Monthly Archives: April 2019

Seattle, Lead Guitar, Writing and Recording an Album Part 2 of 2 (with Brent Lyons of Solving Sounds) Ep043



In Part 2 of 2, Joe McMurray and Aaron Sefchick continue their conversation with Brent Lyons of the “Solving Sounds” podcast. They talk about the process of writing and recording an album, the popular music scene, and the way that society consumes music.

Brent tells us about his approach to writing and recording an album from start to finish. He writes songs in batches, with a focus on the overall sequencing and journey of the album (think Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”). The guys discuss the virtues of creating music for art versus promotion. Brent talks about how he writes individual songs – using different instruments to create the main hooks. The guys hash out creativity in the studio, including working with engineers who have songwriting/arranging input, using different equipment for different tones, and using Ableton and MIDI to spur creativity.

Finally, Brent, Aaron, and Joe talk about the state of the overall music scene and how it is influenced by the ways that the general public consumes music. With the lack of new band cultivation by major record labels, the legendary bands of the past have been elevated to even higher statuses, and reunion tours and tribute bands have gained momentum.

Check out Solving Sounds on your favorite podcasting app or at:
https://www.facebook.com/SolvingSoundsPodcast/
http://solvingsounds.libsyn.com/


Seattle, Lead Guitar, Writing and Recording an Album Part 1 of 2 (with Brent Lyons of Solving Sounds) Ep042



In Part 1 of 2, Joe McMurray and Aaron Sefchick are joined by Brent Lyons of the “Solving Sounds” podcast to discuss his podcast, the Seattle music scene, approaches to lead guitar and music theory, and guitar effects.
Brent tells the guys about the different sub-scenes in Seattle, from indie rock to heavy sludge rock to folk and acoustic.  He also talks about the transforming landscapes within the scene, including old venues closing down due to gentrification, and the challenge of “pay-to-play” gigs.
The guys talk about Brent’s Solving Sounds podcast, its release schedule, and some of its memorable moments.
The episode ends with an in-depth discussion on approaches to playing lead guitar, learning music theory, and Brent’s favorite guitar effects pedals.
Check out Solving Sounds on your favorite podcasting app or at:

Drums and Public School Music Teachers Part 2 of 2 (with Guest Host, Shaun Rodgers) Ep041



In the 2nd half of our interview, we continue our conversation with Shaun Rodgers.  In part 1 we talked a lot about Shauns current projects and teaching music in the Virginia public school system, and in part 2 we talk about the University of Maryland’s music department and about drum kits.  Shaun is a former colleague and bandmate of hosts Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray, playing drums in their original band, the Kairos Quintet.
Shaun graduated from the University of Maryland’s music department, and we ask him to detail his experience.  He tells us about his reasons for choosing the University of Maryland, the teachers (many of whom perform with the National Symphony), the amazing music facilities on campus, the classes, and the overall vibe of the school.
We dive into the world of drum kits.  Shaun explains his different kits, and how he chooses which one to use for each gig.  We discuss drumming techniques, choosing drum sticks, snare drums, the sounds of different drums based on the types of wood that they are made from, electric drum kits, and hand drums.
Shaun currently plays in several bands around Northern Virginia including:
–  Broken Ground Band: a 1990s/early 2000s cover band (www.brokengroundband.com)
–  Half Pint Harry: a band featuring tiny instruments (www.halfpintharry.com)
–  FarAway: an acoustic duo (plus drums) (www.farawaysongs.com)

Drums and Public School Music Teachers Part 1 of 2 (with Guest Host, Shaun Rodgers) Ep040



Shaun Rodgers joins the show to talk about drumming, teaching music in the Virginia public school system, and the University of Maryland’s music department.  Shaun is a former colleague and bandmate of hosts Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray, playing drums in their original band, the Kairos Quintet.  The guys reminisce on the collaborative writing approach and overall professionalism of that band.
Shaun tells us about the different bands that he is currently playing in around Northern Virginia including:
–  Broken Ground Band: a 1990s/early 2000s cover band (www.brokengroundband.com)
–  Half Pint Harry: a band featuring tiny instruments (www.halfpintharry.com)
–  FarAway: an acoustic duo (plus drums) (www.farawaysongs.com)
Shaun tells us about life as a general music teacher in the Virginia public school system.  He teaches Kindergarten through 6th grade and although it can sometimes be exhausting, Shaun points to the beauty of having a full-time salaried position in the musical realm.  We discuss why he is choosing to teach younger kids versus older kids (no after school programs!), semester planning, “Standards of Learning” (SOL), teaching young kids how to “school,”  teaching recorder in public schools, and the usefulness of the piano and guitar for teaching.
We then talk about melodic drumming, a topic that we have discussed in the past with Joe Hamm of El Sistema in Episode 038.  Shaun, who has an incredible ear, tells us about his past ear training and how it helps him to sing harmonies.  We also talk about the importance of designated listening for ourselves and our students.