tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66807940699209458462024-03-12T20:14:02.809-05:00Keeping Up With ConrodC. Jay Conrod is a singer/songwriter/producer in pursuit of a career with artistic and personal integrity. Determined to not compromise, Conrod has made the conscious decision to be an independent artist. Follow him on his journey...c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-45659460868831927162009-12-02T16:39:00.002-06:002009-12-02T16:45:04.787-06:00I'VE MOVEDI've been so focused trying to get the new website up and filled with content, I forgot to tell those who are following me here that I MOVED MY BLOG to <a href="http://blog.cjayconrod.com/">http://blog.cjayconrod.com</a>. The full website is <a href="http://cjayconrod.com/">http://cjayconrod.com</a>. Change your bookmarks, or add it if you haven't yet. ;o) The party hasn't ended. It just changed locations...c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-17391502413117001442009-07-12T22:19:00.008-05:002009-07-13T00:21:26.402-05:00SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT: It's On & Poppin' in July!Got a couple shows this month I'd like to invite you to:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NxkS4DzRauo/SlrB5IAik9I/AAAAAAAAACA/KRdNk4SORIg/s1600-h/Flier-page1-web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NxkS4DzRauo/SlrB5IAik9I/AAAAAAAAACA/KRdNk4SORIg/s400/Flier-page1-web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357807893857080274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, July 15 : The Delmar Restaurant & Lounge w/ Lamar Harris & the L</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">6235 Delmar Blvd. (the corner of Delmar & Eastgate in the Loop)</span><br />I'll be sitting in with Lamar Harris & the L from 9pm to 11:30pm. You know how we do it. Sometimes raw, sometimes smooth, but always soulful. Free before 10. Come on, you know you want to....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, July 24: The St. Louis Art Museum w/ Lamar Harris</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">One Fine Arts Drive (Forest Park)</span><br />We're rocking outside from 7pm to 8:30pm with a rain location of one the main galleries, and yes, it's FREE!!!! Start your weekend off with some culture.c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-34749840828001825742009-06-09T13:40:00.000-05:002009-06-09T13:49:16.437-05:00SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT: JUNETEENTH IN FORT SMITH, AR W/ LAMAR HARRIS11:00 pm<br />Saturday, June 13, 2009<br />Harry E. Kelley Park<br />121 Clayton Expressway<br />Forth Smith, AR<br /><br />Doing it big with Lamar Harris out of state as part of a huge Juneteenth celebration in Fort Smith, Arkansas. FREE!c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-55815873145314445692009-06-01T16:20:00.003-05:002009-06-01T16:24:33.621-05:00VIDEO: "People Make the World Go 'Round" @ The PageantThis weekend was INCREDIBLE! I sang background for Coco Soul as she opened for Mint Condition. Then she featured me to show how we get down at Cafe Soul. The show was sold out and the audience was electric! Thanks to JRoss-TV for filming and uploading it to YouTube. Enjoy!<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S4qnDE5w4CA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S4qnDE5w4CA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /></center>c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-46376921614771571022009-05-22T14:32:00.004-05:002009-05-29T22:33:11.096-05:00SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT: Summer shows are starting soon!<span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday, May 25, 2009: w/ Lamar Harris @ the St. Louis African Arts Festival </span><br />5:15pm at the World's Fair Pavillion, Forest Park. Totally FREE!<br />I wait all year for this weekend! Great shopping, food & entertainment including Lamar Harris & the L (with me).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, May 30, 2009: w/ CocoSoul opening for Mint Condition</span><br />8:00pm at the Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112<br />Singing background with a little feature in the middle. Just a little more incentive to attend what will already be great show! Check Ticketmaster and the box office.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, June 7, 2009: w/ Lamar Harris @ the RFT Music Showcase</span><br />Time: 11:00pm at Brandt's, 6525 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 63130<br />For the THIRD year in a row LH is nominated for best Soul/R&B artist! We wrecked shop last year, but THIS YEAR..... just come out and see for yourself. $5 gets you access to nearly every show that day.c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-1419534485365330472009-04-29T15:13:00.001-05:002009-04-29T15:18:11.279-05:00NEW SONG: In Love With You (feat. Lamar Harris)Thanks again to everyone who came out and supported at Cafe Soul. If you were there, you might've already bought your copy of "In Love With You." It was recorded as part of Lamar's upcoming album "The Death of Love." If you haven't had a chance to listen to it yet, check the music player or go to my new MySpace page: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/cjayconrodmusic">http://www.myspace.com/cjayconrodmusic. </a><br /><br />Let me know what you think...c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-4598510276762995892009-04-16T13:47:00.009-05:002009-04-16T13:55:12.387-05:00SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT: In The Spot light at Cafe Soul<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://secure.ifanz.net/userfiles/1762/cjayifanz.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 410px; height: 279px;" src="http://secure.ifanz.net/userfiles/1762/cjayifanz.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm a bit geeked about this show, as it's always a nice-size crowd. I'm performing some new material too, so come on out. I hope to film this one too, so hopefully some new video postings will follow, but you come on out and show some love! Thanks in advance...c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-9644829907130942742009-04-16T13:44:00.003-05:002009-04-22T20:57:18.818-05:00MUSIC PAGE UP ON MYSPACE NOW!Yep, I finally did it. Still under a bit of construction, but "Something Good" and "Crazy" are in the music player. So, if you want to add them to your page or playlists, feel free. Be on the look-out for new music really soon....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/cjayconrodmusic">http://www.myspace.com/cjayconrodmusic</a>c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-86432595663540972472009-03-13T13:16:00.001-05:002009-03-13T13:18:51.874-05:00VIDEO JOURNAL: Entry #002 - Something GoodA little history on "Something Good."<br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_Ey71056Qq0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_Ey71056Qq0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center>c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-27895535909337787912009-03-03T11:56:00.004-06:002009-03-05T22:34:15.672-06:00SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT: Suite Soul Spot at the Old Rock House<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NxkS4DzRauo/SbCnt7SLeLI/AAAAAAAAABw/PHEvMPSQq1U/s1600-h/flier-page1-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NxkS4DzRauo/SbCnt7SLeLI/AAAAAAAAABw/PHEvMPSQq1U/s400/flier-page1-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309928368119707826" /></a><br />It's on, Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 8:00pm at The Old Rock House, 1200 South 7th St., St. Louis, MO. It's gonna be a fantastic show with Charisse Swan of The Fury, Nikko Smith and Illphonics (a band I've had the pleasure of recording with, performing with, and watching develop). I'll be performing a couple new originals. Get there on time because I'm opening. The cover is $10.c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-27159297575768410832009-02-26T14:00:00.005-06:002009-03-05T22:40:00.164-06:00VIDEO JOURNAL: Entry #001 - The PurposeHey, I finally did it. Didn't like my first attempt, so I upped the ante on the production side. Giving a little insight on myself and the music to come.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre; "><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C7YEDBWJ2I4&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C7YEDBWJ2I4&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center></span>Stay tuned. I have quite a few performance dates coming up in the next couple months. I'm excited!!!</div>c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-41138655808336862042009-01-30T10:51:00.003-06:002009-01-30T10:57:55.057-06:00SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT: Urban Groov Project at AquaI'm late <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">again</span> with the notification, I know, but I'm at least telling you. I'll be performing with the Urban Groov Project (Mo-E + Lamar Harris) with Jingo Williams on percussion at Aqua in Lumiere Place (999 North 2nd St. I believe) Friday, January 30 & Saturday, January 31 from 8 pm to Midnight both nights. It's FREE. As usual, we go everywhere we want to musically: House, Jazz, Soul, Gospel, whatever and a lot of it's just improvisation. Look forward to seeing you there.c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-17903657666651611312009-01-18T17:40:00.004-06:002009-01-18T17:46:10.215-06:00SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT: Inauguration Day ConcertI'll be performing at Webster University Tuesday, January 20, as part of the Inauguration Day Concert at 8:30pm in the University Center. Other acts performing that night include Saxifrage, Red Card Royale, and Illphonics. It should be a really a great show and I hope to see you there!c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-91136178282596666402008-11-19T14:04:00.003-06:002008-11-19T14:11:14.760-06:00The Election Day SurveyOkay, V. I'll play along with this one. It's probably one of the better surveys I've been tagged for.<br />The topic is Election Day Experience. Here are the instructions: answer the questions below and tag at least 3 other people and indicate them in your tag.<br /><br /><strong>1. Did you vote?</strong><br />Heck yeah. It's very rare that I won't vote. I'll vote about anything: tax levys, local elections, dog catcher appointments...well maybe not dog catcher appointments, but you get the picture.<br /><br /><strong>2. In which state are you registered?</strong><br />Missouri, I've lived here my whole life. Surprised we don't have early voting, but they're talking about it now that everybody and their Big Mama came out this time.<br /><br /><strong>3. What time did you go to the polls?</strong><br />My initial plan was to go midday. I drove past my polling location that morning and the line was out the building and down the sidewalk. I stuck to my guns and went around 1:30. The line was still outside the building.<br /><br /><strong>4. How long was your wait?</strong><br />The line moved quickly. I think I spent about 35 minutes. That's it.<br /><br /><strong>5. Did you incur any problems?</strong><br />None. I did the touch screen electronic ballot. A lot of people were talking crazy like because computers were involved that something might go wrong and their vote might not be counted. The computer prints out a hard copy to prevent such problems, silly.<br /><br /><strong>6. What was your reaction when you heard the news that Barack Obama won?</strong><br />I was stunned speechless. Even though I knew it would happen, it was something else to see it actualized. To see a man of color ascend to the highest position in the land (and in the world, some would argue) was more than I could take in.<br /><br /><strong>7. Who was the first person you shared your reaction with?</strong><br />I was at Suite Soul Spot, so I guess everyone in attendance. I sent texts to few close friends when I regained my composure.<br /><br /><strong>8. Who will you tag ?</strong><br />Let's try people who haven't blogged in a while or never at all. How about <a href="http://www.myspace.com/dbsutherlin">DB</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/khancolbert">DJ</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/heatherl76">Heather</a>. Share with the class...lol!c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-20233985510278033952008-11-11T14:51:00.001-06:002008-11-11T14:51:19.789-06:00Notes To An Artist: 1-Study<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'> The first bit of advice that I could give anyone wanting to be an independent artist, or desiring any career a bit off the beaten path, would be study. I've always thought is was necessary, but it wasn't until I heard it from Monica Tyson of Yoruba Records at the International Soul Music Summit did it resonate as strongly as it does now. She went further on to say, and I'm paraphrasing because it's been some months since I heard her say this, "Your music should be a symphony. How can it be that unless you study? The best artists of our time are great because they have studied and mastered their craft."<br/> Now this probably sounds super-obvious and maybe a little boring, but let's explore the idea <i>(just humor me)</i>. There are several options that you could go about pursuing, but it really depends upon your situation and personality.<br/><big><b><br/>Formal Education</b></big><br/> First, and probably most obvious, would be to go to school. Now, we could be talking about college, but there's also continuing education classes you could take that are cheaper and less stressful (check your community college). Private instruction is also another route you can go. I can vouch for the benefit of a formal education. I was an alright singer and could peck out some chords at piano, but I've gotten much better at both because of the education I received at both a community college and a private university. This is definitely the route for someone who isn't the most disciplined. Having to answer to someone else can help you stay on task with learning.<br/><big><b><br/>Create Your Own School</b></big><br/> But what if school isn't really an option for you? Maybe you don't perform well in the structured confines of a school. A friend of mine is in this situation. My advice to him was to create his own school. I meant he should educate himself through every means that would work for him. For some, that might mean books. For others, it might mean finding reputable blogs and websites with the information. All of it can be Googled. You'd be surprised at the amount of good information available. <br/> Most importantly, I think that listening to as much music as possible is a must for any musician. Become knowledgeable about as much music in your genre as you can. Listen to music that isn't in the genre you want to work in. Listen to old music, new music, good music, and even bad music. <br/> In listening, try to figure out why you love or hate what you're listening to. This helps in not only broadening your knowledge base of music, but it also helps you define your own voice as an artist. The reasons you like a particular artist might help you to understand your musical tastes and what you might want to work in your own music.<br/><b><big><br/>Resources For Us Broke People</big></b><br/> But what if you can't afford to spend any money right now? Check your public library. Honestly, most libraries carry books on every imaginable subject. From performance to history to business, you can find books that will inform your decisions as an artist. Not only that, you'll also find cds from pretty much every genre around.<br/><br/> By learning, we make better music because we've expanded the palette of colors we can use. Reading good literature makes better lyricists. We can make more diverse and sophisticated music because we know more about the world around us. There really is no reason why any artist shouldn't be informed and educated. We live in a time and place where we have access to so many resources. Start improving now... <br/></div>c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-90633561048834569472008-10-13T12:43:00.002-05:002008-10-13T12:53:05.961-05:00VIDEO: From The Twilight RoomThis is a just a clip of the set I did at the Twilight Room opening for Lalah Hathaway. All of the openers were incredible: Wildmann and Aloha Mischeaux (she just gets better every time I see her). This isn't my best, but I still like it...and it's new. lol. Enjoy.<br /><br />A little of "Something Good":<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yo40jA6ZEWY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yo40jA6ZEWY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />P. S. Thanks to Jackie of WhereUWant2B for hooking up the video. Love ya.c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6680794069920945846.post-48355536309280993182008-10-13T12:31:00.003-05:002008-10-13T12:37:24.675-05:00SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT: Cookies Jazz & More show POSTONEDI know I told more than a few people about my upcoming performance at Smooth Groove Saturdays at Cookie's in Old Webster Groves, which was scheduled for this Saturday, October 18. Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, my show will have to be postoned to November (tentative date: Nov. 15). I apologize for any scheduling inconvenience this may have caused.c. jay conrodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09988044480593518792noreply@blogger.com0