Tonight, I wrote some news that I sent off to the Ceili, a newsletter put out by Southwest Celtic Music Association. It got me thinking of my successes.
I'm not really one to brag about about my accomplishments. Most of the time, I forget to tell people about them period. Part of the reason is because I forget to. But mostly, I'm just not like that. I grew up with the idea that it is best to be humble. Consequently, I have trouble bragging about myself, my band, or my many accomplishments in the Celtic music world.
That is what press releases are all about. It's one of the things any band, or even business, should do to secure their success. But for me, it's a constant struggle. I kinda wish I had a manager who could do that for me. Someone to manage my affairs and say, “he's pretty cool”. But then, that's every musicians dream. Isn't it?
I remember early on in my music career, bands were always wanting managers. I've probably paid my dues and could do with a manager meself. Though I don't think we could adequately afford to pay one. It always comes to down to money though.
Well, any case, I did the best I could about providing news that quantified success as I was able. Here's what I hope will be added in the next edition of the Ceili:
The Brobdingnagian Bards released their ninth album, “The Holy Grail of Irish Drinking Songs” in December. The album is a compilation of drinking songs from several of their earlier albums, plus a few new songs from upcoming CDs. The Bards, in conjunction with Things Celtic in Austin, are hosting a tour of Ireland, June 7-15. The tour was designed with the Rennie in mind with a host of fantastic historical spots.
Marc Gunn is currently working on another solo CD to compliment his 2005 hit album “Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers”. This CD entitled, “Irish Drinking Songs, the Cat Lover's Companion” features all the original Irish songs that were parodied on the cat CD. Also, for well over a year now, Marc Gunn has hosted the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast ( www.celticmusicpodcast.com). The show has maintains the honor of being one of the top 20 music podcasts on iTunes with over 20,000 downloads of each show. Gunn also recently ended the voting for the 2nd Annual Celtic Music Awards. These awards are maintained by his Celtic MP3s Music Magazine ( www.celticmp3s.com) and allows fans to vote for their favorite Celtic music groups. Results will be posted in a special edition of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and in the magazine in March.
Aside from the iTunes comment and a quick “hit album” for my cat CD, there's really not that much bragging there. Is there? I didn't mention our upcoming interview in Tribeza magazine for our Celtic Wedding CD.
Instead, I look at it and think, “What really is important?” I mean, I've published my Celtic MP3s Music Magazine for over nearly seven years now. I may have a good 15,000 subscribers, but is that really important?
Ultimately, no. Ultimately, I'd rather say, I brought some degree of joy to people's lives. I'd rather find at the end of my life that I've helped someone in some way, that I've inspired someone.
One of my heroes is C. Wayne Owens aka Seymoure. Once upon a time, he was a touring comedian and Renaissance festival entertainer. But it wasn't just the humor or talent with improv and puns that really stood out to me. It was his ability to inspire. When I talk to Seymoure, I find new meaning in my life. I find direction about what is important. Seymoure inspires me to think, about life, the universe, and everything. And if I had one wish for my dying days, it would be that I was able to inspire people as Seymoure has inspired me.
I don't think I'm nearly as eloquent as he is. He thinks on his toes, while I think, deliberate, toss ideas around and then comment. But maybe in other ways. I will find my direction to inspire and help people, selflessly, to the joy of many.
If I had one prayer, it's that my life might be one of inspiration, healing, and sacrifice.
