#yes shaw was responsible for the theme song

[nighttimepotato]

Intro for the shaw seven titan show we won't get

[anndee-123]

The 100 WonderCon Panel

SPOILERS!!!! SPOILERS!!! SPOILERS!!!

Though I will try and be cryptic in areas not to spoil too much.

Season Premiere is April 30

Got to view the premiere.

New opening

Seems like they woke up Space Crew and Abby.

I was asked to close my computer, so I’ll try and mention things by memory.

Raven and Shaw have sex within the first few minutes.

Space Crew is mad at Clarke, though Echo speaks up for her at one point.

Bellamy, Clarke, Echo, Emori, Murphy, Shaw, Miller and Jackson go down to Alpha, which is actually a moon and not a planet.

Raven is mad at Clarke and Abby.  

They wake Niylah at some point, and she wakes Octavia against Abby’s orders.

Monty’s algae helps save Kane, but thanks to Octavia’s obvious lack of change and reflection, he’s back in danger and barely hanging on to life.

The bugs on Alpha go crazy at night and want to eat them.

They find one big giant bug Zapper to protect them when one of them runs into it.  Clarke is able to bring it down thanks to her nightblood, but the person who “found it” doesn’t make it.  This is really going to affect someone back on the ship.

They find a deserted but well-kept city. One of them goes nuts as they see their ship get hijacked and fly off in the distance and Clarke, reading a children’s book they found, realizes that the toxin is in the air.

PANEL

Eliza was here but Bob wasn’t.

Eliza, Tasya, Richard, Marie, Sachin, Shannon, J.R. Bourne, and J Roth.

Eliza was asked about her burned bridges.  She said there was a lot of rebuilding to do.

Marie says Octavia needs to let sleeping dogs lie.  J Roth says she needs to acknowledge what she did before she can reach redemption.

Moderator said that the theme is “Facing your Demons”.  Richard says that for Murphy that is a constant battle.  

Apparently, there are two days a year where the two aligning suns create the tox that drives everyone crazy (of course they land on that day)

Eliza said there was a little bit of letting Madi go to grow.

They keep talking about a trailer that I haven’t seen (probably not spending enough time here on tumblr).

Marie says Octavia waking up while the others have left her is like not getting picked for your school’s baseball team.

If you can pick one song to survive the apocalypse:

Richard: “Monster Mash”

Shannon: a South African song that I’m not going to attempt to spell

Marie:  “Macarena”

Sachin:  “Circle of Life”

Tasya: “Low Rider”

Eliza: “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd

Sachin does a Bellamy impression (eh).

Sean Maguire will be on the show.

In response to a fan question, Eliza said she’s about to be 30 and getting to play Clarke for the majority of her twenties has been amazing.  Richard agreed with her and thanked J Roth for allowing the characters to grow and not remain stagnate. 

Marie’s favorite thing about Octavia is that she feels like she’s played a whole bunch of different characters and not just one.  The Red Queen was her favorite.

Fan question about practical jokester on set.  They said probably Richard.  Richard said that Lola started it in reference to a saran wrap and teddy bear prank.

Marie hates the word moist.

Shannon said that he’s the kind of guy that will wait outside the bathroom with a mask on and will be coming for them.

Sachin would like a Jackson spinoff (he was kidding).

Richard said for a spinoff he would like to see it start with the first bombs going off and how the grounders came to be. JR mentioned there are talks when he mentioned this.

Eliza says that she comes up against a pretty fierce enemy this season when asked about her most difficult enemy.

Shannon and J.R. were intimidated coming into a “family” on set, but they felt welcomed.

ETA:  Yes.  The radio calls are mentioned.

[independentartistbuzz]

7 From The Women: Leanna Primiani AKA ANASIA

7 From The Women is a segment here on Independent Artist Buzz where we ask some of the industries finest seven questions. During this time of accusations and the lack thereof, we think it’s important to give women a voice. We chose to ask seven questions to honor the seven Wiccan clans.

ANASIA AKA Leanna Primiani, a classically trained composer and conductor best known for her innovative orchestral and chamber works for the concert stage. Composing under the moniker, ANASIA, she expands her range even further by fusing orchestral, dark ambient, post-minimal and experimental electronic elements. She just released a new single, “Sounds like FEAR” from her upcoming EP “Blurred.”

What have you been working to promote lately?

Today I released a single, Sounds Like FEAR, just in time for Halloween!  The music is a reimagining of the score for the highly-controversial arthouse horror short, Sulphur for Leviathan, by director James Quinn (Flesh of the Void). The film documents a nun’s descent from devotional to demonic, with a visual quality is both sinister and surreal. This track takes a “variations on a theme” approach to the music by using the movie’s musical motifs as creative fodder. The film has been visually sculpted to achieve a sensory disorienting experience to heighten the film’s deliciously depraved narrative arc. I attempted to mirror this effect through my treatment of sound.

In keeping with the film’s compositional techniques, I juxtapose organic and synthetic sounds into a dense and disorienting aural patchwork, consisting of bite-sized chunks of recorded organic instrumentation; found sound from the natural environment a la “Musique Concrète”; synthesizer-based musical passages; and swatches of music heavily treated by digital-signal processing.

Within this detailed sonic thicket, select sounds for the building blocks of her interpretive work were modified in a variety of ways. Passages are played backward; jarringly cut short or dramatically elongated; subjected to echo-chamber effects; and varied in pitch and intensity. This coming together of varied auditory experiences cohesively gels into an invigorating and disquieting auditory experience.

Please tell us about your favorite song written, recorded or produced by another woman and why it’s meaningful to you.

As for living composers, my admiration runs deep for film composers Pinar Toprak and Hildur Gudnadottirr and their ability to break the glass ceiling in Hollywood. In addition, Pulitzer Prize winning composers  Ellen Taaffe Zwilich (1983), Shulamit Ran (1991); Melinda Wagner (1999), Jennifer Higdon (2010), Caroline Shaw (2013), Julia Wolfe (2015), Du Yun (2017) and Ellen Reid (2019). These composers all have their own unique voice. Their music is remarkable, and they give me inspiration every day. I aspire to their success!

I have so much music and so many women composers I admire that it’s hard to choose. Ruth Crawford Seiger’s string quartet is one of my favorite works. Ruth is a giant among female classical composers. She developed her composition genius in the shadow of her composer husband. She created an impressive body of work, but never saw much success in her lifetime. Her music is having it’s renaissance now and I am thankful for it!

What does it mean to you to be a woman making music / in the music business today and do you feel a responsibility to other women to create messages and themes in your music?

I have written music with a message in many of my concert works, (Glass Ceiling for example), but I feel that #metoo has given permission to really explore the female experience. My latest work for orchestra, 1001, tells the story of Scheherazade, but through her eyes. With references to Rimsky-Korsakov original, I try to musically imagine what Scheherazade’s life was like—her existence dependent on the quality of her narratives. Finishing one story only to start the next in a seamless flow to prolong her life. Scheherazade lived in fear of the man she shares a bed with. It’s a story especially resonant in today’s climate, and one of the reasons I felt compelled to write it.

What is the most personal thing you have shared in your music or in your artist brand as it relates to being female?

For me, the most difficult thing to share about myself in the music is the idea of being an artist and being a wife and mother. I feel on a subconscious level this duality comes through in my music, both the joy and the struggle. It’s a difficult balance, and I know I’m not the only women out there who experiences it.

What female artists have inspired you and influenced you?

There are so many! Annie Lennox and Lizzo for starters. They both are conservatory trained, like me… and they both play the flute, also like me!

Do you consider yourself a feminist? If so why and if not why?

Yes I do! But why is it a dirty word? To want equal pay for equal work, to be recognized for one’s accomplishments, to not be held to a higher standard than men, to get a seat at the table, to not have to ‘lean in’… why is this bad? I will never understand why people, both men and women, are so threatened by the idea of ‘feminism’? It’s beyond me.

What was the most challenging thing you have had to face as a female artist?

I can think of many challenging situations I’ve had that I’m uncomfortable talking about here, but probably the most frustrating of all  is the day-to-day sexism that is still prevalent in the music industry. The journey seems to be similar for most women: the judgement, being passed over, being ignored… it’s really ‘variations on a theme’ for all women, musicians and nonmusicians alike.

I recently read that if a man has a picture of his family in his office he is viewed as a family man, trustworthy and reliable. If a woman has a picture of her family in her office, she is regarded as not serious about her job, not devoted to the company and untrustworthy. WTF?! We have to put up with that AND make 82¢ on the dollar?  It’s frustrating.

I have been told throughout my career, both as a film composer and a concert composer, to ‘downplay my femininity’, to change my name to make it sound ‘less female’, to not talk about my kids, etc. It can be debilitating. I think #metoo has helped with that pressure a bit, as people seem to be more accepting of the multiple roles women play.

Connect with ANASIA online via:

https://www.facebook.com/anasialeannamusic/

http://leannaprimiani.com/

https://www.instagram.com/leannacomposer/

http://bit.ly/ANASIASoundsLikeFEARYT

https://soundcloud.com/anasiaakaleannaprimiani

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1QmVUKlWEnJvbah8EemBWl

https://twitter.com/leannacomposer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-primiani-7b41601a/

[casscutting]

Author Interview: David Viergutz

I had the pleasure of meeting David (online) by complete chance. I was mindlessly scrolling through my Instagram feed one night and came across a post from a writer that I follow. He had just finished reading this book with one of the most beautiful covers I’d seen in a while. I read the caption then immediately went to Goodreads to see what this book was about. I was HOOKED from the synopsis and added it to my “Want To Read” list.

I went back and commented on that post, gushing over the cover and saying how I needed to read this book. Sometime after I get a message request from this guy, David Viergutz, I am shit with names until I get to know someone (online and in-person) so it never dawned on me who it was.

But I opened the message and he was saying how he saw my post and offered to send me an e-book in exchange for an honest review and I JUMPED at the chance and I am glad I did. I knew from the first page of his book I was going to love it and I did. I also hoped that he would be down for an interview and I was elated when he said yes.

David is an amazing writer and author and I look forward to seeing his career take off because I know it will. I encourage every one of you to go and get a copy of his books you won’t regret it.

Why don’t we start off with an easy question, why do you tell us who you are and a little about yourself?

So, I’m a bit of an oddball in the writing community, or so I feel. I’m a father of two (15 and 2, yeah…I know…) and a Law Enforcement Officer. I joined the Army straight out of high school and became a LEO shortly after. I had ZERO idea I wanted to be a writer. It wasn’t until my wife came around, about 10 years later, who convinced me I COULD be a writer. It was interesting, she looked at me and said, “Write the damn book!” after we had discussed how I had wanted to write one since I was 12. Like so many others, writing fell to the wayside as work took over.

Besides work, and writing, I’m a personal trainer and have my own business, and I recently dove head-in to leatherwork. I’m still learning, but it’s fun.

My wife is also a LEO and a medical student. I’m just counting down until residency so I can retire at 32 and write full-time, haha.

You are the author of The Box And The Bird a novella that came out in October 2019 as well as The Demonic Compendium a wonderful novel that I've had the pleasure of reading. Can you tell my readers a little about these books?

The Demonic Compendium is my flagship into the world I am writing. I never set out to write a book, I set out to create a universe. Most of my favorite series end so soon and I wish there was more. In writing epic-fantasy, I wanted to make sure this wasn’t an issue for my readers. That being said,

The Box and the Bird is a taste of The Demonic Compendium Universe, also known as The Darkenverse. (Think Marvel Cinematic Universe or the Star Wars Expanded Universe). This book is a fast-paced intense read that follows Samantha Lawson as her husband Richard returns home from a business trip with something terrible. This book ties into the main universe, but is not considered on the main timeline. I offer it free on my website davidviergutz.com.

The Demonic Compendium is my bread and butter and the first of many in the series. While it is epic fantasy, I bring in some elements that I think set it apart. Anti-heros, doom-and-gloom, dread, epic-battles and a fully immersive world. One reader said he felt like he wasn’t just in the story, he was also watching my main character Shaw cast wild demonic-magic and tromp through the castle.

The Demonic Compendium takes place in the wake of a terrible tragedy that has befallen a budding kingdom. We follow Shaw as he is forced to make terrible decisions for the greater good, and hopefully, find his purpose in the process. Not to give too much away, but there’s a reason my personal mantra for writing is:

“The hero doesn’t always win. The good guy doesn’t always get the girl. Things are going to get a lot worse.”

What was your inspiration for these stories, where did the original spark come from?

Well, I truly wrote the book I wanted to read. I thought back to a few captivating moments from what I’ve read and seen in movies and wanted my readers to get chills as they read the epic moments. Think about when Gandalf stands on the bridge with his infamous line. Or King Leonidas when he boots the emissary into the hole. Or when the Red Ranger screams “Tyrannosaurs!” I wanted a book FILLED with those moments, so I focused on those big events, and built a world to fit it.

The Demonic Compendium is the first book in your debut series, how many books do you have planned for the series altogether?

It’s hard to say. I’ve purchased covers for three additional books, as well as a novella from the same timeline following another lead character. As long as my readers love it, I’ll keep writing it. That said, I have a new series flagship releasing this year in the urban-fantasy genre.

Steering away from the book related questions. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I spoke above about my wife giving me inspiration to write this particular book, and get to the end of it, but my overall spark came when I was about 10 years old. I carried a black notebook with a home-made floppy-disk holder on the inside cover. I’d write my story paragraphs out, then read them to my friends and transfer them to the floppy disk.

This was my art, because I had failed art…I couldn’t connect two dots, I would have just eaten the crayon because I thought the assignment was stupid. I find my ability to write is a carry over from my ability to speak, so I stuck with what I was good at.

From idea to publication about how long does it take you to write a book?

Planning and plotting are about a solid two weeks (part time, a few hours a night). After that, my pace is a steady 1000 words an hour. On a good day (I’m married with kids remember) I can pump out 10k if I’m left alone. Most of my books are planned and plotted for 100k, minus the novellas. So, math aside, I’d say 30 days. I wouldn’t say a month, because life likes to drop a dragon in my living room. Now that I have my business processes down, 30 days is an accurate guess. When writing TDC, I had to learn the business, hire a cover artist, formatter, etc, so that delayed my process.

Both of your current books are indie published why did you choose to go this route and not the traditional one?

I love working for myself, and as I see my books as my art, I am reluctant to give that up. I’m very much a self-made-man, and I feel when my writing is loved and only my own efforts are responsible, it’s just that much sweeter when I make a single sale.

Which authors inspired you to write?

This is a tough one, as a lot of authors I enjoy have a lot of overlap. I prefer their methods instead of just their stories so I’ll mention those. From Dean Koontz, I loved The Husband for the mind-bending twist. Michael Crichton for the adventures in Jurassic Park, and Garth Nix for his epic magic in The Abhorsen Series.

What is the best writing advice you’ve heard?

Write the story you want to read. You don’t need to please everyone; you just need to please your fans.

Can you tell us about your writing process? What’s a typical writing day for you?

I’m a musically motivated to write. When I sit down at my desk, I make sure the music I’m listening to matches what’s happening in the story. There cannot be any words however, it must feel like I’ve got my own theme-song as I narrate on paper what I’m seeing in my mind.

My process is that of a plotter. I start with my epic moments, then think about who I want to be a part of them, then build in my what-if statements.

What-if a dragon lands in my living room? What-if it looks terrifying?

Now, I’m forced to answer my own questions with more plotting.

And then it seems to be entirely confused. And then it has crippling self-esteem issues.

I then arrange these series of thoughts into an outline, expand on them, and use that to write pages.

If the perfected productive writing day existed what would it look like for you?

I’m an easy fellow. 5:00 AM-6:59 AM workout. 7:00 AM-7:59 AM post-workout shake, shower, get ready, chores at home. 8:00 AM-11:59 AM in the office with hot coffee. 12:00-12:44 PM break to warm up meals and walk around neighborhood. 12:45-3:45, edit what I just wrote 4:00PM-5:00 PM, marketing, social media and business functions. 5:01-8:00 PM family time to include dinner. 8:01-11:00 PM, read, more writing or hobbies.

Why do you write?

Because I can’t afford to pay an author to write books exactly how I want to read them. I love my own stories.

What is the hardest thing about being a writer?

Okay besides the usual gripe that I hear/read people hear/write about, self-esteem, doubt, anxiety, introverts, socially awkward etc.…

How about the fact that we’re trying to make money on a commodity that has fallen to social media, instant gratification, and the digital age? The average e-book sells for $2.99. That’s a lot of books to sell just to fill the gas-tank.

What are you currently working on?

Book Two of The Demonic Compendium: The Queen of Duska Cereal of Third City: A novella from the TDC series timeline

The Bullet Board: An action packed urban-fantasy heist.

Lastly, what is the best advice you can offer someone who dreams of one day being an author?

Fake it until you make it. Undoubtedly you know something I don’t about writing, even if you’ve only written a Facebook post. You are the expert of YOUR stories. Stop looking for validation from others on how THEY would change YOUR story. 

If they don’t like your story, they can write their own. Give yourself some credit and when you’ve finish something, anything, show it off, and be proud, it’s your art.

Author Links: Website Instagram Twitter Goodreads Facebook

Book Links: Goodreads Amazon

Question of the day:

If you could ask your favorite author a question what would it be?

[stevesmusicmonday]

Van Morrison - Domino, from It’s Too Late to Stop Now...

Van Morrison is widely acknowledged to be a temperamental and erratic live performer. But in 1973, after playing a successful engagement at Carnegie Hall, something happened. Things clicked, he turned a corner, and felt like he was getting back into performing form. So he embarked on one of the most successful and consistent live tours of his career. Accompanying him was a ten piece band he put together specifically for the occasion. An amalgam of jazz, rock, and classical musicians dubbed The Caledonia Soul Orchestra, they gelled into a cohesive and responsive vehicle well suited to carry Van Morrison anywhere he cared to go and beyond. Anchored by David Hayes on bass, David Shaw on drums, John Platania on guitar, and Jef Labes on piano/organ, they added a horn section and a small string section to round out the sound.

Over the course of the tour, they amassed an arsenal of forty songs. The resultant double live album “It’s Too Late to Stop Now” immortalizes fourteen performances, and is frequently included in lists of the greatest live albums of all time. Of the original Van Morrison songs on the album, I would argue that every single one of them is better than it’s studio counterpart. The arrangements are better, the instrumentation is better, and the execution is better.

What makes the album all the more remarkable is that Van would not allow any overdubbing after the fact. (Regardless of what I said in the introduction to this month’s theme, post-production overdubbing and effects are frequently used to clean up a live album.) This policy resulted in the exclusion of Moondance (reportedly because of a misplaced guitar note), but makes you appreciate even more the incredible performances on the album.

You should listen to the whole album, it’s all worth listening to, but I’ll just highlight one song in this article. Take a listen to the dynamic performance of Domino captured here:

You can compare it to the original studio recording here:

Resources, Extra Credit

Here is a link to the entire album on youtube as a playlist. Quality not vouched for.

Here is a link to the album on Google Play Music. Quality vouched for.

For completists (guilty!), a few years ago, the entire set of recordings from the tour were released as It’s Too Late to Stop Now Volumes II, III, IV & DVD. It’s available on youtube or Google Play Music (and probably others.) The quality of the performances here are not as consistent, but there’s some great stuff on there, as well. You can hear Brown Eyed Girl and Moondance (not to mention a fantastic version of Bein’ Green – yes that Bein’ Green) here.