…At least that is what they say. Anyway, I am always happy and proud to share support (links or ?) of others who are passionate about their craft!
Here are a few folks who have linked or promoted my website and now its my chance to pay it forward. Thanks everyone!!
Been having fun chatting regularly with a few fellow music bloggers. Mixolydianblog for all things music focusing on composition, ethnomusicology and of course a love of the GUITAR! Heavy Metal Overload A great read for all types of music, as well as, Heavy Metal. Last but not least Zombiemisntrel another comprehensive music blog also leaning towards rock and metal!
A local San Diego photographer Nathan Petty …thanks for keeping in touch!
Sharing is caring! If I missed anyone feel free to remind me…I’m always glad to network with like minded people out there working hard at their creative endeavors!
Today is the Celebration of Life for a fallen bro, much too young. I’m honored to be asked to play guitar for the event. Thoughts to Patrick, Tiffanie, PJ and all family and friends who his light touched.
Peace Jim!
I’m home once more, much better for
The things that I have found
Much wiser now, so simple how
Each time I turn around
I see the evening star rise up
Shining out on me And now I understand at last what it means What it all means
I have been playing guitar for weddings for a long time. I have played a lot of traditional weddings and quite a few unique ones. I’ve played everything from Here Comes the Bride to Metallica. However, I am a little shocked that I haven’t had the opportunity to play a down right crazy wedding yet.
You always hear about couples getting married in ‘odd’ places; football games, NASCAR events, scuba diving, hot air balloons, etc., you get the idea. There are lots of people who just like to be different…really different. 20 plus years of playing guitar for weddings I am yet to play one of these unique ceremonies.
I’ve always pictured an adventurous couple where the bride and groom enter on zip lines or repel down the side of a building and I get to play something like the theme from Mission Impossible. Maybe even on electric guitar with effects.
I did play “Wipeout,” for one of my good friend’s wedding, an avid surfer, as he and the guys walked up to the altar. It was a quick and fitting entrance but just a quick playful joke. Kind of like when the groomsman all pretend they’ve lost the wedding rings.
I’ve mentioned before on this blog that I enjoy playing all types of weddings. I really do! Each one is different, challenging and fun to play.
That said…This is an open invitation for any of you daring, crazy, adventurous couples to hire a guitarist who is on board with you! I would love to have just one wedding where all bets are off. Scuba dive(I am certified), a flash mob, a “Punked” moment for your guests, your call! The crazier the better(although legal is a good idea)! We can collaborate and choreograph the music to fit your idea!
Adam Sandler’s movie, “The Wedding Singer,” was hilarious. It followed Robbie Hart a disgruntled musician whose dream of becoming a rock star falls through and he ends up singing at weddings. He became a burned out, bitter, resentful musician, who had to play weddings. He had to play the part of the ‘Wedding Singer’ to entertain the crowds, young and old and all in between.
Thankfully, my career is much different!! Everyday I wake up and have a chance to share music with others it’s a great day, whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event, a concert, a class, a rehearsal, etc. I am truly fortunate to be a working musician. Honestly, I don’t even do the same ‘job’ as Sandler’s character. I usually play the ceremony, cocktail hour and receptions when folks don’t want the over the top wedding band or DJ. The Wedding Singer was definitely over the top!
There is one similarity between me and the character, however, I thought I was going to be a rock star too. Once I heard Eddie Van Halen when I was a kid that was it, I knew what I wanted to do. My musical path since has followed the saying, “Life is what happens while you are making other plans.”
Somewhere down the line I realized that I REALLY wanted to be a musician first and rock star second. Then I realized I wanted to be a musician first, make a living in my field and be a rock star 3rd. Not til I got older I realized, I just always wanted to be a musician. Rock music will always be a part of who I am but not what I am. Having studied classical, jazz and world music among other disciplines in college I get to work in any style I want and get the same energy I did as a kid trying to be the next guitar hero.
There are some of my old friends who are still living the rock star dream. They tour the world, hang out with famous musicians we grew up idolizing and have tons of fans following them on Facebook and MySpace. More power to them! I love to hear their stories when we get together. Funny thing is they love to hear about what I am doing too!
Everyday, I get to do some combination of play, perform, teach, compose, listen to, write about, record, study, absorb, eat, drink and sleep music! I get to make a living in a tough field in my native San Diego. Life is good!
Click here for more info on planning your wedding music. Let me know if I can help you in any way.
Having played weddings in San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, Palm Springs area and throughout Southern California for 20 years I’ve learned so much. This post is a chance to share some of this info with you!
Here are ten tips to help you plan your wedding music to the fullest. Feel free to share this page with your wedding planners, friends and family.
-These tips are not in any particular order except #10 may be the most important!
-Not all these tips may apply to your specific plans but some of them definitely will.
If you have any questions I would be glad to help!
1) Ceremony Events.
Although all weddings are different most have some semblance of the following events requiring music; pre-music as guests are being seated, seating of parents, bridal party and couples recession. Often music is needed for an interlude; a prayer or sand/candle ceremony, etc.
One of the first things people ask me when they find out I play guitar for weddings is, “Do you get tired of playing, ‘Here Comes the Bride’?”
My answer is NO! I enjoy playing for all of my clients big day. Each wedding is different and has it’s own energy. It is important to make the atmosphere of the event special for each couple and their guests. Second, I really don’t play it as often as one might think.
To some the “Bridal Chorus,” Here Comes the Bride’s, real title, has become cliché or cartoon-ish due to having been placed in so much media over the years; movies, commercials, cartoons, etc. It also has the feel of ‘My parents wedding march’ to many of my clients.
The irony is that I have handfuls of clients who say NO WAY to the traditional marches and a handful of those who wouldn’t have it any other way. There is no right or wrong, it is each couples decision.
That said there are a few popular alternatives that have trended over the years. Some are short lived trendy and some have become the new traditional, like Pachelbel’s, “Canon in D.” Without doubt the Canon is the most popular piece I play for the Bridal procession. It is classy and timeless but has a more modern feel than the “Bridal Chorus.” “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” by J.S. Bach and Handel’s, “Harmonious Blacksmith,” are two other in demand classical pieces that I am often asked to play.
Then there are the non-traditional options, for those who want their wedding to display something uniquely them. I have played Metallica, Journey, Gypsy Kings, Enya, George Harrison, The Beatles to name a few. There are also trends that are born from mass media, like when the big wedding episode of “Friends,” the 90’s sitcom, used Eric Clapton’s, “Wonderful Tonight.” I played that one quite a bit back then, although I think that song always makes a great procession.
The idea of a piece becoming trendy is not really a new idea to these times. ‘Here Comes the Bride,’ as I mentioned, is really entitled, “Bridal Chorus,” and was adapted from Wagner’s opera, “Lohengrin.” It only became traditional due to its extended trendiness.
So there it is a post about Bridal March music. Hope this helps you pick your music whether you like traditional, semi-traditional or something unique. I am always glad to go over options and ideas with my clients to help them if they don’t already have a clear idea of the music they want.
Steve Miller is next on the list. October 5th , the Space Cowboy will turn 69.
From the time I was a little kid through high school, Steve Miller was one of my favorites! As a guitarist I think he is underrated and he has a great Rock n Roll voice. Couple that with the super cool synth tracks ie Fly Like an Eagle and a young rocker to be couldn’t resist. Music was like catnip for my developing internal music hard drive! I will always remember hearing him in the car driving around San Diego with my mom and at the beach blaring out of radios. Even back then when I was 7, 8 years old I couldn’t get enough music and Steve Miller was always on hand.
For some reason I think “Swingtown” was my all time favorite of his songs. It displays all the previously mentioned aspects; his voice, guitar riffs and the ambient synthesizers. Here it is…Enjoy!
It can’t be! It’s really not cool of all these rock stars to keep aging, because as they get older…I am one step behind them.
Anyway, October 2, Sting bassist and vocalist for the Police did just that…turned 61. I guess it beats the alternative.
I had the honor of seeing The Police live in 2008 when they passed through San Diego. I thought it would be a cool show to see and be able to say I saw the Police. I wasn’t expecting much more. However, I was totally blown away with how incredible they were live. Their sound was super clean and the band was tight musically. It definitely ranks high on the list of concerts I have attended.
Here is “Walking on the Moon” live from Japan on the same 2008 tour.
Here are my upcoming public performances through the end of September.
There are two shows.
Both are solo performances featuring a mix of classical, Latin, popular and flamenco styles.
Friday, September 21 at the Roxy in Encinitas. 7:00-9:30PM
Very cool place that has been supporting music forever in San Diego. They have something for every taste. Great food mostly vegetarian but don’t let that scare you, try the falafel burger or their pizzas. Roxy also has specialty coffee drinks, full bar and desserts.
This is the place to go if you want to relax out in nature for a couple hours. Orfila overlooks the vineyards and mountains in the distance.
Taste some wine, grab some food(they are supposed to have a gourmet food truck) and listen to music.
Kids are definitely welcome even though it is a winery.
In all I have five gigs the next two weekends so I will be a busy guy. Two weddings, a fiesta and the two public events above.
It’s been blast seeing everyone at the recent shows and it is always great to see familiar faces so hope to see you! You might even get your photo on the website! Check my blog.
Mike Slayen ~ Guitarist 