Jody Whitesides

Author: Jody Whitesides

Maggie May Cover Of Rod Stewart

Maggie May Cover

I’m not often prone to doing cover songs. Mostly because I’m usually so busy writing and creating new music. However, I’m being asked more often to realize songs by other people. Thus, right now, you get to witness an experiment utilizing the power (or lack thereof) of the internet. I’m posting a video on YouTube of myself doing a Maggie May cover of Rod Stewart with my friend Chris Hellstrom.

Mind you, be aware neither Chris or I had ever “Jammed” over Skype before. We now know why. It’s not an ideal way to play music live, specifically because of the massive delays between participants. Chris and I did our best to make it work and there are a few stumbles. That’s to be expected when you’re flying blind. There’s so many variables that apparently go into this. Connection speed, something that isn’t as much an issue for me as it was for Chris. I enjoy a speedy 10Mbps up and 50Mbps down. Chris on the other hand not so much. Video obviously adds a lot of data to the bandwidth. I hear there are other things like data packet loss and such. Either way, if Skype really wants to make it’s world domination complete, they will have to figure out how to reduce these delays down to milliseconds. Enjoy our little escapade.

Since I’m a glutton for punishment, I just made arrangements to do this again with another friend. The twist is next time I’ll be playing guitar and he’ll be singing. My goal is to gather video from both sides so it can be side by side.

For now, I’d be happy to have you share this barebones rendition of the infamous (well, ok, it’s famous) song written by Rod Stewart called Maggie May.

– Jody

p.s. – don’t tell Rod I screwed some of it up.

p.p.s – this was posted before the video went entirely live on YouTube, so you’re an early watcher!

2013-05-21
Organic Homemade Pizza And A Song

Organic Homemade Pizza

Besides being known for music, I’m also considered amongst friends to be a foodie. Mostly because I cook awesome meals. One of my favorite things to make is pizza. Could be because I worked a bunch of years in a semi-famous pizza joint while growing up. Nowadays I’m prone to making organic homemade pizza before I call for delivery.

In the video below, I show a method to making of my infamous organic homemade pizza. Plus I share a song called Clouds by Zach Sobiech.

Zach Sobiech Clouds

If you’re not aware, Zach is a young man who was diagnosed with a type of cancer. Sure a lot of people are having issues with cancer these days, however Zach has written a touching song about it called Clouds. The song gained a bit of notoriety online and went viral. His friends contacted other famous people and put together a touching video for Zach and that’s what prompted me to spend a little time learning the song.

If you’re coming here from YouTube looking for the recipe for the dough and the sauce, you’re in luck, it’s here:

Dough:

1 ⅓ cups of warm water
2 tblsp organic sugar
2 ¼ tsp of organic yeast
1 ¼ tsp of Real Salt (by Redmond)
2 tblsp olive oil
3 ½ cups of organic flour

Watch the video for the directions on it.

Sauce:

1 – 6 ounce can of organic tomato paste
6 ounces of filter water
2 ½ tsp of organic sugar
1 ½ tsp of Real Salt
2 to 3 cloves of fresh crushed garlic
add some fresh dried thyme, basil, and oregano

Watch the video for blending it.

That’s all there is to it. Pick your own toppings and above all else, don’t forget to use a pizza stone in your oven! Enjoy the organic homemade pizza and the song Clouds re-imagined by myself and Dave originally by Zach Sobiech.

– Jody

2013-05-14
Successful Crowdfunding With You And Me

Successful Crowdfunding

I got hooked up with a new PR firm a couple of weeks ago. One of the things we talked about is getting funds together to break through the stratosphere for music promotion. Part of that goal includes making use of a style of funding that I had been loath to attempt – crowd funding. They helped me to see to some light on the subject and now I’m gearing up to go for a campaign for successful crowdfunding with you and me. New territory.

Hesitations

What I’ve seen from a vast majority of bands/musicians that have attempted this route is utter failure. Mostly because they’re underestimating what they need to get something done right. Then they’re not pushing it correctly with enough help and without a compelling reason. All that = a recipe for disaster.

Getting It Together

Mind you, I’ve done my budget. I’ve got it all figured out. While the amount I know I need isn’t realistic from a crowd funding situation, I do believe that I can achieve the goal if it’s done in stages and with help. Thankfully I’ve got the initial step of help. All the people who are going to be involved with the recording have stated they’re up for helping out too. First step is the recording of 18 songs.

Currently I’m in the midst of researching all sorts of things involved with doing a successful crowdfunding situation and started putting together the initial information for a site called PledgeMusic (they’re the peeps I’m going to use for this adventure). I’ve got one more book to devour about how to do it right. Then it will be off to the races.

Your Ideas

I’ve put together most of the levels of funding/donations for the campaign. Since it’s still in flux, I’m happy to accept input as to what you would want from me as a gift and what it’s worth. I’ve got some good ones, but I can always use more.

Once my new PR partners feel comfortable, we’ll launch it. It’s bold. It’s exciting. Being that I’m taking a leap of faith to attempt something I’ve poo-pooed in the past. I’m understanding why lots of them have failed and I don’t wish to make that same mistake. It also helps that I just came from a meeting about angel investors and they were talking the glories of crowd funding as well. Didn’t hurt that I also met a couple of angel investors whom may want to jump in on the situation.

Here’s my early desire from you

I’m going to need your help when I get this campaign going. Thus, if you’re not on my email list – please fill out the Unity 42 list by clicking on the link in the upper right (I know you see it). I’ll keep you informed as to what day it will launch and how you can help. I’ve got some great things that will happen if I happen to overshoot my goal. Be a part of the magic and a successful crowdfunding campaign with me and a great batch of music.

2013-05-07

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