Happy Halloween! This project was created out of my love for creepy, creative videos around YouTube and elsewhere. Here I showcase a remix of some of my favorite videos mixed with my own. This is an ode to expressive, horror art in digital form.
Happy Birthday, Neil!
The past couple weeks I’ve been planning to make a rap song for my friend Neil, but I got hurt skating and then it kept raining and it seemed like it would never get done. I recorded the song last week, but there was still a video to be made. Yesterday I started brainstorming and worked on it all evening/night. Get ready to see a half-assed production for a non-half-assed friendship. Happy Birthday, Neil!
My Dad and I becoming ONE.
Remembering John Lennon with Artist Pablo Stanley and Guitarist Andy Timmons
Growing up in the house that I did, The Beatles were everywhere I turned. They have long been one of my father's favorite bands. As a product of the 60's, he will forever be stuck in that generation. Sadly, there are only two members of The Beatles still living: Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (George Harrison passed away November 29, 2001.) The first Beatles member to pass though was the late great John Lennon, who I'd like to honor today.
Photo courtesy of www.johnlennonartworks.com
John Lennon was born in Liverpool and became involved with the "Skiffle Craze" which was a music genre consisting of jazz, blues, folk and American folk influences, usually using a combination of manufactured and homemade or improvised instruments. The Beatles were originally called The Quarrymen, but changed to The Beatles by 1960.
Lennon was an accomplished artist in various mediums of art including music, writing, and drawings. His interviews and art often showcased his rebellious nature and wit. All of these artistic avenues were filled with his political anti-war views and peaceful ideals.
One of my favorite comic artists, Pablo Stanley, has a beautifully illustrated version of John's song, "Imagine". It started me on a quest a few years ago to research not only Lennon, but Stanley as well. A video of the comic, teamed with the original song, is below.
John went solo for a lot of his projects and was on, off, and then on again with Yoko Ono. The two finally teamed up for the album "Double Fantasy" in 1980. Lennon was tragically gunned down in front of his Manhattan apartment 3 weeks later on December 8th.
I wanted to write this tribute for two reasons. One, 37 is my favorite number and two, The Beatles have been a huge part of my upbringing. It only made sense to celebrate the man on this particular commemorative day.
I was reminded of this anniversary by a close friend/co-worker, Tanner Peterson, who sent me a link with an amazing cover of the song "Across the Universe" by Dallas guitar virtuoso, Andy Timmons. Let's remember John Lennon today by listening to Andy's wonderful cover below.
*Bonus picture of when Tanner met Andy!*
Andy and Tanner at the 2017 Dallas Guitar Show