Gabriel Harley

Album delayed but cheap pre-orders still available!

2011-10-25T15:35:00.000-04:00

We have good news and bad news.

The bad news is that "Ghost of Better Days," the latest album from yours truly, has been delayed due to a plumbing-related studio flood (everything's fine, it's just a huge mess). It will be released on 12/1.

The good news is that you can still pre-order your copy for just $8.00 right here.

A little help?

2011-10-11T12:50:00.004-04:00

So, despite the fact that I blog, post incessantly on Twitter and Facebook, etc., I actually have to admit that I don't like writing about myself. Especially when it comes to artist bios, profile bits, etc. It always feels too "salesman-like" and/or just plain inaccurate. (I mean, really, is any of us that good a judge of our own work?)

So... would anyone care to take a stab at writing a short (1-2 paragraph; definitely under 500 words) bio for Gabriel Harley the songwriter/performer? A copy of the new CD (due out on or about Halloween), public credit, and my sincerest gratitude would be yours.

Hit me up in the comments or on e-mail.

Fill-in-the-blank Fri... er... Saturday

2011-10-08T14:00:00.002-04:00

Inspired by Kate at Embarrasment of Riches, I've decided to play along. Plus, it's Saturday and I feel like blogging but don't feel like thinking too much. ;-)

Join us, why don't you? Linkify in the comments if you do.

1. Something popular that I just don't "get" is...

American Idol and its various spinoffs/competitors. The world is full of AMAZING artists and musicians who are immensely talented, produce though-provoking work, and have real social impact. Why water it down to a karaoke popularity contest cheapened with hollow spectacle?

2. Something unpopular that I secretly love is...

My stock answer is "Huey Lewis and the News", but I've used it so often that I think it's lost its power. So, today I'll go with nerdy games like Dungeons & Dragons (at least the old 1980s versions... have never played the newer one(s)). Some days, you just have to abandon reality, break out the beer and pretzels, and pretend to be a wizard. (Though I usually played more of the woodsy, Aragorn-type.)

3. When I've had a bad day...

I like a long shower, a couple of Scotches or Maker's Marks, and an early bedtime.

4. I'd prefer meeting up...

in a quiet, dark-panelled bar over a strong drink.

5. Something that makes me nervous...

driving on the highway during a snow storm. It's rarely worth the risk, wherever I have to go.

6. Something worth fighting for is

art and the freedom to make it.

7. When people think of me, I hope they think
what a hoopy frood. There's somebody who really knows where his towel is.

Little Lies and Black Flies... and Maybe a Wombat

2011-10-03T21:32:00.000-04:00

I'm actually headed to bed early tonight because I'm pretty sure that an angry badger (or possibly a wombat) crawled into my sinuses last night while I slept and is even now burrowing its way down into my chest, where it plans to spend the winter hibernating and knitting sweaters from its excess fur.

But that's not important right now.

What IS important is that I take a couple of minutes to share two videos from my friend Lindi Ortega's most recent album, Little Red Boots. Lindi and I met when she was in Nashville writing with Matt Nolen, another longtime friend and musical conspirator. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that anyone who is (a) a kickass singer and songwriter, (b) likes bourbon almost as much as I do, and (c) has good ghost stories about New Orleans to tell is instantly ok in my book.

Anyway, enough chatter from me. Here, for your listening pleasure, are "Black Fly" and "Little Lie"--both 100% wombadger free. Though not 100% gator-free as you'll soon see.

Black Fly - Lindi Ortega - Lindi Ortega Videos

All sorts of cool stuff: new websites, new single, album pre-release!

2011-09-15T13:01:00.001-04:00

Wow, do I have a lot to tell you about!

Poet Chi Sherman and I have a new jazz/spoken word collaboration out! It's a single called "Pulse" and can be found at all of the usual digital suspects, linked to on the Merch page of this site.
As you can see, there are now TWO Gabriel Harley websites: this artist site for my own music and the Gabriel Harley Music & Multimedia website for my studio and media company.
Finally, my new CD Ghost of Better Days is now available for pre-order for just $8.00! The official release date is Halloween, but you can get it now for cheap (after 10/31, the price goes up to $10.00).

In other news...

Playing for Change Day is this Saturday, 9/17 on Massachusetts Ave. in downtown Indianapolis. Although I can't be there to perform, I am a proud sponsor of this event. If you're around, please check it out and donate on site or online. It's a terrific cause and one I'm honored to be associated with. The video and song I produced and the folks I worked with are also featured on Playing For Change's home page this week! (scroll down and look left)
I'll be headed to Nashville next week for several projects, including NSAI's Songposium series. Let me know if you want me to pick up a cowboy hat or some boots for ya!

Help Me Answer a Question!

2011-05-20T08:14:00.000-04:00

Hey, Musician and Techie Friends--

I'm working on a new multimedia project and need your help. If you have a minute, leave an answer to the following question in the comments section:

Have you thought about and/or tried to put together a home recording setup? If so, what do you wish you had known (or known more about) before you started?

Anyone who answers gets their name (if they provide it!) in the acknowledgements of the project and, of course, my sincere gratitude. :-)

New World Concert 5/15; Art Bank Gig Rescheduled

2011-05-09T17:36:00.001-04:00

First and foremost, a HUGE thanks to everyone who turned up for the Indiana Humanities gig. It was a blast getting to play for you all, and to see some very old and dear friends as well as newer ones. Thank you!

If you're not busy on Sunday the 15th of May at 5:00 P.M., you owe it to yourself to come to the Hilbert Circle Theatre to see and hear the fabulously talented New World Youth Symphony Orchestra perform their final concert of the 2010-2011 season. I will be there, presenting the annual recording scholarship that I developed for them a few years ago and will, of course, be staying for the concert. Come find me--we'll grab a burger or something afterwards! :-) Concert details can be had here.

On the performing front, we have unfortunately had to reschedule the reading and performance at the Art Bank for later in the summer. I'll post more details here and on my Facebook page when they become available.

Finally, when I get a few free minutes, I will be posting the video from the Indiana Humanities gig on YouTube. Just gotta grade a few hundred final papers from the day job first... :-)

More Music & Poetry at the Art Bank! Also, a recording update.

2011-04-18T10:45:00.001-04:00

John Sherman and I have booked another performance together, this time at the Art Bank Artist Studios and Gallery on 811 Massachusetts Ave. in Indy. The date is Saturday, May 14, with further details to be announced. Check back soon!

In other news, work on the latest album resumes this week. Several of the tunes, including the title track "Ghost of Better Days," are ready to be sent off to our drummer in L.A. After that, I'll be heading down to Nashville to work on keyboard parts with longtime collaborator Matt Nolen (who, not incidentally, co-wrote several of the tunes on this album).

"Food for Thought": Join Me for Live Music and Poetry on 4/21!

2011-04-05T17:24:00.000-04:00

WHAT: “FOOD FOR THOUGHT: POEMS, SONGS, AND PHOTOS”

You are invited to a program featuring a poetry reading by John Sherman and Chi Sherman and a musical performance by singer/songwriter Gabriel Harley at Indiana Humanities on Thursday, April 21.

In celebration of National Poetry Month and in conjunction with the “Food for Thought” program of Indiana Humanities, join us for an hour-long “taste” of poetry, music, and light refreshments, and a viewing of John’s 10 large-format poetry / photo posters (which are on display all month).

WHERE: Headquarters of Indiana Humanities (until recently, the Indiana Humanities Council) -- 1500 N. Delaware Street, Indianapolis (Delaware is one way, heading north)

WHEN: 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 21

FOOD AND WINE FOR THOUGHT: Complimentary wine and nibbles

PARKING: Street parking available, both sides of Delaware, and nearby side streets.

WHAT ELSE:
- Books by John and by Chi,
- spoken-word CD by Chi, and
- musical CDs by Gabriel
will available for purchase (and signing) immediately following the program. (Most of the posters are for sale, as well.)

WANT TO SEE THE POSTERS, BUT CAN’T BE THERE FOR THE APRIL 21 EVENT? Just stop in at Indiana Humanities -- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- from now until Friday, April 29. To see three examples, click here. (You can enlarge the images to make the text easier to read.)

Spring has sprung--new projects and performances blooming!

2011-03-31T15:46:00.000-04:00

Well, despite yesterday's white-out conditions (?!?!?) in Indy, it is springtime. There are slightly fewer gray clouds, temperatures are a bit warmer, and the robins are out in force... and probably up to no good. Tricky little guys, they are.

Anyway... there are some exciting things in the works for yours truly, and I'll be posting about them as details become available. By way of previews, however, I can tell you about my...

Upcoming acoustic performance on Thursday, April 21 at 5:30 in downtown Indianapolis. This will be a set in honor of National Poetry Month and will also feature performances by my friends and local poets Chi Sherman and John Sherman. My set will also feature the talents of right-hand guitar man Dave Alexander and vocal phenom Betty Klein.
In-progress new album. Featuring brand new songs written and co-written by me and performance contributions from old friends (Dave Alexander, Tony Macklin, Melissa Schott, and more) and some world-renown session musicians. The project is being recorded here at home, in Nashville, and in L.A. When finished, the album and related videos will be available worldwide through all the usual outlets.
Presentation of the annual Gabriel Harley Recording Scholarship to a special member of Indy's own New World Youth Symphony Orchestra at Hilbert Circle Theatre on Sunday, May 15th. If you can, you must come to this concert--these young men and women play like no one you've ever heard!

At the moment, I'm headed to Nashville for some songwriting and publishing work and a visit to the ol' home-away-from-home office at NSAI. I'll eat some BBQ for you while I'm there... :-)

Happy Spring!

--Gabe

New Website and Old Albums Gone Worldwide!

2011-01-20T21:06:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update tonight, as I have been beaten down by the flu over the last week or so and I. Am. Wiped. Out. (Cori, by the way, has been a saint for putting up with my grouchy, whiny ways. Not that that should surprise any of you who know her.)

Anyway, I do have a couple of quick bits of news:

New Website: www.gabrielharley.com is in the process of being revamped.

There is still some work to do (like replacing my HTML-hacked MySpace music player with the real deal and getting my merch page fully functional), but overall I'm pleased with how it looks and functions. No, it's not uberFlashy, but it works for now.
Halfway Home has just gotten added to Spotify's catalog! If you're not familiar with Spotify, it's the biggest online source of music buying and music-discovering in Europe and the UK.

I also think its model is what the future of the music industry is going to be... once our stateside labels get their heads out of their collective bums. So... if you're in one of the countries listed on the right, you can stream me for free and buy me at a very reasonable price!
Finally, for other folks living abroad, Halfway Home is still available on... (deep breath)... iTunes US, iTunes UK, iTunes Australia, iTunes Japan, AmazonMP3, and Rhapsody.

Ok, end of commercial. We now return you to your regularly scheduled snow shoveling.

New Year, New Posts, New Goals

2011-01-03T08:31:00.002-05:00

I only have a few minutes, as I'm also headed back to life in academia this morning, but I just wanted to make some adjustments to the old blog and post my rationale for doing so: namely, that I want 2011 to be a lot more musically-rich than the last couple of years. This blog will be my main tool for tracking that progress. Whether anyone's still reading it is another matter, but honestly that isn't as important for me as having somewhere to keep all of my thoughts and projects mentally organized and make myself at least somewhat publicly accountable.

Better Late Than Never: "Halfway Home" on AmazonMP3

2009-04-18T14:20:00.003-04:00

I have no idea where it's been, but it appears that Halfway Home is finally available on AmazonMP3 (just over a year after its release date). Anyway, if you want an inexpensive, DRM-free copy, please stop by and pick one up!

--Gabe

Live from the Recording Workshop -- Day 1.1: Ricky Skaggs' Keynote

2009-02-20T21:48:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm attending the Nashville Recording Workshop and Expo, put on by AES and NSAI. I'll also be doing some songwriting and publishing stuff whilst in town. Also, I still haven't found a &*#$ing USB cable for the camera. Expect a big ol' pictures post on Sunday.

It's just about 9:00 P.M. and I'm back in my hotel after a productive, fun day in Music City. It's been a while since I've been down here; I'd forgotten how good it feels to be involved in a vibrant, focused community of talented artists. But more on that in a few minutes...

Recording Workshop Highlights
The day started, as promised, with a keynote speech from Ricky Skaggs. Although I had known Ricky in the context of his work as a bluegrass musician, what I didn't realize until reading his conference bio is that he is also now an independent label owner, studio owner, and producer. Then again, who in this day and age isn't?

And that's exactly what his keynote talked about. For those outside of the music business, let me get this out of the way quickly: the days of the major record labels, $500/hour recording studios, and platinum-selling megastars are largely coming to an end. It's not that those things will no longer exist; it's simply that technology (cheap, computer-based recording, production, and distribution) has changed the playing field dramatically in the last few years. The big studio and label system used to be the only game in town. Now? It ain't necessarily so.

Of course, this news is not really news. What did surprise me about Ricky's speech--and the roomful of professional and semi-professional recordists' reaction to it--is that everyone's apparently still a little disoriented from the shift. For every time that someone (either Ricky himself or an audience member) mentioned Internet distribution or the idea of independently selling fewer tracks at a higher margin, there were just as many instances of teeth-gnashing and shoulder-shrugging. "We know there must be a way to capitalize on--or at least survive in--this new era... but how?" For young musicians just coming up, who have never played inside the system, it's not so much of an issue. But for a lot of this crowd (myself included) who spent years--decades, even--learning the ins and outs of "the business" this brave new world can be scary, indeed.

Another topic that weaseled its way into this already-paradoxical address was that of the public's listening preferences. As an audio engineer (and someone who routinely keeps his wife awake because he can hear mice tiptoeing on the far side of the house), I'll be the first to admit that I'd love to see the listening public embrace high-end audio formats and listening environments in the same way that hi-def TV and Blu-Ray have emerged. But you know what? It ain't gonna happen. The technology is certainly there, but at this point, it's not convenient. And convenience, my friends, rules the popular music world. Why did most of us switch from vinyl discs to cassettes (or even 8-tracks) so many years ago? It wasn't for fidelity's sake, I'll tell you that. (FYI, from a purely technical standpoint, vinyl--if in good shape and played on a good system (which are the tricks, I'll grant you)--is still sonically superior to CD). Why did we switch from tape to CD? Again, convenience (and durability). And now, CDs are dying off in the age of the iPod. Say what you want about MP3s being as good as CD audio; the one thing they'll never be is better. But that's a moot point. The public doesn't want better-sounding music, they want to carry 8,000 songs in their coat pockets! My guess is that we'll get widespread use of "high-definition" audio when we figure out how to make a storage device with the convenience and capacity of an iPod.

Strange days, folks. Strange days, indeed.

NEXT POST: Mastering with a master.

Live from the Recording Workshop -- Day 1.0

2009-02-20T09:52:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm attending the Nashville Recording Workshop and Expo, put on by AES and NSAI. I'll also be doing some songwriting and publishing stuff whilst in town.

Day 1.0
After leaving Indy at 8:30 P.M. (I had a night class at IUPUI), I arrived in Nashville around 12:30 A.M. this morning. At the moment, it's closing in on 10:00 A.M. and I'm sitting in my downtown hotel room with a nice, 15th-floor corner view of the city. (Note to self: next time, bring USB cable so that you can actually attach the bloody camera to the computer. If I can find one, I'll upload the pictures asap.) As anyone who's ever stayed with me can attest, I'm not the best at sleeping in foreign surroundings. Thus, I tossed and turned most of the night and only got about 5 1/2 hours of sleep (which, for me, equates to punchiness, a gravelly voice, and also an occasional desire to maul innocent bystanders). That said, the plus side is that the conference is only about three blocks from my hotel, so at least the Nashville pedestrians will be safe; no need to drive in my foggy state.

In any case, I'm off to find some breakfast and then attend a day of seminars, workshops, and other recording and writing-related activities, commencing with an opening address by Ricky Skaggs. I'll post more from the floor if there's Wi-Fi; if not, look for an update tonight.

--Gabe

Off to Nashville for AES and a TV Show

2009-02-17T10:23:00.000-05:00

Part of my 2009 non-resolutions include doing more songwriting and music business work down in Nashville. I've got some song-publishing projects back on my radar and will also be returning to Music City to attend the AES Recording Workshop & Expo as well as a taping of the upcoming PBS show Legends and Lyrics.

It's a lot to cram into 2 1/2 days, but I'm looking forward to the trip. There will be some great panels by highly successful engineers, producers, and songwriters, as well as lots of fun new toys to play with. Now, I'm not saying I won't buy anything while I'm there, but--what's that, honey? No... I'm not taking those credit cards with me. No, of course not. I was just... ummm... checking the accounts to make sure there hasn't been any unauthorized activity on them. Yeah, that's the ticket...

Legends and Lyrics happens on Saturday afternoon. Especially cool is the fact that one of my longtime songwriting favorites Glen Phillips is one of the featured performers. Some of you may remember Glen from his days fronting Toad the Wet Sprocket back in the 1990s. Since then, he's maintained a low-key but productive career as a solo singer-songwriter. He also gets my respect for being an all-around nice guy and for doing most of his own legwork as far as promotion, booking, etc. His collaboration with the "kids" from Nickel Creek (under the name Mutual Admiration Society) is quite good, as well. I haven't heard his latest work with WPA, but that certainly sounds promising based on the people involved.

Look for more pictures, ponderings, and updates later this week(end).

--Gabe

You will be assimilated upgraded. Resistance is futile.

2009-02-02T12:47:00.004-05:00

Nice, Microsoft. Nothing like being forced to "upgrade" to a Service Pack that, in many cases, could wreak havoc with your hardware and sensitive software applications.

And although the article says that

companies that don't want to upgrade to the Windows service packs won't be forced to do so. Users that have the Automatic Updates feature turned on will receive an alert from Windows Updates indicating that an important update is available for installation. Users can then elect to install the service packs or ignore the update.

the real problem is that Windows has a difficult time taking "no" for an answer. Not only are there constant reminders to turn on Automatic Updates, I've even had problems with that service switching itself "on" without my consent! (Why wouldn't I want to update, you ask. Probably because, at one point, I had several thousand dollars worth of older pro audio software that was NOT SP3 compatible!)

Once again, I'm so happy that I switched to Mac in 2008. While it's true that OS X has automatic updating as well, I've never had (nor even heard of) the kind of system-crippling conflicts that I experienced back in my Windows days.

'Nuther new song: "One Track Mind"

2009-02-01T17:53:00.002-05:00

Apparently, there's some kind of "ball game" on tonight. But, if you have a couple of extra minutes, you're welcome to take a break from the sports and give a listen to One Track Mind, the latest tune from yours truly. It's available on the Music page of my website. As always, comments are welcome!

New Song -- "Down the Road" -- for your listening pleasure!

2009-01-25T22:22:00.001-05:00

There's a new song from yours truly available for free downloading or listening here. Enjoy--and don't be a stranger!

--Gabe

Diabolical E-mail

2008-11-28T18:21:00.001-05:00

Da Debil is in mah inbox.

(What? Me? Behind on e-mails? Unpossible!)

Nicely Played, Indiana!

2008-11-05T11:26:00.002-05:00

Ok, I admit it. I'm impressed. I didn't think you had it in you.

Therefore, I'm treating you all to a champagne toast. Tonight. At my house. Please arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 EST. I will have 6,350,000 crystal flutes on hand, and 1/4 that number of bottles.

First come, first served.

Please bring your own napkins.

Don't Be a Stooge! Get out and V-O-T-E!

2008-11-04T10:41:00.003-05:00

If I can do it, anyone can.

I left my house at 9:07 AM and was done voting and back on the road by 9:24. Sometimes, living in the Middle of Nowhere has its advantages.

Reading and Driving

2008-08-15T17:03:00.003-04:00

Another semester is firing up and I'm already waist-deep in faculty meetings, thesis writing, and frequent $4.00/gallon drives to downtown Indy. (Note: any readers who own and may want to off-load a downtown condo (preferably of the swanky penthouse variety), please e-mail me.) That said, I've managed to pass the last couple of weeks' drives by listening to some pretty good audio books from my local public library.

First up was The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon (who also wrote one of my favorite movies, Wonder Boys). I can't say enough good things about this potboiler detective story set in an alternate timeline where Israel was never founded and the post-WWII European Jews were allowed to settle as a semi-autonomous country in Alaska. (Chabon apparently took the idea from an actual proposal written in the late 1940s.) The plot is relatively well-constructed and the characters tight and memorable. Chabon's style in this book is an intentional homage to the gritty, ripe diction of Raymond Chandler and others of that genre. The author also has a tremendous gift for apt metaphor, and while that poetic narration occasionally intrudes on the story, it is, in general, a highly satisfying read/listen, both as a whodunit and as a piece of literature.

That said, I should warn would-be audio book listeners that the recording itself leaves a bit to be desired. Peter Riegert does a fine job in performing the book, but the recording is a bit sloppy. Sometimes sentences are accidentally repeated (looped, as it were), and in many places it feels as if several takes of different performances were haphazardly edited together. Volume jumps and other audible artifacts offer plenty of opportunity for distraction.

Vonnegut's 1963 novel Cat's Cradle was my next companion on my recent commutes. This audio book, performed by actor Tony Roberts, was written and produced with equal professionalism. Roberts makes an appropriate narrator, his tone varying between the genuine naivety of Cat's Cradle's protagonist and Vonnegut's trademark sardonic wit.

The story itself is a wry look at science, religion, and the unconscionable things which both inflict upon their adherents and is, at equal turns, depressing and side-splittingly funny. I have to say, though, that although I both admire and respect Vonnegut, I can only take so much of him at a time. Although I am always intrigued to find out what new levels of sublimity his plots will rise to, whenever I read or listen to his books, I often feel that the craftsman is overshadowing the craft. I cannot "escape" into a Vonnegut book simply because I am always aware that it's Vonnegut telling the story and not one of his characters. Don't get me wrong--the stories and their telling are often brilliant--but I cannot help but see the architect behind the building, as it were.

Finally, today, I began listening to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Children of Hurin. I'll be honest: I've only listened to part of the first chapter, and I completely skipped the first disc as it is a very dry and poorly-recorded (too much bass and room noise; it was unintelligible in my car) introduction by Christopher Tolkien.
The book itself, though, is performed by none other than Christopher "Saruman" Lee. I could listen to that man read a grocery list and be perfectly content. So far, the story seems to sit halfway between The Lord of the Rings and its less-approachable (even Old Testamentish) cousin The Silmarillion in tone. I'm not yet hooked but neither am I fully engaged, either. I'll give you an update after another six CDs or so...

Enjoy the remainder of your summer, folks. Fall is approaching faster than you know.

Local Buddies on MTV!

2008-07-27T10:39:00.005-04:00

Just a quick shout-out for my longtime clients and friends The Gates of Slumber. As of yesterday, they have officially joined the ranks of mass pop culture by having their latest video featured on MTV2 and, as you will see below, having their lead singer's face (hey, Karl!) plastered on the network's website, too! If you like heavy, melodic tunes, give 'em a view and a listen over at www.mtv2.com.

Great work, boys! Keep it up!

A Lots Less Colors... Like Maybe Four

2008-07-25T22:59:00.002-04:00

Still busy, busy, busy with writing, teaching, re-writing, and more but I thought I'd toss this out: over at the AV Club, there's a nice interview with Mike Mignola, creator of Hellboy. Although I could have guessed as much from his writing (what little of it I've read, that is), we seem to have very similar creative styles and tastes. Case-in-point: his take on Guillermo del Toro's "troll market" scene in the recently-released Hellboy II--

The whole troll market scene is so not my sensibility. I tried like hell to make that scene go away. I wanted it to be more of a Western, High Noon kind of thing, where we just glimpse a couple characters disappearing into doorways and all these shadowy faces looking out between shutters at Hellboy. Of course, the scene as it is wound up being one that everybody loves. If I had gotten to make the exact movie I wanted to, it wouldn't have opened at number one. [Laughs.] I like stuff that's spookier. I would have used a lot less colors, like maybe four.

So, while I guess that doesn't bode as well for my own commercial success as a writer, it's nice to know that I wasn't the only one left with a sense that del Toro (whose work I generally enjoy) was just playing things a little too goofy in HB2.

Of course, who is the writer to argue when a blockbuster is on the line? As Mignola says in the final bit of Q&A

"My wife's favorite parts of the first movie are things that I tried desperately to get Guillermo to take out."

Yup... sounds about right. Doesn't it, Cori? ;-)

Have a good weekend, everybody.