Regular Updates...

 I feel like it would be a nice touch to monitor progress as we work towards completion and release of this first album.  For posterity?  Who knows... I imagine I'll just eventually appreciate the nostalgia of it all.  So in that regard...

• Confirmed for Steve that we'll likely go with the relatively expensive (but most-proficient) Clockwork orchestra in Glasgow.  Waiting on confirmation of a couple of caveats that I'm hoping will be nothing more than a formality.
  
  
• Asked Dave at CLG for particulars regarding obtaining the design files for the II logo and band cover art; also discussed eventual development of the CD booklet and labels.
  
  
• Received feedback from Kerry at Frontman regarding which songs would be most beneficial for video production; awaiting similar type of feedback from Donna at 351 Studio.  Will likely look to utilize the services of both, based on which tracks each finds to be the most favorable.
  
  
• Sent a request over to a fiver provider (hey, that's catchy) for development of a website on bandzoogle, with branding based on the logo (and perhaps cover art, which I love).  Awaiting feedback.

Found a website that focuses on training game-theory-optimal poker play, which is incredibly complex, but very useful.  Will be spending time studying those materials in the hope of eventually adding poker as another component of generating advantage-play income on a more regular basis.  

Slow start to 2022...

First week of March, and I haven't yet taken an extended blackjack trip for the year.  And, I haven't been all that focused on wrapping up recording the album.  I started reversing that trend this weekend, though, as I spent a lot of time recording backing vocals for Visitor.  I've also been making a concerted effort to work on my poker game, with mildly positive results thus far... getting regular time in at local poker rooms with a positive expectation would be ideal.

Trip close-out...

A Saturday night and the end of a successful trip in terms of AV.  Nowhere near enough hours, but that's mostly a function of some difficult playing conditions in one region, and my having made the mistake of camping out tonite in a location with only one casino within reasonable driving distance.

This casino has a reputation of being sweaty, but what really ticked me off is that the PB refused my standard buy-in request of three green and two black.  He instructed the dealer to give me all green, and immediately got on the phone with what was presumably an instruction to security to 'watch this guy without a player's card and asking for black".  

Rather than end up in a less than optimal situation on my last night and a solid win already on the books, I elected to wrap the trip.  I've found a local bar and will relax with a few amber ales, preparing for the flight back tomorrow.

Versatility

Landed in a new region last night; played poker since the blackjack options in this particular city are less than ideal for non-rated players (driving to a better spot momentarily).

I caught some good hands last night, and they held up - leading to a nice win.  The key to playing low stakes no-limit - where people generally go too far with their hands - is to wait for hands with solid value and then maximize the hell out of them.  If I catch a set out of position in a raised multiway pot, I'm betting big into the field.  I want pot-sized action on all streets (as long as the board is reasonably dry), and generally at least one opponent will oblige with an overpair/top pair top holding.

The players in this room were particularly bad in that regard.  Need to think about working more poker into my repertoire.

I AM the Record Company...

I've had more than one person inquire as to why it is I have to pay for the recording of this album... as if professional musicians and producers just work for free all the time... lol.

I think the underlying question is, "why don't (or can't) you just get a record deal, so that the record company pays all the costs?"

The proper answer to that question is complex.  First, I probably couldn't get a record deal if my life depended on it, for a variety of reasons - but most importantly, because I'm creating a style of music that is worlds different than anything on the radio right now.  Record companies primarily exist to make money, and are therefore largely interested in signing artists who are producing material similar in style to what is popular today.  All well and good.

Second (and more importantly)... why would I want a record deal?  This is not the holy grail that everyone seems to think it is.  It essentially involves signing away ownership of your master recordings, as well as roughly 85% of the potential profits derived therefrom (plus a host of ancillary income to which no label should have a rightful claim, but that's another story for another time).

The reality is, I'm wearing two completely separate hats in this endeavor: Yes, I am the artist... but I am also the label.  Not only am I paying the recording costs, but I am the A&R exec, as well as the executive responsible for contracting with distribution partners (to get the music to the world), videographers (for the creation of promotional videos), and marketing firms (for the purposes of creating artwork, updating social media profiles and posts, generating press releases and facilitating blog placements, and managing targeting advertising campaigns).

It's a lot of work, and a fair amount of expense... but in the event this project becomes successful (to whatever extent), it will be me reaping the rewards.

  

Trip Close-Out...

At the airport.  Got here 3 hours early with the intention of relaxing in the Delta Skyclub... only to discover this airport doesn't have one.  Was certain they did... unforced error on my part.  Oh well... at least I've found a bar with decent food that has Sammy's on draft.  And a first class upgrade on my outbound flight...

Modest win on the trip that covered expenses and then some; would have been wonderful if not for a brutal session at a remote locale with great rules.  Took 6 hours of round-trip travel time to get there; the conditions and playability made it worthwhile (they allowed me several hours and no backoff ever came) - but the toke hustling was annoying beyond belief.  

Played one final session today at a chain location; spent an hour, got a sweet max bet shoe that lasted roughly half of the six decks - but only ended up clearing an additional 300 (after being up I would estimate roughly 1500 with a few hands left).  Such is the nature of max bet shoes.

Came up with a great idea for the forthcoming concept album... will compose a few songs called "Open Letter" to each of casinos, dealers and civilians...  

Resist the Argumentative Urge...

I often fantasize about what my response would be in the scenario where a casino taps a confederate officer to demand my ID.  I would be well within my rights to "remind" the officer that he may only require my ID in the event he suspects me of having broken the law.

The desire to win these battles is a significant flaw of mine.  Winning the ID batttle on principle might get you the money, but it will also make you very memorable - which is something we are obviously looking to avoid.

The other day, I walked to a cashier in a remote locale with a few thousand in chips.  Rather than prepare for the inevitable ID confrontation, I informed him upfront, in a friendly way, that I had left my ID back in my hotel room - and would I really neeed to drive the half hour to retrieve it and bring it back?

The cashier simply asked me what my name was (I provided a reasonable pseudonym, careful to ensure he had the "proper" spelling of my last name) and my birthday (I'm pretty sure I gave him the right month, but may have blanked on the day and year, and therefore estimated both).

The cashier dutifully typed the info in his system, confirmed that it didn't match any undersirables in the system, and proceeded to cash me out without incident.

You really can attract more flies with honey...