March 23, 2024
Since we last spoke, there has been a lot going on that has distracted me from my blog posts on this site. Honestly, the union strikes last year , and Larry's health have slowed the growth of the band. Not that anything or anyone is to blame, it is just that situations have arisen to distract me from my focus and our financial ability to release more songs at this time. I still believe in this music, so will need to find better resources than what I currently have. So, if anyone is interestested, let me give you a heads up of what Larry and I have been up to these past months.
Something interesting happened after the release of “Sometimes…” A friend and colleague of mine, Matt Temple, heard the song, liked it, and then sent me some of his instrumental music. Matts musical style is much different to my own style - his has a lot more edge to it. But he balances the edginess with soaring rapturous themes. I was captivated by the first one I heard called “Tyranny,” and it's dark themes and other worldly sound. THere was something about it that captivated me. Maybe because it was so different from my writing style and something inside me was searching for another ways to express myself through words and music. Matt doesn't like to write lyrics or want to sing much. He was looking for someone who could do both and be able to work with him and his unique style. We just clicked. Funny, we've known each other for years, but neither of us was aware of the other's musical talent.
Matt's music presented me with a challenge I hadn't faced much before. They are mostly instrumentals and are not composed with lyrics in mind. My challenge was to find where I could place lyrics, where I could fit them in and still make some sort of musical sense, and write words that fit both the tone of the music and fit into the framework I had constructed. It was amazingly easy. Not simple, but the more I listened to the rhythms, melodies and themes, the words would dance down from poetry heaven and meld into the structure of the song. Like magic!
So Matt and I have been working on songs together since last summer and are continuing to do so. We don't have a band name yet, though I have ideas, and we are not close to releasing anything just yet, but I will let everyone know when I do.
Also last summer, Larry was diagnosed with kidney cancer. We kept it quiet so not to worry about it but eventually had his left kidney removed in August. He's much better now, thank you very much, and no signs of the cancer spreading. I'm hoping he is in the clear. But the surgery left him a bit more fragile. He's doing his best to get stronger and hopefully back to making music again soon.
This coming Friday I am having knee-repalcement surgery on my painful left knee. Two years of near constant pain will come to a climax in one week, then hopefully decline into nothing and I'll feel like me again. I miss hiking, dancing and strolling my favorite journeys. So looking forward to being pain free again.
Three days after my surgery - April 1st - JESTER DAY!!! - I retire from the Sound Industry. Seems the Universe wants this because I can see no other choice that makes sense. And it does make sense… in a weird way. There are few shows in post right now and they are mostly crewed. The industry probably won't bounce back until the fall. So retiring, and it's pension and Social Security benefits will keep me afloat till I can both establish my art, writing and the music and till the sound work comes back. I'm ready for any challenge that comes. It's going to be fun!
July 7th, 2023
SOMETIMES...
Our newest track, "Sometimes..." is now available via our website + the other usual sources - Spotify, Apple Music, etc. "Sometimes..." is, quite simply, a musical trip - a semi-psychedelic journey into our inner realms. With the release of "Sometimes..." to our musical catalog, regular listeners should begin to get a sense of where Karmic Jesters is going musically. You may start to recognize we have a number of different styles but they tend to fall into two main categories - the more comic and fun "Jester" music, and the deeper and more adventurous "Karmic" tunes. "Sometimes..." is our most "Karmic" song to date.
We are trying to make music that is "experiential" - songs that take you on a sonic journey into the world of mind... and possibly beyond. To take better advantage of the the mix and more fully enjoy the musical experience, we recommend you listen in a quiet room, lights low (or off), and listen with a good pair of headphones or earbuds, or a great sound system (be sure to place yourself in the center, in balance with the right and left speakers). Then simply close your eyes, hit play, and let the music take you away.
I can't guarantee what will happen next. The experience will be different for everyone. I only know what listening to "Sometimes..." in this manner does for me. I never get tired of the experience. Funny, I don't even recognize my own voice singing. I often feel transported (to another place and time?), and have beautiful creative thoughts and visions.
Try it and let us know. Larry and I are always interested in what other listeners experience in our music. So please, give us a shout via email at karmicjesters@gmail.com.
Thanks for listening! In Joy!
T
April 20th, 2023
THE MOON IS UP!
In celebration of Earth Day on Saturday 4/22, We are releasing our latest single "Man in the Moon." This little ditty is probably our most conventional song to date. But don't let this happy, upbeat tune fool you. More than our previous songs, Man in the Moon has something to say. I won't tell you what he has to say (I never want to spoil a good surprise), I'll let the ol' Moon speak for himself. But I warn ya, he sounds a little bit pissed. I think he's envious of us here on our beautiful blue planet and is upset we seem to be taking her for granted.
And he wants to know "Why?"
So as we move into this Earth Day weekend (and the days and weeks and years to follow) let's pay a bit more attention to how we treat our lovely planet Earth. Look after her better (and each other while we're at it) and treat Mother Gaia with the love and respect she deserves. She is the only home we have. And remember - "You never know what you've lost until it ain't found."
Enjoy the song. Enjoy life. Take care of the planet so our children and grandchildren can enjoy their lives too.
Love & Peace...
T
April 1st, 2023
Happy Birthday to US! Yes, Karmic Jesters is officially 1 year old today (though unofficially we are a wee bit older). And as we celebrate what is traditionally "April Fools Day" - We have renamed this wonderfully odd holiday "Jester Day!" In celebration of Fools, Jesters, and all around Weird People Everywhere we are releasing another silly song - "Stick it Up Baby!" Think of this song as an ode to love... and all the frustration that sometimes comes with being with someone you love. If you've perused our website before you might recognize the tune. "Stick it Up Baby" was the musical foundation for "Stick it Up Putin" - Our first official song released one year ago on April 1st, 2022. That's right - we ripped ourselves off! How Jesterly of us don't you think? For the present we have removed "Stick it Up Putin" from the site, but I have a feeling it will make a return in the near future (though it is a song I would love to permanently retire - as soon as Teeny Weenie Peenie Vladdy retires or is removed from office). In the "Mean Time" feel free to dedicate "Stick it up Baby" to your person of choice. Oh yeah!
T
January 8th, 2023
Hey all! Welcome to Karmic Jesters - the 2023 Edition. Sometimes "No news is good news...?" Nah, not this time. We have no news... and that to me is not good. Okay, maybe we have news but not the kind of news we want to give you. We are planning to release more music soon but can't tell you when. Can't cause we don't know yet. What I'm finding is that there are a lot of expectations when you release music these days... especially when you're an independent artist like we are. The music listening public seems to want something to look at when they listen to songs. And I would like to provide that for every song we release but the reality is we can't yet afford to create the videos I want to make - and I hate to compromise my vision (I'm a bit stubborn that way). But, I may need to.
Personally, I wish we could get away with releasing music without needing any imagery or video support. I believe our music to be experiential - meaning songs that tell a story and that if you just close your eyes and listen, the audio experience will paint their own pictures and movies in your mind. That's our goal anyway.
I have recently added a few more curiosities and thoughts in "The Deep End." Check them out.
This year promises to be an exciting year for all of us. We hope to release more than just music. Karmic Jesters was never meant to be just a band - it was meant to be a source of entertainment using all types of different mediums. The music will remain our #1 medium, but hopefully you'll enjoy the other forms of entertainment (and weirdness) that we plan to share.
So please be patient with us as we figure this all out. We are learning on the fly how to navigate this wild and whacky world of the Web. But rest assured, it will be worth it.
The best is yet to come... and I promise - THIS year!
And pleas stay in touch. Larry and I would love to hear from you all. Tell us if you like or dislike what you hear. What kind of music moves you? What are your thoughts about the songs? You can reach us at :
www.KarmicJesters@gmail.com
So don't be shy.
Have a fantastic year Everyone!!!
T