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Interview: The JLSC Educational Tour Bus
October 2007
By Bruce J Maier
It was about five twenty in the morning when my cell phone alarm went off and I was startled so much I nearly fell out of bed. Without the aid of my glasses I stumbled into the kitchen to press the “on” button on the espresso maker. Because of a late night rehearsal, 5:20 a.m. had rolled around too fast and I needed the caffeine to wake me. I figured the boys onboard the bus being on the East Coast, already had a few cups advantage over me and I needed to level the field! After diluting the black ooze into a large cup of strong coffee I sat in the chair with my jazz box guitar and, while fiddling with a few lost chords and going over my notes for the interview I discovered that my trusty digital voice recorder was failing to pick up any audio signal. Rats! I’m about to talk from 2000 miles away to the producers in the worlds finest mobile studio and my little wonder machine with which to record the speakerphone conversation had died! It was 6:57 a.m. and my phone began its timbale-rhythm ring tone! It was time for reporting 101. I grabbed a pen and paper. “Good morning,” a pleasant sounding voice chirped. “How’s it going Bruce?” From this point on all was well and as I may have mentioned in the forward, within moments I felt as though I was sitting on the bus with a couple of lifelong friends having some steamy morning beverages together.
Jacob Voelzke and Tyler Winick had their phone also set on open speaker so we could all talk freely. I had a list of my top questions I wanted to be sure to ask of them. I began with where they were and where they were headed. “We are in New Jersey headed for Pittsburgh this morning” said Jacob, a man in his late twenties I would imagine. Right from the first question I forgot all about my digital recorder not working!
The Educational Tour bus has been around for about ten years and it logs thousand of endless miles each month traveling from coast to coast. I asked Jacob how many people were on the bus full time and he said there were three, and that they had bunks, a galley and head and shower, just like a nice RV or large boat would have and that they were really quite comfortable. One might surmise that even though the weekend trip in Grandpas 82’ Winnabago might be fun the first night at the campground, it takes a special type of chemistry to keep three or more people at peace in an RV or tour bus weeks on end. Obviously I was meeting some exceptional people! And how true that is. The more I spoke with Jacob and Tyler the more I realized that they had not only chosen this life on board the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, but on a higher order the universe had chosen them for this mission.
Coming into a new city and pulling up near a school they told me is always a thrill, just seeing the faces of the students eagerly awaiting what may lie ahead for them inside the magical technical wonder bus. Thousands of people from all walks of life travel through these doors to sit at the console or work with the latest computers and software such as “ Final Cut “ to edit video. Tyler explained that there were many other aspects of music, video, film and sound for which people don’t realize the potential employment and career opportunities. “There are industries such as gaming and multi-media computer work, in addition to audio for movies and television. There are no limits and more possibilities are being created daily.”
I was curious as to the technical arsenal being carried aboard the mobile studio. Jacob said that their sponsors and donations from individuals have provided the best of the best including APPLE, MAXELL, SONY, Roland speakers, Roland V-Drums, an RD-700 SX, MAC PROS, APEX pre-amps, DIGIDESIGN PROTOOLS HD-3 and in the software department LOGIC, FINAL CUT, and “a ton of great plug-ins from NATIVE INSTRUMENTS,” added Tyler.
So, with such a great array of equipment the JLSC Educational tour bus would still not be complete without the experience and guidance available from Jacob and Tyler. They know the gear and they work with it every day. Jacob was a student at Full Sail Recording school in Florida when the opportunity arose to be a part of the JLSC team, and Tyler earned a Bachelor’s degree in sound engineering. They have both been working musicians and producers since they were very young. Although my digital recorder had failed me today certain things these men said will stick with me forever. Terms they used such as “It’s Never Too Late To Change,” “ Labor of Love,” “ Life Decision” and “The more you work, the more you get out of it!” They expressed to me how fortunate they are to be doing what they do. I don’t doubt that with their experience and backgrounds they could earn fairly high wages working in the “for-profit” corporate world of music. Jacob said to me “ you’ve got to have a passion for it to make it your entire life.” And for those of us who have ever had the experience of traveling in the music business in sound production or being a band on the road- you know that the glitter falls off after a while and sometimes you just make music because you love it and there’s no other reason. Jacob and Tyler and the rest of the JLSC team are not doing this for the money or the fame, rather they do it because the very idea of helping other people learn and develop in the arts is their passion!
Because the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the Educational Tour Bus bear Johns likeness and artwork I asked what it was like working in the ambience or spirit if you will, of such a man. Tyler said that “people are so motivated by the things that John Lennon said and the messages in his beautiful music,” Jacob ads “It’s important to be spreading the word around of how John believed in Peace. We use his name to facilitate – to pass the message on.”
The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is far more than a contest. Entry fees are fairly distributed and utilized for aspiring talents. The educational Tour Bus is more than just a mobile recording studio…it is a Spirit-led shining light of inspiration to students of all ages, rich and poor. It is free for anyone to learn and work in and you cannot buy a ticket to get in. Check the web-site for details and schedules for your region or school. Donations and contributions from Individuals like you and me and respectable corporations who still believe that with peace, love, music and perhaps a little pinch of magic, we may together make this world a better place. (…AND THE WORLD WILL LIVE AS ONE/ John Lennon)
October 2007
By Bruce J Maier
It was about five twenty in the morning when my cell phone alarm went off and I was startled so much I nearly fell out of bed. Without the aid of my glasses I stumbled into the kitchen to press the “on” button on the espresso maker. Because of a late night rehearsal, 5:20 a.m. had rolled around too fast and I needed the caffeine to wake me. I figured the boys onboard the bus being on the East Coast, already had a few cups advantage over me and I needed to level the field! After diluting the black ooze into a large cup of strong coffee I sat in the chair with my jazz box guitar and, while fiddling with a few lost chords and going over my notes for the interview I discovered that my trusty digital voice recorder was failing to pick up any audio signal. Rats! I’m about to talk from 2000 miles away to the producers in the worlds finest mobile studio and my little wonder machine with which to record the speakerphone conversation had died! It was 6:57 a.m. and my phone began its timbale-rhythm ring tone! It was time for reporting 101. I grabbed a pen and paper. “Good morning,” a pleasant sounding voice chirped. “How’s it going Bruce?” From this point on all was well and as I may have mentioned in the forward, within moments I felt as though I was sitting on the bus with a couple of lifelong friends having some steamy morning beverages together.
Jacob Voelzke and Tyler Winick had their phone also set on open speaker so we could all talk freely. I had a list of my top questions I wanted to be sure to ask of them. I began with where they were and where they were headed. “We are in New Jersey headed for Pittsburgh this morning” said Jacob, a man in his late twenties I would imagine. Right from the first question I forgot all about my digital recorder not working!
The Educational Tour bus has been around for about ten years and it logs thousand of endless miles each month traveling from coast to coast. I asked Jacob how many people were on the bus full time and he said there were three, and that they had bunks, a galley and head and shower, just like a nice RV or large boat would have and that they were really quite comfortable. One might surmise that even though the weekend trip in Grandpas 82’ Winnabago might be fun the first night at the campground, it takes a special type of chemistry to keep three or more people at peace in an RV or tour bus weeks on end. Obviously I was meeting some exceptional people! And how true that is. The more I spoke with Jacob and Tyler the more I realized that they had not only chosen this life on board the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, but on a higher order the universe had chosen them for this mission.
Coming into a new city and pulling up near a school they told me is always a thrill, just seeing the faces of the students eagerly awaiting what may lie ahead for them inside the magical technical wonder bus. Thousands of people from all walks of life travel through these doors to sit at the console or work with the latest computers and software such as “ Final Cut “ to edit video. Tyler explained that there were many other aspects of music, video, film and sound for which people don’t realize the potential employment and career opportunities. “There are industries such as gaming and multi-media computer work, in addition to audio for movies and television. There are no limits and more possibilities are being created daily.”
I was curious as to the technical arsenal being carried aboard the mobile studio. Jacob said that their sponsors and donations from individuals have provided the best of the best including APPLE, MAXELL, SONY, Roland speakers, Roland V-Drums, an RD-700 SX, MAC PROS, APEX pre-amps, DIGIDESIGN PROTOOLS HD-3 and in the software department LOGIC, FINAL CUT, and “a ton of great plug-ins from NATIVE INSTRUMENTS,” added Tyler.
So, with such a great array of equipment the JLSC Educational tour bus would still not be complete without the experience and guidance available from Jacob and Tyler. They know the gear and they work with it every day. Jacob was a student at Full Sail Recording school in Florida when the opportunity arose to be a part of the JLSC team, and Tyler earned a Bachelor’s degree in sound engineering. They have both been working musicians and producers since they were very young. Although my digital recorder had failed me today certain things these men said will stick with me forever. Terms they used such as “It’s Never Too Late To Change,” “ Labor of Love,” “ Life Decision” and “The more you work, the more you get out of it!” They expressed to me how fortunate they are to be doing what they do. I don’t doubt that with their experience and backgrounds they could earn fairly high wages working in the “for-profit” corporate world of music. Jacob said to me “ you’ve got to have a passion for it to make it your entire life.” And for those of us who have ever had the experience of traveling in the music business in sound production or being a band on the road- you know that the glitter falls off after a while and sometimes you just make music because you love it and there’s no other reason. Jacob and Tyler and the rest of the JLSC team are not doing this for the money or the fame, rather they do it because the very idea of helping other people learn and develop in the arts is their passion!
Because the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the Educational Tour Bus bear Johns likeness and artwork I asked what it was like working in the ambience or spirit if you will, of such a man. Tyler said that “people are so motivated by the things that John Lennon said and the messages in his beautiful music,” Jacob ads “It’s important to be spreading the word around of how John believed in Peace. We use his name to facilitate – to pass the message on.”
The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is far more than a contest. Entry fees are fairly distributed and utilized for aspiring talents. The educational Tour Bus is more than just a mobile recording studio…it is a Spirit-led shining light of inspiration to students of all ages, rich and poor. It is free for anyone to learn and work in and you cannot buy a ticket to get in. Check the web-site for details and schedules for your region or school. Donations and contributions from Individuals like you and me and respectable corporations who still believe that with peace, love, music and perhaps a little pinch of magic, we may together make this world a better place. (…AND THE WORLD WILL LIVE AS ONE/ John Lennon)
ALL IMAGES ABOVE COURTESY OF THE JLSC & EDUCATIONAL TOUR BUS
THE HISTORY OF RAP HIP-HOP & BLING
by TRINITY LOST
Hip-Hop and Rap music probably have the largest reputation for being the most misunderstood form of art out there. Culturally and Lyrically. If you take the time to dig in deep, you'll find that it goes far beyond the "gangster rap" that floods MTV and popular radio stations. One major misconception is that, in order to show face in this business, you must be covered in ridiculously oversized, diamond encrusted jewelry that we all by now know as "bling". You must drive three different colored Hummers, with solid gold spinners, own several houses on every coast, and possibly even own a red-carpet-ready clothing line. I am here to help you put that stereotype at rest.
Hip-hop is not about having material things. In fact, some of the best songs come from those who have nothing. True Hip-hop really is all about the music, with vital components to accompany a great beat. Just as other genres, the music is made to move you, physically and/or mentally. What differs this type from others is the artists themselves, and how they bring you into their world in roughly three and a half minutes.
The second misconception is that, to be successful, you need to get signed onto the biggest record labels. This is not the case anymore. The number of independent labels is escalating. An artist who signs with a high-end label only gets about 10 % of profits, but the artist who prints their own cd's or presses their work on vinyl, can expect 70-80% of their profits going directly to their own pockets. " Shoppin a deal is not the thing right now. Independent label is the way to go- make cd's, walk your dogs to all the clubs and promote yourself"
Back in the day, an MC or Master of Ceremonies, used to only introduce the dj's at parties and clubs. They eventually became the center of attention. Artists like Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, The RZA (and the rest of the Wu Tang Clan), Run DMC, Ice-T, Tupac,Biggie, and the forgotten Bronx B-Boys, are all considered the pioneers of the hip-hop culture.
There are five major elements in being a great MC. The first, is a name. Choosing a name puts that energy toward your destiny. It represents everything that you are. Second, is the ability to "freestyle", or being able to rhyme about anyTHING at anyTIME, and not use written lyrics. "Freestylin is a neccesary element to being an MC- Most MC's don't know that because they cant freestyle" - GURU, of Gangstarr. The third element is writing. Even though the average fan is a music fan, a true hip-hop junkie will buy an album strictly to see what is happening lyrically. A great wordsmith uses strong structure when it comes down to making a song. Unless you are like Jay-Z, and can master the "organized freestyle" method, then you'd better get yourself some paper and a durable pen. Fourth, is the ability to work in the studio. Having a knowledge of the tools, and tricks of the trade will be extremely helpful in your career. Having a fear of the mic will not. Many great freestylers end up choking when it comes to getting into the booth. Finally, you've got the stage. "This is how I get into the individuals mind, body, and soul", says the legendary Busta Rhymes. " It's a psychological release"
Every artist is going to have certain skills, and certain weaknesses. The Best artist is the one who can fight those weaknesses and stay focused on their destiny. Hip-hop is an amazing and powerful form of art, and if you're not a fan already, I suggest taking the time to listen, and really pay attention to what this culture has to say. It may just blow your mind.
Peace and Love
Trinity Lost
PLEASE SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK
TO GUESTBOOK
NEXT PAGE>>>
by TRINITY LOST
Hip-Hop and Rap music probably have the largest reputation for being the most misunderstood form of art out there. Culturally and Lyrically. If you take the time to dig in deep, you'll find that it goes far beyond the "gangster rap" that floods MTV and popular radio stations. One major misconception is that, in order to show face in this business, you must be covered in ridiculously oversized, diamond encrusted jewelry that we all by now know as "bling". You must drive three different colored Hummers, with solid gold spinners, own several houses on every coast, and possibly even own a red-carpet-ready clothing line. I am here to help you put that stereotype at rest.
Hip-hop is not about having material things. In fact, some of the best songs come from those who have nothing. True Hip-hop really is all about the music, with vital components to accompany a great beat. Just as other genres, the music is made to move you, physically and/or mentally. What differs this type from others is the artists themselves, and how they bring you into their world in roughly three and a half minutes.
The second misconception is that, to be successful, you need to get signed onto the biggest record labels. This is not the case anymore. The number of independent labels is escalating. An artist who signs with a high-end label only gets about 10 % of profits, but the artist who prints their own cd's or presses their work on vinyl, can expect 70-80% of their profits going directly to their own pockets. " Shoppin a deal is not the thing right now. Independent label is the way to go- make cd's, walk your dogs to all the clubs and promote yourself"
Back in the day, an MC or Master of Ceremonies, used to only introduce the dj's at parties and clubs. They eventually became the center of attention. Artists like Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, The RZA (and the rest of the Wu Tang Clan), Run DMC, Ice-T, Tupac,Biggie, and the forgotten Bronx B-Boys, are all considered the pioneers of the hip-hop culture.
There are five major elements in being a great MC. The first, is a name. Choosing a name puts that energy toward your destiny. It represents everything that you are. Second, is the ability to "freestyle", or being able to rhyme about anyTHING at anyTIME, and not use written lyrics. "Freestylin is a neccesary element to being an MC- Most MC's don't know that because they cant freestyle" - GURU, of Gangstarr. The third element is writing. Even though the average fan is a music fan, a true hip-hop junkie will buy an album strictly to see what is happening lyrically. A great wordsmith uses strong structure when it comes down to making a song. Unless you are like Jay-Z, and can master the "organized freestyle" method, then you'd better get yourself some paper and a durable pen. Fourth, is the ability to work in the studio. Having a knowledge of the tools, and tricks of the trade will be extremely helpful in your career. Having a fear of the mic will not. Many great freestylers end up choking when it comes to getting into the booth. Finally, you've got the stage. "This is how I get into the individuals mind, body, and soul", says the legendary Busta Rhymes. " It's a psychological release"
Every artist is going to have certain skills, and certain weaknesses. The Best artist is the one who can fight those weaknesses and stay focused on their destiny. Hip-hop is an amazing and powerful form of art, and if you're not a fan already, I suggest taking the time to listen, and really pay attention to what this culture has to say. It may just blow your mind.
Peace and Love
Trinity Lost
PLEASE SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK
TO GUESTBOOK
NEXT PAGE>>>
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