All is lost. Liana told me that she is giving up music. Turns out that the hard work of making a career of the music biz wasn’t for her. But she is in Hollywood and has dreams so big that they don’t fit in this universe, so I forgive her. I, on the other hand,… Continue reading Ain't Life Grand? Well…mostly.
Category: Toby’s Posts
Toby’s postings to this blog
New Album in the Works?
So what if the paint hasn’t dried on our last album? I am in the business of making music that I love, and I have been writing up a storm over here. Having the piano in the living room is a big help, as I have been able to play it every day for at… Continue reading New Album in the Works?
Back to the Piano
I have been getting back to my Minneapolis roots recently, playing piano and writing some sweet new tunes on the instrument. Those who are keen to our local history will remember my first Twin Cities band, Arthur Dent, as well as my weekly solo performances with Dave Brusie at Sportsman’s Pub in SE Minneapolis (btw,… Continue reading Back to the Piano
"I think I might be evil." Audio Commentary
“I think I might be evil.” is one of my favorite songs on Faraway Farm & The Bird. The songs on my records are like children – I love them all differently. haha! This song, like most of my recent music, is autobiographical and about a lady. Enjoy! http://www.cryns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/podcast-i-think-i-might-be-evil.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
"Quittin' My Job!" featured on Dr. Demento's Radio Broadcast!
This is the most awesomely-random thing that has happened in my entire music career. My favorite radio host, Dr. Demento, heard “Quittin’ My Job!” and played it on his radio broadcast on June 19! Listen to an audio clip. I grew up listening to Dr. Demento, so this is super awesome on the awesome scale!
"Monster" Audio Commentary
The song, “Monster”, is extra special to me, because it was originally penned by my sister, Liana. She is probably the best songwriter I know, and I took her song and re-crafted it to suit my artistic vision. http://www.cryns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/podcast-monster.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
"So Just Be" Audio Commentary
“So Just Be” is one of the first songs recorded for Faraway Farm & The Bird. The song features some nice organs that were conceptualized by Ryan Arnholt (who also plays bass guitar in this band). I remember hearing it a couple of years ago and thinking, “Wow!”. I still feel that way when I… Continue reading "So Just Be" Audio Commentary
I'm Back! *Free MP3 to Celebrate*
I just got back from Singapore yesterday. It was weird, because I left Japan at 4 p.m. on Friday and landed in Minneapolis at 1 p.m. on Friday. Did I just time travel? I don’t know. But it is 5:30 a.m. now, and I have been up for a long time on account of jetlag… Continue reading I'm Back! *Free MP3 to Celebrate*
"It's time to decide." Audio Commentary
“It’s time to decide.” is one of my favorite tracks on Faraway Farm & The Bird. It is probably the most forward-thinking of all the songs in the sense that it offers a choice that I can make today (and not a decision that I made in the past). Originally crafted for …if Howard Roark… Continue reading "It's time to decide." Audio Commentary
Quittin' My Job: The Audio Commentary
This is my first podcast about Faraway Farm. It might turn into a series. Please let me know how it works for you! http://www.cryns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/podcast-quittin-my-job.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Videos from CD-Release Show!
As you probably know, the Faraway Farm & The Bird cd-release show back in April was a blast. I thought it was about time we post some videos from the show. Enjoy!
Surprisingly Awesome!
Every now and then I stumble, unexpectedly, across a photo that brings a smile to my face. The truth is, I don’t remember this photo being taken. But oh what a gem it is! It pretty much captures the air of jolly excitement I was feeling at our CD-Release show in April. Thanks, Devon! And… Continue reading Surprisingly Awesome!
Thanks for Making Last Night So Special!
We did this together. Thank you. Last night was amazing.
CDs Being Printed!
I am working with Copycats Media in Minneapolis to print a limited-edition run of 50 cds for our release show on Friday. I have no plans to print more, so if you are like me and prefer the hard-copy of a record, you will want to make your purchase early before these sell out. I… Continue reading CDs Being Printed!
Thoughts on Paying for Website Content
I plan on redesigning this website to coincide with the release of my new album on April 2nd. Along those lines, I have been considering ways to add value to y’all and have been considering a subscription-based service whereby you will pay a certain amount of money (maybe $XXX/year), and you will have access to… Continue reading Thoughts on Paying for Website Content
To-Do List for CD-Release Show
With the release of our new disc, “Faraway Farm & The Bird”, fast approaching, I suppose it is time to git’r done! The release show will be on Friday, April 2, 2010 at Acadia Cafe. To-Do: Finish CD Artwork Build new website for digital distribution of new album and other premium content Create master disc… Continue reading To-Do List for CD-Release Show
Noah has been busy.
A few minutes ago, I discovered Noah’s Youtube Channel. Wow! It has all sorts of fun videos that he has created with his music recently (and also with LETRON’s and my music as well!). Simply delightful! Check out this video of “Run. Run! Run!!! RUN!!! RUNNNN!!!!!” he made:
We Rock it TONIGHT at the Acadia!
Hold on to your hats, fishermen! We, my bandmates and I, will be bringing you the best music we know how. It will be upbeat. It will be swear-word-laden. It will be enjoyable to the nth degree (so I hear). So, come one come all to the Acadia Cafe. We go on at 11, but… Continue reading We Rock it TONIGHT at the Acadia!
My Music is in a Movie!
This is awesome! My Uncle Jim is a fancy movie producer in Milwaukee and placed a couple of songs off If Howard Roark Could Dance in his new film, Life on the Diamond. Check out the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aToTvs036aw