http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:46:51 GMT http://bandzoogle.com http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=235810 Spring is arguably the most beautiful season of the year. In this time of blossoms and warm breezes, I'm called, in my songwriting, toward a quest for beauty. I'm a bit of a naturalist and always hope to be in sync with nature. It is my hope that I will bring forth my own musical blossoms soon. In every one of the 8 records I've released, there's at least one pretty song. Invariably, those songs are slower and melodic. The consistency there is an homage to my hedonism because beauty is certainly a source of pleasure. I'm fortunate to have a regular fiddle player these days, Richard Bowden, who can be utterly beautiful when the song inspires him. I've written a few songs with his penchant for beautiful contributions in mind. And he's never disappointed me. When I consider my body of work, I am as proud of the songs that some have called beautiful as I am of any of the others. They are my contributions to a part of the world that is inspiring in a humbling way. And those songs remind me to be proactive. Beauty is to be shared. It's almost a medium to what is right in the world.
In every one of the 8 records I've released, there's at least one pretty song. Invariably, those songs are slower and melodic. The consistency there is an homage to my hedonism because beauty is certainly a source of pleasure.

I'm fortunate to have a regular fiddle player these days, Richard Bowden, who can be utterly beautiful when the song inspires him. I've written a few songs with his penchant for beautiful contributions in mind. And he's never disappointed me.

When I consider my body of work, I am as proud of the songs that some have called beautiful as I am of any of the others. They are my contributions to a part of the world that is inspiring in a humbling way. And those songs remind me to be proactive. Beauty is to be shared. It's almost a medium to what is right in the world.
]]> Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:46:51 GMT 03608276B991B68A37648680824CD56C http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=224249 I don't do many interviews these days but there was a time that I got used to them. Most of the journalists would ask me about my process of writing. I suppose that's why the fact that my process is a mystery to me has nagged at me over the years. I wish I understood what happens when I write a good song. That way I could court and control it. But I don't understand it. It seems I'm a channel to something outside myself and yet the results can be very customized. God, as well, has always been mysterious to me. And that's a small part of why I've connected, in my mind, the songwriting process I go through and my perception of God's influence on my life. That's kind of like seeing the hunger of birds satiated by God's Mother Nature and equating that with the satiation of one's hunger for a song. I regularly survive within the mystery of songwriting. It's an interesting thing for me to be led by. If I could tell someone how I do what I do, I probably wouldn't have done it for 28 years. I suppose I get an affirmation of God's love when I successfully write a song. And maybe that's why I do it. I do believe that God is the artist behind the creation of the universe. So, attempting to be an artist within that universe helps one to feel closer to what I consider the supreme creative force. But I don't know how God creates and I don't know how I create. There is no hard and fast ritual I use. There is no consistent process. The best I can do is be open to muses in what amounts to a hunt for magic.
God, as well, has always been mysterious to me. And that's a small part of why I've connected, in my mind, the songwriting process I go through and my perception of God's influence on my life. That's kind of like seeing the hunger of birds satiated by God's Mother Nature and equating that with the satiation of one's hunger for a song.

I regularly survive within the mystery of songwriting. It's an interesting thing for me to be led by. If I could tell someone how I do what I do, I probably wouldn't have done it for 28 years. I suppose I get an affirmation of God's love when I successfully write a song. And maybe that's why I do it. I do believe that God is the artist behind the creation of the universe. So, attempting to be an artist within that universe helps one to feel closer to what I consider the supreme creative force. But I don't know how God creates and I don't know how I create. There is no hard and fast ritual I use. There is no consistent process. The best I can do is be open to muses in what amounts to a hunt for magic.
]]> Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:36:03 GMT 699D2ACDF4DB359E0E62F44F283282DA http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=186667 When I was growing up, my dad kept me busy helping him at a farm we had and also tending to some rental properties he owned. Quality time with him was something like working on barbed wire fences all day. He instilled a good work ethic in me. Now, besides working at my music, I keep the house clean for my girlfriend who is often working during the day. Recently, I was feeling a little guilty about not doing enough and then i stopped. I always have something related to my music on my mind. There's a song I'm working on or a gig I'm trying to book. I write all the time and work at keeping dates of my shows on the calendar, all the time. I'm always working. So, I wrote a song to help me remember that, even though it's second nature to me, my music is a full time job. This will help me when I start to feel like, after the dishes, I should do some farm work. You can listen to "Always Working" and or download it for free via the "Free mp3's" tab above this blog. I hope you enjoy.                             Peace, Will T. 
Now, besides working at my music, I keep the house clean for my girlfriend who is often working during the day. Recently, I was feeling a little guilty about not doing enough and then i stopped. I always have something related to my music on my mind. There's a song I'm working on or a gig I'm trying to book. I write all the time and work at keeping dates of my shows on the calendar, all the time. I'm always working. So, I wrote a song to help me remember that, even though it's second nature to me, my music is a full time job. This will help me when I start to feel like, after the dishes, I should do some farm work.

You can listen to "Always Working" and or download it for free via the "Free mp3's" tab above this blog. I hope you enjoy.                            

Peace,

Will T. ]]> Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:28:41 GMT 05631BB60F94005A6E84536F4333358C http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=183351 Ever since 9/11, the terror alert level has been rising. Now the nudists of California have come out in favor of the full body scanners at airports and other places. With our internet activity monitored with an eye toward censorship and cameras on street corners etc., we're approaching an electronic police state. And it's all in the name of keeping us safe from terrorists. But we, the innocent citizens, are treated like suspects who are guilty until proven innocent. I'm tired of it. Here's a new song stating, for the record, that I am not a terrorist. This is one of my braver endeavors in song. You can listen to the whole thing and or download it for free at the "Free mp3's" tab above this blog. I hope you enjoy. Peace, Will T. 
Here's a new song stating, for the record, that I am not a terrorist. This is one of my braver endeavors in song. You can listen to the whole thing and or download it for free at the "Free mp3's" tab above this blog. I hope you enjoy.

Peace,

Will T. ]]> Sun, 14 Feb 2010 01:20:00 GMT 3185A88B59FAA8BB0E03855353489C7F http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=162845 I have one new year's resolution, to release a new record in 2010. I've been taking stock of my new material and I'm happy to report that I have just enough songs. This is my favorite time to be a songwriter. The obligation of coming up with a CD's worth of new music is done. I've made a recording of my choices, at this point, and am now in the "better the work tape" process. Everything I write now might be released this year. Because of that, there's an excitement to my songwriting that comes around each time I'm choosing songs for a record. I'm closest to my audience now. I'm in a window of songwriting time wherein I might come up with something you'll love to hear and or own. Luckily, bookings and band availability has been good so I have ample opportunity to try out new songs. My muses seem to have a lot of purpose now and I'm considering all the possibilities a new recording project brings. I don't have the budget for extravagant recording and a promotion push for this project. That's all the more reason to work at my collection being better and better. It'll have to be good enough to sell itself some. All of the positive communications I've received from around the world come back to me now. Who might I reach this year with a song I write tonight? I feel very grateful to have a little audience for my work. Therein is still a reason to write a record. Peace, Will T. Massey
My muses seem to have a lot of purpose now and I'm considering all the possibilities a new recording project brings. I don't have the budget for extravagant recording and a promotion push for this project. That's all the more reason to work at my collection being better and better. It'll have to be good enough to sell itself some. All of the positive communications I've received from around the world come back to me now. Who might I reach this year with a song I write tonight? I feel very grateful to have a little audience for my work. Therein is still a reason to write a record.

Peace,

Will T. Massey
]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2010 02:20:00 GMT 8A6FBE37423C07150C7780F58372F07F http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=137046 Over the last few years, I've received news on a couple of occasions that someone fairly young in my life has passed away. The disquieting experiences have caused me to think about my own mortality. Both of my friends, too soon from this world, were involved in the music community. So, music played apart in marking their passings. Saying my goodbyes, I found myself wondering what music would mark my passing. A few weeks ago, I decided to take a shot at writing a song for my own funeral and "I Had A Good Life" was what I came up with. I like the song pretty good and have it recorded here at the "Free mp 3's" tab (above this blog) if you'd like to listen to it and or download it, free of charge. This is my way of summing up a ride that has been interesting and promises to remain so. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and find some love to take into the new year. Peace, Will T. Massey
Saying my goodbyes, I found myself wondering what music would mark my passing. A few weeks ago, I decided to take a shot at writing a song for my own funeral and "I Had A Good Life" was what I came up with. I like the song pretty good and have it recorded here at the "Free mp 3's" tab (above this blog) if you'd like to listen to it and or download it, free of charge. This is my way of summing up a ride that has been interesting and promises to remain so.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and find some love to take into the new year.

Peace,

Will T. Massey
]]> Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:08:59 GMT F66F60E77307B910B130FFED4EBBAC47 http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=102980 After more than 20 years of pursuing a career as a singer/songwriter/performer, I found myself in the inspiring position of being only a source of support for another's pursuit of an artistic dream. My girlfriend, a photographer, has her first exhibit up this month. Having a bird's eye view of her groundbreaking endeavor has inspired me to think young again about my own journey as an artist. it has taken a great deal of courage for Valerie to cull through thousands of pictures, choose and invest in some to be framed, hang them and then invite the community to see them. It was a huge and successful step in her burgeoning career as a photographer. I was taken back to the event of releasing my first record. Each picture was like a song and the audience was being introduced to this person anew. Seeing Valerie follow her passion to a beautiful end reminded me of why I do what I do. I genuinely love writing a song, when it works, then following it to the conclusion of sharing. And I've made that love central to my existence because, from it, comes enough fulfillment to sustain peace and happiness. Valerie and I share the same goal, to earn a living with our art. we're not there yet but we're getting closer. Every affirmation we individually recieve is an affirmation of the destinies we believe we were meant to follow. So, thank you for your encouraging emails, your attendance at shows and for buying my music. Any and all of that fuels a confidence which is challenged by insecutity. My show this Friday takes place at the venue where Valerie's pictures are hanging. If the weather is bad, I'll be inside surrounded by her work. it will be an honor to sing pieces of a dream amid pieces of a dream. Peace, Will T. Massey
Seeing Valerie follow her passion to a beautiful end reminded me of why I do what I do. I genuinely love writing a song, when it works, then following it to the conclusion of sharing. And I've made that love central to my existence because, from it, comes enough fulfillment to sustain peace and happiness.

Valerie and I share the same goal, to earn a living with our art. we're not there yet but we're getting closer. Every affirmation we individually recieve is an affirmation of the destinies we believe we were meant to follow. So, thank you for your encouraging emails, your attendance at shows and for buying my music. Any and all of that fuels a confidence which is challenged by insecutity.

My show this Friday takes place at the venue where Valerie's pictures are hanging. If the weather is bad, I'll be inside surrounded by her work. it will be an honor to sing pieces of a dream amid pieces of a dream.

Peace,

Will T. Massey


]]> Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:47:52 GMT 4929B8CF433C985C5A13A5898839CDA2 http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=75888 Getting ready for my big show @ Flipnotics this Saturday I recorded a demo of a recent song, "I'll Be True To You," for the fiddle and cello. It sounds good enough to me to share so I've made it available via the Free MP3s tab on this website. You can download it or just listen. This is just me and a guitar. The song was inspired by the wonderful woman I've been with for 3+ years. "I've been a rebel all my life for rock 'n' roll/ I'll break with the law and our leaders too/ There's a little loyalty left in my soul/ And baby, I'll be true to you" My old record "Kicking Up Dust" will be available for free for few more days. I've been dusting off some of the songs therein and playing them again. I hope you enjoy.  Will T.
My old record "Kicking Up Dust" will be available for free for few more days. I've been dusting off some of the songs therein and playing them again.

I hope you enjoy. 

Will T.]]> Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:35:00 GMT 4E9293BB50D9CCB1700DDDBF9841500A http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=63813 Recently, an old friend was coming over for dinner as I was finishing a song. I suppose the fact that I was fairly confident that I had a good new song had a lot to do with the direction my mind took. My friend used to be in the music business and has heard and commented on numerous new songs over the years. The thought occurred to me, while I considered playing the song for her, that there are no authorities in art. A diversity of opinions flourish and even the artists, who must give their work up for scrunity and consumption, are only considered subjective commentators on their own creations. Record sales are not an adequate measure for the greatness of songs. There is rarely a consensus among critics about an individual piece of work. And, even if there is, there will be some who legitimately disagree. Because no one is definitively right in their opinion about a tune. The best we can do in an attempt to be a pleasing part of the artistic process is to be true to ourselves in our creations. It's a difficult thing, knowing what's a keeper and what's not. I've found that honest friends are the best sounding boards and invaluable. I recently wrote a line for a chorus, "I've been a rebel all my life for rock 'n' roll." I've never done well encountering authorities and I'm quite comfortable working at a craft that succeeds or fails on a case by case basis, each audience of one. Each artist is the ultimate critic of his or her own work. That's where it lives or dies. When I find the critic in me being too kind to myself, I'm glad I have understanding friends. And I'm glad I have a lot of songs. My old friend liked my new song, "A Sane Goodbye" a lot and so did my girlfriend so, so far, I'm glad I gave it a chance. Although songwriting is therapeutic, the songs are really supposed to be shared. Hopefully, I'm right in my belief that I'm supposed to write songs and play them for people. That way when objectivity is lost, nature takes over and the outcome will be positive.  
Record sales are not an adequate measure for the greatness of songs. There is rarely a consensus among critics about an individual piece of work. And, even if there is, there will be some who legitimately disagree. Because no one is definitively right in their opinion about a tune. The best we can do in an attempt to be a pleasing part of the artistic process is to be true to ourselves in our creations. It's a difficult thing, knowing what's a keeper and what's not. I've found that honest friends are the best sounding boards and invaluable.

I recently wrote a line for a chorus, "I've been a rebel all my life for rock 'n' roll." I've never done well encountering authorities and I'm quite comfortable working at a craft that succeeds or fails on a case by case basis, each audience of one. Each artist is the ultimate critic of his or her own work. That's where it lives or dies. When I find the critic in me being too kind to myself, I'm glad I have understanding friends. And I'm glad I have a lot of songs.

My old friend liked my new song, "A Sane Goodbye" a lot and so did my girlfriend so, so far, I'm glad I gave it a chance. Although songwriting is therapeutic, the songs are really supposed to be shared. Hopefully, I'm right in my belief that I'm supposed to write songs and play them for people. That way when objectivity is lost, nature takes over and the outcome will be positive.  
]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:33:02 GMT 8D010DA461B77C551D7ECDA16624C28F http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=50287 I have succomed to the masses and joined Facebook and Twitter. Now I have a wealth of elementary school friends at my fingertips and I know when an act I like is making a grocery list. Myspace, Facebook and Twitter all ask me to share what I'm doing right now, all the time. I don't like to update my "friends" about things like feeding the dogs but I don't like my posts to be exclusively of promotion, "Come to my gig," "Listen to my song." So, I'm challenged by the little boxes wanting to know my daily activities. I guess it's flattering, the notion that even mundane occurences are of interest to others. I like these mediums on the net but I just don't find everyday life so exciting that I want to update everybody all the time. Do people really want to know that my dryer broke and I had to hang my clothes outside or that I picked up a real good, bean burrito from Taco Bell? The idea of Twitter is to get a lot of followers and there's "trending" topics you can write on to put your face out there to a wider audience. I get a kick out of trending topic posts that are just a link to some unrelated page. A fish hook looking for a bite. I'm liking the political stuff on the updates the best. I love to see the masses being the press. And some feel that with all the government surveillance, we're living in an electronic police state. My girlfriend thinks the daily activity updates are an interesting turn in the road. That we are our own surveillance and we're sharing it. Having an online rolodex of old friends and acquaintances, like Facebook provides, is amazing but what do you say to someone you haven't seen in twenty years besides, "I want to be your Facebook friend?" One 8th grade infatuation won't confirm me as a friend and I'm crushed, jilted again. I'm not the most socially proactive person on the web but I'm working on it. I admire the people who know their way around the net and partake in all the social activities on it. I now have 3 websites I'll be updating. My line of work is very social and the worldwide web is like a big party to me. My next record will probably be released online, exclusively. Right now, these blogs are my most fruitful, online endeavor. I really appreciate your reading them. I hope the technologically social world is being kind to you. I'm honored to be a part of yours. Peace, Will T.
I'm liking the political stuff on the updates the best. I love to see the masses being the press. And some feel that with all the government surveillance, we're living in an electronic police state. My girlfriend thinks the daily activity updates are an interesting turn in the road. That we are our own surveillance and we're sharing it.

Having an online rolodex of old friends and acquaintances, like Facebook provides, is amazing but what do you say to someone you haven't seen in twenty years besides, "I want to be your Facebook friend?" One 8th grade infatuation won't confirm me as a friend and I'm crushed, jilted again.

I'm not the most socially proactive person on the web but I'm working on it. I admire the people who know their way around the net and partake in all the social activities on it. I now have 3 websites I'll be updating. My line of work is very social and the worldwide web is like a big party to me. My next record will probably be released online, exclusively. Right now, these blogs are my most fruitful, online endeavor. I really appreciate your reading them. I hope the technologically social world is being kind to you. I'm honored to be a part of yours.

Peace,

Will T.
]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:40:00 GMT 859811DB8185AC6ED07F259F89C388BC http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=46759 I've had a few requests to post the set list for the show I wrote about in my previous blog so, here it is. All the songs are on records except where noted. This was my birthday gift to my girlfriend. She chose all the songs. I wrote and recorded 9 of them before I could legally buy a drink. I think she was onto something, bringing out the old stuff. We had a full house and I received a standing ovation at the end. 1. Rock 'N' Roll Blue Eyes (recent) 2. Half As Lonely ('88) 3. That's Texas ('88) 4. The Poolroom ('87) 5. Old Fashioned Love ('87) 6. The Great Beyond Near (recent) 7. Then The Lone Star Will Stop Shining ('88) 8. The Dark Side Of A Dream ('88) 9. A Summertime Graveyard ('91) 10. Old Blue ('87) 11. I'll Never Love You Wrong ('06) 12. American Prayer ('08) 13. The Cost Of Living ('88) 14. Road Of Roses ('88) A lot of preparation went into the show as I'd forgotten most of the words to most of the songs. And in addition to  the familiar genius of Richard Bowden (fiddle), I appeared for the first time with drummer Dylan Fury. The morning after the show, my girlfriend told me that she woke up happy about it all so, I'm counting the endeavor as a success. We attempted to videotape and record the show on a laptop. We're awaiting the results but hopefully, Valerie will have her favorites in one place soon. I think, now that I've dusted off some songs, I'll start playing a few of 'em more often. Peace, Will T.
1. Rock 'N' Roll Blue Eyes (recent)
2. Half As Lonely ('88)
3. That's Texas ('88)
4. The Poolroom ('87)
5. Old Fashioned Love ('87)
6. The Great Beyond Near (recent)
7. Then The Lone Star Will Stop Shining ('88)
8. The Dark Side Of A Dream ('88)
9. A Summertime Graveyard ('91)
10. Old Blue ('87)
11. I'll Never Love You Wrong ('06)
12. American Prayer ('08)
13. The Cost Of Living ('88)
14. Road Of Roses ('88)

A lot of preparation went into the show as I'd forgotten most of the words to most of the songs. And in addition to  the familiar genius of Richard Bowden (fiddle), I appeared for the first time with drummer Dylan Fury. The morning after the show, my girlfriend told me that she woke up happy about it all so, I'm counting the endeavor as a success. We attempted to videotape and record the show on a laptop. We're awaiting the results but hopefully, Valerie will have her favorites in one place soon. I think, now that I've dusted off some songs, I'll start playing a few of 'em more often.

Peace,

Will T.
]]> Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:40:00 GMT 31300012B9E6D8037F0DB1978541D9CD http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=45559 For my sweetheart's birthday, she wanted to choose all the songs on my set list for a show I'm doing in a couple of days (6/19/09). The great majority of her choices are songs I would never play of my own design. She likes old and rare songs I've written and forgotten. I turned down her request for her gift several times before finally experiencing a change of heart. The root of my acquiescence is philosophical. I believe that when I write and perform well, I am being an instrument of muses more than I am being a musician. At best, I'm a clear channel for the music to come through. So, I don't really feel that I own my songs. They come from somewhere beyond me and I believe the artistic gifts I possess are indicative of a debt I have to God. I pay down on that debt by sharing my art with others. Hopefully, I leave them with a sense that they were entertained. My girlfriend's request challenged me to get my ego out of the process. I'm flattered that she's into my music enough to come up with a set. I've done thousands of set lists alone and, this once, I'll be proud to be an instrument of her happiness in celebration of her birthday. Songs are like precious stones I've collected over the years. Showing a unique group of them is becoming a source of pride as I prepare. They're not mine any more than they're my girlfriend's or somebody else's. I just tend to their births and places. Peace, Will T.
So, I don't really feel that I own my songs. They come from somewhere beyond me and I believe the artistic gifts I possess are indicative of a debt I have to God. I pay down on that debt by sharing my art with others. Hopefully, I leave them with a sense that they were entertained. My girlfriend's request challenged me to get my ego out of the process. I'm flattered that she's into my music enough to come up with a set. I've done thousands of set lists alone and, this once, I'll be proud to be an instrument of her happiness in celebration of her birthday.

Songs are like precious stones I've collected over the years. Showing a unique group of them is becoming a source of pride as I prepare. They're not mine any more than they're my girlfriend's or somebody else's. I just tend to their births and places.

Peace,

Will T.
]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:15:00 GMT AA12E1CECE48E2DCC62C87B542B32184 http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=44659 I sign off on all mass emails with "Peace, Will T." I close all my personal emails the same way. I thought I'd take a minute to let you know that "Peace" is a lot more than a casual salutation to me. "Peace" has been my mantra for years. Settling my mind was a great challenge for a stretch of time. I found that by chanting the word silently to myself, I could return to sense of groundedness. I still use the chant every now and then. On a recent trip to Italy,  we learned the Italian word for peace, "Pace." Italians started hanging Pace flags from their balconies at the start of the Iraq war. My favorite thing to bring home was one of the flags. Looking for a name for a new, wild German Shepherd, we settled on Pace, figuring it a good utterance to have around the house and, hopefully, one that would have a calming effect on our dog. My fiddle player and constant gig companion, Richard Bowden has an organization, Instruments For Peace. Through that, he gets 1000 people, a lot of musicians bearing instruments, to hit the streets and march for peace on the anniversary of America's invasion of Iraq. Politically, Richard and I are right in sink and we keep a consciousness of peace present in our performances. My girlfriend and I will frequently hold up two fingers for peace, greeting or saying goodbye to people. And it is a deeply sincere sentiment. It is my earnest hope that each of you have a place for peace in your lives. A little bit of personal serenity goes a long way toward tweaking the tone of the world. So, now it is with this beloved and loaded word that I bid you farewell. Peace, Will T.
"Peace" has been my mantra for years. Settling my mind was a great challenge for a stretch of time. I found that by chanting the word silently to myself, I could return to sense of groundedness. I still use the chant every now and then.

On a recent trip to Italy,  we learned the Italian word for peace, "Pace." Italians started hanging Pace flags from their balconies at the start of the Iraq war. My favorite thing to bring home was one of the flags. Looking for a name for a new, wild German Shepherd, we settled on Pace, figuring it a good utterance to have around the house and, hopefully, one that would have a calming effect on our dog.

My fiddle player and constant gig companion, Richard Bowden has an organization, Instruments For Peace. Through that, he gets 1000 people, a lot of musicians bearing instruments, to hit the streets and march for peace on the anniversary of America's invasion of Iraq. Politically, Richard and I are right in sink and we keep a consciousness of peace present in our performances.

My girlfriend and I will frequently hold up two fingers for peace, greeting or saying goodbye to people. And it is a deeply sincere sentiment. It is my earnest hope that each of you have a place for peace in your lives. A little bit of personal serenity goes a long way toward tweaking the tone of the world. So, now it is with this beloved and loaded word that I bid you farewell.

Peace,

Will T.
]]> Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:55:00 GMT B6CEAF0E51C31F05D115CE167E9220C9 http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=42963 I was an adolescent during America's cold war with Russia. President Reagan was leading us in a nuclear arms race with the Soviets. I distinctly remember thinking that a nuclear bomb might be about to fall in my hometown every time I heard an airplane fly over. In a high school English class, I studied 16th century poets of the motto, "Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we may die." It was during this time that the origin of my hedonism took root. I decided to pursue a life as a singer/songwriter and even went so far as selling casettes of original songs in class instead of doing schoolwork. "Eat, drink and be merry..." was right in line with guitar work. Playing music was what I wanted to do more than anything else and I supposed life to be too short to settle so, I made a life of it. The poet, Robert Frost was in the mix too. "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the road less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." Two people in my life have recently been diagnosed with cancer. It seems that we are all reminded from time to time of the fragility of life. Every sunset, every laugh is precious. If I had the opportunity to forge my road again, I'd take a hard look at becoming an attorney and a politition, championing the constitution. I'd sure like the finanacial security. But when the brevity of this part of the journey is in my face like it is now, I know I'd follow the same path again. An axiom my father uses from time to time is, "We regret more the things we don't do than the things we do." I wholeheartedly agree. I've loved the ups and downs of this, this whole struggle and kick of trying to have a career with my music. The pursuit of sustenance through original music and I are like a good, old married couple of lifetimes who are still in love. I really can't imagine doing anything else. I treat every record and every show like it's the last one I'll ever do. And living in the now has been a consistent theme in my songs over the years. From "The Great Beyond Near," "Life goes by like a summer breeze, It all comes down to memories." From "A Summertime Graveyard," "Time will take the golden leaves, Before the fall is through, I'd love to make some memories with you." So this is not just an occupation for me, it's a hedonistic pursuit of memories with meaning. I hope I make it to old age and I hope you'll continue to be a part of my quest to do so in music that is, to me, like Waldon Woods was to the writer Henry David Thoreau. "I went to the woods because I wanted to take a good look at life. I wanted to learn what life had to teach. What I didn't want was to discover, just before I died, that I hadn't lived at all."  
Two people in my life have recently been diagnosed with cancer. It seems that we are all reminded from time to time of the fragility of life. Every sunset, every laugh is precious. If I had the opportunity to forge my road again, I'd take a hard look at becoming an attorney and a politition, championing the constitution. I'd sure like the finanacial security. But when the brevity of this part of the journey is in my face like it is now, I know I'd follow the same path again. An axiom my father uses from time to time is, "We regret more the things we don't do than the things we do." I wholeheartedly agree. I've loved the ups and downs of this, this whole struggle and kick of trying to have a career with my music. The pursuit of sustenance through original music and I are like a good, old married couple of lifetimes who are still in love. I really can't imagine doing anything else.

I treat every record and every show like it's the last one I'll ever do. And living in the now has been a consistent theme in my songs over the years. From "The Great Beyond Near," "Life goes by like a summer breeze, It all comes down to memories." From "A Summertime Graveyard," "Time will take the golden leaves, Before the fall is through, I'd love to make some memories with you." So this is not just an occupation for me, it's a hedonistic pursuit of memories with meaning. I hope I make it to old age and I hope you'll continue to be a part of my quest to do so in music that is, to me, like Waldon Woods was to the writer Henry David Thoreau. "I went to the woods because I wanted to take a good look at life. I wanted to learn what life had to teach. What I didn't want was to discover, just before I died, that I hadn't lived at all."  
]]> Thu, 21 May 2009 00:50:00 GMT 1D02FC32BE0CC9B1C71955124799ECF9 http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=40995 The other day, I was making a list of songs that I haven't released. I noticed that with the inclusion of one song, "Coffee Break," that I have released, I had half a record of songs wherein angels figure prominently. I've been busy writing the other half and now have a complete collection of songs of an angel theme. I don't yet know what I'll do with the collection, if anything, but the project has been a positive focus. I've seen a lot in my life, more than I care to remember, and a few angels have been highlights. I appreciate your reading this little bit of news. Here is some of a new song, "Angels Of Dreams." Replacing a window payne In a skyscraper, high My dream was going up While I was passing by The worker hit a snag And my dream fell away I'm cut on the shards of my love But I'm going to be okay Every dream that dies Is born again and flies An angel for the fight For a new dream tonight Peace, Will T. 
I appreciate your reading this little bit of news. Here is some of a new song, "Angels Of Dreams."

Replacing a window payne
In a skyscraper, high
My dream was going up
While I was passing by
The worker hit a snag
And my dream fell away
I'm cut on the shards of my love
But I'm going to be okay

Every dream that dies
Is born again and flies
An angel for the fight
For a new dream tonight

Peace,

Will T. 
]]> Sat, 02 May 2009 21:40:00 GMT 7DF2185AAB47C1F34DDF585DEA3B8878 http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=37835 Years ago, I went through a long stint as an atheist. So, I totally understand if the following blog doesn't quite sit right with some of you. You might consider it an expression of a certain kind of magic, mojo or working delusion. I never push my faith. That's not what this is. It's just a little bit of what's been going on with me. I think God likes music. Rivers rush, crickets chirp and leaves rustle in the wind. Nature is a virtual symphony of sound. I know that the calling to be a musician is honored by The Creator. He may even favor it. A few wise acquaintances, upon seeing me after a hiatus, have asked, "Do you still have a guitar?" The implication has always been that no matter what my circumstances were, if I was still playing, I had a good shot at being okay. I think my friends were onto the way the man upstairs probably looks at me. A new song, a good gig, any music related collaboration with other people... These are the kinds of things that go a long way toward getting me brownie points with God. He knows that mine is a tough line of work and seems to consistently accentuate the positive, offering me encouragement to continue the endeavor. I truly wonder if I could be okay not playing. Last weekend, I played 5 shows in 4 days of the SXSW music festival. I put a little more forethought into my prayers those days because I believe they're heard with increasing gravity the more use my guitar. During the festival, there was no escaping that music is the work of my life. I could almost hear God saying, "There you are. You're doing it and I'm helping." That's when I started writing this blog, when I was in my element. One of my most consistent prayers is "...please help me to write some new songs." I have tons of them and am mulling over concepts for my next record. There may be an angel theme because angels have crept up in a handful of the tunes. So, because I look for help from God in the writing process, it naturally follows that I look that way again when the songs are done and I'm performing them. "...let me find you tonight," is another prayer I'm used to saying. That's one for the times I look out from the stage and sing, almost in prayer, to God between people. I think the one who hears my prayers and I would tire of the songs if it was just us. All of my endeavors in music are for you all. Thank you for being out there and helping me to continue on this road. You are an affirmation of faith. Peace, Will T.
I think God likes music. Rivers rush, crickets chirp and leaves rustle in the wind. Nature is a virtual symphony of sound. I know that the calling to be a musician is honored by The Creator. He may even favor it.

A few wise acquaintances, upon seeing me after a hiatus, have asked, "Do you still have a guitar?" The implication has always been that no matter what my circumstances were, if I was still playing, I had a good shot at being okay. I think my friends were onto the way the man upstairs probably looks at me. A new song, a good gig, any music related collaboration with other people... These are the kinds of things that go a long way toward getting me brownie points with God. He knows that mine is a tough line of work and seems to consistently accentuate the positive, offering me encouragement to continue the endeavor. I truly wonder if I could be okay not playing.

Last weekend, I played 5 shows in 4 days of the SXSW music festival. I put a little more forethought into my prayers those days because I believe they're heard with increasing gravity the more use my guitar. During the festival, there was no escaping that music is the work of my life. I could almost hear God saying, "There you are. You're doing it and I'm helping." That's when I started writing this blog, when I was in my element.

One of my most consistent prayers is "...please help me to write some new songs." I have tons of them and am mulling over concepts for my next record. There may be an angel theme because angels have crept up in a handful of the tunes. So, because I look for help from God in the writing process, it naturally follows that I look that way again when the songs are done and I'm performing them. "...let me find you tonight," is another prayer I'm used to saying. That's one for the times I look out from the stage and sing, almost in prayer, to God between people.

I think the one who hears my prayers and I would tire of the songs if it was just us. All of my endeavors in music are for you all. Thank you for being out there and helping me to continue on this road. You are an affirmation of faith.

Peace,

Will T.
]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:45:57 GMT DD69DAE626359B56E2D7E46CC9D38475 http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=34826 Valentine's is my favorite holiday. Not because I typically do very special things on the day but because my mind can get around it philosophically. I think everyone should get the day off work. Love is the ultimate thing to celebrate and I think everyone can get behind it, even if not everyone has a Valentine. There's a reminder in the day that there's probably someone out there waiting for the single one. Not that Valentine's hasn't been corrupted. It's the second biggest consumer day, behind Christmas. And profiteers of it have no problem guilt tripping you into spending. "Everyone will ask her what you got her." "Order her a pajamagram so she knows you love her." The implication is that, if you don't buy lingerie, you're not really in love. And it's a little sick how convenient the gifting can be. 30 seconds on the phone with your credit card and your done with the flowers chore. You can grab a box of chocolates and a card while you grocery shop. Do it. If you're in a relationship, it's expected! I'm glad my girlfriend and I do our Valentine's Day preparation together. We bought something for our house. And I'm glad I have a gig on the day to dedicate to her.  I have a wonderful Valentine, Valerie, who I've lived with for four years. And the reason some of you might be interested in this blog about her is that she's an incredible source of support for my endeavors of music. She's missed 1 gig out of 100. She sings and sometimes dances while I play. And she has caused her entire family to rally behind my efforts. On many occasions, they've all been present while I sang in a bar. So she's awesome on the gigs which is a huge part of what I do. She helps me decide which ones to go for, which ones to take and when to take them. And she always gets behind any gig I come up with, even if I've gone about it without her input. She doesn't act like a fan though, more like a friendly coach. She'll give me helpful critiques on everything from sound to handling a mike. I wouldn't listen to her if she wasn't quite beneficial. She's incredibly smart and knows what works. When I was writing my last record, Valerie listened to each song I came up with and gave it a review. On a handful of occasions, she told me I needed more content and she was right. Because of what she pointed out, I added significantly to tunes and was glad that I did. What makes all this increasingly significant is that I was coming out of an extremely difficult time when I met her. She first saw me at my first gig in 6 years. She's a photographer and took pictures of what I brought to the table. Then we had a mutual respect between artists. Valerie's a brilliant photographer specializing in live music. She has a gift from God. Anyway, untreated schizophrenia had me in pretty bad shape. She saw through the cobwebs and says she fell in love with my soul. I was just starting to take medicine for my illness and just starting to date Valerie. She's held my hand as I've learned how to function again in the modern world. I think it's been a job for her but one would never know it. She treats me like a normal person who can learn anything and who can accomplish anything that I set my mind to. And she has consistently called me to rise to that expectation. She makes sure that I answer emails and phone calls. She makes sure that I'm doing little things, like writing a blog, to help my career. And she calls me the love of her life. She is surely the love of mine. I hope you all are blessed on this Valentine's Day with something or someone that brings you joy like Valerie brings me. Thanks for taking the time to read why I feel so lucky on this best of holidays. Peace, Will T.   
Not that Valentine's hasn't been corrupted. It's the second biggest consumer day, behind Christmas. And profiteers of it have no problem guilt tripping you into spending. "Everyone will ask her what you got her." "Order her a pajamagram so she knows you love her." The implication is that, if you don't buy lingerie, you're not really in love. And it's a little sick how convenient the gifting can be. 30 seconds on the phone with your credit card and your done with the flowers chore. You can grab a box of chocolates and a card while you grocery shop. Do it. If you're in a relationship, it's expected! I'm glad my girlfriend and I do our Valentine's Day preparation together. We bought something for our house. And I'm glad I have a gig on the day to dedicate to her. 

I have a wonderful Valentine, Valerie, who I've lived with for four years. And the reason some of you might be interested in this blog about her is that she's an incredible source of support for my endeavors of music. She's missed 1 gig out of 100. She sings and sometimes dances while I play. And she has caused her entire family to rally behind my efforts. On many occasions, they've all been present while I sang in a bar.

So she's awesome on the gigs which is a huge part of what I do. She helps me decide which ones to go for, which ones to take and when to take them. And she always gets behind any gig I come up with, even if I've gone about it without her input. She doesn't act like a fan though, more like a friendly coach. She'll give me helpful critiques on everything from sound to handling a mike. I wouldn't listen to her if she wasn't quite beneficial. She's incredibly smart and knows what works.

When I was writing my last record, Valerie listened to each song I came up with and gave it a review. On a handful of occasions, she told me I needed more content and she was right. Because of what she pointed out, I added significantly to tunes and was glad that I did.

What makes all this increasingly significant is that I was coming out of an extremely difficult time when I met her. She first saw me at my first gig in 6 years. She's a photographer and took pictures of what I brought to the table. Then we had a mutual respect between artists. Valerie's a brilliant photographer specializing in live music. She has a gift from God. Anyway, untreated schizophrenia had me in pretty bad shape. She saw through the cobwebs and says she fell in love with my soul. I was just starting to take medicine for my illness and just starting to date Valerie.

She's held my hand as I've learned how to function again in the modern world. I think it's been a job for her but one would never know it. She treats me like a normal person who can learn anything and who can accomplish anything that I set my mind to. And she has consistently called me to rise to that expectation.

She makes sure that I answer emails and phone calls. She makes sure that I'm doing little things, like writing a blog, to help my career. And she calls me the love of her life. She is surely the love of mine.

I hope you all are blessed on this Valentine's Day with something or someone that brings you joy like Valerie brings me. Thanks for taking the time to read why I feel so lucky on this best of holidays.

Peace,

Will T.   
]]> Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:50:00 GMT ED47CF261776A1894743B6990B7E15A3 http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=34723 Playing on Valentine's Day has caused me to take stock of all the good love songs I know and can cover. Fortunately, I have been in a great relationship for four years and so I do have some recent material to tap into. Of my new songs which are pertinent, my favorite is "Each Other's Angel." The origin of the song can be traced to an old friend of my family's, Bishop Mike. Bishop Mike lives in San Angelo. He is attractive, rather round looking with a bald head and an easy smile. I have never seen him out of priest clothes and have received innumerable Catholic charms from him. My family, save one sister, is not Catholic however Bishop Mike has been familiar in the family home for dinners and holidays. He is a powerful man and if you're lucky enough to have him say a personal prayer for you, you feel as if you have a powerful ally before the Lord. The last time I spoke with him, the subject of angels came up and he said, "You aren't an angel yet." He definently implied that I could, I assume upon death, become an angel. I had never really thought of myself going that way but his statement hung with me. Shortly after my conversation with the Bishop, I was in the mood to write a song that pertained to my relationship with my girlfriend. I wanted to say something unique and that expressed a deep sense of devotion to her. I was whimsical and for some reason, perhaps a gifted muse near, I thought of the Bishops words, "You aren't an angel yet." I could, I thought, get excited about being my girlfriend's angel if I died before her. Further, I could get excited about her reciprocating a pledge of that intent. Surely, it seemed to me, God would allow us to assume the job of guardian angel for the loves of our lives if that is what we desired so I wrote this chorus: "Let's be each other's angel Whoever is the first to go Will become the other's angel And we pray the time comes slow" It's a slow song and it made my girlfriend's mother cry when she heard it for the first time. That's how I knew it was a good song. I was only after a song but I wound up expressing a sentiment I have become quite serious about. My girlfriend and I aren't angels yet but it's safe to say that our guardian angels know they may have to step aside when one of our numbers is up. 
Bishop Mike lives in San Angelo. He is attractive, rather round looking with a bald head and an easy smile. I have never seen him out of priest clothes and have received innumerable Catholic charms from him. My family, save one sister, is not Catholic however Bishop Mike has been familiar in the family home for dinners and holidays. He is a powerful man and if you're lucky enough to have him say a personal prayer for you, you feel as if you have a powerful ally before the Lord. The last time I spoke with him, the subject of angels came up and he said, "You aren't an angel yet." He definently implied that I could, I assume upon death, become an angel. I had never really thought of myself going that way but his statement hung with me.

Shortly after my conversation with the Bishop, I was in the mood to write a song that pertained to my relationship with my girlfriend. I wanted to say something unique and that expressed a deep sense of devotion to her. I was whimsical and for some reason, perhaps a gifted muse near, I thought of the Bishops words, "You aren't an angel yet." I could, I thought, get excited about being my girlfriend's angel if I died before her. Further, I could get excited about her reciprocating a pledge of that intent. Surely, it seemed to me, God would allow us to assume the job of guardian angel for the loves of our lives if that is what we desired so I wrote this chorus:

"Let's be each other's angel
Whoever is the first to go
Will become the other's angel
And we pray the time comes slow"

It's a slow song and it made my girlfriend's mother cry when she heard it for the first time. That's how I knew it was a good song. I was only after a song but I wound up expressing a sentiment I have become quite serious about. My girlfriend and I aren't angels yet but it's safe to say that our guardian angels know they may have to step aside when one of our numbers is up. 
]]> Fri, 13 Feb 2009 01:37:03 GMT DDD20ABC8200D9D43F1DCA3F5A3AB5BB http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=27664 My first CD Release Show last Saturday was an encouraging way to kick off the record. Everybody could fit in the small listening room but not everybody found a seat. The little stage was crowded as well. At one point we had 5 people upon it. Rosie Flores sang 3 songs with me which made the show for me.  During a rocking song, "Highway Hearse," Marvin Dykhuis (guitar) and Richard Bowden(fiddle) took turns playing impromtu leads. Sparks were flying on that one.  Mike Meadows (percussion), who is a show unto himself, made sure the that we rocked the joint. My favorite part was an upbeat, anti-draft song "You Work For Me" which was met with singing and hoots from the audience. "You work for me Mr. President/Iwon't fight in your event/For those crimes you should repent/You work for me Mr. President" My father and stepmom surprised me by coming and got a chance to hear "Peace Train" (inspired by my stepmom who has a daughter deployed to Iraq). That was the finale with everyone on stage to deliver the slow number envisioning an end to the war. It seemed that a good time was had by all. The outpouring of goodwill helped me to feel that I have a valued place in the community around me. Peace, Will T.
My favorite part was an upbeat, anti-draft song "You Work For Me" which was met with singing and hoots from the audience. "You work for me Mr. President/Iwon't fight in your event/For those crimes you should repent/You work for me Mr. President"

My father and stepmom surprised me by coming and got a chance to hear "Peace Train" (inspired by my stepmom who has a daughter deployed to Iraq). That was the finale with everyone on stage to deliver the slow number envisioning an end to the war.

It seemed that a good time was had by all. The outpouring of goodwill helped me to feel that I have a valued place in the community around me.

Peace,

Will T.
]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:10:00 GMT 3638168FBB0F411C340746B170DCEC47 http://willtmassey.com/blog.cfm?feature=381461&postid=27367 My recent cover of &quot;The Gunner's Dream&quot; by Roger Waters/Pink Floyd was just added to podcast 502 over in <a href="http://www.coverville.com" target="_new">Coverville.&nbsp; Check it out. Peace, Will T. Coverville.  Check it out.

Peace,

Will T.
]]> Sat, 06 Sep 2008 11:18:56 GMT 8646E013F4BC1C335F505D8412609BD6