I couldn’t of asked for a more beautiful day weather wise. It has been splendid out and continues to be so. I just got back to my place from a morning/afternoon writing session for the album. I believe I finally have the final two pieces written for ‘Conversations on Internal Bleeding’. One is tentatively titled Firefly[Reason] and strips down the thoughts of a present friendship combined with the haunting need I have to make everything right for those I care deeply about.

Two weeks ago I picked up a keyboard/piano and decided that I was sick of talking about wanting to learn the piano and began teaching myself. Three days into my self-teaching I wrote my first piece. Myself and J-Cain (co-producer on this final effort to finish the album) believe it is strong enough for the album and while it sounds great ‘acoustically’ we will produce it with a heavy band feel which will tie nicely with the rest of the project. I can’t even begin to tell you how much anticipation I have for releasing this album into the wild-blue sky for you all to hear. I often see the end result in my head and have a hard time being patient, letting things develop and letting the spirit lead. The final piece has a beautiful rolling piano riff that lends itself well to a vocal outcry in the melody. I presented it to Cain this morning and we were able to build some interesting and challenging chords around it to open up the chorus. I’m very excited to lay out the lyrical ideas throughout the rest of the tune. It has an overlying ‘Let It Be’ type of theme. So there you have it, a bit of a window crack into the album.  

Of course, in keeping with the subject that continues to enhance and move my life (music)… The new Coldplay album was released today. I was able to get my hands on it a week ago yet made my purchase on iTunes today to officially show my support. Albums like this make my soul jump out of my skin and run around the room as I appear to the naked eye to be sitting still - contemplating. Those who follow me via Twitter know that I can’t shut up about how great I think this album is. Of course the big name producer on the album will make moronic fools appear more foolish as they crawl out from under their rocks and rant about how Coldplay has sold-out. “Whatever.” I am a big fan of Pop-Rock, Alt-Rock, Indie-Rock… whatever word you want to put in front of Rock… I’ll probably like it. I’m thinking that this album is Pop-Progressive, but what do I know. The themes and question asked in poetic fashion bless my soul. Even if Chris thinks that the whole world deserves to vote the American President into office. I agree with writing about what moves you and if it be politics - it be politics. I tend to be rubbed the wrong way by most artists who take a stand politically, but if it’s done creative have at it. Just don’t let your entire touring and vision for the band be about getting someone into office. Dear God, that frustrates the crud out of me. (And yes, I was really talking to Him just then. He reads my blog too.) Back to the proper topic. The ‘Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends’ album. It’s good. Buy it. It will be uplifting to you, that I promise. If you want a great peak into the mind of Chris Martin read the latest article in the politically saturated Rolling Stones mag. (I take the good with the bad and don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.)

Turning the page… I leave town Thursday morning bright and early. Well, too early to be bright. So, early. I’m going to Phoenix to handle a little business and also play in my favourite studio for a few days (Famous Army). I hope to hash out something new there to put up for your enjoyment until I can get you the album. I’ll be running all around Phoenix hitting up my spots in the 602 and visiting with as many REAL friends as I can during my short stay. I can’t wait to get back to Kazimierz, such a great spot to relax and chat with friends while having a glass of cab. If you want to catch me while I’m in town, and say hey, hit me up on myspace, facebook or twitter. I’ll post where we are hanging out, drop by and say hello. After my stint in Phoenix I will be headed up to Colorado to visit family and attend a great friend of mine’s wedding. (Congrats B-Dub!) I was going to stay through the fourth to watch the amazing fireworks display over the lake by my parents house, but I couldn’t justify all that extra time away so hopefully the forth and my birthday in Nashville will be splendid enough. Same rules apply to my Colorado friends, hit me up if you want to attempt to get together. The rest I’ll catch up with you all at the wedding.

I must get back to the painting. It pretty much has to be finished before I ‘jet-set.’ There is so much I have yet to blog about, but unfortunately I’m not paid to blog so it must take a backseat until time allows. Thank you all so much for being a part of my daily life by participating in my writings. Blessings to you.

 I’ll leave you with this… While at *bucks, reading the new Rolling Stones issue, a little boy came running in with his dad on a leash. He had on a pirate hat, a patch on his eye and a giant sword (the kid, not the dad). He was yelling, “Im Captain Joshua!” and having a really hard time figuring out how to walk with one eye covered up. I could just see the wheels turning in his head as he was pouncing to and fro, making the world exactly how he wanted it to be. A great song speaks, “with imagination, I’ll get there.” As the world lives and breaths in it’s current state it is easy for us to become stagnant and brush off thoughts of ever being one to make change possible. But with faith and imagination, as a child, I believe that we can get there. It is what drives me to be all that I can be with the short time I am allotted here on earth. Believe that you can make a difference; from saying hi to the shut-in that lives next door, to giving a compliment to someone who doesn’t look like you or present themselves as you would. Making someone smile can be as big of a difference as donating thousands to charity. Step outside of the comfort and see the world as you want it to be.

Be selfless. 

Cory Basil

“Nothing helps us build our perspective more than developing compassion for others.”