Chapter 143 . I know a good ol' Ho... Part 3 . First recordings - Setting up the mood...

Immersed in music...
Listening to the same songs over and over and over...

Until it is in your blood...

In your soul...

Miss M.C first rough cut:

Learn how to get your song on itunes at ReverbNation.com

To play music, one needs instruments - I guess

This track is shit.
It 's the very first rough cut...
And still, there is a lots of work to do on that one.
And, unfortunately, it's not my priority now.
We got keep on recording Betty's album (we're getting there, some news tomorrow actually), and looks like we'll be playing on Quadra Island next week end, so we got to get our shit together before that...
Anyway, from that track, I don't believe I will keep anything else than the piano, and maybe the bass.
That means that I need to re-record everything else, and, add Betty's background vocals.

The Old

Well, that's ok, if I was to complain about that, I would, without a doubt being retarded.
Which I'm not...

The New

Tomorrow, I will try my best to try to write another post, but this time, I want to release one of the final version Betty and I did with our song.
Stay tuned...
So to speak...

Sincerely,

Serge
22nd August 2014

ps: one has to admire the introduction by Miss Betty Kate

Chapter 142 . The true happiness of the singer . Practice with Betty Kate

It truly is a privilege to witness people doing what they actually are supposed to do with their life...

I play a lots of music with Betty Kate recently, and, I actually don't know how we look like when we play.
When one plays, he does look at his musical partner(s), but it's like in a dream, it's like being in another dimension, all the analytic spectrum is changed...
I guess that's one of the magical thing about music...
One can always wonder...

Anyway, all of that rant to say that, Betty and I had the brilliant idea (that's actually not even our idea, but whatever - smile -) to film ourself so we can look at each other with new eyes, so to speak.
Turned out that, the song recording is actually not bad at all, brilliant lyrics from Miss Betty, very catchy tune, "Oxygen" is here to stay!
Studio recording version soon to be released, stay tuned!

And then, I looked at the clip.
And I was truly amazed to see it from the "outside".
My eyes keep on going back to Betty.
And the true reason is, because she is happy.
She is so happy singing our own song, doing what she is truly meant to be doing.
It is an obvious fact.
It is one of the most wonderful thing to witness, the best there is in all of us.
What we can aspire to...
Thanks Kate.
- smile -

Yesterday I was under the weather.
I had to cancel a diner I was truly looking forward, so that sucked balls.
Before I went to my - oh so well deserve - rest, I had time to take some pics of Miss Betty, right before she went out, for, it was Friday night after all.
Here are some of the coolest shots:

Happy Betty

Or

Super Happy Betty

Or

Look At That Drink Betty

Or

What The Heck Is Your Problem Betty

Or

What The Heck Is Your Problem Betty 2

Today, after a long night of sleep, I am good.
And looking forward to this Saturday!
Coffee's warm, sweet music is playing, the house is quiet, have a good day Peeps!

Betty Kate

Sincerely,

Serge
16th August 2014

Chapter 141 . I know a good ol' Ho... Part 2 . Figuring out how the song is going to be...

Practicing

This is my humble process, an attempt to try to make some music...
In the previous post, I talked about the first step, actually sitting down, and writing the song.
Coming up with the general idea, the general musical idea.

Then comes the second step.
Playing it a crap lot of time, to actually figure now out how it is actually going to play out.
How do you sing that part vs that other part.
Where to put the intonations.
When to breathe and when to slow down.
In one word, practice.

It's fun.
It's not a stage where one actually has to be hyper focused, it's the open stage, the stage of creativity.
Then, the studio recording, and that will be the close stage, the stage to apply what was learnt during the previous one...

It's fun anyway.
- smile -

OK, so, here's where it's at, with some humour you must admit.

And, that's it for now Peeps.
Have fun.

Sincerely,

Serge
14th August 2014

Chapter 140 . I know a good ol' Ho...

iiWii

It's inspirational time!
It's been madly inspirational actually, from all corners of my life, almost overwhelming...
I am not complaining.
- smile -

In the middle of working with Betty on her album, somehow, out of the blue, I wrote a song for my own band, the Spaceboys.
It just came.
And that is in no way the usual way things happen for me in music, I have to work at it over and over and over...
It's freakin' annoying!
- smile -
Anyway, it came as the sun would rise in the morning.
Like if it was already there.

Now, I need to record it, and all that jazz, in between Betty's work.
I am going to be busy.
- smile again -

Here are the lyrics, I think it's worth a look.
- wink -

Miss M.C.

I know a good ol' Ho,

Who played within my soul.

She threw the dice,

And caught me twice.

She tore apart my heart,

She left me on the ground.

With only one vice,

Become a barfly.

Oooooo

Oooooo

Just trying to make believe

Oooooo

Oooooo

Can’t recall if she was festive.

She painted all the walls,

Shaped the landscapes and falls,

To no great purpose,

But with a selfish dose.

I followed like a dog,

Barked mostly in the fog.

My only mistake,

A bunch of banded sand snakes.

Oooooo

Oooooo

Just trying to make believe

Oooooo

Oooooo

Can’t recall if it was festive.

I know that good ol' Ho,

I’m guilty, I’m guilty, this I know.

Left with a bottle of scotch - in my hand,

Tomorrow I’ll start a mourning band

She told me once, she told me twice,

She told me more than I can trace.

That if my sky, was to fall down,

She would be here to pick up the grace.

And I mean, 

Oooooo Oooooo Oooooo

Just trying to make believe

Yes I mean, 

Oooooo Oooooo Oooooo

Can’t recall if it was festive.

I know that big ol' Ho,

I’m guilty, I’m guilty, I’m guilty, this I know.

Left with a bottle of scotch - in my hand,

Tomorrow I’ll start a mourning band

Instrumental

Oooooo

Oooooo

Still trying to make believe?

Oooooo

Oooooo

Can’t recall if it was festive.

You can’t blame the lady,

She thinks she ain’t guilty.

Her way to concretize,

Sell-Self to all allies.

There is beauty in this,

A tad like in a Scotch Kiss,

All I can regret,

Was to be honest.

Oooooo

Oooooo

Still trying to make believe?

Oooooo

Oooooo

Can’t recall if she was festive.

I know that good ol' Ho,

I’m guilty, I’m guilty, this I know.

Left with a bottle of scotch - in my hand,

Tomorrow I’ll start a mourning band.

Left with a bottle of scotch - in my hand,

Tomorrow I’ll start a mourning band.

Lyrics & Music Sergio Foglio

And now, a couple of eye candies:

Dave, Serge & Betty Kate

Sunrise on Hillside - Victoria BC

Voila, have a good one Peeps,

More to come soon.

Sincerely,

Serge

11th August 2014

Chapter 139 . Time with Karla, Sunrise painting & Images that shake part1

Karla

Among the adventures, among the stories, I met Karla, years ago now...
Karla's a photographer.
I remember one of the first time I met her, how excited she was to find out I was also, tom time to time, doing photography.

And time passed by...

And life followed...

Recently, K and I have been hanging out together again, we need to go on a photography rampage soon, he he he!

We spent an afternoon together few days ago, and, was it ever fun!
Karla, it's easy spending time with you!
And, that is a compliment!

Here is a glimpse of our afternoon:

Karla & I

Note the ridiculous face I do on that pic, and the beauty of Karla's hand on the right side.
The hand add so much sensitivity to the pic.
Love it!

N special secret

Don't ask!

View from Karla's patio

Also, I have been playing with pictures, to kinda easily turn them into paintings, as, I am sure some of you have noticed...
Here is a small series of sunrises:

Sunrise #1

Sunrise #2

Sunrise #3

Sunrise #4

Last, for today at least, Images that shake!
I use to post series on that blog, few days of week with a theme.
It was fun but time consuming.
One has to choose egis battles.
Nevertheless, I found some pics that are worth checking out.
Some carry such beauty, but most, if not all, carry emotion that would leave anyone with a soul shaken to the core.
I will share them on and off for a while.
We start with 3.
Ponder on them.
It's powerful!

Man falling from Twin Towers - 11 Sept 2001

Wow...
How could one look at that and not feel shattered?

Doctor and patient - Africa

Unreal...
Simply unreal...

Man saving kittens from water

Indonesia if I am not mistaken, but I might be.
What was the goal of the man?
Things are rarely what they seem.
Sometimes, they are better!

Voila, c'est tout!

Sincerely,

Serge
06th August 2

Chapter 138 . The most unexpected girl - Part 2 & Other Tales...

Sunset on Pandora - Victoria . BC

The day had been long.
The day had been very very hot.
She wondered how she managed again to have a job where she had to work on Saturdays...
But she only slightly got bothered...

She lighted a cigarette while waiting at the light.
The sun was setting down, the sky had become gold,
She was used to it now.
After all, she had lived here for a while...

She crossed the road like a good pedestrian, and smile thinking how far she was coming from as far as civic behaviours were concerned...
Strangers when we met was playing in her phone when it rang.
It covered the music, and looked at the identity of the caller.

She smiled widely.
It was him...

---

Yesterday I have breakfast with my friend Amy.
I love Amy.
We have known each other for many many years, and became instant friends.
We are both in love with Mr. Bowie.
- wink -
So, twice a year we meet and talk about Dave.
It's nothing short than absolutely wonderful!
- big smile -

Amy & Sergio

A while ago, she lent me that absolutely gorgeous db book, David Bowie Is, with so many gorgeous, gorgeous pictures!
Here are two that I simply could resist playing with:

Book "David Bowie Is" back cover

I love the mouth on that piece!

And:

No more free steps to heaven

This, I want printed and framed!!!

Ok,
Have a good day of Peeps,

Sincerely,

Serge
04th August 2014

Chapter 137 . The man who saved the world...

The Man who saved the World

I looked into his eyes,
Lost complete track of time.
Amongst the plains and fields,
I found a deal all sealed.

I walked into his mind,
And felt the world unwind,
I had never been before,
The centre of the world.

I know,
It's true,
I never lost control,
During,
My time,
With the man who saved the world...

db in Japan

The scissor edge

What you say? I say...

The lizard man

Lodger

My mother says...

White noise again

New beginning

db is facing you. What do you do?

I'll take you all into space...

To be continued...

Sincerely,

Serge
August 3rd 201

Chapter 136 . Apps, Comic, Music and Shit...

Betty Kate during recording session . July 2014

OK,
So, I still have shitload of recording to do this week end, to get ready to start studio recording song #2 and 3 with Miss Betty Kate.
But I'm getting there!
The "Oxygen" song is on it's way to be post produced, it is not heaven, but it is not bad either, it is what it is, he he he...
I'm getting relatively happy with it, and am definitely getting ready to record a new one.
Been working on post producing "Oxy" for the past few days, re recorded the bass line, drums, etc...
Anyway, hopefully, one day soon I can play it for you.
It's rad!
Thanks to Katey's voice and presence.

Yesterday, a good friend came to visit.
Use to see each other on a daily basis, then life took over, - stunning -, and we got busy.
iiwii
The thing is, with friends, the very special ones, you can spend months not seeing each other, after a minute together, it's like if you've seen each other yesterday...
It's quite something frankly when you stop and think about it.
And it's good.
So, we had some good times and talks, just like we use to do, he he he, then he started tom talk to me about a side project I had started, but had somehow put on the back burner.
When i drew the comic, I didn't want to go in the printing direction, I didn't want to have to print it, and sell it, possibly ship it, all that crap.
Which, by the way, I changed my mind about later on...
But anyway, I wanted to do an App, that people could buy and read on their tablet.
Seemed perfect to me.
Long story short, I worked on it for few months, on and off, then realized that, even though I could pull it off, it would require more work than I was ready to put down, at least at the time, as truly, it was a small team project.
I then reconsidered the printing option, found a way to get the comic printed 11x17 format in colour for a stunning price, which will allow me to sell it for a very affordable price.
More on that another time.
And yes, I should freakin' finish that bloody comic so I can seek it!

My friend came to me yesterday, and said, - he is a programmer - , are you still into doing that App?
Cause we could try it, it would be easy for me to do a simple and efficient App, etc...
Hmmmmmm...
Sounds freakin' cool to me!!!!
So, we're just going to test it to see the result, how much work is involved, and find out if it is worth doing, but I have a good feeling about it!
It's exciting...
- smiling -

Among the material he would need from me were two high res version of boxes from the comic.
I think the reader will read the comic box per box instead of page per page. It just make more sense on a mobile device.
Anyway, I picked two boxes and high "resed" them, and sent them to him with the rest of the docs he needed.
But I thought, hey, let's share those two images.
Just for fun...

Opening Image - Page 1 Box 1

Last Page - Page 6 Box 1

- smiling again -
Yes, I need to finish to this comic and get things going.
I feel good about it.
I'm almost there, and I feel totally optimistic on that bright Saturday morning.

Also, I am considering taking a week off and going on holidays somewhere I can afford.
I have not had such thought in a long time.
Hmmmmmm... Time to treat myself?
I think so...
To be continued...

OK, voila, that's all folks, behave or don't behave, but assume.
;)

Have a great week end.

The Zipper

Sincerely,

Serge
August 2nd 2014

Chapter 135 . The most unexpected girl - Part 1

Sky in Fernwood - Victoria . BC

It was hot...

She sat, the shade of the pole in her eyes,
Protected from the sun.

The waitress came and talked about the weather.
Then offered a bloody mary or margarita on special.
The girl agreed for either or both...

She looked up, at the sky, the clouds dancing, the reflection of the building and the pole as black as a crow.

The drinks came.

After few sips ,
She looked at the sky again.

That's when he arrived.
They both smiled

---

That's all folks,

Sincerely,

Serge
1st August 2014

Chapter 134 . Heat, Drugs & the Future's at Sake!

The french have a world for that: Canicule.
In english, we say Heat Wave.

There's no heatwave, at least, not by my standards, but it's scorching hot in my apartment, on the 4th floor, with the sun powering it's heat from early morning until end of day...
I am not complaining...
However, it has become a tad... Challenging I would say...
I got a cold...
A nasty one...

The story goes, and it's hilarious, I work in an office, under the air conditioning, which, for months, have had some issues, and blows freezing air 24/7... On me...
Frankly, it is funny...
With that heat outside, there's a difference of temperature of like 20m degrees in between inside and outside, and after few weeks, yea, I was offered a cold, without the option to return it...

I toughed it up for few days, but today, I needed to go see a doctor.
My absolutely favorite thing to do, since my lungs adventures, I have limited trust with doctors.
My issue of course.
Anyway, I needed some meds, antibiotics and what's not, and now, I, of course again, feel drugged...
My throat is way better though!

Drug of the Day

And for something completely different now!
My ex wife, Ethan's mother got remarried few years ago, with an exceptional gentlemen, with whom, I truly get along.
We all are good friends, also because, we understood early that, this was in the kid(s) best interest.
They have two other boys, Ethan's brothers, one is 4, the other is almost 2, if I am not mistaken.
I realize that, those humans being, are the closest thing I have to a family here, in North America.
And this, feels good.

I was at their place last week, and took few pics of the boys.
Here are two of them:

Robin

Charlie

Voila, I need to rest, so, that's all for now Peeps!
- smile -

And also, one more time, mon dieu, que les femmes sont belles!

The Perfect Curves

Sinverely,

Serge
31st July 2014

Chapter 133 . Music, Friends, Lies & Video Tapes

Betty Kate

I haven't draw recently...
I haven't really taken any semi serious pictures recently...
I have not done a lot of image processing recently...
I have been doing music, recently...

Among waves and tsunami of drama, about a month and a half ago, my very good friend Kate went to visit.
She usually lives on Earth, and I have been trying to convince her to come down to Victoria to record some good music!

She is a Rock Star.
That is really the only way I can fairly describe her.
The way she chooses to live, the way she naturally is, and where she is going, all of those make her a true Rock Star.
This, I knew...
But what I wasn't fully aware, even though I could somehow feel it, was that she could actually write freakin' fantastic songs!

She came, dropped pages of poetry on the table, I took my guitar, and the first song was born.
Then a second one.
Then a third one...
And now, the latest one...

I write the music, and she, oh so magically, sings some beauty on top of it, and bang, a good tune is born.
And sometimes, an awesome composition...
It is, mostly, her music. But we are able to work in an awesome cohesion, a collective I would say.
Here is our contract:

Contract

We then went on to record all the songs live, just so we could practice, and get ready for the next step, the studio recording, which we are in the middle of doing presently.
Needless to say, I have a lots of work to do...
- smile -

Here is the list of existing songs:
- Alone Again
- Closure
- Oxygen
- Simply Complicated

I would love be able to share some of the recording, but, he he he, it doesn't depends on me, the lady is demanding, so, it'll come in time.
- smile again -

One of the most wonderful thing with our collaboration, is the fact that we can talk to each other without talking when we play, it's an osmoses, we are, mostly, 100% on the same page, when it comes down to our music.
That complicity is a must if you actually want to make some kind of decent music, it's what make it all fascinating, people become one through the music...
Exceptional...
It is almost impossible to capture such state with an image, but, even though of terrible quality, this illustrate what I am trying to express:

Betty & Sergio during a Recording Session

Some things need to be put out there...
What is friendship?
What does it means?
Not the concept, but the reality of the everyday friendship...

I don't want to be hurt anymore by people that I love as much, if not more than my own folks, for whom I have dedicated years and years, of soul work, ressources, my life, my life...
If you hurt me, you are not my friend.
If I hurt you, I am not yours.

We all make mistakes.
I am an expert at it.
And that, is ok.
It's life.
But life brings us all the consequences of our mistakes, of our lies.

I lied.
Many times I did lie.
Just like the rest of us, just like you.

What matters is the complete picture, all the actions we ever did put together, and here is who you are.
And I like who I am.
Someone told me it's arrogance.
But I have reasons to be arrogant.
And when you have reasons, it's not arrogance anymore.
Take that!

And last, video tapes...
Watch porn.

That's all for now Peeps.

Sincerely,

Serge
28th of July 2014

ps: Don't push two individuals away, it brings them together.