5.24.2011

New Music Tuesday #2

I have to be honest. By the time you read this it will have already been a week since I wrote it. I couldn't wait. I went to bed Monday, June 16 thinking about these next two groups and couldn't sleep. I was so excited.

First up is Robert Randolph & the Family Band. Oh my god! These guys are fantastic. Don't let looks deceive you! If you want rockin' soul and music that's so addictive you could snort it, you've found your new favorite band. Their song, "Ain't Nothing Wrong With That", is fantastic. I've danced to that song and replayed it so many times! I hope you enjoy it, too!


Our second group today is The Civil Wars. There aren't many words that I can use to describe this band. Moving. Heartbreaking. Insightful. Meaningful. Lasting. Those are just a few. Wow. Right now they are touring with one of my favorite artists, Adele. Adele says, "I have the complete honor of having a band called The Civil Wars on the tour at the moment. They are by far the BEST live band I have EVER seen. They are magical and stunning, they make my heart hurt but make it a bit stronger at the same time, too!" Seriously. They're fantastic. There music video "Poison & Wine" will break your heart and mesmerize you. Enjoy!



5.23.2011

Joseph and Chelsea Do Bonnaroo (Coming Soon)

Coming this June, my friend Chelsea and I will be documenting the music festival of all music festivals: Bonnaroo. From the moment we leave Shreveport until the time we get back we'll be filming and bringing you along for the whole crazy ride! Expect laughs, a few shocks, videos, and insane pictures from the point of view of two music junkies who are always down for a good road trip!

Follow Joseph on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube!
Stay up-to-date with Chelsea on Facebook!

5.21.2011

Joseph Meets Meisner #2



This week, we began diving into the study of human behavior and organic reaction. What most of us don't realize is that we are constantly bombarded with information from other people. Most of us don't pick up on it. It's less about words and more about the raising of an eyebrow, the inflection of a syllable, the shrug of a shoulder, the slight glace to the left or right. These underlying messages are what make up interpersonal connections; these are the life of acting.

I found that the more I pay attention and receive, the more in tune I am with other actors, other people, life and communication in general. For instance, a young student recently came to talk to me about vocal work she was going to do. Her words were, "Are will still going to sing?" However, her body language told me everything I needed to know. She shrugged her shoulders, kept looking to the right, sighed heavier than usual after her sentence, put all her weight on one leg, and pivoted slightly away from me. Because I have been practicing looking for these clues in class, it spilled over into real life. The message I received from her was: "I know we have to sing soon, but I don't feel comfortable, I'm worried about the performance, and I'd rather not do it."

Crazy ain't it?

This kind of perception is what makes a good performance a gotta-hold-my-breath-because-I-don't-know-what's-coming-next kind of performance. This is what I'm aiming for. I'm not there yet, but I'm well on my way.

5.17.2011

New in the Morning

Everyone feels prejudged at times. Everyone wants a fresh start. At least, that's how I felt when I wrote "New in the Morning." It felt like people thought they knew who I was, what I was capable of, and where I should be going. I didn't like that. So, instead of stewing about it, I wrote. This song was inspired by my thoughts and feelings but doesn't portray them verbatim. I prefer to write "in character". Take it easy and go along for the ride.

A huge thanks goes to DJBlank who was a huge part of the production process. I most definitely could not have done any of this without him. Thanks goes to my dear friend, Chelsea, who encouraged me creatively. It was my first try at writing a "poppier" song. At the end of the day, we all had a great time. Oh! And thanks to everyone else who put up with the annoying process of figuring out vocal runs at 2:00AM.

Without further ado, here is a preview of "New in the Morning"!


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New Music Tuesday #1

Yeah, it's new music Tuesday! You know what that means, right? I spent all day Monday on Pandora and BandCamp listening to some fantastic tunes!  Here are two albums that I think you have to check out!

First up is a new artist I just found today. His album has been out since November of 2003, so I consider this quite the find. Ladies and gentlemen, Jim Guthrie. His album, "Now, More Than Ever" is like running through a tall wheat field on a partly-cloudy sunny, summer day. It's calming and moving all at the same time. I wish I could give you a genre like folk, indy, or soft rock. I can't. Promise me you'll click this link and give him a listen. And! He's from Canada. What's not to love about that? eh?   "Now, More Than Ever" has broken dishes, string arrangements, sirens wailing in the rain soaked night, squeaky floors, empty bottles, and something wise & hopeful amongst it all. "Easy listening for hard times", says Jim.

I'll do my best to take all of my bias out of this next review, but I don't know if that's possible. Forgive me. Engine surprised me with how much I like their sound. If you're looking for solid, creative melodies and an addictive mix of fuzz and phenomenal-- look no further. "With lyrically driven songwriting, fuzzy roland synth, and a smattering folk accompaniment, this Louisiana band creates a good blend of traditional and experimental." The harmonies are beautiful. The attention to detail. Oh! I could just go on and on. But then you'd stop reading, and I just can't have that. You can buy their album on iTunes, BandCamp (for $5) and Like them on Facebook.

5.16.2011

hook, line, and sinker



There are very few things in life to which I'd say that I'm addicted. (Note the correct grammar in that sentence.) By nature, I don't think I have an addictive personality. However, I came across something a few years ago that has alienated my friends, strained my relationships, and cost me money.

Netflix.

Yes, this seemingly perfect piece of entertainment convenience has become the wormhole into which all my time disappears. Oh, don't judge me! It's like I was culturally predisposed to my e-substance abuse. Think about it; I'm always stretched for time, and I work strange hours. Netflix was the perfect fix, and I fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

I can quit whenever I want. (Really, I can. There are not contracts and I can cancel any time.)

But I won't quit. There are 126 episodes of "Grey's Anatomy" and a cornucopia of documentaries beckoning me to come. Oh yeah, and Netflix now streams episodes of "Glee". I'm doomed.

5.13.2011

Joseph Meets Meisner #1


"It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters in the end." - Ursula le Guin

I feel like I have started a journey that I have wanted to take for so long. In part, I feel like the character, Samwise Gamgee, in The Lord of the Rings.  There is a scene in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring where Samwise and Frodo are walking in a field. Sam pauses to Frodo's surprise. When Sam is asked why he has stopped walking, he states, "If I take one more step, it'll be the farthest away from home I've ever been." That's what I feel like right now as an actor. Every time I walk into the studio it's the farthest I've ever been as an actor. It's scary, and it's exhilarating, and it's exactly where I want to be.

I'm two classes into this journey, and I can honestly say that I am in great company. Everyone is so enthusiastic. My teacher is fantastic. The most refreshing thing about working and learning with these people is that I feel like I'm in an environment where it's alright to make mistakes. We need mistakes. To quote my teacher, Mary T., "Mistakes are beautiful."

The approach to acting that I am learning, the Meisner technique, focuses on being in the moment. As actors, as humans, we think that this is simple. It's not. If you pause to consider it, our minds dwell on the past and the future far more than the "now". That's the goal of the Meisner technique-- bringing a fresh, "now-ness" to memorized lines and rehearsed blocking. That's what I'm working towards.

So, welcome to the ride. I'll make every effort to blog and vlog every week to keep anyone who is interested updated. Have you ever thought about taking a risk and learning something new? Do it. I did, and I'll never regret it. You can view "Joseph Meets Meisner: Episode 1" below and on subscribe on Youtube.

5.05.2011

joseph is on flickr?!


Hey guys, I'm on Flickr now! Just look at the picture column to the right to see a live feed of what I'm seeing. Exciting right? I'll try to take pictures of really cool, everyday things. Hope you enjoy!

5.04.2011

rainy days and homecomings

There's something about me that I must confess. A lot of you have suspected this for a long time, but I have to get this off my chest.
I love rainy days.
Phew, there, I said it. Wow, that feels so much better.
Yes, dear reader, I love rainy days. There is something about the way the air smells, the way the wind blows just a little bit colder, the way things feel cleaner. I love the rain. My favorite days will start off with a thunderstorm and lots of rain. Gah! I love driving in it.
Enough of that random thought. Look at this picture now.


Great right? On a different note, some of my friends got back in town after a month-long west coast tour. From what I've heard so far (and I've heard quite a bit) it was a trip filled with twist, turns, great nights, and many-a-waking up in cars. For some reason (and I've yet to discover why) that all sounds perfect to me. Yes, I do appreciate cleanliness and order. Yes, I don't like the more-often-than-not hotel room. But it all just feels so free. Welcome home Ben and Landon. I missed you guys.  Lucky.

5.02.2011

makers fair cut a rug

www.josephdrinkard.com

Chelsea got to feed a newborn puppy!
Hoop it up, smalls!
This past weekend myself and a group of friends went to the 2nd Makers Fair in downtown Shreveport, LA. It was Danielle (who was selling art), Chelsea, Adam, Alan, and other friends we happened to meet along the way. Most memorable Saturday I've had in a while. So much fun. There was great food, live music, and a ton of local artists!

I remember, when were all hoola-hooping, this guys came up to me and started telling me the history of the hoola-hoop and how he could remember when the first came out. After a while it got kind of awkward. I'm not gonna lie. Oh, and check out the sweet video the right of Chelsea and Danielle hoopin' it up. 

 

Oh, and by the way, don't come to Makers Fair if you don't want to dance. Check out the awesomeness that follows. You be the judge. Let me know who you thought the best dancer was!

  
You can't deny this girl definitely has the charm factor.

This man has inspired me to not care about what people think. You can dance if you want to!

This video needs no introduction. 

Seriously? Made from shells?!
I wish I had taken pictures of all the local art and food. There was a juicing booth, delicious tea and coffee from Heliopolis Coffee, a crepe booth (watch the crepe video), and lots of other stuff!

So what's the moral of this story? Explore your city, enjoy the things that make it unique and special. There's something to find-- I promise. Life is too short, so enjoy the small things like nutella crepes, dancing in the street, and good friends. 


To see all the pictures and videos from my Makers Fair weekend, find me on Facebook!