"Time to Get this Show on the Road"

Hello Music Friends,

Many people ask "Where am I playing next?" with the hopes of catching some live steel drum music.

 I'd be so happy for you to attend an event where I might be performing.

 Click on the link below for a glimpse of my performance schedule.

www.hearsteeldrumsplay.com/calendar

Best,

Minsky

Meet the Musicians-Dave and Kristie Lauderbaugh

Although I'm primarily a soloist, making music is still a collective effort.

Meet Kristie Lauderbaugh-the voice of Track 3-"Silent Night" and guitarist Dave Lauderbaugh.

Listen to them share their approach to creating songs featured on my debut Christmas CD entitled

 " Something To look Forward To"

Digital Downloads available here

FREE is for ME!

Hello Music Friends,

On Friday Dec 2, 2011 ALL of my email subscribers will be get to download Track 1 from my forthcoming Christmas CD entitled "Something To Look Forward To"

Click on the link below to join. Don't be the last to find out......

Join Our Email List Email:

For Email Marketing you can trust

Do You have a steel drum Holiday CD for sale? Why yes I do.......

Hello Music Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Guess what? I have received an official notice from the CD manufacturing company that my debut Christmas CD is in production and will be delivered on Dec 5th 2011! My sincere thanks goes out to all of my family and friends who have been a part of this exciting musical journey. Let me be the first to tell you that your encouragement and kind words over the years have instilled a confidence in me that has helped propel me forward. With God's blessings, this is only the tip of the ice burgh.

The official name of the Album is

"Something To Look Forward To"

As the excitement builds I wanted to share a little info on how you can get a copy of the CD. This is my first time being a part of the "music for sale" business and I too am navigating my way through the process. If it is your desire to purchase a copy, I will see to it that you can do so, whether I have to personally deliver the CD to you or supply you with an internet link as to where you can download individual songs or the entire album.
From what I understand, some of the online retailers will include CD Baby, Amazon, Itunes, Rhapsody, Spotify etc. I will be sure to update you with the specific sites as that info becomes available.

Here are some FAQs

1 When will the album be available?
Approx. Dec 5th 2011

2 How Much will it cost?
$12 for the physical CD and $1.00 for the digital downloads(might be less at certain online retailers)

3 How many songs are on the album?
There are 7. Five traditional carols and two original Christmas flavored compositions. One is done in a slow "Old Time Soca" style and the other one is done in a "Roots Reggae" style.

4. Are there only steel drums on the album?
No. its primarily an instrumental album that features the steel drum, but there are several tracks that include two guest singers and a guest guitarist.

5. Is it a professional recording? or did you record it in your bathroom and kitchen?
Lol, it is a professional recording. The next album will be recorded in the bathroom and kitchen.....

In the meanwhile, I will be sharing more background info with you. I'll be sharing official photoshoot media, graphic design mock ups, interviews with the musicians and most importantly-samples of how it sounds.

Oh, I only pressed 100 copies, so act quickly if you want a physical CD for your collection.


The best way to contact me is via www.hearsteeldrumsplay.com

Until next time, keep well.

Best,
Minsky

Steel Drum Christmas Album Promo-Minsky Delmonte

Hello Music Friends    

    

       On Nov 6, I went to a professional music studio and recorded some songs for my debut Christmas CD!  Yep...its in the making. I'm really excited about how its shaping up. The next step is for the engineers to do their fancy mixing and mastering-which essentially is making it retail ready and nice sounding: sort of like putting Turtle Wax on a car after it has been washed. Click here to see some photos from the studio.

So far, I've taken some promo shots ( No myspace/facebook type bathroom mirror photos) that I'll send to Miss Anastasia Thomas of Graphic Magic Ltd to use to design a CD cover. Once the disks are pressed I will make them available for you to listen to and hopefully consider purchasing. I'm planning on ordering about 75 physical copies.(I'm not sure how well they will sell and I don't want to be stuck with a bucketload of CDs). The album will also be available for digital download so that you can add it directly to your computers, smartphones, ipods etc.

I also filmed a short video of  the recording session. If you watch it you will hear my newest original Christmas reggae song and see a few dance moves too.......

Best,

Minsky

The King and I

Hello Music Friends,

First off I wanted to thank all of you for participating in last month's song selection survey. The results are posted below and you will see that songs by The King of Pop and The King of Rock were highly favored.

After you glance at the results, continue reading below to find out which King made the cut and what happens next.

Q- What song shall I play for the audition panel? It has to be a 90 second accapella rendition.

That's What Friends Are For-Dionne Warwick and Friends - 8.3%

Summertime-George Gershwin - 16.7%

Human Nature-Michael Jackson - 29.2%

I Can't Help Falling In Love With You-Elvis Presley 25.0%

Greatest Love of All- Whitney Houston 16.7%

Hero-Mariah Carey- 16.7%

Arrival...

My day started very early as I had a four hour drive from Charlotte, NC to Atlanta, GA to make an 8am casting call.
I must say the entire experience was great. I tried to be cool and calm as possible, because I had a feeling that I might make it, but I didn't want to be too disappointed if I didn't.

The atmosphere of the place was quite lively. There was a gamut of talent that ranged from Dance Crews, Musicians, Michael Jackson impersonators complete with white socks, sparkling glove and fedora hats, Little Richard look -a -likes and even a lady and puppy who wore matching outfits. Several acts had previously tried out and were giving it another shot. I especially enjoyed listening to the adventures of those who auditioned for American Idol. From their stories, I gathered that they are a small part of a large circuit of people that audition for numerous shows. Their determination was somewhat inspiring. No matter what their talent was, they were steadfast in their pursuits.

Audition...

I must say that I was pleased with my performance and how well the instrument sounded. It seems like I connected with the staff and the judges because one of the coordinators left his post to specifically listen to me play. That was a good sign. He mentioned that he had not seen any steel drum acts this season. As I introduced myself to the judges I had mentioned that I was born in Trinidad and Tobago. One of the judges' eyes lit up and he said that he was considering Trinidad as a vacation spot. He knew that Trinidad was full of beautiful women, and I assured him that his notion was correct.

I decided to play Elvis Presley's version of "Can't Help Falling in Love". I felt that the melody of that song was quite familiar and that it would be easily recognized. One of the challenges of playing instrumental music is that it must be performed in a way that it mimics a vocalist. The melody of "Cant Help Falling in Love" was very strong and could be successfully played acapella. In the event that I progress forward, I will more than likely play a Michael Jackson song. His music is recognized world wide, and I will have the luxury of having background music or perhaps a live band accompanying me; The full sound of the band combined with the steel drum will help the audience know exactly what song I'm playing.

The Next Step...

The next step if you are chosen, is that you will then audition in front of the celebrity judges - Usually Piers, Sharon and Howie. (That is when you will see the clips on TV of contestants being told that they are going to Hollywood.BTW I also saw Nick Canon on site) Exciting stuff for sure!

At the end of our auditions, the producers told us that successful acts will receive invitations via telephone. I've found myself checking my phone more often than usual for a "missed call" or voicemail message. I guess its true what they say in Hollywood...." Don't call us we will call you"

Best,
Minsky

Lights, camera, steel drum!

Hello Music Friends,

Here is a recently created performance video. It is R. Kelly's " Happy People". I played it at a really fun wedding in South Carolina.

I mentioned that I've been brushing up on video editing. I've learned to split the audio track and sync it with the video. Have a look.
Special thanks to Lisa L. for the camera work.

Best,
Minsky

Par le vous Francais?

Hello Music Friends,

I am thrilled about going to see my favorite steel band play. They are the Renegades Steel Orchestra from Trinidad and Tobago. My connection with the Renegades is that their tuner, the legendary Bertran Kellman made my very first steel drum. Since then, I've followed the band's progress and analyzed the music of their resident arranger Jit Samaroo. To add to the excitement, I'm traveling to Angouleme, France to see and hear the concert. This is a first time visit. I'm really excited about this trip and I'll share photos and another blog when I return.

Bon Voyage and Keep Well,
Minsky

One man band, percussion, Dancing Man

Hello All

So I've been tracking my listing trying to find out which words lead visitors to my site. I cam e across some unthought of phrases...for example...Dancing man Fayettvile...lol. Not sure if they wanted a steel drummer. I've been known to dance while i play but i wouldn't consider myself a " Dancing man"...lol.

Another popular one is percussion. The steel drum is definitely a percussive instrument, but the surfers were really looking for drum lesson. I plan to offer private steel drum lesson, but I cureently dont' have an extra drum to teach on. if the student has their own, however, I'd be more than happy to teach.

One man band has been seen alot to. Makes sense, I'm a one man band as well.

Minsky