Kurt Scobie Music - Blog

Kurt Scobie "Free Fallin'" (Tom Petty) LIVE 

"Kurt Scobie "Free Fallin'" (Tom Petty) LIVE"
Blog Post by Kurt Scobie
Mar 11th, 2012
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

I am having a BLAST traveling around the Northeast! Boston, New Haven, Portland, Providence... I'm doing my best to take it all in.

You may have seen some tweets, pics and check-ins from the various colleges I have performed at. Well, now I'm adding to my tour 'journal' a video from a show in New Jersey.

I hope you enjoy my rendition of "Free Fallin'" LIVE at Ramapo College!


Boston to Charlotte to Boston 

"Boston to Charlotte to Boston"
Blog Post by Kurt Scobie
Mar 1st, 2012
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs


My travels in the Northeast continue after a few days in Charlotte, NC!

The NACA National Convention happens each year in February, bringing together musicians, comedians, and other entertainers as well as college programming board representatives from all over the country. You may have seen someof my posts on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and Google+ from my time at #NACA2012

Here is a glimpse of my travels from Boston to Charlotte and back. Enjoy!


A foggy Boston skyline the morning I left the Northeast.


Smooth travels to Charlotte, where I was welcomed by sunshine!


The "Hoppyum" IPA! I had some time to kill waiting for my ride in Charlotte, so you know I just had to grab a local brew!


Hanging out at the Hey Cole Booth at the "Marketplace". Do I look tired?


The posters were hung in the booth with care... 


My lovely wife came to see me while I was somewhat close to Atlanta. 


The 2012 NACA National Convention Showcase Venue! I was a "showcase alternate" and didn't end up getting a showcase, but it was still a fun trip! Met a lot of interesting folks and had a blast in Charlotte!


Clear skies and smooth travels back to Boston!


Back in Boston and now it's snowing! Its pretty from my hotel window, but now I have to go drive in it. Showtime!

Thanks for following! Until next time...

Kurt

Pics From the Studio 

"Pics From the Studio"
Blog Post by Kurt Scobie
Feb 21st, 2012

My new project is underway!

The other day I went in to the Sonus Clarus studio to begin my next EP. A new batch of songs are now on their way through the recording process, which means it wont be too long before you'll be able to get your ears on some new music from me. In October of 2010 I recorded "Crash" with producer Jake Rye, so I am super excited to begin this process with him again. I'll be stopping in Michigan several times within the next few months (between my northern travels) to work on the new EP.

I'll keep you posted on the progress along the way. Here are some pics from the other day.

Laid down some scratch vocals on one of Jake's new fancy pants microphones.


Producer Jake's workstation, where the musical wizardry comes to life.


The nearly-finished Sonus Clarus studio. 


Scratch piano. Laying down the song structure. 


MIDI magic. Tedious, but necessary. 


Singing a new song. Just you wait... 


An old friend. Looking forward to giving ol' Baldwin a pounding again.


There's more to come. Stay tuned for more updates from the studio!

Peace.
Kurt

The Travel Madness Begins 

"The Travel Madness Begins" 
Blog post by Kurt Scobie
February 2nd, 2012
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

My performance at Ferris State University on February 14th is the first of about 30 college shows -within a two month time span. In March, almost every week I have five college shows. On top of that, I'll be filling in the holes with clubs, coffeehouses, house concerts and anything else I can. The madness has begun.

I am a little nervous, since earlier this week I was in an accident that left my tour vehicle (my trusty Chevy S-10) TOTALED. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but now I am a little over a week away from leaving and I have no car. The rental I have right now is pretty sweet... but at $63 a day (plus about $80 to gas up) I'm gonna need something a tad more practical. Needless to say, I have begun a new full time job: CAR SHOPPING.

I'm sure that everything will work out just fine. I am really excited about the next two months! I have met some of the most interesting people over the last two years of playing at colleges. The coming weeks I'm sure will bring new friends and a bunch of new stories to tell. Thanks for reading! I look forward to sharing my tour tales with you.

Here's where I'll be performing in the next few weeks. If you're nearby, come and say hi. 

Feb 14th - Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI)
Feb 15th - Rubble's Bar (Mount Pleasant, MI)
Feb 16th - Lake Superior State University (Sault Saint Marie, MI)
Feb 21st - SUNY Upstate (Syracuse, MI)
Feb 23rd - Western Connecticut State University (Danbury, CT)
Feb 29th - Bay State College (Boston, MA)

>>click here to view the full schedule>>


Looking Back on 2011 

If there is one word that sums up my 2011, it is GRATITUDE.

I am infinitely thankful for the incredible opportunities I had, the meaningful work I accomplished, and the fascinating people I met. Truly. 2011 was an unforgettable year. It certainly did not lack challenge (wich is my second choice for "word of the year'), but even the challenges brought about things to be thankful for.

This post is an attempt to give you a recap and point out some things that stood out for me last year.

CRASH
January 4th was the release of my very first solo studio project. I had the distinct pleasure of working with one of the music industry's finest producers, Jake Rye at Sonus Clarus Media Group to create this EP. "Crash" was a fun project that allowed me to learn and grow as a recording artist all the while making something that I am STILL proud of today. Back in high school I "released" a couple of "records" which I thought were SO GOOD... for about a week. But, this CD has been time-tested and I know that I will be proud of it for years to come. I cannot express how thankful I am for those who helped me make this project happen. "Crash" was an awesome start to 2011 and it set the stage for a fun year of sharing the music with new fans in new places.


The "Crash" EP just after they arrived at my doorstep (and just in time for the CD release show)


TRAVELS WEST
I love traveling. I recommend it. Everyone needs to experience life outside their own world. My travels to the West were horizon-broadening, for sure! Between January and May of last year I performed for the first time in California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Colorado. I cannot wait to go back! The people were some of the coolest I've met, and the scenery... well... here's a tiny snapshot of all I got to see: 


Picture taken while flying to Seattle. I believe this is Mount Rainier.



MUSIC VIDEO
Now this was fun! I had done my part in creating the music, so all I had to do was sit back and watch other people create the visual. I am SO thankful for my talented friends at Three Ring Media for taking on this project. They put a lot of thought and planning into this and I cannot thank them enough. I also had some help from friends who were extras and those who helped fund the project.


"Your Crash" Official Music Video - March 17th, 2011


1000 MILES
Not only did I put some serious mileage on my trusty S-10 pick-up, but I had a stellar year of RUNNING some serious mileage as well. You could say I caught the "running bug" in 2011. I ran my first 10k, my first half-marathon, AND ran over a thousand miles last year. Plus, I had some awesome supporters who helped me raise $1000 for non-profit As Our Own. I "ran for Valarri" in the Atlanta Half-Marathon on Thanksgiving to raise funds and awareness for human trafficking. I felt incredibly honored to be able to run for such a worthy cause.


Run on Dec 31st brought my Nike+iPod mileage to exactly 1000 miles!


SHOWCASES
I had the opportunity to showcase my music for thousands of people between four different performances at the end of 2011. Showcases in Myrtle Beach, Cincinnati, Syracuse, and Hartford have lead to a BUNCH of shows for 2012. I am PUMPED to get back out on the road again this year and share my music. Of these four showcases, I received the greatest response from the Northeast region of the U.S. so I am gearing up for travels to Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New Hampshire.


Showcasing at NACA Northeast Nov 17th, 2011


REST
2011 ended with some much needed rest and relaxation time with my wife. We had the opportunity to get away to Charleston, SC for Christmas and spent New Years in Atlanta. It was low-key and perfect. I enjoyed several different craft beers (Mmmm.. IPAs), some amazing sushi, caught up a little on "Parks and Recreation" and "Psych", and started off 2012 worshiping with my Victory World Church family. 


GRATITUDE
There's so much more. 2011 was an unforgettable year. I can only imagine what this upcoming year will hold. I just know that I have much to be thankful for. And if 2012 is be anything like I think it will be, grattitude will win "word of the year" twice in a row.

Thankful.
Kurt