If you'd like some airplay....

Subject: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 04 Mar 00 - 12:48 AM

It occured to me that since there are so many new Mudcatters who've joined us recently, I'll mention something again that the "veterans" are well aware of.

Since joining Mudcat a year and a half ago (thanks to Sandy Paton) I've featured the music of quite a few "cats" on my radio show "Acoustic Workshop". Some are folks who's songs I've known for many years like The Patons, Frank Hamilton, Art Theime, Judy Cook, Kendall Morse and several others, while folks like Guy Wolfe, Jed Marum, Paul G. etc. were completely new to my ear...and very welcome.

Truthfully, I've gotten almost totally fed up with the "sameness" of the vast majority of submissions I receive from the record companies. Sadly, the singer-songwriters (for the most part) appear to be "rock wannabees" and just don't interest me. Much of the rest is the same celtoid/world mishmash that was interesting 8 years ago, but not now (to me).

The format of "Acoustic Workshop" has been for 11 years to promote "traditionally based artists" who may not have the clout or dollars of a record company behind them. Whether someone is "professional" or not is of no consequence to me if their music is strong and well recorded on either CD or tape.

Radio CIUT's range is quite substantial (Ontario and parts of New York state) and for a while I was sending shows to Mudcat. Sadly the station's good quality tape deck I used to record the shows went on the fritz and hasn't been fixed....and the Real-Audio is still down. (every week the powers that be say it'll be up any day!!)

So if anyone wants to submit something for potential airplay, please do. T'will be treated with respect. (no guarantees of course) Send me an e-mail (it's in Bbc's Mudcat Resources, in the "Quick Links" section) and I'll fill you in on the details. Thanks.

Rick

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 04 Mar 00 - 12:54 AM

Should also have mentioned that we've featured quite a few of the local Mudcatters "live" on the air. Too numerous to mention, but one of our members, the charming Peter T. has become a fixture (sometime philosopher, sometime chorus singer). We're awaiting recordings from "Cats" Davey, Michael Miland, Jeremiah, and Michael K. Not to mention the extremely talented sister of regular poster Steve Latimer, and newcomer Laura Thomas.

Rick

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Mar 00 - 01:28 AM

I was just at CIUT's website the other day and they didn't have a THING to say about webcast stuff. Are they going to bring it back Rick? I read your post, but what's your gut say? Also does Susan Latimer have anything out? The brief time I caught her on your show amidst my usual (at that time) "net congestion" I loved the sound she has.

Spaw

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 04 Mar 00 - 12:24 PM

Yeah Spaw, the new management at the station is taking it's time all right. Susan Latimer is a VERY talented singer AND player. I've been on her case to do an album. Nuthin' yet.

Rick

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: rainbow
Date: 04 Mar 00 - 08:40 PM

well.... as a newcomer to mudcat cafe...and programmer here, i'd like to offer my services as well. would love to have your music to share with our listeners, and perhaps, if appropriate, to our pbs viewing audience. the coverage area for the two stations is similar.. the northern third of the state of california.

my computer is old and i can't easily do music on line and' sample tracks. though i am learning digital editing i still use a grease pencil and a razor blade... meanwhile learning video editing on an nle (non-linear editor). so snail mail is still the best way to reach the audience i represent.

sincerely... ... lorraine

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Paul G.
Date: 04 Mar 00 - 09:57 PM

Rainbow --

What is the best way for those of us who are interested to touch base with you regarding the specifics of submission? It would also be helpful if we knew where "here" is and what station you are programming for...Thanks!

Paul G.

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From:
Date: 04 Mar 00 - 11:01 PM

Rick and Rainbow, if you don't mind what about I get a couple of the local (Halifax, NS) people who have a recording out which would fit the folk/traditional/singer-songwriter categories, and have them send out something for your radio broadcasts.

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 05 Mar 00 - 12:23 AM

Rainbow: What is your station and where is it located? I wonder if you are on our promo list now.

Sandy at Folk-Legacy

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 05 Mar 00 - 02:21 AM

Actually Sandy and Caroline Paton have become "Cult figures" here in Toronto. I'm expecting that their next live apprarance will draw thousands.

Example of how my attempts at humour are so often mis-heard (let alone mis-read): I've received a lot of "over the top" promo from a very ordinary singer named Michael Jonathin who shamelessly promotes himself as "not your father's folksinger" (whatever the hell THAT means). His last album features stickers on the outside saying that "Appalachian legend" Jean Ritchie sings with him (on the inside). Well she does...sort of...before he totally messes her up with fuzz guitar. Anyway as a joke I introduced a Patons' cut by saying it was by "Appalachian legend" Caroline Paton. Sure enough, next show someone phoned wanting more music by "those legendary Appalachians!!" Connecticut legends maybe...but the mountains are smaller there.

Rick (Scarboro legend)

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Willie-O
Date: 05 Mar 00 - 09:45 AM

I think "not your father's folksinger" is a steal from the New Country marketing line "not your father's country music".

Which means, of course, no Hank Williams, no Ian Tyson, no Patsy Cline unless sung by Leann Rimes, no Merle Haggard--just a bunch of pretty boys in hats!

As promotion goes, I don't think you can sink much lower than imitation New Country hype.

Willie-O

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: sophocleese
Date: 05 Mar 00 - 09:53 AM

OHH! That's low Willie-O. However its also probably true.

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Mar 00 - 11:06 AM

Aw geez Rick....I feel for you. Not about Sandy and Caroline, but about Michael Jonathan. Some well meaning soul gave me his book (Woodsongs?) which proves that anyone can write a book. Outside of that, it is a completely self-serving, whining, overblown, pompous, and weird combination of pseudo-self analysis and recipes mixed with stories that I'd LOVE to hear the other side of. Has he sent it to you? You can have my copy if I can find it. It used to be laying on that shelf over there, but I don't see it now. But I'll be happy to have it gone, if it is, and if it isn't, I'll send it off to you. Have you checked his website...another winner.

Spaw

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 05 Mar 00 - 11:27 AM

Spaw. I truly hate to completely "diss" a fellow performer, but this guy is from another planet. He seems to have an absolutely unlimited financial base and the biggest ego that I've encountered in many a moon. You would not BELIEVE the crap that radio programmers get from him. It's the exploitation of long time respected musicians that really gets to me though. It would take too long to go into detail, but believe me, Odetta, Jean Ritchie, Homer Ledford, and Pete Seeger have not been well-served by his actions. Trouble is, that a huge amount of money can make for a real power base, and he does an internet radio show that attracts a lot of serious players looking for exposure.

Without all the hype he is a reasonably decent amateur musician in a Dylan mold, who plays adequate guitar, and pretty poor Seeger-style banjo. In one promo-blurb he claimed that what he does is "Arena-Folk", implying that the rest of folkies just don't think "big enough". Seriously turns my stomach. Now I'll probably hear from his lawyers.

Rick

Actually I would be interested in seein' the book Spaw. If ya send it to me, I'll read it and send it back.

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Mar 00 - 11:40 AM

And as soon as I find it, I'll send it Rick. You'll read more of how he has disserviced Seeger, Odetta, et al. Some of the stuff is hard to read. He wants you to figure he's bosom buddies with Odetta, Homer Ledford........ He does love Jean Ritchie, but I'd like to hear a truthful account of her side of the story. Anyway, the "other side" I'd really like to hear is from the folks in Mousie, Kentucky where he moved to be a real folksinger. Mousie is a tiny community between Hindman and Pikeville and although he admits the people think him a bit different, I don't think he has any conception of just HOW different they think he is.

Anyway, I'm looking....I can't believe I would throw away ANY book unless its damaged beyond use or something. I'll send it on as soon as it turns up. BTW, he proudly defines folk music for all of us.

Spaw

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: sophocleese
Date: 05 Mar 00 - 12:19 PM

Spaw you cannot leave us hanging like this. How does this Michael Guy define Folk Music. Mudcatters everywhere need to know.

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Mar 00 - 12:25 PM

Well Soph, I'm still looking for the damn book! But he has a pretty standard kind of answer, but goes into some thing about folk being the mother of all forms and that everything else is a daughter........Something...another way of dividing things up.

Spaw

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Paul G.
Date: 05 Mar 00 - 12:26 PM

Rick and 'Spaw -- have you seen that Michael J. now hosts the "Woodsongs Radio Hour?" Careful Rick - he'll be breathing down your neck...;-)

pg

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 05 Mar 00 - 04:58 PM

Absolutely Paul. That's what I meant about having enough money to get otherwise respectable people to suck up to you.

Rick (I've kissed the odd frog in my day, but I stay away from asses)

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Mar 00 - 12:20 PM

FOUND THAT SUCKER!!!!!!! I'll get the book in the mail to you this week sometime Rick. It's got a few interesting things, but this guy is really into himself. I mean, hell, we all are to some degree, but most of us admit it. This boy don't.

Paul, I can see I'll have to check in at his website and pay due homage. This is the kinda' guy you know would take tape recordings of famous folks and splice in his voice to make it sound like they were bosom buddies.

Spaw --- (and it would take one helluvan' odd frog to kiss you Rick!!! Does Boots know?)

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 12:01 PM

Rick,

Thank you for the kind words about Susan. She certainly appreciates the exposure and support you've given her.

'Spaw, Susan had a tape done a few years ago of some of her originals, but she really isn't happy with the production of it. Rick's heard it and I'm sure that he would agree that it is not representative of her abilities. She wants to start fresh with many of those songs and some that she's written in the since.

Unfortunately unlike the fellow that you and Rick seem so enamored with, Susan has very little budget (read no) to go back in the studio. Rick has been very helpful in laying out a projected budget, and I am trying to come up with a means to help her finance a new CD.

The good news is she's performing more, getting a bigger following and more exposure so it may all come together soon. Thanks for your interest, we'll keep you posted.

Steve

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: jeffp
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 12:20 PM

Is it safe to assume that you are interested in original and/or public domain material in order to avoid trouble from the copyright police?

jeffp

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Peter T.
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 03:53 PM

I have been called many things in my life, but charming is not one of them......(it may be the angora sweater....) Rick's show is a bit like the old Steverino's -- "Coming to you from the beautiful Hiatop Room high atop Lake Hyatop, just a refreshing 24 and quarter mile swim across beautiful Lake Michigan, take a left turn down the Purgatory off-ramp and drive like Hell -- featuring Les Band and His Brown of Renown, !!! -- and now here is our featured folkie asking the musical question: Why?" (musical segment) "Yes, that was our authentic Appaloosan off his new album, featuring the duet vocals of Merle Travis and Merle Oberon recorded in the depths of Johnny Cash's esophagus. It isn't often you see a cover of a CD that has endorsements from St. Teresa of Avila and Tex Ritter. I also think the picture of you healing your backup band from leprosy is particularly compelling. Also, Dave, I notice that you are playing a 1954 Sears Roy Rogers guitar, one of my favourite instruments, and often used by the Louvin Brothers when their toilet got bunged up."
and so on...

(I'm just going on because I missed last night's show)....yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 07 Mar 00 - 07:47 PM

Yes indeed, folks, Peter T. (our Ramblin' philosophical eco-hobo) did indeed not drop by the ol' studio last night, throwing us into immediate panic. Where would we find a last second harmony singer? Who'd go out for soya-shakes? If a listener phoned in and asked what effect the poopoola migration in Swaziland was having on the ice temperature at Maple Leaf Gardens....well let's face it, Heather and I would just have to bluff an answer.

Mark Stutman (luthier and concert promoter) DID drop in unexpectedly though and sang and played along with my guest Eve Goldberg and me. Watch out Peter, he's much younger and cuter than you! Rest easy though, he lives in Kitchener.

JeffP. No problem with material of any kind. We pay royalties and the copyright police don't carry guns in Canada!

Susan Latimer is also a fine slide guitar player....and has the most supportive brother in the universe!

Rick

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 10:09 AM

Rick,

Other people have said the same thing about me being supportive of Susan. I have trouble with it though. Sure I'm biased when it comes to my sister, but I believe that I'm supportive because I feel her music warrants listening to. I have talked up other musicians who I believe in, yourself included, because I think that people would enjoy hearing them. I don't think I'm doing anything out of the ordinary, and believe me, I can be very harsh on people related or not who I don't think much of their music.

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Fortunato
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 01:40 PM

Rick. Per your orginal thread-start. Thanks for the offer. I don't have any recent "acoustic" or traditional based recordings, just Rockabilly stuff. But my wife and I are going into the studio later this year I think and I'll take you up on the submission offer. We'll be focusing on Carter Family stuff and maybe some Ian & Sylvia chestnuts. I think you're mighty fine for keeping the faith. Fortunato (Chance)

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 05:49 PM

Actually Fort, the rockabilly stuff is probably a lot closer to folk music than the rock-derivative singer-songwriter stuff that I've been getting from both major companies and independant artists...I'm just looking for music that is TRADITIONALLY based.

Rick

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Froodo
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 07:17 PM

What about blues singers...Delta blues and such? Or do you want to keep it traditional folk?

Thanks

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: rainbow
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 10:02 PM

sorry to not get back to you all.... its election time in california. i've been wearing my news hat... but the election is over.

so "here" is indeed in northern california... the north part of sacramento on up to the oregon border... blocked by the coastal mountains. we being kcho-fm in chico (basement of library at california state university, chico) and kfpr-fm in redding (located in our region's pbs station).

snail mail is: lorraine dechter northstate public radio p.o. box 990061 redding, ca 96099-0061

we are primarily classical, jazz, news... however i have been producing "the good-olde-fashioned folk music show" for many years (18?). its on sunday's 2-4pm after prarie home companion and thistle & shamrock.

so that is how you can submit.

since i'm new here i'm starting to understand that rick does a show out of toronto that is available over the internet... or was... new management will decide something? whether it will remain? whether it will return?

can i listen on the internet to this show or station. how? when? etc.

... lorraine

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Marion
Date: 08 Mar 00 - 10:43 PM

Rick, when is the Acoustic Workshop, and what number on the dial is CIUT? I am spending some time in Perth, Ontario, and I'll see if I can pick it up here.

Marion

PS: I recently saw your name on a CD cover - in the acknowledgements for Aengus Finnan's "Fool's Gold". Student of yours? I love his work - especially the title song, War Bride's Waltz, and Lately.

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 09 Mar 00 - 12:21 AM

Hi. We play lots of blues on Acoustic Workshop. Time of the show is Monday from 7pm. to 8pm. 89.5 fm.. Nope, Angus is not a student, just a friend who I picked with a bit.

Rick

Subject: RE: If you'd like some airplay.....
From: Fortunato
Date: 09 Mar 00 - 09:50 AM

Rick,
You're right. The historical precedents for the Roots Rock material I do now are often clear to me. Even when I can't pinpoint the original recording the converging line of influence is often apparent. Like you I trace the lines of precedence and I believe it enlivens and, I hope, validates my performance of the piece. When I can establish a vocal and emotional link from Hudie Ledbetter to Joe Turner for example, and a vocal and lyrical link to Bill Halley and Doc Watson and THEN sing "Shake Rattle and Roll" it sends down deep roots from which to perform. When you see this line of 'blues shouters' drawn, quote, unquote, this "Rockabilly" reveals itself.

Fortunato