Happy New Year Wishes and Goals!
Greetings Gunn Runner
Happy New Year! I usually have a tough time organizing and setting goals each year. But as I find myself taking care of a baby, with less time than ever, I've begun cutting out extraneous plans and focusing on what's most-important with my music and my podcasting.
So this year, I sat down and shared a list of goals in The Celtfather podcast with the hope that I can actually achieve them. And they are achievable. It will require some work. But I'm gonna make this my best musical year ever. I hope you will join me on the adventure!
Let me know what you think of the new format of the newsletter. I'm gonna try to give you just five cool news items in each newsletter and maybe even a short video. I hope you like it.
Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
WHAT'S NEW?
1. On The Celtfather audio blog, you can Listen to some of my Successes and Failures. The show is longer than usual, but I think it's a good glimpse into what I accomplished last year.
2. Here's 3 new videos to check out. I posted a new video from Louisana Renaissance Festival today. It's a performance of "Ride On". What a great song. If you missed the video of "Name On My Soul", you need to watch it too. This song is currently my most-requested song ever! I also have a short cameo in the new FuMP video "1000 FuMPs".
3. This week on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, you can hear Celtic harp music, but if you listen to the Funny Celtic Songs show from New Year's Eve, you'll hear three of my Jedi songs on the podcast. I also shared my Top Played Celtic Bands on the blog.
4. I finally got a new mixer for my home studio after blowing my pre-amp last month. It sounds great as you'll hear in the new Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, but it should also make it easier to finish mixing "Dragons vs Pirates". If you helped Kickstart that album, stay tuned for some music updates.
5. Finally, let me share some upcoming shows. This weekend, I am performing in Memphis, AR as the Guest of Honor of ShadowCon. I played there with Brobdingnagian Bards nearly 10 years ago. How time flies! In 2 weeks, you'll find me back in Huntsville, AL for the gathering of the Irish Society of North Alabama's annual house concert. Don't miss this show. It's an incredible experience! And yes, next month, I'll be back at Johnnie MacCracken's and Sherwood Forest Faire. See all the gigs at marcgunn.com/gigs
MARC GUNN MUSIC ON PATREON
Patreon made a change on how they list monthly donations. Now the exact amount that is donated is listed.
I want to send a special thanks to my 48 Patrons contributing $364 per month. You rock! Because of them, I create my music, podcasts, videos, blogs with the peaceful assurance that I can continue being a full-time musician and podcaster and still get to eat. Thank you. You are awesome. You can be a patron for just $1, $5, $10, $100 or whatever YOU LIKE!
Special thanks to some of my newest Platinum Patrons: Benjamin, Troy and River who also hosts B-Movie Sunday on YouTube.
Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
January 6, 2016
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT MARC GUNN'S NEWSLETTER
Marc Gunn is a rhythm and folk musician inspired by Celtic culture, science fiction, fantasy, and cats. He breathes new life into the autoharp, which continues to surprise musical veterans and fans a like for it’s unique sound and spirited energy. It’s Celtic music, the traditional and the twisted.
Find me at www.marcgunn.com. Read my blog and find my gigs.
Chat with me at Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
#marcsmusings #celtfather
Please add "slainte@marcgunn.com" to your whitelist or email address book, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!
Good Adventures, Best of Marc Gunn
Greetings Gunn Runner
I'm sure everyone north of Alabama dug their heals into the ground to prepare for Snowzilla. However, my family loves snow. And we love a good adventure. So on Saturday, we drove up I-65 to Columbia, Tennessee. We stopped at a hardware store and bought some trash can lids. Then we drove towards a hill in town and went sledding. It was amazing! See pics on Facebook.
Afterward, we got back in the car and drove to Huntsville, Alabama. I had another fun show at the Maggie McGuinness Pub, hosted by the Irish Society of North Alabama. A big thanks to the Bollingers and everyone who came out to the show. It was a blast!
Let's get on with the news...
Check out the new t-shirts of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast!
WHAT'S NEW?
1. AUDIO BLOG. January is the month of lists. Most recently, I've been promoting the Top 20 Celtic bands of 2015 and my pick of the best Celtic music of 2015. If you're looking for other Celtic bands to fall in love with, I highly recommend these blogs.
2. VIDEOS. I posted another video from the Louisiana Renaissance Festival. This was me performing my song "Purple Flower". I've also been trying to work on my video recording and editing skills. I made a music video of Inara chasing a ball and set it to one of my Scottish songs. Watch "Follow Prince Charlie, Baby". I'm brainstorming using my old Star Wars figures in a series of music videos. Still need to work on ideas though.
3. PODCASTS. This week on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, I released the Celtic Top 20, Best Celtic Music of 2015 episode (yes, it's related to the audio blog I mentioned above, but it is the music show). Dang! It's an awesome episode. I highly recommend it! I also recorded a Celtic music special for the Renaissance Festival Podcast. That should be out in a few weeks.
4. MUSIC. I finally sat down with Dragons vs. Pirates and made rough mixes of ALL of the remaining songs. There were several tracks that need re-recording. So I sent them to Nathan Deese to finish. My hope is that he will have them for me this weekend and I can finish mixing the album next week.
Happy Songs of Death is now on Reverbnation in its entirety. Listen to it here. I'm working on a much-anticipated compilation CD. I haven't decided what to call it. Would you mind taking a moment to vote for which name appeals to you more?
Click here to vote.
5. UPCOMING SHOWS. I have a couple weeks off to work on the next album and prepare for St. Patrick's Day. On Saturday, February 13th, I return to Johnnie MacCracken's Celtic Pub in Marietta, Georgia. The following week, I flow to Texas for two weekends at the Sherwood Forest Faire. The second weekend has something special happening. Click here for details on Facebook. I'm getting closer to picking dates for my next Concert Window show. If you'd like to be notified immediately of the show dates, join the list here.
6. Are you part of the Celtic Geek Facebook group? See locations in Scotland from the Outlander TV series. Did you know there's a Tardis-inspired kilt? And meet Harry Potter in your D&D campaing by using these character sheets. You are welcome to post your favorite Celtic and/or geek news.
MARC GUNN MUSIC ON PATREON
For the past 15 years, I've made my living by selling music. Sales have dropped significantly during that time. I need your support now more than ever. That's why I started a Patreon page. You can make a pledge to support my music, podcasts, videos, blogs, and art, all for as little as $1 per month. It's a great way to say you are an official Gunn Runner.
I want to thank the 48 people who love what I do so much that they donate $386 per month. Special thanks to some of my newest Platinum Patrons: Benjamin Moore and Chris Cooper.
If you appreciate all the content I share with you for free, then please Become a Patron of The Celtfather!
Thanks again for all your support.
Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
January 26, 2016
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT MARC GUNN'S NEWSLETTER
Marc Gunn is a rhythm and folk musician inspired by Celtic culture, science fiction, fantasy, and cats. He breathes new life into the autoharp, which continues to surprise musical veterans and fans a like for it’s unique sound and spirited energy. It’s Celtic music, the traditional and the twisted.
Find me at www.marcgunn.com. Read my blog and find my gigs.
Chat with me at Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
#marcsmusings #celtfather
Please add "slainte@marcgunn.com" to your whitelist or email address book, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!
Madness Will Happen, 5 Alive and New
Greetings Gunn Runner
I had an awesome weekend at Sherwood Forest Faire. Four shows both days. Two were back at the Horseman Stage, which is the best, solo, acoustic stage out at the festival. The weather was great. The audiences were fun. And best of all, I got to hangout with a bunch of old friends. I even did some really interviews for The Celtfather podcast. All in all, I call the weekend a BIG success!
This weekend, I am back there with another four shows daily. The last one of the day will be a Brobdingnagian Bards reunion show. Andrew and are I gonna share our unique style of Celtic Renaissance comedy. Who knows what madness will happen?! I also plan to have another Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers show. I'm doing one of those shows each day. If you wanna find all the details, keep an eye on social media. I should have show times soon.
Slainte!
Marc
MARC GUNN MUSIC ON PATREON
Much like most modern artists, I make living through the generosity of others. Online sales continue to drop. That's why I need your support on Patreon. You can make a pledge to support my music, podcasts, videos, blogs, and art, all for as little as $1 per month. It's a great way to become an official Gunn Runner. I want to thank the 48 people who love what I do so much that they donate $405 per month. Special thanks to my newest patron: Stephanie.
If you enjoy all the free content I share, then please Become a Patron of The Celtfather!
Check out the new t-shirts of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast!
WHAT'S NEW?
1. AUDIO BLOG. I had an epic fail moment at Sherwood last weekend. I was talking with a couple different people when I realized I should be podcasting those discussions. Fortunately, Cedric of the Bedlam Bards was willing to sit down and chat with me. We had a great discussion that you can listen to now. I posted another podcast from last year's Celtic Invasion of the Giant’s Causeway. And I finally read an awesome interview I did a few months back for the Writing Dragons Blog. If you wanna learn more about my music career and then some, read.
2. VIDEOS. I had a great Concert Window show a couple weeks back where I recorded a version of "Monahan's Mudder's Milk". Watch and sing-along. I hope to have a new video for the St Patrick's Day Internet Music Festival which kicks off March 1st.
3. PODCASTS. My hosting of the Ren Fest Podcast "Celts at the RenFest" episode went live a couple weeks ago. The 2016 Renaissance Festival Awards are also live. I have three new episodes of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast since last I emailed you. I'm not sure which is my favorite. Let me know which yours is: Wind & Whiskey to Shake the Barley, Celtic Love Songs & Tunes, and Whiskey Kelpie Reels.
4. MUSIC. I got most of the tracks back from Nathan Deese for Dragons vs. Pirates. I hope to finish mixing next week. I'm even trying to get ahead on my podcasts this week so I'll have time. The lyrics for "The Ring of Hope" are now in my blog. I finished putting together my new compilation CD. It's called Celtic Geek. I will send you a digital copy, for free, once I finish up the graphics. Just stay subscribed!
5. UPCOMING SHOWS. There are Brobdingnagian Bards reunion concerts this weekend at Sherwood Forest Faire. We have one show on Saturday and Sunday. The shows will be in the late afternoon. I should have my full schedule soon. It'll go up on social media sites when it is settled. Tuesday, March 1st, I will kick off the St. Patrick's Day Internet Music Festival with an internet concert. The show will be free on YouTube at 11am. If you miss it, you can rewatch it later assuming everything runs smoothly.
If you have any questions or comments about me, my music, or just live in general, drop me an email. Say hi.
Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
February 23, 2016
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT MARC GUNN'S NEWSLETTER
Marc Gunn is a rhythm and folk musician inspired by Celtic culture, science fiction, fantasy, and cats. He breathes new life into the autoharp, which continues to surprise musical veterans and fans a like for it’s unique sound and spirited energy. It’s Celtic music, the traditional and the twisted.
Find me at www.marcgunn.com. Read my blog and find my gigs.
Chat with me at Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
#marcsmusings #celtfather
Please add "slainte@marcgunn.com" to your whitelist or email address book, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!
Free Celtic Geek Album, Internet Concert Today
Greetings Gunn Runner
I had another fantastic weekend at Sherwood Forest Faire, complete with a riotously fun reunion of Brobdingnagian Bards. The pictures and videos are popping up on Facebook.
So lots of big news. The biggest is that in about 30 minutes (at 11am Central) I'm doing a live streaming performance on Google Hangouts On Air. I'm probably too late at telling you this. But that's okay, because I'm gonna post the show on YouTube after it's done. So feel free to watch and enjoy!
I finished my new compliation. It's called CELTIC GEEK and feature 21 songs and tunes from my first 20 albums. And of course, it's a mix of traditional Irish and Scottish songs, plus original songs and tunes by me. Some are my most-popular songs. You can download the ZIP file right here.
Slainte!
Marc
MARC GUNN ON PATREON
Much like most modern artists, I make living through the generosity of others. Online sales continue to drop. That's why I need your support on Patreon. You can make a pledge to support my music, podcasts, videos, blogs, and art, all for as little as $1 per month. It's a great way to become an official Gunn Runner. I want to thank the 48 people who love what I do so much that they donate $405 per month. Special thanks to my newest patron: Stephanie.
If you enjoy all the free content I share, then please Become a Patron of The Celtfather!
WHAT'S NEW?
1. AUDIO BLOG. I have several new audio blogs on The Celtfather podcast. I think my favroite is Laughter Is the Best Medicine as I interviewed Cedric of the Bedlam Bards again. But there''s also a really cool interview with George Appling, one of the owners of Sherwood Forest Faire.
2. VIDEOS. There's a new video I did with my girls for the St Patrick's Day Internet Music Festival. And of course, I'm doing a concert on YouTube shortly.
3. PODCASTS. I released my first St. Patrick's Day Playlist for the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. At least two more are planned... maybe three. Oh! And stay tuned for my 10th annual "17 Celtic MP3s for St. Patrick's Day" article. Subscribe to the Celtic Music Magazine to get it next week.
4. MUSIC. I think I have all of the tracks done for Dragons vs. Pirates thanks to Nathan Deese. Next week, I plan to mix those tracks. Woohoo! I released "The Leprechaun" as a free MP3 on The FuMP a couple days ago. Go listen and download it now.
Oh! And don't forget to download my new compilation--Celtic Geek.
5. UPCOMING SHOWS. My apologies if you tried to watch me perform on March 1st. Alas, we just got back from Texas, and I couldn't make the time. But I have today's show. Here's More:
Thursday, March 10th at 9pm Central Standard Time on Concert Window show, online!
Saturday, March 12th, St Patrick's Day with Five Points in Birmingham, AL
Friday, March 18th, Johnnie MacCracken's Celtic Pub in Marietta, GA
I hope you can make one of these. Thank you for your support.
Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
March 3, 2016
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT MARC GUNN'S NEWSLETTER
Marc Gunn is a rhythm and folk musician inspired by Celtic culture, science fiction, fantasy, and cats. He breathes new life into the autoharp, which continues to surprise musical veterans and fans a like for it’s unique sound and spirited energy. It’s Celtic music, the traditional and the twisted.
Find me at www.marcgunn.com. Read my blog and find my gigs.
Chat with me at Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
#marcsmusings #celtfather
Please add "slainte@marcgunn.com" to your whitelist or email address book, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!
Intro to Marc Gunn Music, Facebook Live
Greetings Gunn Runner
I started planning for the next Concert Window show on April 3rd. I want to do a themed show. What theme should it be? Vote here poll please.
WHAT'S NEW?
1. AUDIO BLOG. My latest Celtfather episode was recorded as "Introduction to the Music of Marc Gunn". I have a ton of projects I do on- and offline. This episode is designed to help you better understand what all is most-important. The blog page includes a bunch of links to all the most pertinent stuff.
2. VIDEOS. I'm using Facebook Live more. You can subscribe to my Facebook Live Feed on my Facebook fan page. If you missed the ones I did for my Concert Window show, go watch. They were funny. :)
3. PODCASTS. I successfully released 5 St. Patrick's Days episodes of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast this year. I also posted a new episode of the Pub Songs Podcast.
4. MUSIC. I finished updating all of the Dragons vs. Pirates songs. I'm SO much closer to getting this album done. Waiting on possible drum parts now. But many of the songs are nearly completed.
5. UPCOMING SHOWS. My next show is on Concert Window on Sunday, April 3rd. Mark your calendar. What theme should it be? Then I'm back at Johnnie MacCracken's on April 16th.
I hope you can make one of these. Thank you for your support.
Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
Download this Celtic Geek album
MARC GUNN ON PATREON
Much like most modern artists, I make living through the generosity of others. Online sales continue to drop. That's why I need your support on Patreon. You can make a pledge to support my music, podcasts, videos, blogs, and art, all for as little as $1 per month. It's a great way to become an official Gunn Runner. I want to thank the 49 people who love what I do so much that they donate $400 per month. Special thanks to my newest patron: Stephanie.
If you enjoy all the free content I share, then please Become a Patron of The Celtfather!
March 22, 2016
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT MARC GUNN'S NEWSLETTER
Marc Gunn is a rhythm and folk musician inspired by Celtic culture, science fiction, fantasy, and cats. He breathes new life into the autoharp, which continues to surprise musical veterans and fans a like for it’s unique sound and spirited energy. It’s Celtic music, the traditional and the twisted.
Find me at www.marcgunn.com. Read my blog and find my gigs.
Chat with me at Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
#marcsmusings #celtfather
Please add "slainte@marcgunn.com" to your whitelist or email address book, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!
What Is Dulse? Why Cats and Celtic Music?
Greetings Gunn Runner
First, if you missed the Scottish Songs of Drinking & Rebellion show on Concert Window. I totally forgot to send out an email beforehand to remind you. My apologies.
In the meantime, I scheduled the next show for Thursday, May 12th. Again, I am planning a themed show, and I'd like your vote for the theme.
I'd also like your help with one other thing. I saw an infographic recently that said if a book is reviewed 50+ times on Amazon, then it is more likely to be featured by Amazon through their newsletter and on their storefront. I wonder if this is the same with music?
To test that idea, I want to try and get 22 more reviews on Amazon for my most-reviewed album, Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits. All you have to do is click here and post a short review on Amazon.
I'd really appreciate your help. Thanks in advance.
Oh! If you don't own the album, you can listen to it on reverbnation, or you can download it this month if you're a Gold or Platinum patron on Patreon.
WHAT'S NEW?
1. AUDIO BLOG. I have three new blogs now on my website. The first is an interview I did on top of Slieve League during my Celtic Invasion of Donegal asking "What is dulse?". The next is a giant blog where I talk about my Celtic Geek compilation that you can download for free. I even have a video where I talk about each song on the album and why I chose it. The last is a replay of a Pub Songs Podcast episode.
2. VIDEOS. There's a new video of me performing "Nancy Whiskey" from my latest Concert Window. You can watch the video here. While you're there, sign up to be reminded about the May concert. If you are a Gold or Platinum patron, then you can watch the entire show on Patreon.
3. PODCASTS. I've been doing a bunch of updates recently to the Pub Songs Podcast. I migrated all the blogs to my website. Now I'm looking for evergreen episodes to share. Those are ones that might be old, but still relevant today. This one on "Why Cats and Celtic Music?" seemed like just such an episode. Do you know of one? Then please let me know which.
This week on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, I'm doing a 2-hour special feature on Celtic Canadian Music. Subscribe here.
4. MUSIC. Dragons vs. Pirates is nearly done. I mixed and mastered the album last week. Now I'm listening to it for errors. I found a couple things I need to fix, but overall, it's ready to go. I hope to send it off to the printers next week.
5. UPCOMING SHOWS.
Sat, April 16: Johnnie MacCracken's Celtic Pub in Marietta, GA
Sat, April 30: Pepper Place Farmer's Market in Birmingham, AL
Thu, May 12: Concert Window, Theme TBA
I hope you can make one of these. Thank you for your support.
Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
MARC GUNN ON PATREON
Much like most modern artists, I make living through the generosity of others. Online sales continue to drop. That's why I need your support on Patreon. You can make a pledge to support my music, podcasts, videos, blogs, and art, all for as little as $1 per month. It's a great way to become an official Gunn Runner. I want to thank the 48 people who love what I do so much that they donate $374 per month. Special thanks to my newest patron: Eric!
If you enjoy all the free content I share, then please Become a Patron of The Celtfather!
April 5, 2016
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT MARC GUNN'S NEWSLETTER
Marc Gunn is a rhythm and folk musician inspired by Celtic culture, science fiction, fantasy, and cats. He breathes new life into the autoharp, which continues to surprise musical veterans and fans a like for it’s unique sound and spirited energy. It’s Celtic music, the traditional and the twisted.
Find me at www.marcgunn.com. Read my blog and find my gigs.
Chat with me at Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
#marcsmusings #celtfather
Please add "slainte@marcgunn.com" to your whitelist or email address book, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!