I have played a musical instrument in a band setting since high school, a long time ago. The first bands were horrible. A group of teens just learning how to play their instruments, most of which were inferior copies of the quality brands, played through even cheaper quality amps. Long-suffering parents endured countless hours of listening to an electrical cacophony that would frighten the populace of most third world countries. But we were having the times of our lives, and nothing could have been better.
We dreamed of concert arenas and screaming fans chasing our limos. Tour busses and hotel rooms. Yup, we had all the dreams. Eventually, we all graduated from school, and for most, those rock and roll fantasies faded into the dusk of our youth, as we trudged forward into the land of grown-ups.
I, for one, joined a wedding band after high school so I could make some money from my playing. This was when I had my first encounters with a species of organisms that is the bane of musicians everywhere...Managerius Greedicus...the dreaded Greedy Manager.
Our band tried having a manager twice during our run. The first was another musician who basically gave us the crap gigs he didn't want to do. But, at least we were getting work, or so we rationalized it to ourselves. We finally reached the point where we were booking ourselves pretty solid, and didn't feel like paying the standard 10% to a manager, so we stopped taking his bookings.
The next manager schmoozed his way in. He took pro quality pictures of the band, and made glossy prints with our name on them. He even featured us at showcases. Then one night, one of the club owners he had booked us with refused to pay us. Our manager did nothing about it. So long manager.
My latest experience with a manager has been the worst. I got hired as a member of a band backing up a solo performer. He writes his own tunes, and performs them along with a selection of familiar cover tunes. The ad I answered on Craigslist stated the band had management. After a little research, I found that the management company was not a legal entity. The "owner" was a recovering addict who had a brief career as a stand-up comic. His website claimed to represent some regionally famous comedians, but no musical acts. When contacted, none of the people on the website said they worked for the guy. In short, he was a fraud. He made a video of a recording session, and used it to lure this performe into signing the most ridiculous contract ever seen.
The end result? After court hearings and such, this "manager" is still harassing this performer. The actions of this individual remind me of a petulant six-year old. You see, it boils down to this...those with talent, play. Those who don't manage. And if you can't manage? Then you try to ripoff people with ridiculous contracts.
I will never sign with a manager. Unless of course I can get....
Take care my friends.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
PetePedia Music blog
To all my regular readers, I apologize for the length of my absence from this blog. Things have been very hectic in the last months, and I just haven't been able to write.
Please check out some of the links below to hear some of my original music. I appreciate it.
For those of you on iTunes: http://t.co/RqIlpffI
For those of you on eMusic: http://t.co/0w9bIehP
For those of you Zune suscribers: http://t.co/kD3E50tM
For those of you on Twitter: Pete Corbeil (@PeteCorbeil)
Thanks again. Take care my friends.
To hear my songs for FREE: www.reverbnation.com/petecorbeil
Please check out some of the links below to hear some of my original music. I appreciate it.
For those of you on iTunes: http://t.co/RqIlpffI
For those of you on eMusic: http://t.co/0w9bIehP
For those of you Zune suscribers: http://t.co/kD3E50tM
For those of you on Twitter: Pete Corbeil (@PeteCorbeil)
Thanks again. Take care my friends.
To hear my songs for FREE: www.reverbnation.com/petecorbeil
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Another New Year
I have to apologize to my readers for not posting in quite a while. It seems that I have neglected writing about my thoughts on various topics because I have too busy experiencing life rather than merely observing it. So, here is my last blog for 2011, a very interesting year for me personally.
This year had its share of ups and downs, evidenced by the fact that five days in I already had a heart surgery. Apparently I have not mastered the healthy lifestyle regimen quite yet.
I managed to stay employed the entire year, so that's a good thing.
I started a new hobby- paranormal investigations. I was very skeptical at first, but some interesting evidence, and a couple of personal experiences, have lessened my skepticism somewhat.
I briefly resurrected my music career. I spent four months playing with The Vegas Valentinos, but had to quit due to health reasons.
I attended my first ever class reunion. What a great time. I am sorry I missed all the previous ones.
I had a second heart surgery in November. My Cardiologist is not too happy with me. I apologize for my stubbornness. Aries on a Taurus cusp you knotw. Can't help myself.
I did notice one big change this year. I had zero enthusiasm for any of my favorite holidays. Don't know what to make of that.
The best thing to happen to me this year? That's easy. After almost thirty years, I got to see and hug the most special person in my life during my teenaged years. Since then, nothing bad can possibly happen to me.
2012 is moments away. I'll go to work, get sick now and then, visit some cool places, make some music, work towards my next degree and just live life in general. I hope that I experience more good things than bad, and I hope my health improves, although that depends on me and me alone. After all is said and done, I hope all my new experiences make me a better person. It is a never-ending journey, the road to self-improvement. And I hope I keep moving forward on this journey.
Take care my friends.
This year had its share of ups and downs, evidenced by the fact that five days in I already had a heart surgery. Apparently I have not mastered the healthy lifestyle regimen quite yet.
I managed to stay employed the entire year, so that's a good thing.
I started a new hobby- paranormal investigations. I was very skeptical at first, but some interesting evidence, and a couple of personal experiences, have lessened my skepticism somewhat.
I briefly resurrected my music career. I spent four months playing with The Vegas Valentinos, but had to quit due to health reasons.
I attended my first ever class reunion. What a great time. I am sorry I missed all the previous ones.
I had a second heart surgery in November. My Cardiologist is not too happy with me. I apologize for my stubbornness. Aries on a Taurus cusp you knotw. Can't help myself.
I did notice one big change this year. I had zero enthusiasm for any of my favorite holidays. Don't know what to make of that.
The best thing to happen to me this year? That's easy. After almost thirty years, I got to see and hug the most special person in my life during my teenaged years. Since then, nothing bad can possibly happen to me.
2012 is moments away. I'll go to work, get sick now and then, visit some cool places, make some music, work towards my next degree and just live life in general. I hope that I experience more good things than bad, and I hope my health improves, although that depends on me and me alone. After all is said and done, I hope all my new experiences make me a better person. It is a never-ending journey, the road to self-improvement. And I hope I keep moving forward on this journey.
Take care my friends.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Father's Day Thoughts
So today is Father's Day 2011. In some households, this is a minor holiday, where a "Happy Father's Day dad" and a less than perfect gift gift usually rule the day, In other households, it is a bigger deal, with maybe a celebration of some sort. In some households it might involve remembering a dad who has passed. On Facebook, it is a slew of Father's Day greetings getting posted on multiple walls. But Father's Day, in my house, is a rather uneventful, and meaningless day.
I never lived with my dad.I didn't even meet him until I was six. Even after our introduction, I only saw him a few times in my life, and all were negative experiences for me. So my perception of a dad was quite skewed from the start. I often thought dads might be like the ones you saw on TV, but the reality is those are few and far between. My dad was, simply put, not a likable person, and I hoped that I would not be like him.
When I had boys of my own, I was totally unprepared to be a dad. I tried to do the best I could with the tools I had, and admittedly, made a lot of mistakes. I immersed myself in my work, thinking that being a provider was sufficient enough. I was wrong. Unfortunately, mistakes when raising children tend to not be forgotten, and as I sit here composing this, it is early afternoon, and my phone has not rung yet. At least not from my boys. I expect one might call this evening, after his mom reminds him. But then again, maybe not.
My Facebook friends have wished me the best for today, and I politely thank them, but the fact is today means little to me. Remember how I said my dad was not likable? His final act was passing away on Father's Day. Nice guy, huh? So please forgive if I'm not all smiles today. It's just another day to me.
Take care my friends.
I never lived with my dad.I didn't even meet him until I was six. Even after our introduction, I only saw him a few times in my life, and all were negative experiences for me. So my perception of a dad was quite skewed from the start. I often thought dads might be like the ones you saw on TV, but the reality is those are few and far between. My dad was, simply put, not a likable person, and I hoped that I would not be like him.
When I had boys of my own, I was totally unprepared to be a dad. I tried to do the best I could with the tools I had, and admittedly, made a lot of mistakes. I immersed myself in my work, thinking that being a provider was sufficient enough. I was wrong. Unfortunately, mistakes when raising children tend to not be forgotten, and as I sit here composing this, it is early afternoon, and my phone has not rung yet. At least not from my boys. I expect one might call this evening, after his mom reminds him. But then again, maybe not.
My Facebook friends have wished me the best for today, and I politely thank them, but the fact is today means little to me. Remember how I said my dad was not likable? His final act was passing away on Father's Day. Nice guy, huh? So please forgive if I'm not all smiles today. It's just another day to me.
Take care my friends.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Hunting Ghosts, Finding Spirits
I have a friend who is fascinated with the ghost-hunting craze you see on TV. She has digital cameras, digital audio recorders, thermometers and all the basic ghost-hunter devices.
I am a skeptic. I have logic, and the inability to believe in things that I either can't see or explain logically. So she has taken it upon herself to make me a believer. Good luck with that.
I find myself trouncing around various "haunted" places in the area. Apparently, I live not far from the "Bridgewater Triangle", one of the most active areas in the country for paranormal activity. Our travels bring us to many old cemeteries. TOday was no different, yet it was.
We stopped at this small, out of the way burial ground in a remote part of a small town nearby. The stones were marked with dates from the 17 and 1800's. But something was different here. There were flags on the veterans' graves. Veterans of The Revolutionary War. I was taken aback.
Every Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and Independence Day, we remember our fallen heroes. But here, in front of my eyes, I was standing in the final resting place of these brave men. And I was humbled.
It is so easy for us today to get on Facebook and rant about our leaders, the economy, the system of things, and everything else we see around us. Each one of us has our opinion about how things should be. But other than posting on Facebook, we do little else.
These men, who were struggling to build a life for their families and themselves, put their lives on the line for their beliefs. a bunch of farmers took on the greatest military force of the era...and won due to sheer determination and courage.
As I walked away contemplating these things, I turned around, staring at the little flags. And then I, a man who has never worn a military uniform, saluted these brave men. It just felt necessary.
I don't pretend to know what our forefathers meant or intended when they penned the Constitution, and greater minds than mine have argued, and still argue, its meanings. But I do know that these men were willing to give their lives for the nation that had yet to be born, and that's worth something.
I still don't believe in ghosts, but today, I encountered a spirit. I encountered the spirit of a group of people unhappy with the way things were, and the spirit of those willing to die to change things.
Think about that the next time you want to post to Facebook. Doesn't seem like all that much, does it?
Take care my friends.
I am a skeptic. I have logic, and the inability to believe in things that I either can't see or explain logically. So she has taken it upon herself to make me a believer. Good luck with that.
I find myself trouncing around various "haunted" places in the area. Apparently, I live not far from the "Bridgewater Triangle", one of the most active areas in the country for paranormal activity. Our travels bring us to many old cemeteries. TOday was no different, yet it was.
We stopped at this small, out of the way burial ground in a remote part of a small town nearby. The stones were marked with dates from the 17 and 1800's. But something was different here. There were flags on the veterans' graves. Veterans of The Revolutionary War. I was taken aback.
Every Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and Independence Day, we remember our fallen heroes. But here, in front of my eyes, I was standing in the final resting place of these brave men. And I was humbled.
It is so easy for us today to get on Facebook and rant about our leaders, the economy, the system of things, and everything else we see around us. Each one of us has our opinion about how things should be. But other than posting on Facebook, we do little else.
These men, who were struggling to build a life for their families and themselves, put their lives on the line for their beliefs. a bunch of farmers took on the greatest military force of the era...and won due to sheer determination and courage.
As I walked away contemplating these things, I turned around, staring at the little flags. And then I, a man who has never worn a military uniform, saluted these brave men. It just felt necessary.
I don't pretend to know what our forefathers meant or intended when they penned the Constitution, and greater minds than mine have argued, and still argue, its meanings. But I do know that these men were willing to give their lives for the nation that had yet to be born, and that's worth something.
I still don't believe in ghosts, but today, I encountered a spirit. I encountered the spirit of a group of people unhappy with the way things were, and the spirit of those willing to die to change things.
Think about that the next time you want to post to Facebook. Doesn't seem like all that much, does it?
Take care my friends.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Resurrection
I used to play in a band in high school. You know, some kids with instruments who knew 3 or 4 chords and proceeded to spend countless hours butchering a group of songs that somehow all sounded alike. As the hours passed, we were unknowingly improving. My high school band even played a couple of shows before large crowds.
After graduation, we all parted ways. I ended up in a wedding band for a little over 12 years. When I got married, and more importantly, had kids, I had to choose between being a family man or a musician. You see, although I was making money in the wedding band, I was also writing a good deal of my own music. I went into a recording studio with some friends of mine, and recorded two of my original tunes, with the intent of making a "45" record. If you are under 40, you might have to Google that. I still have the master tape, but never did get it pressed. I thought the songs were lost forever.
Then I got an e-mail from a Facebook friend. His brother was the producer of the recording session I had done. My friend told me that his brother had sent him some mp.3 files, and my two songs were there. I was thrilled! But what to do with the songs now...
I burned a couple copies of the songs to give my kids. At least they could enjoy my music. I kept the CD in my car, and any willing passenger got to hear my songs. Then one passenger suggested I put the songs on iTunes. I checked into it, and did so. "I Wanna be Famous" is available on iTunes, and while is not making me rich, has sold a surprising number of downloads. This resurrected my desire to play music again.
I had heard Kristen Merlin, a singer/songwriter with incredible talents, and a band called The Vegas Valentinos in local establishments, and my enthusiasm for the idea grew. Then my high school band's drummer invited me to hear his group, The Toni Knott Band, and I was very surprised to hear how good they were. That did it. I had to find a band. I looked on Craigslist. I saw a couple ads looking for bass players, and replied. A few weeks after my replies, the very same Vegas Valentinos e-mailed me inviting me to audition. I did, and got the job. It was a godsend.
I am now playing live gigs again. The band does a good deal of original songs, and takes recording seriously. It is exactly the situation I had hoped for, and I must say I feel blessed to have been accepted by these wonderfully talented guys.
I have been saying that I want to enjoy the second half of my life a lot more than the first half. The Valentinos are a huge first step in fulfilling that goal.
Remember friends, it's never too late. Go after your dreams. You never know what could happen. Oh, and if you want to hear "I Wanna be Famous", just click on the widget to the left. Enjoy!
Take care my friends.
After graduation, we all parted ways. I ended up in a wedding band for a little over 12 years. When I got married, and more importantly, had kids, I had to choose between being a family man or a musician. You see, although I was making money in the wedding band, I was also writing a good deal of my own music. I went into a recording studio with some friends of mine, and recorded two of my original tunes, with the intent of making a "45" record. If you are under 40, you might have to Google that. I still have the master tape, but never did get it pressed. I thought the songs were lost forever.
Then I got an e-mail from a Facebook friend. His brother was the producer of the recording session I had done. My friend told me that his brother had sent him some mp.3 files, and my two songs were there. I was thrilled! But what to do with the songs now...
I burned a couple copies of the songs to give my kids. At least they could enjoy my music. I kept the CD in my car, and any willing passenger got to hear my songs. Then one passenger suggested I put the songs on iTunes. I checked into it, and did so. "I Wanna be Famous" is available on iTunes, and while is not making me rich, has sold a surprising number of downloads. This resurrected my desire to play music again.
I had heard Kristen Merlin, a singer/songwriter with incredible talents, and a band called The Vegas Valentinos in local establishments, and my enthusiasm for the idea grew. Then my high school band's drummer invited me to hear his group, The Toni Knott Band, and I was very surprised to hear how good they were. That did it. I had to find a band. I looked on Craigslist. I saw a couple ads looking for bass players, and replied. A few weeks after my replies, the very same Vegas Valentinos e-mailed me inviting me to audition. I did, and got the job. It was a godsend.
I am now playing live gigs again. The band does a good deal of original songs, and takes recording seriously. It is exactly the situation I had hoped for, and I must say I feel blessed to have been accepted by these wonderfully talented guys.
I have been saying that I want to enjoy the second half of my life a lot more than the first half. The Valentinos are a huge first step in fulfilling that goal.
Remember friends, it's never too late. Go after your dreams. You never know what could happen. Oh, and if you want to hear "I Wanna be Famous", just click on the widget to the left. Enjoy!
Take care my friends.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Osama Bin Laden is dead-My thoughts.
May 1, 2011-
"Dear Diary,
I woke this morning, and my legs are sore from yesterday's activities. I got to go to court to be a witness in a trial. My fantasy baseball team is very average. Oh yeah, and Osama Bin Laden is apparently dead. Homework assignment due tomorrow. Ugh."
I don't actually keep a diary, but if I did, yesterday's entry might have looked like that. All my Facebook friends are posting about Bin Laden's death, yet, somehow, I feel nothing.
I'm not proud. Yet I'm not disgusted either.
I'm not happy. Yet I'm not sad either.
I'm not safer. Yet I'm not in more danger either.
I'm not feeling physically better. Yet I'm not physically worse either.
I'm not celebrating. Yet I'm not upset either.
In short, after all is said and done, it doesn't affect my life one way or another.
My legs still hurt.
I still have bills to pay.
My homework still isn't done.
I still need a haircut.
So Osama Bin Laden is dead.
Pardon me, I've homework to finish.
"Dear Diary,
I woke this morning, and my legs are sore from yesterday's activities. I got to go to court to be a witness in a trial. My fantasy baseball team is very average. Oh yeah, and Osama Bin Laden is apparently dead. Homework assignment due tomorrow. Ugh."
I don't actually keep a diary, but if I did, yesterday's entry might have looked like that. All my Facebook friends are posting about Bin Laden's death, yet, somehow, I feel nothing.
I'm not proud. Yet I'm not disgusted either.
I'm not happy. Yet I'm not sad either.
I'm not safer. Yet I'm not in more danger either.
I'm not feeling physically better. Yet I'm not physically worse either.
I'm not celebrating. Yet I'm not upset either.
In short, after all is said and done, it doesn't affect my life one way or another.
My legs still hurt.
I still have bills to pay.
My homework still isn't done.
I still need a haircut.
So Osama Bin Laden is dead.
Pardon me, I've homework to finish.