Releasing the music in your head

A great little video about expressing musical ideas through computer technology. Tod Machover, co-developer of Guitar Hero, offers his group's plans to make musical expression accessible to all. I have to admit, I am not a great fan of Guitar Hero. I wish more youngsters would spend time with an actual guitar rather than a game controller. However, Dan Ellsey, a young man with cerebral palsy, bowled me over with his composition and performance on a specially designed music making system. The great side of music technology is when something meaningful like this is the result. Get out your hankies! RR

Vacation from the music business

I went on vacation for a few days last week. I just had to step away from the music business for a little while. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my version of the music business but it is a business after all. I refer to it as "my version" because there are as many ways to run a music business as there are musicians. My version seems to work for me but it does get to be a little too much every so often.

My music business consists of performance, composition, recording sales, booking, education, marketing, communications, research and development, instrument maintenance and repair, accounting, and lastly...personal physical, emotional and spiritual health maintenance and development. Whew! Now you know why I need to step away once in a while!

I am an indie (short for independent unsigned musical recording artist) which basically means that I do everything myself. I know some indies that farm out some of the work to managers and agents. It works for some of them but most of them are not nearly as busy as I am and they certainly don't have the profit margin that I have. I have become used to being somewhat of a control freak but I do know how to run my business. I probably wouldn't be successful running another artist's business but I am successful running mine!

My business revolves around the tourist economy in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I have been established in Santa Fe for over ten years. I don't have to depend on touring so I don't really tour too much. I used to tour but found that the time away from family, the cost of transportation and lodging as well as the negative effects on my health just didn't add up to a positive cash or energy flow. This is the main reason why I decided to focus on the tourist market here in Santa Fe. There are challenges to this type of musical performance but at least I get to go home to my wife after the gig! Did I mention that she went with me on vacation? Priceless! RR

HOPE (Visions of Whitefeather)

I really like this video. It blends animation, live action and indigenous musical forms to tell a story of prophecy and hope. The path that humanity has taken has led us and the earth to great troubles. There is hope...the hope that all people can see that we are all related to one another and that we all need each other. Love for the Creator's creation and therefore for one another is The Way. It's not too late! RR

How it feels to have a stroke

This video is thought provoking. The presenter is a brain researcher and she describes the sensations that accompanied her stroke episode. This is a powerful story about how our brains define us and connect us to the world and to one another. It made me wonder what I am actually doing when I perform music. RR

My heritage

Some fans have asked me for more information concerning my heritage. I am Tewa and Mestizo (mixed blood) on my Father's side and Spanish Colonial on my Mother's side. My genealogical research has documented our oral tradition that my Dad's patrilineal line originated in San Ildefonso Pueblo (Tewa) and migrated from northern New Mexico to southern Colorado sometime during the 1870's. My Mother's people also migrated about that time. Many people from northern New Mexico migrated to the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado during that period because of land base issues and epidemic disease. The families went on to mix with other Mestizos and Spanish Colonial descendants. I was born in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado and spent my formative years in the village of San Luis, Colorado which is north of Taos, New Mexico.

In the year 1598, my Spanish ancestors came to the land of what is now known as northern New Mexico. My Tewa ancestors had already been there for millennia. I am a Mestizo, meaning a person of mixed ancestry. Raised to be proud of both sides of my heritage, I chose to embrace the beauty and sensitivity that comes from accepting The Creator's gift of a unique life experience. To deny my heritage would be to deny my Creator's gift. However, just as my ancestors were challenged by their coexistence, my generation has survived by adapting to life in a changing world. In the process, many connections to the past have been lost. Much has been forgotten.

It is a fact of my life that I am neither "puro Indio" nor "puro Espanol". I am a Mestizo whose destiny is tied to the 400 year old drama played out on the stage that is the land of my people. I am honored and humbled that my Creator would inspire me to express my heritage in a way that allows me to make contact with my ancestors, both Indian and Spanish. I pray that I can give honor to all the generations of my Grandfathers and Grandmothers. They helped to form me into the person that I am today, and for that I am extremely grateful. RR

Do schools today kill creativity?

This video is a must see. How can we as a society help people realize their Creator given talents? Is there a moral imperative regarding the nurturing of talent? Is our education system addressing these concerns? Sir Ken Robinson gives a fascinating talk on these questions. RR

Flute circle controversies

I have been reading emails from Native American Flute (NAF) players and makers concerning a flute circle that is experiencing power struggles and an attempted takeover of the organization. Even lawyers are involved. All of this is truly unfortunate. It is a sad reality that not everyone out there that is playing NAF has the best of intentions. I have met some truly wonderful, loving people who play the NAF and I have also met some that make me question the role that it plays in their lives. This is really nothing new. One of my friends was essentially booted out of the flute circle that she founded and spent much of her time nurturing because other members did not like the way she tried to keep the commercial motive separate from the circle's more educational and philanthropic mission. A sad state of affairs. More often than not, I find friction in circles coming down to either the power motive or the profit motive or a mixture of the two.

NAF can be a life changing instrument. I know it has changed mine in very profound ways that have all been good. I say that because I am happy and the people around me all seem to have very good feelings toward me because of my flute way and the way I walk the straight road. I am sure many NAF players can attest to its positive influence in their lives. If some some players are honest with themselves, they might have to admit that they use the flute rather than the flute using them! That is where folks can get into trouble. As a good teacher once said, "Repent, walk the straight road!". It's not too late. May the flute use us for good in our lives and the live's of others. The Creator of all things wants to make us a hollow bone so that He may play a good song with us. The flute and the drum are great gifts to us. We have to respect them and each other. My two cents... RR

Business and creativity

My apologies for not posting much these past few weeks. I have been working on my taxes and it tends to take me away from more creative endeavors. I have been doing my own accounting for many years. I suppose I could hire an accountant to do it for me, but I find that I have a better understanding of my business when I do it myself. It also helps me to track deductions more efficiently.

Most musicians shy away from accounting for their business because they just don't have the mindset for it. Math and accounting principles are the least of their interests. I must admit that I don't get a big thrill taking care of these task either, but I find it to be a necessary skill in running a business. I can see what costs are beneficial and which aren't. For instance, I recently paused my Google Adwords account because I found that the cost didn't really benefit my business. The cost of the account was as much as any business revenue it was bringing in. I was essentially selling CDs to benefit Google stock holders! I have sold many more CDs with my other low cost marketing efforts (Myspace and YouTube) and I don't have to pay Google Adwords fees anymore.

In the 'old days', Google Adwords was a good buy because competition for choice search key words was not as great and so the key word bids were lower. Now, bids are exorbitantly high and it just doesn't make good business sense for me anymore. My research has shown me that other small businesses such as mine have had similar experiences and now Google is reporting lower revenue and profit. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

Balancing my creative energies with 'mundane' tasks such as accounting is a challenge for me. The flip side would be for me to ignore these vital tasks but my business would suffer. My experience has been that when my business suffers, my creativity suffers because my mind is preoccupied with my suffering business. I just have to bite the bullet and pay attention to all the necessary aspects of a creativity based business. RR

Microphones and other thoughts

I thought I would jot down some thoughts concerning microphones since I am starting to record the new album. I use an AKG C419 wind instrument microphone for performance. It clips on to the bird just right and has a gooseneck which allows for adjustment of distance to the soundhole. It also has a built in vibration dampening system and a foam windscreen. I have used these microphones for at least ten years and own several for back up purposes. I have learned that AKG is discontinuing this mic and is replacing it with their new C519 line. The C519 is less expensive but may not be as responsive. I might get one just to try it out. The AKG C419 now lists at $300 at most online music stores. I think the C519 lists for about $175.

I am recording my next album with a Rode NT1-A microphone. This mic is said to be one of the quietest out there and for the price it is hard to beat. I wouldn't be using it if I didn't like it. I am also using an SE Reflexion filter which is a device that is used to help screen the microphone from stray ambient noise in the room. The microphone is placed in the sweet spot of the concave shaped filter. Used with a simple sound deadening backdrop like a comforter or douvet, you can record in a home studio in the same room as the computer you are using as a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). I'm kind of amazed. It beats putting that ugly acoustic wall treatment all over my studio. That wouldn't work anyway as I live in a Pueblo style home with large wooden beams on the ceiling and lots of windows to let in the sun. Who wants to mess that up?

On another note: Want to hear something powerful? An audience member came up to me after my Hotel Santa Fe performance on Saturday night and said "Your flute music made me feel like a warm blanket of love was covering me on a cold night!" Flute music and love for all the Creator's creation seem to go together in a way that I can only call miraculous. RR

Indigenous Native American Prophecy

I thought you might enjoy these videos concerning what certain elders think about the times we live in. I am busy doing my taxes these days so I can't blog as much right now. In the meantime, enjoy... RR

Thoughts on The Creator

I spent the afternoon with a friend of mine at Ghost Ranch. It was a cold, blustery day but the visit was a warm one. We spent the afternoon talking about The Creator, Christ and the power of Love. He is from Scotland and I always enjoy his Celtic take on Christianity. He in turn encourages me to share my take on Indigenous Native American perspectives on Christianity. It was a great afternoon of sharing which I look forward to doing more often.

Belief in The Creator, for me, is a necessity. I have been at the brink of non-belief and found that belief, for me, makes my life and livelihood possible. I honestly could not bring my songs through if I didn't believe in the spirit world and The Creator who creates the songs in the first place. I enjoy the good feelings that result when I think about The Creator and His blessings. It works for me and it seems to work really well. RR

Getting motivated!

I have posted this presentation by motivational speaker Tony Robbins because I thought readers might enjoy his thoughts on the underlying motives behind achievement. Back in the day, I was a very timid person when it came to thinking of myself as a successful person. It took alot of 'reprogramming' on my part to start changing my thought patterns in a way that might lead me to a successful career in the music business. Along the way I have met alot of musicians that seem to have a difficult time breaking their own chains of negative thought. I try to help with an encouraging word or some advice because I want all musicians to be successful.

In the final analysis, it takes alot of work to dig yourself out of a hole of negative thinking. Most musicians don't want to expend effort in that direction although my experience tells me that next to practicing good music, the practice of positive attitude ranks next in importance in the building of a successful musical career. An old jazz player once remarked to me, "You know Ron, making a living as a musician is the hardest way there is to make an easy buck!" It can feel like that way sometimes because the music business is full of pitfalls, blind alleys and rejection. I have long felt that the music business is about the survival of the persistent and the determined. That's the way it has worked out for me. I just refused to give up! RR

Tony Robbins motivates you in 20 minutes: TEDTalks

A great presentation on the underlying motives behind achievement.

Dream Warrior - Ronald Roybal - Native American Flute

Just posted "Dream Warrior" video to YouTube.

I just posted 'Dream Warrior' to YouTube. This was the first video I ever made when I was preparing the film "The Blood Cries Out" so this one has special meaning to me. 'Dream Warrior' is a song that I had always envisioned being the soundtrack to images of war parties on horseback. I edited Curtis' photographs that contained depictions of war parties and fit them into the track of the song. This treatment essentially gave me the inspiration to create nine more videos which ended up being in the film. 'The Blood Cries Out' was nominated Best Long Form Music Video in the 2007 Native American Music Awards. How cool is that?! RR

Making fans across the ocean

I have been making fans in Europe all week. My MySpace page has given me more exposure across the ocean this past week than I think I have had in the past ten years! CDBaby has been processing orders from a number of European countries. This technology is a miracle for indies like me. It has been more than a little bit of work, but I know that it well worth it to keep the MySpace page maintained and to continue to grow the circle of friends.

I don't know if it is because of the type of music that I play, but I have noticed that the circle that I am finding myself in seems to be filled with very loving, generous people. The fans and friends love to send words of encouragement. It is really quite uplifting and I find sending messages back to them to be enjoyable rather than some kind of chore. All this has helped me in ways that are actually quite profound when I stop to think about it.

Being an indie, I have always made fans one at a time through my personal appearances at my gigs and concerts. MySpace is really no different. It's just that the geographical circle now encompasses the whole world. Wow! I would never have imagined such a thing when I was just starting my musical career. These are very exciting times to be a musician! RR

New Season at Hotel Santa Fe

I returned to my engagement at Hotel Santa Fe this past weekend after a hiatus of six weeks. What a great time! I saw lots of fans who were waiting for me to return. I made lots of new fans, too. Valentine's Day weekend is a great time at the hotel because there are so many couples on romantic weekend getaways. Everyone was into my music which always makes me play better. The room was so into the music on Saturday night that I finished my performance with a drum song that I call "Many Wounds". I am hoping to add this song to the new album and based on the feedback Saturday night, that is probably a good idea.

I love playing at the Hotel Santa Fe. This will be my eleventh season. I believe that my engagement there is now the longest running weekend hotel gig in Santa Fe! Ruben Romero used to hold that distinction with his gig at the Eldorado Hotel, but he passed away last February. Very sad....

I hope I can play at the Hotel Santa Fe for a good while longer. I like the room because it is so intimate. I also like the Native American ambience. I am really comfortable playing there. I usually use my Bose LP1 system which is perfect for the space. Guests like my sound system because it is so comfortable to listen to. I like it because I can hear exactly what the guests are hearing so my mix is just where I want it.

If you are ever in Santa Fe, come and visit me at the Hotel Santa Fe on Fridays and Saturdays from 7-9 PM. I guarantee you will have a great time and a memorable experience! RR

MySpace and social networking

I have spent the last couple of days developing a MySpace page. Lots of work involved but I think it will be well worth it. Already I have received friendship invites from people who I am sure would never have heard of my music if I hadn't built the page. I have also spent time sending out friendship invites to folks that I think might enjoy hearing my style of music.

It occurs to me that MySpace is about building circles within circles. I believe that the power of social networking is something that musicians such as myself can tap into in order to get exposure. This is exposure that most musicians could not afford to obtain until recently. I have wanted to tap into this resource for quite awhile but could not because I live in the desert and didn't have access to DSL until December 2007. DSL has changed my life! DSL has made it possible for me to build this blog, my YouTube channel and my new website. I am really looking forward to making lots of friends through MySpace and all my other web endeavors. You can find my new MySpace page at www.myspace.com/ronaldroybal . RR

Going to school

I have been studying an advanced digital audio training course for Sonar 5.0. Sonar is a great digital audio recording software package. I have the Producer version which has lots of great add ons which will be very useful for my next recording project. I decided to go through the course before I start recording material. This way, I don't end up painting myself into a corner.

The training course is one of the best I have ever used. It's published by Thompson Course Technology. If you're into getting software for recording, I think it is a good idea to seek out training materials like this so that your work flows smoothly. There is nothing like wrestling with a software program to diminish your creativity. My motto regarding music gear is: Anything that makes the musician's job easier should be obtained. I have also learned that you get what you pay for! RR

Where do songs come from?

Visited with my good friend, Sky Redhawk today. Sky owns a Native American music and art gallery, Native Sounds, in Santa Fe. It's always nice to stop by and visit him at his shop before I head out to play for the evening. He is a fine Native Flutist and has a few self produced CDs which range from solo recordings to projects with his group, Native Spirits. I helped him record and master his last effort 'To Make Song' last summer.

We discussed where our songs come from. I have this vision in my head that my songs are like spirit horses from the spirit world. They are living beings looking to make their way into the natural world to fulfill their purpose. Their purpose is to bring sustenance, joy and hope to human beings. They seek song carriers who are worthy of riding them. When they find a human who is worthy, they let the song carrier bring them into the natural world where they then offer themselves to human beings. After being ridden, the songs go back to the spirit world where they tell other songs about the song carrier. If the song has been treated well by the song carrier, that song will encourage other songs to trust the carrier. In time, many songs seek out the carrier because it is through this person that these songs can fulfill their purpose.

I have found this way of believing to be the reason for what success I have been able to achieve in my musical career. I love each of my songs and I know they love me. I respect them for the great gift they give to me and their listeners. When I see the faces of people that are hearing my songs I know that they are being fed from a higher power and that the song's purpose is being fulfilled. It's a powerful thing to be at the receiving end of the song's gift. My purpose is being fulfilled. Like I said in an earlier post...It's great to be a musician! RR

He Who Saves His People - R. Roybal - Native American Flute

Here's the video I just posted.

Trashing, sorting and practicing

Spent the bulk of the morning trashing and sorting the paper work that has accumulated in my office area. Tomorrow comes the final step...filing! I must admit that my work area looks so much nicer...let's see how long it lasts. The orderliness tends to last awhile until I get really busy or preoccupied and then the clutter creeps in.

Spent the afternoon practicing guitar. I try to practice at least an hour and a half a day on top of my regular performance schedule. Guitar is my taskmaster. Flute doesn't take nearly the amount of time that guitar does. Then again, classical guitar is much more complicated than the flute in terms of the technique required. I learned a Tango from Argentina called "Por Una Cabeza" last month. It was made famous in the U.S. from the film, "A Scent of A Woman". Just putting on the finishing touches because I want to include it in my guitar set at the Hotel Santa Fe in the next few weeks.

I also uploaded "He Who Saves His People" to my YouTube channel this evening. It's one of my favorite compositions and made for a beautiful video with Edward Curtis' portrait images. I'll be uploading the remaining videos from "The Blood Cries Out" in the coming weeks. My YouTube channel views are slowly increasing. I fantasize about one of my videos going viral. That would be something! RR