tag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=1Latest News2024-02-08T12:44:54-08:00Bob Ballard Musicfalsetag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/73481222024-02-08T12:44:54-08:002024-02-08T13:00:03-08:00Sync Summit LA 2024!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/159614/d779c85d6bc2ab610617aefcb49067625d02090d/original/img-6498.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" alt="Bob & Mark" /><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Wow!</strong></span> What an incredible conference it was! So many great people all working to help artists succeed. <span class="text-big" style="color:hsl( 120, 52%, 29% );"><strong>My tribe!</strong></span><br><br>Mark Frieser did an incredible job, once again, putting it all together. Sync agents, publishers, tech wizards, songwriters, producers and artists all in one subterranean room beneath Sunset Blvd in the bowls of the El Cid. A unique experience that was filled with good vibes and optimism, rare commodities it seems these days.<br><br>For me, it was extra special. I finally met Mark in person and many of the great people who were in Mark's online courses with me over the last few years. We connected in a way that is only possible outside the bounds of a Zoom call. I also hung out with some great new friends and created new collaborative possibilities. I am very excited about what's next. This Sync Summit is sadly the last in-person event Mark will be doing, but a virtual version will continue. Mark has been at this for 12 years now, so he wants to devote his energy to other aspects of his business and career.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/159614/9ab47e64e5c2dbd56d6b4a1322e662634b0a5c55/original/img-6503.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><p>I wasn't going to attend. On the morning the conference began, flooding rains were underway and the experts were predicting a disastrous storm. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to make the 3 hour drive to LA from out here in Palm Springs and would not be able to get back home. After I watched a couple of the opening virtual sessions, I was inspired to get to the summit come hell or high water, and I did! I am <span style="color:hsl(0, 75%, 60%);"><strong>SO GLAD</strong></span> I gave up my excuses and did it. The experience was life-changing for me in many ways. Spending long hours alone in my studio tends to make me forget what leads to success - <i><strong>real relationships with real people.</strong></i></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/159614/521b4b15cd7dfd694e283929aad6a36edd321b0f/original/img-6504-copy.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_inline border_" />Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/72341172023-06-28T13:18:02-07:002023-11-09T00:13:20-08:00Coming Back!<p><span class="text-big">I guess it's about time I resumed posting here. I get a fair amount of traffic to this site, so I think it is worthwhile to post once in awhile. I am kind of old school and think I have to have something spectacular to report before I post anything. I know that that is not true. Besides, I DO have something spectacular to report.</span><br><br><span class="text-big"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/159614/97fd51ba3b3187e2211f5a0095e649ae95c7aab9/original/awakening-the-world.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" />I have found a fantastic producer and mentor, a very special human being who is helping me get my music to the masterpiece level. Although my music is pretty good, or so I have been told, it is not realy ready to pitch to music industry folks. My producer believes and I agree, that music is not ready until there are no emotional weak links, from the first note to the silence at the end. What are weak links? Places where the listener loses focus or is distracted from the emotional experience of the music. We are working to revise the best music in my catalog so that it is masterpiece quality; no emotional weak links.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Right now, we are focusing on those compositions that are closest to being ready by removing and fixing the emotional weak links. To start, we are producing new versions of my instrumentals, particularly solo piano pieces. We already have three fully produced, masterpiece quality pieces which we are shopping for sync licensing opportunities. Our plan is to have seven more pieces completed and ready to go by September, maybe sooner the way we are going! These ten solo piano pieces will be distributed as an album as well as singles.</span><br><br><span class="text-big"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/159614/39bb9bcdeda9a1e5aea15c80a7bb0d25929bbea6/original/bob-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" />In order to progress, I am learning my weak points and working to improve. For me, music theory has never been a strong point. Although I learned a lot of it years ago, I didn't seem to use it much so I mostly forgot about it. Thanks to my mentor, I have found how important music theory is and how much it can help me create music and get it into a useful form for production. I thought I knew a lot about music production, and I do, but as a mostly self-taught audio engineer and producer, there were some nagging gaps in my knowledge which hindered my progress. Now, I know what these gaps are and have developed a much more focused and efficient approach to my work.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">So, basically I have returned to the proverbial “wood shed” to improve my production chops and am doing much better music at a faster pace than ever before. I know that greater success is just around the corner and I am looking forward to sharing it with you.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Peace & Blessings</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Bob</span><br><span class="text-big"> </span></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/68531772022-01-01T23:17:27-08:002023-10-25T12:22:20-07:00Goodbye 2021 - Year End Wrap<p><span class="text-big">Hello friends!</span></p><p><span class="text-big">I hope this holiday season finds you in good health and in a place that you find comfortable and secure. I am doing my best to cope with a rapidly changing world and express who I am through my music, an endeavor that has been going on for a long, long time but of which I never tire. It’s in my blood going back at least 500 years that I can trace, back to my namesake, Robert Ballard, the lutenist and composer in King Louis XIV's royal court. A fascinating story really, but too much to get into here. You can find out more on my </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.patreon.com/bobballard?fan_landing=true" data-link-type="url" contents="Patreon"><span class="text-big">Patreon</span></a><span class="text-big"> page. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Here is a summary of what I have been up to lately.</span><br><br><span class="text-big"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/565dae5ea5b438a4fa47f1108d14ff68909d9894/original/141581079-1666750796860202-943960297510931491-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" alt="Sometimes It Snows In The Desert" /></span><br><span class="text-big"><strong>New Music</strong> </span></p><p><span class="text-big">I am pleased to announce that I have found some amazing collaborators and am working with them on a couple of new songs. In fact, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://carollester.com/" data-link-type="url" contents="Carol Lester"><span class="text-big">Carol Lester</span></a><span class="text-big"> and I just finished </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2937533/swing-me" data-link-type="track" contents="Swing Me"><span class="text-big">Swing Me</span></a><span class="text-big">, a light, playful song about children having fun in a park. This is a totally new area for me, but Carol is an expert in children’s music; she develops and delivers music workshops for children in the New York metro area. Carol wrote the lyrics and melody and sang the vocals while I composed the music and produced the song. She has a great voice and melodic sense. We have high hopes for this one. </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2916466/higher-ground" data-link-type="track" contents="Higher Ground"><span class="text-big">Higher Ground</span></a><span class="text-big"> is new rock song that some industry folk have likened to the Doors music. Pretty high praise, I loved the Doors back in the day. The song is about the impending climate crisis, a topic that seems to increasingly occupy my mind. Sometimes, it feels so overwhelming that I want to escape to somewhere safe where all people of good intent can live. Would you join me there? Released on all streaming platforms December 15, 2021. </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2916467/hold-on" data-link-type="track" contents="Hold On"><span class="text-big">Hold On</span></a><span class="text-big"> is about my mostly unsatisfied desire to be with my children and grandchildren. They live 3,000 miles away and I am rarely able to visit them. The pandemic has made such a trip virtually impossible for me, but I know it will pass someday soon. I sometimes feel very sad about not being a real part of their lives as they quickly grow up. Unfortunately, alienation from family has been a constant situation for most of my life. I hoped that the isolation would end when as time went by but I was wrong, at least so far. Will be released on all streaming platforms January 7, 2022. </span></p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Other Projects </strong></span></p><p><span class="text-big">I am exploring the possibility of re-arranging and modernizing some old R&B and rock songs. As someone who lived through that era and was inspired by that music, I have a special connection with those songs. These days, remakes are popular and there are opportunities to place new versions of old songs in film and TV. In fact, some think it easier to use a cover song than an original song in a production because people have some familiarity with it. However, the remake must have its own unique identity and therein lies the challenge. I am making good progress on recreating a couple of old Motown hits. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">I am working on a way to make more realistic recordings of my singer/songwriter material. By “realistic” I mean more like I perform them live. Studio recordings are higher quality than live recordings, but sometimes lose part of the energy that live performances carry. I am trying out different recording techniques that would allow me bring more of that live energy into the recording while maintaining studio quality. </span></p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Sync Licensing</strong> </span></p><p><span class="text-big">I regularly participate in professional conferences to stay up to date on the music business and find ways to produce and license my music in TV, film and other productions. I have been participating in the Sync Café and Support program and will be starting a new sync licensing program in January. Through these programs, I am making some great contacts in the industry, including award-winning music supervisors, producers and agents. I am now an active member of the sync music community and love hanging with these great folks. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Although I can’t say anything about it yet, there is a strong possibility that my music will appear in a major TV series and in a sports advertisement. Nothing is certain in this business, but at least I know that some of the people responsible for making these decisions really like the music I gave them. Stay tuned! </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Right now my music is appearing in a recurring Reelz TV production, “Cult of Personality,” the Charles Manson Episode. They used </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/773043/surf-s-up" data-link-type="track" contents="Surf’s Up"><span class="text-big">Surf’s Up</span></a><span class="text-big"> for the production because of Manson’s connection with the Beach Boys back in the day. My favorite publisher, Music Partners, secured the placement of my music in this production. A short segment of this same tune appears in one episode of the old Kardashian TV show Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Well, that’s about it for now. Seems like a lot but I love doing it. All of this is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for me. Making a difference and making a living from making a difference is what I live for. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">If you feel so inclined, please consider being a </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.patreon.com/bobballard?fan_landing=true" data-link-type="url" contents="Patron"><span class="text-big">Patron</span></a><span class="text-big">. It really helps to keep me going. Also, please share my music with others who might enjoy it. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Thanks so much for your interest and support.</span></p><p><span class="text-big" style="color:#d35400;"><i><strong>I wish you a Happy New Year, a year that brings us more peace, greater prosperity and love.</strong></i></span></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/67797472021-10-18T14:44:42-07:002023-10-25T12:22:39-07:00What's Happening Now!<p><span class="text-big">Hello friends!</span></p><p><span class="text-big">I hope this day finds you in good health and in a place that you find comfortable and secure. I am doing my best to cope with a rapidly changing world and express who I am through my music, an endeavor that has been going on for a long, long time but of which I never tire. It’s in my blood going back at least 500 years that I can trace, back to my namesake, Robert Ballard, the lutenist and composer in King Louis XIV's royal court. A fascinating story really, but too much to get into here. You can find out more on my </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/thats-me-52368133?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copy_to_clipboard&utm_campaign=postshare" data-link-type="url" contents="Patreon"><span class="text-big">Patreon</span></a><span class="text-big"> page.</span></p><p><span class="text-big"><i>A Little Levity is in order!</i></span></p><p><span class="text-big"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/66b891fd2736c55169231e53b2d702d5ed2f8f32/original/tp-aliens-help.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p><p><span class="text-big">Here is a summary of what I have been up to lately. </span></p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>New Releases</strong> </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2294210/night-came-down" data-link-type="track" contents="Night Came Down"><span class="text-big">Night Came Down</span></a><span class="text-big">, although not a new release, has been getting a lot of attention because of the huge forest fires here in California. I am using the song to focus attention on the victims of these fires and help raise a little money to help them. My partner, our pets and I were fire refugees after the Thomas Fire burned us out of our place in Ojai, CA in December 2017. Night Came Down is about my experience that terrible night and the ensuing aftermath. In addition to my web site, you can also stream and download it </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bobballard/night-came-down-3" data-link-type="url" contents="here"><span class="text-big">here</span></a><span class="text-big">. </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2850350/without-you" data-link-type="track" contents="Without You"><span class="text-big">Without You</span></a><span class="text-big"> is actually an old song that I wrote and recorded in 2006. However, it was never mastered and released so I did those things and sent it out into world. The song has released been </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bobballard/without-you" data-link-type="url" contents="distributed to the streaming platforms"><span class="text-big">distributed to the streaming platforms</span></a><span class="text-big"> and it is also available on my web site. I significantly changed this song to create a version that I could perform a solo which I did for years. The newly released version is the original vision I had of the song and am glad I had it recorded at a beautiful studio in Montecito, CA. It was great to work with some great professionals there. This version features some awesome guitar playing by Jim Monahan and even a solo cello. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Snow Moon has been released on </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bobballard/snow-moon" data-link-type="url" contents="all major streaming services"><span class="text-big">all major streaming services</span></a><span class="text-big"> as well as on my </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2791581/snow-moon" data-link-type="track" contents="web site"><span class="text-big">web site</span></a><span class="text-big">. I have received a good reaction from folks and am working on getting it licensed in a film or TV production. </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2791592/upside-down" data-link-type="track" contents="Upside Down"><span class="text-big">Upside Down</span></a><span class="text-big"> is another new song and like Snow Moon, is different than my standard folk rock, singer/songwriter stuff. I am challenging myself to expand my musical universe and incorporate some new techniques and structures. </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2861137/happy-day" data-link-type="track" contents="Happy Day"><span class="text-big">Happy Day</span></a><span class="text-big"> is a first for me; a really happy upbeat song. Industry folks who have heard it liken it to pop rock bands of the 70’s like the Partridge Family and the Cowsills. Although this kind of music was definitely not what I liked to listen to back then, I created it for music licensing opportunities that use this kind of light, simple music. I was in a good mood that day too! I was told that Happy Day would be great for TV ads, so I am working on that angle too. Maybe it will make people smile and feel a little better. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">I have three more songs and a couple of instrumental pieces that will be done soon. All of them represent a continuation of my creative expansion and exploration. However, one of these songs needs lyrics which is always a challenge for me. I looking for a collaborator/co-writer on that song. I tend to write melodies first and then create words that match the melody and convey the emotional content that the music engenders for me. However, I am making good progress on the other songs and hope to complete them next week. </span></p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Licensing</strong> </span></p><p><span class="text-big">I regularly participate in professional conferences to stay up to date on the music business and find ways to produce and license my music in TV, film and other productions. After I attended the </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://syncsummit.com/bob-ballard/" data-link-type="url" contents="Summer 2021 Sync Licensing Conference"><span class="text-big">Summer 2021 Sync Licensing Conference</span></a><span class="text-big">, I participated in a special listening session with the woman who supervises music for Vice Media. She loved my instrumental, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2376120/running-blades" data-link-type="track" contents="Running Blades"><span class="text-big">Running Blades</span></a><span class="text-big">, and plans to use it during the Fall 2021 production season. I am submitting a special version of </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2861137/happy-day" data-link-type="track" contents="Happy Day"><span class="text-big">Happy Day</span></a><span class="text-big"> for another music supervisor who thinks it would work in an ad and a show he is working on. I also have received interest in several of my songs and instrumentals from a well-known music library. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">I am continuing to pursue new licensing opportunities through a couple of new networks that I have joined recently. Things look very promising, but I can’t reveal details yet. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Right now my music is appearing in a recurring Reelz TV production, “Cult of Personality,” the Charles Manson Episode. They used </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/773043/surf-s-up" data-link-type="track" contents="Surf’s Up"><span class="text-big">Surf’s Up</span></a><span class="text-big"> for the production because of Manson’s connection with the Beach Boys back in the day. My favorite publisher, Music Partners, secured the placement of my music in this production. </span></p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Radio Play</strong> </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2294210/night-came-down" data-link-type="track" contents="Night Came Down"><span class="text-big">Night Came Down</span></a><span class="text-big"> and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2791581/snow-moon" data-link-type="track" contents="Snow Moon"><span class="text-big">Snow Moon</span></a><span class="text-big"> are appearing regularly in </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://mixlr.com/eagles-nest-radio" data-link-type="url" contents="Eagle Nest Radio’s"><span class="text-big">Eagle Nest Radio’s</span></a><span class="text-big"> internet playlist and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/918694/blue-sunset" data-link-type="track" contents="Blue Sunset"><span class="text-big">Blue Sunset</span></a><span class="text-big"> and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2389486/cloudless-sky" data-link-type="track" contents="Cloudless Sky"><span class="text-big">Cloudless Sky</span></a><span class="text-big"> have been broadcast on </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://z1077fm.com/music-and-shows/podcasts/" data-link-type="url" contents="Pat Kearn’s Local Music Showcase"><span class="text-big">Pat Kearn’s Local Music Showcase</span></a><span class="text-big"> on FM 107.7 in the High Desert. His weekly 4PM show features artists from Joshua Tree, CA and surrounding areas. If you miss the live show, you can listen to the podcast here. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Well, that’s about it for now. Seems like a lot but I love doing it. All of this is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for me. Making a difference and making a living from making a difference is what I live for. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">If you feel so inclined, please consider being a </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.patreon.com/bobballard?fan_landing=true" data-link-type="url" contents="Patreon"><span class="text-big">Patreon</span></a><span class="text-big"> patron. It really helps to keep me going. Also, please share my music with others who might enjoy it. </span></p><p><span class="text-big"><i><strong>Thanks so much for your interest and support.</strong></i></span></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/67179042021-08-15T18:14:42-07:002023-10-25T12:23:05-07:00New Stuff & More!<p><span class="text-big">Hello friends! </span></p><p><span class="text-big">I hope this day finds you in good health and in a place that you find comfortable and secure. I am doing my best to cope with a rapidly changing world and express who I am through my music, an endeavor that has been going on for a long, long time but of which I never tire. It’s in my blood and in my genes going back at least 500 years that I can trace, back to my namesake, Robert Ballard, the lutenist and composer in King Louis XIV's royal court. A fascinating story really, but too much to get into here. You can find out more on my </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.patreon.com/bobballard" data-link-type="url" contents="Patreon"><span class="text-big">Patreon</span></a><span class="text-big"> page. </span></p><p><span class="text-big"><i><strong>How do you like my new hair? LOL!</strong></i></span><br><br><span class="text-big"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/8f35a51f84496edd488c7f0e3e8308fc34829d0b/original/photo-on-8-15-21-at-3-28-pm-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_" alt="" /></span></p><p><span class="text-big">Here is a summary of what I have been up to lately. </span></p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>New Releases </strong></span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2773908/locked-up" data-link-type="track" contents="Locked Up"><span class="text-big"><i>Locked Up</i></span></a><span class="text-big"> is light-hearted, humorous look at living with the lock down. It is a personal story of isolation and near insanity that many can relate to, a situation that begs for a little levity. Here is a song that makes us smile, turning loneliness to laughter. Good medicine for us all. Also available via all major </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bobballard/locked-up" data-link-type="url" contents="streaming platforms"><span class="text-big">streaming platforms</span></a><span class="text-big">. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Locked Up got a nice write-up on </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.anrfactory.com/bob-ballard-invites-you-to-enjoy-your-lockdown-induced-mania-in-locked-up/" data-link-type="url" contents="A/R Review"><span class="text-big">A/R Review</span></a><span class="text-big"> and was added to the rotation on two popular internet radio stations, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://mixlr.com/eagles-nest-radio" data-link-type="url" contents="Eagle Nest Radio"><span class="text-big">Eagle Nest Radio</span></a><span class="text-big"> & </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.radiofreeexile.com/" data-link-type="url" contents="Radio Free Exile"><span class="text-big">Radio Free Exile</span></a><span class="text-big">. I am also working on a Locked Up video that I hope will be entertaining. I finished the storyboard and we started filming it yesterday. It is really a lot of fun! </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/773034/reason-to-live" data-link-type="track" contents="Reason To Live"><span class="text-big"><i>Reason To Live</i></span></a><span class="text-big"> was just released last week. This song is about the spirit and the heart of so many of the people I met on the streets. Homeless, houseless people who were determined to find a reason to live despite their circumstances. I was inspired by them, so much so, I started a non-profit organization to empower them and show us who they truly are through artistic self-expression. It was called the </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/Hearts-Of-Fire-Project-89773729521" data-link-type="url" contents="Hearts of Fire Project"><span class="text-big">Hearts of Fire Project</span></a><span class="text-big"> and it consumed my life for a decade. You can listen to Reason To Live on </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/773034/reason-to-live" data-link-type="track" contents="my web site"><span class="text-big">my web site</span></a><span class="text-big"> or on all of the </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bobballard/reason-to-live-2" data-link-type="url" contents="major streaming platforms"><span class="text-big">major streaming platforms</span></a><span class="text-big">. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Two more songs, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2791592/upside-down" data-link-type="track" contents="Upside Down"><span class="text-big"><i>Upside Down</i></span></a><span class="text-big"> and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2791581/snow-moon" data-link-type="track" contents="Snow Moon"><span class="text-big"><i>Snow Moon</i></span></a><span class="text-big">, are now mastered and posted to my web site. I post all my music there first before distributing it to the digital music platforms. Both of these songs are different than my standard folk rock, singer/songwriter stuff. As I mentioned in my last post, I am challenging myself to expand my musical universe and incorporate some new techniques and structures. I hope you like them. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">I have four more pieces that will be done soon (I hope). Three are songs and one is an instrumental. All of them represent a continuation of my creative expansion and exploration. Two of these songs need lyrics which is always a challenge for me. I tend to write melodies first and then create words that match the melody and convey the emotional content that the music engenders for me. It can take awhile… </span></p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Licensing</strong> </span></p><p><span class="text-big">I regularly participate in professional conferences to stay up to date on the music business and find ways to license my music in TV, film and other productions. I attended the Summer 2021 Sync Licensing Conference and the ASCAP Expo. Both were great opportunities to learn about what types of music are needed currently and who is licensing music right now. I made some great connections and have already submitted some music as a result. Although the music sync business operates on a “don’t call us, we’ll call you” basis, I feel like I am making progress. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Right now my music is appearing in a recurring Reelz TV production, “Cult of Personality,” the Charles Manson Episode. They used </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/773043/surf-s-up" data-link-type="track" contents="Surf’s Up"><span class="text-big"><i>Surf’s Up</i></span></a><span class="text-big"> for the production because of Manson’s connection with the Beach Boys back in the day. My favorite publisher, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://musicpartner.tv/" data-link-type="url" contents="Music Partners"><span class="text-big">Music Partners</span></a><span class="text-big">, secured the placement of my music in this production. </span></p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Senior Music Makers Group </strong></span></p><p><span class="text-big">As a result of meeting people at the online conferences, I started a group to support senior music makers. We had our first Zoom call last week and I am hopeful that it will coalesce in the near future. </span></p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Music In New Video – “Not Homeless Enough,” from Hear Us</strong> </span></p><p><span class="text-big">I composed, produced and donated music for </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/582680514" data-link-type="url" contents="Not Homeless Enough"><span class="text-big">Not Homeless Enough</span></a><span class="text-big">, a new video from </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.hearus.us/" data-link-type="url" contents="Hear Us"><span class="text-big">Hear Us</span></a><span class="text-big">, a non-profit organization that is bringing the reality of houseless people to our attention and connecting them with badly needed assistance. This short video explains how so many fall through the cracks. Homeless, but not homeless enough to get help.</span></p><hr><p><span class="text-big">Well, that’s about it for now. Seems like a lot and it is but I love doing it. All of this is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for me. Making a difference and making a living from making a difference is what I live for. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">If you feel so inclined, please consider being a </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.patreon.com/bobballard" data-link-type="url" contents="patron"><span class="text-big">Patron</span></a><span class="text-big">. It makes a difference. Also, please share my music with others who might enjoy it. </span></p><p><span class="text-big">Thanks so much for your interest and support.</span><br><br><span class="text-big" style="color:#c0392b;"><i><strong>Bob</strong></i></span></p><p><span class="text-big" style="color:null;"><i><strong>Twitter: @BobBallard</strong></i></span></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/66421502021-05-27T21:44:19-07:002023-10-25T12:23:22-07:00Rediscovered A Classic and More!<p><span class="text-big">Hi all!</span><br><br><span class="text-big">As you probably know, I am always searching for opportunities to license my music to film and TV productions as well major artists. In response to a call for an old-style R&B tune, I searched my archives for </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2735684/only-in-the-dark" data-link-type="track" contents="Only In The Dark"><span class="text-big"><strong>Only In The Dark</strong></span></a><span class="text-big">, a classic, Barry White-style love song. I recorded it 17 years ago in my original studio in Massachusetts before I moved to California. I was a novice audio engineer at that time yet managed to write and record this tune with the help of a lyricist, Lila Rose, and a great singer, Leon Beal.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">However, there was a fatal flaw in the lead vocal performance, three very prominent off-pitch notes that I was not able to correct at the time because I didn't notice them. When I eventually realized the problem, I no longer had the original session files or access to the singer, so couldn't fix it. Last week, I discovered that with the technology available in my studio today, I was able to surgically and seamlessly bring the errant notes into proper pitch. Now, the tune sounds just about perfect. </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2735684/only-in-the-dark" data-link-type="track" contents="Check it out here"><span class="text-big">Check it out here</span></a><span class="text-big"> and let me know what you think.</span><br><br><span class="text-big"><strong>Locked Up</strong>, my amusing song about coping with the pandemic is getting better all the time. I added some horns to this rocking song and it sounds great. I hired some well-know brass players from New Orleans to perform those parts and they are busy doing that right now. I can't wait to hear what they come up with. As usual with session musicians, I have them play the parts I wrote as well as create and record their own version. No surprise, but their versions are usually better than mine. I play a lot of instruments, but I can't know the intricacies of all of them, especially brass. The only time I tried to play brass was when I took a few saxophone lessons in sixth grade. The only think I got out the sax was gobs of spit that I poured into it. LOL!</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Well, that's it for now. Stay tune for more cool stuff!</span></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/66321932021-05-16T23:07:02-07:002021-05-16T23:07:02-07:00Coming Back<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/5f2e310cd978011971fe38637ba0124750be60b6/original/img-4895-a.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" />Hello!<br><br>Feeling great about the possibility of no masking and gigging again! Some venues are reopening and more will be soon. I can't wait to perform again for a live audience; it is so different than doing virtual concerts. I tried doing those for awhile but it was unnatural for me and the technical aspects were distracting. I finally gave up. I might try it again if I can figure out a way to make it work better for me and for those who may be watching.<br><br>I have been working hard in the studio, producing some great new music. Some of my recent releases include two hard-hitting rock instrumentals:<br><br><a contents="Tough Road" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/2704951/tough-road">Tough Road</a></p>
<p><br><a contents="Space Chase" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/2704950/space-chase">Space Chase</a><br><br>I am also close to finishing <em><strong>Locked Up</strong></em>, an amusing look at surviving the pandemic, truthful and real yet a bit tongue in cheek. Other songs that will be coming out soon include <strong><em>Upside Down</em></strong> and <strong><em>Snow Moon</em></strong>. I am excited about these songs and I think you will be too.<br><br>I am excited about a major upgrade to my studio - new computer! I ordered a state-of-the-art Apple iMac M1, the latest technology. It is supposed to be way faster and more powerful than any iMac because it uses a new ARM M1 chip that Apple developed. Producing music puts a tremendous strain on computer resources and demands a powerful computer to work properly and efficiently. My old iMac is great too and was state-of-the-art in late 2012, but it is having a hard time running the latest software. It will be awesome to have no resource constraints anymore.<br><br>On the publishing front, one of my most popular instrumentals, <a contents="Surf's Up" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/773043/surf-s-up">Surf's Up</a>, was used in an episode of Reelz' Cult of Personality about Charles Manson and his gang. <a contents="Surf's Up" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/773043/surf-s-up">Surf's Up</a> is a retro 60's beach rock tune reflecting Manson's connection with the Beach Boys back in the day. This is the third time Surf's Up has been used in a Film or TV production.<br><br>Well, that is about it for now. I hope you like hearing from me and learning more about me and music. I hope you sign up for my email list and let me know what think about my music. Your feedback is important to me.<br><br>Take care!<br><br><br> </p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/66011092021-04-11T14:13:29-07:002023-10-25T12:23:51-07:00Latest Happenings<p><span class="text-big"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/74aa8f71ad6a78791eac8a42e989f28541dee7b8/original/bob-10-300-res-copy.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" alt="" /></span><br><span class="text-big">Hello all!</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Lots going on right now. Several new songs and instrumentals in process and I am looking forward to wrapping them up over the next two weeks. One of my songs is a tongue and cheek interpretation of the pandemic experience. It is humorous but also very real. I can't wait to get it done. Going to add a great sax track to the song as soon as I find the right player to record it.</span><br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2294210/night-came-down" data-link-type="track" contents="Night Came Down"><span class="text-big"><i><strong>Night Came Down</strong></i></span></a><span class="text-big"> was pre-released on streaming to services this week and will be universally released on <strong>April 23</strong>. This song is about living through the 2017 Thomas Fire, the largest in California history at the time. After begging to get through the fire lines to save our pets, we arrived at our house with ash and flaming embers flying in our faces driven by 80 mph winds. Smoke filled our house and our lungs as we rushed through the rooms gathering a few essentials and our frightened pets. For the next several days, we ran from the fire. First to friends and then to a hotel 60 miles away. The fire seemed to chase us; within days, smoke was surrounding the hotel. We headed back south, passing again through the smoke as the fire lined the highway. Nothing was ever the same again, the fire changed everything. We were virtually homeless for weeks. Eventually we found refuge and a new home in the desert. Night Came Down is about all of that and more.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Local venues here in the S. California desert are beginning to show signs of life. Within the next few months, things might be "normal" enough for me to return to the Joshua Tree Saloon where I was a regular before the pandemic struck. I have been vaccinated, so at least I have done my part. Hope others do the same. Although FB Live performances work for some, I find it frustrating and not the level of quality I want to provide my fans. However, I did revive my </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.patreon.com/bobballard?fan_landing=true" data-link-type="url" contents="Patreon"><span class="text-big">Patreon</span></a><span class="text-big"> membership so there is still hope. I have been working on expanding my social media presence on </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-ballard-49564b15/" data-link-type="url" contents="LinkedIn"><span class="text-big">LinkedIn</span></a><span class="text-big"> and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://twitter.com/BobBallard" data-link-type="url" contents="Twitter"><span class="text-big">Twitter</span></a><span class="text-big"> as well as using music promotion and distribution platforms like DISCO, Distrokid, </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://bobballard.bandcamp.com/track/cloudless-sky" data-link-type="url" contents="Bandcamp"><span class="text-big">Bandcamp</span></a><span class="text-big"> and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk-Sp1gbcte_CLLF7ar_O9A" data-link-type="url" contents="YouTube"><span class="text-big">YouTube</span></a><span class="text-big">. Hopefully, providing more points of interaction will help potential clients and fans find and enjoy my music more.</span><br><br><span class="text-big"><i><strong>Thanks for your interest in me and my music. I appreciate it!</strong></i></span></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/65757082021-03-16T12:34:22-07:002023-10-25T12:24:13-07:00Latest News!<p><span class="text-big"><strong>Hello everyone! Thank you for visiting my web site. Glad you are here.</strong></span><br><br><span class="text-big">My latest production - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/2389486/cloudless-sky" data-link-type="track" contents="Cloudless Sky"><span class="text-big">Cloudless Sky</span></a><span class="text-big"> - was just released on all major streaming and download platforms. I am so excited to have this song out there. I wrote it during a trip to Massachusetts in 2019, during that fondly remembered lead up to the pandemic. I was so blessed to be able to make that trip before the lock down began.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">I visited many of the places that were significant in life. I drove by the schools I attended, the houses where I had lived and some of the places I worked. It was a trip down memory lane but also a time introspection inspired by those places that had held so much significance in my earlier years.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Lately, I have been experimenting with the various ways of marketing and distributing my music. As always, all of my music is available for listening and download on this web site. I also post videos regularly on my </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/Bob-Ballard-Music-47634007375" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Face Book page"><span class="text-big">Face Book page</span></a><span class="text-big"> about my work in the studio and my plans for new music. There are so many ways to get music out there these days, but also thousands of artists trying to do the same thing. I have tried some Live performances on Face Book but I find the experience lacking in so many ways, both for me and for fans. Yes, it may be better than nothing, but without a live audience, it is very hard for me to get into it.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Since live performance venues are still shut down here, licensing my music to film and TV productions has been my main avenue for earning money. But that is a tough egg to crack too. I have had a few small licensing successes but would really like a lot more. To do that, I am researching which productions need music and what kind they need. When I find a match possibility, I submit my music to the appropriate person if I can find an email address for them. I also submit music to music libraries which serve the film and TV business. I have had some success there too.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">As the vaccinations ramp up, I am hopeful that we will see an end to the pandemic and all the suffering and isolation it has caused. Aside from feeling trapped at times, I have been fortunate to weather the virus well. I have had one vaccination so far and will be getting a second booster shot in a few weeks. I must say, it feels great to have a least some real defense against the virus.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/81b39034de166cd6f5e5378113984c7a2c7705bf/original/bob-9-cel.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span><br><br><span class="text-big">My plan is to release a series of singles over the next few months and then a six-song EP. My fans will get early access to those songs here on my web site. Of course, I am working on new songs as well as producing new instrumentals. Lately, I seem to want to add vocals to my creations, so what would have been instrumentals are becoming songs. On the burner right now is a song about the pandemic lock down, a classic delta blues tune and a totally re-imagined version of the classic Over The Rainbow. I don't know why but that song has always made me feel like I could totally escape my life and go to a better place. Escapism has been a life theme for me since childhood.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Well, that's about it for now. Take care and be safe!</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Links To Cloudless Sky:</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/cloudless-sky-single/1555276393?uo=4&app=music&at=1001lry3&ct=dashboard" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Apple Music"><span class="text-big">Apple Music</span></a><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2LDdDg6iH5lNBc8Zgc1K4g" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Spotify"><span class="text-big">Spotify</span></a></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/64995952020-12-14T21:33:54-08:002023-10-25T12:24:34-07:00Coming To An End, Finally<p><span class="text-big"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/5f2e310cd978011971fe38637ba0124750be60b6/original/img-4895-a.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />I couldn't let any more time pass without at least checking in here and saying hello. I have been focusing on recording my music in the studio and am producing music that meets my professional standards. I have also found a great mastering engineer that I am working with and I think you will hear the difference in quality that his mastering makes.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">I promote my music on my Face Book page because I have a good sized, 400+ fan base there. I released "Night Came Down" a couple of weeks ago and will be releasing three more new songs over the next few weeks. I add all of my new music to this web site as soon as it is released. My songs are uploaded and distributed on all major streaming and download services like Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, etc.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">In addition to my songs, I write a lot of instrumental music. Tonight, I uploaded an awesome and very unusual instrumental, "Midnight Ride," It is written in 7/4 time and took me awhile to figure that out. I didn't start off to create music in an odd time signature, but after I worked with it, I realized that is where it fit. And it works! I pitch this music to the film and TV industry folks in hopes of getting it licensed in a production. I'm still getting royalties from a couple of placements I made years ago, so I must be doing something right.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Since all live music venues have been closed for quite some time here in my area of S. California, I haven't had a chance to perform live. Nothing else is like performing for a live audience and I miss doing it greatly. However, I have been doing some Facebook Live broadcasts and plan to do more. These are broadcast from my </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/Bob-Ballard-Music-47634007375" data-link-type="url" contents="Bob Ballard Music page on Facebook"><span class="text-big">Bob Ballard Music page on Facebook</span></a><span class="text-big">. If you are interested, there are several video performances posted there as well as some from my past gigs.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Like many, I have feeling blessed that this very hard year of 2020 is coming to an end. I have been hunkered down for months now and so far have avoided getting the virus. I hope that you all stay safe too. Let's hope and pray for a better year, a year filled with love and respect for each other.</span><br><br><span class="text-big"><i><strong>Peace & Love to All.</strong></i></span></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/62727562020-04-05T14:33:27-07:002023-11-09T00:13:20-08:00New Release!<p><span class="text-big">It has been a long time coming for sure. I wrote "Night Came Down" almost two years ago but have been working on getting it recorded and produced at a professional level of quality. I am finally there! At least that is what people have said who helped me vet this track, etc.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">One reason why it took so long is that I am still learning. Yes. Even after twenty years in the studio, there was a lot I didn't know. In addition, the audio technology keeps changing and improving, so it can be hard to keep up with it. Also, as the technology changes, the recording and producing techniques I learned become obsolete. So it has been a struggle. It is tough to record and produce a song while simultaneously learning new software and production techniques. But what else is new, seems like I have always been learning that way, LOL!.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">In any event, I hope you like "Night Came Down" and will listen to it and download the track. I'd love to hear what you think of it as well. Starting now, I am going to be communicating with you much more. I want to get to know you and hope you feel the same.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Back to the studio!</span></p>4:45Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/58028962019-06-24T22:08:20-07:002023-10-25T12:25:17-07:00About Time<p><span class="text-big">Hi all!</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Sorry I have been neglecting to post here. I have been so busy in the studio creating music, I hardly emerge at all. LOL!</span><br><br><span class="text-big">I have been honing my music production skills for the last 18 months, working with a great instructor from South Africa. Reaching commercial production quality has been my challenge for a quite a few years now. I finally got tired of hearing how great my music is, but sorry, can't use it in production. I am determined to eliminate that criticism and I have finally succeeded. Doesn't mean everything I do is great, but at least it of sufficient quality to be considered commercial quality.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">I know this because of the feedback I have been getting from real Hollywood music supervisors and other professionals. I have been learning how to prepare and pitch my music to real people in the business and am now in a position to really get my music out to people who make music buying decisions for TV shows, major films and other outlets. Hoping to get a placement soon.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">So between the production quality upgrade and my new connections in the business, I have been really busy producing music in the studio. Part of the production quality upgrade has been my equipment. I recently upgraded my audio interface, monitors, software, computer and microphones. I have a final software glitch to resolve, then I will be recording vocals and acoustic guitar via high end microphones and pre-amps. I am sure everyone will notice the difference.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">I just posted a new instrumental, "Blast Off", which you can hear on my Instrumental page of this web site. If you compare it to the production quality of my older stuff (at the bottom of the page), you will see what I mean. Soon, you won't be able to do that comparison because the old, not-quite-there material will retired.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">I am also performing live at local venues like the Joshua Tree Saloon, so rehearsals are an important part of my studio time too. Keep an eye on my event postings to see where I will be performing next. I am also planning to launch some live mini-concerts direct from my studio via Facebook Live. Stay tuned for updates on these.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Anyway, back to work for me. Thanks for hanging out here with me.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Take care!</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Bob<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/b4f67212961b455e02b4a573002707ad222702e7/original/img-3514.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/57044492019-04-02T14:14:25-07:002019-04-02T14:17:18-07:00Campus Movie Fest Honors!<p><span class="font_large">Wow! I just received a wonderful acknowledgement letter from Campus Movie Fest thanking me for the all the music I donated to student filmmakers. My music has appeared in hundreds of student films over the years. I am very happy to have helped so many budding filmmakers find their groove. I continue to provide new music to filmmakers and other industry folk and look forward to supporting some great new projects. Check out my Songs and Instrumentals on this site for more.</span><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/ec45fd9ab926c694ca8ab31dbca3887a73cee1c1/original/cmf-letter.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/55841182019-01-06T23:40:10-08:002023-10-25T12:25:52-07:00This Is The Year!<p><span class="text-big">Happy New Year!</span><br><br><span class="text-big">So far, the new year is off to a great start. The latest...</span><br><br><span class="text-big"><strong>Gigs</strong></span><br><br><span class="text-big">Just before Christmas, I performed at my favorite venue ever, the Joshua Tree Saloon. This is a one of a kind place and I treated it as such. From what I heard, I delivered a great performance. The crowd was awesome and so was the food. I love playing at places that feed me. I work up quite an appetite when I am on stage. I can't eat anything before I perform, but I make up for it afterward. They want me back, so I expect to be performing there again soon. Watch my Shows page for upcoming gigs. I'd love to see you there. <i><strong>Check out the videos on my Video page!</strong></i></span><br><br><span class="text-big"><strong>Studio</strong></span><br><br><span class="text-big">I am working hard to improve the quality of my recordings. Although I have been working at audio engineering for almost two decades now, it is apparent that I either missed or forgot a lot of stuff along the way. I have been studying with David Campos, an award-winning producer and engineer, for several months now, and I have really learned a lot. David has an amazing online presence with tons of videos that covers every aspect of music production from composition, to studio builds to mixing, master and lots more. He has been a godsend to me. If you listen to some of the music I have redone, like Retrospective or Silence, you will hear the difference compared to other music on my site. I am excited about taking my music to the next level!</span><br><br><span class="text-big"><strong>Synch Licensing</strong></span><br><br><span class="text-big">I have been working for years to get my music placed in TV and film but have had limited success. Even when film folk like my music, they don't use it because they say the recordings are not high enough quality to drop into a production as is. To deal with that, I am working hard on my musical production chops as I mentioned above. I am also working with a music industry consultant from LA who is teaching me and my fellow students how to properly prepare and submit music to film and TV music supervisors and others who are responsible for finding music for the projects they are working on.. I am learning a lot about the film/TV music industry and getting an insider's view on how to get music licensed. This is a real hands on course and I am excited about all the opportunities it presents. It is a year long program, so I have a ways to go, but already I am learning to better focus my music and improve its marketability.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">Well, that is about it for now. Just working hard trying to make it happen. Thanks for being here. I hope you enjoy the music!</span></p>3:34Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/53988502018-08-23T14:26:44-07:002023-10-25T12:26:11-07:00Where Have I Been?<p><span class="text-big">Wow, it has been over a year since I posted on this blog. I hope no one has been waiting on me. LOL! So much has happened musically and otherwise in my life, that it is hard to write about it all. Actually, I do write about it a lot on </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/Bob-Ballard-Music-47634007375" data-link-type="url" contents="Facebook"><span class="text-big">Facebook</span></a><span class="text-big"> and but not here. I guess I think of this page as my official music site, so I only post gigs and my music.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">The Thomas Fire last December brought about some major changes in my life. I moved back to the Coachella Valley after the fire as we weren't able to live in our old place anymore. But we landed in a fabulous spot here in the desert and I am loving it here. I wrote a song about my experience of the fire and will releasing it this Fall.</span></p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Studio Upgrades</strong></span></p><p><span class="text-big">I have been slowly building my home project studio over the last few years. Lately, I have made some important additions to the studio including a set of Yamaha reference monitors, a Fender Super Sonic amp, a Zoom effects pedal and a new gig chair. Last week, I found my dream production computer, a MacBook Pro loaded with tons of audio production software. I am very excited about finally having the ability to raise the production quality of my music. It wasn't bad before but music buyers, production companies and others have told me that my music wasn't quite at the commercial quality level they need. They really liked the music just couldn't use most of it as is. With the new computer and incredible software, you will be hearing a new level of production quality soon (once I figure out how to use all this stuff).</span></p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Performances</strong></span><br><br><span class="text-big">I am excited about the opportunity to perform again in the Coachella Valley. There are some great venues here. My first performance here is coming up Sept. 28 at the End of Summer Bash '18. There will be wide variety of music and other performances, including Reggae, Rock, Hip Hop, Acoustic, Spoken Word, and more. I hope this will serve as a spring board to more gigs in the area.</span></p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Licensing</strong></span></p><p><span class="text-big">One of my instrumentals, "Surf's Up," is under consideration for use in a major ad campaign. This piece is one of my most successful; it has been used in a Kardashian show, a film and a cable TV show. With the new production capabilities I now have in the studio, I am expecting a lot more licensing success in the future.</span></p><p><br><span class="text-big"><i><strong>Stay tuned!</strong></i></span><br><span class="text-big"> </span></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/38271832015-08-20T16:33:23-07:002023-10-25T12:26:36-07:00Goodbye 29 Palms<p><span class="text-big">After more than a year of Monday night performances, I played for the last time. It was the longest continuous gig I have ever had. I can't say it was always easy for me to get to Twenty Nine Palms, CA, especially when I didn't have a car. However, thanks to the guidance of Spirit and the generosity of friends, I always made it on time and ready to play.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">The 29 Palms Inn is a unique eclectic venue, a small restaurant which barely had room for me; I was jammed in a corner against the wall between the bar and an old piano, at least when I was inside. Most of the year, I performed outside on the far side of the pool, across from the patrons. The sun was often in my eyes and burned my skin until it set. Artist accommodation was not a management strong suit. The crowd was always polite and appreciative and I enjoyed performing for them. However, all things come to an end and it is time to give other local artists a shot at the "big time." LOL!</span><br><br><span class="text-big"><i><strong>Adios mi amigos!</strong></i></span><br><br> </p><div class="video-container size_null justify_inline" style="--video-width:320px;"><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QcYjTxzc5CU" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QcYjTxzc5CU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><br><br><span class="text-big"> </span></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/37116022015-05-22T00:30:44-07:002023-10-25T12:26:58-07:00New Live CD!<p><span class="text-big"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/9c821e901b41841a6f481bbcbdd256ba13fa1955/medium/img-1458.jpg?1432279775" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Wow! I can't believe its been weeks since I last posted here! Some good things have transpired in the meantime though.</span><br><br><span class="text-big">I started recording my live performances at the 29 Palms Inn a few weeks ago. Now that I am using a great Bose PA system and have learned to use my loop pedal really well, some amazing things are happening. When I played back these live recordings they sounded awesome. So much so, I have decided to compile the best recordings into a new Live CD! Yes!</span><br><br><span class="text-big">I am working on editing and compiling the songs now and should have it ready in a few weeks. Not sure what to call it, except good! <strong>I think most everyone will be pretty amazed. I know I am. </strong></span></p>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/35300262015-02-13T22:07:43-08:002017-01-16T07:59:42-08:00Two More Tracks Finalized For New CD!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/7016e9e2bc8efd3b2619b9584ec6145adc868a6e/medium/dsc00489.jpg?1423893872" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">Wow, I can hardly believe it. Almost two years now I have been working on this CD and it is almost done. Yeah! Just finished final tracks for the new <span style="color:#FF0000;"><em><strong>Right From The Roots</strong></em></span> CD and love how they came out. "Heartbreak Home" is about a woman I met who lived in a shipping container at the old storage place where I used to keep my stuff. She told me about what it was like to live in that steel box. What a story.<br><br>I also completed "Night Is Comin'" and it sounds really good. I especially liked the acoustic guitar solo I added today. I wrote this song 25 years ago, but it seems to be more powerful and poignant now than it ever was.<br><br>Please check both these tunes out here on my <a contents="Songs" data-link-label="Songs" data-link-type="page" href="/songs">Songs</a> page. I hope you like them as much as I do! Would love to hear from you anytime.<br><br><strong><em>Blessings and Love to All!</em></strong></span>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/35139762015-02-07T20:23:23-08:002017-01-16T07:59:42-08:00Another CD Is Coming!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/4345df84fef47cdc7b7198f432b32e265b9f2498/medium/1619661-10203044036732266-1242122293-n.jpg?1423369341" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">The new "Visions" CD I talked about in my last post is now available for sale! In fact, we sold quite a few already. Seems that people who enjoy meditation, really like doing it while listening to this music. You can buy Visions right here in our <a contents="online Store" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/245159/visions" target="_blank">online Store</a>.<br><br>My next CD, as yet untitled, will feature 10 original songs, written and recorded by yours truly, Bob Ballard. I have been working on these recordings for more than a year. Much of the music was recorded in the back of my old RV as I traveled around the country. Sometimes it was challenging to get a recording free of stray noises like passing fire engines or the occasional gale force winds. However, now that I am out of the RV and in the final stages of production, the CD should be done very soon. This time, in addition to our online Store, we will be manufacturing and distributing this music world wide in partnership with CD Baby.<br><br>We are very excited about the release of this <em><strong>right from the roots</strong></em> CD. You won't hear anything more real than these tracks. If you'd like to get a sneak preview of the CD, you can listen to and download a couple of tracks free right <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/773038/last-goodbye">here</a> and <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/773025/end-of-fear">here</a>. I hope you enjoy them and sign up for my email list. Also, please let me know what you think of the new web site. So far, I'm liking it!</span>Bob Ballard Musictag:bobballardmusic.com,2005:Post/34806782015-01-22T12:30:47-08:002017-01-16T07:59:42-08:00New CD!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/159614/b52a74258e95628e456253c549ae59f1eb867242/medium/bobballard-cd-1.jpg?1421958517" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">I am super excited to announce that my new CD, "Visons", is being manufactured as I write! This CD is my first foray into the New Age music arena. The CD consists of nine tracks of solo electric guitar which was recorded live at the Center for Spiritual Living in Palm Springs, CA. The CD will be available for sale later this month at the Center. It will also be available here on this site soon after.</span>Bob Ballard Music