Happy holidays

I'm always surprised by the way time flies, especially as we get older. Time with family is always fantastic, even with those that look down their nose at you. I always tell myself to remember it's those kind of judgmental types that ruin the whole barrel. Life is short and I've been fortunate to have been blessed with the outlets of not only music, but also art. I believe if there were more who could express themselves this would be a much better world. Be kind to one another we're only here for a short period of time. Be safe.

My musical inspiration as of late has been all over the map. Here's a few things that have been stoking the fires beneath my feet. Starting with Sucioperro from Scotland and ending with Biffy Clyro from Scotland.
Suciprerro



The National



Interpol



Dry The River


 
Millencolin


Biffy Clyro

Coffee, Cigarettes, Pencils & Notepads.

The morning gives a new direction on writing sometimes. A clear head can definitely achieve a higher level of clarity on revision of the free writing from yesterday. Ideas come through that you didn't see before. Two new songs are taking form when I usually work on just one at a time. The capo lends a freshness to “untitled song 2” and makes me think Bob Mould. This is probably not surprising to those that know me well, Mould has been a huge influence on me over the years. It's very tempting to flesh some of these ideas out with more instrumentation even though I want to keep this record strictly acoustic and minimal. Reverting to more of a southern rock kinda sound “untitled song 1” comes across as a bit more agitated and rabid than any other composition on this record. Perhaps it's time to spill a different angle on this mellow project. “Ships in Bottles” and “What's For Sale” remain the most popular so far but I am willing to bet one of the new ones may take precedence. 

My writing partner Meshuggah.

 

Truly great band I grew up listening to still making great music.

The Descendents

The Free Reign

I've been using a tablet for about 6 years. The freedom I have working on a Wacom Intuos tablet has never been this easy. New technology and new programs can help you build your skills and attention to detail. Too many times I start a piece of art and I find myself lost to the actual vision. It's like writers block; yet you know the general idea. It's searching for what would be acceptable to others at times. Putting too much thought into your viewer's mindset can be the downfall of your creativity and your open mindedness. Working in 3D layers allows me to build a scene that is like my own mindset couldn't piece together. Whenever I streamline this process while staring at the blank canvas I find the print is robust and exactly what I want. So many great artists out there sharing their work and their workflow tips and tricks is fantastic. Always something new to learn from and gain a new perspective. Cheers.

Amazing stuff.

http://www.danielconway.artworkfolio.com/gallery/317018

Skin Deep - speed painting by Daniel Conway

Expect this to have many different digital artists from all over the globe. It's amazing the work they do!

Timelapse Digital Painting - "Bayonets and ideas" 

 

 

This kinda work really inspires me.

"Prince Arthas" - Original speed painting by Tamplier

Image for Download: http://tamplierpainter.deviantart.com/#/d3g0ks9

Up Hill Battles

Things have been really getting out of hand recently. I learned that you cannot depend on others good graces in the music scene. I've been playing music since I was a teenager and dad was driving us around to those good paying gigs back then. Today it seems like you hardly break even when you're an independent musician trying to feed the habit and yourself. The recent inactivity of my projects have led me to embark on a solo endeavor. It's been brewing for quite some time and the songs are very heartfelt and personal. I penned a song for my dear father who passed in 2008 titled "The Debt." The lyrics say what I couldn't say before he was taken away and when I wrote it I could not play it all the way through without shedding a tear. I write sad songs. My mother always said I was a gloomy individual if I wrote all these sad songs and perhaps I am. Whatever speaks to me is what I write about and sometimes I work out what it's all about after I have half the lyrics written. I'm inspired and ready to finish this album but I am thinking about working with Kickstarter or Indiegogo to raise funds and awareness for the costs of publishing, pressing and promotion.

A makeshift video I created using a jar of water and some food coloring for the song "What's For Sale?" It's my brother's favorite song currently.

Beginning Again

This is going to be fun! I am going to try to keep everyone in the loop on how the record is going as well as how the crowds are responding. Come for the music but stay for the open bar.