The Upright Fallen
The message behind the music, which inspires these gents, comes straight from life experiences. Whether basking in the light of life, or struggling through the dark times, these guys put their hearts and souls into their music. They were a pleasure to work with and I am looking forward to their first single and album. Stay tuned for more to come from The Upright Fallen as well as the full interview.
George Floyd Protest — May 30, 2020
Melissa Etheridge 2019
Melissa Etheridge… this woman needs a preface!
I’m sure you all have eaten good food. After a couple bites you begin to share your verbal compliments.
Then, there is really good food. You take a bite and without words you begin to nod your head, “Yes!” to your company in approval.
Then, there is the level of really great food. You take a bite and after it registers on your taste buds you drop the silverware with a clank, sit back in your seat, close your eyes for a few seconds, exhale, open your eyes to see if your company is having the same spiritual experience, and you actually begin to shake your head, “NO!” There are no words and you have found a new level of enlightenment. Putting your elbows on the table - etiquette is on break - with your head in your hands, you throw the napkin in to surrender… laughter usually follows. I like to call this level stupid good!
I have always enjoyed Melissa Etheridge and her great voice, but if you enjoy her – even just a little – and you have not seen her live, you are missing out! I have seen a lot of live shows, but her show at the Clyde Theartre was unbelievable. It was at the stupid good level! She starts to sing and when she activates my auditory senses, I immediately get goosebumps! *Side note* Goosebumps for me– aside from an indication of being cold – are my “Yes!” indicator and usually pass after a few seconds. Well, I have them non-stop for about the entire first half of her show and at times they would come in a stronger wave! She plays for about two hours straight.
The voice of this woman is incredible. I have never seen a singer have to move as far away from the mic for mic control and still emit such power as Melissa Etheridge! Along with her powerful pipes emits her passion. It is palpable! I have goosebumps right now as I recall and write to you now.
Etheridge will talk or tell a story while she plays and in my mind this likens her to the female version of BB King, which I consider a huge compliment. She tells us the story which sparks her writing “You Used to Love to Dance.” Melissa loves being in love and loves the drama of it! This song is about a past lover and they would often go out dancing all night. Etheridge really loves her, but when there is no drama from this lover when they break up, Melissa tells the lover, “I am going to write a song that will haunt you forever!” This is the birth story of “You Used to Love to Dance.” During her rendition of this song Etheridge dances with her guitar while she plays it gently. I have witnessed other guitar players who make me wish I am a tele or a strat, but this instance is currently winning… and a woman gave me this feeling. Gentlemen take notes!
There are performers and then there are performers. To know when you have your audience in the palm of your hand… the moments when you pause and we wait in anticipation for you to begin again, cheers erupting praising the awe of the moment but also coaxing the return of your sound… a perfect moment suspended in time by your will. The break of your silence is sweet relief… the loving hand we are in, lifting us to the surface for air after a deep dive. Magical. The sign of a true performer! This is Melissa Etheridge.
