New music, new virtual instrument, and more

New music, new virtual instrument, and more

Hey, all, and greetings from the epicenter of the pandemic. There’s a sentence I never thought I’d write. I hope you’re safe, and taking precautions, and generally continuing to be awesome. Me? Well, the family and I don’t get out much lately, but we’re all on speaking terms, which bodes well for the coming stretch. I get all my tips on how to cope from astronauts and submariners who deal with this as part of their day jobs. They say to keep to a routine, and to buy weird things online late at night and forget you did, so you can decontaminate a surprise gift every so often. Wait, no. I added that last part. I’ve also been working… NEW MUSIC: “Someday,” like you’ve never heard it before  BUY IT HERE Recorded live at the 2019 Holiday Show in NYC, with special guests Gabriella DeLaCruz (Presidio), Nick Cianci, and Matt Beck. Mixed and Mastered by Jamie Siegel, photo by Jeanette Moses, design by Kristen Schleifer ALL BANDCAMP PURCHASES INCLUDE: 1) THE “SOMEDAY” VIRTUAL TONGUE DRUM For music makers, songwriters, and producers—any purchase on Bandcamp comes with a download link to an official virtual instrument of the “Someday” tongue drum, meticulously sampled by Matthew Wang. (Requires Kontakt v5.6.6 and up: For a free copy of the Kontakt application, CLICK HERE.) 2) TALLBOY MAGAZINE’S SONGWRITING MINI-CAMP A multimedia gallery of photos, prompts, philosophies, and video intended to...
Songwriting Prompt One: Let it Snow

Songwriting Prompt One: Let it Snow

Some students asked for songwriting prompts to get them through this time and keep them inspired. I’m going to add them here, hoping they help you, too. NOTE: They don’t have to be for songs. I’m sure you can apply them to other creative projects. SONGWRITING PROMPT ONE: I’ve always loved the fact that Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne wrote the classic “Let it Snow” in the middle of a hot July summer. The song provided what their actual circumstances did not. (Snow.) I’m hearing some you are writing songs that reflect our current reality, which is great, but what if you could provide what our actual circumstances do not? We’re isolated; write about being together. We’re freaked out; write about resilience, or confidence, or add some anger and write about defiance. I’m not talking about drugging us with sunshine and rainbows, or living in denial of what’s going on. I’m talking about putting yourself in the listener’s place and thinking about what they need from you as a creator. It’s probably not news headlines, and maybe not a mirror to the moment, either. They’re getting plenty of that. This prompt is about providing them with a tool they need to see past it. So: Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne made it snow in July. What’s our version of that? THAT. Write that. Feel free to post drafts, if you like. I hope you’re all...
Why Bandcamp Rules

Why Bandcamp Rules

Bandcamp is kindly waiving their cut on all purchases, meaning 100% of all money made will be going directly to the artists. Grab expanded editions of “Pictures of the Big Vacation,” instrumental editions of “Wander Away,” alternate takes, free live takes and ridiculous stories…and that’s just the music part. Shirts, posters, stickers and lyric prints are also all there and most of it is nowhere else.  PLEASE NOTE: I have a queue for lyric prints, but there will be a delay because I can’t purchase the backing I traditionally use. Perhaps I’ll find a workaround, but will get your approval beforehand.   Stay safe out there, M  ...
Shots of the Mike Errico Holiday Show 2019

Shots of the Mike Errico Holiday Show 2019

What a night. Thanks to Nick Jost (bass), Nick Cianci (guitar), Gabriella DeLa Cruz, and Kate Yeager (vocals) for being as amazing as they are. You are not going to believe what’s coming in 2020—I don’t even believe it. Happy holidays!   Holiday Show, Rockwood 2,...
Tallboy Magazine: Special Four-Issue Collector’s Edition

Tallboy Magazine: Special Four-Issue Collector’s Edition

I have been putting Tallboy magazine out for years. It went digital for a while (we called them “blogs”), but that never felt right. This special four-issue, 164-page series was part of a crowdfunding campaign for my 2017 release, “Minor Fits.” In it, you’ll find short fiction (some of which I’ve told on stage); backstories about my most well-known songs; and confessions from the music industry—so it’s funny and full of idiots. Now that “Minor Fits” is out in the world, I’m offering the entire series on Bandcamp. I’ve put the same craft and quality into this that I’ve put into my music, and I hope you’ll check it out. Includes unlimited streaming of You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC cover) via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. BUY TALLBOY MAGAZINE AT...