Daniel Link Blog

New Moon and the Dragon

2012-01-24T05:59:00.000-08:00

The first production meeting with Jono went very well yesterday! Great way to celebrate the New Moon and begin the Year of the Dragon. Jono has been listening to all the demos I sent him...and to be honest, I can't believe how much he picked up on...basically communicating back all the ideas I had thought of for the project but never mentioned to him...we both had goose bumps throughout the meeting...really, really cool. I'm also pleased that he likes all the music...he said he didn't hear any questionable tracks...in other words every song I've given him is worthy of recording in his opinion. He also mentioned that a got a request from one of the best musicians he knows to play on my project, which I have to say has never happened to me, and of course I'm a little blown away by that.

Since "Book of Shadows" is a body of work, not a collection of songs, I'm already thinking of song sequence...because this is a story...each chapter needs to be in the right place so to speak. I really have a lot to plan and think about because we're aiming to have this recorded within three to four weeks. The fastest I've ever worked...and I don't want to hang onto it for too long. I'm going to talk to my astrologer about the right time to release it...most likely summer solstice. We'll see...but for sure a summer 2012 release!

Demos and Demons

2012-01-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

So I've spent all of last week recording piano/vocal demos of all the music for Book of Shadows...and have sent each song to Jono. And now there's no turning back...I've put my creative works into the hands of another artist so he can put his creative spin on what I've done. I have to say it's both exciting and tentative. On one hand I can't wait to hear Jono's ideas, but on the other hand...it's like sending a kid off to his first day of school...you hope he comes back home better, not beat up. It takes a great deal of trust & courage for a songwriter to turn work over to producers and arrangers...and while I've done it before with results ranging from disastrous to wondrous, I have come to trust my intuition in recent years, and I know Jono is brilliant at what he does.

The big difference for me about this is that Jono will be the first person to hear some if not most of these songs...I've quietly tucked much of this material into my consciousness until now. This is my way of keeping the material personal and sacred. It was important for me to keep the integrity of the work without writing with one eye on my audience. While I appreciate commercial merit, I really am more interested in Book of Shadows being about the art first. In other words writing songs because I'm a songwriter, not because I'm in the music business.

I did take the time to send a couple of my demos to the people I wrote the songs for. I wanted them to hear the songs in their original form...the way I wrote them...without the glossy finish of studio production. Again, a personal touch. It just seemed right.

I've also had the chance to listen to these songs as a collection...and I have to say I am very proud of my work. I always wonder if the songs I've written for a project are strong enough to hang on their own, yet also string together to form a cohesive body of work. In listening to them back to back, I do feel confident that I have a good album here. Really good in fact. And I plan to do my very best in the studio to satisfy my creativity. I'm letting go of expectations this time...I hope everyone will like it...but honestly, I'm doing this project for myself first.

I was beat up after Color of Rain. Lofty, unrealistic expectations and overblown egos are a dangerous mix. Not that I am disappointed in the recording, far from it, but the process of recording got out of hand more times than I care to count and the way business was conducted and botched in the months that followed really left me sick of the entire idea of the music "business". And in working over time to keep everyone happy and interested, I leached myself of happiness and interest. My performances suffered, and so did my emotional and physical health. Over worked, over weight, under estimated and under paid, I just didn't know if I really wanted to go on. Or even if I could.

In moving to Santa Fe I not only saved myself but I saved my passion for music. I believe I'm writing better than I ever have, and my voice is more expressive than it's ever been. I think I'm going to surprise myself with Book of Shadows...and finally banish the demos that have haunted me for far too long.

Jono Manson to Produce Book of Shadows

2012-01-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

I'm really very honored and proud to have Jono Manson signed on to produce "Book of Shadows". We met a few months ago at a gig he was doing with Vince Bell and Catfish Hodge here in Santa Fe. I was blown away by his performance, and after speaking breifly, I sensed such a good, warm vibe from him. We met last week at his secluded mountain studio, and once again I was struck by the feel and creative charge both in the studio environment it's self and with Jono. We both pretty much hit it off, and it was decided there on the spot that we would enjoy working together.

I had asked Jono not to listen to my previous work because I didn't want him to have a preconceived notion on how to approach my new project or me as an artist. However, being the pro that he is, there's no worry of him doing that anyway. It's not to say that I'm not proud of my previous work...far from it. But where "Color of Rain" stands as my most diverse work to date, "Book of Shadows" will be my most expressive. We'll be going after richer, more ambient tones and textures in this mostly dark collection of songs I have written for this project. "There are no up tempo songs on this album" I told Jono. At least not yet...I am considering writing something with a little bounce to it...but it will be the only one like it on the album. We'll see.

In terms of arrangement...the music will inform the instrumentation for the most part...but this will be an over all electric, rock sounding project. I really trust Jono's expertise on this, and I know that whatever we wind up with, it will be fantastic!

Book of Shadows on Film

2011-08-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

I knew from the beginning that my next project wanted to be more than the traditional "album" or "CD". I just didn't know what...but over the years I've learned to trust the creative process. I knew that if I started at the beginning, which for me is writing the songs, that the ending would show it's self in time. And in the process the right people and resources always "show up" at the right time.

This week my friend, film maker Cindy Piccard, came for an over night visit to our house in Santa Fe. Cindy is such a kindred spirit...and we have admired each others work from the beginning of our friendship. As we were sitting out on my back porch drinking coffee yesterday morning, she began asking me about "Book of Shadows"...I had played her a piano/voice demo of one of my new songs slatted for the project months ago, and after hearing it she said, "that is by far my favorite song of yours!" But as we were talking yesterday, she mentioned, "you know, it feels like it needs to be more than just a music CD...I see it as a film..." And within a few more minutes we decided to work on this project together...she's totally into making this film with me...and I can't think of anyone else I would trust to produce the film because Cindy gets me...and she gets my music.

So, I have made a huge step forward in knowing what "Book of Shadows" will be. I have started another new song for the project, and probably will write a few more before we go into production. In terms of my music producer, I have a few candidates in mind and once that decision is made we should be up and running with this within the next 6 months. (I hope)

I'll keep you updated!
Daniel

A Day in the Life Of

2011-06-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

If you were me...this is what your day would more or less be like. Wake up at 6:51 AM. Pee. (In the bathroom...hopefully) Greet Yoda and Bella (who have been meowing outside your bedroom door for 15 minutes). Feed Yoda and Bella. Pour a cup of Starbucks' Breakfast Blend with a touch of cream and honey. Light prayer candles and incense. Open back door to let in the Rocky Mountain morning air. Retrieve your journal, reading glasses and Pilot Precise black ink pen. Spill consciousness onto three pages. Meditate for 15 minutes. Finish with St. Frances Prayer. It's just 8:00 now. Water herb garden and lavender. Make a protein smoothie with frozen berries, peanut butter, protein powder, banana and apple juice. Check menu plan for the day and set out whatever needs to be thawed. Drift into your office at the end of the hall and sort through email. Check appointments and tasks on daily calendar. Take a shower. Gather yoga and workout stuff and go workout or to yoga class (depending on the day). Take care of any Poster Boyz business. Fix a little lunch. Finish Poster Boyz business. Rehearse at 6 PM.for at least an hour. Go for a walk with Ralph and Joey. Fix dinner. Watch "Star Trek: Enterprise" or "Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman". Fall asleep on the floor between Joey and Yoda. Get up and go to bed. Count your blessings. Fall asleep again.

Notice how much time is spent on self care with work sprinkled in? I'm sure most would read this and think I'm crazy, or lazy, or independently wealthy. None of which is true. The truth is, taking good care of mind, body, spirit allows me to work smarter and more efficiently. I actually get a remarkable amount of work accomplished...both in my music projects and my business. It's a balance...and it really works. So, if you're reading this...try to be me for a day. Because if it works for me it will work for you. Let me know how it goes!

One Man's Music

2011-06-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

My first show as Vince Bell's sideman was a great personal and professional success! Thereby opening the latest chapter of my career in music. Vince and I have been rehearsing pretty rigorously for months, and enjoying each other's company and the sear pleasure of playing music together. And that's all fine and good until it's time for a show in front of an audience. I reminded myself before the show last night that if I'm not indeed adding to what Vince is doing, I will be prepared to step aside. It's not an ego thing, or a lack of self confidence thing...it's about my respect for Vince and his music.

I am not a session or jam player by any stretch of the word and I never intended to be. I'm a singer songwriter and I've been strictly faithful to that avenue ever since I wrote my first song. I never considered playing with another songwriter...mainly because my musicianship barely reaches beyond my need to write music...I can play well enough to communicate the musical ideas for the songs I write, but that's about it. So imagine my surprise when Vince asked me to play with him! Besides being incredibly honored, I was also incredibly intimidated. And I can say without any doubt if anyone else besides Vince had asked me the answer would have been no. However my first introduction to Vince was seeing his "One Man's Music" show...where he essentially tells his life story...and details the car accident that left him mangled and comatose...and the miraculous story of his recovery...which was fueled by his own determination and life force. I was like, "How can I tell this man no? How can I say to him 'I can't do this?'" Especially since I was so inspired by his music that first night that I came home and wrote a song the very next day.

The bottom line is this...our first show together proved that I can add to what Vince is doing. And certainly, working with him has added a lot to my life as well. In the short time we've known each other I have learned a lot about music and performance...but even more than that I've learned about integrity. Vince has that in spades...and frankly that's rare in this business. Vince is a good, honest, sincere and very, VERY funny man! No to mention one of the most talented people I've ever had the privilege of knowing. I think we're onto something...I think we have a lot to offer as a duo...and I am, for the first time in many, many years, excited about my life in music again!

Harmony and A Few of my Songs...

2011-04-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

Had a great rehearsal with Vince this weekend. Over the course of our practise he mentioned that we may include a song or two of my own in the show...which is really more than I expected! My homework this week is to work on harmony vocals...again, finding diversity in dynamics with a duo situation is, well, a very creative process. I love singing and playing Vince's music so much...and it must show...Vince mentioned that he likes my vocal range and thinks we should bring in more harmony parts. So...I am looking forward to that!

Confronting the Fear of Confrontation

2011-03-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

I don't do confrontation. At least not well. This morning I was writing about it and how it's manifested throughout my life...trying to find a source of this fear of confrontation. It's a little more complicated than I initially thought. I have to admit that there is this need to be liked by people at the root, but there is more to it than that. I also want to make people feel good. But what usually happens when faced with confrontation? I always surrender in order to "make the other person happy." And it always festers and back fires on me. Every time. I wind up mad at myself...and the person I yielded too...enter passive aggressiveness.

So I boiled down the core elements and it comes down to three things. Fear, respect and honesty. Fear of making someone mad at me leads me to be dishonest with them and myself. And dishonesty is disrespectful to all involved. When I realized this it shed a different light on the entire issue. I realized that my strengths, my desire to be honest and respectful to others would actually help me through the fear of confrontation. I believe it's my sensitivity to others that will make the difference in how I confront a problem from now on. I know people who have no problem with confrontation...the problem with most of them is that they are completely inconsiderate to the feelings of those they confront. Being truthful should be tempered with respect...and I suspect that when those two things are mixed, anything can be said and received with grace.

Being my own contractor in the middle of my home's remodel, I have had to question and confront some things my guys have done or not done over the past few weeks, which is why I'm writing about this today. It's been a great opportunity for me to learn how to be a better leader, not only in my remodel, but for my band, my business and personal life. Just thought I'd share!

Song Writing for "Book of Shadows"

2011-03-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

Just a little update on the new CD...I've been writing over the past few months, and have some great new songs ready for the studio. Since the release of "Color of Rain" I had written about a half a dozen songs that went right into my stage performances for my acoustic trio Silver Moon, and a few others I played solo. Of these I have decided "Brave the Outside", "Worship Me" and "Saving Grace" will go on the new CD. There is another very obscure song called "Shadow of Love" that I'm keeping on a distant standby. It's unlikely to go into production because it's not really connected to the over all theme of "Book of Shadows"...even though the title would suggest otherwise. If I'm in need of an up tempo song I will reconsider.

"Book of Shadows" will really be a stand out effort for me. While "Color of Rain" had a very diverse range of material and production approach, "Book of Shadows" will hover closely to a more cohesive sound and vibe. Songs may bleed seamlessly into one another. And again, the emphasis will be on the lyrics. Musically I aim to take the "chill" approach rather than a straight forward rock or Americana avenue. While most "chill" music is lean on lyric content...this CD will be wrapped in it.

Who am I Today?

2011-01-10T15:49:00.000-08:00

Who am I today? That's a question I decided to ask myself this afternoon as I recall the path my life has taken over the past year. So many unbelievable things have unfolded for me by way of The Artist's Way, a course designed as a spiritual path to higher creativity. In fact, my latest exploration into the Artist's Way was highlighted by the fact that I took the course from the author of the Artist's Way book, Julia Cameron...to me, taking the course with Julia is one of the greatest things that's every happened to me...not to mention a long time dream...a long time dream, now realized. In the course we are taught that synchronicity sets in motion many "lucky breaks" that come to answer our prayers and support our creative goals. If it sounds like magic, well, I know...I know how it sounds...but more importantly, I also know that it is magic...and it works....every time, all the time. And with lightening speed.

My biggest goal this time in the AW was to recover my enthusiasm about my music. At one point a few weeks ago I even asked God point blank: "I really need your help...I need something to happen for my music...and I need it to be big enough to know that it came from you, God." Sounds pretty demanding and selfish I guess, but since God is God, I figure He will not only understand, but deliver. He is God, after all. BUT... to perfectly honest I didn't expect anything to happen. Not really.

So yesterday as I parked my car outside class, I reached to turn my phone off before going inside. Now, I should note here that yesterday was the last class of my 12 week course. So as I looked at the screen on my iPhone, I saw that my partner Ralph had called twice within the last 20 minutes. Figuring it was probably something important I listened to Ralph's message: "Danny, Vince Bell called today and wants you to play with him at a big benefit next month...I told him you would...hope it's ok...anyway...call Vince when you get home tonight."

What? Did I just hear that right? Vince Bell is a Grammy Award nominated singer songwriter who now lives in Santa Fe. We meet a few months ago because we (Ralph and I) were hired to do some promotional work for him. Vince also invited us to his Thanksgiving Party, which was the first time we had a chance to really talk and hang out. I gave him a copy of "Color of Rain"...not thinking of anything other than I wanted him and his wife Sarah to have it...sort of a "thank you" for hiring us. So last week Vince emailed me saying he "put the spin on" my CD and was very, very impressed. That in and of it's self was a huge boost for me. Not to mention Vince has become a good friend in a short time. But...wait a minute...now he wants me to play with him???? Wow...

So let me get this straight...who am I today? I have completed the Artist's Way course taught by Julia Cameron, and on the last day of that class I am invited to perform with a Grammy Award winning singer songwriter. That's really who I am today? Wow...the magic of all this and the way it lined up didn't go un-noticed. God is really and truly God. And I am truly a blessed and happy man today.

The River

2010-10-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Funny thing about creativity...it doesn't always cooperate with our plans. Thinking I would be writing this trippy, chill music this fall I found myself laboring too hard and being too deliberate about the feel. In short, I can't "make" myself write something. Songwriting is more like dictation, I hear the song coming through and follow the lead on paper and piano. Or, like my latest work, I write down a line that leads to a great story that's waiting to be told.

Ralph and I had the great pleasure of seeing Vince Bell this weekend...Vince is a Grammy Award winning songwriter from Austin who now lives in Santa Fe. He hired us to do the postering for his show...and generously put us on the guest list. The show was amazing...Vince formatted the show to be a monologue with song. He told the story of his life...how he was rendered brain damaged and maimed after a serious car accident. He was told he would never talk, walk or write his name with his crushed hand and arm ever again. Vince refused to accept this prognoses and set out to rehabilitate his self back to the man he was. After 10 painful, less than encouraging years, he finally did just that. Not only can he walk and talk again...but this man is a world class guitar player with one of the most soulful voices I've ever heard. To say I was inspired is an understatement. Any one of us who has ever felt defeated must always look beyond that...call up our personal powers of determination and never let anyone else tell us we can't do what we really want to do!

The next day I found nothing but hope in my morning pages, and thought that I too, could create a one man musical...mixing story telling with music. I don't really have a song that recounts my young life in Hannibal, MO...so I turned the page in my journal and wrote the line "A two story house in the forest hills..." and I was off. It turns out there was a whole song under that line and I wrote it, words and music this weekend. I'll include the lyrics below...

The River
Music and Lyrics by Daniel Link. (Special thanks to Ralph who helped me find the ending to this song!)October 24, 2010

A two story house in the forest hills
And a road that lead up to the sky…
Cotton candy summers and a Ferris wheel,
And a boy who dreamed he could fly…

Two pretty girls lived right next door
Sweet laughter would carry in the rain…
They weren’t rich but they weren’t poor,
And he loved to hear them say his name…

Oh, the river…
Flows so far…
God bless the dreamer…
God bless the stars…

They would all climb trees and run barefoot
Catching fireflies like stars within their reach…
But then one day the boy found he could
Never touch the stars by climbing trees…

Oh, the river…
Flows so far…
God bless the dreamer…
God bless the stars…

Teenaged years brought much to learn,
For a small town boy who’s now a freak…
Staring out the window as the seasons turn,
With an outcast tear upon his cheek…

So much beauty yet so much pain,
Filled the landscape of the boy’s homeland…
Two pretty girls would have to sustain
The sweetness of the deep river sand…

Oh, the river…
Flows so far…
God bless the dreamer…
God bless the stars…

Chart the river…
To the unknown sea…
To the unsleeping lands…
Passage is not free…
The boy from the river…
Changed into a man…
In an Emerald City…
Still an empty hand…

Now he lives in the mountains were the stars are near…
The city had no answer it would seem…
Cotton candy summers and a Ferris wheel,
The broken hearted still dare to dream…

Oh, the river…
Flows so far…
God bless the dreamer…
God bless the stars…
Oh the river…
I’ve come so far…
The dreamer is the river…
The dreamer is the stars...

Creative Update

2010-10-11T06:31:00.001-07:00

As I reported last week, I'm writing new material for my next album/CD. However my plan to write a bunch of poetry first and add the music later isn't working out so well. Because, the music is flowing in almost non stop. Writing poetry in the park sounds so romantic, but the truth is the shower seems to be a much more productive song writing space for me! In addition to that, I wake up with music in my head...and the music wants to inform the lyrics..not the other way around. So, the lesson here is to let creativity do the leading...it is a dance, really. If I let it happen naturally, the way it wants to happen, I'll be in much better shape. So we'll see...I can tell you this much, the music is very good so far. This latest riff I'm working on is nothing more than a funky bass progression, and the melody line is very repetitious...but I really like the feel. I wrote free form lyrics on the way up to Taos this weekend...basically associations on a theme...and I like what I came up with. I'll let you know if this develops into something I will use...but since it keeps running through my head, I'm sure it will become a proper song before too long!

As to my other creative projects, Ralph and I did some modeling this weekend for our friend Cindy...she wanted us to model hoodies that were designed for her movie/documentary Manitou-Api. Those pictures should publish soon, I'll be sure to post them once they're ready. Also, I am launching episode 11 of My YouTube Show this month...and of course, I am doing a Halloween theme! I have to re-shoot a scene this week, but it is pretty much all edited and ready to go. No spoilers here...sorry...all I can tell you is that there are a couple of re-occurring characters that are featured in episode 11.

Until next week!

My Next Album

2010-10-04T08:12:00.001-07:00

The process of creating a new album (CD) for me is somewhat deliberate in the beginning stages. I usually start with the album title, and write songs that gravitate to the overall theme. I really started this process with "Ghost Stories". I had half the songs that I wanted to record already written. The one that stood out the most for me was "Ghost", which to me seemed a good center piece to create other songs around. Once I settled on the album title "Ghost Stories", I then proceeded to write "Christine", "Tangled", "Telepathy", "Seance", "Sweet Baby" and "Someone in Austin"...these songs worked well with and around the other songs I had slated for the project: "Ghost", "Storm in my Heart", "Vision of Colour", "True Perspective", "Be Home Soon" and "Good Life".

The same formula carried over into "Color of Rain". In fact it was improved upon and enhanced with the primary goal being to create a CD that mirrored the albums from the late 60's and early to mid 70's...I wanted to make a CD that people would want to listen to from start to finish. No filler songs...and lots of diversity. Once again, I had accumulated a handful of songs that I had written while touring with Ghost Stories. In fact, my Ghost Stories band began playing "One Good Reason" and "Vicious Circle" on stage shortly after I wrote them. When touring stopped for Ghost Stories, the band dissolved and I found myself at square one once again. This was a good thing in hindsight...because it gave me time to refocus my career, time to find new players and time to lock down a new, more suitable studio. It was during this time that I came up with the album title "Color of Rain"...with the theme centering around duality. At that point I had "Vicious Circles", "One Good Reason", "Be Kind", "Evergreen" and "Angel Falls" to start with. In fact "Angel Falls" was the first song we cut...because my producer saw it as one of the strongest songs I had ever written. So after I had committed myself to studio time, I had to write the rest of "Color of Rain". In fact, I loved the title so much that I wanted to write a title track. It took me a few months to finish the song "Color of Rain" which is somewhat out of the ordinary for me. I really wanted to get this song right...and it truly needed to ferment internally before it was ready for recording. But in the process of writing that song, I was able to write others including "Bruce Wayne", and "Essence". It was a highly creative time for everyone involved in the project, including my producer Johnny Big who wrote this funky jazz riff and asked me to write something to be read over the top of it...this song became "4am Slam Over Coffee", and is the biggest diversion and most talked about surprise on the entire CD! But the creative leaps didn't stop there...I decided to re cut "Altar Boy" - a song from my first EP - with the ethereal feel that was missed in the original cut. The finished result exceeded my expectations thanks to the mind blowing percussion played by Pat Mastelotto. After 6 months into production I wrote "South of Your Borders" with James Odle. This was the perfect vehicle to serve as a duet with my good friend Chelle Murrey...who I desperately wanted involved in the project but didn't have any idea of what to give her until this song was written. There was no shortage on material during the last few days of production, but Johnny wanted a special closing for the CD. So, I went home and wrote "So, Goodbye". The next day we cut it...the song wasn't even 24 hours old...but everyone fell in love with it and really felt we needed to keep it simple with sweeping harmony vocals on top of my vocal and keyboard part.

My career went on after that, and I cut a live CD with my acoustic band Silver Moon, plus I cut a Christmas EP with Chelle Murrey. However my passion for studio work was still not being fulfilled completely and now being in Santa Fe I am once again at square one. Once again I am faced with wanting to expand myself...new sonic territory...new players, a new studio and so on. I wouldn't call myself a prolific songwriter...I don't write songs everyday...in fact months languish between song to song for me. I rarely write a song for the sake of writing a song. When I do stumble across a song it is always accompanied with the urge to record it. And I have some songs that are ready for the studio..."Brave the Outside", "Saving Grace", "Worship Me" and "Last Day of Winter". And I have a new album title, "Book of Shadows". As the title suggests, this album will be steeped in more poetic, mystical music that will seem more like incantations than songs. In fact, rather than sitting at the piano with my notebook, I'm going to write a book of poetry with no thought of music and melody at all. Once I have about 25 poems, I will then apply the music...in this way I will be writing my songs from the inside out...the way I started writing songs when I was a teenager but grew out of once I got into my career.

In terms of style, "Book of Shadows" will be a noted shift for me. I'm going to experiment in the Chill genra...electronica...and for the most part everything will be mid tempo. On the surface it may seem like a huge departure for me...but there has always been the ethereal element to my music...I simply want to explore it/develop it more fully.

Mysterious Ways

2010-09-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

On September 19, 1998 I entered into recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. It was a profound experience in my life as on that morning I awoke with no hope. By the end of the day I had nothing but hope. I made a secret promise to myself to always honor and remember September 19 by doing something that reminds me of the grace that was granted to me.

As I progressed in my recovery, I was introduced to The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. This book is a 12 week course in recovering creativity through spiritual means. The tools I learned in The Artist's Way changed my life. Not only did it work hand in hand with my sobriety, it also opened the door to my life in music. I suddenly found myself living a life I had only dreamed of. It lead me to the person I am today.

On September 19, 1999 I learned that Julia Cameron was going to be speaking in Austin. Ralph and our dear friends Glenda and Linda all went to the event. I actually met Julia Cameron, had my picture taken with her and she autographed my journal! What a perfect way to celebrate my sobriety birthday!

Fast forward to this year. On Friday September 17, I had an interview on KSFR, Santa Fe's community radio station. I was promoting my upcoming performance for that weekend and helping with the station's pledge drive. On the following Monday I was listening to KSFR in the afternoon. The same DJ that had interviewed me was introducing his guest of the day...he said: "I'm very happy to have the following guest in the studio today...she's a brand new Santa Fe resident and author of The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron." I was shocked. Trying to process everything I just heard...not only was Julia on the same show I was on just days before, but she now lives in Santa fe too???? I rushed to the phone and called the studio...I told the person who answered to please write down the following: "My name is Daniel Link...Thank you so much for The Artist's Way...I would not have a life in music that lead to my latest CD Color of Rain without you! Thank you so much!" Moments later Julia announced on air: "I've just been handed a note from Daniel, he says he wouldn't have created his CD Color of Rain without my book...Color of Rain...what a lovely title...and how gratifying to know I've helped a fellow artist." The DJ said: "Color of Rain...that would be Daniel Link...and his CD is terrific!"

Tears were streaming down my face. No one could cut me a check that would match the reward of hearing those words from Julia Cameron. I also learned that Julia herself will be teaching The Artist's Way here in Santa Fe for 12 weeks. My friend Jill and I signed up and start class on October 3rd! An interesting side note is that Jill said to me earlier this year, as we were doing The Artist's Way together, that I should be teaching this course. I thought to myself, "I would want to learn from Julia Cameron before I would consider doing that..." Well, this just proves that God not only works in mysterious ways, He also works in very direct ways as well.

The following day I was writing in my journal about all this. And when I wrote down the date, I was struck. This all happened on September 20...just a day after my sobriety birthday and 11 years and one day since I first met Julia.

September is Music Month

2010-08-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

It's taken me some time to get settled into my new life in Santa Fe, and now I'm ready to establish my music roots here. Earlier this year I took another past through "The Artist's Way" with my newest buddy, author Jillian Brash. It's a 12 week course and is really effective at breaking the creative ice blocks and encouraging artistic flow. My years in Austin were very rewarding but the past few years my career went, for lack of a better word, flat. All careers in the arts have natural peaks and valleys...but the last few years in Austin were excessively brutal for me. I experienced one failed partnership after another. Each incarnation of my band yielded high promise...but failed miserably to deliver on that promise. By 2008 I had exhausted all of my enthusiasm...and my art form became of shadow of it's former self...and my self confidence began to faulter as well. "Fake it 'til you make it" became my mantra...but with everyday the "faking" lead me to question my integrity..."am I a fraud?" soon became a common question I was secretly asking myself...followed in short order with "what's the use?"

But with the Artist's Way I came to the realization that what distinguishes a successful career is the ability to over come failure. And by taking small, safe, do-able steps each day I could rebuild not only my career, but my enthusiasm and confidence in it and myself. Plus, I learned to look at all the good things that have happened to me throughout my career. And there are a lot of good things...even a few great things. The next thing I knew I was making a list of what I wanted to do with my career here in Santa Fe. I also made a list of the things I was no longer willing to do. A song came on the last day of winter...then an appearance at a film opening...and then, a personal agreement to only book performance spaces...

Little by little I started feeling more like myself again. And I decided to explore the higher end venues in town which eventually landed me a booking at Mike's Music Exchange....the best listening room in town! A few exploratory phone calls to program directors at local radio stations yielded invitations to bring my CD in for airplay. (I just dropped them off today!)

So I've decided to dedicate September as my own Music Month. I'll be doing something every day to honor my music artist. In this recreation of my life in music, I've decided that being a touring artist is out. I'm fine playing a show or two every month or so...and if I travel it will be up to Taos and down to Albuquerque. And it feels...liberating...right...perfect, actually.

So, be on the lookout for some cool stuff happening on my website...including a revamp of my radio player where I plan to do a true radio format with little commentaries between the tracks.

Peace, Daniel

Forgiveness and Trust

2010-08-23T09:46:00.001-07:00

Ever grapple with the question: "If I forgive someone completely, does that mean I have to continue in my relationship with that person?" At first blush, it would seem the right answer would be "yes"...forgive and forget...

However, for me, someone who has invested years developing self respect, I am not likely to put myself in a position that doesn't support that self respect. And while I pray every morning to be a channel for forgiveness, I also recognize that forgiveness isn't a free ticket for someone to carry on the same old behavior. I have learned to forgive someone yet discern whether or not I wish to keep that someone in my life. In other words, forgiveness doesn't automatically grant trust. Sometimes we just have to move on. My experience has taught me that while I have the capacity for change, I can't expect others to change as well. Although, I always hold on to hope, I am much more careful when it comes to extending trust.

To YouTube or Not YouTube

2010-08-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

It's funny how creativity works...I just finished a very extensive video project...basically my mom's life story told in family pictures, music and video clips. It's over an hour long, and packed with emotion...and very satisfying creatively because I really poured a lot of creativity in it, and it was received with overwhelming love and appreciation by my family. And yet, the day after I was finished I was restless with "what next" haunting my morning pages.

I love making little films...even though it's technically shooting video...I am pleasantly surprised to find that I have a natural talent for it, and really enjoy doing it as well. So, I began coming up with idea's for another YouTube Show...and spent the entire weekend designing a set, new character make-ups, and shooting. I am coming to understand why making movies costs so much...hours go into shooting and editing just for a 2 or 3 minute scene. But in the end, it's worth it for good work. The truth is all the fun is the actual making.

I'm certainly not looking for any awards in film making...some of the production for My YouTube Show is about the same quality of a high school play...and the material is about as light as you can get...and honestly...that's the point. My music explores the deepest parts of my soul, and My YouTube Show explores just how silly I can be. I needed a creative release for my sense of humor, my acting abilities, and my knack for film making...YouTube is the perfect place for me to do that.

I have to admit there's a part of me that warns: "Your music will never be taken seriously if people see what you're doing on YouTube." But I always come back to "so what? What I'm doing on YouTube is just as creatively viable as my music...and in the end I'm not just a singer songwriter...I'm not just a YouTuber...I'm not just the owner of a new business, I'm not just a cook, I'm not just a writer...I am a creative person exploring all of my creative avenues. And the result is a real sense of satisfaction. The work is the real reward...not the praise.

So, consider this a reminder that Episode 10 of Daniel Link: My YouTube Show will launch within the next few weeks!

Lost Songs

2010-07-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

It's always been somewhat challenging for me to practice...I think because I usually run through my set list...and it gets a little boring for me....I mean my set list is great, don't get me wrong...those songs are there for a reason: because I love them, and so do you. And of course, I stick (for the most part) with material that can be heard on my CD's. It's different playing my set list in front of an audience...there's charged energy. But, when it's just me, my piano and a candle or two, it can become a little dry playing the same stuff over and over.

Over the weekend however, I sat down at my piano with a sense of adventure. I've been writing songs since 1983. Most of those early songs have never seen the light of day...or at least, the spot light. The earliest songs I play live and have recorded only go back to the early 1990's. Nothing from the 80's...I just assumed they weren't worth the time...too adolescent...too green. However, I thought I would, just for fun, revisit some of the older material to see if I could even remember how to play them. I opened up my song catalog and pulled up "Faded Heart", written in '83. Wow...not only was it great fun to play, but I heard potential in it! So I moved onto others...one by one I heard songs that were not just promising, but actually pretty good. Yes, some of the lyrics were a little trite...but still, I couldn't help falling in love with my oldest material again. I was at the piano for 5 hours...loving every moment...

I found myself wondering if I would record some of these lost songs. During the time I was writing them, being a professional singer songwriter was a far away dream...so in a way, I would be giving the artist who wrote these songs a dream come true. Who knows...I might have a hit that was written over 25 years ago.

I have been writing for my next project, called "Book of Shadows"...and many of these old songs do fit within the theme of my next project. So I will be playing these songs again..."Still", "Make Me Feel Alright", "Back at the Bar Tonight (For Your Lies)", "Hold On", "I Don't Want to be Lonely" and others from my past...to see if there's a place for them in my future.

Back to "Daniel Link"

2010-07-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not I have been very busy! With launching a new business and a huge, personal creative project I've had little time to think about "Daniel Link." However all things tend to work together in my life, and while Ralph and I were out making new contacts for our business, I met a DJ from Taos who wants to play my music on her show. Listen to KTAO this Saturday from 8am to noon; "Colt's Alternative Country"! http://www.ktao.com/

I don't have any plans of touring anytime soon. I really want to sink in and enjoy being in these magical moutains...I am doing some song writing, and I do want to start recording this fall. From there who knows...I will most likely do a Rocky Mountain Tour next spring, but don't really want to go too far away from home. I'm sure it seems to go against the grain of being a musician, but I am a home body, and touring is just not something I'm interested in anymore.

Besides my music, there is also My YouTube Show...another little side project that seems to be getting more attention than I had thought. I love doing them, and will resume posting new shows in August.

Thanks for hanging around!
Daniel

Artist's Way

2010-06-14T10:12:00.001-07:00

Monday Monday...how I love that day. Yes, a little 60's retro to start the day...I've been hip deep in a video project I'm working on for my Mom's 88th birthday...sort of a time travel journey through her life in pictures as well as US and Pop history. I'm including music that was popular through each decade...so I have everything from Fanny Brice to Frank Sinatra - Frankie Avalon to Ike and Tina Turner...still later in the project there is Willie Nelson to Devo, REM to KD Lang, and Jack Johnson to yours truly. So much music, so much history, and piles upon piles of old family photographs including my mom's baby pictures and drawings of her by her father. Really wonderful stuff! And it's keeping me creativly active.

A few weeks ago I decided that I would once again do the Artist's Way course...this time with my friend and author Jillian Brash, who also lives in Santa Fe. Jill and I have been meeting on Thursdays since the beginning of spring at a coffee house just off Canyon Road. There among cobble stone path ways and ancient adobe homes converted into high end art galleries, Jill and I have been pondering the challenges of our perspective careers in the arts, while encouraging each other at the same time...each with our own unique gifts of encouragement. It was on one of these meetings that the Artist's Way course came up and we sort of looked at each other and said "why aren't we doing that?" I mean here we both are, living in one of the most spectacular creative meccas in the world...why not allow ourselves the infusion of creativity that seems to flow freely down the streets of Santa Fe? So it was agreed...we are now in week two of The Artist's Way.

I must admit, I thought this would be somewhat mundane for me since I've done the course at least ten times over the past ten years...there was this lingering thought: "what can I possibly gain from doing this again?" The real question was "what am I afraid of discovering?" The answer was a bit profound. I have benefited in immeasurable ways from the Artist's Way in the past...including dislodging a belief that I couldn't sing. In fact, I would not have launched a career in music without the Artist's Way. The thing I had forgotten is that within the frame work of living my dream, brand new creative blocks began popping up because of various snags, let downs and personality conflicts. I simply told myself I had to be tough and go on. The problem is, unresolved and unacknowledged disappointments can fester and develop into brand new creative blocks. And I have plenty of them! The cool thing is, I am now working through them with an amazing friend, and highly creative person who understands my unique emotional situations because she has similar experiences herself. The healing process truly is enhanced by sharing your problems with someone who really understands rather than a well meaning person with a generous ear.

I love living in Santa Fe. I love the new people in my life...and I love where my life is going. The Artist's Way has always reaped powerful results for me...so don't be surprised if a new CD emerges soon!

Please Leave a Message

2010-06-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

Lets face it. Most of us have cell phones in our pockets, purses and hands 24/7. Most of us use our phone for many other things besides it's primary function. All of our phones have some form of voice mail, and I'm willing to bet there are many of you who have had many messages with the following sentiment: "why don't you ever answer your phone?" In fact some of us are targeted as habitual "non-pickup-ers" despite the fact that everyone, and I do mean everyone, avoids picking up for one reason or another every time our phone rings or pings or plays some obnoxious 70's song. My question is this: why are people like me targeted as phone call avoiders? My only conclusion is that people assume that because my career resides in the arts that I don't have real hours or real responsibilities therefore should be free every hour of every day. The implication is that the phone caller is much more important than I am and how dare I not pick up whenever they call (which is usually much more often than they should and it always has something to do with them or something I need to do for them). Yet when I call back, guess what...my call is rolled over into voice mail.

SOOOOO.... for everyone who has accused me of being inconsiderate by not picking up, let me list all of the possible reasons why you are not the most important person in the world:

1. Despite the fact that nearly everyone ignores the safety issues involving driving and talking/texting, (and in many cities now it is in fact THE LAW), I am one of the few people who DOES NOT TALK ON THE PHONE WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE!

2. If I am in the presence of a friend or another human being, I silence my phone because I think it is RUDE to take a call when I am with company of any kind. THAT INCLUDES STORE CLERKS and the folks who make my mochas! Oh my God...soooooo rude!

3. I don't talk shit, if you know what I mean....

4. My fitness club is a "Cell Free" environment.

5. Creative work demands solitude...and most of what I do involves creative writing, video editing, Photoshoping, piano playing and so on.

6. If I'm eating I don't want mayonnaise or steak sauce blown all over my iPhone screen...so I don't take calls during breakfast, lunch or dinner.

7. Sometimes, yes, I really don't want to talk to you right now! Ok, I've said it...and I'm certain there are plenty of people who feel the same way about me.

8. I go for walks and hike frequently, and especially since I live in Northern New Mexico, there is no freaking way I am going to screw up a perfectly beautiful experience in nature by listening to my iPod or talking on the phone...forget it...

Here's the bottom line. I love my iPhone...I have and use many of my apps. And yes, I have voice mail. OK? VOICE MAIL...get it? I understand when I am rolled into voice mail to state why I'm calling, and a good time to call back...in other words, I leave a message, not a complaint. Please, if you have my number, return the courtesy.

Finally, if it really bothers you so much that I never answer when you call, I have the perfect sollution: don't call.

Gold Dust Woman

2010-05-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

And the last part...assuming you've made it this far and are even remotely interested!

Dance with Me

2010-05-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

Part two!

South of Your Borders

2010-05-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

This week I'm putting in a vlog entry in 3 parts! Just some ramblings about the newest additions to my live show. Enjoy!

Rewire

2010-05-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

While it may seem that I reveal all through any one of my chosen mediums, whether it be song, video or blog, there really is much about myself that I don't share. I think it has more to do with not wanting to hurt feelings...true for so many of us...how many times have we said to ourselves..."if they only knew how I really felt."? Well, all things considered, I think there are some things better left between myself and my Higher self. Still, when I stumble across something that helps me move beyond perceived limitations I am compelled to share it in hope that it might help someone else...maybe even you.

My reasons for relocating to the southern Rockies are deep and many. A deliberate change to be backed up with deliberate action. I have been on a path of self exploration for many, many years now...and with more self knowledge I become much better at accurately identifying my emotional, spiritual and physical needs. Something else has been happening to me as well...I am finding I am not the person I thought I was...or rather, I no longer want to pretend to be the person I was programmed/expected to be. ("I'll mold my own disguise, I'll change the way I talk") I don't like big crowds. Shocking, I'm sure to many who think they know me...but I don't. I thrive in solitude... (Not to be confused with seclusion.) I've been programmed to react impatiently while waiting in lines, or to blow up when something doesn't go my way...the real truth about me is that I learned those behaviors...I thought it was required in order to be a part of my family. Truth is those reactions are very foreign to me...yet I've learned them so well I now have to actively rewire myself to revert to my true self.

And the simple meditations I've come up with actually work...so I thought I'd share one of them today.

Waiting in traffic, I repeat to myself: "I am occupying a space that is just for me...this is my place...I am supposed to be right here..." This promotes peace right away, and also helps me to recognize that everyone else has their own space as well. Therefore...no road rage. Plus, this helps me realize that the waiting is actually lining up future fortunes...including a safe arrival back home.

No loud noise, please. Again...probably a little surprising, especially since I'm such a loud mouth. But, noise is just that...noise. Actually, it's more...it's dangerous. I have a cure for anyone with sleep issues. Ralph and I have decided to have a media deprivation day once a week...and to minimize radio and television in general. Why? Because it's too much stimuli. When I try going to bed, the lack of stimuli actually keeps me from a good night’s sleep. But when I deprive myself from radio and TV...guess what...I actually sleep better!

So, I am rewiring much about myself these days...the key to happiness is to be authentic...

Hugs and Kisses

2010-05-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

I love huggers. I'm a hugger. Most of the people I'm close with are huggers. However, as a hugger, I think it's important to observe a few simple guidelines. Because let's face it, we all know the huggers we want to be hugged by and the huggers we can't stand to be hugged by. And I think it's time to issue a "how to" guide for all of us huggers out there so that our bodily gifts of affection are received in the spirit in which they are given.

Rule number 1. Learn to interpret body language. There are some among us who are hyper sensitive and can easily pick up the energy of others. Most of the time these people avoid being touched because they become overwhelmed by the high energy from those of us who are larger than life. I had to learn this the hard way...a trusted friend of mine is very sensitive to energy, especially energy from out going people. It makes him very uncomfortable. The first time I went to hug him I saw him hesitate to except my bear hug embrace. And when I did hug him he bailey hugged back...and I could feel that he was just waiting for it to be over quickly. And later I observed the wincing across his face when someone else put his hand on my friend's back. When we were alone I asked him if he was sensitive to other peoples energies and he quickly replied "oh my God you have no idea." So I learned that a big hug can sometimes be interpreted as imposing/invading on someone else's space. A generous smile is always the best way to disarm people like this. If they want a hug, they will usually initiate it...and take that as a big compliment because you're being asked to hug someone who is not a hugger!

Rule Number 2. The man hug is lame. This might seem to contradict rule number one, but if you're gonna hug someone who wants a hug...don't do a wimpy ass hug just because you're a man hugging another man. The 70's are soooo over. My brother Mickey is one of the best huggers I've ever hugged! And he doesn't do the lame one arm man hug...if he huggs you, he huggs you! If you have issues with your sexual identity go see a theorist.

Rule number 3 and the most important rule of all! If you are a hugger...this rule is really paramount. FOR GODS SAKE DON'T SOAK YOURSELF AND YOUR CLOTHS WITH GODAWFUL COLOGNE OR PERFUME!!!! There is nothing worse than someone who has dowsed themselves in offensive perfumes spring a big ass hug on you because then you're stuck with the smell of their cheap ass Cologne all fucking night night long! I have actually changed cloths at a party I was giving one night because one of my guests came in and hugged me...she had clearly just emptied a full bottle of horrible perfume onto her outfit. I swear it's like getting skunked! I'm so very happy that she found a scent that appeals to her...but one persons heaven is another's hell. And if you are a hugger...you have to learn how to apply your scent. NEVER EVER put it on your cloths! A light midst on your bare body just out of the shower is the correct way. On Queer Eye for the Straight Guy it is recommended that you spray your cologne in a light jet in front of you and walk into it. But no matter which way you choose, always apply your scent BEFORE you get dressed...and NEVER on your wrists and hands...the things you use to hug!

As far as kisses go...if you're a man who likes to kiss everyone...don't wear a heavy beard and mustache...if you're a woman who likes to kiss everyone...don't pile on the war paint and bright red lip stick. I know we see it in the movies and think it's funny...but lip stick on a cheek is not cute or charming. Of course the same rules apply that I mentioned above about personal space. Keep breath mints handy at all times, and make sure you use your napkin thoroughly after eating and drinking. Oh...speaking of drinking...if you're a drinker...don't get bombed and then go into a big love fest and think you have to hug and kiss everyone. There's nothing worse than having a drunk heaving liquor breath in your face and hanging all over you. You could actually do more harm than good, because while you might feel your being affectionate in professing your love to someone, it comes across as extremely insincere and offensive. Not to mention it's very uncomfortable to be on the receiving end of this sort of drunken display. Really. Trust me.

The 7 Teachings

2010-04-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

Moon-day again...I'm shifting between writing/sending out press releases about my upcoming show in Santa Fe May 14, to updating my website, to cleaning house, to playing my keys, and now writing my weekly blog. As someone who wears a waxing crescent moon charm around his neck to evoke the moon's powers of creation I have to tell you...I've created a lot lately, and I'm very, very busy. And it is good. My latest creation with Ralph is our new business Poster Boyz. Basically, we're supporting the creative and nonprofit communities of Santa Fe by distributing their posters and flyers. Our mission vision reads: "We are committed to serving the creative and nonprofit communities of Northern New Mexico. Our grass roots distribution methods are time honored, effective and valuable. We cultivate relationships with all people involved and interested in the arts, centered on mutual respect."

We set out to create a business that was in alignment the laws of the New Age...knowing that the old way of doing things is about to pass, we are adapting ourselves to the requirements of the next age...in every aspect of our lives, including our business.

So, what are the laws?

Well, the best way to present them to you is to recount the teachings that come from Anishnabe Elder, Dave Courchene.

LOVE ~ EAGLE: Whenever you see the Eagle, you can always call upon the eagle for more love in your life or you can ask for more ways you can give love to life.

RESPECT ~ BUFFALO Respect means having the ability to give. To show respect to life, you give of yourself. You can serve your fellow man by giving of yourself for the betterment of humanity, for the betterment of the world.

COURAGE ~ BEAR It takes a lot of courage to listen to your heart and to your spirit as it’s telling you what to do even when your mind tells you something else... it takes a lot of courage and that’s why the Bear is there.The Bear, they say, goes out and hibernates in the winter--- but our people don’t understand it that way. The Bear goes to fast. It’s fasting all winter and this is important for us as a people... the Bear taught us how to fast... how to go on a Vision Quest.. that’s where we got the Vision Quest from.The Bear fasts for Mother Earth and he fasts all winter because he’s fasting for the Earth. He represents the love and the courage that is needed to show that love of the land and of life.

HONESTY ~ SA-BE (BIGFOOT)Our great Creator chose the Sa-be (Bigfoot) to represent the spirit of honesty... it is a very hard thing to do to, be honest, so maybe that is why the spirit of Sa-be (Bigfoot) is so elusive. We see it and it’s gone because we have a hard time being honest. The elders say the best way you could show honesty or honor the spirit of the Sa-be (Bigfoot), is to speak from your heart and listen to your spirit that has given you the inspiration of the words you are to speak. When you are honest with yourself, you are true to the words that you speak.

WISDOM ~ BEAVER Wisdom is to know that each of us has a gift, a special gift, a unique gift. That gift is to be used to serve life, to serve humanity.One of the gifts the Beaver has is 2 sharp teeth that he uses to create and build the dams and change the landscape. If that Beaver chose not to use his gift and to lay on the shore while the other beavers were working, his teeth would grow so long that he would not be able to use them and he would die, physically die. If we do not use our gift we will also die or we will become sick, mentally, emotionally or physically.

HUMILITY ~ WOLF It is the wolf that brings the teachings of humbleness. The first thing that the young child sees as he meets the Wolf is that the Wolf will stop and bow its head, which is a reflection of the Wolf showing its humbleness to the presence of the human being.The teaching of humility is very important in our life. Much of the division we see in today’s world is because people have not understood the spirit of humility: to understand the spirit of humility is to understand that no one is above another human being. No one is greater than another human being in this life; no one is lesser than another human being.To be humble is to see us equally in the eyes of the Great Spirit through the unconditional love of the Great Spirit. His love is expressed to all of us in the same way that the sun will shine on us. The sun does not choose to shine on any one person alone or any one race of people, it shines on all.

TRUTH ~ TURTLEThe 7th and final teaching that we were given is represented by the Turtle. The law and the teaching that the Grandmother Turtle carries is the teaching of truth. According to our understanding, the meaning and the essence of truth are all these laws that I just talked about: truth is love, truth is respect, truth is courage, truth is wisdom, truth is humility and truth is honesty--- the essence of truth is found in all these teachings.

These 7 laws were symbolized and represented by animals, which reflected our connection to nature and our connection to the land. The spirituality of our people is deeply rooted and connected to the land. You cannot live on this land honoring all that there is on the land unless you understand these 7 laws. If we do not understand these 7 laws that we are inspired to live by, then there is a good chance that we will not respect the land and that we will disconnect ourselves from what comes from the land. But if we live by these 7 laws, that is when we will have a truly happy and peaceful life, in harmony with all of nature and each other as the human family. -Anishnabe Elder Dave Courchene

Not me, but worth repeating..

2010-04-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I being a writer means writing your own material. However I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share an article shared by my cousin Elaine. who is a Catholic Nun with the Sisters of Mercy, and who is calling for reform in the church. She has asked Ralph and me for input and help...so... Read below:

HANS KÜNG
Pope Benedict has made worse just about everything that is wrong with the Roman Catholic Church and is directly responsible for engineering the global cover-up of child rape perpetrated by priests, according to this open letter to all Catholic bishops

VENERABLE BISHOPS,
Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, and I were the youngest theologians at the Second Vatican Council from 1962 to 1965. Now we are the oldest and the only ones still fully active. I have always understood my theological work as a service to the Roman Catholic Church. For this reason, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict XVI, I am making this appeal to you in an open letter. In doing so, I am motivated by my profound concern for our church, which now finds itself in the worst credibility crisis since the Reformation. Please excuse the form of an open letter; unfortunately, I have no other way of reaching you.

I deeply appreciated that the pope invited me, his outspoken critic, to meet for a friendly, four-hour-long conversation shortly after he took office. This awakened in me the hope that my former colleague at Tubingen University might find his way to promote an ongoing renewal of the church and an ecumenical rapprochement in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council.

Unfortunately, my hopes and those of so many engaged Catholic men and women have not been fulfilled. And in my subsequent correspondence with the pope, I have pointed this out to him many times. Without a doubt, he conscientiously performs his everyday duties as pope, and he has given us three helpful encyclicals on faith, hope and charity. But when it comes to facing the major challenges of our times, his pontificate has increasingly passed up more opportunities than it has taken:

Missed is the opportunity for rapprochement with the Protestant churches: Instead, they have been denied the status of churches in the proper sense of the term and, for that reason, their ministries are not recognized and intercommunion is not possible.

Missed is the opportunity for the long-term reconciliation with the Jews: Instead the pope has reintroduced into the liturgy a preconciliar prayer for the enlightenment of the Jews, he has taken notoriously anti-Semitic and schismatic bishops back into communion with the church, and he is actively promoting the beatification of Pope Pius XII, who has been accused of not offering sufficient protections to Jews in Nazi Germany.

The fact is, Benedict sees in Judaism only the historic root of Christianity; he does not take it seriously as an ongoing religious community offering its own path to salvation. The recent comparison of the current criticism faced by the pope with anti-Semitic hate campaigns – made by Rev Raniero Cantalamessa during an official Good Friday service at the Vatican – has stirred up a storm of indignation among Jews around the world.

Missed is the opportunity for a dialogue with Muslims in an atmosphere of mutual trust: Instead, in his ill-advised but symptomatic 2006 Regensburg lecture, Benedict caricatured Islam as a religion of violence and inhumanity and thus evoked enduring Muslim mistrust.

Missed is the opportunity for reconciliation with the colonised indigenous peoples of Latin America: Instead, the pope asserted in all seriousness that they had been “longing” for the religion of their European conquerors.

Missed is the opportunity to help the people of Africa by allowing the use of birth control to fight overpopulation and condoms to fight the spread of HIV.

Missed is the opportunity to make peace with modern science by clearly affirming the theory of evolution and accepting stem-cell research.

Missed is the opportunity to make the spirit of the Second Vatican Council the compass for the whole Catholic Church, including the Vatican itself, and thus to promote the needed reforms in the church.

This last point, respected bishops, is the most serious of all. Time and again, this pope has added qualifications to the conciliar texts and interpreted them against the spirit of the council fathers. Time and again, he has taken an express stand against the Ecumenical Council, which according to canon law represents the highest authority in the Catholic Church:

He has taken the bishops of the traditionalist Pius X Society back into the church without any preconditions – bishops who were illegally consecrated outside the Catholic Church and who reject central points of the Second Vatican Council (including liturgical reform, freedom of religion and the rapprochement with Judaism).

He promotes the medieval Tridentine Mass by all possible means and occasionally celebrates the Eucharist in Latin with his back to the congregation.

He refuses to put into effect the rapprochement with the Anglican Church, which was laid out in official ecumenical documents by the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission, and has attempted instead to lure married Anglican clergy into the Roman Catholic Church by freeing them from the very rule of celibacy that has forced tens of thousands of Roman Catholic priests out of office.

He has actively reinforced the anti-conciliar forces in the church by appointing reactionary officials to key offices in the Curia (including the secretariat of state, and positions in the liturgical commission) while appointing reactionary bishops around the world.

Pope Benedict XVI seems to be increasingly cut off from the vast majority of church members who pay less and less heed to Rome and, at best, identify themselves only with their local parish and bishop.

I know that many of you are pained by this situation. In his anti-conciliar policy, the pope receives the full support of the Roman Curia. The Curia does its best to stifle criticism in the episcopate and in the church as a whole and to discredit critics with all the means at its disposal. With a return to pomp and spectacle catching the attention of the media, the reactionary forces in Rome have attempted to present us with a strong church fronted by an absolutistic “Vicar of Christ” who combines the church’s legislative, executive and judicial powers in his hands alone. But Benedict’s policy of restoration has failed. All of his spectacular appearances, demonstrative journeys and public statements have failed to influence the opinions of most Catholics on controversial issues. This is especially true regarding matters of sexual morality. Even the papal youth meetings, attended above all by conservative-charismatic groups, have failed to hold back the steady drain of those leaving the church or to attract more vocations to the priesthood.

You in particular, as bishops, have reason for deep sorrow: Tens of thousands of priests have resigned their office since the Second Vatican Council, for the most part because of the celibacy rule. Vocations to the priesthood, but also to religious orders, sisterhoods and lay brotherhoods are down – not just quantitatively but qualitatively. Resignation and frustration are spreading rapidly among both the clergy and the active laity. Many feel that they have been left in the lurch with their personal needs, and many are in deep distress over the state of the church. In many of your dioceses, it is the same story: increasingly empty churches, empty seminaries and empty rectories. In many countries, due to the lack of priests, more and more parishes are being merged, often against the will of their members, into ever larger “pastoral units,” in which the few surviving pastors are completely overtaxed. This is church reform in pretense rather than fact!

And now, on top of these many crises comes a scandal crying out to heaven – the revelation of the clerical abuse of thousands of children and adolescents, first in the United States, then in Ireland and now in Germany and other countries. And to make matters worse, the handling of these cases has given rise to an unprecedented leadership crisis and a collapse of trust in church leadership.

There is no denying the fact that the worldwide system of covering up cases of sexual crimes committed by clerics was engineered by the Roman Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under Cardinal Ratzinger (1981-2005). During the reign of Pope John Paul II, that congregation had already taken charge of all such cases under oath of strictest silence. Ratzinger himself, on May 18th, 2001, sent a solemn document to all the bishops dealing with severe crimes ( “epistula de delictis gravioribus” ), in which cases of abuse were sealed under the “secretum pontificium” , the violation of which could entail grave ecclesiastical penalties. With good reason, therefore, many people have expected a personal mea culpa on the part of the former prefect and current pope. Instead, the pope passed up the opportunity afforded by Holy Week: On Easter Sunday, he had his innocence proclaimed “urbi et orbi” by the dean of the College of Cardinals.

The consequences of all these scandals for the reputation of the Catholic Church are disastrous. Important church leaders have already admitted this. Numerous innocent and committed pastors and educators are suffering under the stigma of suspicion now blanketing the church. You, reverend bishops, must face up to the question: What will happen to our church and to your diocese in the future? It is not my intention to sketch out a new program of church reform. That I have done often enough both before and after the council. Instead, I want only to lay before you six proposals that I am convinced are supported by millions of Catholics who have no voice in the current situation.

1. Do not keep silent: By keeping silent in the face of so many serious grievances, you taint yourselves with guilt. When you feel that certain laws, directives and measures are counterproductive, you should say this in public. Send Rome not professions of your devotion, but rather calls for reform!

2. Set about reform: Too many in the church and in the episcopate complain about Rome, but do nothing themselves. When people no longer attend church in a diocese, when the ministry bears little fruit, when the public is kept in ignorance about the needs of the world, when ecumenical co-operation is reduced to a minimum, then the blame cannot simply be shoved off on Rome. Whether bishop, priest, layman or laywoman – everyone can do something for the renewal of the church within his own sphere of influence, be it large or small. Many of the great achievements that have occurred in the individual parishes and in the church at large owe their origin to the initiative of an individual or a small group. As bishops, you should support such initiatives and, especially given the present situation, you should respond to the just complaints of the faithful.

3. Act in a collegial way: After heated debate and against the persistent opposition of the Curia, the Second Vatican Council decreed the collegiality of the pope and the bishops. It did so in the sense of the Acts of the Apostles, in which Peter did not act alone without the college of the apostles. In the post-conciliar era, however, the pope and the Curia have ignored this decree. Just two years after the council, Pope Paul VI issued his encyclical defending the controversial celibacy law without the slightest consultation of the bishops. Since then, papal politics and the papal magisterium have continued to act in the old, uncollegial fashion. Even in liturgical matters, the pope rules as an autocrat over and against the bishops. He is happy to surround himself with them as long as they are nothing more than stage extras with neither voices nor voting rights. This is why, venerable bishops, you should not act for yourselves alone, but rather in the community of the other bishops, of the priests and of the men and women who make up the church.

4. Unconditional obedience is owed to God alone: Although at your episcopal consecration you had to take an oath of unconditional obedience to the pope, you know that unconditional obedience can never be paid to any human authority; it is due to God alone. For this reason, you should not feel impeded by your oath to speak the truth about the current crisis facing the church, your diocese and your country. Your model should be the apostle Paul, who dared to oppose Peter “to his face since he was manifestly in the wrong”! ( Galatians 2:11 ). Pressuring the Roman authorities in the spirit of Christian fraternity can be permissible and even necessary when they fail to live up to the spirit of the Gospel and its mission. The use of the vernacular in the liturgy, the changes in the regulations governing mixed marriages, the affirmation of tolerance, democracy and human rights, the opening up of an ecumenical approach, and the many other reforms of Vatican II were only achieved because of tenacious pressure from below.

5. Work for regional solutions: The Vatican has frequently turned a deaf ear to the well-founded demands of the episcopate, the priests and the laity. This is all the more reason for seeking wise regional solutions. As you are well aware, the rule of celibacy, which was inherited from the Middle Ages, represents a particularly delicate problem. In the context of today’s clerical abuse scandal, the practice has been increasingly called into question. Against the expressed will of Rome, a change would appear hardly possible; yet this is no reason for passive resignation. When a priest, after mature consideration, wishes to marry, there is no reason why he must automatically resign his office when his bishop and his parish choose to stand behind him. Individual episcopal conferences could take the lead with regional solutions. It would be better, however, to seek a solution for the whole church, therefore:

6. Call for a council: Just as the achievement of liturgical reform, religious freedom, ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue required an ecumenical council, so now a council is needed to solve the dramatically escalating problems calling for reform. In the century before the Reformation, the Council of Constance decreed that councils should be held every five years. Yet the Roman Curia successfully managed to circumvent this ruling. There is no question that the Curia, fearing a limitation of its power, would do everything in its power to prevent a council coming together in the present situation. Thus it is up to you to push through the calling of a council or at least a representative assembly of bishops.

With the church in deep crisis, this is my appeal to you, venerable bishops: Put to use the episcopal authority that was reaffirmed by the Second Vatican Council. In this urgent situation, the eyes of the world turn to you. Innumerable people have lost their trust in the Catholic Church. Only by openly and honestly reckoning with these problems and resolutely carrying out needed reforms can their trust be regained. With all due respect, I beg you to do your part – together with your fellow bishops as far as possible, but also alone if necessary – in apostolic “fearlessness” ( Acts 4:29, 31 ). Give your faithful signs of hope and encouragement and give our church a perspective for the future.

With warm greetings in the community of the Christian faith,
Yours, Hans Küng – (New York Times Syndicate) © Hans Küng

The Irish Times - Friday, April 16, 2010

New World

2010-04-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

Greetings Moon-Day blog followers! Hope everyone had a relaxing and restful weekend; I know I sure did. Ralph and I drove up to Mora, New Mexico to visit our Hobbit/off-the-grid friend Cindy. She lives off a dirt road off a dirt road off a dirt road waaaaaaay so far away from what we call the outside world. I always seem to gain perspective when I'm out at Cindy's. It's not like she's isolated from people...her neighbors include a homeopathic healer, a reflexoigist/chicken lady, an ex-cooperate worlder from Montana who now lives in a small trailer without running water and heat (and he's very, very cool by the way...not because of the lack of heat...or maybe...oh, you know what I mean), and then there's some mysterious CIA guy who is hording food, supplies and women in preparation for 2012. (Of course we speculate about what this guy really knows). Anyway, the reason I gain perspective is because Cindy's world seems more and more like a world I can identify with. In my eyes, Cindy is isolated from the things I want to be isolated from...broadcast news, news papers, gated "communities", traffic noise, stock market bullshit, knowing moment by moment what Sandra Bullock is feeling about her divorce...you know...the stuff most Americans call normal.

In truth, I have NEVER fit into the normal mold. And honestly I've never wanted to. I've seen a doctor twice in 30 years, yet I enjoy good health. I've been to the dentist once in 30 years...last year in fact, and despite what you might think (rather, what you're trained to think) my teeth are in excellent condition. I don't have a lot of money, and honestly I really don't value it either. From my perspective it's only causes suffering. I know people who have made lots of money and they are far from what I think of as happy. I know people who have lost lots of money and they too are far from happy.

Let me get down to it. This is my blog. I'm going to write what I am here, what I believe. I know this world is in the midst of great change. It is the Changing of the Ages. It's not the doomsday scenario that's so popular now...however the world is changing... physically and spiritually. The Earthquakes are not over btw...it's like unzipping a huge zipper...California...oh my...anyway...As a true Aquarian I have always been in tune with the Aquarian mind set. My principles tell me that trust is the real currency; the currency of the future...we have a virtually endless supply of energy from the sun...nature teaches us that...and finally there is no "us and them". There is only one people...the people of Planet Earth. And as I go on in years, I am finding more and more people who understand as I do. And these people are doing what I'm doing as well...preparing for the New Age of Enlightenment.

Please take a look at this clip from Manitou-Api. Our friend Cindy produced it, and Ralph and I are helping her with the US release. In fact, I'll be performing at the US premier in Santa Fe April 24. (I won't be making the Texas date...sorry to all my Texas people...but please go see it anyway...the time to learn this wisdom is now!) Manitou-Api

The Day after Easter, a little Buddha, a Big Sister

2010-04-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

Monday's are my designated blog day...Monday, which means Moon-Day, has special significance for me because of my spiritual link to the moon. Therefore my blog always has a spiritual slant. Really, much of my writing does...including my songwriting. Anyway...today I spent about an hour in mediation, then read some from The Teaching of Buddha. Again, I was struck by the similarities between Buddhism and Christianity. For me, Jesus' message seems to resonate through The Teaching of Buddha...in other words, I "get it" when I learn from Buddha. For example, Christianity teaches that the only way to heaven is through Jesus...there is an implication (or assumption) that it only takes faith is Jesus to save us...not much else is required. But on careful review I think the more accurate message is believe in the message of Jesus...believe in what Jesus did and put into action His words...that is the path to true enlightenment...and Buddhism concurs...compassion is the ultimate key to wisdom and enlightenment.

I have resisted calling myself a Christian for a very long time because, to be brutally honest, I don't much care for the people who claim Christianity and use it to support their self righteousness, prejudice, and hatred. Not to mention the vast disrespect for Nature and the ignorance, or denial that we are intimately tied to Nature. Christianity has a brutal, cruel and bloody past. Empires have been built and destroyed in the name of Christianity. Fortunes have been pillaged in the name of Christianity...wars fought and so on. Even today the "Moral Majority" focuses on obscure passages to keep me from marrying the person I want to marry. They insist that because I enfold Buddhism and Native American ways into my spiritual practise that I am going to hell. You get my point...

However in this, the day after Easter, I've come to an alternative conclusion. My eyes have seen truly Christian behavior in people I love and respect the most. My sister, for example, is Christian...and to my eye takes to heart the word of Jesus and applies it in her life through her actions. I have no greater advocate in my life than my sister Kitty. And I mean that. She would not only be the first to show up at my wedding, but she would probably take over and plan every detail of it. She has loved me at my very best and at my very worst...without judgement. She not only lights up every room she walks into, but she lights up every heart that encounters her. There are few people on this Earth that I truly aspire to be like...she is one of those people for me.

I don't know if I need to believe if Jesus really did rise from the dead. I don't think it's as important as recognizing and appreciating the deeper meaning of the Resurrection. I have to tell you this Easter was meaningful for me. Because that part of me that resides in judgement is the same as being dead. Knowledge is not wisdom...true wisdom comes from compassion. So, thank you Jesus, thank you Buddha...and thank you Kitty!

The Coyote, the Cross and the Tarot

2010-03-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

My first week in Santa Fe I had a Tarot card reading...I was told that my spiritual life would grow in new ways over the coming months. In fact, I've come to experience a more refined spiritual life since that day.

A few weeks ago I was driving down my street and suddenly a Coyote crossed in front of my car. He wasn't in any hurry...nor was he detoured by the approach of a big Ford Escape. I was captivated...here was a beautiful Coyote in broad daylight hanging out in my neighborhood. My knowledge of Native American traditions tells me that the vision of the Coyote Spirit means a great spiritual understanding is coming...in fact that is the Coyote's job...to teach. I noticed that my usual, logical mind was much quieter afterwards...meaning, there wasn't a lot of inner chatter clouding my mind...just a sense of peace and being.

Today, my oldest brother called to tell me that Mom is in the ER with pneumonia and urinary infection. My instincts told me to go to the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis to light a candle and say a rosary for Mom...an intuition I plan to follow...because it feels natural to me...I am, after all, at my core...a Catholic.

What I've come to understand about my unique and diverse spiritual life is that it resembles a wagon wheel...with Catholicism at the core, I also practise Buddhist Meditations, Wicca traditions in Divination, Native American Spiritual respect for the Earth and her creatures...and the use of incense, candles, sacred stones, sage and sweet grass which in-compasses all of the above. Some might say that's cafeteria style religious practice...however...I feel it's uniquely American...the very best of some of the most popular faiths in the country. In truth, it's never worked for me to stick exclusively with one faith or the other...it's the combination of all these great traditions that bring meaning and in fact open a truly fascinating spiritual world to me that is indeed alive.

My Favorite People: Me, Myself, and I

2010-03-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

So it's Monday morning blog time again...I think I should get another cup of coffee first.

OK, java on desk, ready to go. Well I'm in production of my latest YouTube show this week, and hope to post it by Wednesday, Saint Patrick's Day. Today is also the new moon...and according to my friend and astrologer Ray Sette, this new moon hinges on new levels of spirituality. A promising prospect for me today. Because truth be told I haven't felt all that spiritual dealing with the countless repairs my "new to me" house needs...I won't go into everything, but put the repairs on top of the unbalanced wash machine compounded by fact I don't even have a dishwasher anymore seems to turn everything into a chore...plus my cat Bella shredding rolls of toilet paper every other day doesn't do much for my serenity; then there's my self inflicted exile from a wide range of family and friends... let's just say that hasn't fared well either...it's hard to gain some solitude without saying "please, just leave me alone"... and of course saying that tends to hurt people's feelings. So, I welcome the opportunity for growth.

That being said, I'm finding in dealing with my day to day stuff, that the fastest way to peace is to enjoy my own company...which means being good company for myself. Nobody likes a grump...and last week I made a conscious effort to be someone who is enjoyable to be around...for myself...and what do you know...it works. Just being my own best friend really made a difference in how I reacted to things when I was alone. Think of it this way: most of us are usually on good behavior when we are with other people...especially people we like...we don't show our impatience, we don't get mad at stupid stuff in front of people we want to impress, we're generous, friendly, courteous, and generally pleasant to be around. Why not extend the same pleasantries to ourselves when we are alone?

Well, I thought about that a lot last week, and put it into practise. And guess what? I found myself not reacting to tiny set backs I usually react to in private...even traffic issues...soon the little dark cloud that usually hangs when I'm alone seemed to dissipate. And of course my goal is to have that cloud banished.

So, here's to the new moon today! And here's to me...myself and I...may we all learn to live harmoniously together!

Poll: Which song should Daniel pitch to Santa Fe Radio?

2010-03-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

Poll: Which song should Daniel pitch to Santa Fe Radio?

The Self in Self Respect

2010-03-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

After being in Santa Fe for a month, I've come to refine my life according to my artistic ambitions, spiritual principles and personal convictions. While I'm still not sure if it's my dreams that influence my life or if my life influences my dreams...I do think I have a responsibility to live up to my dreams...to do something about them. Same is true for the quality of life I wish to live, and the kind of people I want to spend my time with.

For example, I'm finding at age 45 and 12 years sober that I no longer have a tolerance for bullshit any more. What do I mean by bullshit? Well, for example, associating with people who are inexplicably rude, crude, unenlightened and who have an insatiable compulsion to be insulting in order compensate for their own low self esteem issues. Or maybe it's just a way of maintaining their status as an unimaginable asshole. We all have these kind of people in our lives in various degrees. And sometimes a misguided sense of loyalty will convince us to "stick it out no matter what" because they are connected to our past in some way, or perhaps they show up at our work place. Or worse, are a part of our family. Whatever the case, and no matter where they show up, I'm done taking the nice guy way around them. One of the greatest gifts that has come out of my sobriety is my self respect. And as I said above, the older I get and the more sobriety accumulates, the less tolerant I am of people who don't have a clue how to show common courtesy and respect. (Oh, and my personal pet peeve, well, let's just put it this way, don't make the mistake of under estimating me!)

I get the "love everyone" thing...I really do...the one person most of us seem to forget in that mantra is ourself...you have to love and respect yourself first before you can give it to others. That's what this rant is all about. In order to maintain and support my self respect, I have to make choices. Choices that support my dreams, my spirituality, and the quality of life I want to enjoy.

Truth

2010-01-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

I just posted this statement on my Twitter and Facebook profile: "The great thing about the truth is this: it doesn't require any faith in order to exist."

I'm going to begin exposing myself more in this blog. There are so many things about me most people in my life don't know...the time for truth is now.

As someone who meditates on a regular basis, I feel it necessary to acknowledge that I've been having trouble meditating over the past few years. Imagine a radio...you know where your favorite station is. However every time you try to tune into that frequency there are over lapping signals coming through...and once you do pin point your setting, the regular programing has changed. That's what I've been experiencing. And it's not just me. Others I know who meditate on a regular basis are experiencing the same thing.

The messages I've been getting are serious. Whether we like it or not, and frankly whether we believe it or not, we are in the midst cosmic and environmental changes. The systems we are dependent on (political, economic, infrastructure, ext.) are artificial...they are all an illusion, and they are all, everyone of them, falling apart before our eyes. They will not last. Period. We have become so dependant on them that we've forgotten the truth. And the truth is we are part of nature. We are, everyone of us, at the mercy of nature. We are part of the ecosystem whether we believe it or not.

This, more than anything is the true underlying reason why my partner Ralph and I are moving to Santa Fe. I do believe there is great hope for our future, but it will look nothing like anything we've known in the past two or three hundred years. We are going to prepare for this...

More later...

A Quiet Goodbye

2009-12-13T06:56:00.000-08:00

Andrew Dickens, board member from KOOP radio showed up at my final show in Austin yesterday. No one else from my Austin following came. I have to admit, I was disappointed by the lack of interest. In fact I left the venue yesterday feeling pretty defeated...and let down. And this morning that disappointment lingered in my personal journal. I was like, "really? This is it? This is all my career is worth? This is how I underline my musical life in Austin???"

It was a powerful blow...enough to trick me into thinking I might as well give up on music all together. Certainly, leaving Austin without saying goodbye to anyone sounded justifiable...who would care in the long run anyway? I even left a sarcastic status update on Facebook today...it was for no one and everyone at the same time.

But something shifted. Today was slated as the "Clean out the attic and garage day" and hauling everything that we're not taking to Santa Fe to the donation window at Good Will. As I began clearing the attic in my house, the useless junk in the attic of my mind began to clear as well. Little by little, the process of clearing and letting go really began to take hold of me. Soon I found myself smiling...feeling really good about my time in Austin, and everything I've achieved here.

A quiet goodbye is best for me anyway. I really don't want a "final goodbye" as a performer or as a friend. I just want to move quietly into the next phase of my life...and I want to take all the good stuff I got from my time here in Austin...my friendships, my experiences, and my fans. Because, you know what? I've have a really good life here...and I want to remember it that way!

Music Over Coffee - Opening Night

2009-10-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

Opening night of my new "Music Over Coffee" show was fantastic...I love Mozart's so much anyway, and it's even more special when the audience is composed of people I love. Ralph tagged along last night, and of course my sister Kitty brought her friends Kathy, Teresa and Gina along with their families. Also present was my friend Kathy...and she's always good about bringing along several friends with her to my shows...thank you very much Kathy! And my special guest last night was my long time friend and first colleague in music Cheri Chilcote. She was on the audience side of the stage last night, but still part of the show none-the-less!

It occurred to me recently that I'm quite fortunate in my rich creative life because I use many different mediums through which I express the different facets of myself. This blog is one thing, while My YouTube Show is something else entirely. Even in my music there is a sense of diversity because what I do in the studio is very different from what I do onstage. Performing and recording are different art forms anyway...but I bring different tones to each. In the studio I'm more like a painter where I can apply rich textures to the charcoal sketches of my songs. Anything is possible in the studio, and I take full advantage of that. And I don't apologize for that either. To me, that's the beauty of studio work. A musician friend of mine said to me after hearing Color of Rain, "You'll never be able to duplicate that onstage." Well, I know that...uhm...that's kinda the point. Because with my live performances, especially my solo shows, I provide intimacy and connection...not just with me but to the music...plus in my live performances my voice gets to be the lead instrument...the focal point. It's all the same songs, they're just presented in their natural form. So, my recordings render complexity, while my live performances provide depth. Besides that, I really think people like to hear something different when they come to live shows...it's much more interesting to hear something familiar in a new way.

And with this new show, I've realized my vision. I hope those of you reading this can make it to one of my upcoming performances! Personally, I believe it's the best show I've ever put together.

Set List:
NATURE OF LOVE
BRAVE THE OUTSIDE
ANGEL FALLS
EVERGREEN
BELIEVE
STORM IN MY HEART
SAVING GRACE
I STILL NEED YOU TONIGHT
-BREAK-
COLOR OF RAIN
BE KIND
SWEET BABY
ALTAR BOY
CHRISTINE
GOOD LIFE
WORSHIP ME
SO, GOODBYE

Until next time,
Daniel

Out of the Silence, 10 Year Anniversary Edition

2009-09-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Get it on iTunes Now!

It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since Out of the Silence came out. But to be honest, we were working on Out of the Silence 12 years ago with “Believe” and “Constant Faithfulness” already recorded by 1997 and in heavy circulation around Austin as demo tapes to land gigs, enter song competitions and to show off to family and friends.

I was on fire in those days. Recently struck sober in ’97 and clean in ’98 I was desperate to make up for lost time…I had wasted away my 20’s working in the food and beverage industry, drinking and drugging myself into a hollow outline of who I truly was and greatly damaging my aspirations, talent and dedication for my music. The first order of business once I got sober was to rescue my dream for a career in music. Hindsight, as “they” say is 20/20, and at 32 I felt I didn’t have time to develop my skills for piano and singing…I didn’t have time…I had so much to catch up on, and I needed to craft a career and establish myself quickly. My skills would just have to catch up once I was on tour with ColdPlay. Always a songwriter first, my faith rested in that part of my talent and I would have to trust it could carry me along my way.

The first thing I needed was a band, so I called the only person in Austin that I knew at the time who could play guitar, my friend Cheri. We didn’t know any other musicians then…so, we were now a band. And soon we were actually playing really cool venues including Borders Book and Music in Austin, Flipnotics, and we even did a benefit at the old Top of the Marc which is now Momo’s. I had this old funky Yamaha keyboard that was made in the mid 80’s, and Cheri had this acoustic guitar that I think road around under the back seat of a van since the early 70’s…and there we were…singing our only 8 songs over and over to fill the 2 hour gig spots. Somewhere between the green and the horrid instruments we managed to pull off something kinda magical. We actually began building a local following with people telling us things like “I love yer’alls song 'I Still Need You Tonight’ ; you sing so pretty together…”

We did spend a lot of time rehearsing and developing our songs, and I was spending even more time studying the industry side of music. I read every book out there on promotion, making demos, pitching songs and self managing bands. I realized that without a product I couldn’t really compete in the marketplace…so I began polling my audiences to find out which songs they liked the best. I only had enough money to record three more songs to produce a 5 song “EP”. The top picks included one of my older songs at the time, “I Still Need You Tonight” and two new songs: “Nature of Love” and “Altar Boy”. So Cheri and I went back to our friend David Breaux’s demo studio to finish out our first project.

It was a special time for me. I hadn’t listened to Silence in a long time. But in putting together this digital version and listening to the work after all these years I had to smile. The production is pretty bland and barely met the standards for demo work at the time. But still, there is, for me anyway, something special about Out of the Silence. The title is an affirmation…it represents not only a personal resurfacing from the depths of drug and alcohol abuse, but an enunciation for my art…I was literally bringing my music out of the silence…giving the songs I’ve written a change to be heard outside the four walls of my bedroom. It was a very powerful way to empower myself and introduce myself to the music industry. And despite the relatively low quality of the recording, the songs did speak for themselves…my very first review was issued in Billboard…a clear signal that I was on my way.

I should also note here that "Dance With Me" is a bonus track that I've added to the 10 Year Anniversary Edition of Out of the Silence. I wrote it for my niece Sarah...it was her first dance song at her wedding a few years ago. This song was recorded with my current studio dogs Bryan Anderton and Johnny Big.

~ Original tracks for Out of the Silence ~
Daniel Link: Lead vocals, piano and keys
Cheri Chilcote: Harmony vocals and acoustic guitar
David Breaux: Lead guitar, bass, percussion and organ
Produced by Daniel Link and David Breaux
Engineered, mixed and mastered by David Breaux at Cutting Edge Music, Austin, TX

~ Bonus track Dance With Me ~
Daniel Link: Lead vocals and keys
Johnny Big: harmony vocals and bass
Bryan Anderton: Guitars and drum programming
Produced by Johnny Big
Engineered, mixed and mastered by Bryan Anderton at Lava Studios, Austin, TX.

All songs written by Daniel Link ©1998, 1999, 2007, 2008
by Recovering Catholic Music BMI.
Photography by Gina Evins
Art direction layout and design by Daniel Link

for John

Vision Trek - Day One

2009-09-13T14:16:00.001-07:00

Over the summer I've been going through immense yet quiet change. The kind of change that requires great action. The ever pressing mutation of Austin into a slick urban shell of it's former self has led me and Ralph to seek a homestead that matches our frequency. Too much favorable press has attracted too many people and development that, in my opinion, has over powered the town's higher vibrations. We've had our sites set on New Mexico for many years now. When Ralph's business partner Cindy Piccard decided to buy land outside of Taos and build completely off the grid, (her home is powered by solar, water comes from a well) we were given yet another nudge to relocate ourselves.

Two weeks ago we drove to New Mexico to bring the last of Cindy's stuff from Texas, along with her jeep. As I was driving into her property I asked for a clear sign that we were doing the right thing in moving to New Mexico. Suddenly, a hawk appeared and flew down in a path directly in front of my car. His flight path aligned within my field of vision...following the road perfectly...I was awestruck. I grabbed my camcorder and began filming him. This visitation lasted nearly 3 to 5 minutes. As I made the last curve to Cindy's gate, the hawk veered to the right and came to rest on a tree stub. He looked straight into my eyes as I passed. This was clearly a strong message. I was so excited to watch the footage once we got to Cindy's place, but when I pushed the play back, the footage was not there...only my comment about seeing him. Cindy said to me, "he probably didn't want to be photographed."

Drought

2009-07-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

Austin, my home town, is now considered the worst drought territory in the United States. Our summers have always been equated with above average triple digit temperatures...however this year, the triple digit highs came the first week of June...and have not let up since. That paired with virtually no rainfall since early spring has tipped us into sever drought. The physical effects are predictable; lakes and river beds dry up, vegetation suffocates and withers into brittle kindling, wildlife moves into the inner city for water and protection from exposure, and so on. The spiritual and physiological effects on people, though, is a little more elusive to the untrained, casual eye.

In my part time job at my neighborhood corner store, I see it everyday. People are agitated, edgy and flat out exhausted. Everyone who comes in has a light mist of sweat from head to toe...red faces, and a slightly furrowed brow. Time and time again I hear: "by the time 3-4 o'clock comes around, I just have to give up...go home and collapse." Which I was glad to hear, because I started a ritual of an afternoon nap and or mediation between 3 and 4 myself...and knowing others were doing the same made me feel a little less wimpish.

Creatively speaking...I know that creative droughts are often followed by intense rainfalls of art flow. The dry heat draws us to attention...we notice the pain, the suffering...that in turn delivers us in the moment, and finally the sheer condition of drought forces us to rest! I forget, so easily, how important rest is in a creative life. Droughts, creative or otherwise, are just another one of nature's mysterious ways of achieving long term health. The important thing to remember during any drought is how to take care of what needs to be taking care of. Yes, creative channels dry up...yes trees that bare fruit of inspiration are parched, and yes, like a creature of the wild we flee our natural habitat in search of the comforts our old lives have betrayed us.

For me, I am doing some much needed creative maintenance...looking into myself to see what needs to be tended to. I'm also reflecting on ways to enhance my live performances...and trying my hand at calligraphy. But the most important thing I'm doing right now is resting. And in resting comes dreaming...and in dreaming comes new directions and unexplored possibilities. In resting I have given myself the opportunity to ask new questions of myself. To look at things I have not looked at before. And to explore...

Until next time...
Daniel

Drawing Myself to Scale

2009-04-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

As a creative person who enjoys a career in my art form, it's easy to get caught up in "how am I doing?" That's a very tricky question at first blush because like so many of us I tend to compare myself to standards set by others in my field who at the very top. That's very dangerous, because it's easy to draw the conclusion that I'm not measuring up. I forget what it is I really want. I lose sight of my own achievements in the bright light of super stars. Before long I find myself not knowing what to do and ultimately do nothing at all because, after all, what's the use? I'll never be Elton John, Eric Clapton or Fleetwood Mac. The longer I fret, the more darkness settles in...and a kind of sickening depression shortly follows.

And I've been there...very recently. Last fall I decided to shut down my live performances for a few months. I needed to rest. I thought I would write songs in the long winter months, but very little came. I started thinking about the boxes of unsold CD's sitting in my closet, and began to reason away how ill-logical it would be to write more songs because recording a new CD would be bad business. And of course I wasn't going to sell CD's by "resting" from live performances. It all just started caving in on me. I was left with a cynical "what's the use?"

But every darkness has it's dawn. As the clouds began to break, I began seeing myself in a new light...a true light. My rest period was needed. The time leading up to my break had been dominated by un-met goals. My goal to form a band did not yield committed members...treks to Nashville, New York and the West Coast were all unsuccessful. But really, none of that matters anymore...and in a way, it never did. Because I have a very clear vision of the kind of artist I want to be, and in fact the kind of artist I am. This is where "drawing myself to scale" comes in. Success is measured by our personal level of happiness and contentment. Knowing myself as I do, I know that I would not be happy touring the world 300 days out of the year. I love my home, my community and my partner. So I have crafted my career to fit into those parts of my life that I'm not willing to surrender.

I have a day job at a little neighborhood corner store. I work part time three days a week. Not only does it allow me to keep up with my bills plus sell my CD's over the counter, but I actually love working there! It's a little mom and pop store that has a mini farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. I often describe it as a cross between the Andy Griffith Show and Northern Exposure because all of us who work there know all of our customers by name; and we're a very eclectic mix of people...from cartoon animators to tattooed covered comic book experts, retired military and even a full time mom of 5 who has been known to bless the store with sage and olive oil. You feel it as soon as you walk into the place..it's special and it's loved. It is a perfect fit for my life. It allows me to play 3 or 4 local shows a month, which is really perfect for me...its what I want.

As I draw myself to scale I see that I have a very rewarding creative life. Through my music I can express my mystical insights...this blog satisfies my writing urges...my new YouTube show allows me to vent my sense of humor....and my day job connects me with community. I don't mean this in a conceded way, but I really do like who I am and the level of balance I have achieved.

Mozart's Return

2009-03-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

I'm well rested after my first show of '09 last night at Mozart's. While I didn't see any of my usual crowd last night, Mozart's was packed with lots of new ears for me to sing to. And it was really a magical night. Since it was a chilly, windy evening, I sat up inside rather than playing on the lakeside deck. It was pretty snug as well; the staff at Mozart's had reserved a small corner of the main room for me to set up at...hanging on the walls in that corner were signs that read "this space reserved for band". Well, all I can say is it's a good thing I didn't have a band because there would have been more room for my piano and PA system in my bathtub. But I made the best of it and was careful not to swing my mic boom around too far and hit the guy working on his Mac book next to me in the head.

When I began my set, the crowd was busy chatting and Mac booking and updating their Facebook status'. When I ending my first song, the void of no applause was deafening. Ok, that's cool, I thought to myself. These people don't know me or my music, so it's to be expected, however that's not going to stop me from getting into my music and playing my heart out. By the time I was into my third and fourth songs I noticed that people were beginning to gaze over their laptops and chairs were beginning to turn to face me. What I thought was a long line at the coffee bar actually turned out to be a crowd of people listening to the music, coffee in hand. When I finished "Evergreen" the eruption of applause signaled that I was on the right track. People were emerging from the crowd to buy CD's and sweeten my tip jar.

This all sounds like ego tripping at first blush. However, I am learning more and more that is it indeed the letting go of ego that really enhances my performance. By getting out of my own way...by not worrying about the audience liking me...I am able to connect with my music, and therefor connect to the people. It has been a difficult lesson for me, and quite frankly one I am continuously learning...but it is so true.

My mission in life is not to be a rock star...it is to connect with the mystical through lyric and music. To use my gifts for the world. The Hopi People say that our gifts our not our own...our gifts belong to the people. When we use our gifts in that way we are using our gifts correctly. There can never be disappointment when we do what we do for the good of everyone.

Calling...

2009-02-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me just how strong my calling to music really is. I chose to take a break from my life in music last October...thinking that some time off from playing live would do me some good. Last year was primarily a year of solo shows for me, and to be quite honest it gets pretty lonely on stage night after night. Not to mention monotonous. It wasn't long before I found myself complaining about playing the same songs over and over, doubting my ability to perform effectively, and questioning if I should even continue to pursue a career in music at all.

I took all of this into consideration and concluded that a nice long winter break could help me sort through all of this and decide what, if anything, I would do next. I needed to work, so I agreed to come on board with a friend's promotional products company and offer my marketing expertise to her organization. Me. In an office. 9 to 5. Every week day. Oh my God. At any rate, while I do enjoy the workings of marketing and graphic design, the idea of investing my life long term in that scenario just spooks me. And the long winter break I wanted to take away from my music and creative life was subconsciously and abruptly interrupted.

Within a month's time I found myself mysteriously compelled to produce a one man YouTube show. Seriously. The idea came over me and literally took control of my body. Before I knew what hit me I had purchased a semi expensive camcorder, new audio cords and some sound effects. Next thing I knew I was designing my "set" where I would shoot my episode introductions and promo pieces for a, shall we say, very loose concept YouTube show. My scripts, if you wanna call them that, are written in my morning pages (journal) on the spot, minutes before I shoot. My special guests don't know they're gonna be special guests until I turn the camera on them. I have no idea what an episode will be until it's done. It all depends on the footage I have acquired, and how I am guided to twist it! I must admit, the first two episodes have been fun to put together. And while the show hasn't exactly enjoyed massive YouTube popularity, there is a great satisfaction of just being creative. And yes, of course, I have been including segments of me playing my songs alone in my music room.

So, in short. I guess that's why it's called "a calling..." because if you choose to not to answer, a dream will call again......and again...in

Peace,Daniel