Sunday 31 July 2016

WHY DO I DO WHAT I DO?

And sometimes I have the answer

For a very long time I had a white painted piano in my apartment and I played it occasionally On one of those occasions I was in the company of Joan Ure 
I had been working on a song called LIKE A SWEET WARM LIGHT and we sang it together, over and over until it had become the song it is now - and until we could sing it no more But we did enjoy the experience and it did provide us both with a feeling of relief And we were both in need of something of the sort at the time There are better words for what the song provided but relief will do for now

Then, this morning, I happened upon the song and decided to test it out with a Crowd Review on Reverbnation Now I know before I receive the comments which will arrive in about five days time that it is likely to achieve a low score This is not difficult to predict Most of what I have put on there (with the exception of Where the Last Tide Runs - for reasons I still don't fully understand) get a low score

So why, knowing this, did I choose to spend US$9.95 on the review? Well, in some ways the review is incidental Having sung along with it myself this morning, and recalling how much pleasure it provided at the time it was taking shape I thought- even if I was paying to get it heard, why not! 

And when the twenty strangers have listened and commented I will post the worst and the best comments here - maybe

Also it was once available on Bandcamp and will be again It was hidden away in a compilation entitled THE BAD GIRL and other disparates which is no longer available on that site So, it has been reloaded with a slightly refreshed image and the link is below

https://sheilakcameron.bandcamp.com/track/like-a-sweet-warm-light-2

Sunday 24 July 2016

THAT IS MORE LIKE IT

Working out how to sell physical CDs on Bandcamp was not as difficult as I had anticipated And there is a lesson for me there What exactly it is will require more consideration than I intend to give it here

My present thoughts are that it was a good idea to get the songs out there properly Properly? Is that the right word? Well it does feel like a proper thing to be doing and my previous haphazard attempts - if not improper - were certainly lacking in the same purpose and intent 

So what was this post supposed to be about? The answer is a simple one 

In doing this I have been taking on myself and taking on the songs And by giving them the best opportunity I can to be heard - perhaps for the first time I am giving them the attention they may deserve

Also I have moved from inserting very small SKC initials in the images which usually accompany the tracks, to allowing the guy who designed the digi-sleeve (thanks Mike), to put my name out there in large easily read letters The image below is on the cover



About my expectations 
Well, I am assuming at least one or two of those who receive the CDs sent out by the PR company will listen to the songs And I am assuming that one or two of those who do listen will like what they hear - or not 

But whatever their response my own position is clear: in getting the songs out there in this more professional way I am doing what I needed to do

These comments will be posted shortly before the re-issue becomes available for download (as it was previously) or to be purchased as a physical CD 
And I am looking forward to that happening with few reservations and some unreserved delight 

A direct link to the album on Bandcamp will be posted on Monday July 25th

And here it is
https://sheilakcameron.bandcamp.com/album/more-like-a-river-than-a-road

Tuesday 19 July 2016

MONEY MOUTH and MUSIC

The date for the re-issue of MORE LIKE A RIVER THAN A ROAD - as a professionally manufactured CD - will be July 25th 2016 

The image on the cover of the digi-sleeve will replace the old one on Bandcamp and I am hoping to find out how to sell physical CDs from that site

It will not be surprising if I fail to do so because after a quick glance it looks rather complicated for my kind of brain

The CD has been priced by those assisting me with this release at £5.99 but my own feeling is that it should be sold for no more than a fiver  That however does not solve the problem of how to sell it And when I have wised up a bit I will come back here to share my new found wisdom with anyone who reads these posts 
And by the way to anyone who does - I really appreciate it

Well, after several hours of seeking to understand more about the direct selling of CDs - and this has included making an unsuccessful attempt to set up a new web site solely for that purpose, I made a weary return to Bandcamp 

What I was eventually able to manage when I got there will be apparent on Monday 25th 

Saturday 16 July 2016

BLUES BUNNY BOOSTER

Whoever writes the music reviews on Bluesbunny http://www.bluesbunny.com/ - and make sure you visit this excellent site - has been very positive in the their comments about some of my material 
And in another possible defensive move should the re-issue of MORE LIKE A RIVER THAN A ROAD pass by unnoticed or be found wanting I am posting their review of the album

Title: More Like A River Than a Road
Catalogue Number: Glalell Music
Review Format: CD
Release Year: 2010


Having only recently become a convert to the musical charms of Sheila K Cameron, it was a surprise to find out how prolific she has been for barely had the ink dried on our review of her "Cut Feet and Empty Shoes" album when her EP "More Like A River Than A Road" popped through the letterbox.
This EP is a subtle thing. Seven songs in less than fourteen minutes would suggest a Ramones style urgency in getting her point across but Ms Cameron instead turns towards poetic elegance with each song seeming a fragment of the whole. Not that all these fragments add up to the whole, of course, for that would be too straightforward, more that she gives just enough in each song to draw you towards the next one. I'm not sure I even get the meaning of a song like "Last Night I Dreamed About Doris Lessing" yet it still exerts something akin to a hypnotic effect. As for "The House With The Windows", you could get a movie script out of that one with all the sentimentality that you would need compressed with economical lyrical beauty into a mere two minutes and fifty seconds.
I know I keep harping on about time. There's a reason. When I thought about it, these seven songs convey the passing of time in concise poetry with the music, and Ms Cameron's voice, being the glue that holds it all together.
Available from CD Baby.


Rating: 4 carrots
Website: www.sheilakcameron.com
Reviewer: Bluesbunny
Review Date: 
November 5, 2011


FOR DANCING REAL CLOSE

The Crowd Reviews from ReverbNation for WHERE THE LAST TIDE RUNS 

Very soft intro with a nice flow of calming music. Peaceful sounds with a calm and soft voice. Vocals are clear and understanding. Loved the changes in the music with the piano. This song has a very pleasant sound to it. Music blends in sequence with the vocals. On beat, good rhythm. Perfect for a easy listening audience. The ending of the song was good with a even blend of instruments together. Piano sounded nice and was tuned in right.

Calming and emotional... The vocals are enticing and unique. This song gives a sense of liberation and follows the structure of folk. This song isn't very consistent but folk is usually not, the undeniable truth is: this song is very soothing. The short duration is perfect for the genre.

I like the smoky, timeless sound of this artists voice. The song is very calming and has nice lyrics. It has an older sound to it back when ballads were popular. I feel this would be best targeted in the 35 and older crowd though. I don't feel that the younger generations could appreciate the soulfulness of this song and the artist singing it. I see this song in a nice little dimly lit piano type bar where couples go to get to know each other and dance real close. I would definitely buy this track.

This is a very and relaxing melody. The lyrics are peaceful which matches the music. The singer has a great, soothing voice, yet it's powerful. I would love to see how they develop and continue to create music in this genre.

This has a good beat and the music goes to together lovely with this woman's beautiful voice. I love everything about this voice as it speaks of the world and how it is. This song is just beautiful with her voice. 5 stars and I love her voice. Everything about this song just sounds beautiful. The lyrics that speak of the world and how it grows are just so fitting is great.

The kick drum gives the song a nice pulse, almost like a heartbeat. The mix of strings, piano, and acoustic guitar make for a really relaxing and soothing mood. The vocal melody works beautifully with the chord progression and again is really soothing. Great voice for this style of music. I could definitely hear this playing on a folk-based or easy listening radio station. It's very calming.

The song was good, and it's relaxing. It could be a relaxing song for movies. It's soothing and it honestly relaxed me. It's different from what songs are played today but it's good. The singer really did a good job of singing this and I really liked it. It could be a hit with young and old generations but the problem is it's really short. Besides that it's a solid eight.

This is by far one of the best songs I've heard on this site. The music is so calming and soothing. The singer's voice is absolutely flawless. I heard this song when I was feeling somewhat anxious, but this definitely relaxed me. It's easy listening; anyone can enjoy it. If you ever need to kick back and relax after a long day, this is the song to listen to! More songs need to be sound like this, incorporating nature elements and invoking clear images that represent beauty and serenity. Two thumbs up!

This song has a peaceful vibe. The singer sounds like a classic star from the 50s. This arrangement is very true to the era that it reflects. This song has a lot of nice natural imagery. It's a song that has a nice emotional quality as well. All the instrumentation sounds excellent and the arranging is brilliant. The song has an incredible melody with moving lyrics. I think this is one of the best ballads I've heard all decade.

The ambient sound mix starting and then the guitar being played in this gentle motion. The singer of the song is well slow and gentle in her voice, sounds a bit over 35 but still sounds beautiful. The rhythm rate of the song is slow and steady. The audio quality is well smooth and defined. The subject matter of the song is about a place that is beautiful, enchanted, peaceful and fully blissful.

Sure a great sounding soft voice for the start the piano is so nice :) lol but this seems like a song to put you to sleep when in a tired mood but I really like it! Very short song though

THIS SONG HAS A VERY CHILL AND MELLOW FEEL TO IT. THE VOCALS COME IN AFTER THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR STARTS AND THE PIANO FOLLOWS THE VOCALS. THE WAY THE SONG BOUNCES OFF THE WALLS IN MY BED ROOM MAKE ME VERY SLEEPY. THE CHORUS HAS A NICE FEEL TO IT AND THE VOCALIST CAN HIT SOME HIGH NOTES, SHE HAS A NICE RANGE AND CAN HIT SOME PRETTY COOL NOTES. I LIK THIS SONG VERY VRY VERY MUCH AND IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD INSIDE. THE JAIN PROBLEM WITH THIS SONG HOW SLOW IT IS, BUT I MEAN IT IS NOT REALLY A PROBLEM.

This tune has an easy flowing, nice and fluid sound to it. The piano is just beautifully played and it sets the entire harmony of the song. The female vocals are rich and smooth sounding. No real need for any backup vocals in this one. The lyrics are nothing short of wonderfully written. This song has a ton of potential in my view.

Very relaxing piece of music. I starting to daydream about my life about my childhood. It has this very touching melody then reaches into your heart and your soul and opens you up to memories of your life.

Love the instrumentation; it is gentle, but moving. The singer has a lovely voice. It is crisp, clean, pure, soulful, and just a little sad. This is a very moving piece. The lyrics are a little generic. I think they could be better. With so much soul and so much potential, I think that the lyrics draw the song up short. As it stands, it is a beautiful piece, but I do not think it is a hit yet. All the pieces are there, but they are not quite assembled. Give the lyrics some teeth; a little sadness to match that soulful voice, and there won't be a dry eye in the house.

This song was very ambient. I enjoyed it, but at points I got a bit bored. I thought this song needed more elements. The mix was clean though, and it was arranged well. Nothing to complain about, just not my type of music. I prefer music more energetic. Still, great piece of music!

This song had a soft intro which I enjoyed. I liked that this song was soft. The mix of the acoustic guitar and piano allowed the singer to shine. Her voice was strong and you could really feel the song in her voice. She sang as though she meant it. The plaintive rhythm was soft and sweeping. This gave the song a real emotive quality. I think this was a beautiful ballad. It was thought provoking and actually made me quite emotional. I think this song has great potential to be featured on a soundtrack for a movie. The singer had a lovely voice and I would enjoy hearing more of her music. This was a great song with great musical content. I score this a 9 out of 10.

I do not think the singing matches the music. The singing is good though. I think you should consider changing the beat some. Maybe have the singer have a higher pitch too. I think this song needs work for the most part. Good luck.

Classic slows long. Woman singing. Words are cute. Basically someone playing the piano and guitar. It's a very faded song. It will definitely put on the sleep. Not recommended for teens or young adults.. More for older people

This song was chilling to listen to. I was just laying back and listening. It makes me want to go to sleep in a good way. The music in the background is fitting for a night time environment. The singer's voice sounds soothing as well for the night. Overall, excellent song, deserves to be on the radio.




WORTH EVERY CENT

Last Tide was submitted to Reverberation's Crowd Review in May 2014 and received a score of 8.4 The reviews are presented by the site as a means of letting you know if your music is ready for a mainstream audience. 'With descriptive reports and in-depth statistics, Crowd Reviews are a great way of knowing where your music's strengths and weaknesses lie'


How it works
You are advised to purchase a Crowd Review.
The songs are reviewed by an independent group of every day music listeners, and their reviews will be returned to you so that you may improve your music!

And if the ratings by the reviewers give you an overall track rating of 7.5 or above, you will become a ReverbNation featured artist.

It costs US$10 for twenty reviews and I have used it on several occasions for this and other songs Only Last Tide, of all those I have tried, received this score
And as I set out to more professionally present this songs and its pals on the small album MORE LIKE A RIVER THAN A ROAD I am making this information known - perhaps as a defense against any negative responses

Many of the comments in the Crowd Reviews were positive but as indicated above I paid for - and got - twenty That's a lot of text so rather than adding it to this post it is getting a post of its own which will be entitled (using a comment from the reviews) FOR DANCING REAL CLOSE



THAT'S MORE LIKE IT- MAYBE

It could be that I should have done this a very long time ago - but then again perhaps it is happening in its own good time And I would obviously prefer it to be the latter 

In a few days time some professionally manufactured CDs of MORE LIKE A RIVER THAN A ROAD, in professionally designed digi-sleeves, will be on sale for £4.99 (The professionally recommended price was £5.99)) And Although the playing time is only 13 minutes it has been officially designated as an album rather than an EP

Some text (see below) was required for the sleeve and for a flier and this has been kept very simple: see below

This small album is the first in a series of re-issues of the work of Sheila K Cameron (SKC) 

It consists of seven songs which were written and recorded in Glasgow and on Haida Gwaii, British Columbia 

The plan is to follow this re-release with several others when I can afford to do so  More information on these will be posted soon But however the plan unfolds I will be hoping, this time around, that it will be an improvement on what I have managed previously 

In the meantime I have removed some of the tracks from Bandcamp and I will be attempting to rearrange the material into different selections and compilations