Arkansas a lot. Tons of coffee houses, bars and so on. I love the good times we have when I play for my fans!

Love to all -

Finishing Records 08

2009-06-11T12:34:00.002-05:00

It was almost done. Only two songs remained. I wanted them on the project so bad and had always invisioned it.

At the same time, I had been wanting it to contain 8 songs. And then... I caught a break. I was having a great day. I finished one song - the eighth one as a matter of fact - and the project just felt done.

My conflict was resolved. The unfinished ninth and tenth song would be on Records 09, making that project start with the ninth song. It will be a live project. It can include new material, too; but mainly it will marry my recording to my live performances... teaching me many lessons, no doubt.

2009-06-05T18:27:00.002-05:00

Well, I haven't been on here in awhile, but it sure don't mean there is nothing music realated going on. I mean, come on... think about it. This is a computer, man. And I can't come here and sit eveyday and write about loving on my instruments, because, although this is an instrument, it's not one of those that sound pretty. Rackety-tak-tak is what I hear right now.

But I will try try try to get posts up more often. I love 'em and so do you!

Interview with Tom Redwine

2009-05-12T08:58:00.002-05:00

Michael was recently interviewed for Tom Redwine's "Your Local Podcast: NWA" which was posted last night! Check it out on the Traffic Report by clicking here.

You can also download the two songs heard in the podcast (Jackie's Gone and Paper Airplane) by following the links below. Please note that all content is copyright 2009 by Michael Scott, but please feel free to share and tell all of your friends!

Jackie's Gone --> http://www.divshare.com/download/7350999-21f
Paper Airplane --> http://www.divshare.com/download/7351000-1bd

Download complete podcast --> http://www.tomredwine.net

Tonight at Arsaga's

2009-05-01T20:59:00.000-05:00

Hey friends!

I just found twenty bucks. Nobody wants to claim it. Should I? Why yes... I think I should. Buy myself a coffee and get down to buisness. I'll be playing a short set at Arsaga's on Gregg St. tonight, alongside some friends. Maybe I'll sing too fast. On second thought, let me just pass this money on down. Surely I can split it twenty ways till Sunday. By Monday I'll have the feel again, guitar in hand.

In other news...you should hear the new song. "Undone" is not finished yet. Seems fitting. I'd better get upstairs and smile about it. It's making my head rattle. I think it needs a tamborine. Then, cut it and pass it on down 'till Monday...

MS

Upcoming Show

2009-04-29T19:30:00.003-05:00

Just got invited to play at a benefit concert at the University of Arkansas in July. Not sure of the details, but you'll be the second to know when they're available!

I need to add a show calendar on here, but I'm not quite sure how. Suggestions appreciated!

MS

New Song!

2009-04-26T17:37:00.002-05:00

Hey friends!

What makes you tilt your head to the side like a curious puppy? A song that is both bright and stormy all at the same time? Or could it be that curious confusion that is plainly just a mixture of emotion?

Everyone knows the things that make the sun shine. But you should hear the NEW song! It will have you wondering about its elements and where it was formed... if you give it that much thought at all.

You might only want to tilt your head slightly and raise your ears.

MS

Meet Bobby!

2009-04-22T11:49:00.003-05:00

Hello again!

I wanted to introduce my friend and manager Bobby Hough. He will be talking with everyone here as well, so make him feel welcome! You can follow him on Twitter @roberthough.

It's a great day in NWA!

MS

Recording

2009-04-19T19:05:00.004-05:00

Hey friends,

Been trying to record a song... only a few weeks old. Just not feeling it anymore. They have to be laid down fresh. It's called "A Reason", but oddly enough I've lost mine for recording it.

"I've got a reason to love you.
You've never been the one to love me.
But I'm still the lucky one with a reason."

I guess you can only offer so much of yourself. That much is all you have.

Stay warm,
MS

Welcome!

2009-04-05T18:01:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my blog! Here I will talk about everything you can imagine... my music, my my life, my world. Feel free to drop comments and let me know how you're doing!