If you came to this posting because of the twitter/facebook posting that I put up, "When I walked out of the theater, no joke, I saw this" - you probably clicked on the link that brought you here because you wanted to know how the story ended (sorry for that little bit of deception, to not leave you hanging though - I saw the content of this posting!). It's wired into the history of humans to want to hear stories - whether through oral tradition, through song, or more recently, through print and through film.  All of the means I just listed are vehicles that can certainly enhance the presentation of the story, but if the story at it's root isn't appealing or heartfelt, people will lose interest and it will not have longevity.

I have to give a nod to Mark Fergus (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1318843/) - I saw his film First Snow at the Albuquerque Film Festival this past weekend, and he did some Q&A afterwards. First Snow was his directorial debut, and after the project was finished he was offered numerous other directing gigs, but respectfully declined them. "I would have to direct an adaptation of a story that I didn't want to tell," Mark petitioned. 

For those of you who are artists - you're probably going in one direction or the other here. One direction argues that Mark missed out on a big opportunity to direct some other larger budget movies, while the other praises him for sticking to his guns about telling good stories.  I'm going to agree with the latter in this case. 

Whether you're an author, songwriter, filmmaker, etc. - some of us know the tricks to make our writing sound good, but whether we're writing a great story from the heart that has impact is another matter. For example, here's a short story that's not interesting, but I'll try to use word pictures that make it sound interesting:

Example (bad story, bad writing): I went to the store. I bought a loaf of bread. I went home.

Example (bad story, better writing): My journey began with a pang of sleepless inspiration coupled by a hunger that I couldn't deny. The twisting road that lead to the grocer was only rivaled by the twisting that was taking place in my stomach. Once the whole-wheat answer was in my hands, I rushed by the clerk with little-to-no chatter, traded coin for food, and was swiftly en route back to where the other sandwich condiments made a palace in my mind. Home.

So, I'm obviously not an author (some of you are thanking God this very moment for that truth), but you can see that I gave a little more detail, which made the story more engrossing, but by the end, it's the same meaning as the first example. We as artists should strive to have both good stories that deliver powerful messages, and good writing. 

"Well duh, Matt.  If I could do that all the time, I wouldn't have to read you're dumb posting about buying bread."

This is just an encouragement - it's probably more meant for me than anyone else, but whatever you're involved in, do your best to tell stories that matter, and do your best to tell them in a way that people can hang with you, and want to stay with you.

Put mortar on another brick in storyhouse, and I'll see ya'll soon.

-TRMJ 

http://www.glidemagazine.com/articles/56320/the-noms-the-real-matt-jones.html

-TRMJ

When I'm planning a trip, it's not unusual for me to try to find the least expensive, fastest, easiest way to get to my destination. Most of us are probably like that - there are the inevitable "take the scenic route" people (why do they always end up being our dads when we're on vacation with the family?), but for the most part, people don't want to waste time, and they want to get to where they're going the fastest way possible. That's understandable.  The journey through life, love, careers, etc. doesn't always work that way, however...

I'm often surprised by the number of bands/artists that will contact me and without any prior relationship and will say, "Let us play a show with you." To which, I will almost always reply, "Have you played any shows on your own? What have you done to try to get your band exposure on your own?"

95% of the time, the band/artist will cease all communication after that. Why is that? Well, if we take into account the quick rise to fame that American Idol or Youtube seem to offer any person out there, why work for it?  This, my friends, is the "Jet Pack" approach.  

You have to get to the top of the mountain? Why climb like a sucker?  Just get the jet pack and rocket all the way to the top. There's no need to learn lessons along the way, right? There's no need to have an appreciation for all the small steps that are in between, right? (My apologies if my sarcasm in the previous questions was not blatant!) 

Some people handle the quick rise to success well, but for the most part, people need to see where they've come from in order to be able to have an appreciation for where they are. This is where "The Mountain Crawl" approach comes in.

Almost any person that I've met that has success (I realize this term has VAST differences in definition, but insert your definition in there) in their field with any sort of longevity, has come to it from a background of hard work. That's not necessarily the sexy American way, but it is realistic. It's never fun to stay up late, get up early, do all the tedious paperwork/manual labor that may be involved in your endeavor, but one day, you wake up and realize you're halfway up the mountain, and you've seen each and every mistake and triumph you've made along the way. You have great ideas about what works. You have even better ideas about what doesn't work. Most importantly, you have a deep appreciation and a respect for where you are and where you've been.

So, I would encourage almost everyone (except those few who know how to handle a jet pack) - when given the opportunity to either take the fast way to the top with little to no experience, or to take the slow way up that will knock you around and give you some well-earned character...I say, grab a backpack and some hiking shoes. 

-TRMJ

Gu

Hey guys - I know this seems like it would be a post updating you on fashion sense and how to host a dinner party (you might be looking for Gentlemen's Quarterly), but I wanted to give a quick update to those of you who were wondering one of two things:

1. How is music treating you? (number 1 question I hear)

2. What are you up to besides music? (number 17 question I hear, but I have some fun stuff coming up)

How is Music Treating You?

I'll try to give you all some quick bullet points, this year has been incredible so far...

- See You at the Movies: I have been fortunate enough this year to have placements (that means a musical composition was "placed" in a film or TV Show) in 3 different films and to have been the composer for another.  Check out the IMDB.com page here:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3901065/ 

There will be much more going on when these are released, so I'll keep everyone in the know on that!

- Gambling and Clothes for Teenagers: Back in April, I released a song on Itunes called "You Don't Lie When You're Lonely" and a month later, my roommate called me from Vegas at 12:30am and said, "Hey dude - your song is playing on the radio here in Caesar's Palace." 

Around the same time, we found out that "You Don't Lie When You're Lonely" was also going to be featured on Hollister Clothing Company's summer playlist alongside songs like "Billionaire," so that was some exciting news as well. Check out my original blog post about the song here:

http://www.therealmattjones.com/news/2010/3/31/top-10-reasons-to-download-you-dont-lie-when-youre-lonely.html 

- A Really Big Shoe: Wow - I'm not sure how many of you ever watched the Ed Sullivan show...anyway, it's not important.  The band and I have had some killer shows this year, we've been privileged to open for Austin-based entertainer supreme, Guy Forsyth, and just recently opened for former Men at Work frontman, Colin Hay.  We're heading out to Dallas, TX next to play the Hard Rock Cafe for the first time, and heading back to Chicago and Seattle later this fall to play other standard venues like The Elbow Room and The Showbox.  Check out the show schedule here:

http://www.therealmattjones.com/shows/

- The Beat Goes On: The new record, History, now has 11 songs on it, and will probably end at 12. So, that means, if I can get one more great tune written and we have time to mix, master, and get artwork on the record finished, I'll have a new record out!  It will be the first original record since Passerby was released in 2008.  

Also, I've been working on a number of songs for other projects, and am considering releasing these tunes as part of a collection that has a different vibe. It's and ambient/acoustic type thing, and could be really cool as an EP.

What are you up to outside of music?

Fantasy football: It's that time of year again; I have the draft for my first 12-person fantasy football league this coming Sunday...we'll see how I can fare! I need to get some research in this week so I can figure out who my top 5 picks are at least.  Should I go quarterback or running back first?! 

Fantasy Fiction: Some of you know, I have been reading (when I have time on flights and odds and ends here and there) the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.  I am now on book number seven, A Crown of Swords, and can't wait to keep moving the story along.  Nerd points for reading this series? 432, approximately...

Running: I'm trying to like doing it. Ugh.

Jammin' in the Name of the Lord: This is technically still music-related, but I have been playing a lot more electric guitar at the church where I regularly attend, Desert Springs Church. I'm surrounded by some other awesome musicians there and by some people there that would just as soon help you through a life-crisis, as they would go grab a beer with you.  Check out the church here:

http://www.desertspringschurch.org/

That's what's shaking for now, thanks for sticking it out with me, there's more exciting stuff to come! Hope this finds you all well, I'm out for now...

-TRMJ

Hello friends, brothers, sistas, stalkers -

Albuquerque the Magazine does an issue once a year that features the "best of" the city, please take 2 minutes to go by the page and fill in the category "Best Local Vocalist" with "The Real Matt Jones" Here's the link to go there:

bit.ly/trmjabqthemag

I'll try to get something up here on the website that you guys get for helping me out...maybe an acoustic version of a tune soon :o)

 Thanks so much, please feel free to vote even if ya don't live in Albuquerque, and check the podcast page tomorrow for the next episode!  

Cheers,

-TRMJ 

The view outside welcomes a cloudy and rainy sky that covers the rolling green countryside of Wisconsin. We're scheduled to play Trout Springs Winery tonight, and just the same as any day, we've got no idea what to expect...

A pitched roof rises over the next hill, and Landon suggest that there is no other building that could be what we're looking for, so we pull in. Two corgies sniffing around the mostly dirt driveway welcome us, and Landon decides to check in and make sure we are indeed at the correct destination while I finish the last few sentences of a phone call...this is our stop.

Steve, the proprietor, and the staff of Trout Springs Winery welcome us warmly and let us get set up. There's absolutely not a single bar of phone service to be spoken of, so it's somewhat of a getaway; especially on a Saturday night. I fumble through a few sentences of my limited knowledge of wine, and Steve says, "Come with me."

Steve leads Landon and I back to the aging room for the wine they make at Trout Springs - he's built the entire place from the ground up:

Of course, Landon and I had to sample some of the wares of this fine gentleman's establishment - I recommend the petite syrah.

After playing our concert for some patrons, including two fans that drove out to Greenleaf from Milwaukee (thank you Mary and Robin!), Landon and I head up to Green Bay to stay for the night...and he tells me that we're going to meet up with one of his friends.  

I'm beside myself. Landon's friend that we meet up with is none other than Mason Crosby of the Green Bay Packers, AKA my fantasy football kicker.  He introduces us to some other members of the team, and Landon and I celebrate with some Spotted Cow beer (only in Wisconson, try it if you've never had it!)

The next morning, we meet Mason at Lambeau Field and I was able to grab a number of pictures including:

...and...

Wisconsin - although I never got to try cheese curds; your people, football, beers and wine have left a stamp on my mind I won't soon forget. Back to Chicago...

-TRMJ 

A balmy 70-degree wind sneaks through a crack in my driver side window, and green hills gradually peak, then break over a horizon that's balanced by a picturesque blue sky. The Midwest. In none of it's freezing glory of January, it actually seems it's one of the most desirable places to be in the United States today (based on completely inconsistent and fairly unreliable weather reports), and coincidentally, I'm here.

I'm on my way to The Walnut Speakeasy in Elgin, IL - anything that ends in "speakeasy" typically gives me memories of Rex Banner saying "where'd you pinch the hooch?" in the infamous Simpsons episode where Homer is the Beer Baron, but those thoughts are quickly pushed to the side as I drive up to this obviously renovated, suburban watering hole. 

Within moments of entering, I'm greeted with come-to-be-expected Midwestern hospitality

"Try the Two Brother's beer," Alex, the owner says with confidence, "It's a local one." 

I gladly oblige, and understand where the confidence comes from - the beer is great. The ambiance is one of a tavern that I would hope to find myself in when I'm through playing a local softball league game, and many patrons there seem to be doing exactly that. The stage in the corner is elevated. I love that. 

"We just got this system installed about two weeks ago. Hope you like it." Alex explains, as he directs me beyond the marquis with "The Real Matt Jones - a must see" written on it to the PA system on the stage. As it turns out, I do like it. QSC is stamped all over the speakers and the amps powering the rig; I'll have to write them a letter to impart how much I actually enjoyed using the system...

At any rate, though I'm competing with the Lakers/Celtics game this very night, the audience grows steadily throughout the night. Highlights definitely included getting a softball team of guys to participate in singing parts in a couple of tunes, and upon completing my third set when Alex says to me, "Matt - that was great! Let me cook you a hamburger!"

And really - who am I to blow against the wind? I, with little if any hesitance, answer, "That'd be awesome."

On my second beer of the night, I'm cooling down as Alex brings the burger out - I'm starving, as I just remember that I haven't eaten anything since my layover in Las Vegas this morning. Sheesh. I also don't seem to think it odd at all that the owner of the place just cooked me a hamburger, but Amanda, the bartender assures me it's "only when he's having a great time and wants to cook."

Awesome. I'm really enjoying myself until I realize a sensation that is a little less than desirable as I'm talking to one of the waiters on staff. My mouth is burning. The burger must have come directly out of the kitchen and in front of me. I can't take the bite and spit it out like one might do when sitting alone at home and eating a Red Baron pizza that's too hot because I'm mid-conversation with this gent. I cringe, and swallow the nuclear-hot bite of hamburger and try to maintain civility. It works, but the top of my mouth is left feeling the way it does after I eat too much Cap'n Crunch cereal...well, if that's the worst thing that has happened tonight, I'm in the clear. Good to be back Midwest, I've missed ya.

-TRMJ

It's an unusual setting to see the over-sized portrait of Ernest Hemingway staring at the mostly college-aged patrons that litter the tables and are bellied-up at the bar at Hemingway's in El Paso.  Upon first impression, I figure any Hemingway-esque flawed hero would probably be impressed with the beer selection available - one of the bouncers points it out to me as one of the primary draws of the pub and the creme de la resistance is an elegantly decorated $16 dollar bottle of cranberry lambic. Classy. Although, to admit it, the crowd seems restless and uncertain as the skinny gringo from up north reveals that he will indeed be playing music tonight...

An hour passes at a much faster rate than usual. More than likely, it is the fact that this audience is one of the most responsive, attentive, and colorful groups that I've had a chance to play for. Pats on the back and glory stories from other musicians who are listening are in no short supply. One west Texas man even drops a much larger than necessary tip into my hands and says, "That's some good strummin' there boy."

Out-of-pitch singing, laughing, and shouting surfaces frequently from the onlooking group, and once again, what feels like only moments turns into, "Last call everybody."

Shows like this don't come along very often, so I take a moment to savor it...and the savoring is cut short by my recollection that it is 2am and the drive back to where I'm staying is still another 45 minutes away. Sheesh. You college kids make me feel like The Old Man and the Sea...here's hoping I get enough sleep for tomorrow's show.

-TRMJ

As of next month (May), I'll have been doing music full-time for 5 years. Although I only began incorporating the mailing expression into my commonly used phrases about a year ago, I am very familiar with the concept:

You're tired. You've played 4 shows this week already, and you've got one tonight and you have to drive 9 hours back to Chicago to catch a flight to return to your hometown where you've got a meeting at 7am the next day.  You think to yourself, for a brief moment, that it might not be too bad if you just did the same set of songs from last night, take everything down a half-step, and just go on auto-pilot for the show tonight...

NO. 

I understand the need to preserve voices and health while out on the road, but once we as artists get comfortable with (I hate this expression, but) the status quo, our singing, playing, songwriting, promoting, and ultimately our art form suffers, and so does our audience.

I encourage all of us (and I say this as a corrective rebuke to myself as well) to feel as stretched as we can as far as making music that is challenging, accessible and enjoyable.  Also, remember the ancient habit of practicing our instruments? We should all be striving to learn more about how to play them, and how to play them better. 

Let's not forget our listeners - they are spending their time, energy, and money to come watch us display our art...and we need to be grateful to them.  Artists like Angie Stevens (www.angiestevens.com), Guy Forsyth (www.guyforsyth.com), and even John Mayer (www.johnmayer.com) are all examples of artists that continue to push the envelope creatively, and always provide their audiences with an amazing show. Whether you are playing for 5 or 5,000 people, each person there gave up their night, the opportunity to do something else, and is paying for a good show and a great time. If we don't provide it, they're going to look elsewhere for it.

So, for the sake of not letting music become a watered-down version of itself, when the temptation comes to "mail it in" tell it that you're going paperless...

-TRMJ

10. Whoever wrote it probably needs your help because he couldn't come up with a song title that was shorter than "You Don't Lie When You're Lonely"

9. It has a fun, bouncy feel reminiscent of a 60's tune...if you're still reading, move to number 8.

8. The words repeat enough that you can almost learn them the first time listening to it.

7. The words repeat enough that you can almost learn them the first time listening to it.  

6.  It's only $1 from Itunes or Amazon mp3, and it's healthier than a double cheeseburger. 

5. The artwork is cool. It has a red couch.

4. It's the first single that will be on my upcoming record, "History" due out later in 2010.

3. If you have a convertible, it's a good song to listen to with the top down, especially since spring just started. (or, a cheaper effect is listening to your ipod on your bike...it just won't look like an 80's movie though)

2. Girls - if you're the queen bee in your group of friends, this song is actually written about you. Guys - since we all seem to be worker bees, I think we'll all get this song.

1. You like to support independent music, and downloading their songs from Itunes or Amazon mp3 helps them financially, helps them spread the word about their music, and ultimately keeps them going.

I hope you enjoyed the list!  Here's the link to buy "You Don't Lie When You're Lonely" on Itunes:

...and here's the link to buy it on Amazon mp3:

http://www.amazon.com/You-Dont-When-Youre-Lonely/dp/B003ACYMIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1270055595&sr=1-1

Thank you guys, hope you enjoy!

-TRMJ