LO-FI SESSIONS...

Here's a recent LO-FI SESSION featuring my song, Saints Today. Enjoy!



If you like that, keep watching for more. If you'd like to hear the album version, you can pick it up HERE!

Peace,
Ross

What Else is Life For?

If you've read the blog before, you'll know that i'm currently in the process of writing a book that discusses leadership, vision, strategy, etc. I also read a lot of books on the subject matter and last night read an interesting insight on the concept of time.

As individuals, we all have witnessed a leader emerge, power brokered, and influence made. And we could spend hour upon hour discussing his/her qualities that made this leadership come to fruition. But one thing that we all have in common is time. No matter how powerful the individual, influential the leader, or creative the artist, we all are dealt the same amount of time (Sanders).

It's something I had really never stopped to think about. I can complain that I haven't been given equal opportunities, experiences, resources to strengthen my leadership, craft, or art. But I cannot say the same about time. The ways in which I spend my time are crucial to what is produced. If you find yourself glued to the tv, hulu, or XBox; I apologize if i'm hitting too close to home.

So make what you can of the time you're given. Learn, expand, dream, and do!

I'll leave you with a quote/story more poignant than mine...Michelangelo was pressed to finish a large project on time, and someone warned, "This may cost your life!" He replied, "What else is life for?"

Peace,
Ross

Contingent on Love

A few months back I wrapped up a big record producing project with Brendan Bradley (singer/songwriter from St. Louis). It was a 15 track album that we recorded in my studio for nearly 8 months. It was a truly great process. Brendan has some real talent and I think the record does a fantastic job showcasing it.

The record started very acoustic-pop and ended a very natural, organic, acoustic-pop album. As soon as we finished recording and were happy with the mixes, we headed down to Ardent Studios in Memphis for mastering...and voila, the project was done!

Brendan has finished the artwork and other final touches; its back from mass-duplication, and ready for distribution. This coming Saturday night (Oct 16th), Brendan and I will be performing at his CD RELEASE CONCERT. The show will be at The Gramaphone in St. Louis. Music starts at 7:30PM...

Come out to the show and get your copy. If you can't make it, drop by his website and pickup a copy!

Peace,
Ross

Unresponsive Reversals (a new soundtrack piece)

I'm doing my best to dish out to you guys a few of the new soundtrack pieces I'm working on. I'd love as much feedback as you're willing to give. This one is setting a semi-dark, somewhat ominous mood, that feels partially chaotic and disrupted.

Here it is...Unresponsive Reversals.

Unresponsive Reversals by rosschristopher

© 2010 Ross Christopher Donaldson.

Peace,
Ross

Cora's Hat Dance

This should get your Wednesday going...

If it doesn't, you lack a soul.

-Ross

Book Excerpt #13 (Vision)

It's been WAY to long since I've posted a book excerpt from Outsourcing God. This one takes us into the 3rd part of the book. Part 3 focuses on Vision (possibly the most important thing discussed). So here ya go...excerpt #13 from my upcoming book, Outsourcing God.

© 2010 Ross Christopher Donaldson. Outsourcing God.

In the book of Proverbs it warns, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18). There’s no beating around that bush. It’s about as clearly stated as anything I’ve read in the bible; and that’s because it’s absolutely true.

It’s funny (or sad) to me how many churches, organizations, and businesses have these huge, well-written, almost poetic, vision statements. These statements should be leading the charge and directing the strategies and motion of the masses, but from my observations, typically the vision is only understood by a very select few at the top. And the effect is dissatisfied and frustrated leaders and confused members, employees, and patrons.

You see, without a clear vision, everyone is left up to their own interpretations, gimmicks, causes, and eventually you’ll find yourself spread so thin you’re accomplishing nothing. In saying that, I fully understand that the causes can be really great causes; that the gimmicks may really work; and that the interpretations may be pure. But in the end, lack of clear vision will disrupt true progression, unity, and you’ll be left sorting out a mess.

Wrapping Dear Genre's Album & BBQ

I just got back from Ardent Records (Memphis, TN) where I was mastering Dear Genre's upcoming album. I've been producing and engineering Dear Genre's new album for about the past 7-8 months and I really think we've created something special! Here's a quick video clip from the mastering suite:

Look for the album later this Fall - it will be sure to please!

Before I sign out, I must mention the BBQ...how can I not? It would be a grave and semi-mortal sin! Thursday night we hit this great place on Beal, and enjoyed some BBQ and blues. Friday afternoon we went to the BBQ Shop on Madison, where I was blown away with the eats....oh so good!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Peace,
Ross