Jeff MacDougall

Thank You

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:49:00 +0000

Three years ago, I wrote a song for my wife while she went head to head with breast cancer. I finally decided to recorded it and am now releasing it on my Bandcamp page. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this track through 2009 will go to FacingOurRisk.org, the only national nonprofit organization helping families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Thanks for listening! (and for donating!)

<a href="http://jeffmacdougall.bandcamp.com/track/thank-you">Thank You by Jeff MacDougall</a>

Better Too Late Than Too Never

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:36:00 +0000

I've been meaning to do this post about our new community site for months now, but I've been super busy with our new community site.

After some discussions with Mike Lombardo, we have decided to start a community site for artists not unlike ourselves. It's called Too Much Awesome and you can find it here. We have also started a companion podcast and are on our 4th episode where we interview everyone's favorite uke player, Molly Lewis. Other episodes include Russ Rogers and Paul and Storm. You should head over there right now and sign up. Everyone is doing it.

A Mile High

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Continuing with my FourTrack Sessions I offer you "Mile High". While waiting for our flight from Las Vegas back to Burbank, I jotted down a song idea. Once in the air, I excused myself to the bathroom, launched my FourTrack app on my iPhone and recorded this song. As far as I know, its the first song recorded on FourTrack from an airplane.

Thanks for listening!

Mile High <a href="http://jeffmacdougall.bandcamp.com/track/mile-high-2">Mile High by Jeff MacDougall</a>

JamLegend!

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:55:00 +0000

Tired of simply listening to my music over and over again, stopping only to eat and sleep? Don't worry, now you can play my songs ala Guitar Hero! Some of my music is now available at Jamlegend.com. Just click on the link and follow the instructions. WARNING: This game is a little addictive.

Thanks for listening! (and playing)

P.S. New FourTrack Sessions coming soon...

I'm still here...

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:08:00 +0000

...just way too busy.

I've been asked by several people if I will be competing in the next installment of Masters of Song Fu. The answer is no. I simply have far too much on my plate at the moment to participate in this round. I do, however, expect to be entering the next one.

What do you have on your plate, you ask?

At the moment, I am recording a CD of "kid friendly" pop music for toddlers (I have three children under five, if you were wondering what my motivation might be), mastering my first EP (not for kids), and writing another albums worth of material to release as my first official "Album". Not to mention a contribution to Viva La Fry and a few custom songs for some friends and fans. While I LOVE doing the Song Fu thing, I have come to realize that entering into every round is keeping me from finishing up these other projects.

In other news: I have a few more songs from "The Four Track Sessions" that I will be uploading soon, a new music store, and plan on doing some YouTube performances in the near future (requests welcome).

Also, my wife is evolving her blog to talk more about life and how to find beauty in all the chaos. Check out http://www.thesilverwhining.com/.

That's about it for now. I may be heading out to Boston for a couple of months and am considering doing some shows. These would be the first live performances I've done in over 10 years, so it should be real "treat". If you live in the North East and want to come out and hear me, let me know.

Thanks for listening!

The Final Round!

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:52:00 +0000

It looks like this is going to be the final round for me in this edition of Song Fu... (but go ahead and vote for me anyway!) Thanks to everyone for their support and votes. Head on over and give all the songs a listen. It's definitely worth it... and besides, it's free music!

Here is my latest submission:

It All Makes Sense At The End &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://jeffmacdougall.bandcamp.com/track/it-all-makes-sense-at-the-end"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;It All Makes Sense At The End by Jeff MacDougall&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Alright already!

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:40:00 +0000

I have finally updated and added my music to my YouTube page. I am hoping to start making some videos. Make some comments. Perform some songs, etc. Want to see or hear something specific? Let me know. Thanks for listening!

New Song!

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:29:00 +0000

I recently wrote and recorded a new song as part of Rednosenet.com's Red Nose Day celebration. "Do Something Funny for Money" is this years slogan, I believe. Thanks for listening!

Nerdy Cougar &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://jeffmacdougall.bandcamp.com/track/nerdy-cougar"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Nerdy Cougar by Jeff MacDougall&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

A Little Relief

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:07:00 +0000

... Comic Relief, that is. Today is Red Nose Day, folks. A day where everyone (at least across the pond) does something funny for charity. My little contribution is going up over at Rednosenet.com while Ken Plume and Widget Walls do a 24 hour, on camera marathon for the cause. They have a heap of celebrity guests lined up and it should be quite a ride. Check it out and donate, won't you?

Song Fu - Round Two voting begins!

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:44:00 +0000

The songs for round two are up and ready to be heard! Give them a spin, pretend to carefully consider voting for each and every one, then cast your vote for me. Thank you.

Seriously, there are some pretty good offerings this time around. I am pleasantly surprised at the outcome given the challenge of only using 10 words to create a song. Give all the songs a listen, won't you? After all, it's free music.

Listen and cast your vote here!

NapCast #5!

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:37:00 +0000

After a brief hiatus, I join my wife for another episode of NapCast. Give it a listen here. Enjoy!

The Voting Has Begun!

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:25:00 +0000

...so head on over to the Masters of Song Fu songwriting contest and cast your vote! The competition is stiff this time 'round so I can use all the help I can get. Thanks for listening! (and for voting!)

Masters of Song Fu #3!

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 07:23:00 +0000

It's that time again. Quickstopentertainment.com has launched round 3 of their Masters of Song Fu songwriting contest. I couldn't help but notice that the competition has become, well, bigger. They have a sponsor, more talent than ever before (gulp) and a new master in the line-up: Neil Innes. For those who don't know, Mr. Innes was responsible for much of Monty Python's music as well as a little project called "The Rutles". He has been a hero of mine since I was a kid so, needless to say, I am very excited (and nervous) about this particular cycle of the contest. The song we need to write for this first round has one simple rule. We need to write a "happy" song. That's it. So I have a question - What is "happy" to you? (Or more to the point... do you have any ideas? 'cause it's been a busy week and I need to get crackin'.) Check out the contest and the other contestants and stay tuned. I'll post again when the songs are up and ready for voting on.

In other news, I have updated my blogs look. (what do you think?) My new album is coming along nicely, but it's taking longer than expected. Also, look for a new Napcast very soon. Thanks for listening!

Napcast: The Final Word... Or Is It?

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 08:35:00 +0000

Wonder what I think about the drama surrounding T-O this week?

Want to hear Jackie's challenge to everyone's favorite anonymous commenter?

Well then you're in luck! Napcast: Episode 4 has all the makings of a made-for-TV movie... drama, suspense and even some bad acting. Plus: If you listen now, you'll even get to hear sweet Lucy's debut Napcast appearance. Straight from her mama's lap, of course.

Click here to head over to Taiwan-on.com to listen!

NapCast Episode 3!

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:42:00 +0000

... is up and ready for your unrelenting criticism. Click here to head over to Taiwan-on.com to give it a listen.

-

NapCast - Episode 2!

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:56:00 +0000

Episode 2 of NapCast is up and ready for your listening pleasure. Check it out here on my wife's blog... and please give us some feedback. Thanks for listening!

NapCast!

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 06:46:00 +0000

So, the wife and I have been talking about doing a podcast for as long as there have been podcasts... but with 3 kids under 4, how do you find the time? Nap time of course! So now, at the start of a new year, we present to you NapCast. A short, weekly (we think) podcast about quality of life, music, media and of course... parenting. We will have interesting interviews with people who have gained insight into the secret to living (and not just surviving) in this chaotic time. Here is our premiere episode. It's a little rough and we are still working on the format... but we wanted to get it out there to kick off the new year. Enjoy!

NapCast Episode #1

You can also catch the podcast on my wifes blog here. Let's not just survive 2009, let's make it amazing!

Jeff

_

Becky The Office Party Drunk Girl

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:37:00 +0000

Becky pictured here with random co-worker

Yes. That's the name of my new song entered into the holiday edition of Masters of Song Fu. Some of you have asked who Becky is. ...or at least who is doing the voice of Becky. I'm ~~ashamed~~ proud to say that it's my wife. I hope everyone enjoys Becky as much as I have over the years. (well, not as much as I have) Enjoy!

Becky The Office Party Drunk Girl &amp;amp;lt;a href="http://jeffmacdougall.bandcamp.com/track/becky-the-office-party-drunk-girl"&amp;amp;gt;Becky The Office Party Drunk Girl by Jeff MacDougall&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

Holiday Fu!

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:36:00 +0000

Click here to listen to all the songs in the holiday edition of Masters Of Song Fu! There is no voting this time around. Everyone is a winner when it's this time of year. Enjoy!

How It All Started

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 04:37:00 +0000

So, a few (okay, more than a few) people have been e-mailing and commenting that it would be nice to know a little more about my songs. Lyrics, subject, etc. So I've decided to do some posts that elaborate on the history and inspiration behind each of my songs.

For this post, I'll start with "Song For Lucy"

I was inspired to write this song when I discovered that Lucy, the little girl my wife and I were adopting (see pic above) wasn't coming home as soon as we thought, due to some red tape. We were pretty devastated. So I turned to the one outlet that I have been using for years... song writing. Only this time my wife convinced me to actually let other people hear it. "It's time to stop hiding behind your "hobby" and express yourself so that others might feel what you are going through." She said. So I put it up on itunes and started this blog. That was 9 months ago and I haven't looked back. Now, I'm recording my first album and things are going quite well. And yes, Lucy is home with us now.

<a href="http://jeffmacdougall.bandcamp.com/album/song-for-lucy">Song For Lucy by Jeff MacDougall</a>

There is no parade
dinners getting cold
your empty bed untouched
nothing to take hold

sitting in the dark
sitting without you
just one question mark
do you miss us too?

And how could I miss someone
I've never known before
And why are you not with us
playing, sleeping, dreaming

And what are you thinking
And do you think of us
And where are you headed
I'm worried, I confess

And when will I see you
And do you even care
And who do you love
Who do you love

Pictures that I have
don't really say a thing
don't really tell a story
just keep us on a string

My tears have all gone dry
just like an empty well
and I just wanna know
is there a way to tell

why it's taking so long
to see your precious face
and why are not with us
God just say I'm dreaming

And what are you thinking
And do you think of us
And where are you headed
I'm worried, I confess

And when will I see you
And do you even care
And who do you love

Lucy where are you
help us to know
Lucy we love you
please come home

Pictures that I have
don't really say a thing
don't really tell a story
just keep us on a string

sitting in the dark
sitting without you
there's just one question mark

What are you thinking
And do you think of us
And where are you headed
I'm worried, I confess
And when will I see you
And do you even care
And who do you look like
And how long is your hair
And where is my baby
And how do I go on
And why can't I see you
My hope is almost gone
And baby I love you
But do you even care
And who do you love
Who do you love

_

'Tis The Season...

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:59:00 +0000

...to write Christmas music. And what better way to celebrate the holidays than to compete in a songwriting competition. This special holiday edition of Masters of Song Fu is a one off. One song to win it all. Wish me luck... i'm gonna need it.

Happy Anniversary

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:43:00 +0000

Six years ago today, I married my best friend. At the reception, I borrowed the bands acoustic guitar and played a song for my wife. Here is the original song written and performed by Jim Boggia. Happy anniversary baby. I love you.

That, For me, Is You

My Biggest Fan(ilow)

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:20:00 +0000

Apparently my music ability (or lack thereof) runs in the family. I thought people would enjoy my four year old's rendition of "Mandy". I sure did...

I'm Thankful...

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:03:00 +0000

Another long commute in the car with nothing but a FourTrack recorder in my hand and the upcoming holiday on my mind. The following is what I did today while driving and thinking about how thankful I am for my muse (my wife) and about how distressful our economic situation is here in the U.S.A.

Enjoy!

<a href="http://jeffmacdougall.bandcamp.com/track/happier">Happier by Jeff MacDougall</a>

What's it like?

jeff@jeffmacdougall.com (Jeff) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:47:00 +0000

You know, people often ask, "Jeff? What's it like to be a songwriter?"

It's a difficult question to answer. Luckily, I found a video that pretty much sums it up. I hope this helps give you some insight into what we songwriters go through. Enjoy.