tag:iamsaturn.com,2005:/blogs/the-inner-rings-of-saturn?p=1The Inner Rings of Saturn2018-07-16T18:47:26-06:00SATURNfalsetag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/53488562018-07-16T18:47:26-06:002018-07-16T18:47:26-06:00TRANCE<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="gLSLY4VMSMk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/gLSLY4VMSMk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gLSLY4VMSMk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/48759402017-10-03T17:23:28-06:002017-10-03T17:23:28-06:00SPUNK!<p>Check out this brand new lyric video for 'Spunk'! From the new album 'Code Blue', available now!</p>
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<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="zWeNNfr1HPE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/zWeNNfr1HPE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zWeNNfr1HPE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/48277602017-08-27T14:49:48-06:002017-08-27T14:49:48-06:00Brand New Track 'Submissive'!<p>Listen to this HOT track from the upcoming release "CODE BLUE" - available 9.7.17.</p>2:42SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/48096622017-08-10T12:51:32-06:002017-08-10T12:51:32-06:00Code Blue Coming Soon!<p>The new album is finished and I'm so excited to share it with you! In the meantime, you can always catch the latest at <a contents='"Full Frontal". ' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLr9dt6OFaB9KoFviexH5LKMqnsQXrrNY-">"Full Frontal". </a></p>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/46464962017-03-26T15:50:55-06:002017-03-26T15:50:55-06:00March 2017 Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="kk8uRNcjLSo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/kk8uRNcjLSo/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kk8uRNcjLSo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="C8Ohai2urAc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/C8Ohai2urAc/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C8Ohai2urAc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/45842612017-02-09T23:51:23-07:002017-02-09T23:51:23-07:00February 2017 Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ZeG_X-tPmxk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ZeG_X-tPmxk/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZeG_X-tPmxk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="nRseapw8y1s" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/nRseapw8y1s/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nRseapw8y1s?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p><br><br> SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/45475382017-01-12T11:43:45-07:002017-01-12T11:43:45-07:00Top Ten Most Viewed Videos of 2016<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="lw87kXB_h4I" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/lw87kXB_h4I/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lw87kXB_h4I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/42650122016-07-05T22:03:47-06:002016-07-05T22:03:47-06:00July 2016 Video of the Month - Israel<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="HDaASxdX9cQ" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/HDaASxdX9cQ/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HDaASxdX9cQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="cNVU0d0L86w" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/cNVU0d0L86w/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cNVU0d0L86w?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/41748402016-05-10T21:01:29-06:002016-05-10T21:01:29-06:00May 2016 Video of the Month - Bridges<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="t0f1Z7kWuqc" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/t0f1Z7kWuqc/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t0f1Z7kWuqc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="BjrLnEw4_pY" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/BjrLnEw4_pY/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BjrLnEw4_pY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/41337042016-04-12T23:47:29-06:002016-04-12T23:47:29-06:00April 2016 Video of the Month - Ecstasy<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="R90u7HSeAR0" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/R90u7HSeAR0/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R90u7HSeAR0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br> <p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y5lfFQtZ_ic" width="854"></iframe></p>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/40768882016-03-07T14:28:47-07:002017-01-13T06:59:29-07:00The New Album is Out!Ecstasy has finally arrived. Get your very own copy <a contents="here!" data-link-label="MUSIC " data-link-type="page" href="/music">here!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/2ca5d454f5a01e74b372e13dbb4b8dc83dfc000e/original/1-ecstasy-cover.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/40688022016-03-01T23:18:37-07:002016-03-01T23:18:37-07:00Have you been watching me ... Full Frontal?Here's the latest clip of Full Frontal. Check out the entire raw and uncensored series so far to get a behind the scenes glimpse of "Ecstasy" - my new album due out next week!<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QZWo_Kx-bSo" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/QZWo_Kx-bSo/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QZWo_Kx-bSo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/39754692016-01-05T17:09:02-07:002016-01-05T17:09:02-07:00Season 2 Finale of Video of the Month!<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="CcE7Jy6RhLI" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/CcE7Jy6RhLI/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CcE7Jy6RhLI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/39684572015-12-30T09:21:30-07:002015-12-30T09:21:30-07:00We Need to do More<p><span class="font_large">Last year I wrote, recorded and released the album "Face of America" because I was frustrated and bewildered by the state of our society. Frustrated with the police. Frustrated with injustice. Frustrated by the fact that we STILL are stuck in a quagmire of racism. Frustrated by MY OWN complacency, especially when looking at what's happening all around the world, not just here in our country. I host a lot of international travelers who's only idea of America and American...s is largely what a propaganda driven media wants to put forth. So, I wanted to share the perspective of a BLACK GAY American, because America doesn't just have one face. It has many ... or at least is should. As we go into yet another year, I'm still frustrated and still feel guilty by complacency. If we see injustice and we are sickened by it, we need to do more. It starts with voting, but what can we do beyond that to effect a change. One thing we can do, as one of my heroes depicted on my album cover, James Baldwin, would agree, is to never be silent, to always have a voice, speak out, ignite the dialogue and stir the pot. So, while yes, in our bubble, we are "good" meaning everything is ok in our little daily world, what happens when that changes? The song "I'm Good" tackles that question. And I invite you to reflect and think about it. Here is "I'm Good".<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="adzNlFpYBn4" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/adzNlFpYBn4/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/adzNlFpYBn4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></p>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/39062912015-10-30T13:34:38-06:002015-10-30T13:34:38-06:00FREE DOWNLOADIn case you didn't know, you can get your free download of the Paul Andrews Remix to Top of the World right here:<br><br> 3:51SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/38964002015-10-13T23:26:49-06:002015-10-13T23:26:49-06:00Sexy New Remix for 'Top of the World'I am super excited to announce that the enormously talented Paul Andrews (has produced official remixes for Madonna!) has done a smoking hot remix to my song Top of the World ... and to celebrate we did a remix of the video as well! Check it out:<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="R1ep1bEUI-I" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/R1ep1bEUI-I/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R1ep1bEUI-I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/38306622015-08-24T11:56:05-06:002015-08-24T11:56:05-06:00Sexy New Lyric Video for August!! <span class="font_large">This month's Lyric Video is from my 2004 album 'Deviant'. Slightly NSFW, here is "I Luv Everything About U!" </span><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Fmufv5tKNaE" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Fmufv5tKNaE/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fmufv5tKNaE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/37337962015-06-08T19:18:34-06:002015-06-08T19:18:34-06:00Brand New Video has Arrived! I'm SUPER excited to share my new video with you! From "<a contents="Face of America" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/224641/face-of-america">Face of America</a>", here is Push Your Buttons!<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VvZgKNYJsAc" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/VvZgKNYJsAc/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VvZgKNYJsAc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/37162872015-05-26T14:36:56-06:002015-05-26T14:36:56-06:00The New Video of the Month - May 2015It's that time again, my monthly visitor. I'm talking about the Video of the Month! Click <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/fhcEg64o1k0?list=PLr9dt6OFaB9JUddPUFMC7XxbY17aXx8WB" target="_blank">HERE</a> to find out what it is!SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/37020752015-05-10T21:49:52-06:002015-05-10T21:49:52-06:00April 2015 Video of the Month<span class="font_large">Ok, I'm a bit late posting this one here ... it's an oldie but goodie while I eagerly anticipate my new video "Push Your Buttons'". From the album Deviant, here is 'Saint'. </span><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3IQOouw4h8I" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/3IQOouw4h8I/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3IQOouw4h8I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/36278342015-03-27T13:59:25-06:002015-03-27T13:59:25-06:00March 2015 Video of the MonthHere is the next video of the month. It's from my album 'Deviant'. Check out the intro for a bit of background or just jump straight to the video!<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="iPniKrlVRMQ" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/iPniKrlVRMQ/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iPniKrlVRMQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="HmGfK2mrG3k" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/HmGfK2mrG3k/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HmGfK2mrG3k?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/35922662015-03-11T14:55:47-06:002017-01-13T06:59:29-07:00Welcome to the New Saturn Site 2015Well, it was time to give my website a facelift! What do you think? You like it? More importantly are you gagging on the pics like this one from my new video shoot for 'Push Your Buttons'?! I can not wait to serve this to you! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/46113304c8415eeb1c9476a38144ae7a012f2603/original/pyb.jpg?1426107330" class="size_l justify_center border_" />SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/35510522015-02-23T08:57:25-07:002015-02-23T08:57:25-07:00February 2015 Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="OwfokWVW-4A" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/OwfokWVW-4A/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OwfokWVW-4A?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="duaKcKRQ6ck" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/duaKcKRQ6ck/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/duaKcKRQ6ck?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/35039172015-02-03T22:50:36-07:002017-01-13T06:59:29-07:00Countdown - My Top Ten Favorite Moments of 2014<span class="font_large">So, I know it's already February, but that just goes to show that if you don't take a moment to slow down, reminisce and appreciate your many blessings, the minutes will turn into hours, the hours into days, the day into months ... you get the picture! I first made it a top ten list at the end of 2013 (catch that here) and it really helped me pulling to focus the big standout moments of the year for me. So, I wanted to do it again, to reflect on some wonderful moments and also to help align my goals for 2015. So, here it is, David Letterman style, my top 10 favorite moments of 2014:<br><br><strong>10. Saturn's Birthday Bash</strong> - so yea, I threw myself a birthday party and used it to preview my newest album 'Face of America'. I have to tell you, I didn't promote it too much, just kind of put it out there, I was too busy worrying about finishing the album in time to preview, working on the mixes the day before! BUT, so many people came, it blew me away. I really felt the love. The best part of the night was when I was on stage singing 'Barman' and I could hear the crowd singing it along with me. Awesome birthday present!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/0e7cb669462bea626681b324344a9370a7f631cc/medium/11-2-14m.jpg?1415290282" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/b9acd8c21f0753d637260711f709e1ba305a8769/medium/11-2-14f.jpg?1415290261" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><strong>9. Folsom St. Fair</strong> - this is always one of my favorite events of the year, but I have to admit, every year it gets tamer and tamer ... while I get wilder and wilder! It started Friday night at the Recon party that my friend Antoin from London promotes. What a night! Met a great group of guys and didn't get any sleep that weekend really, but so much fun was had! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/49065f8ea0e22766b4374ece31a389b9a08f766c/medium/9-21-14d.jpg?1423027287" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><strong>8. Prince at the Filmore</strong> - small venue, brilliant show. This man is legend, I think it's well known how I feel. Nuff said. OH! And it was my dear friend Cameron's first time seeing him. I was so happy I got to break her Prince cherry! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/9b05ff1dd9c0fa7a12c367421010af3d152b9a53/original/3-19-14d.jpg?1423027403" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><strong>7. My Mom visits me in San Francisco </strong>- My mother came out for an entire week and stayed with me and it was seriously the best thing ever. I'm closer to my mother than anyone ... yea I'm a mama's boy! And it was wonderful to have her here and to have her meet some of my dear friends and see the new life I've been making out here in the west. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/ebb00ba2abd6ff7036a0b78e277264569259aa9e/original/8-27-14a.jpg?1423027536" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><strong>6. Couchsurfers</strong>! - so 2014 marked the third year I've been involved in Couchsurfing. I had some rough ones this year ... but I also had some absolute gems. Too many to list or name, but here is just a sampling of some of the surfers I met that I will remember, and hopefully keep in touch with, for a lifetime:<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/efd5be495fb18623b09f34b8f6e83cf71d9704f5/small/1-8-14f.jpg?1423027632" class="size_s justify_none border_none" alt="" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/c8c0011336e2c8bc941ccbab2f7ada8e7da17713/small/11-25-14c.jpg?1423027674" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/ccd33b04ff722d01993bdbc550aba0f47d1e99be/small/2-9-14c.jpg?1423027636" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/a52f71699f3cbe267771879e3b540b1f99f010f9/small/2-19-14d.jpg?1423027642" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/862c0e4b5f575e667785085b8e4429426f784adf/small/6-14-14i.jpg?1423027656" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/c9fef5b059a22147e5a4d8b55f3d0f00ab9eeba0/small/9-4-14d.jpg?1423027670" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/582a932461ed626ec01740ef7adc50be1611f54a/small/7-19-14g.jpg?1423027659" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/30e29b80a39bc38ed4e76acbe65d960d57f7fe85/medium/5-12-14g.jpg?1423028026" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><strong>5. Cap D'Agde </strong>- it was my fourth time to Europe and, as always, I had a spectacular time. But this time, I experienced something new ... the nudist village of Cap d'Agde. Um ... yes an EXTREMELY memorable week! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/e09e0c5d52ee2d1ce77a0b04a81930e0626cfcfa/medium/7-7-14m.jpg?1423028165" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><strong>4. Pop Tarts Live!</strong> - I worked SO hard on this show and wow did it pay off. I worked with great dancers, an extremely gifted choreographer and the crowd was amazing. One of the best shows I've ever given, in my humble opinion ... and it was my biggest turnout in San Francisco so far! Definitely moving in the right direction!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/c16a6517164138f6f1cbe303b0121db26229d449/medium/4-27-14b.jpg?1423028291" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><strong>3. Christmas in Baltimore with my family </strong>- it's not that we did anything special or out of the ordinary. But wow, it was just so wonderful to be around that kind of unconditional love during my favorite time of the year! Everyone was in a great mood, we were all blessed and in good health and together ... often times the best things in life are the simple things! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/d73b901d7eebfdd5dfef30c4b979ddb4679a8c14/medium/12-25-14l.jpg?1423028425" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><strong>2. Taking the #2 spot for the SECOND year in the row ... is Janis</strong>. I got to see this lovely man twice in 2014 ... when I went to London and when he came here. Wow. He takes my breath away. I don't think I stopped smiling once during our time together except when it ended. Is it a blessing or a curse that we live so far apart? Would it work if we were together? I don't know. It doesn't matter. What matters is the time we spend together. And, for me, it's priceless. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/7810c6fa2e90724ee090bc6b28183f628f7e1622/original/12-15-14a.jpg?1423028587" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><strong>1. The number one spot for 2014 goes to ... my trip to Vegas for Hustlaball! </strong> Now, let me make it clear, it wasn't the event Hustlaball that was my favorite, actually the event itself was kind of a <strong>huge</strong> let down. But did that matter in the end? Hell no! Cuz I went with one my besties, my 'sista' from another mista, Quincy. And no matter where we go, even if the event is 'blah', we have a fucking ball. I don't think I cried from laughing so much in 2 days in my entire life! This is what it boils down to right here: great memories with great friends! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/be7dbf72a1c8ac25e25ab941d5906ad1cdd00f37/medium/1-18-14l.jpg?1423028806" class="size_m justify_left border_" /> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/60340e38e265e1bc6f3b0d628bb5909cc27231f7/medium/1-18-14j.jpg?1423028806" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/b41997a683adc86afa75030803acd7ab1aeead26/medium/1-18-14m.jpg?1423028807" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><br>And there you have it! 2014 was another FABULOUS year! I'm already excited about what 2015 will bring. It got started with a bang at one of the best dance parties I've been to in a long time called Mass. This year, I'm staying focused on my music, my friendships, my family and having fun! And oh yea, if a little romance comes in and sweeps me off my feet, I'm definitely down! </span><br><br><br> SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/34566972015-01-07T18:49:02-07:002015-01-07T18:51:06-07:00January 2015 Video of the Month<br><br><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ONbstgwGhu4" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/ONbstgwGhu4/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ONbstgwGhu4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="4WT09RZTEFo" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/4WT09RZTEFo/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4WT09RZTEFo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/33835982014-12-10T12:33:21-07:002014-12-10T12:33:21-07:00December 2014 Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1CbpJDAtgzk" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/1CbpJDAtgzk/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1CbpJDAtgzk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="qQYkZZxcIfk" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/qQYkZZxcIfk/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qQYkZZxcIfk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/32693942014-11-06T09:12:55-07:002017-01-13T06:59:28-07:00Pics from the Preview Party Birthday Bash!<span style="color:#FFFFFF;"><strong><span class="font_large">Sitting here listening to "Face of America" ... I've sent it off now and there are no more revisions to be made. It's complete. And I am thrilled with it. It feels like a new start in some ways and I could think of no better start to it than the Preview party/Birthday Bash I held last Sunday. When you're an artist and you see people enjoying your music and even singing along with as you perform on stage, well ... that's just an 20 out of 10!! THANK U!! Check out these pics from the event!</span></strong></span><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/b9acd8c21f0753d637260711f709e1ba305a8769/original/11-2-14f.jpg?1415290261" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/3af427789023a8641658a0c638d745fc22e1d935/original/11-2-14d.jpg?1415290268" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/9716090c2d9b3ee45d745f25568fb10a07b202cc/original/11-2-14i.jpg?1415290276" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/0e7cb669462bea626681b324344a9370a7f631cc/original/11-2-14m.jpg?1415290282" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/7cdd9dbc9e2bf95008528ec3a1b73accc030cea8/original/11-2-14k.jpg?1415290287" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/32660672014-11-04T13:03:32-07:002014-11-04T13:03:32-07:00November 2014 Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="M3fWOMy61fk" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/M3fWOMy61fk/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M3fWOMy61fk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="adzNlFpYBn4" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/adzNlFpYBn4/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/adzNlFpYBn4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/32114722014-09-30T18:09:59-06:002014-09-30T18:09:59-06:00SEPTEMBER 2014 VIDEO OF THE MONTH: SPECIAL EDITION PART 3<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="eIIZqtOdYCM" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/eIIZqtOdYCM/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eIIZqtOdYCM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="NDo34DYuvtc" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/NDo34DYuvtc/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NDo34DYuvtc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/31891732014-09-16T08:36:53-06:002014-09-16T08:36:53-06:00September 2014 Video of the Month: Special Edition - Part Two<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="MuHZIF6LdZ8" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/MuHZIF6LdZ8/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MuHZIF6LdZ8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="84YU7p-FMMo" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/84YU7p-FMMo/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/84YU7p-FMMo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/31873172014-09-15T09:38:47-06:002015-03-11T15:31:26-06:00Dream BIG!<span class="font_large">When I was a kid, I used to have the most amazing and the most impossible dreams! As I've gotten older, my ideas about what is possible have shrunk and I find I no longer dream the most amazing and most impossible dreams. This weekend I was reminded that everything is impossible until it isn't. Everything starts with a vision. So, dare to DREAM BIG. And get outside of your <a contents="BOX!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/208976/box">BOX!</a></span><br> SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/31821562014-09-11T08:36:57-06:002015-03-11T15:31:54-06:00Death of the CD<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong><span class="font_large">Well, it's official now. Recording has begun on my next project entitled "Face of America". Just like #Beyoncé , I love the format of the album in that it tells a story from beginning to end and all the songs fit together both thematically and musically. I've always done my best to make sure all my releases fit that criteria. Well, I'm going to march forward with that in mind, but a little differently ...<br><br>introducing the Mini-Album! With the theme still in tact, I will be producing albums 4 - 6 songs in length for the foreseeable future, I already have about 10 on deck, the first one being "Face of America" #faceofamerica<br><br>Oh yea, and no more CDs. That's done. All digital from here on out. <br><br>Stay tuned...</span></strong></span>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/31804732014-09-10T09:54:20-06:002014-09-10T09:54:20-06:00September 2014 Video of the Month: Special Edition Part One<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Ze3xpFlQWsk" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Ze3xpFlQWsk/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ze3xpFlQWsk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bpPc5U3kspM" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/bpPc5U3kspM/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bpPc5U3kspM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/31177302014-07-31T20:47:50-06:002014-07-31T20:47:50-06:00July 2014 Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="OnsD-8ZeNhs" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/OnsD-8ZeNhs/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OnsD-8ZeNhs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="8prrzRFCCy0" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/8prrzRFCCy0/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8prrzRFCCy0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/30281642014-06-19T23:36:40-06:002014-06-19T23:42:31-06:00Chasing the Career in Music - Why I MUST Persist<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">There are questions that over time we have become accustomed to not having the answers to. Indeed, these seemingly unanswerable rhetorical questions become almost as cliche as the Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus/Bridge/Chorus formula of music. Questions like "What's the meaning of life?" or "What came first, the chicken or the egg?"</span></div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> </div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="font_large">Well, for the last few years there's been a question in my life that has been seemingly unanswerable. The irony of it is I had not realized it until someone took the time to ask it to me squarely: "Why do you want to be a success in music? What does making music get for you?" It's a simple enough question at first glance. Then the onion starts to peel back and the layers are seemingly neverending. I come up with these anecdotes, all true but all averting the real question:</span></div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> </div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="font_large">'Music saved my life growing up. I want to give back!"</span></div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="font_large">"It brings me joy!" (Nevermind it also brings me pain)</span></div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="font_large">"I have these gifts, I feel like I must use them."</span></div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="font_large">"It's my therapy, my way of relating to the world."</span></div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="font_large">"When I'm creating and singing, I'm at my happiest."</span></div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> </div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="font_large">Story after story I could weave and share with those quotes from above and really come up with some nice answer. But it's not a real answer. Someone once told me of acting, "if you could be happy doing something else, anything else, then do it. Because making a living at acting is too hard if it's not the ONLY thing you want to do." I could be happy doing many other things besides acting. In fact, I pretty much did give it up. Do I miss it? Sure. Am I devastated by it? No. I tried to walk away from making music, too. Twice actually. And I was here recently almost on the verge of trying it again. But it ALWAYS brings me back. There is always music in my soul ... can't that just be enough? No. Apparently, I have something to prove. But what is it?</span></div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> </div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="font_large">So, what's the deal with music? I never trained to play an instrument. In fact, I"m not even that great at it. I never trained to be a producer. In fact, I produced myself out of necessity. I never trained to be a singer. In fact, I could probably stand for some vocal lessons. I never made any money from music. In fact, over the years I've poured thousands upon thousands upon thousands of dollars into my journey of making it a career. I don't have a strong fan base ... yet... in fact, I haven't figured out the magic formula for how to attract people. I have a hard time defining my niche. I have an even harder time trying to define my target audience. Is it gay? Just gay men? Just straight women? Only 25 - 40 year olds? Who do I market to? How do I reach them? Why do I want to? Why after 5 albums, countless videos, many performances, many disappointments, failures and tears do I still WANT and NEED this so badly? That IS the question.</span></div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> </div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="font_large">The only answer, as trite as it may sound, that I persist in wanting, striving to have some kind of career in music ... is that I have no choice. I've always dreamed it was my destiny. From the very first song I wrote when I was 11, I knew it was what I was meant to do. As I've evolved, I've come to understand that all human beings across the world want the same 3 things. We all want to feel loved. We all want to feel important. And we all want to feel connected. No matter what actions, good or bad, we take, the reason behind it comes down to those 3 things. Music is my trifecta. When I'm on a stage and people are giving me their energy, I feel loved, I feel important, I feel connected. When someone is listening to my songs and they tell me how much it has touched them, I feel loved, I feel important, I feel connected. When I see people dancing and enjoying something that I've created, something that has wholly come out of me, something I've put my heart and soul into .... I feel loved, I feel important, I feel connected. If this is all we are searching for in life, no wonder I keep coming back to this. </span></div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> </div>
<div style="font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span class="font_large">Here's what I want in life: to be a beacon of light. Interpret that as you will, but I've done some soul searching and I know what it means to me. And from where I'm sitting today, I know that somehow this musical path that I'm on will lead me to that destination. I just have to trust, have faith, keep on persisting, keep on growing, learning, sharing and most importantly, keep on being a vessel for these songs that get channeled through me. And keep on singing. </span></div>
</div>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/30238782014-06-18T10:05:02-06:002014-06-18T10:05:02-06:00June 2014 Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="8z-sJNWW26I" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/8z-sJNWW26I/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8z-sJNWW26I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="BdU7cFXw9F0" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/BdU7cFXw9F0/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BdU7cFXw9F0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/29796732014-05-29T11:52:26-06:002014-05-29T11:52:26-06:00May 2014 Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3Xq3dVCiaxs" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/3Xq3dVCiaxs/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Xq3dVCiaxs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="08eKNpTxYXo" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/08eKNpTxYXo/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/08eKNpTxYXo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/28918732014-04-23T08:36:38-06:002014-04-23T08:36:38-06:00April 2014 Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="5wne7sdq5a0" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/5wne7sdq5a0/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5wne7sdq5a0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="eQNbsM7rJMc" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/eQNbsM7rJMc/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eQNbsM7rJMc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/27700212014-03-18T18:13:46-06:002014-03-18T18:13:46-06:00March 2014 Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="KIhuSCURZoc" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/KIhuSCURZoc/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIhuSCURZoc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7MD8ggoTdVU" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/7MD8ggoTdVU/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7MD8ggoTdVU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/27187532014-03-10T08:20:21-06:002017-01-13T06:59:28-07:00Hittin' the Friendly Skies<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="font_large">Here I am at the airport for the 3rd week in a row flying out to the cold mid-west for work. I had forgotten how much of a stand still my music takes when I take these trips. 15 hour work days plus travel really doesn't leave room for anything else. Fortunately, I have a week at home next week, which means normal hours, which means I can finally get back to writing, rehearsing, booking ... all those things a brotha has to do to move forward in this game. Thanks for hanging in there with me! The great news is this weekend we shot a fabulous new segment of Happy Hour with Cameron Stiehl. Can't wait for you all to see it!</span></span><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/9e7f782e7300ebe9ae6ab5a8452b87bf71a0b08d/original/3-8-14b.jpg?1394461157" class="size_l justify_center border_" />SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/25634152014-02-11T18:10:14-07:002014-02-11T18:10:14-07:00February 2014 Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Q9-N6EAHiFo" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Q9-N6EAHiFo/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q9-N6EAHiFo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QEN5PXb4pMU" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/QEN5PXb4pMU/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QEN5PXb4pMU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/25398642014-02-07T11:07:20-07:002014-02-07T11:07:20-07:00Gay Mating CallLadies and Gentleman, introducing the Gay Mating Call:<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="XugT97GL22g" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/XugT97GL22g/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XugT97GL22g?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/25306062014-02-05T23:10:26-07:002017-01-13T06:59:28-07:00That's What Friends Are For<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="font_large">Yesterday I got some rather shitty news. It kinda ruined my whole day, but I went out last night and was reminded of what's really important in life: health, love, family and friends. Thank U, Carnell, for lifting my spirits! Like Dionne and Stevie sang, that's what friends are for! It will take some effort and time to get through what's coming, but I know I will. AND I will not let this stand in the way of me having a FANTASTIC YEAR! Just a bump in the road. </span></span><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/fcf18d459aeda0b556e5fda58aac3af79c4c6e8a/original/2-4-14c.jpg?1391666977" class="size_l justify_center border_" />SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/25005332014-01-31T12:14:57-07:002017-02-03T08:52:34-07:00Dreams, Queens and Jackasses<span class="font_large"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">What have I been up to lately? Well, for starters I have been working hard with the beautiful and talented Miss Cameron Stiehl on her show Happy Hour with Cameron Stiehl. I'm having a blast and am really enjoying everyone I'm working with and it's always amazing to see <strong>Dreams </strong>come to fruition. If you have not seen the show yet, you can start with the episode I first appeared in in Season 1: </span><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="2Yylm0htmyU" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/2Yylm0htmyU/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Yylm0htmyU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Then, the magnanimous and gorgeous San Francisco <strong>Queen</strong> BeBe Sweetbriar actually invited me to perform on her inaugural show "It's Everything!" I mean, I was on the same show as Jennifer Holiday! She had an all around amazing line up of guests and I am just so thrilled I got to be a part of it. If you missed it, check it out</span><a contents=" HERE!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bebesweetbriar.com/everything_archives.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> HERE!</span></a><br><br><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">And if after watching that you are wondering why I chose to sing along with my video, that brings me to the <strong>Jackass</strong> part of this blog entry. For months I've been asking Rodrick Husband of BTM Studios, where I did vocals and got my songs mixed, to send me performance tracks of the songs I needed and for months he's been saying he would get them to me. Then all of a sudden, all communication stopped. No returned emails, no returned calls and he even unfollowed and blocked me from Twitter ... all with no explanation or reason. This is MY property after all and he's holding it hostage. Which is a Jackass move in any rational person's playbook I would think. But, I always have to ask myself from every situation "what positive lesson can I take away from this experience?" ALWAYS get all your shit at the end of your session, no matter how cool you think you are with the engineer, friends or not. <br><br>And there you have it! 2014 is starting off great! I'm so excited to be rehearsing some hot numbers for you guys, recording some new music and making some BIG plans for this year! Oh, and you knew about my</span><a contents=" video of the month series" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXe0Knupd8g&list=PLr9dt6OFaB9KNRlhARdzpZ_hmZjYpBH19&feature=player_detailpage" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> video of the month series</span></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">, right? :-)</span><br><br> </span>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/24057862014-01-15T14:03:48-07:002014-01-15T14:03:48-07:00January 2014 - Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="xuijGjb3220" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/xuijGjb3220/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xuijGjb3220?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="R59kaJ-PbC4" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/R59kaJ-PbC4/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R59kaJ-PbC4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br> SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/23886182014-01-13T08:59:10-07:002017-01-13T06:59:27-07:00Blush<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="font_large">We've found a new location for the Saturn Board Headquarters ... and it's Blush Wine Bar in the Castro. Amazing food, bottomless mimosas and an adorable chef! Thanks, Ginny! Supa Que, we be "prushin" it! <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/456c212d1c9309741020ea85f2300a3f462f98ed/original/1-12-14a.jpg?1389628729" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></span><br><br><br> SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/23838792014-01-12T11:07:09-07:002017-01-13T06:59:27-07:00Oooooops! My Bad!!<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="font_large">Lessons in cell phone awareness 1: Don't talk on your cell phone while getting on Muni. If you do that will be the ONE time you forget to tap in and get a $106 ticket from the Muni officer like I did last night. Totally my fault, but dayum! That's ok, I had a great night with these fellas in spite of that. Now on my way to my first Board meeting of 2014 to start the planning of a great year. That's right Supa Que, we're coming up!</span></span><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/305d5649157b4a75495479024dfb208de5c22136/original/1-11-14b.jpg?1389550014" class="size_l justify_center border_" />SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/23603282014-01-10T00:54:31-07:002017-01-13T06:59:27-07:00Let's Dance!<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="font_large">Meet my choreographer, James. We are working on putting together a set of 4 fun songs for y'all, including Top of the World! So excited! I plan to perform A LOT in 2014! :-)</span></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/e2fca92d275bda801d271e804ee1ca69664b0486/original/1-9-14.jpg?1389340392" class="size_l justify_center border_" />SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/23395362014-01-06T22:45:45-07:002017-01-13T06:59:27-07:00I'm Good<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="font_large">Look at this gorgeous sunrise from this morning:<br>I'm starting to feel like myself again, thankfully. Aside from a dizzy spell, I'm all good. And coincidentally, just finished the lyrics for a brand new song titled "I"m Good" that's going to be on my next project. I'll start working on the music for it tomorrow hopefully. Do you want a small taste of it now? :-) </span></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/4226f4535665fe1b8181af17f755415e34b884f4/large/sunrise-1-6-13.jpg?1389073308" class="size_l justify_left border_" />SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/23336332014-01-06T03:01:19-07:002017-01-13T06:59:27-07:00Prince Always Wins<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="font_large">Judging from how I spent half of this gorgeous 70 degree day curled up in my bed, perhaps me going out drinking and partying Saturday night was a bit premature. But it was totally worth it! Every first Saturday of the month at the Madrone Art Bar is Michael Jackson vs. Prince night ... as if that's even a contest, Prince ALWAYS wins! And this Saturday was my good friend Pinky's birthday celebration, so I had to be there. It was great seeing her, several other friends I haven't seen in a while and my 'sistah' Quincy. I also got to make 2 new friends from over the pond Josh and Orlando, or as Quincy dubbed them "Jack Off". I didn't stay long, but I danced my ass off and I drank enough to talk Jack Off's ears off until about 2 in the morning. Oh, man, I can be a chatty Cathy! But I paid for stepping out too soon, my sinuses were so enflamed my whole face was pounding and threatening to fall off.<br><br>I did at least get out today to meet with a photographer. Need some new Saturn pics for 2014. It was beyond beautiful, so many people were out for the game, but I was so tired and zapped of energy all I could do was go home, get in the bed and turn on my Netflix. Ugh, I can't wait to feel like myself again! Being sick sucks moose balls!</span></span><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/ec1a4753f70cd554ab43a39c19d3d4d4aa5a7d1f/medium/josh-orlando-1-4-13.jpg?1389002232" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/ef8b0fca07a38d3919548ace506629eee406b417/medium/pinky-bdaya-1-4-13.jpg?1389002211" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/23268442014-01-03T22:01:46-07:002017-01-13T06:59:27-07:00Stir Crazy<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="font_large">This is me going stir crazy cuz I've been couped up in this room for the last 3 days that I've been ill. Today I felt a little bit better and could accomplish a few tasks, but tomorrow, I'm getting the fuck out of here. Watching all that American Horror Story Asylum is giving me nightmares!</span></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/365bd58518f9f02e94c758ac463be05c445935b7/medium/saturn-1-3-14.jpg?1388811641" class="size_m justify_center border_" />SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/23251892014-01-03T15:00:58-07:002017-01-13T06:59:27-07:002014 is Already a Blur<span class="font_large">After spending the last 2 days being sick with flulike symptoms (it's not the flu thankfully!) I am finally starting to feel better and can adequately reflect on what an amazing time I had this New Years! Granted, there's about 2 hours of it that I can't remember. Luckily, I was not robbed or molested or kidnapped by aliens during that 2 hour blackout ... I think, though I do have hickeys all over my neck, but I know exactly where they came from! ;-) I barely recall taking this picture, I think it was just before I lost time: </span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/8947e048334834ea98e2d5df5317c023986a8630/medium/saturn-and-chris-1-1-14.jpg?1388785946" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br><br><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="font_large">I came to, my friend Matt was gone, so I headed out to another club and met someone truly spectacular who indeed helped me celebrate right. Then of course, I was sick the next 2 days. Not related I think.<br><br>I know 2014 is going to be fantastic. Musically, I am so motivated to really turn it out this year, every day focusing on getting at least one thing accomplished. Not always easy when you work a demanding full time job, I'm writing this blog on a late lunch break, but it's still possilbe and I'm going to see it happen. Here's to the New Year! Happy New Years to all of U, my friends, lovers and strangers! ;-) </span></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/564c7ba646d559c4308ea9e88141b4b39ddd770f/medium/saturn-1-1-14.jpg?1388786371" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br><br><br><br> SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/23121002013-12-31T19:07:57-07:002015-03-11T15:33:43-06:00Top Ten Most Memorable and Favorite Moments of 2013<span class="font_large">So, on Facebook I keep seeing the 20 best moments of 2013 for people so I went ahead and reviewed mine. It was interesting, but a lot of it missed the mark. I don't know why, but I've been in a reflective mood most of the day, looking through A LOT of old pictures, remembering the good times, the laughter, laughing so hard til I cried and realizing how much has changed. I have a horrible memory, so reviewing pictures and putting things down in words is great for me. Which prompted me to come up with my list for the Top Ten Most Memorable and Favorite moments of the year. I could have done 20 it's been such a great year, but really narrowing it down makes the list even more special:<br><br><strong>10. My Very First Bay to Breakers</strong> - talk about a street party to end all street parties! I had so much fun. Thank you, Scott, for ushering me in, naked and all. Maybe I'll have the balls to go naked in 2014 to this event, but I'll definitely wear a mask because there are way too many looky loos with cameras! This is not one of those times I'll be singing my song 'Art' - <em>"take my picture, I'm standing here exposed..."</em><br><br><strong>9. Bodyflow Massage and Sexperience workshops in Europe</strong> - wow! I learned quite a lot about myself during these experiences, pushed past quite a few boundaries and found out that I absolutely love the art of massage and want to learn more. Both of these experiences opened me up erotically in several ways that I won't soon forget. Andy Saich, you are a true magician and a wonderful teacher!<br><br><strong>8. Winning the RightOutTV Award for best video and making Examiners best of lists</strong> - over the last 10 years I've been producing music, I've come up against a LOT of negativity, faced many internal demons, have wanted to give up so many times, spent a fortune pursuing this dream and I tell you, being nominated is great, but winning? It's never happened before, and it's given me confidence, validation and motivation to keep on trucking. Somebody out there likes what I'm doing and that is a most wonderful wonderful feeling.<br><br><strong>7. DOMA being overturned</strong> - you could feel the enery pulsing through the city. I got to the street party late because I was coming home from a work trip, but Wow! Castro, you really did it right! Thank you to my friends Patrick, Jeff and Pinky for really making that night special, even in the short time that we had. It was a monumental moment in history and I shall never forget it!<br> <br><strong>6. Mike's Nudist Party in Montreal </strong>- wow! Except for that annoying asshole who did not undersand the word "NO!" (I wanted to deck him so fucking bad) this was a most AMAZING night and experience! I wish I could duplicate it here in San Francisco. I don't yet know that many people that would be into it, but it was mindblowing, eye opening and so much fun!<br><br><strong>5. Watching my sister walk down the aisle</strong> - I did not think I would get as emotional as I did, but she took my breath away. No words can adequately describe watching your little sister, one of the most important people in your life, on this special and beautiful day, and being able to stand up for her and sing for her and her husband was beyond words. And apparently, I still have the chops to pull off gospel! </span><br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>4. The BIG Parties</strong> - ok, if I listed each of these separately, it would have taken a third of this list, so I had to combine them: Black Party NYC, Bay of Pigs and Magnitude - what debaucherous fun! They were all a Deviant's paradise and I was in complete and utter sinful ecstasy at everyone of them! Yolo baby, you're only young and hot for a speck of time on this earth, so live it up!<br><br><strong>3. Prepping for the Top of the World Video shoot</strong> - this video (and album release) were both a huge achievement for me this year. But what I remember most fondly is my bestie Quincy helping me, prepping with me, interviewing the models and that fucking night in West Hollywood before the shoot ... OMG I have never laughed so hard! And it's ALWAYS that way when the 2 of us together. This one is for you, Q: "It's healthy, y'all!" <br><br><strong>2. Janis </strong>- my beautiful Latvian friend. We had such a short time together, but you've had a huge impact on me. You've opened my heart and made me believe in love again.<br><br><strong>1. Friendships</strong> - when people would ask me why I didn't want to leave this expensive ass city of San Francisco, I'd say because I loved the city and give a list of reasons. For the first time I can say it's because of so many wonderful people in my life here. From old friendships that have matured and strengthened (Quincy, Jeff, Jim, Pinky, Jorge, Matt, Garrett) to new friendships that have really turned into something magnificent and special (Carnell, Cameron, James, Scott, Roger & Sean) to people who are newer to my life and friendships are blossoming (Lonnie, Joshua, Billy) to all the wonderful couchsurfers around the world I met this year who I'm endeared to for life (Attila, Etienne, Jordan Roesch, Ghyslain, Johan and Nico, Mike, Greg, Samuel, Seth and Danny, Tilman, Sino, Haner, Patrick and so many more) to brand new people in my life who I feel I could be wonderful friends with (Jason, Mark, Terrill, Patrick to name only a few), friendships and relationships (and a strong family at the core) are what makes for a good life in my opinion. And I have the best 2 out of 3! I've been saying it all year, I just need a man (relationship) for it to be 3 out of 3! :-)<br><br>In 2014 I will:<br><br>1. continue to nourish these friendships and make new ones.<br>2. reach new heights with my music<br>3. Fall in love with a man who loves me back and be in the kind of relationship I'm finally ready for! <br><br>Goodbye 2013. You were amazing!!</span><br><br> SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/22477462013-12-17T14:55:57-07:002013-12-17T14:55:57-07:00December Video of the Month<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="qP4nFM3bAu8" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/qP4nFM3bAu8/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qP4nFM3bAu8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bOS48ZqFDPw" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/bOS48ZqFDPw/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bOS48ZqFDPw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/21476792013-12-02T18:58:57-07:002015-03-11T15:33:20-06:00The Award Is In + Tom Daley<span class="font_large"><strong>This is an exciting week! First "Top of the World" makes the Examiner's list of Top Ten LGBT Videos of 2013 and then I get my RightOut TV Award in the mail. This thing is huge! Where should I put it? And in other news, my heart is broken to find out that Tom Daley is taken. :-( I'm really glad he came out, but like Ricky Martin, was there anyone who didn't already know he was gay?</strong></span><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Sbil00VRt8w" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Sbil00VRt8w/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sbil00VRt8w?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/20504122013-11-14T14:50:06-07:002015-03-11T15:32:43-06:00Suicide<span class="font_large"><strong>Have you ever thought about it? I have certainly gone through my fair share of depression when I was younger, and the thought even occassionally crossed my mind, but I never truly seriously considered it. My hunger for life is too avaricious, always has been. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. A friend of mine committed suicide this year. After the shock wore off, I began to feel disappointment, not at my friend but at myself. We were not super close, but still this is someone whom I shared good times with, had spent a weekend with earlier in the year after not seeing him for a long stretch of time ... and I had no idea he was so depressed, that the idea of taking his life was even a possibility. Rationally, I know, as peripheral as our relationship had become over the years, I could not reasonably have foreseen something like this, yet I still have shimmers of guilt. How could my friend not know that people cared for him, loved him and even at his lowest, when perhaps he felt no love at all, how could he not know that with every sunrise new possibilities emerge? That a new love and a new life can begin? </strong><br><br><strong>I suppose I've been fortunate in that at those lowest points in my life, when I've felt ashamed and doomed to be lonely and different and unconnected, I had music. I would write and write and write voraciously until the creation of something I deemed beautiful and worthy had brought me out of the doldrums of despair, if only temporarily. Hell, the song "The Virgin Poet" from my first album even talks about taking my own life in the absence of love and connection... that seed of sorrow had always been there with me ... but not lately. My life over the last few years has been so wonderful, so full of joy, so much more marvelous than I could have ever imagined. And it pains me to know that even though such a wonderul change can happen at any time for anyone, that my friend will never know it. That so many others who went that same path will never know it. How can I, one person, influence someone to always alway ALWAYS choose life and all the possibilities that come with it? Well, hopefully through the same vessel that got me through a lot of shit ... music.</strong><br><br><strong>Last week I shot a video for the song "Don't Come In". Not a lot of planning went into this video, not a lot of production values went into this video, but I wanted to show the face of depression and what it could mean to choose life. You never know how art will be received or interpreted, but even if I reach one person with this message, then some good has come of it. Even if I reach no one with the message in this video, it will always stand as a testament to my beautiful friend, a lasting wish that <em>he</em> would have only chosen life. </strong></span>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/19876172013-11-04T18:55:51-07:002013-11-04T18:55:51-07:00November Video of the Month - Never Been the Same<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VbqCXPB2vfk" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/VbqCXPB2vfk/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VbqCXPB2vfk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="HLN0F9UFBOs" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/HLN0F9UFBOs/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HLN0F9UFBOs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/19640692013-10-31T12:11:28-06:002013-10-31T12:11:28-06:002013 RightOutTV Award - Thank You!!<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="IqI3FNFgcuY" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/IqI3FNFgcuY/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IqI3FNFgcuY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/19479652013-10-29T09:13:10-06:002013-10-29T09:13:10-06:00"Neighbors, Can You Hear Me?" ... and a Great Bday!!I woke up today dreaming of my music career, reflecting back on where I've been and prancing around my living room singing songs as I made my morning drinks ... only I have to whisper. I can't sing here in an apartment because the neighbors hear everything! It's so stifling! Does anyone have a house where I can let it rip? I haven't been practicing AND I've been sick so I know my vocal abilities are way out of shape. They should have workout facilities for singers in a city like this.<br><br>I had a marvelous birthday, starting with going out the night before for dinner, drinks and Trannyshack. Then had a birthday dinner with friends, drinks at my place with more friends and putting together a truly ridiculous barely there costume for the Collossus Halloween on Mars party. I had intended to go alone, but my dear dear friend Quincy drove over and went with me. Thank God! Let's just say I really needed him there that night! What a fun party. Met a couple of nice guys, a couple of guys I knew and this same group of really beautiful men who I've seen before at other parties .. cliquey and their noses turned up at me like I emitted a bad smell. Kind of funny ... and sad. I danced and danced so hard apparently I completely missed paths with another friend who showed up just for me and we did not end up connecting. So sorry! All and all though, a great birthday!! And the best part was the calls and cards from my mom and sis back home.<br><br><strong>Love, Family and Friends is everything. Without these things, there is no way I would wake up in the morning smiling and singings songs like I do!</strong>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/19292182013-10-25T17:16:55-06:002013-10-25T17:16:55-06:00Create Your Own ExperienceVideo Blog: <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7JlLY6f8EC8" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/7JlLY6f8EC8/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7JlLY6f8EC8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/19285912013-10-25T15:57:00-06:002013-10-25T15:58:39-06:00Announcing Video of the Month Series! Video blog:<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="kXe0Knupd8g" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/kXe0Knupd8g/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kXe0Knupd8g?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="vXmtaltGTSU" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/vXmtaltGTSU/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vXmtaltGTSU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477462012-12-29T02:37:18-07:002012-12-29T02:37:18-07:00The Album is Dead!Or is it? That was the thought I had when I created the Junkyard. Well, 2013 is bringing new changes and the Junkyard will be going away, though the concept will remain the same. I've written nearly 1,000 songs so far and I need an outlet to share them with you without the constraints of releasing and promoting an album. So, introducing ... PLANET SATURN! Coming Soon.... Until then HAPPY NEW YEAR!! SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477342012-12-10T11:38:38-07:002012-12-10T11:38:38-07:00The Board Has Spoken!So thankful for my friends Quincy Wilkins and Jeff Thorpe, who have taken to calling themselves "the Board" (I love it!). We had our first meeting and it was super productive. I have a new album title, a new tracklist order, they told me when a song didn't work, which was refreshing and helpful, and also, it was determined that while the concept for "The Junkyard" is a great one, the name "The Junkyard" -- well, it sucks! So, that will be changing rather shortly, along with a whole host of other things. 2013 is going to be a fantastic year! New music, new shows, new videos ... some of which are already booked -- Saturn is about to take off! <br><br>
If you have any ideas or suggestions, I am more than open to feedback. <br><br>
S.SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477312012-06-02T02:55:34-06:002012-06-02T02:55:34-06:00Rodger Swan - Gone Too SoonI don't understand what's happening. I've been reconnecting with people from my past whom I have fallen out of touch with, but in doing so not only did I find out that one of my gay music heroes, Aaron-Carl, died in 2010 of Cancer, but I also just found out that a fan and friend, Rodger Swan, also died in 2010. He was only 23. <br><br>
Rodger had amassed quite a following with his vlog in Japan in the last few years of his life, but before that, he was one of the most encouraging voices for me personally in my life when I was just starting out in music. I don't know if he knew that, and sadly now he never will.<br><br>
He found my music randomly through MySpace, back when people could actually find new artists and music on MySpace. As a new artist, struggling to find my identity, my voice and my audience and not knowing what that was yet, our conversations, his enouragement and his genuine appreciation of my art truly meant so much to me. It was voices like his that kept propelling me to move forward and to keep going for it. I remember he kept trying to get me to come to Battle Creek , MI, where he was from, to d<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1338651424927_95"></span>o a show. He was willing to help find a venue and even help promote it. This straight kid from halfway across the country, back in 2005, championing a live concert of "Deviant" in the middle of the suburbs. If you know my album "Deviant" and how angry and explicit it is, you'll understand why the irony of it still makes me smile. Back then I didn't have the funds or even the balls, frankly, to pull that off. But looking back, what a missed opportunity ... not to do a show, but to have met someone who not only was able to touch my life but also touch the lives of countless others all over the world with his YouTube series. <br><br>
I didn't keep any of our conversations, but Rodger sent me a review of Deviant, and later the song "Midnight", that I actually did keep. I don't know why I kept i<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1338651837193_362"></span>t, but now I'm really really glad I did. He told me his favorite Saturn song was "The Song of Virgil" from my first CD: <i>"...on a side note, my fave song from saturn is "the song of virgil" from "the virgin poet." It is such a beautiful song, it put tears in my eyes (no joke). I've had that one on repeat over and over." </i>Now, everytime I perform that song live, I will think of Rodger and dedicate it to him. One of the lyrics goes, "I'm a slave to all I survey, especially you, that's why I sing today." RIP Rodger Swan.<br><br><b>Rodger's Reviews:<br><br></b><i>my review of "deviant" <br><br>
Wild: saturn is back with a vengence and opens his album "deviant" with this bomb the bass, balls to the walls track. A party track, with a hint of anger.<br><br>
Deviant: Not since Ziggy Stardust have we had such a rocking "star fucker, " and this is some good sexy space age music. There's a hint of menace, ala Depeche Mode in this one. <br><br>
Chemistry: This is one of the standout tracks. It builds and builds, and gets better and better as it moves along. Once the song hits the half way point, there is no return, and we are all lost in saturn's rings :)<br><br>
I Luv Everything About U: the start reminded me of the 1996 george michael song "move on" with the clatter and chatter of people in the background. Another one the builds up in speed, some very solid vocals on this one.<br><br>
Art: we all love the video, and we all love this song. With bowie like vocals, this one is a clear winner. <br><br>
Flirt: Another one that has the sort of despair lingering on in the background, ala depeche mode. Found myself singing some of these lyrics at work, very memorable.<br><br>
They Don't Know: short song, a slow moving piece dealing with sexual identity. When the song gets to the part of "u know you're living in denial" saturn's vocals are just top notch and combined with the simple but effective beat, it is another highlight on the album. <br><br>
Make U Scream: we all know this one, the lyrics, the sound, the vocals, the sexual interlude, this is a top notch track.<br><br>
Atlantis: One of the best sounding tracks on the album, music wise. Also, very catchy with another great set of lyrics. One of the best on the album.<br><br>
Boy 2 Boy: Fast and funky, another highlight on the album. Love the vocals on this one, and the lyrics are also excellent. "you must be insane, i don't even know your name, i feel so ashamed!"<br><br>
Saint: A slow moving introspective piece, that to me, seems like the spiritual successor to "the song of virgil" from the "virgin poet." After all the deviance on this album, saturn takes time out to reflect, and what we get is a very heartfelt and personal song. very good.<br><br>
I'm Coming Out: It is impossible not to dance to this song, it is a very fun way to close out the album! Also, gotta love the almost gospel feel in the second half of the song, it ends "deviant" on a high note.<br><br>
overall, this album is funky, fun, freaky, loud, reflective, and sends us from the outer reaches of space, to the personal worlds within our own hearts. This album is one that is not to be missed.<br><br>
***<br>
Oh my God!! First, I see the beautiful new picture of you, then I see you have a show coming up in Maryland which is awesome, then you put up a new song!! <br><br>
Midnight is awesome, it's such a departure for you. I think it shows your immensive growth and talent as an artist. It strips down the more in your face antics (both musically and lyrically) from deviant, and injects this tender and softer side to you. <br><br>
I really like the music that leads into the final verse, at about 4 minutes into the song. I love it saturn, you have the voice, the looks, and the talent. Another excellent job! <br>
-rodg<br><br>
***<br><br>
hey saturn, today i was playing "deviant" in the car and my friend was listening to it, and he asked "did david bowie come out with a new album?" You can't get much higher praise then that, being compared to such a musical king. I told him it was your cd, and was really feeling your tunes. Good stuff!<br></i><br>
This is why I make music. Thank you, Rodger. <br><br>
-Saturn.SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477472012-02-07T08:38:05-07:002013-09-03T08:31:20-06:00It Gets Better - Junkyard ReleaseWell, it's late, but better late than never! This month's Junkyard release is "<a target="_new" href="./junkyard.cfm">It Gets Better</a>." I wrote it years ago but reworked it a small bit recently to fit more with the It Gets Better campaign in response to bullying. I hope you enjoy it!SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477252011-01-09T01:18:58-07:002017-01-13T06:59:26-07:00Love Around the World<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/e9b2d5f84c670d4eefedcc01761197d4e4941661/thumb/Martin-and-Kate.jpg?1378218491" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="100" width="60" /><br>
To Martin and Kate ,<br><br>
Pinky and I had a blast last night meeting and hanging out with you guys! Your story is inspiring and I hope to be able to do something similar someday. I look forward to hearing about your further adventures. Maybe I'll write a song about it. <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/tounge_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><br><br>
Enjoy the big apple! <br><br>
Saturn.SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477452010-12-02T15:13:28-07:002010-12-02T15:13:28-07:00I'm Sorry, but who are you?<p>Two nights ago I went to an event at a venue here in SF called Mezzanine. It was a very cool space, great energy, i would LOVE to perform there, though it's way too big for my CD release show. I don't have that kind of draw here as an unknown unfortunately ,,, but in time that will change ... hopefully. <br><br>
Anyhoo, I really enjoyed the acts that played. The first act I saw was a band, and I think it was mainly the front singers' projects and her backing band as she mentioned several times that she had just dropped a CD that very day. She even had someone in the audience with a clipboard getting email addresses, which was cool. But the odd thing was ... she never said who she was!! I kept waiting for it ... and it never came. This is starkly contrasted to the hip hop act that followed, you KNEW who they were before they hit the stage and after every song. <br><br>
So, my lesson in all this? Destiny's Child said it best, "Say my name, say my name ..." I have to constantly be putting it out there who I am when I'm performing. I don't want someone to have my experience where I really liked the band but have no idea who they are, what the new cd is called or how to find it online. After all that work!<br><br>
</p>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477442010-11-29T14:12:14-07:002010-11-29T14:12:14-07:00Harry Potter and the Nine Week Music ChallengeSo, I haven't fallen off track with the Music Blog Challenge ... well, kinda. I've been keeping up with reading the weekly chapters and doing "some" of it, but I'm a bit behind in some of the Action Lists. There's just SOOO much to do! But even if I can't accomplish it all, I am making progress. I love the 5 daily tasks thing. I'm not always successful, but I feel great when I am! <br><br>
So, the day of the week I have time to actually do stuff is Sunday. Ironically, that's the day I get the least done. It's almost like I need it to recover. I always get more done when I'm busy. I wish I could turn that switch on whenever I need it. I need a trigger! Well, next Sunday at least I'll be back in the studio working on a new "<a href="./junkyard.cfm">Junkyard</a>" release.<br><br>
So, I'm planning my CD Release Party, aiming for a February date in San Francisco. I'm checking out this cool spot called the "<a target="_new" href="http://www.mezzaninesf.com/calendar.asp">Mezzanine</a>" tomorrow night. They're hosting the RootMusic Launch Party and I should be able to network and meet some really awesome people. I'm excited. If you're in SF and want to go, hit me up! <br><br>
I thinking I'm going to have to repeat this 9 Week Challenge just to really absorb and soak it all in. I need to find out if there are any really successfuly indie artists out there who ALSO have very demanding (and fulfilling) full time jobs simultaneously. Maybe I'm just expecting too much of myself.<br><br>
On a completely unrelated note: I've now seen <b>Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I</b> two times now. I could write an entire essay on my thoughts, but suffice it to say, I thought it was AMAZING!! I've seen it twice and I'll probably see it again. Can't believe this saga is almost over. I was thinking about it the other day and this story, these books, this world and these characters have been a part of my life for a DECADE. That's pretty awesome. It's funny how art ... whether it's visual, movies, and especially music, help to define so many of the moments of our lives. I hope something that <i>I </i>create can reflect a moment in others lives someday. Then you know you've really done something special.<br><br>
Anyhoo, so much to do, so little time to do it in ....SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477102010-11-14T07:36:13-07:002010-11-14T07:36:13-07:00Goshbloggit!So, I finished Chapter 5 of Music Success in 9 weeks which is all about blogging. Not necessarily the content, but how to autofeed, self promote, find blogs that are relevant to you, etc. Once again I have a lot to do. It's kind of funny though cuz years ago I had a blog that I ran separate from my website that incorprated a lot of what Ariel is talking about. Unfortunately, I don't believe Bandzoogle has a lot of that functionality. Then again, that might not be a bad thing. I had quite a few readers but those readers did not translate into sales, mostly because my blog was about more than just my music, it was about my life. I really held nothing back. It held my frustrations, love lost, love found, sex, sex and more sex ... the point is I shut it down after a while because it just became too personal. But without being personal, who's really going to be interested in what I have to write? So the question is ... what to blog about? Also, twitter being the case and point, my life these days just isn't that interesting. I work A LOT, hang with the too few friends I've been able to make while in SF, and in the hours I can spare, I work on all things related to my music. BORIINNGG! :-) <br><br>
Anyhoo, I have to decide what direction I'm going to take here. Should i resurrect my old blog and just lay it all out there or should I stay more reserved and only blog about music? What do you think?SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477192010-11-06T13:50:00-06:002017-02-01T12:43:09-07:00Music Blog Challenge - Week Four ... Done!I did it! I completed Chapter Four before the week was even out ... and there was a lot to do this week! So, here's the rundown following Ariel Hyatt's 9 Week Plan:<br><br>
1. Twitter - yes, I've had it for a while, but I really didn't understand why it was so popular. I'm starting to get it and I understand it a lot more now. My page is updated and I'm ready to jump on the wagon. Follow me! <a target="_new" href="http://www.twitter.com/iamsaturn">twitter.com/iamsaturn<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1289094818984_263"></span></a>.<br><br>
2. Facebook - I STILL think Facebook for Music sucks. I tried to create another page, but it won't let me use any variation of Saturn or iamsaturn to create an artist profile. This was the whole reason I even started a personal profile on Facebook, just so I could have a music page. So, there it lives still. There are a ton of apps Ariel mentioned, but I haven't checked them all yet.<br><br>
3. Flickr - very cool tool. Created a profile and uploaded a bunch of pics from different "eras". Really, I just assembled some pics from each CD together and made sets. Pretty cool. I also updated my homepage here with the link: <a target="_new" href="https://www.flickr.com/iamsaturn">flickr.com/iamsaturn</a><br><br>
4. Music Alley - I created a page and uploaded some songs for podcasters. This is also something I knew nothing of.<br><br>
AND on top of that I'm back to using this really cool spreadsheet I created a while ago to lay out my goals and help me get on task. Two big goals were accomplished before the deadline of tomorrow. I'm back online (sorta) and can make music again, thank God! And I had someone fix my artwork and got Plastic/Box in the mail to be pressed. I hope when it comes back it looks alright. I'm never using Elance again!<br><br>
AND I've been bugging ... about my video ... it's 3 months over the original time he said it would be ready and I can't even get a return call or text just to get the status. This is really starting to annoy me. I'm going to patient just a bit longer, but I'm a Scorpio, and patience is not one of our strong suits. I think I've been doing pretty well considering ...<br><br>
So, there it is. Now I'm off to enjoy my Saturda<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1289094782093_796"></span>y night! Hope you enjoy yours! :-)<br><br><br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477272010-10-31T15:12:56-06:002010-10-31T15:12:56-06:00Music Blog Challenge - Week ThreeWell, this was the easiest week so far. Fortunately, most of the things we had to do this week I'd already done. That's great news cuz that means I at least was doing something right! ;-) Looking forward to the challenge next week - Social Media - I need a LOT of help with that! <br><br><span style="color: #ff6600"><b>Happy Halloween,</b></span> everyone! It was a great weekend. I dressed up as Lafayette from "True Blood" AND SF Giants just won again tonight! Only 1 more to go ...<br><br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477282010-10-28T13:28:26-06:002010-10-28T13:28:26-06:00Music Blog Challenge - Week Two: The Pitch, cont.<i>Time keeps on slippin ...<br></i><br>
So, here it is halfway through Week 3 of the Challenge and I'm still stuck in week 2 with the pitch! Granted, I've been traveling and come down with a nasty cold but NO EXCUSES! With the help of some clever folks at Ariel Hyatt's Mastermind, I now have a pitch that I'm going to stick with for now so that I can complete Week 2 and move on to Week 3 before I get left behind.<br><br>
Here it is:<br><b><br>
"Prince and David Bowie host a Dance Party at your favorite Nightclub."<br><br></b>Well ... it's getting there. <br><br><br><br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477432010-10-25T13:15:19-06:002010-10-25T13:15:19-06:00The Perfect Pitch<p>Well, it finally came to me! I don't know if it's "perfect", but I think it definitely describes my sound:<br><br><b>SATURN – A little 80s Prince and a bit of 90s Depeche Mode come together with a whole lot of naughty for some dark new wave pop jams.</b> <br><br>
What do you think?</p>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477422010-10-22T09:45:00-06:002010-10-22T09:45:00-06:00Music Blog Challenge - Week Two: What's My Pitch?These are my top five picks. What do you think? Like one of em or should I go back to the drawing board? The pitch should, in a nutshell, descibe my "sound".<br><br>
1. Prince meets Depeche Mode in a gay club.<br><br>
2. Alternative Urban Pop<br><br>
3. If Madonna had a lovechild with Prince and David Gahan, it would be me. <br><br>
4. Dark and sexy retro 80s/90s Urban Pop<br><br>
5. A recipe for Alternative Urban Pop - Lightly fold Prince with Depeche Mode, add a couple of dashes of Bowie and sprinkle around the edges with gay hip hop, pop in your CD player and out your speakers comes Saturn!<br><br>
I don't know. Nothing clicks yet, but I think they all pretty much describe my overall sound. <br><br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477412010-10-22T08:56:37-06:002010-10-22T08:56:37-06:00Music Blog Challenge - Week One, Goal Five: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENTOriginally, my fifth goal was going to be Promotion, but I’ve decided I needed to make sure I don’t forget my own personal development. So, that’s my fifth and final Section:<br><br>
1. Work out 3 – 4 times a week starting <b>now</b>. This has always been a struggle, but even more so once I started traveling. I have to quit with the excuses though. I want to bulk up a bit, improve my endurance and also working out is great for energy and clarity.<br><br>
2. Start regular lessons of some kind by <b>March 1, 2011 </b>– I’ve never been trained in music or singing. It’s just something that came naturally to me. To that end, I’m not really one for practicing either. I’ve always wanted to be so much more proficient musically than I am, but life and work always get in the way because I never make it a priority. So, now I’m making it a priority! Since keys are what I feel most comfortable on, I should probably start there. <br><br>
Whew! That concludes Week One of the Nine Week Challenge. I SERIOUSLY have my work cut out for me, but I know it will all be worth it.<br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477402010-10-22T03:32:30-06:002010-10-22T03:32:30-06:00Music Blog Challenge - Week One, Goal Four: PERFORMANCEWhen I had my CD Release show for “Deviant” back in January 2005, I was shocked by how much money I made. After the club’s cut of the tickets sold, splitting the remainder of the door with friend and co-headliner Tim Kaye, and adding in CD sales and T-shirt sales and subtracting the money I had to pay the 3 players in my band, I still cleared about $300 and some change. With better marketing , a bigger audience, more merch, more cds available and less expenses, there is no reason I wouldn’t be able to clear $500 at a show. It’s pretty aggressive but my goal is to do that 6 times next year, or maybe just 3 times and really pack the place. <br><br><b>ONE YEAR PERFORMANCE GOAL: TO MAKE $3,000 PROFIT FROM PEFORMANCES BY OCTOBER 31, 2011.<br><br></b>I plan to reach this goal by focusing on the following:<br><br>
1. I just have to get out there, performing whenever and wherever I can. And since I travel for my job, this will give me the opportunity to also perform in different cities across the US if I plan properly. I will start booking a minimum of 1 performance a month by <b>January 4, 2011</b>. <br><br>
2. I will get performance tracks from the studio for all of the songs on my latest cd by <b>January 4, 2011</b>.<br><br>
3. I will send press kits to 20 Pride markets by <b>February 2, 2011. <br><br></b>4. I will book my CD Launch party and CD release shows (San Francisco and Baltimore) by <b>December 31, 2010</b>. <br><br>
5. I will find back up dancers and a choreographer for the CD release shows and other shows throughout the year by <b>January 20, 2011</b>.<br><br>
6. I will plan, conceptualize and book 3 “event” shows for next by <b>March 1, 2011</b>. (The CD Release show is one such “event”.)<br><br>
7. I will come up with some goodies (merch) to sell at shows. I made more money from my “Deviant” T-shirt than I did from cd sales at shows. I will come up with something by <b>February 28, 2011. <br></b>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477392010-10-22T02:53:12-06:002017-01-13T06:59:27-07:00Music Blog Challenge - Week One, Goal Three: MUSICThe foundation of a music career is the music itself, so that’s my next goal, MUSIC. I never stop writing and with the hundreds of songs I’ve written thus far, I don’t know which is the one that will break me out, so I just want to keep recording as much as possible. That was the whole reason behind the Junkyard. It’s been a few months since the last release, but I have just released a new album so I’m gonna cut myself some slack! <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/tounge_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><br><br><b>ONE YEAR MUSIC GOAL: TO RETURN TO REGULAR JUNKYARD RELEASES, LAUNCH PLASTIC/BOX OFFICIALLY AND RECORD NEXT ALBUM<br><br></b>I plan to reach this goal by focusing on the following:<br><br>
1. The technical shit – my studio equipment has not worked right in months. Which means I haven’t been recording music. This is a problem. I even went a brought a new firebox and now it works but the playback is so low that I can’t hear anything. As much as I travel for work, the precious moments I have at home I absolutely must be able to record. So my first and most immediate goal is to fix the issue at hand. I’ll probably have to hire someone to look at it or get some new gear or a new program. I will have this issue fixed by <b>November 7th, 2010</b>. <br><br>
2. The artwork for Plastic/Box has BEEN done, but the designers didn’t leave enough room on the back for the barcode. They have been unresponsive, so I have to find a volunteer or hire someone to simply move the text on the back of the cd to allow room for the barcode. Color me irritated. Ok, I will have this done by <b>November 7, 2011.<br><br></b>3. I will release the next Junkyard single prior to <b>December 31, 2010</b> and release one every 4 to 6 weeks thereafter. <br><br>
4. I will add sound banks and migrate to another platform other than Project 5 by <b>April 30, 2011</b>. <br><br>
5. I will begin recording my next album by <b>May 5, 2011</b>. <br><br>
6. I will have a CD Launch Party for PLASTIC/BOX prior to <b>February 28, 2011</b>.<br><br>
7. I will release a limited Junkard Vol. 1 Compilation prior to <b>October 31, 2011</b>. <br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477382010-10-20T15:30:00-06:002010-10-20T15:30:00-06:00Music Blog Challenge - Week One, Goal Two: FANSWell, when I moved to California last year, I did something either really stupid or really smart. While I had built my email newsletter subscription list to over 350 people, I hadn’t really done anything with my music in 2 to 3 years if I’m honest. No promoting, hardly any performing and therefore hardly any newsletter updates. So, when I moved I considered it time to make a fresh start. So, when I built my new site with bandzoogle, I sent out an email to everyone asking them to respond and let me know if they would like to continue to be on my mailing list because I was switching platforms. While I could have easily transported all the names, I wanted to get a true estimation of how many casual “fans” I really had. I knew the number would be significantly less, but I wasn’t prepared to walk away with only 32. Yep. 6 years, 3 cds, 1500 MySpace Friends … and 32 “fans”. <br><br><b>GOAL: GROW MAILING LIST TO 200 SUBSCRIPTIONS BY OCTOBER 31, 2011<br><br></b>I plan to reach this goal by focusing on the following:<br><br>
1. Performances - The thing that will help me add people to my mailing list the most is by performing more, which is also on my goal list for SALES. I can have street team members getting email addresses while I perform or even swap older CDs for email addresses. The goal is to maximize the potential to capture new fans at shows. Specific goals for performance can be found in Goal One: Sales.<br><br>
2. Increased traffic to website – Having a strong call to action and a website that inspires action is one of the components of the nine week program, so I’m sure to discuss this then. Search Engine Optimization is definitely a challenge when your name is “Saturn”. <br><br>
3. Talking to people, making connections – I don’t use my own word of mouth nearly enough. I don’t know why I hesitate to tell people I meet that I make music. Classic fear of rejection I guess. But I’m in sales. I need to put my skills to use for myself! I already have the cards. All I have to do is talk about what I do, describe my music, let them hear it and ask for an email address for my mailing list.<b> I will add 2 new people to my list per week doing this starting immediately! <br><br></b>4. I will continue to think of other “out of the box” methods of increasing subscriptions and come up with a detailed plan by <b>November 30, 2011</b>. So any ideas or input is much appreciated! <br><br>
My successes today:<br>
1. Writing this blog<br>
2. Making a plan for work tomorrow.<br>
3. Having another productive and exhausting 13 hour day at work. <br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477372010-10-19T14:25:00-06:002010-10-19T14:25:00-06:00Music Blog Challenge - Week One, Goal One: SALESIn piecing together these goals, it became very clear how synergistic everything is. Accomplishing one goal will enable me to accomplish many others at the same time. I’m thinking the key is to break it down by tasks that I can accomplish one at a time and have dates set aside for each task. So, that being said, my first goal is <b>SALES</b>:<br><br><b>ONE YEAR SALES GOAL: TO SELL 500 CDS AND/OR DOWNLOADS BY OCTOBER 31, 2011. <br><br></b>This goal is obviously not about the money. If I sold just 500 “single” downloads, that’s not even $500. At best, if I sold $500 cds for the max, that’s still only $5000 and I spend more than that on a single project. What this sales goal is is a tangible measuring stick of how I’m increasing my brand, my fan base and my audience which are critical components of meeting my BHAG. I plan to reach the goal by focusing on the following:<br><br>
1. Driving online sales through I-Tunes, my website, other digital media via CDBaby . Thus far I-Tunes has been my biggest sales outlet, so getting my new album on I-Tunes as soon as possible is going to be ciritical. Also, website optimization, driving more people to my site and having a clear call to action, which are part of other goals, will also help drive sales.<br><br>
2. I’m going to release a music video. I will get national airplay on LOGO as well as various other websites and bar/club video compilations. This will increase awareness which will also ultimately drive people to point of sale websites and help increase sales. My goal is to get my music video for “Oblivion” on LOGO no later than <b>February 14, 2011</b>. <br><br>
3. Performances – the number 1 way to sell cds is to do it at a show when people can make an emotional connection to the performance and the music. I have not performed my music since 2007. So, I just have to get out there, performing whenever and wherever I can. And since I travel for my job, this will give me the opportunity to also perform in different cities across the US if I plan properly. I will start booking a minimum of 1 performance a month by <b>January 4, 2011</b>. I will get performance tracks from the studio for all of the songs on my latest cd by <b>January 4, 2011</b>. I will send press kits to 20 Pride markets by <b>February 2, 2011</b>. I will book my CD Listening party and CD release shows (San Francisco and Baltimore) by <b>December 31, 2010</b>. I will find back up dancers and a choreographer for the CD release shows and other shows throughout the year by <b>January 20, 2011</b>.<br><br>
4. Music Blogs – Ariel stresses the importance of tastemakers. I don’t really follow blogs, so the first step here is to identify ten music blogs that I both like and that would be a good fit for the the type of music I produce. I can then reach out to them to help increase awareness. I will research and identify 10 music blog sites by <b>December 5, 2010</b>.<br><br>
5. Media – determining my pitch, my niche and my audience will help with this and they are part of other goals. Reviews, appearance and interviews also help build awareness and draw traffic to point of sale websites. Well, good reviews anyway. So, we’ll see! First, I have to address the artwork issue I’ve had and get my latest CD pressed so I can send it to reviewers . I will do that by <b>November 7, 2010</b>. I will submit my CD to 20 reviewers by <b>December 31, 2010</b>. I will also look for opportunities to do more interviews in local and regional media outlets. I will develop a plan and list of outlets by <b>March 1, 2011</b>. <br><br>
Wow. I have my work cut out for me. That’s just 1 goal of 5. I'll post #2 tomorrow. <br><br>
My successes today:<br><br>
1. Writing this blog<br>
2. Beginning Chapter 2 of Ariel Hyatt’s book<br>
3. A very productive and exhausting 12 hours of work!SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477362010-10-18T15:03:42-06:002017-01-13T06:59:26-07:00And So the Journey Begins...October 11 began the 3rd Wave of Ariel Hyatt’s Music Success in Nine Weeks Blogging Challenge. She’s written a book that, if followed for nine weeks, will open up the doors of social media success when it comes to promoting your music online and reaching your goals. I’ve tried many things before, but nothing as structured as this. So, I’m going to be blogging every step of the way, all my successes and failures, as a written documentation of this journey. Oh, and did I mention there are some prizes involved? <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/teeth_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /> Of course, that’s not why I’m doing this. Which kind of brings me to the crux of Chapter One in Ariel’s book – <i>what do I want</i>? <br><br>
Chapter One is all about the power of setting goals. I’m no stranger to this concept. I’ve achieved a lot of the success in my life because I learned to set goals; however, success in music has eluded me. I think part of the reason is that I’ve yet to reconcile my fantastical dream of being a pop star with the harsh reality that it will probably never happen and I should make some goals that are actually achievable. Part of me, the one that isn’t working 65+ hours a week and has a full life outside of music, still wants to believe that anything is possible. The other part of me; however, still questions why I pursue this. <br><br>
I’ve given this a lot of thought over the past week as I’ve started this challenge and I’ve come to the determination that I need to have a BHAG – a Big Hairy Audacious Goal – and that even if I don’t achieve that BHAG, the journey along the way will propel me to levels of success I’ve never had. So, in the end, it’s ok that I want to be a pop star and sell millions of records. Would I be happy just finding my niche, an audience that connects with the music I make and will support it the way that I’ve always supported all the artists that I love? The answer is … ABSOFUCKINGLUTELY! Really, at the core, that’s all any artist wants, for people to love what they’re doing . <br><br>
So, I’m going to break my Goals down into three distinct categories:<br><br><b>BHAG</b> - My 5 year goal – to be an international pop recording artist touring the world to sold out arenas and selling millions of records. <br><b>My 3 year goal </b>- to be successful enough selling, promoting and playing music that I could support myself full time doing nothing else if I chose.<br><b>My 1 year goal</b> – now this is where Ariel’s book is really helping me to dive in. Understanding that goals are malleable but at the same time need to be concrete, I’ve taken her advice and broken my 1 year goals into five sections:<br>
1. Sales<br>
2. Fans<br>
3. Music<br>
4. Performance<br>
5. Promotion<br>
I could have chosen 10 sections, but as Ariel wisely points out, trying to do too much at once will often lead to nothing getting done effectively. I’ve proved that time and time again. These 5 areas I can have a direct impact on by myself. They aren’t contigent upon anyone for me to see them through, which was another criteria in Ariel’s book. <br>
So, what I plan to do for week one is blog each day about 1 section and clearly write out not only what my one year goal is, but my detailed plan to accomplish it, with deadlines. <br><br>
I’m also going to take it one step further and blog my successes each day. According to Ariel, this can have a powerful impact on what I’ll be able to achieve. All the little successes will lead to the big success that I’ve been searching for. <br><br>
My success today:<br>
1. Taking the first step in writing this blog … <i>And so the journey begins …<br></i>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477352010-10-05T14:44:33-06:002017-01-13T06:59:26-07:00Quick Trip HomeIt has been an EXHAUSTING 3 months. Plastic/Box was released digitally, the music video is being edited and I've been too busy with work to do all the promotional things that accompany releasing a project. I'm taking a short break and spending some time with family in Baltimore to recuperate and prepare to hit the ground running on 8 cylinders. Starting <b>October 11</b> I'm taking part of a Nine Week Music Blog Challenge to help take my music career to the next level. I hope you'll join in on the fun! In the meantime, enjoy listening to <a href="./1plasticboxnew.cfm">PLASTIC/BOX.</a> Better yet, <a href="./1plasticboxnew.cfm">download </a>it and get a signed copy of the CD Free when it's released. <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/wink_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /> So far the response has been awesome. I'm so excited about the next few months and all the great things that lie ahead.
<div style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #ff6600"><em>When I was 3, I said, "mama, I wanna sing!" <br>
Then she found me in my granny's high heels and rings.<br>
She said, "keep singing, boy, but don't U fool with girly things<br>
because this world is mean and one day they'll make U<br>
wanna fly fly fly fly fly so far away!"<br><br>
-</em><b><em>SATURN, "BOX"</em></b></span></div>
<br><br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477332010-07-18T13:15:00-06:002017-01-13T06:59:26-07:00How a Music Video Comes Together in Less than 4 DaysLast weekend went something like this:<br><br>
Wednesday evening - was surfing the net looking for places in San Francisco to perform and to host a CD release party when I randomly and serendipitously came across <a target="_new" href="http://www.gadnusfilms.com">Neil Lahiri</a> - a film director who was looking to shoot a music video over the weekend. We talked, I sent him some songs, he liked and came up with a genius concept, but it had to be over the weekend ... he was booked for weeks after that. Oh, and one more catch ... he lived in L.A. It's now Thursday AM, about 1 in the morning. <br><br>
Thursday - frantically trying to make this work. Looking for a model to play a featured lead role in the shoot, sending texts and emails and posting on different websites. Trying to work out the logistics of rentng a car, hotels or staying with a friend, etc. Late Thursday night, a model responds positively, I head over to his place in SF to meet in person. He's cool, his boyfriend is cool and offers to drive us down! I don't have to rent a car! This is all working out.<br><br>
Friday - shopping for the wardrobe. I'm broke now. I mean really really broke. (So, go <a href="./1plasticboxpreordernowavailable.cfm">pre-order the CD</a>! <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/devil_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" />) We're set to leave at 5:30 am.<br><br>
Saturday - drive down to LA with Armando and Dan. Meet up with the crew and get make - up done and we start shooting. 13 hours later we wrap. Exhausted, but we shot in some amazing locations. I'm on pins and needles to see how it all came out. It's now being edited and color corrected.<br><br>
Sunday night - we arrive home. I quickly meet a friend to say our goodbyes(he's moving cross country) and at midnight I pack for my business trip that I have to be up for in 3 hours. <br><br>
That's how a music video comes together in four days. What an awesome experience. AND I met some incredible new people and hopefully made some new friends along the way too. Why can't every week be an adventure like that? <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/wink_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><br><br><br>
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/c09c07dd20cad5aaae7398ea0ecd153b52a7223e/medium/100_1239.jpg?1378218491" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/920183f1c7a89e637e0b92d768080564ead501a1/medium/100_1235.jpg?1378218491" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/1c28c9398d140ee202775177a8a082ca4a68fc13/medium/100_1240.jpg?1378218491" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477322010-06-30T09:17:16-06:002010-06-30T09:17:16-06:00But I Thought you were gonna ask for money ...I was walking to the train station from work in San Francisco yesterday and there was a guy leaned against a brick wall, whom I thought was just chillin’. Out of the clear blue, he popped up as I was walking by and tried to give me a cd. I declined, just out of instinct as if he were a homeless person asking for money, and I heard him cry out as I passed him by, “You never know, you might hear something you like.” And I thought to myself, “doubtful.” Then I wondered, is that the same reaction people have when I approach them randomly with my music? It made me ponder just how <i>am</i> I approaching people with my music in an attempt to find a loyal audience? Clearly there has to be a better way accosting strangers on the street, but there also has to be a better way than going to the same group of people again and again and hoping for a different response. That is surely the definition of insanity. Well, <span style="color: #ff0000"><i>we all go a little mad sometimes</i></span>! Seriously, though, I’m going to think on this a bit, and come up with some new ideas for <b>Plastic/Box.</b> If you have any thoughts, I’m all ears!SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477302010-06-06T05:51:43-06:002010-06-06T05:51:43-06:00Dream With Me ...It's been 2 months since I released "Remind U", so it was past time for another new <a href="./junkyard.cfm">Junkyard</a> release! This one is called "Dreamworld", it's another Way Way Back Track as I wrote it when I was 15. I had originally planned it to be a part of a 20 song opus called "Dark Ages", but of course, that project is ... well, in the dark ages. But I still liked this song and about 4 others from the project enough to produce someday, and for this song, that day is today. I hope you enjoy! It's <b>FREE</b> to download until the next Junkyard release. <br><br>
Saturn.SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477292010-06-06T05:20:05-06:002017-01-13T06:59:26-07:00Summer SongsBack home in SF after an awesome Mday break in Baltimore and at "Rehomo" Beach. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting on the beach by the tide on a perfect day and listening to some tunes. <br><br>
So, a few people have now heard the new CD <b>"Plastic/Box" </b>in its entirety and I'm very encouraged by the response! So, thank U!<br><br>
Songs I'm digging at the moment:<br><br>
Commander by Kelly Rowland<br>
That's How Strong My Love Is by Alicia Keyes<br>
Scream and Shout by Kelis<br><br>
Summer is upon us and I've been commanded to DAANNCE!!<br>
I may throw a couple of my own songs into the summer mix too! <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/wink_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /> Check back for more Junkyard music and the release of the new CD this summer!<br><br>
Luv, <br>
Saturn.SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477262010-04-05T20:16:55-06:002017-01-13T06:59:26-07:00A Little Catch Up ...So, lots of new stuff going on. I have a new song in my Junkyard called <b>Remind U</b>. Be sure to check that out. Did a photo shoot with Nicholas Smith for the Plastic/Box CD Cover. I'm thinking I like this one, but I'm not sure. What do you think?<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/39442/99cfad8d9612d0ed16eb8f0a53f421dfabe8bd30/thumb/827555892_KKxgY-M.jpg?1378218491" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="125" width="83" /><br><br>
Now, I've never seen RuPaul's Drag Race, but I saw one of the winners/contestants at the Triple Crown in San Francisco last Friday. Her name was Shangela and she wore my ass out! FIERCE is the only way to describe her. Are the other queens on that show that good? I might have to start watching!<br><br>
What did you think of Erykah Badu's new video? I liked it, I still love her after all these years, but I was shocked at all the vitriolic comments I read on Yahoo. It's ok to disagree with her choices, but the level or racism and ignorance I read once again floored me. It's a good reminder that outside my social circle there's a whole lot of wingnuts out there!<br><br>
My studio software is broke down AGAIN! I'm committed to dropping a new song in my Junkyard every few weeks though, so I have to get this shit online so I can get back to recording all these hundreds of back catalog songs I've written. I'm loving this project ... it's almost more fun than putting together an actual CD!<br><br>
Anyhoo, I'm on the road again for work, another hotel, it's late and I should probably go to bed. Wait, I have to see if Bill Maher is on tonight ... Ciao!<br><br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477242010-03-07T09:36:40-07:002010-03-07T09:36:40-07:00About the New Junkyard SongThere's a new song in the Junkyard! This one is sentimental, it's the first song I ever wrote as "Saturn". I remember it so clearly ... I was 12 years old, it was just a few weeks before my 13th birthday, I was sitting in history class bored out of my mind and this song came to me. At the time I had aspirations to write a movie (a la Purple Rain) and this song was going to be on the soundtrack. Yeah, I had big plans as a pre-teen! Well, 2 decades later and this song is still special to me as it started the journey for all the hundreds of songs that I've written since then, and now I can share it with others. It's <b>FREE</b> to download right <a href="./junkyard.cfm">here</a> ... until the next Junkyard song comes out!<br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477232010-02-17T23:18:34-07:002010-02-17T23:18:34-07:00Frontiers of BeautyThis is a wonderful story I just read on <a target="_new" href="http://sivers.org/weidman">Derek Sivers blog</a> (which I love). It's called <b>"The Night I Met Einstein</b>" by Jerome Weidman. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!<br><br>
When I was a very young man, just beginning to make my way, I was invited to dine at the home of a distinguished New York philanthropist. After dinner our hostess led us to an enormous drawing room. Other guests were pouring in, and my eyes beheld two unnerving sights: servants were arranging small gilt chairs in long, neat rows; and up front, leaning against the wall, were musical instruments. Apparently I was in for an evening of Chamber music. <br><br>
I use the phrase “in for” because music meant nothing to me. I am almost tone deaf. Only with great effort can I carry the simplest tune, and serious music was to me no more than an arrangement of noises. So I did what I always did when trapped: I sat down and when the music started I fixed my face in what I hoped was an expression of intelligent appreciation, closed my ears from the inside and submerged myself in my own completely irrelevant thoughts. <br><br>
After a while, becoming aware that the people around me were applauding, I concluded it was safe to unplug my ears. At once I heard a gentle but surprisingly penetrating voice on my right. <br><br>
“You are fond of Bach?” the voice said. <br><br>
I knew as much about Bach as I know about nuclear fission. But I did know one of the most famous faces in the world, with the renowned shock of untidy white hair and the ever-present pipe between the teeth. I was sitting next to Albert Einstein. <br><br>
“Well,” I said uncomfortably, and hesitated. I had been asked a casual question. All I had to do was be I equally casual in my reply. But I could see from the look in my neighbor’s extraordinary eyes that their owner was not merely going through the perfunctory duties of elementary politeness. Regardless of what value I placed on my part in the verbal exchange, to this man his part in it mattered very much. Above all, I could feel that this was a man to whom you did not tell a lie, however small. <br><br>
“I don’t know anything about Bach,” I said awkwardly. “I’ve never heard any of his music.” <br><br>
A look of perplexed astonishment washed across Einstein’s mobile face. <br><br>
“You have never heard Bach?” <br><br>
He made it sound as though I had said I’d never taken a bath. <br><br>
“It isn’t that I don’t want to like Bach,” I replied hastily. “It’s just that I’m tone deaf, or almost tone deaf, and I’ve never really heard anybody’s music.” <br><br>
A look of concern came into the old man’s face. “Please,” he said abruptly, “You will come with me?” <br><br>
He stood up and took my arm. I stood up. As he led me across that crowded room I kept my embarrassed glance fixed on the carpet. A rising murmur of puzzled speculation followed us out into the hall. Einstein paid no attention to it. <br><br>
Resolutely he led me upstairs. He obviously knew the house well. On the floor above he opened the door into a book-lined study, drew me in and shut the door. <br><br>
“Now,” he said with a small, troubled smile. “You will tell me, please, how long you have felt this way about music?” <br><br>
“All my life,” I said, feeling awful. “I wish you would go back downstairs and listen, Dr. Einstein. The fact that I don’t enjoy it doesn’t matter.” <br><br>
He shook his head and scowled, as though I had introduced an irrelevance. <br><br>
“Tell me, please,” he said. “Is there any kind of music that you do like?” <br><br>
“Well,” I answered, “I like songs that have words, and the kind of music where I can follow the tune.” <br><br>
He smiled and nodded, obviously pleased. “You can give me an example, perhaps?” <br><br>
“Well,” I ventured, “almost anything by Bing Crosby.” <br><br>
He nodded again, briskly. “Good!” <br><br>
He went to a corner of the room, opened a phonograph and started pulling out records. I watched him uneasily. At last he beamed. “Ah!” he said. <br><br>
He put the record on and in a moment the study was filled with the relaxed, lilting strains of Bing Crosby’s “When the Blue of the Night Meets the Gold of the Day.” Einstein beamed at me and kept time with the stem of his pipe. After three or four phrases he stopped the phonograph. <br><br>
“Now,” he said. “Will you tell me, please, what you have just heard?” <br><br>
The simplest answer seemed to be to sing the lines. I did just that, trying desperately to stay on tune and keep my voice from cracking. The expression on Einstein’s face was like the sunrise. <br><br>
“You see!” he cried with delight when I finished. “You do have an ear!” <br><br>
I mumbled something about this being one of my favorite songs, something I had heard hundreds of times, so that it didn’t really prove anything. <br><br>
“Nonsense!” said Einstein. “It proves everything! Do you remember your first arithmetic lesson in school? Suppose, at your very first contact with numbers, your teacher had ordered you to work out a problem in, say, long division or fractions. Could you have done so?” <br><br>
“No, of course not.” <br><br>
“Precisely!” Einstein made a triumphant wave with his pipestem. “It would have been impossible and you would have reacted in panic. You would have closed your mind to long division and fractions. As a result, because of that one small mistake by your teacher, it is possible your whole life you would be denied the beauty of long division and fractions.” <br><br>
The pipestem went up and out in another wave. <br><br>
“But on your first day no teacher would be so foolish. He would start you with elementary things - then, when you had acquired skill with the simplest problems, he would lead you up to long division and to fractions.” <br><br>
“So it is with music.” Einstein picked up the Bing Crosby record. “This simple, charming little song is like simple addition or subtraction. You have mastered it. Now we go on to something more complicated.” <br><br>
He found another record and set it going. The golden voice of John McCormack singing “The Trumpeter” filled the room. After a few lines Einstein stopped the record. <br><br>
“So!” he said. “You will sing that back to me, please?” <br><br>
I did - with a good deal of self-consciousness but with, for me, a surprising degree of accuracy. Einstein stared at me with a look on his face that I had seen only once before in my life: on the face of my father as he listened to me deliver the valedictory address at my high school graduation. <br><br>
“Excellent!” Einstein remarked when I finished. “Wonderful! Now this!” <br><br>
“This” proved to be Caruso in what was to me a completely unrecognizable fragment from “Cavalleria Rusticana.” Nevertheless, I managed to reproduce an approximation of the sounds the famous tenor had made. Einstein beamed his approval. <br><br>
Caruso was followed by at least a dozen others. I could not shake my feeling of awe over the way this great man, into whose company I had been thrown by chance, was completely preoccupied by what we were doing, as though I were his sole concern. <br><br>
We came at last to recordings of music without words, which I was instructed to reproduce by humming. When I reached for a high note, Einstein’s mouth opened and his head went back as if to help me attain what seemed unattainable. Evidently I came close enough, for he suddenly turned off the phonograph. <br><br>
“Now, young man,” he said, putting his arm through mine. “We are ready for Bach!” <br><br>
As we returned to our seats in the drawing room, the players were tuning up for a new selection. Einstein smiled and gave me a reassuring pat on the knee. <br><br>
“Just allow yourself to listen,” he whispered. “That is all.” <br><br>
It wasn’t really all, of course. Without the effort he had just poured out for a total stranger I would never have heard, as I did that night for the first time in my life, Bach’s “Sheep May Safely Graze.” I have heard it many times since. I don’t think I shall ever tire of it. Because I never listen to it alone. I am sitting beside a small, round man with a shock of untidy white hair, a dead pipe clamped between his teeth, and eyes that contain in their extraordinary warmth all the wonder of the world. <br><br>
When the concert was finished I added my genuine applause to that of the others. <br><br>
Suddenly our hostess confronted us. “I’m so sorry, Dr. Einstein,” she said with an icy glare at me, “that you missed so much of the performance.” <br><br>
Einstein and I came hastily to our feet. “I am sorry, too,” he said. “My young friend here and I, however, were engaged in the greatest activity of which man is capable.” <br><br>
She looked puzzled. “Really?” she said. “And what is that?” <br><br>
Einstein smiled and put his arm across my shoulders. And he uttered ten words that - for at least one person who is in his endless debt - are his epitaph: <br><br>
“Opening up yet another fragment of the frontier of beauty.” <br><br>
-- story by Jerome Weidman <br><br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477222010-02-13T18:54:44-07:002017-01-13T06:59:25-07:00Diddle Dee DumI wonder if other artists listen to their songs like 20 times in a row after they've finished up the final mix in the studio. I dunno, but I always do. I just finished 2 more songs from "Plastic/Box" today. So, here I am on Valentines Day (eve anyway) sitting up in my room. I don't have a date, just my music , but that's all right. It's sounding good! <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/heart.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/shades_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /> <br><br><br><br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477212010-02-11T22:59:16-07:002010-02-11T22:59:16-07:00Never Been the SameIt's been 2 weeks now and I've FINALLY got my computer back! I got hit with a nasty malware virus (from a MySpace page no less) at the beginning of February and it's taken this long to get fixed. It's amazing how dependent I've become on technology. I was going a little nuts without my laptop. Anyhoo, it's all good now and I didn't waste any time releasing my new single, "<b>Never Been the Same</b>." Take a listen and tell me what you think!SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477202010-01-31T05:02:48-07:002010-01-31T05:02:48-07:00Bad RomanceI've either forgotten or underestimated how difficult it is to both work full time and do music on the side simultaneously. I've had three weeks to finish recording all the music parts for the remaining 3 tracks on "Plastic/Box", yet I've only managed to finish one. These other two songs are kicking my ass! On "Box" I can't seem to get the drums the way I want them and on "Acid Love", nothing seems to be coming together for me. The only thing that's working there are the strings and the bass. <br><br>
I love that Lady GaGa song "Bad Romance" (I just love Gaga period) and it kind of describes my relationship with my music. I have no idea why I persist so steadfastly in my musical endeavors, I feel like I'm alone on an island with it sometimes. Just like Love, it brings me unequaled joy and immeasurable pain all at once. Now, THAT'S a bad romance.<br><br>
So, I'm on my way to the studio to lay vocals for "Yes", the one song whose music I did finish, as well as lay vocals on another Junkyard song. I've been meeting with choreographers this past week, scouting venues, talking about my music, promoting on Jango, and next week I'll be releasing the new single. I'm even considering doing another video. It feels like it did 5 years ago when I was finishing "Deviant", only I'm more controlled and less naive about what to expect once the album is actually finished ... a tree falling in the forest somewhere in the Arctic ... yep, that about sums it up!<br><br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477182010-01-12T14:39:11-07:002010-01-12T14:39:11-07:00Get the Energy Up!<p>About to leave the office for the Niceguys.tv studio to film my live segment tonight after a very long day of work. I hope on the drive between here and there I can summon up about 10 vials of high octane energy! So far I've had 2 requests for songs. Don't know what I'm going to sing yet. Or wear. Or talk about. But it's all good, I love being spontaneous. Tune in!<br><br>
</p>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477172010-01-02T09:34:18-07:002017-01-13T06:59:25-07:00Trust in 2010I had a very interesting and unique experience today. While I won't share EVERYTHING that happened <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/angel_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" />, I will say that it culminated in me pulling a tarot card of "Trust". Now I've never done anything like that before and honestly could not tell you what I do or don't believe when it comes to that aspect of spirituality, but I do believe in energy, that we are made of energy and that everything happens for a reason.<br><br>
The message on the card, summarized, was that I shouldn't spend my life in pursuit of things that can be taken away, rather focus on that which can not be taken away. It metaphorically said that <b>now</b> is the time that I should bungee jump without a cord and trust and have faith that the end result will be a blessing and fulfilling. It said I shouldn't make a plan or have a back up plan (cuz U know I always do!), but just "<i>do</i>". Take the jump. Go for it.<br><br>
Okay, so I have no clue what that means in my reality, but I am open to receiving the message and I'll be watchful for future signs in 2010. 2009 was an outstanding year for me and I know 2010 will only be better and even more prosperous in all the ways that truly matter.SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477162009-12-20T04:32:10-07:002009-12-20T04:32:10-07:00U Don't Know MeNew <a target="_new" href="./junkyard.cfm">JUNKYARD</a> release today! It's called "U Don't Know Me". Originally written and recorded back in 2003, I decided to re-record it. It's a great song to kick off the new year because it's all about pushing forward, being determined to reach your goals and not letting anything or anyone bring you down or stand in your way. Remember, it's a <a target="_new" href="./junkyard.cfm">free download</a> until the next Junkyard release, so get it now. Enjoy!<br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477152009-12-19T08:09:26-07:002009-12-19T08:09:26-07:00Snowed In!Had I asked for a White Christmas, I would have got my wish 3 times over. I'm sitting here vacationing home in Baltimore and the snow is literally blanketing everything under about 3 feet of Christmas treasure. It's pretty to look at but hell to deal with. So, I'm basically stuck in the house all weekend, but at least I'm here with family and we're having a grand ole time just cutting up and being silly together. The funniest thing was the grocery store last night ... lines wrapped around the store, people fighting over carts, you would have thought people were preparing for a blackout or the end of the world. I mean, it's just snow ... eventually it will melt! <br><br>
So, it's wonderful to be here with my family and to have some time off work and just reflect and plan for the future. I've been super busy traveling for work, working on my music, I even managed to film a small role a lesbian horror flick called "FEED". It was nice to be surrounded by other artists, I haven't been in that environment in a while and I miss it. <br><br>
PLASTIC/BOX is coming along great, I'm releasing a new single from it next month and I honestly think it's the best song I've done so far. Hopefully, you'll think so too.<br><br>
I'm at that point now that I always get to when I'm recording a project ... I've been working on it so long, i want to change some of the songs. "Yes" and "Acid Love" have been a part of this project since the inception and they are the only 2 I haven't recorded yet, other than the title track "Box", but now I'm seriously considering replacing them. With what, I don't know, I just enjoy the excitement of coming up with something new. So, there's a good possibility "Yes" and "Acid Love" unfortunately will end up in the Junkyard. <br><br>
Speaking of, I'm loving the Junkyard experience so far, hopefully you are too. I'll be releasing this month's Junkyard release this week.<br><br>
Well, I'm being beckoned to come play a game, so Merry Christmas, Joyful Kwanza and Happy Hannukah! <br><br>
-Saturn. SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477142009-11-09T15:16:47-07:002017-01-13T06:59:25-07:00Follow the GrooveGot a bangin' new song in my <a href="./junkyard.cfm">Junkyard</a> and it's <b>FREE </b>for you to download now! It's called <a href="./junkyard.cfm">Follow the Groove</a>. Hope U like it. Won't be on the new cd, but it's a fun one! <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/tounge_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><br><br>
Luv, <br>
Saturn.<br>
ps. Help get my music in rotation on Jango by clicking here: <a href="http://www.jango.com/music/saturn">JangolovesSaturn</a>. Thanks!! <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/kiss.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" />SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477132009-10-28T14:46:35-06:002017-01-13T06:59:25-07:00My Birthday Wish ...<p>Please help get my song "Oblivion" into general rotation on Jango radio! All you have to do is click <a target="_new" href="http://www.jango.com/music/saturn">HERE</a>. Easy right? If you don't know what Jango is, it's an awesome streaming online radio that plays songs based on your own personal tastes and artists you like. You can create your own station and discover new music too! It's a fantastic opportunity for me to get heard by people who like my style of music. So, just click <a target="_new" href="http://www.jango.com/music/saturn">here</a> and it'll take you to a page that plays music like Saturn, and that's it! If enough of you do it, I'll have be in general rotation. That's my birthday wish! <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/teeth_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><br><br>
I had an awesome bday this year. My mom came all the way from Baltimore to visit me and we had a blast doing all of the SF tourist stuff that I'd yet to do. So, that was the best present just having her here.<br><br>
I got stuck in SF last night because of the bridge closure. I missed that cable hitting that car by about 20 minutes. Craziness! When that bridge shuts down it affects EVERYTHING! <br><br>
Well, on my way to see En Vogue. Talk about a blast from the past! I used to love them. Very excited to see them perform.<br><br>
Hugs and kisses, and don't forget to click <a target="_new" href="http://www.jango.com/music/saturn">HERE</a> to help me out!<br><br>
Saturn.</p>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477122009-10-12T15:28:33-06:002017-01-13T06:59:25-07:00City of Sewage and HookersJust got home from a weekend trip to Seattle. What a great city, though I must admit I've never felt more like a tourist. I did all the touristy stuff including a Harbor Cruise, the Aquarium and the Underground Tours, which was probably my favorite part. Learned all about how Seattle came to be. I did not realize they had such a problem with sewage back in the day, not to mention a band of crafty prostitutes who masqueraded as seamstresses. Miniseries anyone? <br><br>
I'm sure the food was fantastic, but I was sick the whole weekend and couldn't taste a thing. Now, I'm packing up again to leave on a business trip tomorrow. I foretell one day soon I'll be traveling like this because I'm ON TOUR! <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/shades_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><br><br>
Stay with me, I'm booking more dates, recording more songs, and now I can add Seattle to the list of cities I'm longing to perform in!<br><br>
Luv,<br>
Saturn.<br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477112009-10-01T19:28:20-06:002017-01-13T06:59:25-07:00I Saw a QueenAnd I'm not talking about a drag queen! I mean a real one! I just got back from the Kylie Minogue concert and all I can say is "Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow!" What an experience. I don't understand why she's not bigger in America. It was a spectacle with the lights and the dancing and the sets, there was such a unique energy in the place, it was sexy and classy and so gay! It was amazing. I wish I would have brought tickets to both nights. I'm exhilerated. What I wouldn't give to have someone feel this good about a concert that I put on one day.<br><br>
To cap the evening off, I saw one of the most beautiful boys I've ever seen (seriously top ten) on the BART station, going home from the concert. I think he may have been checking me out too, but I will never know cuz I was too chickenshit to do or say anything, as usual. I've got to start taking more risks, not just in dating but in my music too. What have I got to lose but a little dignity? Wait .... yeah, that's already gone! <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/tounge_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><br><br>
G'night.<br>SATURNtag:iamsaturn.com,2005:Post/477092009-09-17T03:36:21-06:002009-09-17T03:36:21-06:00Saturn & the ChipmunksIf I even dared trying to sing today I'd give Alvin a run for his money. My cheeks are all swollen as I'm home recovering from oral surgery of the wisdom tooth variety. Wonder why they're called wisdom teeth? They should've been called 'pain in the ass' teeth.<br><br>
So, I've been very busy since this site went up, Got my first San Francisco show booked for December 12 as part of a showcase. I'll have a 20 - 25 minute set, more details to come as I get them. <br><br>
I've been hard at work making new music and getting spins on Jango and <a target="_new" href="http://www.westsidewill.com/artistshowcase/index.php">Westsidewill Radio</a>. <br><br>
And I've also been very busy reading the Twilight Saga. I'm almost ashamed to admit. I didn't think the first book was all that, but they get decidedly better as the series grows and I'm loving it! I've always had a fascinatio with vampires. Speaking of, was anybody else let down by the True Blood season finale?<br><br>
And of course the VMAs ... Beyonce is class, Kanye is crass and I'm just gaga for Lady GaGa. She performed my favorite song by her and it rocked my globe. It was, like the video, a mini musical actually. Loved Beyonce's number, as usual, she IS Sasha Fierce, Pink blew my mind and the rest was kind of dull. And what was with that host? Who the f*ck was that annoying wanker? And was it just me or is Eminem not aging gracefully?<br><br>
So, again someone commented how much they love my song "<b>Midnight</b>". I've decided to make it available as a free download <a href="./touchthesky.cfm">right here.</a> <br><br>
Enjoy and if you have something funny please chime in. I'm under house arrest for the next couple of days, I'm not going out looking like this, and I need the distractions!<br><br>
Luv,<br>
Saturn.SATURN