by Mike Errico | Dec 1, 2014 | Lessons, Press, Teaching
Another amazing class at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute. These guys opened up about how they got their starts; how preparation made them ready for luck to happen; and how they have navigated the rapidly changing music environment. Funny, cutting and doggedly optimistic, they brought a semester’s worth of classwork to life. (L/R): Stephen Trask: Ex-music director of Squeezebox; composer of Hedwig and the Angry Inch which received eight 2014 Tony Award nominations, and won four. The movie version also received a Grammy nom, and he has gone on to score films including The Station Agent, Dreamgirls and Lovelace. http://stephentrask.com/ Bob Brockman: Producer, mixer, engineer based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn whose past clients include The Fugees, Notorious BIG, Craig Mack, Toni Braxton, Babyface, Cee-Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Brandy, Mary J Blige and many others. He has 30 Grammy noms and two wins....
by Mike Errico | Jun 25, 2014 | Lessons, Press, Teaching
Happy summer, folks. I’ve been working like a beast over here, some in front of the curtain, some behind it. But first: Available exclusively at Bandcamp: the rare electronic-inspired EP that delved into Big Beat, R&B and folk. Originally released in the late ’90s, “Springtime” was recently included in WNYC’s 2014 playlist, “Six Songs for Spring.” 1. Daylight 2. Sooner or Later 3. Springtime 4. On This Train 5. Someday BUY VICIOUS CIRCLE ON BANDCAMP That’s Professor Errico to you… My latest songwriting classes at NYU and Wesleyan University have been amazing, and I’ve been able to re-connect with old friends to talk about the thing we love: wine. I MEAN SONGWRITING…songwriting. Right. That. Special Thanks: Rob Thomas “Three things in music that will never go out of style: the song; the song; and the song.” Multiplatinum artist Rob Thomas took time out to come to NYU and talk to the students about how he approaches songwriting, collaboration and “the beast” that is the industry. Special Thanks: Pete Ganbarg The head of A&R for Atlantic Records came to Wesleyan to discuss his “populist’s ears,” his thinking behind successes with Santana, Daughtry, Train (to name a few), and his hunger for the next great song. Special Thanks: Ed Grauer and Peter Nashel Double Shot: Cash Money Records’ legal counsel and the force behind Duotone Audio Group let my Wesleyan class in on the business side of songwriting: publishing, copyright, sample clearance, mechanicals, synch…the critical stuff that turns passion into a living. Video Guitar Lessons for Guitar World Magazine In a recent issue of Guitar World, I explained my percussive acoustic...
by Mike Errico | May 2, 2014 | Lessons
Special thanks to Pete Ganbarg, head of A&R for Atlantic Records, for visiting my Wesleyan songwriting class. He discussed his “populist’s ears,” his thinking behind successes with Santana, Daughtry, Train (to name a few), and his hunger for the next great song. Cheers. Tune in for music, shows, announcements, giveaways, videos and all that stuff, here: Facebook || Twitter || YouTube || Bandcamp || Pandora Tallboy 7, Inc. Box 20463 NY NY...
by Mike Errico | Mar 30, 2014 | Lessons
Special thanks to Ed Grauer and Peter Nashel, who let my Wesleyan class in on the business side of songwriting – publishing, copyright, sample clearance, mechanicals, synch…the critical stuff that turns passion into a living. Tune in for music, shows, announcements, giveaways, videos and all that stuff, here: Facebook || Twitter || YouTube || Bandcamp || Pandora Tallboy 7, Inc. Box 20463 NY NY...
by Mike Errico | Mar 26, 2014 | Lessons, Photo
“Three things in music that will never go out of style: the song; the song; and the song.” Special thanks to my guest speaker, Rob Thomas, who took time out to come to NYU and talk to the students about how he approaches songwriting, collaboration and “the beast” that is the industry. Tune in for music, shows, announcements, giveaways, videos and all that stuff, here: Facebook || Twitter || YouTube || Bandcamp || Pandora Tallboy 7, Inc. Box 20463 NY NY...
by Mike Errico | Mar 10, 2014 | audio, Lessons, Video
In the April, 2014 issue of Guitar World, I explain my percussive acoustic guitar playing techniques and how they can inspire songwriting. The article has transcriptions of the grooves for “Springtime” and “1000 Miles,” and the web site features bonus video content. I had a great time writing it and filming with the GW crew. It’s on newsstands now, or available at the Guitar World Online Store. “Beat It: A Guide to the Inspired Techniques of Percussive Acoustic Guitar Playing” Bonus video content from the...
