TonyValle's blog

Back on the Vegan Bandwagon

TonyValle — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:40:45 +0000

Many folks don't know that I've been a struggling vegan for several years. Why "struggling?" Because it's difficult to live a clean, vegan lifestyle in our society today! I'm not interested in the "junk food vegan" thing. I'm trying to do my best to eat whole, plant-based foods that are unprocessed and low in fat.

I just think it makes the most sense for me right now. I'm tired of being a fat ass!

Here is Dr. John Mcdougall on his belief that a starch-based diet is what humans are supposed to be eating.

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Tony Valle at the Classical Guitar

TonyValle — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:27:39 +0000

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Discovering Local Indianapolis Musicians

TonyValle — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:59:54 +0000

I've been having a ball lately catching up on local music acts with the excellent Indy In-Tune podcast. If you are a music lover and an Indiana native, you simply MUST check out this show. Darrin Snider seems to know practically everyone in the local Indy music scene, and it's fun to hear him piece together little history lessons with each show.

As a direct result of Indy In-tune episodes, I've recently discovered Extra Blue Kind, Cara Jean Wahlers, and finally Tonos Triad. All three acts are (or were) incredible and originated here in good old Indianapolis. I've had a lot of fun getting my feet wet with the talent pool here. What a group of gifted people!

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Being Honest With Myself

TonyValle — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:36:16 +0000

Everything in my life is my own making. If there is something I'm not happy with, only I have the power to change it. I have created my own experience through the choices I have made with each and every waking minute. Maybe it's time I make some new, better choices and start to take responsibility for my own life.

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What Will Apple's Social Network "Ping" Mean for Musical Artists?

TonyValle — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:17:46 +0000

Apple announced the release of their social network Ping today. It will be built into iTunes 10. If I were smart, I'd hop right on this and push forward to become a Ping god. I'll try to post my progress. Read more about Ping here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2368579,00.asp

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Original Song for Piano: Overcome by Tony Valle

TonyValle — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:07:51 +0000

Cat Stevens - The Wind (Acoustic Cover)

TonyValle — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:57:13 +0000

I always liked listening to my Dad's "Best Of" Cat Stevens album when I was a little kid. His music and his voice have always touched me deeply. His music is so delicate and vulnerable. I think there is real beauty in that.

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Pres Maxson

TonyValle — Sat, 15 May 2010 14:26:02 +0000

Gonna do my best to catch Pres Maxson at the Mass Ave. Wine Bar tonight at 7:00pm. Hurray 4 live music! http://bit.ly/dk8b07 #indianapolisless than a minute ago via TweetDeckTony Valle
musicaltony

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Dark Secrets of a Stand-Alone Songwriter

TonyValle — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:21:37 +0000

I was just reading Dave Huffman's blog post about co-writing songs. My immediate reaction is a feeling that this probably wouldn't work for me. I've always written music by myself. Like literally, by myself.

It's just what I do. My songwriting process might be different than most though. Rather than "crafting" songs, I generally get inspired by complete ideas. In other words, when I write a song, it "comes to me" as a complete song. Words, melody, orchestration, etc.

The more songwriters I talk to, the more I understand that this is pretty rare. In fact, I don't know if I have ever met anyone else who can hear these totally completed ideas in their head. The older I get, the more I appreciate this as some sort of gift from a "higher power" of sorts.

But to be honest, I think there's a darker side to this gift as well. I've never really told anyone this before, but I think my gift for songwriting might even border on some sort of mental illness. You see, my process is almost like "hallucination." Some times I would almost swear there is a radio playing in the background.

I've never quite slipped into the realm of being "confused" about what is real and what isn't, but I might be right on the edge. For me, songwriting almost boils down to taking dictation. These things are swirling around my head almost all the time. All I have to do is just get calm and tune into it.

That probably sounds nice in theory, but sometimes it's difficult to just think straight. At any rate, I've finally decided to do my best to get this music out into the world rather than just letting it endlessly bang around in my head. I hope somebody likes it!

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Alicia Keys Behind the Scenes on the Piano

TonyValle — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:08:32 +0000

I really enjoyed this interview with Alicia Keys. I've been rediscovering the piano myself, and it's really fun to peek inside how she approaches a song. Enjoy!

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