Marketing, THE MAN, & Our Kids...

Is it weird to educate your 22 month old and 3 year old about marketing...how it works, its intent, its alluring effectiveness, and so on? Because if it is, Kate and I are weird!

We decided recently to have these little chats, because we see the girls (Cora mostly) being suckered in by marketing campaigns, co-branding, and yes...THE MAN. (well, maybe not the man)

Nonetheless we've been able to talk about the fact that macaroni is the same whether there's a picture of Shreik or Mickey Mouse on the box. We've been able to show her that generic Aldi cereal is just as good as the prettier boxes with fun cartoon characters and Disney princesses. So there, EAT THAT Kraft and General Mills!

Basically we're just trying to open up their eyes as early as possible to how we are a manipulated society that are so easily co-opted by the slick and sexy. It certainly is broader than products and the like, but affects everything we do and the decisions we make. I truly believe that gone is the day when the consumer presses and pushes the market. We've entered into an era where marketing and branding is everything, and we rarely even see it anymore. THE MAN is now telling us what we want, need, and desire.

We'll see how it goes...

Peace,
Ross

Fortune?...

That pretty much sums it up...

I also came across this video of Darren King (drummer of MUTEMATH) having fun and making videos...he's by far my favorite drummer - uber creative and forward thinking. I had the tremendous opportunity to play with him in 2 projects this past year, so you've got to see this. Enjoy!

Peace,
Ross

END OF JUNE > VIDEO BLOG

Peace,
Ross

"Every Day, When I Know What You Want To Do..."

Cora is the little songstress of the family (which makes since, because Olive can't talk). She sings these incredible melodies over and over, day after day. But lyrically, she's still learning :-) Her songs are usually some iteration of this:

Every day
When I know what
You want to do

Every day
When I know what
You want to do...

Peace,
Ross & Cora

Oreo, you've finally done it...

To my beloved Oreo's...

Typically I open you up, eat you 2 at a time, dunking you and drenching you in skim milk (i'm trying to watch my weight). Then, 10 minutes later you are gone. All that is left are the 2 I set aside for Kate before engulfing and devouring the rest of you.

But in your quest to create new flavors, color combinations, etc, you've decided upon "berry burst." Tonight, I opened you, I took two in hand, dunked and soaked, popped both in my mouth, and then my face cringed. Wow, these are horrible.

Sadly, the Oreo's are now in the trash. I know, I know...its almost heretical!

Peace,
Ross

[On] Telling Stories...

Here's a snippet from my interview on 88.1 FM KDHX. Enjoy!

Peace,
Ross

p.s. i'll be posting more snippets as I have them ready - check back soon!

The Upheaval

As many of you know, my sis and I are putting the finishing touches on an upcoming album as The Lost Narrative. Last week, I had the itch to do some additional recording and came up with this little ditty, The Upheaval. It will make an appearance of some sort on the album. Do you like it? Thoughts?

The Upheaval by rosschristopher

Don't forget that you can also download our SINGLE FOR FREE HERE!!!

Peace,
Ross