Anybody Home?

I realize it's been a swallow's life since I've posted anything here.  Gotta get with the times so I baked me up a Tumblr to post new music, etc.

You can find me over HERE and I'll be trying to do a better job of keeping it watered and fed

Bhag Man

R.I.P. Don Van Vliet (The Good Captain Beefheart)

No Words...

Twelve For Nothing (Minus Six)

My second year of living musically has reached its equinox. My sun faces its equator head-on and the nights are growing long. The recordings drop now like leaves; some catching a draft, lifted upward, others falling like pebbles dropped to the sea by errant fish-eagles. Each time part of me dies. Part of me grows. I gave August its eulogy and embraced September with open-arms, slinging a banjo.

Earlier this month, still in the lingering too-hot-for-September throes of summer, I provided bass clef support to an album laid down by batterista extrodinaire Pete Zolli before I handed it off to musical tinder-sticks Bret Hart. We've been here before and Bret has a mind to have the mighty Don Campau shingle the the roof (so to speak).

12 For Nothing (12-4-0)

Well the Twelve For Nothing (12-4-0) project is moving along. June's record was a bit of a gamble as I had recorded over 2-3 weeks but on Saturday the 26th decided I didn't like any of it. I scrapped it and began an entirely new record that was finished yesterday and uploaded today. You can download Desert Songs (zipped MP3's) HERE and follow the whole series at www.ericwallack.com.

In related news the amazing Don Campau has graciously decided to add me to the Lonely Whistle Music record label. As well as being one of the most prolific and creative music makers I know, Don's one of the world-wide impresarios for underground and home-recorded music. His No Pigeonholes radio show's European equivalent (Radio Marabu) will feature a few of the tunes from the series in July. You can listen to the podcast HERE.

In addition, Delta-Slider, one of my favorite music blogs devoted to American Primitive and related styles of guitar has posted a lovely review and download for Stella Says. I'm truly honored to be added to a blog that includes incandescent luminaries like like John Fahey, Jack Rose, Mary Flower, Ragtime Ralph, etc. Many thanks 'Slider!!

Is This Thing On?

It has been a while since I posted anything because the musical activity since the end of the 365 Project slowed to a trickle or has just not gotten me interested enough to blog about it. Sadly, due to a few life changes over the past couple of years I dropped off the map from some really good friends and musicians - people who've inspired me greatly - and I promise to tend to those and build them back up (I sincerely hope)

Ok, A year ago I did write and record an album for "February Is Album Writing Month". You can listen to or download all the tracks for free HERE. If you'd like a copy in a handmade, custom cover sent to you for free just request one in the comments section below.

So anyway, it's the 3-year anniversary of the start the 365 Project and seeing how my creative output has dropped faster than Toyota stocks (I do own a Corolla) I've decided that beginning this month once again I will commit to a year-long experiment in creative self-discipline. I'll write, record and upload a record album a month for a year. 12 months, twelve albums.

Ground Rules (self-imposed)

1. A "record album" is defined as a collection of not fewer than 8 and not more than 14 songs intended to be perceived as a whole. In the event longer form pieces are required an "album" shall be no less that 36 minutes (the Creed Taylor rule) and no more than 60.

2. Instrumental and/or vocal material is acceptable

3. The work must must my own (but)

4. Collaboration with others is acceptable and desirable as long as the work is motivated by and inclusive of my creative impulse. I must be present in each and every song (and)

5. If desired, I may remake any of my previously recorded songs as long as the piece fits the vibe of the "album" and is limited to no more than one per "album"

6. All albums will contain original, cover art, printed lyrics (where applicable), liner notes and be available for free download at www.ericwallack.com. Each album will be available in its entirety by the last day of each month beginning April 2010 and ending March 2011.

Ok, here goes nothing...

The Return of The Stick!

DIY Love #2

My latest abomination - a wine box guitar I made totally out of recycled parts.  The neck and bridge (I think from a Harmony Sovereign) came from a snag on "big trash pick up day" and the box came from a thrift store in Oberlin, OH.  Total investment (counting strings), $8.75.  Plays and sounds great!

DIY Love

Take a look-see at this awesome retro/cowboy themed guitar case made for me by sophiaworksf8!  She custom made it for my wacky Gretsch Americana "Way Out West" guitar with funky vintage styled ranch/rodeo fabric.  Her etsy.com site is HERE so stop by and check out her coolness!