Preserving the music of a culture - Irish Pub Songs

I was listening to a cassette of Irish pub songs by The Dubliners on the way to work, and it brought up some memories. I started the Bard's Celtic Lyric Directory for two reasons: one, to preserve traditional Celtic songs in the new format, MP3; and two, (always the marketer) to establish ourselves as the forerunner of traditional Celtic songs in this format. To some degree, I've kinda been successful too.

But it's interesting to think that once upon a time (and still today), The Dubliners inspired countless people to explore their musical heritage and listen to traditional Celtic songs. And here, we're kinda doing the same.

I found this same tape at Half-Price Books for just five bucks, and I've seen others there and elsewhere at the same price. Heck, the title Songs of Ireland came from my desire to try and enter that same market. Sadly, we don't have the distribution available that the major labels have to do the same.

Which raises another interesting question. I wonder if The Dubliners even receive a penny in royalties for that album or if they just get the publicity?

Not saying they get that either, considering this tape didn't even list The Dubliners name at all. I had to hunt it down online to find out who was performing on the tape.

Well the album is well worth the money. It's a bit short, but I love the live feel to the album. You learn when to sing-a-long and when not to. It's fantastic! That's what I hoped to capture with Songs of Ireland, Irish Folk and Pub Songs CD. Hopefully, our next CD Real Men Wear Kilts will do even better, but only time will tell.

Meantime, I'm happy that we can help preserve the music and share it with a new generation of Celtic music lovers!

Making a difference

It's always cool when ye see ye make a difference. I was listening to some music promotion tips from Kathode Ray Music. There was an interview with Bob Baker of The Buzz Factor fame was talking and he mentioned me. :)

What about? Oh, I published in The Bards Crier Music Marketing and Promotion Tips Ezine about one of the music marketing tips I learned from The Rogues about going out into the audience to sell CDs more effectively. Now if I can only get something like that working for us.

I'm horrible about promoting our music to the public. That's why I love having sales helpers. It's a first-hand testimony when people help you out because they are fans first.

Ooo. As an FYI, had a booking agent contact us from the Northeast. No guarantees, but mayhaps we'll get some more gigs up there in the near future.

Titania; Wake You, My Sweet Queen

Yup. I seem to have a running theme of fae folk so why not stick to it... Course this is in addition to my Irish pub songs for cat fanciers theme...

But nevermind that, I have a new song. At this rate, I'll have another album before I know it. Sheesh! Which isn't my plan, but I do enjoy composing solo instrumental autoharp music. When there's a lead instrument, it makes it tough for the autoharp melodies to really stand out. So this way, it will, and last night, an image swarmed my mind, so I played and recorded and voila, a new song!

Course, I didn't stop there. Had to finish my next kitty song that I started last week, "When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling" (guess what that's a parody of). So check the forum or "Marc's Musings ezine to read it.

Just two more days until Texas Ren Fest starts up. The countdown continues. The excitement builds...

Oh, and last night, Andrew and I practiced. He brought over a GREAT new song that you're gonna love. It's a filk by Boogie Knights. And if you're about my age, and remember Saturday morning cartoons when they were cool ;p, then you will LOVE it! Hopefully, we'll have it ready for this weekend. But we'll see. Got lots o'practicing to do.